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Mattelaer N, Van der Schueren B, Van Oudenhove L, Weltens N, Vangoitsenhoven R. The circulating and central endocannabinoid system in obesity and weight loss. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41366-024-01553-z. [PMID: 38834796 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Major advances have been made in obesity treatment, focusing on restoring disturbances along the gut-brain axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a neuromodulatory signaling system, present along the entire gut-brain axis, that plays a critical role in central and peripheral regulation of food intake and body weight. Evidence on the impact of weight loss on the ECS is, however, more limited. Therefore, we set out to review the existing literature for changes in central and circulating endocannabinoid levels after bariatric surgery and other weight loss strategies in humans. The PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles. Fifty-six human studies were identified. Most studies measuring circulating 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) found no difference between normal weight and obesity, or no correlation with BMI. In contrast, studies measuring circulating arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) found an increase or positive correlation with BMI. Two studies found a negative correlation between BMI and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor availability in the brain. Only one study investigated the effect of pharmacological weight management on circulating endocannabinoid concentrations and found no effect on AEA concentrations. So far, six studies investigated potential changes in circulating endocannabinoids after bariatric surgery and reported conflicting results. Available evidence does not univocally support that circulating endocannabinoids are upregulated in individuals with obesity, which may be explained by variability across studies in several potential confounding factors (e.g. age and sex) as well as heterogeneity within the obesity population (e.g. BMI only vs. intra-abdominal adiposity). While several studies investigated the effect of lifestyle interventions on the circulating ECS, more studies are warranted that focus on pharmacologically and surgically induced weight loss. In addition, we identified several research needs which should be fulfilled to better understand the role of the ECS in obesity and its treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Mattelaer
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies, Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Van der Schueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies, Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Weltens
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies, Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman Vangoitsenhoven
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Hamamah S, Hajnal A, Covasa M. Influence of Bariatric Surgery on Gut Microbiota Composition and Its Implication on Brain and Peripheral Targets. Nutrients 2024; 16:1071. [PMID: 38613104 PMCID: PMC11013759 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity remains a significant global health challenge, with bariatric surgery remaining as one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity and its related comorbidities. This review highlights the multifaceted impact of bariatric surgery beyond mere physical restriction or nutrient malabsorption, underscoring the importance of the gut microbiome and neurohormonal signals in mediating the profound effects on weight loss and behavior modification. The various bariatric surgery procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), act through distinct mechanisms to alter the gut microbiome, subsequently impacting metabolic health, energy balance, and food reward behaviors. Emerging evidence has shown that bariatric surgery induces profound changes in the composition of the gut microbiome, notably altering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enhancing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia. These microbiota shifts have far-reaching effects beyond gut health, influencing dopamine-mediated reward pathways in the brain and modulating the secretion and action of key gut hormones including ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1, PYY, and CCK. The resultant changes in dopamine signaling and hormone levels contribute to reduced hedonic eating, enhanced satiety, and improved metabolic outcomes. Further, post-bariatric surgical effects on satiation targets are in part mediated by metabolic byproducts of gut microbiota like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids, which play a pivotal role in modulating metabolism and energy expenditure and reducing obesity-associated inflammation, as well as influencing food reward pathways, potentially contributing to the regulation of body weight and reduction in hedonic eating behaviors. Overall, a better understanding of these mechanisms opens the door to developing non-surgical interventions that replicate the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on the gut microbiome, dopamine signaling, and gut hormone regulation, offering new avenues for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevag Hamamah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 9176, USA;
| | - Andras Hajnal
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 9176, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, 7200229 Suceava, Romania
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Permyakova A, Rothner A, Knapp S, Nemirovski A, Ben-Zvi D, Tam J. Renal Endocannabinoid Dysregulation in Obesity-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13636. [PMID: 37686443 PMCID: PMC10487429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713636] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates various physiological processes, including energy homeostasis and kidney function. ECS upregulation in obese animals and humans suggests a potential link to obesity-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, obesity-induced ECS changes in the kidney are mainly studied in rodents, leaving the impact on obese humans unknown. In this study, a total of 21 lean and obese males (38-71 years) underwent a kidney biopsy. Biochemical analysis, histology, and endocannabinoid (eCB) assessment were performed on kidney tissue and blood samples. Correlations between different parameters were evaluated using a comprehensive matrix. The obese group exhibited kidney damage, reflected in morphological changes, and elevated kidney injury and fibrotic markers. While serum eCB levels were similar between the lean and obese groups, kidney eCB analysis revealed higher anandamide in obese patients. Obese individuals also exhibited reduced expression of cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) in the kidney, along with increased activity of eCB synthesizing and degrading enzymes. Correlation analysis highlighted connections between renal eCBs, kidney injury markers, obesity, and related pathologies. In summary, this study investigates obesity's impact on renal eCB "tone" in humans, providing insights into the ECS's role in obesity-induced CKD. Our findings enhance the understanding of the intricate interplay among obesity, the ECS, and kidney function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Permyakova
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.P.); (A.R.); (A.N.)
