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Darwish A, Pammer M, Gallyas F, Vígh L, Balogi Z, Juhász K. Emerging Lipid Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:397. [PMID: 38254886 PMCID: PMC10814456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
GBM accounts for most of the fatal brain cancer cases, making it one of the deadliest tumor types. GBM is characterized by severe progression and poor prognosis with a short survival upon conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. In order to improve therapeutic efficiency, considerable efforts have been made to target various features of GBM. One of the targetable features of GBM is the rewired lipid metabolism that contributes to the tumor's aggressive growth and penetration into the surrounding brain tissue. Lipid reprogramming allows GBM to acquire survival, proliferation, and invasion benefits as well as supportive modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Several attempts have been made to find novel therapeutic approaches by exploiting the lipid metabolic reprogramming in GBM. In recent studies, various components of de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, lipid uptake, and prostaglandin synthesis have been considered promising targets in GBM. Emerging data also suggest a significant role hence therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid metabolic pathway in GBM. Here we review the lipid-related GBM characteristics in detail and highlight specific targets with their potential therapeutic use in novel antitumor approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Darwish
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Milán Pammer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Gallyas
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Vígh
- Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Balogi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kata Juhász
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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2
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Mock ED, Gagestein B, van der Stelt M. Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 89:101194. [PMID: 36150527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
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3
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Simard M, Archambault AS, Lavoie JPC, Dumais É, Di Marzo V, Flamand N. Biosynthesis and metabolism of endocannabinoids and their congeners from the monoacylglycerol andN-acyl-ethanolamine families. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115261. [PMID: 36152677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (AEA) are eicosanoids implicated in numerous physiological processes like appetite, adipogenesis, inflammatory pain and inflammation. They mediate most of their physiological effect by activating the cannabinoid (CB) receptors 1 and 2. Other than directly binding to the CB receptors, 2-AG and AEA are also metabolized by most eicosanoid biosynthetic enzymes, yielding many metabolites that are part of the oxyendocannabinoidome. Some of these metabolites have been found in vivo, have the ability to modulate specific receptors and thus potentially influence physiological processes. In this review, we discuss the biosynthesis and metabolism of 2-AG and AEA, as well as their congeners from the monoacyl-glycerol and N-acyl-ethanolamine families, with a special focus on the metabolism by oxygenases involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. We highlight the knowledge gaps in our understanding of the regulation and roles the oxyendocannabinoidome mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Simard
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Archambault
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Present address: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia / BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe C Lavoie
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Élizabeth Dumais
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Joint International Unit between the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy) and Université Laval (Canada) on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and Its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu)
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département of médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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4
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Tsuboi K, Tai T, Yamashita R, Ali H, Watanabe T, Uyama T, Okamoto Y, Kitakaze K, Takenouchi Y, Go S, Rahman IAS, Houchi H, Tanaka T, Okamoto Y, Tokumura A, Matsuda J, Ueda N. Involvement of acid ceramidase in the degradation of bioactive N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158972. [PMID: 34033896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) include palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and anandamide, which exert anti-inflammatory, anorexic, and cannabimimetic actions, respectively. The degradation of NAEs has been attributed to two hydrolases, fatty acid amide hydrolase and NAE acid amidase (NAAA). Acid ceramidase (AC) is a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes ceramide (N-acylsphingosine), which resembles NAAA in structure and function. In the present study, we examined the role of AC in the degradation of NAEs. First, we demonstrated that purified recombinant human AC can hydrolyze various NAEs with lauroylethanolamide (C12:0-NAE) as the most reactive NAE substrate. We then used HEK293 cells metabolically labeled with [14C]ethanolamine, and revealed that overexpressed AC lowered the levels of 14C-labeled NAE. As analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, AC overexpression decreased the amounts of different NAE species. Furthermore, suppression of endogenous AC in LNCaP prostate cells by siRNA increased the levels of various NAEs. Lastly, tissue homogenates from mice genetically lacking saposin D, a presumable activator protein of AC, showed much lower hydrolyzing activity for NAE as well as ceramide than the homogenates from wild-type mice. These results demonstrate the ability of AC to hydrolyze NAEs and suggest its physiological role as a third NAE hydrolase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Tai
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; Department of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Ryouhei Yamashita
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Hanif Ali
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Takashi Watanabe
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Yoko Okamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kitakaze
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takenouchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Shinji Go
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Iffat Ara Sonia Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Houchi
- Department of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa 769-2193, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Tanaka
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan; Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
| | - Yasuo Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Akira Tokumura
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan
| | - Junko Matsuda
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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Tinto F, Archambault AS, Dumais É, Rakotoarivelo V, Kostrzewa M, Martin C, Plante PL, Desjardins Y, Simard M, Pouliot R, De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Di Marzo V, Flamand N. Synthesis and molecular targets of N-13-hydroxy-octadienoyl-ethanolamine, a novel endogenous bioactive 15-lipoxygenase-derived metabolite of N-linoleoyl-ethanolamine found in the skin and saliva. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158954. [PMID: 33915294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
N-Arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (AEA) is an endocannabinoid (eCB) and endogenous lipid mimicking many of the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, notably on brain functions, appetite, pain and inflammation. The eCBs and eCB-like compounds contain fatty acids, the main classes being the monoacylglycerols and the N-acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs). Thus, each long chain fatty acid likely exists under the form of a monoacylglycerol and NAE, as it is the case for arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). Following their biosynthesis, AA and AEA can be further metabolized into additional eicosanoids, notably by the 15-lipoxygenase pathway. Thus, we postulated that NAEs possessing a 1Z,4Z-pentadiene motif, near their omega end, would be transformed into their 15-lipoxygenase metabolites. As a proof of concept, we investigated N-linoleoyl-ethanolamine (LAE). We successfully synthesized LEA and LEA-d4 as well as their 15-lipoxygenase-derived derivatives, namely 13-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoyl-N-ethanolamine (13-HODE-EA) and 13-HODE-EA-d4, using Novozyme 435 immobilized on acrylic resin and soybean lipoxygenase respectively. We also show that both human 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2 can biosynthesize 13-HODE-EA. Co-incubation of LEA and LA with either human 15-lipoxygenase led to the biosynthesis of 13-HODE-EA and 13-HODE in a ratio equal to or greater than 3:1, indicating that LEA is preferred to LA by these enzymes. Finally, we show that 13-HODE-EA is found in human saliva and skin and is a weak although selective TRPV1 agonist. The full biological importance of 13-HODE-EA remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tinto
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Archambault
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Élizabeth Dumais
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Volatiana Rakotoarivelo
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Cyril Martin
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Pier-Luc Plante
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, École de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Yves Desjardins
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, École de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Mélissa Simard
- Faculté de pharmacie de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Roxane Pouliot
- Faculté de pharmacie de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, École de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada; Joint International Unit between the CNR of Italy and Université Laval on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada.
