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Bar-Hai A, Domb AJ, Hoffman A. Strategies for enhancing the oral bioavailability of cannabinoids. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:313-322. [PMID: 35818714 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2099837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral administration of cannabinoids is a convenient route of administration in many cases. To enhance the poor and variable bioavailability of cannabinoids, selected strategies utilizing proper delivery systems have been designed. Low solubility in the GI aqueous media is the first and most critical barrier. Thereafter, cannabinoids can reach the systemic blood circulation via the portal vein that is associated with significant hepatic first pass metabolism (FPM) or bypass it via lymphatic absorption. AREAS COVERED The solubility obstacle of cannabinoids is mainly addressed with lipid-based formulations such as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS). Certain lipids are used to overcome the solubility issue. Surfactants and other additives in the formulation have additional impact on several barriers, including dictating the degree of lymphatic bioavailability and hepatic FPM. Gastro-retentive formulation is also plausible. EXPERT OPINION Comparison of the role of the same SNEDDS formulation, cyclosporine vs. cannabinoids, when used to elevate the oral bioavailability of different compounds, is presented. It illustrates some similarities and major mechanistic differences obtained by the same SNEDDS. Thus, the different influence over the absorption pathway illuminates the importance of understanding the absorption mechanism and its barriers to properly select appropriate strategies to achieve enhanced oral bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayala Bar-Hai
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Abraham J Domb
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Amnon Hoffman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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Sholler DJ, Huestis MA, Amendolara B, Vandrey R, Cooper ZD. Therapeutic potential and safety considerations for the clinical use of synthetic cannabinoids. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173059. [PMID: 33086126 PMCID: PMC7725960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was isolated and synthesized in the 1960s. Since then, two synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) targeting the cannabinoid 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) receptors were approved for medical use based on clinical safety and efficacy data: dronabinol (synthetic THC) and nabilone (synthetic THC analog). To probe the function of the endocannabinoid system further, hundreds of investigational compounds were developed; in particular, agonists with (1) greater CB1/2R affinity relative to THC and (2) full CB1/2R agonist activity. This pharmacological profile may pose greater risks for misuse and adverse effects relative to THC, and these SCBs proliferated in retail markets as legal alternatives to cannabis (e.g., novel psychoactive substances [NPS], "Spice," "K2"). These SCBs were largely outlawed in the U.S., but blanket policies that placed all SCB chemicals into restrictive control categories impeded research progress into novel mechanisms for SCB therapeutic development. There is a concerted effort to develop new, therapeutically useful SCBs that target novel pharmacological mechanisms. This review highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety considerations for unique SCBs, including CB1R partial and full agonists, peripherally-restricted CB1R agonists, selective CB2R agonists, selective CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, CB1R allosteric modulators, endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme inhibitors, and cannabidiol. We propose promising directions for SCB research that may optimize therapeutic efficacy and diminish potential for adverse events, for example, peripherally-restricted CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists and biased CB1/2R agonists. Together, these strategies could lead to the discovery of new, therapeutically useful SCBs with reduced negative public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J Sholler
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin Amendolara
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Shimizu T, Yamamoto M, Zou S, Shimizu S, Higashi Y, Saito M. Stimulation of brain cannabinoid CB 1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1254-1262. [PMID: 32141630 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Excessive activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system plays a pathogenic role in triggering and sustaining essential hypertension. We previously reported that, in normotensive rats, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing factor and bombesin induced activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system, and that brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors negatively regulated this activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of brain CB1 receptor stimulation on blood pressure and the sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), commonly used animal models of essential hypertension, and in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, normotensive controls of SHRs. In 18-week-old SHRs and WKY rats under urethane anaesthesia (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), SHRs exhibited significantly higher systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures and plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline, and a lower heart rate than WKY rats. Single administration of arachidonyl 2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA, CB1 agonist, 1.4 µmol/animal, i.c.v.) significantly but partially reduced mean and diastolic blood pressures and the plasma level of noradrenaline in SHRs compared to vehicle (N,N-dimethylformamide)-treated SHRs. These ACEA-induced reductions were abolished by central pretreatment with rimonabant (CB1 antagonist, 300 nmol/animal, i.c.v.), which alone showed no significant effect on blood pressures or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels of SHRs. On the other hand, ACEA had no significant effect on blood pressure or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels in WKY rats. These results suggest that stimulation of brain CB1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension accompanied by enhanced sympathetic outflow without affecting blood pressure under normotensive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shimizu
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Masaki Yamamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Suo Zou
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Shogo Shimizu
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Youichirou Higashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Motoaki Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
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Izgelov D, Freidman M, Hoffman A. Investigation of cannabidiol gastro retentive tablets based on regional absorption of cannabinoids in rats. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 152:229-235. [PMID: 32422168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The cannabis plant has been widely researched for many therapeutic indications and found to be effective in many chronic conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic or chronic pain and more. However, biased opinion against compounds of the plant, regulatory as well as compounding challenges have led to very few approved cannabinoid medicinal products. Those formulations which are approved are dosed several times a day, creating an unmet need for controlled release (CR) formulations of cannabinoids. Conventional CR formulations rely on prolonged absorption of the drug, including absorption from the colon. The purpose of this work is to investigate regional absorption of major cannabinoids THC and CBD from the colon and develop a suitable CR formulation. As hypothesized by researchers, THC and CBD have poor absorption from the colon compared to small intestine, suggesting that these compounds have a narrow absorption window. The suggested CR formulation examined in-vitro was a floating gastro retentive tablet based on egg albumin matrix, gas generating agents and surfactants. In-vivo investigation of CBD containing formulation in the freely moving rat model proved a prolonged absorption phase with a substantial increase in bioavailability compared to CBD solution. The findings of this paper answer a crucial question regarding potential application of CR dosage forms for cannabinoids and shed light on the regional intestinal absorption of these compounds. Ultimately, these results cement the way for future development of cannabinoid gastro retentive dosage forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora Izgelov
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Michael Freidman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Amnon Hoffman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Maurya V, Appayee C. Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Potent 9β-11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. J Org Chem 2020; 85:1291-1297. [PMID: 31833372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b02962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The first total synthesis of potent cannabinoid, 9β-11-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, is achieved through a proline-catalyzed inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction. Using this asymmetric catalysis, the cyclohexane ring is constructed with two chiral centers as a single diastereomer with 97% ee. The creation of the third chiral center and benzopyran ring is demonstrated with the elegant synthetic strategies. This mild and efficient synthetic methodology provides a new route for the asymmetric synthesis of the other potent hexahydrocannabinols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidyasagar Maurya
- Discipline of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar , Palaj, Gandhinagar , Gujarat 382355 , India
| | - Chandrakumar Appayee
- Discipline of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar , Palaj, Gandhinagar , Gujarat 382355 , India