| | - Ariel Rothner
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.P.); (A.R.); (A.N.)
| | - Sarah Knapp
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hadassah Medical School–The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.K.); (D.B.-Z.)
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.P.); (A.R.); (A.N.)
| | - Danny Ben-Zvi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hadassah Medical School–The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.K.); (D.B.-Z.)
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.P.); (A.R.); (A.N.)
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Mukorako P, St-Pierre DH, Flamand N, Biertho L, Lebel S, Lemoine N, Plamondon J, Roy MC, Tchernof A, Varin TV, Marette A, Silvestri C, Di Marzo V, Richard D. Hypoabsorptive surgeries cause limb-dependent changes in the gut endocannabinoidome and microbiome in association with beneficial metabolic effects. Int J Obes (Lond) 2023:10.1038/s41366-023-01307-3. [PMID: 37142736 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the metabolic benefits of hypoabsorptive surgeries are associated with changes in the gut endocannabinoidome (eCBome) and microbiome. METHODS Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) were performed in diet-induced obese (DIO) male Wistar rats. Control groups fed a high-fat diet (HF) included sham-operated (SHAM HF) and SHAM HF-pair-weighed to BPD-DS (SHAM HF-PW). Body weight, fat mass gain, fecal energy loss, HOMA-IR, and gut-secreted hormone levels were measured. The levels of eCBome lipid mediators and prostaglandins were quantified in different intestinal segments by LC-MS/MS, while expression levels of genes encoding eCBome metabolic enzymes and receptors were determined by RT-qPCR. Metataxonomic (16S rRNA) analysis was performed on residual distal jejunum, proximal jejunum, and ileum contents. RESULTS BPD-DS and SADI-S reduced fat gain and HOMA-IR, while increasing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) levels in HF-fed rats. Both surgeries induced potent limb-dependent alterations in eCBome mediators and in gut microbial ecology. In response to BPD-DS and SADI-S, changes in gut microbiota were significantly correlated with those of eCBome mediators. Principal component analyses revealed connections between PYY, N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-linoleoylethanolamine (LEA), Clostridium, and Enterobacteriaceae_g_2 in the proximal and distal jejunum and in the ileum. CONCLUSIONS BPD-DS and SADI-S caused limb-dependent changes in the gut eCBome and microbiome. The present results indicate that these variables could significantly influence the beneficial metabolic outcome of hypoabsorptive bariatric surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulette Mukorako
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - David H St-Pierre
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Centre NUTRISS, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Québec, QC, Canada
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent Biertho
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéfane Lebel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Lemoine
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Plamondon
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Roy
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - André Tchernof
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Thibault V Varin
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Centre NUTRISS, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - André Marette
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Centre NUTRISS, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Centre NUTRISS, Québec, QC, Canada.