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6
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Gunduz-Cinar O. The endocannabinoid system in the amygdala and modulation of fear. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110116. [PMID: 32976951 PMCID: PMC7511205 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a persistent, trauma induced psychiatric condition characterized by lifelong complex cognitive, emotional and behavioral phenotype. Although many individuals that experience trauma are able to gradually diminish their emotional responding to trauma-related stimuli over time, known as extinction learning, individuals suffering from PTSD are impaired in this capacity. An inability to decline this initially normal and adaptive fear response, can be confronted with exposure-based therapies, often in combination with pharmacological treatments. Due to the complexity of PTSD, currently available pharmacotherapeutics are inadequate in treating the deficient extinction observed in many PTSD patients. To develop novel therapeutics, researchers have exploited the conserved nature of fear and stress-associated behavioral responses and neurocircuits across species in an attempt to translate knowledge gained from preclinical studies into the clinic. There is growing evidence on the endocannabinoid modulation of fear and stress due to their 'on demand' synthesis and degradation. Involvement of the endocannabinoids in fear extinction makes the endocannabinoid system very attractive for finding effective therapeutics for trauma and stress related disorders. In this review, a brief introduction on neuroanatomy and circuitry of fear extinction will be provided as a model to study PTSD. Then, the endocannabinoid system will be discussed as an important component of extinction modulation. In this regard, anandamide degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) will be exemplified as a target identified and validated strongly from preclinical to clinical translational studies of enhancing extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Ivanov I, Kakularam KR, Shmendel EV, Rothe M, Aparoy P, Heydeck D, Kuhn H. Oxygenation of endocannabinoids by mammalian lipoxygenase isoforms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158918. [PMID: 33662546 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (ANA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG), are lipid-signaling molecules that can be oxidized by lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, and this oxidation alters the bioactivity of these lipid mediators. Here, under strictly comparable experimental conditions, we explored whether ANA and 2AG function as substrates for four human (ALOX15, ALOX15B, ALOX12, ALOX5) and three mice Alox isoforms (Alox15, Alox12, Alox5) and compared the rates of product formation with those of arachidonic acid oxygenation. Except for ALOX5, the two endocannabinoids were more efficiently oxygenated than arachidonic acid by human ALOX isoforms. Mice Alox15 oxygenated ANA more efficiently than arachidonic acid, but the other mice Alox isoforms exhibited reduced reaction rates for endocannabinoid conversion. Like its human ortholog, mice Alox5 did not oxygenate ANA, but the formation of 5-HETE-containing 2AG derivatives was observed for this enzyme. 1AG and 2AG were similarly effective substrates for human ALOX isoforms. Molecular docking studies, the pattern of oxygenation products, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments suggested a similar substrate alignment of arachidonic acid and endocannabinoids at the active site of ALOX15 orthologs. The product specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation was conserved for endocannabinoid metabolization, and the triad concept describing the molecular basis for the reaction specificity of ALOX15 orthologs is applicable for endocannabinoid oxygenation. Taken together, these data indicate that, except for ALOX5 orthologs, endocannabinoids are suitable substrates for most mammalian ALOX isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Ivanov
- MIREA Russian Technological University, Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, Vernadskogo pr. 86, 119571 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Kumar R Kakularam
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt University Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena V Shmendel
- MIREA Russian Technological University, Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, Vernadskogo pr. 86, 119571 Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Rothe
- Lipidomix GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str., 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Polamarasetty Aparoy
- Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Visakhapatnam 530003, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Dagmar Heydeck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt University Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Kuhn
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt University Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
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8
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Sagheddu C, Torres LH, Marcourakis T, Pistis M. Endocannabinoid-Like Lipid Neuromodulators in the Regulation of Dopamine Signaling: Relevance for Drug Addiction. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 12:588660. [PMID: 33424577 PMCID: PMC7786397 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.588660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of lipid neuromodulators has been rapidly growing, as the use of different -omics techniques led to the discovery of a large number of naturally occurring N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and N-acyl amino acids belonging to the complex lipid signaling system termed endocannabinoidome. These molecules exert a variety of biological activities in the central nervous system, as they modulate physiological processes in neurons and glial cells and are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Their effects on dopamine cells have attracted attention, as dysfunctions of dopamine systems characterize a range of psychiatric disorders, i.e., schizophrenia and substance use disorders (SUD). While canonical endocannabinoids are known to regulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs impinging on dopamine cells and modulate several dopamine-mediated behaviors, such as reward and addiction, the effects of other lipid neuromodulators are far less clear. Here, we review the emerging role of endocannabinoid-like neuromodulators in dopamine signaling, with a focus on non-cannabinoid N-acylethanolamines and their receptors. Mounting evidence suggests that these neuromodulators contribute to modulate synaptic transmission in dopamine regions and might represent a target for novel medications in alcohol and nicotine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Larissa Helena Torres
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Section of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Di Marzo V. New approaches and challenges to targeting the endocannabinoid system. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:623-639. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Gallelli CA, Calcagnini S, Romano A, Koczwara JB, de Ceglia M, Dante D, Villani R, Giudetti AM, Cassano T, Gaetani S. Modulation of the Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation by Endocannabinoids and Their Lipid Analogues. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:E93. [PMID: 30021985 PMCID: PMC6070960 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7070093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports the pivotal role played by oxidative stress in tissue injury development, thus resulting in several pathologies including cardiovascular, renal, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders, all characterized by an altered oxidative status. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation-derived reactive aldehydes including acrolein, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, among others, are the main responsible for cellular and tissue damages occurring in redox-dependent processes. In this scenario, a link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and redox homeostasis impairment appears to be crucial. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the best characterized endocannabinoids, are able to modulate the activity of several antioxidant enzymes through targeting the cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 as well as additional receptors such as the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, and the orphan G protein-coupled receptors 18 and 55. Moreover, the endocannabinoids lipid analogues N-acylethanolamines showed to protect cell damage and death from reactive aldehydes-induced oxidative stress by restoring the intracellular oxidants-antioxidants balance. In this review, we will provide a better understanding of the main mechanisms triggered by the cross-talk between the oxidative stress and the ECS, focusing also on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as scavengers of reactive aldehydes and their toxic bioactive adducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Anna Gallelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvio Calcagnini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Justyna Barbara Koczwara
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marialuisa de Ceglia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donatella Dante
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Villani
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto, c/o Ospedali Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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11
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Paloczi J, Varga ZV, Hasko G, Pacher P. Neuroprotection in Oxidative Stress-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of Endocannabinoid System Modulation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:75-108. [PMID: 28497982 PMCID: PMC5984569 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Redox imbalance may lead to overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and subsequent oxidative tissue damage, which is a critical event in the course of neurodegenerative diseases. It is still not fully elucidated, however, whether oxidative stress is the primary trigger or a consequence in the process of neurodegeneration. Recent Advances: Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the propagation of neuronal injury and consequent inflammatory response, which in concert promote development of pathological alterations characteristic of most common neurodegenerative diseases. CRITICAL ISSUES Accumulating recent evidence also suggests that there is an important interplay between the lipid endocannabinoid system [ECS; comprising the main cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and their synthetic and metabolizing enzymes] and various key inflammatory and redox-dependent processes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Targeting the ECS to modulate redox state-dependent cell death and to decrease consequent or preceding inflammatory response holds therapeutic potential in a multitude of oxidative stress-related acute or chronic neurodegenerative disorders from stroke and traumatic brain injury to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and multiple sclerosis, just to name a few, which will be discussed in this overview. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 75-108.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Paloczi
- 1 Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury (LCPTI), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zoltan V Varga
- 1 Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury (LCPTI), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - George Hasko
- 2 Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark, New Jersey
| | - Pal Pacher
- 1 Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury (LCPTI), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, Maryland
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12
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Piscitelli F, Bradshaw HB. Endocannabinoid Analytical Methodologies: Techniques That Drive Discoveries That Drive Techniques. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:1-30. [PMID: 28826532 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the two major endogenous cannabinoid ligands, known as endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), opened the way for the identification and isolation of other lipid congeners, all derivatives of fatty acids and related to the Endocannabinoid System. The nomenclature of this anandamide-type class of lipids is evolving as new species are discovered all the time. However, they each fall under the larger umbrella of lipids that are a conjugation of a fatty acid with an amine through and amide bond, which we will refer to as lipoamines. Specific subspecies of lipoamines that have been discovered are the N-acyl-ethanolamides (including AEA), N-acyl-dopamines, N-acyl-serotonins, N-acyl-GABA, N-acyl-taurines, and a growing number of N-acyl amino acids. Emerging data from multiple labs also show that monoacylglycerols (including 2-AG), COX-2 metabolites, and fatty acid esters of hydroxyl fatty acids are interconnected with these lipoamines at both the biosynthetic and metabolic levels. Understanding the molecular relatedness of these lipids is important for studying how they act as signaling molecules; however, a first step in this process hinges on advances in being able to accurately measure them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy.