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Götz MR, Collado JA, Fernández-Ruiz J, Fiebich BL, García-Toscano L, Gómez-Cañas M, Koch O, Leha A, Muñoz E, Navarrete C, Pazos MR, Holzgrabe U. Structure-Effect Relationships of Novel Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoid Derivatives. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1284. [PMID: 31824305 PMCID: PMC6880192 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As a library of cannabinoid (CB) derivatives with (-)-trans-cannabidiol (CBD) or (-)-trans-cannabidivarin (CBDV) scaffold, we synthesized nine novel cannabinoids: 2-hydroxyethyl cannabidiolate (2-HEC), 2-hydroxypentyl cannabidiolate (2-HPC), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl cannabidiolate (GCBD), cyclohexyl cannabidiolate (CHC), n-hexyl-cannabidiolate (HC), 2-(methylsulfonamido)ethyl cannabidiolate (NMSC), 2-hydroxyethyl cannabidivarinolate (2-HECBDV), cyclohexyl cannabidivarinolate (CHCBDV), and n-hexyl cannabidivarinolate (HCBDV). Their binding and intrinsic effects at the CB1- and CB2-receptors and the effects on inflammatory signaling cascades were investigated in in vitro and ex vivo cell models. Materials and Methods: Binding affinity was studied in membranes isolated from CB-receptor-transfected HEK293EBNA cells, intrinsic functional activity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin (IO)-treated Jurkat T-cells. Inhibition of interleukin (IL)-17-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [IL-6, IL-1β, CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] was studied in RAW264.7 macrophages at the RNA level. Pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression were investigated at the protein level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated primary human monocytes. Results: Derivatives with long aliphatic side chains at the ester position at R1 [HC (5)] as well as the ones with polar side chains [2-HECBDV (7), NMSC (6), and 2-HEC (1)] can be selective for CB2-receptors. The CBDV-derivatives HCBDV and CHCBDV demonstrated specific binding at CB1- and CB2-receptors at nanomolar concentrations. 2-HEC, 2-HPC, GCBD, and NMSC were agonists at CB2-receptor and antagonists at CB1-receptor. CHC bound both receptors at submicromolar ranges and was an agonist for these receptors. 2-HECBDV was an agonist at CB2-receptor and an antagonist at the CB1-receptor despite its modest affinity at this receptor (micromolar range). NMSC inhibited NF-κB and NFAT activity, and 2-HEC, 2-HPC, and GCBD dose-dependently inhibited PMA/IO-stimulated NFAT activation. CHC and HC dose-dependently reduced IL-1β and CCL2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. NMSC inhibited IL-1β, CCL2, and TNF-α at lower doses. At higher doses, it induced a pronounced increase in IL-6 mRNA. 2-HEC, 2-HPC, and GCBD dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 synthesis. NMSC further increased LPS-stimulated IL-1β release but inhibited IL-8, TNF-α, and PGE2. Conclusion: The CBD- and CBDV-derivatives studied are suitable for targeting CB-receptors. Some may be used as selective CB2 agonists. The length of the aliphatic rest at R2 of CBD (pentyl) and CBDV (propyl) did not correlate with the binding affinity. Higher polarity at R1 appeared to favor the agonistic activity at CB2-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus R Götz
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Symbiosis Laboratories, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
| | - Juan A Collado
- Vivacell Biotechnology España, Córdoba, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura García-Toscano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oskar Koch
- Symbiosis Laboratories, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
| | - Andreas Leha
- Medical Biometry and Statistical Bioinformatics, Department of Medical Statistics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Maria R Pazos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Gonçalves J, Rosado T, Soares S, Simão AY, Caramelo D, Luís Â, Fernández N, Barroso M, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. Cannabis and Its Secondary Metabolites: Their Use as Therapeutic Drugs, Toxicological Aspects, and Analytical Determination. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 6:E31. [PMID: 30813390 PMCID: PMC6473697 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the medicinal properties of Cannabis species have been known for centuries, the interest on its main active secondary metabolites as therapeutic alternatives for several pathologies has grown in recent years. This potential use has been a revolution worldwide concerning public health, production, use and sale of cannabis, and has led inclusively to legislation changes in some countries. The scientific advances and concerns of the scientific community have allowed a better understanding of cannabis derivatives as pharmacological options in several conditions, such as appetite stimulation, pain treatment, skin pathologies, anticonvulsant therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. However, there is some controversy regarding the legal and ethical implications of their use and routes of administration, also concerning the adverse health consequences and deaths attributed to marijuana consumption, and these represent some of the complexities associated with the use of these compounds as therapeutic drugs. This review comprehends the main secondary metabolites of Cannabis, approaching their therapeutic potential and applications, as well as their potential risks, in order to differentiate the consumption as recreational drugs. There will be also a focus on the analytical methodologies for their analysis, in order to aid health professionals and toxicologists in cases where these compounds are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ana Y Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Débora Caramelo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Nicolás Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Toxicología y Química Legal, Laboratorio de Asesoramiento Toxicológico Analítico (CENATOXA). Junín 956 7mo piso. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina.
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Reyes-Rodríguez GJ, Rezayee NM, Vidal-Albalat A, Jørgensen KA. Prevalence of Diarylprolinol Silyl Ethers as Catalysts in Total Synthesis and Patents. Chem Rev 2019; 119:4221-4260. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nomaan M. Rezayee
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Baul HS, Manikandan C, Sen D. Cannabinoid receptor as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's Disease. Brain Res Bull 2019; 146:244-252. [PMID: 30664919 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta of basal ganglia caused due to gene mutation, misfolded protein aggregation, reactive oxygen species generation and inflammatory stress. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons results in muscle stiffness, uncoordinated body movements, sleep disturbance, fatigue, amnesia and impaired voice. Currently, levodopa (L-DOPA) administration is the most widely used therapy for PD. But prolonged administration of L-DOPA is associated with the symptoms of dyskinesia. However, emerging evidences suggest the role of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) in curtailing the progression of PD by activating neuroprotective pathways. Hence, cannabinoid therapy could be a promising alternative to combat PD in future. In the present review we have discussed the potential role of CBRs in attenuating the key mechanisms of PD and how the existing research gaps needs to be bridged in order to understand the molecular mechanism of CBRs in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Shekhaar Baul
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ceera Manikandan
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dwaipayan Sen
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Agonist Replacement Therapy for Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:1113-1129. [PMID: 30361897 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 30% of regular cannabis users report withdrawal symptoms on cessation of prolonged use, such as irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, depressed mood, anxiety, and restlessness. However, among highly dependent and/or in-treatment users, the incidence of withdrawal can be even higher, reaching up to 50-95% of individuals. This syndrome was only recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) as a diagnosis with specific criteria in 2013. The treatment options are poor, with high rates of relapse and non-responders. In this scenario, agonist replacement therapy with cannabinoids has demonstrated potential as a promising therapeutic intervention, with a series of studies having been carried out in recent years. OBJECTIVE This review sought to summarize trials with cannabinoid agonist replacement therapy for cannabis withdrawal symptoms with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of this pharmacological intervention. DATA SOURCES We entered the following search terms on the PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases: (marijuana OR marihuana OR cannabis OR THC OR tetrahydrocannabinol OR hashish OR pot) AND (treatment OR medication) AND (withdrawal OR abstinence) AND (dronabinol OR nabilone OR nabiximols OR sativex OR cesamet OR synthetic cannabinoid). The date of the most recent search was September 2017. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS Original trials, published in English, performed on humans and dealing with cannabis users who were treated for cannabis withdrawal symptoms using synthetic cannabinoids were all included in the present systematic review. Quality and risk of bias across studies were assessed using a Cochrane tool. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS The first, second, and last authors read the abstracts of all studies found in the search (n = 243). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and 233 articles were excluded. The first and second authors independently developed a data extraction sheet based on the included articles. RESULTS The present review included ten original articles. Despite the limited number of studies and methodological differences, our findings demonstrate that the use of dronabinol, nabilone, or nabiximols, either alone or in combination with other drugs, shows promise in reducing cannabis withdrawal symptoms, probably with a dose-dependent effect. This has also been considered a safe group of medications with good tolerability and few adverse effects. LIMITATIONS No method of handling data and combining results of studies was carried out, representing a limitation of the review. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION OF THE KEY FINDINGS Cannabinoids appear to be a promising group of drugs for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal symptoms. These medications may help decrease the rate of relapse in the treatment of cannabis dependence due to withdrawal symptoms occurring within the first few weeks of treatment. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The protocol for this review has been registered in the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO 2014:CRD42014014118).