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Denis Richard
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Hirsch S, Hinden L, Naim MBD, Baraghithy S, Permyakova A, Azar S, Nasser T, Portnoy E, Agbaria M, Nemirovski A, Golomb G, Tam J. Hepatic targeting of the centrally active cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB 1R) blocker rimonabant via PLGA nanoparticles for treating fatty liver disease and diabetes. J Control Release 2023; 353:254-269. [PMID: 36442615 PMCID: PMC9900386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Over-activation of the endocannabinoid/CB1R system is a hallmark feature of obesity and its related comorbidities, most notably type 2 diabetes (T2D), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although the use of drugs that widely block the CB1R was found to be highly effective in treating all metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, they are no longer considered a valid therapeutic option due to their adverse neuropsychiatric side effects. Here, we describe a novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for repurposing the abandoned first-in-class global CB1R antagonist, rimonabant, by encapsulating it in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for effective hepatic targeting of CB1Rs, enabling effective treatment of NAFLD and T2D. Rimonabant-encapsulated NPs (Rimo-NPs) were mainly distributed in the liver, spleen, and kidney, and only negligible marginal levels of rimonabant were found in the brain of mice treated by iv/ip administration. In contrast to freely administered rimonabant treatment, no CNS-mediated behavioral activities were detected in animals treated with Rimo-NPs. Chronic treatment of diet-induced obese mice with Rimo-NPs resulted in reduced hepatic steatosis and liver injury as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity, which were associated with enhanced cellular uptake of the formulation into hepatocytes. Collectively, we successfully developed a method of encapsulating the centrally acting CB1R blocker in NPs with desired physicochemical properties. This novel drug delivery system allows hepatic targeting of rimonabant to restore the metabolic advantages of blocking CB1R in peripheral tissues, especially in the liver, without the negative CB1R-mediated neuropsychiatric side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Hirsch
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Liad Hinden
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Meital Ben-David Naim
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Saja Baraghithy
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Anna Permyakova
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Shahar Azar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Taher Nasser
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emma Portnoy
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Israel
| | - Majd Agbaria
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gershon Golomb
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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Herbal Cannabis Use Is Not Associated with Changes in Levels of Endocannabinoids and Metabolic Profile Alterations among Older Adults. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101539. [PMID: 36294974 PMCID: PMC9604681 DOI: 10.3390/life12101539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that has numerous effects on the human body, including on the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of exogenous herbal medical cannabis use on the components of the endocannabinoid system among older adults with a diagnosis of hypertension. Medical cannabis is a product containing cannabinoids used for medical purposes. Herbal cannabis contains many types of cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. We followed people aged 60 years and older and conducted a number of tests, including endocannabinoids levels, before they started using cannabis and following three months of daily cannabis treatment. Fifteen patients (53.3% male; mean age, 69.5 years) underwent complete evaluations. We found positive correlations between the components of the endocannabinoid system and blood lipids, markers of inflammation, and blood pressure. On average, cannabis treatment for 3 months does not result in a significant change in the levels of endogenous cannabinoids and thus has a safe metabolic risk profile. This study provides additional evidence for the safety of medical cannabis use among older adults. Abstract Activation of the endocannabinoid system has various cardiovascular and metabolic expressions, including increased lipogenesis, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and changes in cholesterol levels. There is a scarcity of data on the metabolic effects of exogenous cannabis in older adults; therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of exogenous cannabis on endocannabinoid levels and the association with changes in 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and lipid levels. We conducted a prospective study of patients aged 60 years or more with hypertension treated with a new prescription of herbal cannabis. We assessed changes in endocannabinoids, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters prior to and following three months of cannabis use. Fifteen patients with a mean age of 69.47 ± 5.83 years (53.3% male) underwent complete evaluations. Changes in 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endocannabinoid, were significantly positively correlated with changes in triglycerides. Changes in arachidonic acid levels were significantly positively correlated with changes in C-reactive protein and with changes in mean diastolic blood pressure. Exogenous consumption of cannabidiol was negatively correlated with endogenous levels of palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide. On average, cannabis treatment for 3 months does not result in a significant change in the levels of endogenous cannabinoids and thus has a safe metabolic risk profile.