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Fowler CJ, Doherty P, Alexander SPH. Endocannabinoid Turnover. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:31-66. [PMID: 28826539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we consider the biosynthetic, hydrolytic, and oxidative metabolism of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. We describe the enzymes associated with these events and their characterization. We identify the inhibitor profile for these enzymes and the status of therapeutic exploitation, which to date has been limited to clinical trials for fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. To bring the review to a close, we consider whether point block of a single enzyme is likely to be the most successful approach for therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Doherty
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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A quantitative study on splice variants of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase in human prostate cancer cells and other cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1861:1951-1958. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Ritter JK, Li G, Xia M, Boini K. Anandamide and its metabolites: what are their roles in the kidney? Front Biosci (Schol Ed) 2016; 8:264-77. [PMID: 27100705 DOI: 10.2741/s461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is the N-acyl ethanolamide of arachidonic acid, an agonist of cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors in the body. The kidneys are enriched in AEA and in enzymes that metabolize AEA, but the roles of AEA and its metabolites in the kidney remain poorly understood. This system likely is involved in the regulation of renal blood flow and hemodynamics and of tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption. It may act as a neuromodulator of the renal sympathetic nervous system. AEA and its cyclooxygenase-2 metabolites, the prostamides, in the renal medulla may represent a unique antihypertensive system involved in the long-term control of blood pressure. AEA and its metabolites are also implicated as modulators of inflammation and mediators of signaling in inflammation. AEA and its metabolites may be influential in chronic kidney disease states associated with inflammation and cardiovascular diseases associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. The current knowledge of the roles of AEA and its derivatives highlights the need for further research to define and potentially exploit the role of this endocannabinoid system in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Ritter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA,
| | - Guangbi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA
| | - Min Xia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Krishna Boini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA
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16
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Walker VJ, Griffin AP, Hammar DK, Hollenberg PF. Metabolism of Anandamide by Human Cytochrome P450 2J2 in the Reconstituted System and Human Intestinal Microsomes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 357:537-44. [PMID: 27000802 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.232553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is about 1 in 250 people in the United States. The disease is characterized by chronic or recurring inflammation of the gut. Because of the localization of the endocannabinoid system in the gastrointestinal tract, it may be a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of IBD and other diseases. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a potential candidate because it is upregulated in IBD. FAAH hydrolyzes and, as a consequence, inactivates anandamide (AEA), a prominent endocannabinoid. Inhibition of FAAH would lead to increases in the amount of AEA oxidized by cytochrome P450s (P450s). CYP2J2, the major P450 epoxygenase expressed in the heart, is also expressed in the intestine and has previously been reported to oxidize AEA. We have investigated the possibility that it may play a role in AEA metabolism in the gut and have demonstrated that purified human CYP2J2 metabolizes AEA to form the 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid ethanolamide (HETE-EA) and several epoxygenated products, including the 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid ethanolamides (EET-EAs), in the reconstituted system. Kinetic studies suggest that the KM values for these products range from approximately 10 to 468 μM and the kcat values from 0.2 to 23.3 pmol/min per picomole of P450. Human intestinal microsomes, which express CYP2J2, metabolize AEA to give the 5,6-, 8,9-, and 11,12-EET-EAs, as well as 20-HETE-EA. Studies using specific P450 inhibitors suggest that although CYP2J2 metabolizes AEA, it is not the primary P450 responsible for AEA metabolism in human intestines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyvyca J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alisha P Griffin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dagan K Hammar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Paul F Hollenberg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Lipidomic Analysis of Endocannabinoid Signaling: Targeted Metabolite Identification and Quantification. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:2426398. [PMID: 26839710 PMCID: PMC4709765 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2426398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamide (or anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) belong to the larger groups of N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipid classes, respectively. They are biologically active lipid molecules that activate G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors found in various organisms. After AEA and 2-AG were discovered in the 1990s, they have been extensively documented to have a broad range of physiological functions. Along with AEA, several NAEs, for example, N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-stearoylethanolamine (SEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) are also present in tissues, usually at much larger concentrations than AEA. Any perturbation that involves the endocannabinoid pathway may subsequently alter basal level or metabolism of these lipid mediators. Further, the altered levels of these molecules often reflect pathological conditions associated with tissue damage. Robust and sensitive methodologies to analyze these lipid mediators are essential to understanding how they act as endocannabinoids. The recent advances in mass spectrometry allow researchers to develop lipidomics approaches and several methodologies have been proposed to quantify endocannabinoids in various biological systems.
