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Akcay E, Karatas H. P2X7 receptors from the perspective of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in depression: Potential role of cannabidiol. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 41:100853. [PMID: 39296605 PMCID: PMC11407962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many patients with depressive disorder do not respond to conventional antidepressant treatment. There is an ongoing interest in investigating potential mechanisms of treatment resistance in depression to provide alternative treatment options involving inflammatory mechanisms. Increasing evidence implicates the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome as a critical factor in neuroinflammation. ATP-induced P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation is a major trigger for inflammation, activating the canonical NLRP3 inflammatory cascade. Psychosocial stress, the primary environmental risk factor for depression, is associated with changes in ATP-mediated P2X7R signaling. Depression and stress response can be alleviated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has an anti-inflammatory activity related to the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, CBD's effects on the inflammasome pathway are poorly understood in central nervous system (CNS) cells, including microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. This review will emphasize some findings for neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway involvement in depression, particularly addressing the ATP-induced P2X7R activation. Moreover, we will underline evidence for the effect of CBD on depression and address its potential impacts on neuroinflammation through the NLRP3 inflammasome cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Akcay
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulya Karatas
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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Yndart Arias A, Vadell K, Vashist A, Kolishetti N, Lakshmana MK, Nair M, Liuzzi JP. Cannabidiol, a plant-derived compound, is an emerging strategy for treating cognitive impairments: comprehensive review of randomized trials. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1403147. [PMID: 39323633 PMCID: PMC11422111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Finding new strategies to treat cognitive disorders is a challenging task. Medication must defeat the blood-brain barrier. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound of the cannabis plant, has gained recognition as a nutraceutical for its potential effectiveness in treating anxiety, oxidative stress, convulsions, and inflammation. However, the dose, tolerable upper intake, formulation, administration routes, comorbidities, diet, and demographic factors to reverse cognitive impairments have not been completely explored. Trials using CBD as a primary intervention have been conducted to alleviate cognitive issues. This review evaluates the benefits of CBD supplementation, research design, formulations, and outcomes reported in randomized clinical trials. Methods An evidence-based systematic literature review was conducted using PUBMED and the Florida International University Research Library resources. Fourteen randomized trials were selected for review, and their designs and outcomes were compared conceptually and in the form of resume tables. Results CBD showed improvement in anxiety and cognitive impairments in 9 out of 16 analyzed trials. However, the variability could be justified due to the diversity of the trial designs, underpowered studies, assayed population, uncontrolled results for comorbidities, medications, severity of drug dependence, compliances, and adherences. Overall, oral single doses of 200 mg-1,500 mg or vaporized 13.75 mg of CBD were shown to be effective at treating anxiety and cognition with a good safety profile and no drug addiction behaviors. Conversely, results that did not have a significant effect on treating cognitive impairments can be explained by various factors such as THC or other abuse drugs masking effect, low dose, and unknown purity of CBD. Furthermore, CBD shows potential properties that can be tested in the future for Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion As medical cannabis becomes more accessible, it is essential to understand whether medication rich in CBD exerts a beneficial effect on cognitive disorders. Our study concludes that CBD is a promising candidate for treating neurocognitive disorders; however, more studies are required to define CBD as a therapeutic candidate for managing cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Yndart Arias
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kamila Vadell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arti Vashist
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nagesh Kolishetti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Madepalli K. Lakshmana
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Madhavan Nair
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Juan P. Liuzzi
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Brakatselos C, Polissidis A, Ntoulas G, Asprogerakas MZ, Tsarna O, Vamvaka-Iakovou A, Nakas G, Delis A, Tzimas P, Skaltsounis L, Silva J, Delis F, Oliveira JF, Sotiropoulos I, Antoniou K. Multi-level therapeutic actions of cannabidiol in ketamine-induced schizophrenia psychopathology in male rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01977-1. [PMID: 39242923 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Repeated administration of ketamine (KET) has been used to model schizophrenia-like symptomatology in rodents, but the psychotomimetic neurobiological and neuroanatomical underpinnings remain elusive. In parallel, the unmet need for a better treatment of schizophrenia requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-addictive phytocannabinoid has been linked to antipsychotic effects with unclear mechanistic basis. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the neurobiological substrate of repeated KET administration model and to evaluate CBD's antipsychotic potential and neurobiological basis. CBD-treated male rats with and without prior repeated KET administration underwent behavioral analyses, followed by multilevel analysis of different brain areas including dopaminergic and glutamatergic activity, synaptic signaling, as well as electrophysiological recordings for the assessment of corticohippocampal and corticostriatal network activity. Repeated KET model is characterized by schizophrenia-like symptomatology and alterations in glutamatergic and dopaminergic activity mainly in the PFC and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), through a bi-directional pattern. These observations are accompanied by glutamatergic/GABAergic deviations paralleled to impaired function of parvalbumin- and cholecystokinin-positive interneurons, indicative of excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance. Moreover, CBD counteracted the schizophrenia-like behavioral phenotype as well as reverted prefrontal abnormalities and ventral hippocampal E/I deficits, while partially modulated dorsostriatal dysregulations. This study adds novel insights to our understanding of the KET-induced schizophrenia-related brain pathology, as well as the CBD antipsychotic action through a region-specific set of modulations in the corticohippocampal and costicostrtiatal circuitry of KET-induced profile contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies focused on the ECS and E/I imbalance restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Department of Science and Mathematics, ACG-Research Center, Deree - American College of Greece, 15342, Athens, Greece
| | - George Ntoulas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michail-Zois Asprogerakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Olga Tsarna
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasia Vamvaka-Iakovou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gerasimos Nakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasios Delis
- Center of Basic Research, Biological Imaging Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Tzimas
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Joana Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Joao Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Campus of IPCA, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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Jha SK, Nelson VK, Suryadevara PR, Panda SP, Pullaiah CP, Nuli MV, Kamal M, Imran M, Ausali S, Abomughaid MM, Srivastava R, Deka R, Pritam P, Gupta N, Shyam H, Singh IK, Pandey BW, Dewanjee S, Jha NK, Jafari SM. Cannabidiol and neurodegeneration: From molecular mechanisms to clinical benefits. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102386. [PMID: 38969143 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are severe and life-threatening conditions in which significant damage of functional neurons occurs to produce psycho-motor malfunctions. NDs are an important cause of death in the elderly population worldwide. These disorders are commonly associated with the progression of age, oxidative stress, and environmental pollutants, which are the major etiological factors. Abnormal aggregation of specific proteins such as α-synuclein, amyloid-β, huntingtin, and tau, and accumulation of the associated oligomers in neurons are the hallmark pathological features of NDs. Existing therapeutic options for NDs are only symptomatic relief and do not address root-causing factors, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotic natural cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis sativa that possesses multiple pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in various NDs and other neurological disorders both in vitro and in vivo. CBD has gained attention as a promising drug candidate for the management of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, by inhibiting protein aggregation, free radicals, and neuroinflammation. In parallel, CBD has shown positive results in other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as adjuvant treatment with existing standard therapeutic agents. Hence, the present review focuses on exploring the possible molecular mechanisms in controlling various neurological disorders as well as the clinical applications of CBD in NDs including epilepsy, depression and anxiety. In this way, the current review will serve as a standalone reference for the researchers working in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Vinod Kumar Nelson
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute Of Medical And Technical Sciences, India
| | | | - Siva Prasad Panda
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281406, India
| | - Chitikela P Pullaiah
- Department of Chemistry, Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohana Vamsi Nuli
- Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, India
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saijyothi Ausali
- College of Pharmacy, MNR Higher Education and Research Academy Campus, MNR Nagar, Sangareddy 502294, India
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashi Srivastava
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,Patna, 800013 India
| | - Rahul Deka
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pingal Pritam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Gupta
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Harishankar Shyam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab., Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College & Delhi School of Public Health, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | | | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran; Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
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5
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Banerjee S, Saha D, Sharma R, Jaidee W, Puttarak P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chaoroensup R. Phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation: From omics to epigenetics. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118201. [PMID: 38677573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent developments in metabolomics, transcriptomic and epigenetics open up new horizons regarding the pharmacological understanding of phytocannabinoids as neuromodulators in treating anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and autism. METHODS The present review is an extensive search in public databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed, to collect all the literature about the neurobiological roles of cannabis extract, cannabidiol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol specially focused on metabolomics, transcriptomic, epigenetic, mechanism of action, in different cell lines, induced animal models and clinical trials. We used bioinformatics, network pharmacology and enrichment analysis to understand the effect of phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation. RESULTS Cannabidomics studies show wide variability of metabolites across different strains and varieties, which determine their medicinal and abusive usage, which is very important for its quality control and regulation. CB receptors interact with other compounds besides cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, like cannabinol and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Phytocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors (GPCR, ion channels, and PPAR) to improve various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its abuse because of THC is also a problem found across different epigenetic and transcriptomic studies. Network enrichment analysis shows CNR1 expression in the brain and its interacting genes involve different pathways such as Rap1 signalling, dopaminergic synapse, and relaxin signalling. CBD protects against diseases like epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's by modifying DNA and mitochondrial DNA in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology analysis of 8 phytocannabinoids revealed an interaction with 10 (out of 60) targets related to neurodegenerative diseases, with enrichment of ErbB and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways which helps in ameliorating neuro-inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of phytocannabinoids vary across sex, disease state, and age which suggests the importance of a personalized medicine approach for better success. CONCLUSIONS Phytocannabinoids present a range of promising neuromodulatory effects. It holds promise if utilized in a strategic way towards personalized neuropsychiatric treatment. However, just like any drug irrational usage may lead to unforeseen negative effects. Exploring neuro-epigenetics and systems pharmacology of major and minor phytocannabinoid combinations can lead to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Banerjee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Debolina Saha
- School of Bioscience and Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wuttichai Jaidee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Panupong Puttarak
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | | | - Rawiwan Chaoroensup
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand; School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand.