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Ilyasov AA, Milligan CE, Pharr EP, Howlett AC. The Endocannabinoid System and Oligodendrocytes in Health and Disease. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:733. [PMID: 30416422 PMCID: PMC6214135 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid-based interventions are being explored for central nervous system (CNS) pathologies such as neurodegeneration, demyelination, epilepsy, stroke, and trauma. As these disease states involve dysregulation of myelin integrity and/or remyelination, it is important to consider effects of the endocannabinoid system on oligodendrocytes and their precursors. In this review, we examine research reports on the effects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) components on oligodendrocytes and their precursors, with a focus on therapeutic implications. Cannabinoid ligands and modulators of the endocannabinoid system promote cell signaling in oligodendrocyte precursor survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation, and mature oligodendrocyte survival and myelination. Agonist stimulation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) at both CB1 and CB2 receptors counter apoptotic processes via Akt/PI3K, and promote proliferation via Akt/mTOR and ERK pathways. CB1 receptors in radial glia promote proliferation and conversion to progenitors fated to become oligodendroglia, whereas CB2 receptors promote OPC migration in neonatal development. OPCs produce 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), stimulating cannabinoid receptor-mediated ERK pathways responsible for differentiation to arborized, myelin basic protein (MBP)-producing oligodendrocytes. In cell culture models of excitotoxicity, increased reactive oxygen species, and depolarization-dependent calcium influx, CB1 agonists improved viability of oligodendrocytes. In transient and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion models of anoxic stroke, WIN55212-2 increased OPC proliferation and maturation to oligodendroglia, thereby reducing cerebral tissue damage. In several models of rodent encephalomyelitis, chronic treatment with cannabinoid agonists ameliorated the damage by promoting OPC survival and oligodendrocyte function. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies based upon ECS and oligodendrocyte production and survival should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Ilyasov
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Research on Substance Use and Addiction, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Carolanne E Milligan
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Emily P Pharr
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States.,Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Research on Substance Use and Addiction, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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12
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Zhang J, Zhang S, Liu Y, Su M, Ling X, Liu F, Ge Y, Bai M. Combined CB2 receptor agonist and photodynamic therapy synergistically inhibit tumor growth in triple negative breast cancer. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2018; 24:185-191. [PMID: 30240926 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the deadliest form of breast cancer because it is more aggressive, diagnosed at later stage and more likely to develop local and systemic recurrence. Many patients do not experience adequate tumor control after current clinical treatments involving surgical removal, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, leading to disease progression and significantly decreased quality of life. Here we report a new combinatory therapy strategy involving cannabinoid-based medicine and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of TNBC. This combinatory therapy targets two proteins upregulated in TNBC: the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R, a G-protein coupled receptor) and translocator protein (TSPO, a mitochondria membrane receptor). We found that the combined CB2R agonist and TSPO-PDT treatment resulted in synergistic inhibition in TNBC cell and tumor growth. This combinatory therapy approach provides new opportunities to treat TNBC with high efficacy. In addition, this study provides new evidence on the therapeutic potential of CB2R agonists for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, #1 Fuwai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450000, China
| | - Shaojuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Meng Su
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Ling
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Funan Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yinghui Ge
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, #1 Fuwai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450000, China.
| | - Mingfeng Bai
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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Luque-Córdoba D, Calderón-Santiago M, Luque de Castro MD, Priego-Capote F. Study of sample preparation for determination of endocannabinoids and analogous compounds in human serum by LC-MS/MS in MRM mode. Talanta 2018; 185:602-610. [PMID: 29759247 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipids with a key role in physiological processes such as the immune response or the metabolism. This involvement explains their association to pathologies such as cancer, obesity or multiple sclerosis. The determination of endocannabinoids constitutes a challenge for clinical laboratories due to the variety of biological matrices and the wide range of concentrations at which they can be found. This research deals with the comparison of three sample preparation strategies (viz., on-line SPE, off-line SPE for interferents removal, and protein precipitation) for subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis of 14 endocannabinoids and analogous compounds in serum. As a result, the on-line coupling between SPE and LC-MS/MS is proposed as the best approach for this determination. The proposed method allows full automation of the overall process, shortening of the analysis time, and avoidance of errors associated with sample preparation steps. The improvement in sensitivity and selectivity thus achieved allows obtaining quantification limits at the pg mL-1 level, which makes possible the application of the method for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Luque-Córdoba
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - M Calderón-Santiago
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
| | - M D Luque de Castro
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - F Priego-Capote
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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Marchioni C, de Souza ID, Grecco CF, Crippa JA, Tumas V, Queiroz MEC. A column switching ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in plasma samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:3587-3596. [PMID: 28337517 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study reports a fast, sensitive, and selective column switching ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method to determine the endocannabinoids (eCBs), anandamide (AEA), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in plasma samples. This bidimensional system used a restricted access media column (RP-8 ADS, 25 mm × 4 mm × 25 μM) in the first dimension and a core-shell Kinetex C18 (100 mm × 2, 1.7 mm × 1 μM) column in the second dimension, followed by detection in a mass spectrometer triple quadrupole (multiple reactions monitoring mode) operating in the positive mode. RP-8 ADS was used for trace enrichment of eCBs (reverse phase partitioning) and macromolecular matrix size exclusion; the core-shell column was used for the chromatographic separation. The column switching UHPLC-MS/MS method presented a linear range spanning from 0.1 ng mL-1 (LOQ) to 6 ng mL-1 for AEA and from 0.04 ng mL-1 (LOQ) to 10 ng mL-1 for 2-AG. Excluding the LLOQ values, the precision assays provided coefficients of variation lower than 8% and accuracy with relative standard error values lower than 14%. Neither carryover nor matrix effects were detected. This high-throughput column switching method compared to conventional methods is time saving as it involves fewer steps, consumes less solvent, and presents lower LLOQ. The column switching UHPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to determine AEA and 2-AG in plasma samples obtained from Alzheimer's disease patients. Graphical abstract A column switching ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method using RP-8 ADS column and core shell column to determine endocannabinoids in plasma samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Marchioni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Israel Donizeti de Souza
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fernandes Grecco
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14040-901, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor Tumas
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Eugênia Costa Queiroz
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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Kendall DA, Yudowski GA. Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 10:294. [PMID: 28101004 PMCID: PMC5209363 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and cloning of the two major cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors together with the discovery of their endogenous ligands in the late 80s and early 90s, resulted in a major effort aimed at understanding the mechanisms and physiological roles of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Due to its expression and localization in the central nervous system (CNS), the CB1 receptor together with its endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids (eCB)) and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation, has been implicated in multiple pathophysiological events ranging from memory deficits to neurodegenerative disorders among others. In this review, we will provide a general overview of the ECS with emphasis on the CB1 receptor in health and disease. We will describe our current understanding of the complex aspects of receptor signaling and trafficking, including the non-canonical signaling pathways such as those mediated by β-arrestins within the context of functional selectivity and ligand bias. Finally, we will highlight some of the disorders in which CB1 receptors have been implicated. Significant knowledge has been achieved over the last 30 years. However, much more research is still needed to fully understand the complex roles of the ECS, particularly in vivo and to unlock its true potential as a source of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Guillermo A Yudowski
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences CampusSan Juan, Puerto Rico; Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto RicoSan Juan, Puerto Rico
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16
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Urinary cannabinoid levels during nabiximols (Sativex®)-medicated inpatient cannabis withdrawal. Forensic Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Dhopeshwarkar A, Mackie K. Functional Selectivity of CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands at a Canonical and Noncanonical Pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 358:342-51. [PMID: 27194477 PMCID: PMC4959096 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.232561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) remains a tantalizing, but unrealized therapeutic target. CB2 receptor ligands belong to varied structural classes and display extreme functional selectivity. Here, we have screened diverse CB2 receptor ligands at canonical (inhibition of adenylyl cyclase) and noncanonical (arrestin recruitment) pathways. The nonclassic cannabinoid (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol (CP55940) was the most potent agonist for both pathways, while the classic cannabinoid ligand (6aR,10aR)-3-(1,1-Dimethylbutyl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran JWH133) was the most efficacious agonist among all the ligands profiled in cyclase assays. In the cyclase assay, other classic cannabinoids showed little [(-)-trans-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and (-)-(6aR,7,10,10aR)-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-1-ol] (KM233) to no efficacy [(6aR,10aR)-1-methoxy-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromene(L759633) and (6aR,10aR)-3-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-1-methoxy-6,6-dimethyl-9-methylene-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran]L759656. Most aminoalkylindoles, including [(3R)-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-naphthalenyl-methanone, monomethanesulfonate (WIN55212-2), were moderate efficacy agonists. The cannabilactone 3-(1,1-dimethyl-heptyl)-1-hydroxy-9-methoxy-benzo(c)chromen-6-one (AM1710) was equiefficacious to CP55940 to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, albeit with lower potency. In the arrestin recruitment assays, all classic cannabinoid ligands failed to recruit arrestins, indicating a bias toward G-protein coupling for this class of compound. All aminoalkylindoles tested, except for WIN55212-2 and (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)-methanone (UR144), failed to recruit arrestin. WIN55212-2 was a low efficacy agonist for arrestin recruitment, while UR144 was arrestin biased with no significant inhibition of cyclase. Endocannabinoids were G-protein biased with no arrestin recruitment. The diarylpyrazole antagonist 5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-N-[(1S,2S,4R)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144258) was an inverse agonist in cyclase and arrestin recruitment assays while the aminoalkylindole 6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (AM630) and carboxamide N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-1,2-dihydro-7-methoxy-2-oxo-8-(pentyloxy)-3-quinolinecarboxamide (JTE907) were inverse agonists in cyclase but low efficacy agonists in arrestin recruitment assays. Thus, CB2 receptor ligands display strong and varied functional selectivity at both pathways. Therefore, extreme care must be exercised when using these compounds to infer the role of CB2 receptors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amey Dhopeshwarkar
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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Abstract
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has been used throughout the world medically, recreationally and spiritually for thousands of years. In South Africa, from the mid-19th century to the 1920s, practitioners prescribed it for a multitude of conditions. In 1928 it was classified as a Schedule I substance, illegal, and without medical value. Ironically, with this prohibition, cannabis became the most widely used illicit recreational drug, not only in South Africa, but worldwide. Cannabis is generally regarded as enjoyable and relaxing without the addictive risks of opioids or stimulants. In alternative medicine circles it has never lost its appeal. To date 23 States in the USA have legalised its medical use despite the federal ban. Unfortunately, little about cannabis is not without controversy. Its main active ingredient, δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was not isolated until 1964, and it was not until the 1990s that the far-reaching modulatory activities of the endocannabinoid system in the human body was studied. This system's elucidation raises the possibility of many promising pharmaceutical applications, even as restrictions show no sign of abating. Recreational use of cannabis continues to increase, despite growing evidence of its addictive potential, particularly in the young. Public approval drives medical cannabis legalisation efforts without the scientific data normally required to justify a new medication's introduction. This review explores these controversies and whether cannabis is a panacea, a scourge, or both.