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18
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Turcotte C, Chouinard F, Lefebvre JS, Flamand N. Regulation of inflammation by cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol and arachidonoyl-ethanolamide, and their metabolites. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:1049-70. [PMID: 25877930 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3ru0115-021r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA) are endocannabinoids that have been implicated in many physiologic disorders, including obesity, metabolic syndromes, hepatic diseases, pain, neurologic disorders, and inflammation. Their immunomodulatory effects are numerous and are not always mediated by cannabinoid receptors, reflecting the presence of an arachidonic acid (AA) molecule in their structure, the latter being the precursor of numerous bioactive lipids that are pro- or anti-inflammatory. 2-AG and AEA can thus serve as a source of AA but can also be metabolized by most eicosanoid biosynthetic enzymes, yielding additional lipids. In this regard, enhancing endocannabinoid levels by using endocannabinoid hydrolysis inhibitors is likely to augment the levels of these lipids that could regulate inflammatory cell functions. This review summarizes the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of AEA and 2-AG, as well as the biologic effects of the 2-AG and AEA lipidomes in the regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Chouinard
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Julie S Lefebvre
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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19
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Endocannabinoids and their oxygenation by cyclo-oxygenases, lipoxygenases and other oxygenases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2014; 1851:366-76. [PMID: 25543004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The naturally occurring mammalian endocannabinoids possess biological attributes that extend beyond interaction with cannabinoid receptors. These extended biological properties are the result of oxidative metabolism of the principal mammalian endocannabinoids arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide; A-EA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Both endocannabinoids are oxidized by cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), but not by COX-1, to a series of prostaglandin derivatives (PGs) with quite different biological properties from those of the parent substrates. PG ethanolamides (prostamides, PG-EAs) and PG glyceryl esters (PG-Gs) are not only pharmacologically distinct from their parent endocannabinoids, they are distinct from the corresponding acidic PGs, and are differentiated from each other. Ethanolamides and glyceryl esters of the major prostanoids PGD2, PGE2, PGF2α, and PGI2 are formed by the various PG synthases, and thromboxane ethanolamides and glyceryl esters are not similarly produced. COX-2 is also of interest by virtue of its corollary central role in modulating endocannabinoid tone, providing a new therapeutic approach for treating pain and anxiety. Other major oxidative conversion pathways are provided for both A-EA and 2-AG by several lipoxygenases (LOXs), resulting in the formation of numerous hydroxyl metabolites. These do not necessarily represent inactivation pathways for endocannabinoids but may mimic or modulate the endocannabinoids or even display alternative pharmacology. Similarly, A-EA and 2-AG may be oxidized by P450 enzymes. Again a very diverse number of metabolites are formed, with either cannabinoid-like biological properties or an introduction of disparate pharmacology. The biological activity of epoxy and hydroxyl derivatives of the endocannabinoids remains to be fully elucidated. This review attempts to consolidate and compare the findings obtained to date in an increasingly important research area. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".
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Zelasko S, Arnold WR, Das A. Endocannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2014; 116-117:112-23. [PMID: 25461979 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid system was first uncovered following studies of the recreational drug Cannabis sativa. It is now recognized as a vital network of signaling pathways that regulate several physiological processes. Following the initial discovery of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), activated by Cannabis-derived analogs, many endogenous fatty acids termed "endocannabinoids" are now known to be partial agonists of the CB receptors. At present, the most thoroughly studied endocannabinoid signaling molecules are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), which are both derived from arachidonic acid. Both AEA and 2-AG are also substrates for the eicosanoid-synthesizing pathways, namely, certain cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. In the past, research in the endocannabinoid field focused on the interaction of AEA and 2-AG with the COX and LOX enzymes, but accumulating evidence also points to the involvement of CYPs in modulating endocannabinoid signaling. The focus of this review is to explore the current understanding of CYP-mediated metabolism of endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Zelasko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - William R Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - Aditi Das
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
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21
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Rahman IAS, Tsuboi K, Uyama T, Ueda N. New players in the fatty acyl ethanolamide metabolism. Pharmacol Res 2014; 86:1-10. [PMID: 24747663 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acyl ethanolamides represent a class of endogenous bioactive lipid molecules and are generally referred to as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). NAEs include palmitoylethanolamide (anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance), oleoylethanolamide (anorexic substance), and anandamide (endocannabinoid). The endogenous levels of NAEs are mainly regulated by enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis and degradation. In mammalian tissues, the major biosynthetic pathway starts from glycerophospholipids and is composed of two enzyme reactions. The first step is N-acylation of ethanolamine phospholipids catalyzed by Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and the second step is the release of NAEs from N-acylated ethanolamine phospholipids by N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE)-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). As for the degradation of NAEs, fatty acid amide hydrolase plays the central role. However, recent studies strongly suggest the involvement of other enzymes in the NAE metabolism. These enzymes include members of the HRAS-like suppressor family (also called phospholipase A/acyltransferase family), which were originally discovered as tumor suppressors but can function as Ca(2+)-independent NAPE-forming N-acyltransferases; multiple enzymes involved in the NAPE-PLD-independent multi-step pathways to generate NAE from NAPE, which came to light by the analysis of NAPE-PLD-deficient mice; and a lysosomal NAE-hydrolyzing acid amidase as a second NAE hydrolase. These newly recognized enzymes may become the targets for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Here, we focus on recent enzymological findings in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Ara Sonia Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
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Bystrowska B, Smaga I, Frankowska M, Filip M. Changes in endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine levels in rat brain structures following cocaine self-administration and extinction training. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:1-10. [PMID: 24334211 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical investigations have demonstrated that drugs of abuse alter the levels of lipid-based signalling molecules, including endocannabinoids (eCBs) and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), in the rodent brain. In addition, several drugs targeting eCBs and/or NAEs are implicated in reward and/or seeking behaviours related to the stimulation of dopamine systems in the brain. In our study, the brain levels of eCBs (anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)) and NAEs (oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) were analyzed via an LC-MS/MS method in selected brain structures of rats during cocaine self-administration and after extinction training according to the "yoked" control procedure. Repeated (14days) cocaine (0.5mg/kg/infusion) self-administration and yoked drug delivery resulted in a significant decrease (ca. 52%) in AEA levels in the cerebellum, whereas levels of 2-AG increased in the frontal cortex, the hippocampus and the cerebellum and decreased in the hippocampus and the dorsal striatum. In addition, we detected increases (>150%) in the levels of OEA and PEA in the limbic areas in both cocaine treated groups, as well as an increase in the tissue levels of OEA in the dorsal striatum in only the yoked cocaine group and increases in the tissue levels of PEA in the dorsal striatum (both cocaine groups) and the nucleus accumbens (yoked cocaine group only). Compared to the yoked saline control group, extinction training (10days) resulted in a potent reduction in AEA levels in the frontal cortex, the hippocampus and the nucleus accumbens and in 2-AG levels in the hippocampus, the dorsal striatum and the cerebellum. The decreases in the limbic and subcortical areas were more apparent for rats that self-administered cocaine. Following extinction, there was a region-specific change in the levels of NAEs in rats previously injected with cocaine; a potent increase (ca. 100%) in the levels of OEA and PEA was detected in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, whilst a drop was noted in the striatal areas versus yoked saline yoked animals. Our findings support the previous pharmacological evidence that the eCB system and NAEs are involved in reinforcement and extinction of positively reinforced behaviours and that these lipid-derived molecules may represent promising targets for the development of new treatments for drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Bystrowska
- Department of Toxicology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Toxicology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Frankowska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Toxicology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland; Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Alhouayek M, Muccioli GG. COX-2-derived endocannabinoid metabolites as novel inflammatory mediators. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:284-92. [PMID: 24684963 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that plays a key role in inflammatory processes. Classically, this enzyme is upregulated in inflammatory situations and is responsible for the generation of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid (AA). One lesser-known property of COX-2 is its ability to metabolize the endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Endocannabinoid metabolism by COX-2 is not merely a means to terminate their actions. On the contrary, it generates PG analogs, namely PG-glycerol esters (PG-G) for 2-AG and PG-ethanolamides (PG-EA or prostamides) for AEA. Although the formation of these COX-2-derived metabolites of the endocannabinoids has been known for a while, their biological effects remain to be fully elucidated. Recently, several studies have focused on the role of these PG-G or PG-EA in vivo. In this review we take a closer look at the literature concerning these novel bioactive lipids and their role in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Alhouayek
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Emmanuel Mounier 72 (B1.72.01), 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Giulio G Muccioli
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Emmanuel Mounier 72 (B1.72.01), 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium.