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Haviv Y, Georgiev O, Gaver-Bracha T, Hamad S, Nemirovski A, Hadar R, Sharav Y, Aframian DJ, Brotman Y, Tam J. Reduced Endocannabinoid Tone in Saliva of Chronic Orofacial Pain Patients. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144662. [PMID: 35889535 PMCID: PMC9322033 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: the endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in many physiological and pathological processes including pain generation, modulation, and sensation. Its involvement in chronic orofacial pain (OFP) in general, and the reflection of its involvement in OFP in salivary endocannabinoid (eCBs) levels in particular, has not been examined. Objectives: to evaluate the association between salivary (eCBs) levels and chronic OFP. Methods: salivary levels of 2 eCBs, anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), 2 endocannabinoid-like compoundsN-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and their endogenous precursor and breakdown product, arachidonic acid (AA), were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 83 chronic OFP patients and 43 pain-free controls. The chronic OFP patients were divided according to diagnosis into musculoskeletal, neurovascular/migraine, and neuropathic pain types. Results: chronic OFP patients had lower levels of OEA (p = 0.02) and 2-AG (p = 0.01). Analyzing specific pain types revealed lower levels of AEA and OEA in the neurovascular group (p = 0.04, 0.02, respectively), and 2-AG in the neuropathic group compared to controls (p = 0.05). No significant differences were found between the musculoskeletal pain group and controls. Higher pain intensity was accompanied by lower levels of AA (p = 0.028), in neuropathic group. Conclusions: lower levels of eCBs were found in the saliva of chronic OFP patients compared to controls, specifically those with neurovascular/migraine, and neuropathic pain. The detection of changes in salivary endocannabinoids levels related to OFP adds a new dimension to our understanding of OFP mechanisms, and may have diagnostic as well as therapeutic implications for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Haviv
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-677-6140; Fax: +972-2-644-7919
| | - Olga Georgiev
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- In Partial Fulfillment of DMD Requirements, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Tal Gaver-Bracha
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- In Partial Fulfillment of DMD Requirements, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Sharleen Hamad
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Rivka Hadar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Yair Sharav
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Doron J. Aframian
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba 8410501, Israel;
| | - Joseph Tam
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
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Ben-Cnaan E, Permyakova A, Azar S, Hirsch S, Baraghithy S, Hinden L, Tam J. The Metabolic Efficacy of a Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) Derivative in Treating Diet- and Genetic-Induced Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105610. [PMID: 35628417 PMCID: PMC9144717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global medical problem; its common form is known as diet-induced obesity (DIO); however, there are several rare genetic disorders, such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), that are also associated with obesity (genetic-induced obesity, GIO). The currently available therapeutics for treating DIO and GIO are very limited, and they result in only a partial improvement. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), a constituent of Cannabis sativa, gradually decarboxylates to cannabidiol (CBD). Whereas the anti-obesity properties of CBD have been reasonably identified, our knowledge of the pharmacology of CBDA is more limited due to its instability. To stabilize CBDA, a new derivative, CBDA-O-methyl ester (HU-580, EPM301), was synthesized. The therapeutic potential of EPM301 in appetite reduction, weight loss, and metabolic improvements in DIO and GIO was tested in vivo. EPM301 (40 mg/kg/d, i.p.) successfully resulted in weight loss, increased ambulation, as well as improved glycemic and lipid profiles in DIO mice. Additionally, EPM301 ameliorated DIO-induced hepatic dysfunction and steatosis. Importantly, EPM301 (20 and 40 mg/kg/d, i.p.) effectively reduced body weight and hyperphagia in a high-fat diet-fed Magel2null mouse model for PWS. In addition, when given to standard-diet-fed Magel2null mice as a preventive treatment, EPM301 completely inhibited weight gain and adiposity. Lastly, EPM301 increased the oxidation of different nutrients in each strain. All together, EPM301 ameliorated obesity and its metabolic abnormalities in both DIO and GIO. These results support the idea to further promote this synthetic CBDA derivative toward clinical evaluation in humans.
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Middleton ALO, Byrne JP, Calder PC. The Influence of Bariatric (Metabolic) Surgery on Blood Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 48:121-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Matheson J, Zhou XMM, Bourgault Z, Le Foll B. Potential of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL), and Diacylglycerol Lipase (DAGL) Enzymes as Targets for Obesity Treatment: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121316. [PMID: 34959715 PMCID: PMC8703892 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and may affect hunger, caloric intake, and nutrient absorption. Obesity has been associated with higher levels of the endogenous cannabinoid transmitters (endocannabinoids). Therefore, the ECS is an important target in obesity treatment. Modulating the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids, namely fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL), may be a promising strategy to treat obesity. This review aims to synthesize all studies investigating pharmacological or genetic manipulation of FAAH, MAGL, or DAGL enzymes in association with obesity-related measures. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of FAAH tended to promote an obesogenic state in animal models, though the relationships between human FAAH polymorphisms and obesity-related outcomes were heterogeneous, which could be due to FAAH having both pro-appetitive and anti-appetitive substrates. Genetic deletion of Mgll and Dagla as well as pharmacological inhibition of DAGL tended to reduce body weight and improve metabolic state in animal studies, though the effects of Mgll manipulation were tissue-dependent. Monitoring changes in body weight in ongoing clinical trials of FAAH inhibitors may clarify whether FAAH inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment obesity. More preclinical work is needed to characterize the role of MAGL and DAGL modulation in obesity-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Matheson