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Baron EP. Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been …. Headache 2015; 55:885-916. [PMID: 26015168 DOI: 10.1111/head.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of cannabis, or marijuana, for medicinal purposes is deeply rooted though history, dating back to ancient times. It once held a prominent position in the history of medicine, recommended by many eminent physicians for numerous diseases, particularly headache and migraine. Through the decades, this plant has taken a fascinating journey from a legal and frequently prescribed status to illegal, driven by political and social factors rather than by science. However, with an abundance of growing support for its multitude of medicinal uses, the misguided stigma of cannabis is fading, and there has been a dramatic push for legalizing medicinal cannabis and research. Almost half of the United States has now legalized medicinal cannabis, several states have legalized recreational use, and others have legalized cannabidiol-only use, which is one of many therapeutic cannabinoids extracted from cannabis. Physicians need to be educated on the history, pharmacology, clinical indications, and proper clinical use of cannabis, as patients will inevitably inquire about it for many diseases, including chronic pain and headache disorders for which there is some intriguing supportive evidence. OBJECTIVE To review the history of medicinal cannabis use, discuss the pharmacology and physiology of the endocannabinoid system and cannabis-derived cannabinoids, perform a comprehensive literature review of the clinical uses of medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids with a focus on migraine and other headache disorders, and outline general clinical practice guidelines. CONCLUSION The literature suggests that the medicinal use of cannabis may have a therapeutic role for a multitude of diseases, particularly chronic pain disorders including headache. Supporting literature suggests a role for medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids in several types of headache disorders including migraine and cluster headache, although it is primarily limited to case based, anecdotal, or laboratory-based scientific research. Cannabis contains an extensive number of pharmacological and biochemical compounds, of which only a minority are understood, so many potential therapeutic uses likely remain undiscovered. Cannabinoids appear to modulate and interact at many pathways inherent to migraine, triptan mechanisms ofaction, and opiate pathways, suggesting potential synergistic or similar benefits. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system through agonism or antagonism of its receptors, targeting its metabolic pathways, or combining cannabinoids with other analgesics for synergistic effects, may provide the foundation for many new classes of medications. Despite the limited evidence and research suggesting a role for cannabis and cannabinoids in some headache disorders, randomized clinical trials are lacking and necessary for confirmation and further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Baron
- Department of Neurology, Headache Center, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
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García-Morales V, Montero F, Moreno-López B. Cannabinoid agonists rearrange synaptic vesicles at excitatory synapses and depress motoneuron activity in vivo. Neuropharmacology 2015; 92:69-79. [PMID: 25595101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of motor skills is one of the most common acute adverse effects of cannabis. Related studies have focused mainly on psychomotor alterations, and little is known about the direct impact of cannabinoids (CBs) on motoneuron physiology. As key modulators of synaptic function, CBs regulate multiple neuronal functions and behaviors. Presynaptic CB1 mediates synaptic strength depression by inhibiting neurotransmitter release, via a poorly understood mechanism. The present study examined the effect of CB agonists on excitatory synaptic inputs incoming to hypoglossal motoneurons (HMNs) in vitro and in vivo. The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and the synthetic CB agonist WIN 55,212-2 rapidly and reversibly induced short-term depression (STD) of glutamatergic synapses on motoneurons by a presynaptic mechanism. Presynaptic effects were fully reversed by the CB1-selective antagonist AM281. Electrophysiological and electron microscopy analysis showed that WIN 55,212-2 reduced the number of synaptic vesicles (SVs) docked to active zones in excitatory boutons. Given that AM281 fully abolished depolarization-induced depression of excitation, motoneurons can be feasible sources of CBs, which in turn act as retrograde messengers regulating synaptic function. Finally, microiontophoretic application of the CB agonist O-2545 reversibly depressed, presumably via CB1, glutamatergic inspiratory-related activity of HMNs in vivo. Therefore, evidence support that CBs, via presynaptic CB1, induce excitatory STD by reducing the readily releasable pool of SVs at excitatory synapses, then attenuating motoneuron activity. These outcomes contribute a possible mechanistic basis for cannabis-associated motor performance disturbances such as ataxia, dysarthria and dyscoordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria García-Morales
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neuroreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fernando Montero
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neuroreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Bernardo Moreno-López
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neuroreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.