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24
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Uyama T, Inoue M, Okamoto Y, Shinohara N, Tai T, Tsuboi K, Inoue T, Tokumura A, Ueda N. Involvement of phospholipase A/acyltransferase-1 in N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine generation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2013; 1831:1690-701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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25
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Endogenous cannabinoids revisited: A biochemistry perspective. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2013; 102-103:13-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. Metabolism of endocannabinoids and related N-acylethanolamines: canonical and alternative pathways. FEBS J 2013; 280:1874-94. [PMID: 23425575 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Two arachidonic acid derivatives, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are considered to be physiologically important endocannabinoids. In the known metabolic pathway in mammals, anandamide and other bioactive N-acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide, are biosynthesized from glycerophospholipids by a combination of Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, and are degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase. However, recent studies have shown the involvement of other enzymes and pathways, which include the members of the tumor suppressor HRASLS family (the phospholipase A/acyltransferase family) functioning as Ca(2+)-independent N-acyltransferases, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipaseD-independent multistep pathways via N-acylated lysophospholipid, and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase, a lysosomal enzyme that preferentially hydrolyzes palmitoylethanolamide. Although their physiological significance is poorly understood, these new enzymes/pathways may serve as novel targets for the development of therapeutic drugs. For example, selective N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibitors are expected to be new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In this minireview, we focus on advances in the understanding of these enzymes/pathways. In addition, recent findings on 2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan.
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27
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Chouinard F, Turcotte C, Guan X, Larose MC, Poirier S, Bouchard L, Provost V, Flamand L, Grandvaux N, Flamand N. 2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol- and arachidonic acid-stimulated neutrophils release antimicrobial effectors against E. coli, S. aureus, HSV-1, and RSV. J Leukoc Biol 2013; 93:267-76. [PMID: 23242611 PMCID: PMC4995105 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0412200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid 2-AG is highly susceptible to its hydrolysis into AA, which activates neutrophils through de novo LTB(4) biosynthesis, independently of CB activation. In this study, we show that 2-AG and AA stimulate neutrophils to release antimicrobial effectors. Supernatants of neutrophils activated with nanomolar concentrations of 2-AG and AA indeed inhibited the infectivity of HSV-1 and RSV. Additionally, the supernatants of 2-AG- and AA-stimulated neutrophils strongly impaired the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This correlated with the release of a large amount (micrograms) of α-defensins, as well as a limited amount (nanograms) of LL-37. All the effects of AA and 2-AG mentioned above were prevented by inhibiting LTB(4) biosynthesis or by blocking BLT(1). Importantly, neither CB(2) receptor agonists nor antagonists could mimic nor prevent the effects of 2-AG, respectively. In fact, qPCR data show that contaminating eosinophils express ∼100-fold more CB(2) receptor mRNA than purified neutrophils, suggesting that CB(2) receptor expression by human neutrophils is limited and that contaminating eosinophils are likely responsible for the previously documented CB(2) expression by freshly isolated human neutrophils. The rapid conversion of 2-AG to AA and their subsequent metabolism into LTB(4) promote 2-AG and AA as multifunctional activators of neutrophils, mainly exerting their effects by activating the BLT(1). Considering that nanomolar concentrations of AA or 2-AG were sufficient to impair viral infectivity, this suggests potential physiological roles for 2-AG and AA as regulators of host defense in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chouinard
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Xiaochun Guan
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marie-Chantal Larose
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Samuel Poirier
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Line Bouchard
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Véronique Provost
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Louis Flamand
- Centre de Recherche du CHUQ, Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Nathalie Grandvaux
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département de Médecine, Québec City, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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Brown I, Cascio MG, Rotondo D, Pertwee RG, Heys SD, Wahle KW. Cannabinoids and omega-3/6 endocannabinoids as cell death and anticancer modulators. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:80-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Alterations in endocannabinoid tone following chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: effects of endocannabinoid deactivation inhibitors targeting fatty-acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase in comparison to reference analgesics following cisplatin treatment. Pharmacol Res 2012; 67:94-109. [PMID: 23127915 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin, a platinum-derived chemotherapeutic agent, produces mechanical and coldallodynia reminiscent of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in humans. The endocannabinoid system represents a novel target for analgesic drug development. The endocannabinoid signaling system consists of endocannabinoids (e.g. anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)), cannabinoid receptors (e.g. CB(1) and CB(2)) and the enzymes controlling endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation. AEA is hydrolyzed by fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) whereas 2-AG is hydrolyzed primarily by monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). We compared effects of brain permeant (URB597) and impermeant (URB937) inhibitors of FAAH with an irreversible inhibitor of MGL (JZL184) on cisplatin-evoked behavioral hypersensitivities. Endocannabinoid modulators were compared with agents used clinically to treat neuropathy (i.e. the opioid analgesic morphine, the anticonvulsant gabapentin and the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline). Cisplatin produced robust mechanical and cold allodynia but did not alter responsiveness to heat. After neuropathy was fully established, groups received acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of vehicle, amitriptyline (30 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg), morphine (6 mg/kg), URB597 (0.1 or 1 mg/kg), URB937 (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) or JZL184 (1, 3 or 8 mg/kg). Pharmacological specificity was assessed by coadministering each endocannabinoid modulator with either a CB(1) (AM251 3 mg/kg), CB(2) (AM630 3 mg/kg), TRPV1 (AMG9810 3 mg/kg) or TRPA1 (HC030031 8 mg/kg) antagonist. Effects of cisplatin on endocannabinoid levels and transcription of receptors (CB(1), CB(2), TRPV1, TRPA1) and enzymes (FAAH, MGL) linked to the endocannabinoid system were also assessed. URB597, URB937, JZL184 and morphine reversed cisplatin-evoked mechanical and cold allodynia to pre-cisplatin levels. By contrast, gabapentin only partially reversed the observed allodynia while amitriptyline, administered acutely, was ineffective. CB(1) or CB(2) antagonists completely blocked the anti-allodynic effects of both FAAH (URB597, URB937) and MGL (JZL184) inhibitors to mechanical and cold stimulation. By contrast, the TRPV1 antagonist AMG9810 blocked the anti-allodynic efficacy of both FAAH inhibitors, but not the MGL inhibitor. By contrast, the TRPA1 antagonist HC30031 did not attenuate anti-allodynic efficacy of any endocannabinoid modulator. When the levels of endocannabinoids were examined, cisplatin increased both anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels in the lumbar spinal cord and decreased 2-AG levels (but not AEA) in dorsal hind paw skin. RT-PCR showed that mRNA for FAAH, but not other markers, was upregulated by cisplatin treatment in lumbar spinal cord. The present studies demonstrate that cisplatin alters endocannabinoid tone and that inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis alleviates chemotherapy-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. The anti-allodynic effects of FAAH and MGL inhibitors are mediated by CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors, whereas TRPV1, but not TRPA1, -dependent mechanisms contribute to the anti-allodynic efficacy of FAAH (but not MGL) inhibitors. Strikingly, endocannabinoid modulators potently suppressed cisplatin-evoked allodynia with a rapid onset and showed efficacy that equaled or exceeded that of major classes of anti-neuropathic pain medications used clinically. Thus, inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, via FAAH or MGL inhibitors, represents an efficacious pharmacological approach for suppressing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
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Nikas SP, D'Souza M, Makriyannis A. Enantioselective synthesis of (10 S)- and (10 R)-methyl-anandamides. Tetrahedron 2012; 68. [PMID: 24319298 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
For the development of novel endocannabinoid templates with potential resistance to hydrolytic and oxidative metabolism, we are targeting the bis-allylic carbons of the arachidonoyl skeleton. Toward this end, we recently disclosed the synthesis and preliminary biological data for the (13S)-methyl-anandamide. We report now the total synthesis of the (10S)- and (10R)-methyl-counterparts. Our synthetic approach is stereospecific, efficient, and provides the analogs without the need for resolution. Peptide coupling, P-2 nickel partial hydrogenation, and cis-selective Wittig olefination are the key steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros P Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 116 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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31