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6
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Guldager MB, Biojone C, da Silva NR, Godoy LD, Joca S. New insights into the involvement of serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in cannabidiol's antidepressant effect. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111029. [PMID: 38762160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychostimulant properties and is currently under investigation as a potential antidepressant drug. However, the mechanisms underlying CBD's antidepressant effects are not yet well understood. CBD targets include a variety of receptors, enzymes, and transporters, with different binding-affinities. Neurochemical and pharmacological evidence indicates that both serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in the prefrontal cortex are necessary for the antidepressant effects induced by CBD in animal models. Herein, we reviewed the current literature to dissect if these are independent mechanisms or if CBD-induced modulation of the serotonergic neurotransmission could mediate its neuroplastic effects through subsequent regulation of BDNF-TrkB signalling, thus culminating in rapid neuroplastic changes. It is hypothesized that: a) CBD interaction with serotonin receptors on neurons of the dorsal raphe nuclei and the resulting disinhibition of serotonergic neurons would promote rapid serotonin release in the PFC and hence its neuroplastic and antidepressant effects; b) CBD facilitates BDNF-TRKB signalling, especially in the PFC, which rapidly triggers neurochemical and neuroplastic effects. These hypotheses are discussed with perspectives for new drug development and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Bock Guldager
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Livea Dornela Godoy
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Fatahi N, Jafari-Sabet M, Vahabzadeh G, Komaki A. Role of hippocampal and prefrontal cortical cholinergic transmission in combination therapy valproate and cannabidiol in memory consolidation in rats: involvement of CREB- BDNF signaling pathways. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5029-5047. [PMID: 38189934 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive disorders are associated with valproate and drugs used to treat neuropsychological diseases. Cannabidiol (CBD) has beneficial effects on cognitive function. This study examined the effects of co-administration of CBD and valproate on memory consolidation, cholinergic transmission, and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC). METHODS One-trial, step-through inhibitory test was used to evaluate memory consolidation in rats. The intra-CA1 injection of physostigmine and atropine was performed to assess the role of cholinergic transmission in this co-administration. Phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB)/CREB ratio and BDNF levels in the PFC and HPC were evaluated. RESULTS Post-training intraperitoneal (i.p.) valproate injection reduced memory consolidation; however, post-training co-administration of CBD with valproate ameliorated memory impairment induced by valproate. Post-training intra-CA1 injection of physostigmine at the ineffective doses in memory consolidation (0.5 and 1 µg/rat), plus injection of 10 mg/kg of CBD as an ineffective dose, improved memory loss induced by valproate, which was associated with BDNF and p-CREB level enhancement in the PFC and HPC. Conversely, post-training intra-CA1 injection of ineffective doses of atropine (1 and 2 µg/rat) reduced the positive effects of injection of CBD at a dose of 20 mg/kg on valproate-induced memory loss associated with BDNF and p-CREB level reduction in the PFC and HPC. CONCLUSION The results indicated a beneficial interplay between valproate and CBD in the process of memory consolidation, which probably creates this interaction through the BDNF-CREB signaling pathways in the cholinergic transmission of the PFC and HPC regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Fatahi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gelareh Vahabzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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8
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Pedrazzi JFC, Hassib L, Ferreira FR, Hallak JC, Del-Bel E, Crippa JA. Therapeutic potential of CBD in Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:149-203. [PMID: 39029984 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Despite extensive research, effective pharmacological interventions for ASD remain limited. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic compound of the Cannabis sativa plant, has potential therapeutic effects on several neurological and psychiatric disorders. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, maintaining homeostasis, participating in social and behavioral processing, and neuronal development and maturation with great relevance to ASD. Furthermore, preliminary findings from clinical trials indicate that CBD may have a modulatory effect on specific ASD symptoms and comorbidities in humans. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that CBD may influence the gut microbiota, with implications for the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system. CBD is a safe drug with low induction of side effects. As it has a multi-target pharmacological profile, it becomes a candidate compound for treating the central symptoms and comorbidities of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Hassib
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jaime C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del-Bel
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Cannabinoid Research, Mental Health Building, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Chowdhury KU, Holden ME, Wiley MT, Suppiramaniam V, Reed MN. Effects of Cannabis on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission: The Interplay between Cannabinoids and Glutamate. Cells 2024; 13:1130. [PMID: 38994982 PMCID: PMC11240741 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in recent years, and its use can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions, including memory. Here, we review the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis and its derivatives on glutamatergic neurotransmission, with a focus on both the presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Several factors can influence cannabinoid-mediated changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use. Acute exposure to cannabis typically inhibits glutamate release, whereas chronic use tends to increase glutamate release. Conversely, the postsynaptic alterations are more complicated than the presynaptic effects, as cannabis can affect the glutamate receptor expression and the downstream signaling of glutamate. All these effects ultimately influence cognitive functions, particularly memory. This review will cover the current research on glutamate-cannabis interactions, as well as the future directions of research needed to understand cannabis-related health effects and neurological and psychological aspects of cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawsar U. Chowdhury
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (K.U.C.); (M.T.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | | | - Miles T. Wiley
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (K.U.C.); (M.T.W.)
| | - Vishnu Suppiramaniam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (K.U.C.); (M.T.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Miranda N. Reed
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (K.U.C.); (M.T.W.)
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Pipitone RN, Banai B, Walters J, Dautrich T, Schuller K, Rosenthal M. Using Smartphone Technology to Track Real-Time Changes in Anxiety/Depression Symptomatology Among Florida Cannabis Users. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2024; 7:123-134. [PMID: 38975597 PMCID: PMC11225978 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2024/000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Objective Recent scientific attention has focused on the therapeutic effectiveness of cannabis use on a variety of physical and mental ailments. The present study uses smartphone technology to assess self-reported experiences of Florida cannabis users to understand how cannabis may impact anxiety and depression symptomatology. Method Several hundred Releaf App™ users from the state of Florida provided anonymous, real-time reports of their symptoms of anxiety and/or depression immediately before and after cannabis use sessions. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to analyze the data at the symptom and user level. Results Results showed that for the majority of users, cannabis use was associated with a significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptomatology. While symptom type, doses per session, consumption method, and CBD levels were significant predictors of relief change, their effect sizes were small and should be interpreted with caution. At the user level, those who had positive relief outcomes in anxiety reported more doses and sessions, and those in the depression group reported more sessions. Conclusions Our results generally support the therapeutic effectiveness of cannabis against depression/anxiety symptomatology. Future work should include standardized statistics and effect size estimates for a better understanding of each variable's practical contribution to this area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Banai
- Banai Analitika, Josipa Jurja Strossmayera 341, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jessica Walters
- CannaMD, 7932 West Sand Lake Road, Suite 205, Orlando, FL 32819
| | - Tyler Dautrich
- MoreBetter (Releaf App), PO Box 382, Hyattsville, MD 20781-0382
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11
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Guldager MB, Chaves Filho AM, Biojone C, Joca S. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in depression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:251-293. [PMID: 39029987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread and debilitating condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. Traditional treatment for MDD has primarily involved drugs that increase brain monoamines by inhibiting their uptake or metabolism, which is the basis for the monoaminergic hypothesis of depression. However, these treatments are only partially effective, with many patients experiencing delayed responses, residual symptoms, or complete non-response, rendering the current view of the hypothesis as reductionist. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promising results in preclinical models and human studies. Its mechanism is not well-understood, but may involve monoamine and endocannabinoid signaling, control of neuroinflammation and enhanced neuroplasticity. This chapter will explore CBD's effects in preclinical and clinical studies, its molecular mechanisms, and its potential as a treatment for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Bock Guldager
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Caroline Biojone
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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12
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Raïch I, Lillo J, Rivas-Santisteban R, Rebassa JB, Capó T, Santandreu M, Cubeles-Juberias E, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Potential of CBD Acting on Cannabinoid Receptors CB 1 and CB 2 in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6708. [PMID: 38928415 PMCID: PMC11204117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death. It not only affects adult people but also many children. It is estimated that, every year, 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide. Among them, 5 million people die, while 5 million people are left permanently disabled. In this sense, the research to find new treatments should be accompanied with new therapies to combat neuronal death and to avoid developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Phytocannabinoids are among the compounds that have been used by mankind for the longest period of history. Their beneficial effects such as pain regulation or neuroprotection are widely known and make them possible therapeutic agents with high potential. These compounds bind cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Unfortunately, the psychoactive side effect has displaced them in the vast majority of areas. Thus, progress in the research and development of new compounds that show efficiency as neuroprotectors without this psychoactive effect is essential. On the one hand, these compounds could selectively bind the CB2 receptor that does not show psychoactive effects and, in glia, has opened new avenues in this field of research, shedding new light on the use of cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. On the other hand, a new possibility lies in the formation of heteromers containing cannabinoid receptors. Heteromers are new functional units that show new properties compared to the individual protomers. Thus, they represent a new possibility that may offer the beneficial effects of cannabinoids devoid of the unwanted psychoactive effect. Nowadays, the approval of a mixture of CBD (cannabidiol) and Δ9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to treat the neuropathic pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis or purified cannabidiol to combat pediatric epilepsy have opened new therapeutic possibilities in the field of cannabinoids and returned these compounds to the front line of research to treat pathologies as relevant as stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iu Raïch
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Santandreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
| | - Erik Cubeles-Juberias
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Richardson B, Clarke C, Blundell J, Bambico FR. Therapeutic-like activity of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester in the MK-801 mouse model of schizophrenia: Role for cannabinoid CB1 and serotonin-1A receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2403-2415. [PMID: 38385841 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with an increasing prevalence and incidence over the last two decades. The condition presents with a diverse array of positive, negative, and cognitive impairments. Conventional treatments often yield unsatisfactory outcomes, especially with negative symptoms. We investigated the role of prefrontocortical (PFC) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the pathophysiology and development of schizophrenia. We explored the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) methyl ester (HU-580), an analogue of CBDA known to act as an agonist of the serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and an antagonist of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered the NMDAR antagonist, dizocilpine (MK-801, .3 mg/kg) once daily for 17 days. After 7 days, they were concurrently given HU-580 (.01 or .05 μg/kg) for 10 days. Behavioural deficits were assessed at two time points. We conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the concentration of PFC 5-HT1AR and CB1R. We found that MK-801 effectively induced schizophrenia-related behaviours including hyperactivity, social withdrawal, increased forced swim immobility, and cognitive deficits. We discovered that low-dose HU-580 (.01 μg/kg), but not the high dose (.05 μg/kg), attenuated hyperactivity, forced swim immobility and cognitive deficits, particularly in female mice. Our results revealed that MK-801 downregulated both CB1R and 5-HT1AR, an effect that was blocked by both low- and high-dose HU-580. This study sheds light on the potential antipsychotic properties of HU-580, particularly in the context of NMDAR-induced dysfunction. Our findings could contribute significantly to our understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology and offer a promising avenue for exploring the therapeutic potential of HU-580 and related compounds in alleviating symptoms.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Schizophrenia/drug therapy