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Harnett JJ, Dolo C, Viossat I, Auger F, Ferrandis E, Bigg D, Auguet M, Auvin S, Chabrier PE. Novel azoles as potent and selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:88-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Schafroth MA, Zuccarello G, Krautwald S, Sarlah D, Carreira EM. Stereodivergent Total Synthesis of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinols. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201408380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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23
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Schafroth MA, Zuccarello G, Krautwald S, Sarlah D, Carreira EM. Stereodivergent Total Synthesis of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinols. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:13898-901. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201408380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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McDonough P, McKenna JP, McCreary C, Downer EJ. Neuropathic orofacial pain: cannabinoids as a therapeutic avenue. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 55:72-8. [PMID: 25150831 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic orofacial pain (NOP) exists in several forms including pathologies such as burning mouth syndrome (BMS), persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). BMS and PIFP are classically diagnosed by excluding other facial pain syndromes. TN and PHN are most often diagnosed based on a typical history and presenting pain characteristics. The pathophysiology of some of these conditions is still unclear and hence treatment options tend to vary and include a wide variety of treatments including cognitive behaviour therapy, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants and opioids; however such treatments often have limited efficacy with a great amount of inter-patient variability and poorly tolerated side effects. Analgesia is one the principal therapeutic targets of the cannabinoid system and many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cannabinoid compounds in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This review will investigate the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms associated with NOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McDonough
- Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Joseph P McKenna
- Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Christine McCreary
- Cork University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eric J Downer
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Dhopeshwarkar A, Mackie K. CB2 Cannabinoid receptors as a therapeutic target-what does the future hold? Mol Pharmacol 2014; 86:430-7. [PMID: 25106425 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.094649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decades have seen an exponential rise in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, comprising CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. The primary focus of this review is the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptors have been the subject of considerable attention, primarily due to their promising therapeutic potential for treating various pathologies while avoiding the adverse psychotropic effects that can accompany CB1 receptor-based therapies. With the appreciation that CB2-selective ligands show marked functional selectivity, there is a renewed opportunity to explore this promising area of research from both a mechanistic as well as a therapeutic perspective. In this review, we summarize our present knowledge of CB2 receptor signaling, localization, and regulation. We discuss the availability of genetic tools (and their limitations) to study CB2 receptors and also provide an update on preclinical data on CB2 agonists in pain models. Finally, we suggest possible reasons for the failure of CB2 ligands in clinical pain trials and offer possible ways to move the field forward in a way that can help reconcile the inconsistencies between preclinical and clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amey Dhopeshwarkar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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Roy R, Rakshit S, Bhowmik T, Khan S, Ghatak A, Bhar S. Substituted 3-E-Styryl-2H-chromenes and 3-E-Styryl-2H-thiochromenes: Synthesis, Photophysical Studies, Anticancer Activity, and Exploration to Tricyclic Benzopyran Skeleton. J Org Chem 2014; 79:6603-14. [DOI: 10.1021/jo5011125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rimi Roy
- Department
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Soumyadipta Rakshit
- Department
of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Section, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Tanmoy Bhowmik
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University College of Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700 009, India
| | - Sagar Khan
- Department
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Avishek Ghatak
- Department
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Sanjay Bhar
- Department
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
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Stott C, White L, Wright S, Wilbraham D, Guy G. A Phase I, open-label, randomized, crossover study in three parallel groups to evaluate the effect of Rifampicin, Ketoconazole, and Omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of THC/CBD oromucosal spray in healthy volunteers. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:236. [PMID: 23750331 PMCID: PMC3671111 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract This Phase I study aimed to assess the potential drug-drug interactions (pharmacokinetic [PK] and safety profile) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex ®, nabiximols) in combination with cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inducer (rifampicin) or inhibitors (ketoconazole or omeprazole). Thirty-six healthy male subjects were divided into three groups of 12, and then randomized to one of two treatment sequences per group. Subjects received four sprays of THC/CBD (10.8/10 mg) alongside single doses of the CYP3A and 2C19 inducer rifampicin (600 mg), CYP3A inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg) or CYP2C19 inhibitor omeprazole (40 mg). Plasma samples were analyzed for CBD, THC and its metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). A single dose of four sprays of THC/CBD spray (10.8/10 mg) following repeated doses of rifampicin (600 mg) reduced the Cmax and AUC of all analytes. Cmax reduced from 2.94 to 1.88 ng/mL (-36%), 1.03 to 0.50 ng/mL (-52%) and 3.38 to 0.45 ng/mL (-87%) for THC, CBD and 11-OH-THC, respectively compared to single dose administration of THC/CBD spray alone. Ketoconazole co-administration with THC/CBD spray had the opposite effect, increasing the Cmax of the respective analytes from 2.65 to 3.36 ng/mL (+27%), 0.66 to 1.25 ng/mL (+89%) and 3.59 to 10.92 ng/mL (+204%). No significant deviations in Cmax or AUC for any analyte were observed when THC/CBD spray was co-administered with omeprazole. THC/CBD spray was well tolerated by the study subjects both alone and in combination with rifampicin, ketoconazole and omeprazole. Evaluation of the PKs of THC/CBD spray alone and in combination with CYP450 inhibitors/inducers suggests that all analytes are substrates for the isoenzyme CYP3A4, but not CYP2C19. On the basis of our findings, there is likely to be little impact on other drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes on the PK parameters of THC/CBD spray, but potential effects should be taken into consideration when co-administering THC/CBD spray with compounds which share the CYP3A4 pathway such as rifampicin or ketoconazole. Trials registration NCT01323465
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Stott
- GW Pharma Ltd, Porton Down Science Park Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ UK
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Pertwee RG. Targeting the endocannabinoid system with cannabinoid receptor agonists: pharmacological strategies and therapeutic possibilities. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 367:3353-63. [PMID: 23108552 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tissues express cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors that can be activated by endogenously released 'endocannabinoids' or exogenously administered compounds in a manner that reduces the symptoms or opposes the underlying causes of several disorders in need of effective therapy. Three medicines that activate cannabinoid CB(1)/CB(2) receptors are now in the clinic: Cesamet (nabilone), Marinol (dronabinol; Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC)) and Sativex (Δ(9)-THC with cannabidiol). These can be prescribed for the amelioration of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (Cesamet and Marinol), stimulation of appetite (Marinol) and symptomatic relief of cancer pain and/or management of neuropathic pain and spasticity in adults with multiple sclerosis (Sativex). This review mentions several possible additional therapeutic targets for cannabinoid receptor agonists. These include other kinds of pain, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, cancer, drug dependence, glaucoma, autoimmune uveitis, osteoporosis, sepsis, and hepatic, renal, intestinal and cardiovascular disorders. It also describes potential strategies for improving the efficacy and/or benefit-to-risk ratio of these agonists in the clinic. These are strategies that involve (i) targeting cannabinoid receptors located outside the blood-brain barrier, (ii) targeting cannabinoid receptors expressed by a particular tissue, (iii) targeting upregulated cannabinoid receptors, (iv) selectively targeting cannabinoid CB(2) receptors, and/or (v) adjunctive 'multi-targeting'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
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Cheng LJ, Xie JH, Chen Y, Wang LX, Zhou QL. Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)-Δ8-THC and (−)-Δ9-THC via Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation and SNAr Cyclization. Org Lett 2013; 15:764-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ol303351y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jian-Hua Xie
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yong Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qi-Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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A phase I study to assess the single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of THC/CBD oromucosal spray. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012. [PMID: 23179176 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-012-1441-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A Phase I study to assess the single and multipledose pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety and tolerability of oromucosally administered Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) spray, an endocannabinoid system modulator, in healthy male subjects. METHODS Subjects received either single doses of THC/CBD spray as multiple sprays [2 (5.4 mg THC and 5.0 mg CBD), 4 (10.8 mg THC and 10.0 mg CBD) or 8 (21.6 mg THC and 20.0 mg CBD) daily sprays] or multiple doses of THC/CBD spray (2, 4 or 8 sprays once daily) for nine consecutive days, following fasting for a minimum of 10 h overnight prior to each dosing. Plasma samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for CBD, THC, and its primary metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC, and various PK parameters were investigated. RESULTS Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD were rapidly absorbed following single-dose administration. With increasing single and multiple doses of THC/CBD spray, the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased for all analytes. There was evidence of dose-proportionality in the single but not the multiple dosing data sets. The bioavailability of THC was greater than CBD at single and multiple doses, and there was no evidence of accumulation for any analyte with multiple dosing. Inter-subject variability ranged from moderate to high for all PK parameters in this study. The time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was longest for all analytes in the eight spray group, but was similar in the two and four spray groups. THC/CBD spray was well-tolerated in this study and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The mean Cmax values (<12 ng/mL) recorded in this study were well below those reported in patients who smoked/inhaled cannabis, which is reassuring since elevated Cmax values are linked to significant psychoactivity. There was also no evidence of accumulation on repeated dosing.