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Uyama T, Ikematsu N, Inoue M, Shinohara N, Jin XH, Tsuboi K, Tonai T, Tokumura A, Ueda N. Generation of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine by members of the phospholipase A/acyltransferase (PLA/AT) family. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:31905-19. [PMID: 22825852 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.368712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine, and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), are formed from membrane glycerophospholipids in animal tissues. The pathway is initiated by N-acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to form N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE). Despite the physiological importance of this reaction, the enzyme responsible, N-acyltransferase, remains molecularly uncharacterized. We recently demonstrated that all five members of the HRAS-like suppressor tumor family are phospholipid-metabolizing enzymes with N-acyltransferase activity and are renamed HRASLS1-5 as phospholipase A/acyltransferase (PLA/AT)-1-5. However, it was poorly understood whether these proteins were involved in the formation of NAPE in living cells. In the present studies, we first show that COS-7 cells transiently expressing recombinant PLA/AT-1, -2, -4, or -5, and HEK293 cells stably expressing PLA/AT-2 generated significant amounts of [(14)C]NAPE and [(14)C]NAE when cells were metabolically labeled with [(14)C]ethanolamine. Second, as analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the stable expression of PLA/AT-2 in cells remarkably increased endogenous levels of NAPEs and NAEs with various N-acyl species. Third, when NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D was additionally expressed in PLA/AT-2-expressing cells, accumulating NAPE was efficiently converted to NAE. We also found that PLA/AT-2 was partly responsible for NAPE formation in HeLa cells that endogenously express PLA/AT-2. These results suggest that PLA/AT family proteins may produce NAPEs serving as precursors of bioactive NAEs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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Luchicchi A, Pistis M. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol: Pharmacological Properties, Functional Features, and Emerging Specificities of the Two Major Endocannabinoids. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:374-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8299-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Metabolism of anandamide into eoxamides by 15-lipoxygenase-1 and glutathione transferases. Lipids 2012; 47:781-91. [PMID: 22684912 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-012-3684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) can metabolize arachidonic acid (ARA) into pro-inflammatory mediators such as the eoxins, 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HPETE), and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine. We have in this study investigated the formation of various lipid hydroperoxide by either purified 15-LO-1 or in the Hodgkin lymphoma cell line L1236, which contain abundant amount of 15-LO-1. Both purified 15-LO-1 and L1236 cells produced lipid hydroperoxides more efficiently when anandamide (AEA) or 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol ester was used as substrate than with ARA. Furthermore, L1236 cells converted AEA to a novel class of cysteinyl-containing metabolites. Based on RP-HPLC, mass spectrometry and comparison to synthetic products, these metabolites were identified as the ethanolamide of the eoxin (EX) C(4) and EXD(4). By using the epoxide EXA(4)-ethanol amide, it was also found that platelets have the capacity to produce the ethanolamide of EXC(4) and EXD(4). We suggest that the ethanolamides of the eoxins should be referred to as eoxamides, in analogy to the ethanolamides of prostaglandins which are named prostamides. The metabolism of AEA into eoxamides might engender molecules with novel biological effects. Alternatively, it might represent a new mechanism for the termination of AEA signalling.
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Lipophilic amines as potent inhibitors of N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:3658-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Tai T, Tsuboi K, Uyama T, Masuda K, Cravatt BF, Houchi H, Ueda N. Endogenous molecules stimulating N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA). ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:379-85. [PMID: 22860206 DOI: 10.1021/cn300007s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays the central role in the degradation of bioactive N-acylethanolamines such as the endocannabinoid arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) in brain and peripheral tissues. A lysosomal enzyme referred to as N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) catalyzes the same reaction with preference to palmitoylethanolamide, an endogenous analgesic and neuroprotective substance, and is therefore expected as a potential target of therapeutic drugs. In the in vitro assays thus far performed, the maximal activity of NAAA was achieved in the presence of both nonionic detergent (Triton X-100 or Nonidet P-40) and the SH reagent dithiothreitol. However, endogenous molecules that might substitute for these synthetic compounds remain poorly understood. Here, we examined stimulatory effects of endogenous phospholipids and thiol compounds on recombinant NAAA. Among different phospholipids tested, choline- or ethanolamine-containing phospholipids showed potent effects, and 1 mM phosphatidylcholine increased NAAA activity by 6.6-fold. Concerning endogenous thiol compounds, dihydrolipoic acid at 0.1-1 mM was the most active, causing 8.5-9.0-fold stimulation. These results suggest that endogenous phospholipids and dihydrolipoic acid may contribute in keeping NAAA active in lysosomes. Even in the presence of phosphatidylcholine and dihydrolipoic acid, however, the preferential hydrolysis of palmitoylethanolamide was unaltered. We also investigated a possible compensatory induction of NAAA mRNA in brain and other tissues of FAAH-deficient mice. However, NAAA expression levels in all the tissues examined were not significantly altered from those in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Tai
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
- Department
of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793,
Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
| | - Kim Masuda
- Department of Chemical
Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical
Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Hitoshi Houchi
- Department
of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793,
Japan
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
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Dainese E, Sabatucci A, Angelucci CB, Barsacchi D, Chiarini M, Maccarrone M. Impact of embedded endocannabinoids and their oxygenation by lipoxygenase on membrane properties. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:386-92. [PMID: 22860207 PMCID: PMC3386857 DOI: 10.1021/cn300016c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are the best characterized endocannabinoids. Their biological activity is subjected to metabolic control whereby a dynamic equilibrium among biosynthetic, catabolic, and oxidative pathways drives their intracellular concentrations. In particular, lipoxygenases can generate hydroperoxy derivatives of endocannabinoids, endowed with distinct activities within cells. The in vivo interaction between lipoxygenases and endocannabinoids is likely to occur within cell membranes; thus, we sought to ascertain whether a prototypical enzyme like soybean (Glycine max) 15-lipoxygenase-1 is able to oxygenate endocannabinoids embedded in synthetic vesicles and how these substances could affect the binding ability of the enzyme to different lipid bilayers. We show that (i) embedded endocannabinoids increase membrane fluidity; (ii) 15-lipoxygenase-1 preferentially binds to endocannabinoid-containing bilayers; and that (iii) 15-lipoxygenase-1 oxidizes embedded endocannabinoids and thus reduces fluidity and local hydration of membrane lipids. Together, the present findings reveal further complexity in the regulation of endocannabinoid signaling within the central nervous system, disclosing novel control by oxidative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Dainese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- European Center
for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome,
Italy
| | | | | | - Daniela Barsacchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marco Chiarini
- Department of Food
Science, University of Teramo, Teramo,
Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- European Center
for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome,
Italy
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Abstract
The study of endocannabinoid pharmacology has proceeded from the discovery of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in Cannabis sativa, to the identification of an endogenous endocannabinoid system that is essential for physiological modulation of neuronal functions. We have not yet achieved a complete understanding of the various roles of the endocannabinoids, but this is one of the fastest-growing fields in psychopharmacology. This review starts with a brief historical description of the discovery of the endocannabinoids and then focuses on recent pharmacological advances and recently discovered endocannabinoid mechanisms of action (e.g. functional selectivity, allosterism, and receptor trafficking). Finally, we will discuss the contention that the existence of evidence-based therapeutic applications for cannabinoids and the wide range of physiological functions affected by endocannabinoids suggests that the careful study of the endocannabinoid system may lead to the development of novel therapeutic drugs with higher societal acceptability and lower side effects profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Pamplona
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.