- Schizophrenia/chemically induced
- Schizophrenia/metabolism
- Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacology
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Female
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Disease Models, Animal
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Richardson
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Courtney Clarke
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Francis R Bambico
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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14
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Domingos LB, Müller HK, da Silva NR, Filiou MD, Nielsen AL, Guimarães FS, Wegener G, Joca S. Repeated cannabidiol treatment affects neuroplasticity and endocannabinoid signaling in the prefrontal cortex of the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of depression. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109870. [PMID: 38401791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Delayed therapeutic responses and limited efficacy are the main challenges of existing antidepressant drugs, thereby incentivizing the search for new potential treatments. Cannabidiol (CBD), non-psychotomimetic component of cannabis, has shown promising antidepressant effects in different rodent models, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of repeated CBD treatment on behavior, neuroplasticity markers and lipidomic profile in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), a genetic animal model of depression, and their control counterparts Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats. Male FSL animals were treated with CBD (10 mg/kg; i.p.) or vehicle (7 days) followed by Open Field Test (OFT) and the Forced Swimming Test (FST). The PFC was analyzed by a) western blotting to assess markers of synaptic plasticity and cannabinoid signaling in synaptosome and cytosolic fractions; b) mass spectrometry-based lipidomics to investigate endocannabinoid levels (eCB). CBD attenuated the increased immobility observed in FSL, compared to FRL in FST, without changing the locomotor behavior in the OFT. In synaptosomes, CBD increased ERK1, mGluR5, and Synaptophysin, but failed to reverse the reduced CB1 and CB2 levels in FSL rats. In the cytosolic fraction, CBD increased ERK2 and decreased mGluR5 expression in FSL rats. Surprisingly, there were no significant changes in eCB levels in response to CBD treatment. These findings suggest that CBD effects in FSL animals are associated with changes in synaptic plasticity markers involving mGluR5, ERK1, ERK2, and synaptophysin signaling in the PFC, without increasing the levels of endocannabinoids in this brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Kaastrup Müller
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Greece; Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Pinto JV, Crippa JAS, Ceresér KM, Vianna-Sulzbach MF, Silveira Júnior ÉDM, Santana da Rosa G, Testa da Silva MG, Hizo GH, Simão Medeiros L, Santana de Oliveira CE, Bristot G, Campos AC, Guimarães FS, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Yatham LN, Kapczinski F, Kauer-Sant’Anna M. Cannabidiol as an Adjunctive Treatment for Acute Bipolar Depression: A Pilot Study: Le cannabidiol comme traitement d'appoint de la dépression bipolaire aiguë : une étude pilote. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2024; 69:242-251. [PMID: 37920963 PMCID: PMC10924581 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231209650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The treatment of bipolar depression remains challenging due to the limited effective and safe therapeutic options available; thus, developing newer treatments that are effective and well tolerable is an urgent unmet need. The objective of the present trial was to test 150 to 300 mg/day of cannabidiol as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression. METHOD A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the efficacy of adjunctive cannabidiol in bipolar depression was used. Efficacy parameters were changes in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from baseline to week 8. Secondary outcomes included response and remission rates, changes in anxiety and psychotic symptoms, and changes in functioning. Patients continued double-blind treatment until week 12 to monitor for adverse effects, laboratory analysis, and manic symptoms. Study registry: NCT03310593. RESULTS A total of 35 participants were included. MADRS scores significantly decreased from baseline to the endpoint (placebo, -14.56; cannabidiol, -15.38), but there was no significant difference between the groups. Similarly, there were no other significant effects on the secondary outcomes. However, an exploratory analysis showed a significant effect of cannabidiol 300 mg/day in reducing MADRS scores from week 2 to week 8 (placebo, -6.64; cannabidiol, -13.72). There were no significant differences in the development of manic symptoms or any other adverse effects. CONCLUSION Cannabidiol did not show significantly higher adverse effects than placebo. Despite the negative finding on the primary outcome, an exploratory analysis suggested that cannabidiol should be further studied in bipolar depression in higher doses of at least 300 mg/day and under research designs that could better control for high placebo response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Vinícius Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S. Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Keila Maria Ceresér
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Miréia Fortes Vianna-Sulzbach
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Érico de Moura Silveira Júnior
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Santana da Rosa
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Henrique Hizo
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Simão Medeiros
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Giovana Bristot
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alline Cristina Campos
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silveira Guimarães
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jaime E. C. Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio W. Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lakshmi N. Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Flávio Kapczinski
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT–TM), CNPq/FAPESP/CAPES, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Márcia Kauer-Sant’Anna
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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16
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Dinur E, Goldenberg H, Robinson E, Naggan L, Kozela E, Yirmiya R. A Novel Anti-Inflammatory Formulation Comprising Celecoxib and Cannabidiol Exerts Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:561-580. [PMID: 36520610 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ample research shows that anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly celecoxib, exert antidepressant effects, especially in patients with microglia activation. However, substantial cardiovascular adverse effects limit celecoxib's usefulness. Given that cannabidiol (CBD) exerts anti-inflammatory, microglia-suppressive, and antidepressant effects, we hypothesized that it may potentiate the therapeutic effects of celecoxib. Methods: The effects of celecoxib, CBD, and their combination were examined in murine models of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like behavioral responsiveness, including the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), as well as in microglia cell cultures. Results: Acute administration of a combination of celecoxib plus CBD, at doses that had no effects by themselves (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively), produced significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in the FST and EPM, in male and female mice. In the LPS model, combinations of celecoxib (10 or 20 mg/kg) plus CBD (30 mg/kg) reversed the anxiety-like behavior in the open-field test (OFT) and anhedonia in the sucrose preference test (SPT), with minimal effects of celecoxib or CBD by themselves. In the CSDS paradigm, a combination of celecoxib plus CBD (each at 30 mg/kg) reversed the deficits in the OFT, EPM, social exploration, and SPT, whereas celecoxib or CBD by themselves had partial effects. In BV2 microglia cultures stimulated with LPS or α-synuclein, CBD markedly potentiated the suppressive effects of celecoxib over TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL (interleukin)-1β secretion. Conclusions: Combinations of celecoxib plus CBD produce efficacious antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects, which may depend on their synergistic microglia-suppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Dinur
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagar Goldenberg
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Naggan
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raz Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Rodrigues RS, Moreira JB, Mateus JM, Barateiro A, Paulo SL, Vaz SH, Lourenço DM, Ribeiro FF, Soares R, Loureiro-Campos E, Bielefeld P, Sebastião AM, Fernandes A, Pinto L, Fitzsimons CP, Xapelli S. Cannabinoid type 2 receptor inhibition enhances the antidepressant and proneurogenic effects of physical exercise after chronic stress. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38555299 PMCID: PMC10981758 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02877-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) has emerged as a promising target to counteract stress-related disorders given the ability of newborn neurons to facilitate endogenous plasticity. Recent data sheds light on the interaction between cannabinoids and neurotrophic factors underlying the regulation of AHN, with important effects on cognitive plasticity and emotional flexibility. Since physical exercise (PE) is known to enhance neurotrophic factor levels, we hypothesised that PE could engage with cannabinoids to influence AHN and that this would result in beneficial effects under stressful conditions. We therefore investigated the actions of modulating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), which are devoid of psychotropic effects, in combination with PE in chronically stressed animals. We found that CB2R inhibition, but not CB2R activation, in combination with PE significantly ameliorated stress-evoked emotional changes and cognitive deficits. Importantly, this combined strategy critically shaped stress-induced changes in AHN dynamics, leading to a significant increase in the rates of cell proliferation and differentiation of newborn neurons, overall reduction in neuroinflammation, and increased hippocampal levels of BDNF. Together, these results show that CB2Rs are crucial regulators of the beneficial effects of PE in countering the effects of chronic stress. Our work emphasises the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind the actions of cannabinoids and PE and provides a framework for future therapeutic strategies to treat stress-related disorders that capitalise on lifestyle interventions complemented with endocannabinoid pharmacomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Rodrigues
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - J B Moreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J M Mateus
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A Barateiro
- Central Nervous System, blood and peripheral inflammation, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S L Paulo
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D M Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - F F Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Soares
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - E Loureiro-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - P Bielefeld
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A Fernandes
- Central Nervous System, blood and peripheral inflammation, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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18
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Omotayo OP, Lemmer Y, Mason S. A narrative review of the therapeutic and remedial prospects of cannabidiol with emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:14. [PMID: 38494488 PMCID: PMC10946130 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of diverse diseases using plant-derived products is actively encouraged. In the past few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potent cannabis-derived drug capable of managing various debilitating neurological infections, diseases, and their associated complications. CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and curative effects in neuropathological conditions, and it exhibits therapeutic, apoptotic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. However, more information on the reactions and ability of CBD to alleviate brain-related disorders and the neuroinflammation that accompanies them is needed. MAIN BODY This narrative review deliberates on the therapeutic and remedial prospects of CBD with an emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. An extensive literature search followed several scoping searches on available online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus with the main keywords: CBD, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cannabinoids. After a purposive screening of the retrieved papers, 170 (41%) of the articles (published in English) aligned with the objective of this study and retained for inclusion. CONCLUSION CBD is an antagonist against pro-inflammatory cytokines and the cytokine storm associated with neurological infections/disorders. CBD regulates adenosine/oxidative stress and aids the downregulation of TNF-α, restoration of BDNF mRNA expression, and recovery of serotonin levels. Thus, CBD is involved in immune suppression and anti-inflammation. Understanding the metabolites associated with response to CBD is imperative to understand the phenotype. We propose that metabolomics will be the next scientific frontier that will reveal novel information on CBD's therapeutic tendencies in neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo
- Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Yolandy Lemmer
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Next Generation Health, Pretoria, South Africa
- Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Shayne Mason
- Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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19
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Ledesma-Corvi S, Jornet-Plaza J, Gálvez-Melero L, García-Fuster MJ. Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107085. [PMID: 38309382 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are clinically approved for that age (i.e., fluoxetine or escitalopram) take weeks to work. In this context, one of the main research lines of our group is to characterize at the preclinical level novel approaches for rapid-acting antidepressants for adolescence. The present review summarizes the potential use in adolescence of non-pharmacological options, such as neuromodulators (electroconvulsive therapy and other innovative types of brain stimulation), as well as pharmacological options, including consciousness-altering drugs (mainly ketamine but also classical psychedelics) and cannabinoids (i.e., cannabidiol), with promising fast-acting responses. Following a brief analytical explanation of adolescent depression, we present a general introduction for each therapeutical approach together with the clinical evidence supporting its potential beneficial use in adolescence (mainly extrapolated from prior successful examples for adults), to then report recent and/or ongoing preclinical studies that will aid in improving the inclusion of these therapies in the clinic, by considering potential sex-, age-, and dose-related differences, and/or other factors that might affect efficacy or long-term safety. Finally, we conclude the review by providing future avenues to maximize treatment response, including the need for more clinical studies and the importance of designing and/or testing novel treatment options that are safe and fast-acting for adolescent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jordi Jornet-Plaza
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Melero
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
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20
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Binkowska AA, Jakubowska N, Redeł A, Laskowska S, Szlufik S, Brzezicka A. Cannabidiol usage, efficacy, and side effects: analyzing the impact of health conditions, medications, and cannabis use in a cross-sectional online pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1356009. [PMID: 38487574 PMCID: PMC10938386 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1356009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are attracting attention because of their potential therapeutic benefits and positive impacts on well-being and mental health. Although additional research is needed to understand their effectiveness in treating mental disorders, cross-sectional studies may help identify the factors influencing CBD use patterns. This study examined the impact of variables such as health status, medication use, medical supervision, gender, age, and cannabis use on CBD consumption patterns. Materials and methods A self-selected sample (n =267) of current or former CBD users was recruited via social media and participated in an online survey designed to collect data on basic demographics, health status, cannabis use, and CBD usage patterns. Results The sample (n = 267) consisted of 68.5% women with an average age of 30.21 years, of which 25.8% reported diagnosed psychiatric disorders and 49.4% reported cannabis use. The top five reasons for using CBD were self-reported stress (65.3%), sleep problems (51.7%), overall improvement in well-being (52.5%), improved mood (44.9%), and anxiety relief (40.9%). Our findings suggest that individuals with psychiatric disorders and those taking psychotropic medications are more likely to use CBD to relieve stress and anxiety. Overall, nearly 70% of the individuals found CBD products to be effective. Sublingual administration was more popular among non-cannabis users, while cannabis users preferred smoking and vaping to CBD administration. Conclusion Our results indicate that individuals using CBD for health and wellness reasons believe that it has potential health benefits. Further research using rigorous longitudinal designs is needed to delve deeper into the effectiveness of low-dose CBD and to better understand the therapeutic potential of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Jakubowska
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Redeł
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandra Laskowska
- DrugsTeam, NeuroCognitive Research Center, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Szlufik
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Brzezicka
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
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21
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Rosado‐Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap for the expression of canonical and extended endocannabinoid system receptors and metabolic enzymes in peripheral organs of preclinical animal models. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15947. [PMID: 38408761 PMCID: PMC10896677 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system have not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were no receptors with identical expression patterns among mice (three males and two females), rats (six females), and rhesus macaques (four males). Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Rosado‐Franco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. L. Ellison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - C. J. White
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. S. Price
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - C. F. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bayview CampusBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - R. E. Williams
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - L. B. Fridman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - E. M. Weerts
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - D. W. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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22
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Lin S, Chen Z, Wu Z, Fei F, Xu Z, Tong Y, Sun W, Wang P. Involvement of PI3K/AKT Pathway in the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of Crocetin in Mice with Depression-Like Phenotypes. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:477-491. [PMID: 37935859 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The current first-line antidepressants have the drawback of slow onset, which greatly affects the treatment of depression. Crocetin, one of the main active ingredients in saffron (Crocus sativus L.), has been demonstrated to have antidepressant activities, but whether it has a rapid antidepressant effect remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the onset, duration, and mechanisms of the rapid antidepressant activity of crocetin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) in male mice subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS). The results of behavioral tests showed that crocetin exerted rapid antidepressant-like effect in mice with depression-like phenotypes, including rapid normalization of depressive-like behaviors within 3 h, and the effects could be maintained for 2 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining showed that crocetin ameliorated hippocampal neuroinflammation and nerve injuries in mice with depression-like phenotypes. The levels of inflammatory factors, corticosterone and pro brain-derived neurotrophic factor in crocetin-administrated mice serum were significantly reduced compared with those in the CRS group, as well as the levels of inflammatory factors in hippocampus. What's more, Western blot analyses showed that, compared to CRS-induced mice, the relative levels of mitogen-activated kinase phosphatase 1 and toll-like receptor 4 were significantly reduced after the administration of crocetin, and the relative expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cAMP-response element binding protein, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3 kinase (p-PI3K)/PI3K, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT)/AKT, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β)/GSK3β, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mTOR were markedly upregulated. In conclusion, crocetin exerted rapid antidepressant effects via suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the apoptosis of neuronal cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. The rapid antidepressant effect of crocetin (40 mg/kg) could be maintained for at least 2 days after single treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Lin
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoruncheng Wu
- School of Biomedical engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Fei
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijin Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, 334000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingpeng Tong
- Institute of Natural Medicine and Health Product, School of Advanced Study, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyu Sun
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Aghamiri H, Jafari-Sabet M, Hoormand M. Ameliorative Effect of Cannabidiol on Topiramate-Induced Memory Loss: The Role of Hippocampal and Prefrontal Cortical NMDA Receptors and CREB/BDNF Signaling Pathways in Rats. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:363-378. [PMID: 37814133 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising neurological agent with potential beneficial effects on memory and cognitive function. The combination of CBD and topiramate in the treatment of some neurological diseases has been of great interest. Since Topiramate-induced memory loss is a major drawback of its clinical application and the overall effect of the combination of CBD and topiramate on memory is still unclear, here we investigated the effect of CBD on topiramate-induced memory loss and the underlying molecular mechanisms. A one trial step-through inhibitory test was used to evaluate memory consolidation in rats. Moreover, the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the combination of CBD and topiramate in memory consolidation was evaluated through the intra-CA1 administration of MK-801 and NMDA. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate variations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (pCREB)/CREB ratio in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC). While the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of topiramate (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced inhibitory time latency, the i.p. administration of CBD (20 and 40 mg/kg) could effectively reverse these effects. Similarly, the sub-effective doses of NMDA plus CBD (10 mg/kg) could improve the topiramate-induced memory loss along with an enhancement in BDNF and pCREB expression in the PFC and HPC. Contrarily, the administration of sub-effective doses of the NMDAR antagonist (MK-801) diminished the protective effects of CBD (20 mg/kg) on topiramate-induced memory loss associated with decreased BDNF and pCREB levels in the PFC and HPC. These findings suggest that CBD can improve topiramate-induced memory impairment, partially by the NMDARs of the PFC and HPC, possibly regulated by the CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helia Aghamiri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Hoormand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Schouten M, Dalle S, Mantini D, Koppo K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328885. [PMID: 38288087 PMCID: PMC10823027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp. Although currently available CBD products do not meet the safety standards of most food safety authorities to be approved as a dietary supplement or food additive, CBD has been gaining widespread attention in recent years due to its various potential health benefits. While primarily known for its therapeutic effects in managing epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, (neuropathic) pain, and inflammation, CBD's influence on brain function has also piqued the interest of researchers and individuals seeking to enhance cognitive performance. The primary objective of this review is to gather, synthesize, and consolidate scientifically proven evidence on the impact of CBD on brain function and its therapeutic significance in treating neurological and mental disorders. First, basic background information on CBD, including its biomolecular properties and mechanisms of action is presented. Next, evidence for CBD effects in the human brain is provided followed by a discussion on the potential implications of CBD as a neurotherapeutic agent. The potential effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain is considered but also in reducing the symptoms of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the implications of using CBD to manage psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, anxiety and fear, depression, and substance use disorders are explored. An overview of the beneficial effects of CBD on aspects of human behavior, such as sleep, motor control, cognition and memory, is then provided. As CBD products remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their use, including product quality, consistency, and safety. Therefore, this review discusses the need for responsible research and regulation of CBD to ensure its safety and efficacy as a therapeutic agent for brain disorders or to stimulate behavioral and cognitive abilities of healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek Schouten
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Dalle