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A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of THC/CBD oromucosal spray in combination with the existing treatment regimen, in the relief of central neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Stott CG, White L, Wright S, Wilbraham D, Guy GW. A phase I study to assess the effect of food on the single dose bioavailability of the THC/CBD oromucosal spray. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 69:825-34. [PMID: 23052407 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-012-1393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effect of food on the single-dose bioavailability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) spray, an endocannabinoid system modulator, when administered to healthy male subjects. METHODS Twelve subjects took part in this fed-fasted cross-over study and received a single dose of THC/CBD spray (4 sprays = 10.8 mg THC + 10 mg CBD) in the fasted then fed state (or vice versa) with a 3-day wash-out period between treatments. Plasma samples were collected at designated time-points for analysis of CBD, THC, and its active metabolite, 11-hydroxy delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC). RESULTS Statistically significant increases in the mean area under the curve (AUC) and mean maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) were observed in subjects during fed conditions. Mean AUC and Cmax were one to three-fold higher for THC and 11-OH-THC, and five and three-fold higher for CBD respectively during fed conditions. A large inter-subject variability in exposure from the same dose was observed, particularly for THC. The Cmax for THC in fed versus fasted subjects was higher in 7 subjects (4.80-14.91 ng/ml) and lower in 5 subjects (2.81-3.51 ng/ml) compared with the mean Cmax of 3.98 ng/ml (range 0.97-9.34 ng/ml) observed in the fasted state. Increases in mean AUC(0-t), AUC(0-inf), and Cmax for THC, CBD, and 11-OH-THC in the fed state were within the range of inter-subject variability, which was considerable. Food also appeared to delay the time to peak concentration (Tmax) of all analytes by approximately 2-2.5 h. Only mild adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The THC/CBD spray was well tolerated in male subjects at a single dose of four sprays. The large inter-subject variability in exposure suggests that the changes observed are unlikely to be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Stott
- GW Pharma Ltd, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK.
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Hilliard A, Stott C, Wright S, Guy G, Pryce G, Al-Izki S, Bolton C, Giovannoni G. Evaluation of the Effects of Sativex (THC BDS: CBD BDS) on Inhibition of Spasticity in a Chronic Relapsing Experimental Allergic Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: A Model of Multiple Sclerosis. ISRN NEUROLOGY 2012; 2012:802649. [PMID: 22928118 PMCID: PMC3423911 DOI: 10.5402/2012/802649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the antispasticity potential of Sativex in mice. Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was induced in adult ABH mice resulting in hind limb spasticity development. Vehicle, Sativex, and baclofen (as a positive control) were injected intravenously and the “stiffness” of limbs assessed by the resistance force against hind limb flexion. Vehicle alone caused no significant change in spasticity. Baclofen (5 mg/kg) induced approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex dose dependently reduced spasticity; 5 mg/kg THC + 5 mg/kg CBD induced approximately a 20% peak reduction; 10 mg/kg THC + 10 mg/kg CBD produced approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex has the potential to reduce spasticity in an experimental mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Baclofen reduced spasticity and served as a positive control. Sativex (10 mg/kg) was just as effective as baclofen, providing supportive evidence for Sativex use in the treatment of spasticity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hilliard
- GW Pharmaceutical PLc, Porton Down Science Park, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK
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Lee T, Gong YD. Solid-phase parallel synthesis of drug-like artificial 2H-benzopyran libraries. Molecules 2012; 17:5467-96. [PMID: 22572931 PMCID: PMC6268589 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17055467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers the construction of drug-like 2H-benzopyrans and related libraries using solid-phase parallel synthesis. In this context, the preparation of substituted benzopyrans such as mono-, di- and trisubstituted benzopyran derivatives and additional ring-fused benzopyrans such as benzopyranoisoxazoles, benzopyranopyrazoles, six-membered ring-fused benzopyrans, and polycyclic benzopyrans are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 1370, Sangyuk-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu 702-701, Korea;
| | - Young-Dae Gong
- Center for Innovative Drug Library Research, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 26 Pildong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-715, Korea
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +82-2-2260-3206; Fax: +82-2-2268-8204
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Grant I, Atkinson JH, Gouaux B, Wilsey B. Medical marijuana: clearing away the smoke. Open Neurol J 2012; 6:18-25. [PMID: 22629287 PMCID: PMC3358713 DOI: 10.2174/1874205x01206010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding of the mode of action of tetrahydrocannabinol and related cannabinoid in-gredients of marijuana, plus the accumulating anecdotal reports on potential medical benefits have spurred increasing re-search into possible medicinal uses of cannabis. Recent clinical trials with smoked and vaporized marijuana, as well as other botanical extracts indicate the likelihood that the cannabinoids can be useful in the management of neuropathic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, and possibly other indications. As with all medications, benefits and risks need to be weighed in recommending cannabis to patients. We present an algorithm that may be useful to physicians in determining whether cannabis might be recommended as a treatment in jurisdictions where such use is permitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Grant
- Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research; University of California, San Diego; San Diego, CA, USA
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Nabiximols for Opioid-Treated Cancer Patients With Poorly-Controlled Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Graded-Dose Trial. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2012; 13:438-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Mugnaini C, Nocerino S, Pedani V, Pasquini S, Tafi A, De Chiaro M, Bellucci L, Valoti M, Guida F, Luongo L, Dragoni S, Ligresti A, Rosenberg A, Bolognini D, Cascio MG, Pertwee RG, Moaddel R, Maione S, Di Marzo V, Corelli F. Investigations on the 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid motif part 5: modulation of the physicochemical profile of a set of potent and selective cannabinoid-2 receptor ligands through a bioisosteric approach. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:920-34. [PMID: 22383251 PMCID: PMC3516921 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Three heterocyclic systems were selected as potential bioisosteres of the amide linker for a series of 1,6-disubstituted-4-quinolone-3-carboxamides, which are potent and selective CB2 ligands that exhibit poor water solubility, with the aim of improving their physicochemical profile and also of clarifying properties of importance for amide bond mimicry. Among the newly synthesized compounds, a 1,2,3-triazole derivative (1-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-[6-(furan-2-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-1-pentylquinolin-3-yl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole) emerged as the most promising in terms of both physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties. When assayed in vitro, this derivative exhibited inverse agonist activity, whereas, in the formalin test in mice, it produced analgesic effects antagonized by a well-established inverse agonist. Metabolic studies allowed the identification of a side chain hydroxylated derivative as its only metabolite, which, in its racemic form, still showed appreciable CB2 selectivity, but was 150-fold less potent than the parent compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Stefania Nocerino
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Valentina Pedani
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Serena Pasquini
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Andrea Tafi
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Maria De Chiaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale – Sezione di Farmacologia ‘L. Donatelli’, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Bellucci
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale – Sezione di Farmacologia ‘L. Donatelli’, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale – Sezione di Farmacologia ‘L. Donatelli’, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Dragoni
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via Campi Flegrei 34, Fabbr. 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli) Italy
| | - Avraham Rosenberg
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Daniele Bolognini
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Maria Grazia Cascio
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale – Sezione di Farmacologia ‘L. Donatelli’, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via Campi Flegrei 34, Fabbr. 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli) Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Via De Gasperi, 2 53100 Siena, Italy. Fax 0039-(0)577-234333
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Rational design, synthesis and anti-proliferative properties of new CB2 selective cannabinoid receptor ligands: an investigation of the 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one scaffold. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 52:284-94. [PMID: 22483967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CB2 receptor ligands are becoming increasingly attractive drugs due to the potential role of this receptor in several physiopathological processes. Using our previously described series of 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-on-3-carboxamides as a lead class, several nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives, characterized by different central cores, were synthesized and tested for their affinity toward the human CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The obtained results suggest that the new series of quinolin-2(1H)-on-3-carboxamides, 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides and 1,2-dihydro-2-oxopyridine-3-carboxamides represent novel scaffolds very suitable for the development of promising CB2 ligands. Furthermore, the newly synthesized CB2 ligands inhibit proliferation of several cancer cell lines. In particular, it was demonstrated that in DU-145 cell line these ligands exert a CB2-mediated anti-proliferative action and decrease the CB2 receptor expression levels.