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Coulon D, Faure L, Salmon M, Wattelet V, Bessoule JJ. Occurrence, biosynthesis and functions of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPE): Not just precursors of N-acylethanolamines (NAE). Biochimie 2012; 94:75-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Duggan KC, Hermanson DJ, Musee J, Prusakiewicz JJ, Scheib JL, Carter BD, Banerjee S, Oates JA, Marnett LJ. (R)-Profens are substrate-selective inhibitors of endocannabinoid oxygenation by COX-2. Nat Chem Biol 2011; 7:803-9. [PMID: 22053353 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the oxygenation of arachidonic acid and the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and arachidonoylethanolamide. Evaluation of a series of COX-2 inhibitors revealed that many weak competitive inhibitors of arachidonic acid oxygenation are potent inhibitors of endocannabinoid oxygenation. (R) enantiomers of ibuprofen, naproxen and flurbiprofen, which are considered to be inactive as COX-2 inhibitors, are potent 'substrate-selective inhibitors' of endocannabinoid oxygenation. Crystal structures of the COX-2–(R)-naproxen and COX-2–(R)-flurbiprofen complexes verified this unexpected binding and defined the orientation of the (R) enantiomers relative to (S) enantiomers. (R)-Profens selectively inhibited endocannabinoid oxygenation by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. Substrate-selective inhibition provides new tools for investigating the role of COX-2 in endocannabinoid oxygenation and a possible explanation for the ability of (R)-profens to maintain endocannabinoid tone in models of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Duggan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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40
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Rouzer CA, Marnett LJ. Endocannabinoid oxygenation by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochromes P450: cross-talk between the eicosanoid and endocannabinoid signaling pathways. Chem Rev 2011; 111:5899-921. [PMID: 21923193 PMCID: PMC3191732 DOI: 10.1021/cr2002799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Rouzer
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, USA
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41
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Yang R, Fredman G, Krishnamoorthy S, Agrawal N, Irimia D, Piomelli D, Serhan CN. Decoding functional metabolomics with docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) identifies novel bioactive signals. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:31532-41. [PMID: 21757729 PMCID: PMC3173121 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.237990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and traumatic brain injury involve activation of inflammatory cells and production of local pro-inflammatory mediators that can amplify tissue damage. Using LC-UV-MS-MS-based lipidomics in tandem with functional screening at the single-cell level in microfluidic chambers, we identified a series of novel bioactive oxygenated docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide- (DHEA) derived products that regulated leukocyte motility. These included 10,17-dihydroxydocosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (10,17-diHDHEA) and 15-hydroxy-16(17)-epoxy-docosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (15-HEDPEA), each of which was an agonist of recombinant CB2 receptors with EC(50) 3.9 × 10(-10) and 1.0 × 10(-10) M. In human whole blood, 10,17-diHDHEA and 15-HEDPEA at concentrations as low as 10 pM each prevented formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates involving either platelet-monocyte or platelet-polymorphonuclear leukocyte. In vivo, 15-HEDPEA was organ-protective in mouse reperfusion second organ injury. Together these results indicate that DHEA oxidative metabolism produces potent novel molecules with anti-inflammatory and organ-protective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- From the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Gabrielle Fredman
- From the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Sriram Krishnamoorthy
- From the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Nitin Agrawal
- the BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Daniel Irimia
- the BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- the Departments of Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92617, and
- the Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Charles N. Serhan
- From the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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42
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Chouinard F, Lefebvre JS, Navarro P, Bouchard L, Ferland C, Lalancette-Hébert M, Marsolais D, Laviolette M, Flamand N. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol activates human neutrophils: critical role of its hydrolysis and de novo leukotriene B4 biosynthesis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:3188-96. [PMID: 21278347 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although endocannabinoids are important players in nociception and obesity, their roles as immunomodulators remain elusive. The main endocannabinoids described to date, namely 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA), induce an intriguing profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. This could relate to cell-specific cannabinoid receptor expression and/or the action of endocannabinoid-derived metabolites. Importantly, 2-AG and AEA comprise a molecule of arachidonic acid (AA) in their structure and are hydrolyzed rapidly. We postulated the following: 1) the released AA from endocannabinoid hydrolysis would be metabolized into eicosanoids; and 2) these eicosanoids would mediate some of the effects of endocannabinoids. To confirm these hypotheses, experiments were performed in which freshly isolated human neutrophils were treated with endocannabinoids. Unlike AEA, 2-AG stimulated myeloperoxidase release, kinase activation, and calcium mobilization by neutrophils. Although 2-AG did not induce the migration of neutrophils, it induced the release of a migrating activity for neutrophils. 2-AG also rapidly (1 min) induced a robust biosynthesis of leukotrienes, similar to that observed with AA. The effects of 2-AG were not mimicked nor prevented by cannabinoid receptor agonists or antagonists, respectively. Finally, the blockade of either 2-AG hydrolysis, leukotriene (LT) B(4) biosynthesis, or LTB(4) receptor 1 activation prevented all the effects of 2-AG on neutrophil functions. In conclusion, we demonstrated that 2-AG potently activates human neutrophils. This is the consequence of 2-AG hydrolysis, de novo LTB(4) biosynthesis, and an autocrine activation loop involving LTB(4) receptor 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chouinard
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
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43
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Abstract
Since the first endocannabinoid anandamide was identified in 1992, extensive research has been conducted to characterize the elements of the tightly controlled endocannabinoid signaling system. While it was established that the activity of endocannabinoids are terminated by a two-step process that includes cellular uptake and degradation, there is still a continuing debate about the mechanistic role of these processes in inactivating anandamide signals.