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Arthur P, Kalvala AK, Surapaneni SK, Singh MS. Applications of Cannabinoids in Neuropathic Pain: An Updated Review. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2024; 41:1-33. [PMID: 37824417 PMCID: PMC11228808 DOI: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2022038592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is experienced due to injury to the nerves, underlying disease conditions or toxicity induced by chemotherapeutics. Multiple factors can contribute to neuropathic pain such as central nervous system (CNS)-related autoimmune and metabolic disorders, nerve injury, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Hence, development of pharmacological interventions to reduce the drawbacks of existing chemotherapeutics and counter neuropathic pain is an urgent unmet clinical need. Cannabinoid treatment has been reported to be beneficial for several disease conditions including neuropathic pain. Cannabinoids act by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic nerve endings, modulating the excitation of postsynaptic neurons, activating descending inhibitory pain pathways, reducing neural inflammation and oxidative stress and also correcting autophagy defects. This review provides insights on the various preclinical and clinical therapeutic applications of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) in various diseases and the ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of chronic and acute pain with cannabinoids. Pharmacological and genetic experimental strategies have well demonstrated the potential neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids and also elaborated their mechanism of action for the therapy of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Kalvala
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Surapaneni
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Mandip Sachdeva Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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Saad N, Raviv D, Mizrachi Zer-Aviv T, Akirav I. Cannabidiol Modulates Emotional Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Middle-Aged Female Rats Exposed to Social Isolation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15492. [PMID: 37895171 PMCID: PMC10607116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with changes in cognitive and emotional function. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to attenuate stress and anxiety in human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of CBD among middle-aged female rats exposed to social isolation (SI) and the potential involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in these effects. Thirteen-month-old female rats were group-housed (GH) or exposed to social isolation (SI) and treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg). CBD restored the SI-induced immobility in the forced swim test and the SI-induced decrease in the expression of BDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). CBD also increased the time that rats spent in the center in an open field, improved spatial training, and increased BDNF expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). BDNF expression was found to be correlated with an antidepressant (in the NAc) and an anxiolytic (in the mPFC, BLA, NAc) phenotype, and with learning improvement in the PFC. Together, our results suggest that CBD may serve as a beneficial agent for wellbeing in old age and may help with age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Saad
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Danielle Raviv
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Tomer Mizrachi Zer-Aviv
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Trojan V, Landa L, Šulcová A, Slíva J, Hřib R. The Main Therapeutic Applications of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Potential Effects on Aging with Respect to Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1446. [PMID: 37892128 PMCID: PMC10604144 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabinoids (substances contained specifically in hemp plants) for therapeutic purposes has received increased attention in recent years. Presently, attention is paid to two main cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). With respect to the psychotropic effects and dependence potential of THC (though it is very mild), its use is associated with certain restrictions, and thus the therapeutic properties of CBD are frequently emphasized because there are no limitations associated with the risk of dependence. Therefore, this review covers the main pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features of CBD (including characteristics of endocannabinoidome) with respect to its possible beneficial effects on selected diseases in clinical practice. A substantial part of the text deals with the main effects of CBD on aging, including Alzheimer's disease and related underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Trojan
- International Clinical Research Centre, Cannabis Facility, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leoš Landa
- International Clinical Research Centre, Cannabis Facility, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Šulcová
- International Clinical Research Centre, Cannabis Facility, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Slíva
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Hřib
- International Clinical Research Centre, Cannabis Facility, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Centre for Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, D'Amico C, Feo S, Pizzolanti G, Kuchar M, Cannizzaro C. Social stress under binge-like alcohol withdrawal in adolescence: evidence of cannabidiol effect on maladaptive plasticity in rats. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5538-5550. [PMID: 36065905 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol binge drinking may compromise the functioning of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), i.e. the neural hub for processing reward and aversive responses. METHODS As socially stressful events pose particular challenges at developmental stages, this research applied the resident-intruder paradigm as a model of social stress, to highlight behavioural neuroendocrine and molecular maladaptive plasticity in rats at withdrawal from binge-like alcohol exposure in adolescence. In search of a rescue agent, cannabidiol (CBD) was selected due to its favourable effects on alcohol- and stress-related harms. RESULTS Binge-like alcohol exposed intruder rats displayed a compromised defensive behaviour against the resident and a blunted response of the stress system, in addition to indexes of abnormal dopamine (DA)/glutamate plasticity and dysfunctional spine dynamics in the NAc. CBD administration (60 mg/kg) was able to: (1) increase social exploration in the binge-like alcohol exposed intruder rats, at the expenses of freezing time, and in control rats, which received less aggressive attacks from the resident; (2) reduce corticosterone levels independently on alcohol previous exposure; (3) restore DA transmission and (4) facilitate excitatory postsynaptic strength and remodelling. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the maladaptive behavioural and synaptic plasticity promoted by the intersection between binge-like alcohol withdrawal and exposure to adverse social stress can be rescued by a CBD détente effect that results in a successful defensive strategy, supported by a functional endocrine and synaptic plasticity. The current data highlight CBD's relevant therapeutic potential in alcohol- and stress-related harms, and prompt further investigation on its molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesare D'Amico
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Feo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- ATEN Center, Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Winstone J, Shafique H, Clemmer ME, Mackie K, Wager-Miller J. Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B Expression in the Adolescent Hippocampus. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:612-622. [PMID: 35639364 PMCID: PMC10442678 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescence is an important phase in brain maturation, specifically it is a time during which weak synapses are pruned and neural pathways are strengthened. Adolescence is also a time of experimentation with drugs, including cannabis, which may have detrimental effects on the developing nervous system. The cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) is an important modulator of neurotransmitter release and plays a central role in neural development. Neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), are also critical during development for axon guidance and synapse specification. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the phytocannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on the expression of BDNF, its receptor TrkB, and other synaptic markers in the adolescent mouse hippocampus. Materials and Methods: Mice of both sexes were injected daily from P28 to P49 with 3 mg/kg THC, CBD, or a combination of THC/CBD. Brains were harvested on P50, and the dorsal and ventral hippocampi were analyzed for levels of BDNF, TrkB, and several synaptic markers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and image analyses. Results: THC treatment statistically significantly reduced transcript levels of BDNF in adolescent female (BDNF I) and male (BDNF I, II, IV, VI, and IX) hippocampi. These changes were prevented when CBD was co-administered with THC. CBD by itself statistically significantly increased expression of some transcripts (BDNF II, VI, and IX for females, BDNF VI for males). No statistically significant changes were observed in protein expression for BDNF, TrkB, phospho-TrkB, phospho-CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein), and the synaptic markers, vesicular GABA transporter, vesicular glutamate transporter, synaptobrevin, and postsynaptic density protein 95. However, CB1 receptors were statistically significantly reduced in the ventral hippocampus with THC treatment. Conclusions: This study found changes in BDNF mRNA expression within the hippocampus of adolescent mice exposed to THC and CBD. THC represses transcript expression for some BDNF variants, and this effect is rescued when CBD is co-administered. These effects were seen in both males and females, but sex differences were observed in specific BDNF isoforms. While a statistically significant reduction in CB1 receptor protein in the ventral dentate gyrus was seen, no other changes in protein levels were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Winstone
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Hana Shafique
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Madeleine E. Clemmer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jim Wager-Miller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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30
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Aguiar AFL, Campos RMP, Isaac AR, Paes-Colli Y, Carvalho VM, Sampaio LS, de Melo Reis RA. Long-Term Treatment with Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Extract Induces Synaptic Changes in the Adolescent Rat Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11775. [PMID: 37511537 PMCID: PMC10380262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and it is classically formed by cannabinoid receptors, endogenous bioactive lipids and its synthesis and degradation enzymes. Due to the modulatory role of eCS in synaptic activity in the Central Nervous System (CNS), phytocannabinoids have been increasingly used for the treatment of neurological disorders, even though little is known in terms of the long-term effect of these treatments on CNS development, mainly in the timeframe that comprises childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, an increased number of clinical trials using full-spectrum Cannabis extracts has been seen, rather than the isolated form of phytocannabinoids, when exploring the therapeutical benefits of the Cannabis plant. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD)-enriched Cannabis extract on synaptic components in the hippocampus of rats from adolescence to early adulthood (postnatal day 45 to 60). Oral treatment of healthy male Wistar rats with a CBD-enriched Cannabis extract (3 mg/kg/day CBD) during 15 days did not affect food intake and water balance. There was also no negative impact on locomotor behaviour and cognitive performance. However, the hippocampal protein levels of GluA1 and GFAP were reduced in animals treated with the extract, whilst PSD95 levels were increased, which suggests rearrangement of glutamatergic synapses and modulation of astrocytic features. Microglial complexity was reduced in CA1 and CA3 regions, but no alterations in their phagocytic activity have been identified by Iba-1 and LAMP2 co-localization. Collectively, our data suggest that CBD-enriched Cannabis treatment may be safe and well-tolerated in healthy subjects, besides acting as a neuroprotective agent against hippocampal alterations related to the pathogenesis of excitatory and astrogliosis-mediated disorders in CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey F L Aguiar
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Raquel M P Campos
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Alinny R Isaac
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Yolanda Paes-Colli
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Virgínia M Carvalho
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Luzia S Sampaio
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A de Melo Reis
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
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31
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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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32
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Prasad KN. A micronutrient mixture with collagen peptides, probiotics, cannabidiol, and diet may reduce aging, and development and progression of age-related alzheimer's disease, and improve its treatment. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 210:111757. [PMID: 36460123 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human aging involves gradual decline in organ functions leading to organ specific age-related chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although advances in the development of new drugs, novel surgical procedures, improved diet and lifestyle, have resulted in doubling of lifespan of humans, the quality of life in many cases remains poor because of increased incidence of age-related chronic diseases. Using experimental models of accelerated aging, several cellular defects associated with aging and AD have been identified. Some cellular defects due to increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, autophagy defects, mitochondrial dysfunction, and imbalances in the composition probiotics in favor of harmful bacteria over beneficial bacteria are common to both aging and AD, while others such as telomere attrition, loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, failure of DNA repair system, and impaired immune function are unique to aging; and some such as increased production of beta-amyloids, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and abnormal behaviors are unique to AD. It is suggested that supplementation with a micronutrient mixture, probiotics, collagen peptides, CBD, and modifications in the diet and lifestyle may reduce the aging processes, and the development, progression of AD, and improve the treatments of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar N Prasad
- Engage Global, Inc. 245 El Faisan Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903, USA.