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (X.M.M.Z.); (Z.B.); (B.L.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Xin Ming Matthew Zhou
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (X.M.M.Z.); (Z.B.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada
| | - Zoe Bourgault
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (X.M.M.Z.); (Z.B.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (X.M.M.Z.); (Z.B.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
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Fatty Acid Metabolism and Derived-Mediators Distinctive of PPAR-α Activation in Obese Subjects Post Bariatric Surgery. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124340. [PMID: 34959892 PMCID: PMC8705357 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124340] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bariatric surger (BS) is characterized by lipid metabolic changes as a response to the massive release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) from adipose depots. The study aimed at evaluating changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) metabolism and biosynthesis of the lipid mediators N-acylethanolamines (NAE), as indices of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α activation. The observational study was performed on 35 subjects (27 female, 8 male) with obesity, undergoing bariatric surgery. We assessed plasma FA and NAE profiles by LC-MS/MS, clinical parameters and anthropometric measures before and 1 and 6 months after bariatric surgery. One month after bariatric surgery, as body weight and clinical parameters improved significantly, we found higher plasma levels of N-oleoylethanolamine, arachidonic and a 22:6-n3/20:5-n3 ratio as evidence of PPAR-α activation. These changes corresponded to higher circulating levels of NEFA and a steep reduction of the fat mass. After 6 months 22:6-n3/20:5-n3 remained elevated and fat mass was further reduced. Our data suggest that the massive release of NEFA from adipose tissue at 1-Post, possibly by inducing PPAR-α, may enhance FA metabolism contributing to fat depot reduction and improved metabolic parameters in the early stage. However, PUFA metabolic changes favor n6 PUFA biosynthesis, requiring a nutritional strategy aimed at reducing the n6/n3 PUFA ratio.
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Oral Capsaicinoid Administration Alters the Plasma Endocannabinoidome and Fecal Microbiota of Reproductive-Aged Women Living with Overweight and Obesity. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091246. [PMID: 34572432 PMCID: PMC8471891 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091246] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsaicinoids, the pungent principles of chili peppers and prototypical activators of the transient receptor potential of the vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel, which is a member of the expanded endocannabinoid system known as the endocannabinoidome (eCBome), counteract food intake and obesity. In this exploratory study, we examined the blood and stools from a subset of the participants in a cohort of reproductive-aged women with overweight/obesity who underwent a 12-week caloric restriction of 500 kcal/day with the administration of capsaicinoids (two capsules containing 100 mg of a capsicum annuum extract (CAE) each for a daily dose of 4 mg of capsaicinoids) or a placebo. Samples were collected immediately before and after the intervention, and plasma eCBome mediator levels (from 23 participants in total, 13 placebo and 10 CAE) and fecal microbiota taxa (from 15 participants in total, 9 placebo and 6 CAE) were profiled using LC-MS/MS and 16S metagenomic sequencing, respectively. CAE prevented the reduced caloric-intake-induced decrease in beneficial eCBome mediators, i.e., the TRPV1, GPR119 and/or PPARα agonists, N-oleoyl-ethanolamine, N-linoleoyl-ethanolamine and 2-oleoyl-glycerol, as well as the anti-inflammatory N-acyl-ethanolamines N-docosapentaenyl-ethanolamine and N-docosahexaenoyl-ethanolamine. CAE produced few but important alterations in the fecal microbiota, such as an increased relative abundance of the genus Flavonifractor, which is known to be inversely associated with obesity. Correlations between eCBome mediators and other potentially beneficial taxa were also observed, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of the existence of a link between the eCBome and the gut microbiome in obesity.
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Metabolomics in Bariatric Surgery: Towards Identification of Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Metabolic Outcomes. Obes Surg 2021; 31:4564-4574. [PMID: 34318371 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-021-05566-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bariatric surgery has been widely performed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Efforts have been made to investigate the mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects achieved by bariatric surgery and to identify candidates who will benefit from this surgery. Metabolomics, which includes comprehensive profiling of metabolites in biological samples, has been utilized for various disease entities to discover pathophysiological metabolic pathways and biomarkers predicting disease progression or prognosis. Over the last decade, metabolomic studies on patients undergoing bariatric surgery have identified significant biomarkers related to metabolic effects. This review describes the significance, progress, and challenges for the future of metabolomics in the area of bariatric surgery.