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de Lago E, Moreno-Martet M, Cabranes A, Ramos JA, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoids ameliorate disease progression in a model of multiple sclerosis in mice, acting preferentially through CB1 receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:2299-308. [PMID: 22342378 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the CNS and it is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, remyelination, gliosis and axonal damage that occur mainly in the spinal cord. Cannabinoids have been proposed as promising therapeutic agents in MS given their capability to alleviate specific MS symptoms (e.g., spasticity, pain). Although MS has been considered mainly an inflammatory disorder, recent evidence, however, revealed the importance of neurodegenerative events, opening the possibility that cannabinoid agonists, given their cytoprotective properties, may also serve to reduce oligodendrocyte death and axonal damage in MS. Thus, the treatment with WIN55,512-2, a potent CB(1) and CB(2) agonist, was reported to be effective to ameliorate tremor and spasticity in mice with chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a murine model of MS, but also to delay disease progression in this and other murine models of MS. The purpose of this investigation was to further explore the mechanism(s) underlying the amelioration in disease progression caused by WIN55,212-2. We have particularly focused on anti-glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory effects of this cannabinoid agonist. In this study, we used mice treated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) that induces a progressive pattern of EAE and conducted the pharmacological experiments in early stages of the disease. As expected, the administration of WIN55,512-2 (5 mg/kg, i.p) had a positive effect in reducing neurological disability and improving motor coordination of EAE mice. Levels of glutamate and GABA in the spinal cord and also in the brainstem of EAE mice were similar to control animals, and, accordingly, they were not altered by the treatment with WIN55,212-2. However, EAE mice showed some subtle alterations in mRNA levels for the glutamate transporter GLT1 and, to a lesser extent, GLAST too, changes that were altered by the treatment with WIN55,212-2 in the spinal cord, but not in the brainstem. Regarding to inflammatory responses, EAE mice showed a marked up-regulation in mRNA levels for COX-2, inducible NOS and TNF-α in the spinal cord and the brainstem, these responses being attenuated after the treatment with WIN55,212-2. We also observed the presence of cell aggregates in the spinal cord of EAE mice that were significantly attenuated by the treatment with WIN55,212-2. Immunohistochemical analysis (with Iba-1 and Cd11b) of these aggregates indicated that they corresponded to microglia (resident macrophages) and peripheral macrophages. Lastly, experiments conducted with selective antagonists for the CB(1) (e.g. rimonabant) or CB(2) (e.g. AM-630) receptors revealed that WIN55,212-2 effects in EAE mice were mediated by the activation of CB(1) but not CB(2) receptors, as reflected the reversion of positive effects of this cannabinoid on neurological decline, TNF-α generation and accumulation of cell aggregates in the spinal cord with rimonabant, but not with AM-630. This was concordant with the lack of positive effects on neurological decline observed in EAE mice when they received HU-308, a selective CB(2) receptor agonist, instead WIN55,212-2. In summary, the treatment of EAE mice with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,512-2 reduced their neurological disability and the progression of the disease. This effect was exerted through the activation of CB(1) receptors, which would exert a positive influence in the reduction of inflammatory events linked to the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva de Lago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Molica F, Matter CM, Burger F, Pelli G, Lenglet S, Zimmer A, Pacher P, Steffens S. Cannabinoid receptor CB2 protects against balloon-induced neointima formation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2012; 302:H1064-74. [PMID: 22227125 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00444.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor CB(2) activation inhibits inflammatory proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. The potential in vivo relevance of these findings is unclear. We performed carotid balloon distension injury in hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of the CB(2) agonist JWH133 (5 mg/kg) or vehicle, with the first injection given 30 min before injury. Alternatively, we subjected CB(2)(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice to balloon injury. We determined CB(2) mRNA and protein expression in dilated arteries of ApoE(-/-) mice. Neointima formation was assessed histologically. We used bone marrow-derived murine CB(2)(-/-) and WT macrophages to study adhesion to plastic, fibronectin, or collagen, and migration was assayed by modified Boyden chamber. Aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated to determine in vitro proliferation rates. We found increased vascular CB(2) expression in ApoE(-/-) mice in response to balloon injury. Seven to twenty-one days after dilatation, injured vessels of JWH133-treated mice had less intimal nuclei numbers as well as intimal and medial areas, associated with less staining for proliferating cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Complete endothelial repair was observed after 14 days in both JWH133- and vehicle-treated mice. CB(2) deficiency resulted in increased intima formation compared with WT, whereas JWH133 did not affect intimal formation in CB(2)(-/-) mice. Apoptosis rates assessed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-mediated nick-end labeling staining 1 h postballooning were significantly higher in the CB(2) knockouts. In vitro, bone marrow-derived CB(2)(-/-) macrophages showed enhanced adherence and migration compared with WT cells and elevated mRNA levels of adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors CCR1 and 5, and chemokine CCL2. Proliferation rates were significantly increased in CB(2)(-/-) smooth muscle cells compared with WT. In conclusion, pharmacological activation or genetic deletion of CB(2) receptors modulate neointima formation via protective effects in macrophages and smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Lou ZY, Chen C, He Q, Zhao CB, Xiao BG. Targeting CB(2) receptor as a neuroinflammatory modulator in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mol Immunol 2011; 49:453-61. [PMID: 22024414 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During immune mediated demyelinating lesions, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration through different mechanisms. Here, we explored the cellular distribution of cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB(2)R) in the central nervous system (CNS) and detected the level of CB(2)R expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunostaining. Our results show that CB(2)R was expressed in neurons, microglia and astrocytes. During EAE, the expression of CB(2)R in spinal cord rose slowly at days 9 and 17 post immunization (p.i.), and elevated rapidly at day 28 p.i., while the expression of CB(2)R in spleen elevated rapidly and got a plateau at days 17 and 28 p.i. Only the increase of CB(2)R expression in spinal cord demonstrated a significant difference when compared to control mice immunized with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The selective CB(2)R antagonist (SR144528) exacerbated EAE clinical severity accompanied by weight loss. SR144528 inhibited the expression of CB(2)R, but increased the expression of CB(1)R in brain, spinal cord and spleen. The administration of SR144528 declined interferon-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, but increased CX3CL1 in brain and/or spinal cord. In contrast, IL-17 and MCP-1 were increased, while CX3CL1 was decreased in splenic mononuclear cells as compared to vehicle controls. These results indicate that manipulation of CB(2)R may have therapeutic value in MS, but its complexity remains to be considered and studied for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yin Lou
- Institute of Neurology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Kapeller DC, Bräse S. Versatile solid-phase synthesis of chromenes resembling classical cannabinoids. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2011; 13:554-61. [PMID: 21815661 DOI: 10.1021/co200107s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel solid-phase approach toward classical cannabinoids is described. The desired tricyclic natural product analogues are assembled in only four atom economic steps: domino oxa-Michael-aldol condensation, Wittig reaction/enol-ether formation, Diels-Alder cycloaddition and cleavage. The synthesis is designed to allow combinatorial chemistry at several stages of the sequence. The variation of commercially available reagents at three of the reactions (enals/enones, Wittig salts, and dienophiles) allows the introduction of various diversity points. As proof of concept, a small library of 20 members has been synthesized with overall yields ranging from 10% to 60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar C. Kapeller
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus North, ComPlat, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus North, ComPlat, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus South, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Buccellato E, Carretta D, Utan A, Cavina C, Speroni E, Grassi G, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Acute and chronic cannabinoid extracts administration affects motor function in a CREAE model of multiple sclerosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 133:1033-1038. [PMID: 21094240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The multiple sclerosis is an immuno-mediated disorder of the Central Nervous System characterized by inflammatory processes and neurodegenerative changes. It has been shown that the endocannabinoid system is altered in this disease and that the exogenous cannabinoids may play a possible role in its therapeutic management. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of crude extracts of Cannabis sativa on motor symptoms in the chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CREAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS CREAE-induced mice were injected by different crude ethanolic extracts from Cannabis sativa, containing Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, or cannabinoid-free, respectively. The effect of the combined treatment with Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracts has also been investigated. All extracts were administered in acute and chronic experimental protocols. RESULTS The chronic administration of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-rich extract resulted in a significant reduction of neurological deficits that lasted until the end of the observations. The acute and chronic treatments with the cannabidiol-rich extract resulted unable to induce changes of neurological signs. However, during the relapse phase a significant decrease of neurological scores was observed. The combined treatment with Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracts was ineffective, whereas the acute administration of the cannabinoid-free extract showed a significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a patchy effect of different cannabinoid extracts on CREAE-induced motor deficits. Although the effect of crude extracts of Cannabis sativa here reported need to be further investigated to define the exact therapeutic target of each cannabinoid, it may represent a possible therapeutic approach for the management of the multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Buccellato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna 40126, Italy