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33
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Jîtcă G, Ősz BE, Vari CE, Rusz CM, Tero-Vescan A, Pușcaș A. Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020485. [PMID: 36830042 PMCID: PMC9952814 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature provides scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD), and these effects extend beyond epilepsy treatment (e.g., Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes), notably the influence on oxidative status, neurodegeneration, cellular protection, cognitive function, and physical performance. However, products containing CBD are not allowed to be marketed everywhere in the world, which may ultimately have a negative effect on health as a result of the uncontrolled CBD market. After the isolation of CBD follows the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors and the main enzymatic components (diacylglycerol lipase (DAG lipase), monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty acid amino hydrolase (FAAH)). At the same time, the antioxidant potential of CBD is due not only to the molecular structure but also to the fact that this compound increases the expression of the main endogenous antioxidant systems, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), through the nuclear complex erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/Keep1. Regarding the role in the control of inflammation, this function is exercised by inhibiting (nuclear factor kappa B) NF-κB, and also the genes that encode the expression of molecules with a pro-inflammatory role (cytokines and metalloproteinases). The other effects of CBD on cognitive function and physical performance should not be excluded. In conclusion, the CBD market needs to be regulated more thoroughly, given the previously listed properties, with the mention that the safety profile is a very good one.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Bianca E. Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Camil E. Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Carmen-Maria Rusz
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, I.O.S.U.D, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Amalia Pușcaș
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
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Hen-Shoval D, Moshe L, Indig-Naimer T, Mechoulam R, Shoval G, Zalsman G, Kogan NM, Weller A. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade Prevents Anti-Depressive-like Effect of Cannabidiol Acid Methyl Ester in Female WKY Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043828. [PMID: 36835237 PMCID: PMC9958868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is diverse and multi-factorial, yet treatment strategies remain limited. While women are twice as likely to develop the disorder as men, many animal model studies of antidepressant response rely solely on male subjects. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to depression in clinical and pre-clinical studies. Cannabidiolic Acid-Methyl Ester (CBDA-ME, EPM-301) demonstrated anti-depressive-like effects in male rats. Here, we explored acute effects of CBDA-ME and some possible mediating mechanisms, using a depressive-like genetic animal model, the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. In Experiment 1, Female WKY rats underwent the Forced swim test (FST) following acute CBDA-ME oral ingestion (1/5/10 mg/kg). In Experiment 2, Male and female WKY rats underwent the FST after injection of CB1 (AM-251) and CB2 (AM-630) receptor antagonists 30 min before acute CBDA-ME ingestion (1 mg/kg, males; 5 mg/kg, females). Serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), numerous endocannabinoids and hippocampal Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) levels were assessed. Results indicate that females required higher doses of CBDA-ME (5 and 10 mg/kg) to induce an anti-depressive-like effect in the FST. AM-630 blocked the antidepressant-like effect in females, but not in males. The effect of CBDA-ME in females was accompanied by elevated serum BDNF and some endocannabinoids and low hippocampal expression of FAAH. This study shows a sexually diverse behavioral anti-depressive response to CBDA-ME and possible underlying mechanisms in females, supporting its potential use for treating MDD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Hen-Shoval
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Correspondence: (D.H.-S.); (N.M.K.)
| | - Lital Moshe
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Talia Indig-Naimer
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Medical Faculty, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112002, Israel
| | - Gal Shoval
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva 4910002, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Natalya M. Kogan
- Institute of Personalized and Translational Medicine, Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Correspondence: (D.H.-S.); (N.M.K.)
| | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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35
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Aychman MM, Goldman DL, Kaplan JS. Cannabidiol's neuroprotective properties and potential treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1087011. [PMID: 36816569 PMCID: PMC9932048 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1087011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has numerous pharmacological targets that initiate anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiepileptic properties. These neuroprotective benefits have generated interest in CBD's therapeutic potential against the secondary injury cascade from traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are currently no effective broad treatment strategies for combating the damaging mechanisms that follow the primary injury and lead to lasting neurological consequences or death. However, CBD's effects on different neurotransmitter systems, the blood brain barrier, oxidative stress mechanisms, and the inflammatory response provides mechanistic support for CBD's clinical utility in TBI. This review describes the cascades of damage caused by TBI and CBD's neuroprotective mechanisms to counter them. We also present challenges in the clinical treatment of TBI and discuss important future clinical research directions for integrating CBD in treatment protocols. The mechanistic evidence provided by pre-clinical research shows great potential for CBD as a much-needed improvement in the clinical treatment of TBI. Upcoming clinical trials sponsored by major professional sport leagues are the first attempts to test the efficacy of CBD in head injury treatment protocols and highlight the need for further clinical research.
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Cannabidiol attenuates fear memory expression in female rats via hippocampal 5-HT 1A but not CB1 or CB2 receptors. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109316. [PMID: 36334768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence from male rodent and human studies suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) modulates the expression of aversive memories and anxiety-related responses. The limited data on whether and how CBD influences these aspects in females could have therapeutic implications given the increased susceptibility of women to anxiety- and stress-related disorders relative to men. Female studies are also essential to examine inherent aspects that potentially contribute to differences in responsiveness to CBD. Here we addressed these questions in adult female rats. Contextually fear-conditioned animals acutely treated with CBD (1.0-10 mg/kg) were tested 45 min later. In subsequent experiments, we investigated the estrous cycle effects and the contribution of dorsal hippocampus (DH) serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) and cannabinoid types 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors to CBD-induced effects on memory retrieval/expression. The effects of pre-retrieval systemic or intra-DH CBD administration on subsequent fear extinction were also assessed. Lastly, we evaluated the open arms avoidance and stretched-attend postures in females exposed to the elevated plus-maze after systemic CBD treatment. CBD 3.0 and 10 mg/kg administered before conditioned context exposure reduced females' freezing. This action remained unchanged across the estrous cycle and involved DH 5-HT1A receptors activation. Pre-retrieval CBD impaired memory reconsolidation and lowered fear during early extinction. CBD applied directly to the DH was sufficient to reproduce the effects of systemic CBD treatment. CBD 3.0 and 10 mg/kg reduced anxiety-related responses scored in the elevated plus-maze. Our findings demonstrate that CBD attenuates the behavioral manifestation of learned fear and anxiety in female rats.
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Decreased sensitivity to antidepressant drugs in Wistar Hannover rats submitted to two animal models of depression. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023; 35:35-49. [PMID: 36101010 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2022.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Wistar Hannover rat (WHR) is a strain commonly used for toxicity studies but rarely used in studies investigating depression neurobiology. In this study, we aimed to characterise the behavioural responses of WHR to acute and repeated antidepressant treatments upon exposure to the forced swim test (FST) or learned helplessness (LH) test. WHR were subjected to forced swimming pre-test and test with antidepressant administration (imipramine, fluoxetine, or escitalopram) at 0, 5 h and 23 h after pre-test. WHR displayed high immobility in the test compared to unstressed controls (no pre-swim) and failed to respond to the antidepressants tested. The effect of acute and repeated treatment (imipramine, fluoxetine, escitalopram or s-ketamine) was then tested in animals not previously exposed to pre-test. Only imipramine (20 mg/kg, 7 days) and s-ketamine (acute) reduced the immobility time in the test. To further investigate the possibility that the WHR were less responsive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the effect of repeated treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, 7 days) was investigated in the LH model. The results demonstrated that fluoxetine failed to reduce the number of escape failures in two different protocols. These data suggest that the WHR do not respond to the conventional antidepressant treatment in the FST or the LH. Only s-ketamine and repeated imipramine were effective in WHR in a modified FST protocol. Altogether, these results indicate that WHR may be an interesting tool to investigate the mechanisms associated with the resistance to antidepressant drugs and identify more effective treatments.
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Gasparyan A, Navarro D, Navarrete F, Austrich-Olivares A, Scoma ER, Hambardikar VD, Acosta GB, Solesio ME, Manzanares J. Cannabidiol repairs behavioral and brain disturbances in a model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106655. [PMID: 36642113 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) includes neuropsychiatric disturbances related to gestational and lactational ethanol exposure. Available treatments are minimal and do not modulate ethanol-induced damage. Developing animal models simulating FASD is essential for understanding the underlying brain alterations and searching for efficient therapeutic approaches. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of early and chronic cannabidiol (CBD) administration on offspring exposed to an animal model of FASD. Ethanol gavage (3 g/kg/12 h, p.o.) was administered to C57BL/6 J female mice, with a previous history of alcohol consumption, between gestational day 7 and postnatal day 21. On the weaning day, pups were separated by sex, and CBD administration began (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.). After 4-6 weeks of treatment, behavioral and neurobiological changes were analyzed. Mice exposed to the animal model of FASD showed higher anxiogenic and depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment that were evaluated through several experimental tests. These behaviors were accompanied by alterations in the gene, cellular and metabolomic targets. CBD administration normalized FASD model-induced emotional and cognitive disturbances, gene expression, and cellular changes with sex-dependent differences. CBD modulates the metabolomic changes detected in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, no changes were found in mitochondria or the oxidative status of the cells. These results suggest that the early and repeated administration of CBD modulated the long-lasting behavioral, gene and protein alterations induced by the FASD model, encouraging the possibility of performing clinical trials to evaluate the effects of CBD in children affected with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Amaya Austrich-Olivares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ernest R Scoma
- Rutgers University, Department of Biology and CCIB, Camden, NJ, USA
| | | | - Gabriela B Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias Cognitiva y Traslacional (INCYT), CONICET, INECO, Universidad Favaloro, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1079ABE, Argentina
| | - María E Solesio
- Rutgers University, Department of Biology and CCIB, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.