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Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Adipose Tissue with Focus on Energy Metabolism. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061279. [PMID: 34064024 PMCID: PMC8224009 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide range of processes including the control of energy acquisition and expenditure. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are present in the central nervous system but also in peripheral tissues, notably the adipose tissues. The endocannabinoid system interacts with two main hormones regulating appetite, namely leptin and ghrelin. The inhibitory effect of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist rimonabant on fat mass suggested that the endocannabinoid system can also have a peripheral action in addition to its effect on appetite reduction. Thus, several investigations have focused on the peripheral role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of metabolism. The white adipose tissue stores energy as triglycerides while the brown adipose tissue helps to dissipate energy as heat. The endocannabinoid system regulates several functions of the adipose tissues to favor energy accumulation. In this review we will describe the presence of the endocannabinoid system in the adipose tissue. We will survey the role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of white and brown adipose tissue metabolism and how the eCB system participates in obesity and metabolic diseases.
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Grasso S, Santonico M, Pennazza G, Zompanti A, Piccoli A, Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. BIONOTE as an Innovative Biosensor for Measuring Endocannabinoid Levels. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21020489. [PMID: 33445599 PMCID: PMC7826573 DOI: 10.3390/s21020489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a novel approach was developed to quantify endocannabinoids (eCBs), and was based on the liquid biosensor BIONOTE. This device is composed of a probe that can be immersed in a solution, and an electronic interface that can record a current related to the oxy-reductive reactions occurring in the sample. The two most representative members of eCBs have been analysed in vitro by BIONOTE: anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Bovine serum albumin was used to functionalize the probe and improve the sensibility of the whole analytical system. We show that BIONOTE is able to detect both AEA and 2-AG at concentrations in the low nanomolar range, and to discriminate between these eCBs and their moieties arachidonic acid, ethanolamine and glycerol. Notably, BIONOTE distinguished these five different molecules, and it was also able to quantify AEA in human plasma. Although this is just a proof-of-concept study, we suggest BIONOTE as a cheap and user-friendly prototype sensor for high throughput quantitation of eCB content in biological matrices, with an apparent diagnostic potential for tomorrow’s medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Grasso
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Santonico
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Giorgio Pennazza
- Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Zompanti
- Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Piccoli
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (M.M.)
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Tartakover Matalon S, Azar S, Meiri D, Hadar R, Nemirovski A, Abu Jabal N, Konikoff FM, Drucker L, Tam J, Naftali T. Endocannabinoid Levels in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Correlate With Clinical Parameters and Are Affected by Cannabis Consumption. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:685289. [PMID: 34531823 PMCID: PMC8438407 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.685289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory, gastrointestinal disorders. The endocannabinoid system may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. We aimed to assess whether cannabis treatment influences endocannabinoids (eCBs) level and clinical symptoms of IBD patients. METHODS Blood samples and biopsies were taken from IBD patients treated by either cannabis or placebo for 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry for N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-selective phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) expression was done on colon biopsies, and sample levels of anandamide (AEA), eCB2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), arachidonic acid (AA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) were measured in patient's sera before and after cannabis treatment. Caco-2 cells were cultured with extracts of cannabis with/without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their proteins extracted, and Western blotting for NAPE-PLD and FAAH expression was done. RESULTS Thirteen patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and nine patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were treated with cannabis. Seventeen patients with CD and 10 with UC served as placebo groups. In all CD patients, the levels of eCBs remained unaltered during the treatment period. In UC patients treated with placebo, but not in those treated with cannabis, the levels of PEA, AEA, and AA decreased significantly. The percent reduction in bowel movements was negatively correlated with changes observed in the circulating AEA and OEA, whereas improvement in quality of life was positively correlated with the levels of 2-AG. In the biopsies from UC patients, FAAH levels increased over the study period. In Caco-2 cells, both cannabis extracts increased NAPE-PLD levels but reduced FAAH expression levels. CONCLUSION Our study supports the notion that cannabis use affects eCB "tone" in UC patients and may have beneficial effects on disease symptoms in UC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Tartakover Matalon
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Shahar Azar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Meiri
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rivka Hadar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Narjes Abu Jabal
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fred Meir Konikoff
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Liat Drucker
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Timna Naftali
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- *Correspondence: Timna Naftali,