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Pasquini S, Ligresti A, Mugnaini C, Semeraro T, Cicione L, De Rosa M, Guida F, Luongo L, De Chiaro M, Cascio MG, Bolognini D, Marini P, Pertwee R, Maione S, Marzo VD, Corelli F. Investigations on the 4-Quinolone-3-carboxylic Acid Motif. 3. Synthesis, Structure−Affinity Relationships, and Pharmacological Characterization of 6-Substituted 4-Quinolone-3-carboxamides as Highly Selective Cannabinoid-2 Receptor Ligands. J Med Chem 2010; 53:5915-28. [DOI: 10.1021/jm100123x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pasquini
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via dei Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Teresa Semeraro
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cicione
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria De Rosa
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine—Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli”, Second University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine—Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli”, Second University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria De Chiaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine—Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli”, Second University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cascio
- Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, U.K
| | - Daniele Bolognini
- DBSF, Pharmacology Section and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (Va), Italy
- Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, U.K
| | - Pietro Marini
- Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, U.K
| | - Roger Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, U.K
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine—Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli”, Second University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via dei Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Jamontt JM, Molleman A, Pertwee RG, Parsons ME. The effects of Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alone and in combination on damage, inflammation and in vitro motility disturbances in rat colitis. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:712-23. [PMID: 20590574 PMCID: PMC2931570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Revised: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabis is taken as self-medication by patients with inflammatory bowel disease for symptomatic relief. Cannabinoid receptor agonists decrease inflammation in animal models of colitis, but their effects on the disturbed motility is not known. (-)-Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to interact with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in behavioural studies, but it remains to be established if these cannabinoids interact in vivo in inflammatory disorders. Therefore the effects of CBD and THC alone and in combination were investigated in a model of colitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) model of acute colitis in rats was used to assess damage, inflammation (myeloperoxidase activity) and in vitro colonic motility. Sulphasalazine was used as an active control drug. KEY RESULTS Sulphasalazine, THC and CBD proved beneficial in this model of colitis with the dose-response relationship for the phytocannabinoids showing a bell-shaped pattern on the majority of parameters (optimal THC and CBD dose, 10 mg.kg(-1)). THC was the most effective drug. The effects of these phytocannabinoids were additive, and CBD increased some effects of an ineffective THC dose to the level of an effective one. THC alone and in combination with CBD protected cholinergic nerves whereas sulphasalazine did not. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In this model of colitis, THC and CBD not only reduced inflammation but also lowered the occurrence of functional disturbances. Moreover the combination of CBD and THC could be beneficial therapeutically, via additive or potentiating effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Jamontt
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Cascio MG, Bolognini D, Pertwee RG, Palazzo E, Corelli F, Pasquini S, Di Marzo V, Maione S. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of two novel selective cannabinoid CB(2) receptor inverse agonists. Pharmacol Res 2009; 61:349-54. [PMID: 19961936 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have previously developed quinolone-3-carboxamides with the aim of obtaining new ligands for both cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Our preliminary screening led to the identification of cannabinoid receptor ligands characterized by high affinity and, in some cases, also selectivity for CB(2) receptors. Specifically, three compounds, 1, 2 and 3 showed high affinity for CB2 as well as high selectivity over CB1 receptors. In addition, the activity shown by 1 against the formalin-induced nocifensive response in mice, reported in our previous paper, suggests that quinolone-3-carboxamides possess anti-nociceptive properties. In the present work, we have performed functional in vitro bioassays with the aim of investigating the functional activity in the [35S]GTPgammaS binding assay of the other two compounds that, like 1, behave as CB2 selective ligands, and their potential analgesic actions in vivo. We found that both 2 and 3 behave in vitro as CB2 inverse agonists and are able to decrease nociceptive behaviour in the late phase of the formalin test only at the highest dose tested, although, at lower doses, they prevent the anti-nociceptive effects of a selective CB2 partial agonist in the formalin test. These results identify in 2 and 3 two novel, potent and selective CB2 antagonists/inverse agonists and confirm previous reports in the literature that, in addition to agonists at cannabinoid CB2 receptors, also inverse agonists/antagonists at these receptors show promise as anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cascio
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Liu Q, Bhat M, Bowen WD, Cheng J. Signaling pathways from cannabinoid receptor-1 activation to inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid mediated calcium influx and neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 331:1062-70. [PMID: 19752241 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.156216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the activation of cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) receptors by cannabinoids is known to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability and reduce excitotoxic cell death, the mechanistic links between these two actions remain elusive. We tested the hypothesis that activation of CB1 receptors inhibits N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-mediated calcium influx and cell death via the inositol triphosphate (IP(3)) signaling pathway in both primary dorsal root ganglia neurons and a cultured neuronal cell line (F-11 cells). These cells were pretreated with the cannabinoid agonist (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de)-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-napthalenylmethanone (R-(+)-WIN 55,212-2; WIN) before exposure to NMDA. Concentrations of cytosolic calcium were measured with the ratiometric calcium indicator, Fura-2, and cell death was determined by a cell viability test. WIN dose-dependently attenuated both the calcium influx and cell death induced by NMDA. These effects were blocked by selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR141716A) or N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251), but not CB2 receptor antagonist N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3,-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methyl-benzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528). It is interesting to note that a transient Ca(2+) signal was observed after the acute application of WIN. This Ca(2+) increase was blocked by a CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, IP(3) receptor antagonist 2- aminoethyl diphenylborinate, or by depleting intracellular Ca(2+) stores with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+), on the other hand, had no effect on the CB1 receptor-induced Ca(2+) increase. These data suggest that WIN triggers a cascade of events: it activates the CB1 receptor and the IP(3) signaling pathway, stimulates the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, raises the cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, and inhibits the NMDA-mediated Ca(2+) influx and cell death through a process that remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Departments of Pain Management, Anesthesiology Institute and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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Pertwee RG. Emerging strategies for exploiting cannabinoid receptor agonists as medicines. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 156:397-411. [PMID: 19226257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2008.00048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicines that activate cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptor are already in the clinic. These are Cesamet (nabilone), Marinol (dronabinol; Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol) and Sativex (Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol with cannabidiol). The first two of these medicines can be prescribed to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Marinol can also be prescribed to stimulate appetite, while Sativex is prescribed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in adults with multiple sclerosis and as an adjunctive analgesic treatment for adult patients with advanced cancer. One challenge now is to identify additional therapeutic targets for cannabinoid receptor agonists, and a number of potential clinical applications for such agonists are mentioned in this review. A second challenge is to develop strategies that will improve the efficacy and/or the benefit-to-risk ratio of a cannabinoid receptor agonist. This review focuses on five strategies that have the potential to meet either or both of these objectives. These are strategies that involve: (i) targeting cannabinoid receptors located outside the blood-brain barrier; (ii) targeting cannabinoid receptors expressed by a particular tissue; (iii) targeting up-regulated cannabinoid receptors; (iv) targeting cannabinoid CB(2) receptors; or (v) 'multi-targeting'. Preclinical data that justify additional research directed at evaluating the clinical importance of each of these strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK.
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Hanus LO. Pharmacological and therapeutic secrets of plant and brain (endo)cannabinoids. Med Res Rev 2009; 29:213-71. [PMID: 18777572 DOI: 10.1002/med.20135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Research on the chemistry and pharmacology of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids has reached enormous proportions, with approximately 15,000 articles on Cannabis sativa L. and cannabinoids and over 2,000 articles on endocannabinoids. The present review deals with the history of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, its uses, constituent compounds and their biogeneses, and similarity to compounds from Radula spp. In addition, details of the pharmacology of natural cannabinoids, as well as synthetic agonists and antagonists are presented. Finally, details regarding the pioneering isolation of the endocannabinoid anandamide, as well as the pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses of endocannabinoid congeners are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumír Ondrej Hanus
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Mato S, Alberdi E, Ledent C, Watanabe M, Matute C. CB1cannabinoid receptor-dependent and -independent inhibition of depolarization-induced calcium influx in oligodendrocytes. Glia 2009; 57:295-306. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.20757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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