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Cannabidiol Modulates Alterations in PFC microRNAs in a Rat Model of Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032052. [PMID: 36768376 PMCID: PMC9953518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential antidepressant agent. We examined the association between the antidepressant effects of CBD and alterations in brain microRNAs in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model for depression. UCMS male rats were injected with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg) and tested for immobility time in the forced swim test. Alterations in miRNAs (miR16, miR124, miR135a) and genes that encode for the 5HT1a receptor, the serotonergic transporter SERT, β-catenin, and CB1 were examined. UCMS increased immobility time in a forced swim test (i.e., depressive-like behavior) and altered the expression of miRNAs and mRNA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), raphe nucleus, and nucleus accumbens. Importantly, CBD restored UCMS-induced upregulation in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC as well as the increase in immobility time. CBD also restored the UCMS-induced decrease in htr1a, the gene that encodes for the serotonergic 5HT1a receptor; using a pharmacological approach, we found that the 5HT1a receptor antagonist WAY100135 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of CBD on immobility time. Our findings suggest that the antidepressant effects of CBD in a rat model for depression are associated with alterations in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC and are mediated by the 5HT1a receptor.
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García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarro D, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Unveiling behavioral and molecular neuroadaptations related to the antidepressant action of cannabidiol in the unpredictable chronic mild stress model. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1171646. [PMID: 37144214 PMCID: PMC10151764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1171646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to further characterize cannabidiol's pharmacological and molecular profile as an antidepressant. Methods: Effects of cannabidiol (CBD), alone or combined with sertraline (STR), were evaluated in male CD1 mice (n = 48) exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) procedure. Once the model was established (4 weeks), mice received CBD (20 mg·kg-1, i.p.), STR (10 mg·kg-1, p.o.) or its combination for 28 days. The efficacy of CBD was evaluated using the light-dark box (LDB), elevated plus maze (EPM), tail suspension (TS), sucrose consumption (SC) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Gene expression changes in the serotonin transporter, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, BDNF, VGlut1 and PPARdelta, were evaluated in the dorsal raphe, hippocampus (Hipp) and amygdala by real-time PCR. Besides, BDNF, NeuN and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were assessed in the Hipp. Results: CBD exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects at 4 and 7 days of treatment in the LDB and TS tests, respectively. In contrast, STR required 14 days of treatment to show efficacy. CBD improved cognitive impairment and anhedonia more significantly than STR. CBD plus STR showed a similar effect than CBD in the LBD, TST and EPM. However, a worse outcome was observed in the NOR and SI tests. CBD modulates all molecular disturbances induced by UCMS, whereas STR and the combination could not restore 5-HT1A, BDNF and PPARdelta in the Hipp. Discussion: These results pointed out CBD as a potential new antidepressant with faster action and efficiency than STR. Particular attention should be given to the combination of CBD with current SSRI since it appears to produce a negative impact on treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jorge Manzanares,
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Hartmann A, Vila-Verde C, Guimarães FS, Joca SR, Lisboa SF. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Stress Response: Another Target for the Promiscuous Cannabidiol. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:284-308. [PMID: 35410608 PMCID: PMC10190150 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220411101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many psychiatric patients do not respond to conventional therapy. There is a vast effort to investigate possible mechanisms involved in treatment resistance, trying to provide better treatment options, and several data points toward a possible involvement of inflammatory mechanisms. Microglia, glial, and resident immune cells are involved in complex responses in the brain, orchestrating homeostatic functions, such as synaptic pruning and maintaining neuronal activity. In contrast, microglia play a major role in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cell death. Increasing evidence implicate microglia dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders. The mechanisms are still unclear, but one pathway in microglia has received increased attention in the last 8 years, i.e., the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Stress response and inflammation, including microglia activation, can be attenuated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has antidepressant, anti-stress, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, and other properties. CBD effects are mediated by direct or indirect modulation of many receptors, enzymes, and other targets. This review will highlight some findings for neuroinflammation and microglia involvement in stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly addressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Moreover, we will discuss evidence and mechanisms for CBD effects in psychiatric disorders and animal models and address its potential effects on stress response via neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hartmann
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carla Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S. Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sâmia R. Joca
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- BioMolecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP);
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sabrina F. Lisboa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- BioMolecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP);
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Jin Y, Pang H, Zhao L, Zhao F, Cheng Z, Liu Q, Cui R, Yang W, Li B. Ginseng total saponins and Fuzi total alkaloids exert antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice through BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy and peripheral metabolic pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154425. [PMID: 36137328 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shenfu decoction (SFD) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that has a strong cardiotonic effect. The combination of ginseng (the dried root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) and Fuzi (processed product of sub-root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx), the main constituents of SFD, has been reported to improve the pharmacological effect of each other. Moreover, research has shown that the main active components of SFD, ginseng total saponins (GTS) and Fuzi total alkaloids (FTA), have antidepressant activity. However, the effects of these ingredients on depressive-like behavior induced by ovariectomy, a model of menopausal depression, have not been studied. PURPOSE Our research aims to elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GTS and FTA compatibility (GF) in ovariectomized mice and the potential mechanisms. METHODS To elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GF in mice in ovariectomy condition, behavioral tests were performed after 7 days of intragastric administration of different doses of GF. Underlying molecular mechanisms of CREB-BDNF, BDNF-mTORC1 and autophagy signaling were detected by western blotting, serum metabolites were examined by UPLC-QE plus-MS and dendritic spine density was determined by Golgi-Cox staining. RESULTS GF remarkably decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test. GF also increased levels of pCREB/CREB, BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as decreased LC3-II/LC3-I in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of ovariectomized mice. Furthermore, 15 serum differential metabolites (9 of which are lipids and lipid molecules) were identified by metabonomics. Next, the antidepressant-like effects of GF was blocked by rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1. The antidepressant actions of GF on levels of pCREB, mTORC1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and the levels of BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the hippocampus were inhibited by rapamycin, and the dendritic spines density was also regulated. CONCLUSION GF has antidepressant effects in ovariectomized mice, and like other antidepressants, these effects involve activation of BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy regulation and consequent effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Moreover, metabolomic results suggest that GF also has effects on peripheral lipid profiles that may provide potential biomarkers for these antidepressant-like effects. These results indicate that GF is worthy of further exploration as a promising pharmaceutical treatment for depression. This study provides a new direction for the development of new indications for traditional Chinese medicine compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Huanhuan Pang
- Cosmetics Laboratory, Jilin Institute for Drug Control, Changchun 130033, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
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Miziak B, Czuczwar SJ. Approaches for the discovery of drugs that target K Na 1.1 channels in KCNT1-associated epilepsy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1313-1328. [PMID: 36408599 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2150164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are approximately 70 million people with epilepsy and about 30% of patients are not satisfactorily treated. A link between gene mutations and epilepsy is well documented. A number of pathological variants of KCNT1 gene (encoding the weakly voltage-dependent sodium-activated potassium channel - KNa 1.1) mutations has been found. For instance, epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures, autosomal sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy or Ohtahara syndrome have been associated with KCNT1 gene mutations. AREAS COVERED Several methods for studies on KNa 1.1 channels have been reviewed - patch clamp analysis, Förster resonance energy transfer spectroscopy and whole-exome sequencing. The authors also review available drugs for the management of KCNT1 epilepsies. EXPERT OPINION The current methods enable deeper insights into electrophysiology of KNa 1.1 channels or its functioning in different activation states. It is also possible to identify a given KCNT1 mutation. Quinidine and cannabidiol show variable efficacy as add-on to baseline antiepileptic drugs so more effective treatments are required. A combined approach with the methods shown above, in silico methods and the animal model of KCNT1 epilepsies seems likely to create personalized treatment of patients with KCNT1 gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Yordanov Y, Stefanova D, Spassova I, Kovacheva D, Tzankova V, Konstantinov S, Yoncheva K. Formulation of Nanomicelles Loaded with Cannabidiol as a Platform for Neuroprotective Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122625. [PMID: 36559117 PMCID: PMC9781481 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is focused on the development of cannabidiol-loaded polymeric nanomicelles as a drug delivery system with neuroprotective effects. Cannabidiol was loaded in Pluronic micelles (Pluronic P123 or its combination with Pluronic F127) possessing an average diameter smaller than 50 nm and high encapsulation efficiency for the hydrophobic drug (80% and 84%, respectively). The successful encapsulation and transformation of cannabidiol in amorphous phase were observed by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Studies with neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y and Neuro-2a) showed that the pure cannabidiol caused a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability, whereas its loading into the micelles decreased cytotoxicity. Further, neuroprotective effects of pure and micellar cannabidiol were examined in a model of H2O2-induced oxidative stress in both neuroblastoma cells. The pre-treatment of cell lines with cannabidiol loaded into the mixed Pluronic P123/F127 micelles exerted significantly stronger protection against the oxidative stress compared to pure cannabidiol and cannabidiol in single Pluronic P123 micelles. Interestingly, the empty mixed P123/F127 micelles demonstrated protective activity against the oxidative stress. In conclusion, the study revealed the opportunity to formulate a new drug delivery system of cannabidiol, in particular nanosized micellar aqueous dispersion, that could be considered as a perspective platform for cannabidiol application in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Yordanov
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Stefanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivanka Spassova
- Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Daniela Kovacheva
- Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Virginia Tzankova
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Spiro Konstantinov
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Yoncheva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-2-9236525