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Liakh I, Sledzinski T, Kaska L, Mozolewska P, Mika A. Sample Preparation Methods for Lipidomics Approaches Used in Studies of Obesity. Molecules 2020; 25:E5307. [PMID: 33203044 PMCID: PMC7696154 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with alterations in the composition and amounts of lipids. Lipids have over 1.7 million representatives. Most lipid groups differ in composition, properties and chemical structure. These small molecules control various metabolic pathways, determine the metabolism of other compounds and are substrates for the syntheses of different derivatives. Recently, lipidomics has become an important branch of medical/clinical sciences similar to proteomics and genomics. Due to the much higher lipid accumulation in obese patients and many alterations in the compositions of various groups of lipids, the methods used for sample preparations for lipidomic studies of samples from obese subjects sometimes have to be modified. Appropriate sample preparation methods allow for the identification of a wide range of analytes by advanced analytical methods, including mass spectrometry. This is especially the case in studies with obese subjects, as the amounts of some lipids are much higher, others are present in trace amounts, and obese subjects have some specific alterations of the lipid profile. As a result, it is best to use a method previously tested on samples from obese subjects. However, most of these methods can be also used in healthy, nonobese subjects or patients with other dyslipidemias. This review is an overview of sample preparation methods for analysis as one of the major critical steps in the overall analytical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Liakh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (I.L.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sledzinski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (I.L.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Lukasz Kaska
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Paulina Mozolewska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (I.L.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (I.L.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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Azar S, Udi S, Drori A, Hadar R, Nemirovski A, Vemuri KV, Miller M, Sherill-Rofe D, Arad Y, Gur-Wahnon D, Li X, Makriyannis A, Ben-Zvi D, Tabach Y, Ben-Dov IZ, Tam J. Reversal of diet-induced hepatic steatosis by peripheral CB1 receptor blockade in mice is p53/miRNA-22/SIRT1/PPARα dependent. Mol Metab 2020; 42:101087. [PMID: 32987186 PMCID: PMC7563015 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is increasingly recognized as being crucially important in obesity-related hepatic steatosis. By activating the hepatic cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R), eCBs modulate lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. METHODS We combined unbiased bioinformatics techniques, mouse genetic manipulations, multiple pharmacological, molecular, and cellular biology approaches, and genomic sequencing to systematically decipher the role of the hepatic CB1R in modulating fat utilization in the liver and explored the downstream molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Using an unbiased normalized phylogenetic profiling analysis, we found that the CB1R evolutionarily coevolves with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. In diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, peripheral CB1R blockade (using AM6545) induced the reversal of hepatic steatosis and improved liver injury in WT, but not in PPARα-/- mice. The antisteatotic effect mediated by AM6545 in WT DIO mice was accompanied by increased hepatic expression and activity of PPARα as well as elevated hepatic levels of the PPARα-activating eCB-like molecules oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide. Moreover, AM6545 was unable to rescue hepatic steatosis in DIO mice lacking liver sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an upstream regulator of PPARα. Both of these signaling molecules were modulated by the CB1R as measured in hepatocytes exposed to lipotoxic conditions or treated with CB1R agonists in the absence/presence of AM6545. Furthermore, using microRNA transcriptomic profiling, we found that the CB1R regulated the hepatic expression, acetylation, and transcriptional activity of p53, resulting in the enhanced expression of miR-22, which was found to specifically target SIRT1 and PPARα. CONCLUSIONS We provide strong evidence for a functional role of the p53/miR-22/SIRT1/PPARα signaling pathway in potentially mediating the antisteatotic effect of peripherally restricted CB1R blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Azar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiran Udi
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Drori
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rivka Hadar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kiran V Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maya Miller
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana Sherill-Rofe
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yhara Arad
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Devorah Gur-Wahnon
- Laboratory of Medical Transcriptomics, Department of Nephrology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Danny Ben-Zvi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Tabach
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iddo Z Ben-Dov
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Drummen M, Tischmann L, Gatta-Cherifi B, Cota D, Matias I, Raben A, Adam T, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Role of Endocannabinoids in Energy-Balance Regulation in Participants in the Postobese State-a PREVIEW Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5825220. [PMID: 32333763 PMCID: PMC7247554 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endocannabinoids are suggested to play a role in energy balance regulation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate associations of endocannabinoid concentrations during the day with energy balance and adiposity and interactions with 2 diets differing in protein content in participants in the postobese phase with prediabetes. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 38) were individually fed in energy balance with a medium protein (MP: 15:55:30% of energy from protein:carbohydrate:fat) or high-protein diet (HP: 25:45:30% energy from P:C:F) for 48 hours in a respiration chamber. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between energy balance, energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, and endocannabinoid concentrations during the day were assessed. RESULTS Plasma-concentrations of anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoyethanolamide (PEA), and pregnenolone (PREG) significantly decreased during the day. This decrease was inversely related to body mass index (AEA) or body fat (%) (PEA; OEA). The lowest RQ value, before lunch, was inversely associated with concentrations of AEA and PEA before lunch. Area under the curve (AUC) of concentrations of AEA, 2-AG, PEA, and OEA were positively related to body fat% (P < .05).The HP and MP groups showed no differences in concentrations of AEA, OEA, PEA, and PREG, but the AUC of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was significantly higher in the HP vs the MP group. CONCLUSIONS In energy balance, only the endocannabinoid 2-AG changed in relation to protein level of the diet, whereas the endocannabinoid AEA and endocannabinoid-related compounds OEA and PEA reflected the gradual energy intake matching energy expenditure during the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs Drummen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, MD, the Netherlands
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Mathijs Drummen, MSc, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht. E-mail:
| | - Lea Tischmann
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, MD, the Netherlands
| | - Blandine Gatta-Cherifi
- Endocrinology Department, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Pessac, France
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Matias
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anne Raben
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tanja Adam
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, MD, the Netherlands
| | - Margriet Westerterp-Plantenga
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, MD, the Netherlands
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Bielawiec P, Harasim-Symbor E, Chabowski A. Phytocannabinoids: Useful Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity? Special Focus on Cannabidiol. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:114. [PMID: 32194509 PMCID: PMC7064444 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, an increasing number of diseases related to insulin resistance and obesity is an alarming problem worldwide. It is well-known that the above states can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. An excessive amount of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in a diet also evokes adipocyte hyperplasia and subsequent accumulation of lipids in peripheral organs (liver, cardiac muscle). Therefore, new therapeutic methods are constantly sought for the prevention, treatment and alleviation of symptoms of the above mentioned diseases. Currently, much attention is paid to Cannabis derivatives-phytocannabinoids, which interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) constituents. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant compounds of Cannabis plants and their therapeutic application has been suggested. CBD is considered as a potential therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, and potential anti-obesity properties. Therefore, in this review, we especially highlight pharmacological properties of CBD as well as its impact on obesity in different tissues.
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Nguyen T, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Overcoming the Psychiatric Side Effects of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonists: Current Approaches for Therapeutics Development. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1418-1435. [PMID: 31284863 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190708164841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor (CB1R) is involved in a variety of physiological pathways and has long been considered a golden target for therapeutic manipulation. A large body of evidence in both animal and human studies suggests that CB1R antagonism is highly effective for the treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders and drug addiction. However, the first-in-class CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant, though demonstrating effectiveness for obesity treatment and smoking cessation, displays serious psychiatric side effects, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation, resulting in its eventual withdrawal from the European market. Several strategies are currently being pursued to circumvent the mechanisms leading to these side effects by developing neutral antagonists, peripherally restricted ligands, and allosteric modulators. In this review, we describe the progress in the development of therapeutics targeting the CB1R in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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Cannabis: From a Plant That Modulates Feeding Behaviors toward Developing Selective Inhibitors of the Peripheral Endocannabinoid System for the Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11050275. [PMID: 31096702 PMCID: PMC6563239 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in regulating energy and metabolic homeostasis. Endocannabinoids, via activating the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R), are commonly known as mediators of the thrifty phenotype hypothesis due to their activity in the central nervous system, which in turn regulates food intake and underlies the development of metabolic syndrome. Indeed, these findings led to the clinical testing of globally acting CB1R blockers for obesity and various metabolic complications. However, their therapeutic potential was halted due to centrally mediated adverse effects. Recent observations that highlighted the key role of the peripheral eCB system in metabolic regulation led to the preclinical development of various novel compounds that block CB1R only in peripheral organs with very limited brain penetration and without causing behavioral side effects. These unique molecules, which effectively ameliorate obesity, type II diabetes, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and chronic kidney disease in several animal models, are likely to be further developed in the clinic and may revive the therapeutic potential of blocking CB1R once again.
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