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44
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Staniaszek LE, Norris LM, Kendall DA, Barrett DA, Chapman V. Effects of COX-2 inhibition on spinal nociception: the role of endocannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:669-76. [PMID: 20590570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00703.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent studies suggest that the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition are mediated by cannabinoid receptor activation. However, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase, which regulates levels of some endocannabinoids. Whether COX-2 directly regulates levels of endocannabinoids in vivo is unclear. Here, the effect of the COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide, which does not inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase, on spinal nociceptive processing was determined. Effects of nimesulide on tissue levels of endocannabinoids and related compounds were measured and the role of cannabinoid 1 (CB(1)) receptors was determined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of spinal and peripheral administration of nimesulide (1-100 microg per 50 microL) on mechanically evoked responses of rat dorsal horn neurones were measured, and the contribution of the CB(1) receptor was determined with the antagonist AM251 (N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(-4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide), in anaesthetized rats. Effects of nimesulide on spinal levels of endocannabinoids and related compounds were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. KEY RESULTS Spinal, but not peripheral, injection of nimesulide (1-100 microg per 50 microL) significantly reduced mechanically evoked responses of dorsal horn neurones. Inhibitory effects of spinal nimesulide were blocked by the CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251 (1 microg per 50 microL), but spinal levels of endocannabinoids were not elevated. Indeed, both anandamide and N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) were significantly decreased by nimesulide. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although the inhibitory effects of COX-2 blockade on spinal neuronal responses by nimesulide were dependent on CB(1) receptors, we did not detect a concomitant elevation in anandamide or 2-AG. Further understanding of the complexities of endocannabinoid catabolism by multiple enzymes is essential to understand their contribution to COX-2-mediated analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Staniaszek
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
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45
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Papahatjis DP, Nahmias VR, Nikas SP, Schimpgen M, Makriyannis A. Design and synthesis of (13S)-methyl-substituted arachidonic acid analogues: templates for novel endocannabinoids. Chemistry 2010; 16:4091-9. [PMID: 20187040 DOI: 10.1002/chem.200902880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Two novel methyl-substituted arachidonic acid derivatives were prepared in an enantioselective manner from commercially available chiral building blocks, and were found to be excellent templates for the development of (13S)-methyl-substituted anandamide analogues. One of the compounds synthesized, namely, (13S,5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-13-methyl-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide, is an endocannabinoid analogue with remarkably high affinity for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris P Papahatjis
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou, Athens 116-35, Greece.
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46
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. N-acylethanolamine metabolism with special reference to N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA). Prog Lipid Res 2010; 49:299-315. [PMID: 20152858 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) constitute a class of bioactive lipid molecules present in animal and plant tissues. Among the NAEs, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine attract much attention due to cannabimimetic activity as an endocannabinoid, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and anorexic activity, respectively. In mammalian tissues, NAEs are formed from glycerophospholipids through the phosphodiesterase-transacylation pathway consisting of Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D. Recent studies revealed the presence of alternative pathways and enzymes responsible for the NAE formation. As for the degradation of NAEs, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes NAEs to fatty acids and ethanolamine, plays a central role. However, a lysosomal enzyme referred to as NAE-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) also catalyzes the same reaction and may be a new target for the development of therapeutic drugs. In this article we discuss recent progress in the studies on the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of NAEs with special reference to NAAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
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47
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Astarita G, Piomelli D. Lipidomic analysis of endocannabinoid metabolism in biological samples. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2009; 877:2755-67. [PMID: 19171504 PMCID: PMC2723187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2008] [Revised: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids are signaling lipids present in many living organisms. They activate G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors to modulate a broad range of biological processes that include emotion, cognition, inflammation and reproduction. The endocannabinoids are embedded in an interconnected network of cellular lipid pathways, the regulation of which is likely to control the strength and duration of endocannabinoid signals. Therefore, physiopathological or pharmacological perturbations of these pathways may indirectly affect endocannabinoid activity and, vice versa, endocannabinoid activity may influence lipid pathways involved in other metabolic and signaling events. Recent progress in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry has fueled the development of targeted lipidomic approaches, which allow researchers to examine complex lipid interactions in cells and gain a broader view of the endocannabinoid system. Here, we review these new developments from the perspective of our laboratory's experience in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Astarita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92967-4625, United States
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48
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Giuffrida A, McMahon LR. In vivo pharmacology of endocannabinoids and their metabolic inhibitors: therapeutic implications in Parkinson's disease and abuse liability. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2009; 91:90-103. [PMID: 19523530 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2009.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the behavioral pharmacology of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and indirect-acting cannabinoid agonists that elevate endocannabinoid tone by inhibiting the activity of metabolic enzymes. Similarities and differences between prototype cannabinoid agonists, endocannabinoids and inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism are discussed in the context of endocannabinoid pharmacokinetics in vivo. The distribution and function of cannabinoid and non-CB(1)/CB(2) receptors are also covered, with emphasis on their role in disorders characterized by dopamine dysfunction, such as drug abuse and Parkinson's disease. Finally, evidence is presented to suggest that FAAH inhibitors lack the abuse liability associated with CB(1) agonists, although they may modify the addictive properties of other drugs, such as alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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49
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De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. An introduction to the endocannabinoid system: from the early to the latest concepts. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 23:1-15. [PMID: 19285257 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2008.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A rather complex and pleiotropic endogenous signalling system was discovered in the late 1990s, starting from studies on the mechanism of action of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive principle of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. This system includes: (1) at least two G-protein-coupled receptors, known as the cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors; (2) the endogenous agonists at these receptors, known as endocannabinoids, of which anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are the best known; and (3) proteins and enzymes for the regulation of endocannabinoid levels and action at receptors. The number of the members of this endocannabinoid signalling system seems to be ever increasing as new non-CB(1) non-CB(2) receptors for endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid-related molecules with little activity at CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, and new enzymes for endocannabinoid biosynthesis and degradation are being identified every year. The complexity of the endocannabinoid system and of its physiological and pathological function is outlined in this introductory chapter, for a better understanding of the subsequent chapters in this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry and Institute of Cybernetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
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50
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Alexander SPH, Kendall DA. The life cycle of the endocannabinoids: formation and inactivation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2009; 1:3-35. [PMID: 21104378 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-88955-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we summarise the current thinking about the nature of endocannabinoids. In describing the life cycle of these agents, we highlight the synthetic and catabolic enzymes suggested to be involved. For each of these, we provide a systematic analysis of information on sequence, subcellular and cellular distribution, as well as physiological and pharmacological substrates, enhancers and inhibitors, together with brief descriptions of the impact of manipulating enzyme levels through genetic mechanisms (dealt with in more detail in the chapter "Genetic Models of the Endocannabinoid System" by Monory and Lutz, this volume). In addition, we describe experiments investigating the stimulation of endocannabinoid synthesis and release in intact cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P H Alexander
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
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