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Domingos LB, Silva NR, Chaves Filho AJM, Sales AJ, Starnawska A, Joca S. Regulation of DNA Methylation by Cannabidiol and Its Implications for Psychiatry: New Insights from In Vivo and In Silico Models. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2165. [PMID: 36421839 PMCID: PMC9690868 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic compound present in cannabis sativa. Many recent studies have indicated that CBD has a promising therapeutic profile for stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia and depression. Such a diverse profile has been associated with its complex pharmacology, since CBD can target different neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, transporters and ion channels. However, the precise contribution of each of those mechanisms for CBD effects is still not yet completely understood. Considering that epigenetic changes make the bridge between gene expression and environment interactions, we review and discuss herein how CBD affects one of the main epigenetic mechanisms associated with the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders: DNA methylation (DNAm). Evidence from in vivo and in silico studies indicate that CBD can regulate the activity of the enzymes responsible for DNAm, due to directly binding to the enzymes and/or by indirectly regulating their activities as a consequence of neurotransmitter-mediated signaling. The implications of this new potential pharmacological target for CBD are discussed in light of its therapeutic and neurodevelopmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana B. Domingos
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole R. Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Adriano J. M. Chaves Filho
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Amanda J. Sales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Anna Starnawska
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, CGPM, Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Pike CK, Kim M, Schnitzer K, Mercaldo N, Edwards R, Napadow V, Zhang Y, Morrissey EJ, Alshelh Z, Evins AE, Loggia ML, Gilman JM. Study protocol for a phase II, double-blind, randomised controlled trial of cannabidiol (CBD) compared with placebo for reduction of brain neuroinflammation in adults with chronic low back pain. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063613. [PMID: 36123113 PMCID: PMC9486315 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain is a debilitating medical problem that is difficult to treat. Neuroinflammatory pathways have emerged as a potential therapeutic target, as preclinical studies have demonstrated that glial cells and neuroglial interactions play a role in the establishment and maintenance of pain. Recently, we used positron emission tomography (PET) to demonstrate increased levels of 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) binding, a marker of glial activation, in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Cannabidiol (CBD) is a glial inhibitor in animal models, but studies have not assessed whether CBD reduces neuroinflammation in humans. The principal aim of this trial is to evaluate whether CBD, compared with placebo, affects neuroinflammation, as measured by TSPO levels. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial. Eighty adults (aged 18-75) with cLBP for >6 months will be randomised to either an FDA-approved CBD medication (Epidiolex) or matching placebo for 4 weeks using a dose-escalation design. All participants will undergo integrated PET/MRI at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment to evaluate neuroinflammation using [11C]PBR28, a second-generation radioligand for TSPO. Our primary hypothesis is that participants randomised to CBD will demonstrate larger reductions in thalamic [11C]PBR28 signal compared with those receiving placebo. We will also assess the effect of CBD on (1) [11C]PBR28 signal from limbic regions, which our prior work has linked to depressive symptoms and (2) striatal activation in response to a reward task. Additionally, we will evaluate self-report measures of cLBP intensity and bothersomeness, depression and quality of life at baseline and 4 weeks. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol is approved by the Massachusetts General Brigham Human Research Committee (protocol number: 2021P002617) and FDA (IND number: 143861) and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05066308; ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea K Pike
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Minhae Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristina Schnitzer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathaniel Mercaldo
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin Janas Morrissey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zeynab Alshelh
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Eden Evins
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jodi M Gilman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Pedrazzi JFC, Ferreira FR, Silva-Amaral D, Lima DA, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Del-Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Costa KCM, Campos AC, Crippa ACS, Crippa JAS. Cannabidiol for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: hope or hype? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2713-2734. [PMID: 35904579 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose symptoms include impaired communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and varying levels of intellectual disability. ASD is observed in early childhood and is one of the most severe chronic childhood disorders in prevalence, morbidity, and impact on society. It is usually accompanied by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The treatment of ASD has low efficacy, possibly because it has a heterogeneous nature, and its neurobiological basis is not clearly understood. Drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole are the only two drugs available that are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration, primarily for treating the behavioral symptoms of this disorder. These drugs have limited efficacy and a high potential for inducing undesirable effects, compromising treatment adherence. Therefore, there is great interest in exploring the endocannabinoid system, which modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters, has actions in social behavior and seems to be altered in patients with ASD. Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) emerges as a possible strategy for treating ASD symptoms since it has relevant pharmacological actions on the endocannabinoid system and shows promising results in studies related to disorders in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES Review the preclinical and clinical data supporting CBD's potential as a treatment for the symptoms and comorbidities associated with ASD, as well as discuss and provide information with the purpose of not trivializing the use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Frederico R Ferreira
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Silva-Amaral
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Lima
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio W Zuardi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine A Del-Bel
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Physiology, and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karla C M Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C S Crippa
- Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Neuropediatric Center of the Hospital of Clinics (CENEP), Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chan HH, Hogue O, Mathews ND, Hunter JG, Kundalia R, Hermann JK, Floden DP, Machado AG, Baker KB. Deep cerebellar stimulation enhances cognitive recovery after prefrontal traumatic brain injury in rodent. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114136. [PMID: 35667396 PMCID: PMC10203848 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies greatly, with approximately half of those who survive suffering long-term motor and cognitive deficits despite contemporary rehabilitation efforts. We have previously shown that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the lateral cerebellar nucleus (LCN) enhances rehabilitation of motor deficits that result from brain injury. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of LCN DBS on recovery from rodent TBI that uniquely models the injury location, chronicity and resultant cognitive symptoms observed in most human TBI patients. We used controlled cortical impact (CCI) to produce an injury that targeted the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC-CCI) bilaterally, resulting in cognitive deficits. Unilateral LCN DBS electrode implantation was performed 6 weeks post-injury. Electrical stimulation started at week eight post-injury and continued for an additional 4 weeks. Cognition was evaluated using baited Y-maze, novel object recognition task and Barnes maze. Post-mortem analyses, including Western Blot and immunohistochemistry, were conducted to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of recovery. We found that mPFC-CCI produced significant cognitive deficits compared to pre-injury and naïve animals. Moreover, LCN DBS treatment significantly enhanced the long-term memory process and executive functions of applying strategy. Analyses of post-mortem tissues showed significantly greater expression of CaMKIIα, BDNF and p75NTR across perilesional cortex and higher expression of postsynaptic formations in LCN DBS-treated animals compared to untreated. Overall, these data suggest that LCN DBS is an effective treatment of cognitive deficits that result from TBI, possibly by activation of ascending, glutamatergic projections to thalamus and subsequent upregulation of thalamocortical activity that engages neuroplastic mechanisms for facilitation of functional re-organization. These results support a role for cerebellar output neuromodulation as a novel therapeutic approach to enhance rehabilitation for patients with chronic, post-TBI cognitive deficits that are unresponsive to traditional rehabilitative efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh H Chan
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Olivia Hogue
- Department of Quantitative Heath Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nicole D Mathews
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joshua G Hunter
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ronak Kundalia
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - John K Hermann
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Darlene P Floden
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Andre G Machado
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kenneth B Baker
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Mottarlini F, Fumagalli M, Castillo-Díaz F, Piazza S, Targa G, Sangiovanni E, Pacchetti B, Sodergren MH, Dell’Agli M, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Single and Repeated Exposure to Cannabidiol Differently Modulate BDNF Expression and Signaling in the Cortico-Striatal Brain Network. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081853. [PMID: 36009400 PMCID: PMC9405391 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid contained in the Cannabis sativa plant, devoid of psychotomimetic effects but with a broad-spectrum pharmacological activity. Because of its pharmacological profile and its ability to counteract the psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), CBD may be a potential treatment for several psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we performed a dose−response evaluation of CBD modulatory effects on BDNF, a neurotrophin subserving pleiotropic effects on the brain, focusing on the cortico-striatal pathway for its unique role in the brain trafficking of BDNF. Male adult rats were exposed to single and repeated CBD treatments at different dosing regimen (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg), to investigate the rapid modulation of the neurotrophin (1 h after the single treatment) as well as a potential drug-free time point (24 h after the repeated treatment). We show here, for the first time, that CBD can be found in the rat brain and, specifically, in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) following single or repeated exposure. In fact, we found that CBD is present in the mPFC of rats treated either acutely or repeatedly with the phytocannabinoid, with a clear dose−response profile. From a molecular standpoint, we found that single, but not repeated, CBD exposure upregulates BDNF in the mPFC, while the repeated exposure increased BDNF only in the striatum, with a slight decrease in the mPFC. Together, these data reveal a CBD dose-dependent and anatomically specific modulation of BDNF, which may be functionally relevant and may represent an added value for CBD as a supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Fernando Castillo-Díaz
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Stefano Piazza
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Enrico Sangiovanni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | | | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Curaleaf International, London EC2A 2EW, UK; (B.P.); (M.H.S.)
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mario Dell’Agli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-18298
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.F.); (F.C.-D.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (E.S.); (M.D.); (L.C.)
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The intersection of astrocytes and the endocannabinoid system in the lateral habenula: on the fast-track to novel rapid-acting antidepressants. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3138-3149. [PMID: 35585261 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite attaining significant advances toward better management of depressive disorders, we are still facing several setbacks. Developing rapid-acting antidepressants with sustained effects is an aspiration that requires thinking anew to explore possible novel targets. Recently, the lateral habenula (LHb), the brain's "anti-reward system", has been shown to go awry in depression in terms of various molecular and electrophysiological signatures. Some of the presumed contributors to such observed aberrations are astrocytes. These star-shaped cells of the brain can alter the firing pattern of the LHb, which keeps the activity of the midbrain's aminergic centers under tight control. Astrocytes are also integral parts of the tripartite synapses, and can therefore modulate synaptic plasticity and leave long-lasting changes in the brain. On the other hand, it was discovered that astrocytes express cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R), which can also take part in long-term plasticity. Herein, we recount how the LHb of a depressed brain deviates from the "normal" one from a molecular perspective. We then try to touch upon the alterations of the endocannabinoid system in the LHb, and cast the idea that modulation of astroglial CB1R may help regulate habenular neuronal activity and synaptogenesis, thereby acting as a new pharmacological tool for regulation of mood and amelioration of depressive symptoms.
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