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Akcay E, Karatas H. P2X7 receptors from the perspective of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in depression: Potential role of cannabidiol. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 41:100853. [PMID: 39296605 PMCID: PMC11407962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many patients with depressive disorder do not respond to conventional antidepressant treatment. There is an ongoing interest in investigating potential mechanisms of treatment resistance in depression to provide alternative treatment options involving inflammatory mechanisms. Increasing evidence implicates the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome as a critical factor in neuroinflammation. ATP-induced P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation is a major trigger for inflammation, activating the canonical NLRP3 inflammatory cascade. Psychosocial stress, the primary environmental risk factor for depression, is associated with changes in ATP-mediated P2X7R signaling. Depression and stress response can be alleviated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has an anti-inflammatory activity related to the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, CBD's effects on the inflammasome pathway are poorly understood in central nervous system (CNS) cells, including microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. This review will emphasize some findings for neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway involvement in depression, particularly addressing the ATP-induced P2X7R activation. Moreover, we will underline evidence for the effect of CBD on depression and address its potential impacts on neuroinflammation through the NLRP3 inflammasome cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Akcay
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulya Karatas
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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Dudhabhate BB, Awathale SN, Choudhary AG, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Deep brain stimulation targeted at lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle reverses depressive-like symptoms and related cognitive deficits in rat: Role of serotoninergic system. Neuroscience 2024; 556:96-113. [PMID: 39103042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to understand the rationale behind the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of depression. Male Wistar rats, rendered depressive with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) were implanted with electrode in the lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle (LH-MFB) and subjected to deep brain stimulation (DBS) for 4 h each day for 14 days. DBS rats, as well as controls, were screened for a range of parameters indicative of depressive state. Symptomatic features noticed in CUMS rats like the memory deficit, anhedonia, reduction in body weight and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in mPFC and elevated plasma corticosterone were reversed in rats subjected to DBS. DBS arrested CUMS induced degeneration of 5-HT cells in interfascicular region of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRif) and fibers in LH-MFB and induced dendritic proliferation in mPFC neurons. MFB is known to serve as a major conduit for the DRif-mPFC serotoninergic pathway. While the density of serotonin fibers in the LH-MFB circuit was reduced in CUMS, it was upregulated in DBS-treated rats. Furthermore, microinjection of 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY100635 into mPFC countered the positive effects of DBS like the antidepressant and memory-enhancing action. In this background, we suggest that DBS at LH-MFB may exercise positive effect in depressive rats via upregulation of the serotoninergic system. While these data drawn from the experiments on rat provide meaningful clues, we suggest that further studies aimed at understanding the usefulness of DBS at LH-MFB in humans may be rewarding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biru B Dudhabhate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Sanjay N Awathale
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424 001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit G Choudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India.
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3
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Jha SK, Nelson VK, Suryadevara PR, Panda SP, Pullaiah CP, Nuli MV, Kamal M, Imran M, Ausali S, Abomughaid MM, Srivastava R, Deka R, Pritam P, Gupta N, Shyam H, Singh IK, Pandey BW, Dewanjee S, Jha NK, Jafari SM. Cannabidiol and neurodegeneration: From molecular mechanisms to clinical benefits. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102386. [PMID: 38969143 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are severe and life-threatening conditions in which significant damage of functional neurons occurs to produce psycho-motor malfunctions. NDs are an important cause of death in the elderly population worldwide. These disorders are commonly associated with the progression of age, oxidative stress, and environmental pollutants, which are the major etiological factors. Abnormal aggregation of specific proteins such as α-synuclein, amyloid-β, huntingtin, and tau, and accumulation of the associated oligomers in neurons are the hallmark pathological features of NDs. Existing therapeutic options for NDs are only symptomatic relief and do not address root-causing factors, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotic natural cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis sativa that possesses multiple pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in various NDs and other neurological disorders both in vitro and in vivo. CBD has gained attention as a promising drug candidate for the management of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, by inhibiting protein aggregation, free radicals, and neuroinflammation. In parallel, CBD has shown positive results in other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as adjuvant treatment with existing standard therapeutic agents. Hence, the present review focuses on exploring the possible molecular mechanisms in controlling various neurological disorders as well as the clinical applications of CBD in NDs including epilepsy, depression and anxiety. In this way, the current review will serve as a standalone reference for the researchers working in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Vinod Kumar Nelson
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute Of Medical And Technical Sciences, India
| | | | - Siva Prasad Panda
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281406, India
| | - Chitikela P Pullaiah
- Department of Chemistry, Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohana Vamsi Nuli
- Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, India
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saijyothi Ausali
- College of Pharmacy, MNR Higher Education and Research Academy Campus, MNR Nagar, Sangareddy 502294, India
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashi Srivastava
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,Patna, 800013 India
| | - Rahul Deka
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pingal Pritam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Gupta
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Harishankar Shyam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab., Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College & Delhi School of Public Health, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | | | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran; Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
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4
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Banerjee S, Saha D, Sharma R, Jaidee W, Puttarak P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chaoroensup R. Phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation: From omics to epigenetics. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118201. [PMID: 38677573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent developments in metabolomics, transcriptomic and epigenetics open up new horizons regarding the pharmacological understanding of phytocannabinoids as neuromodulators in treating anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and autism. METHODS The present review is an extensive search in public databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed, to collect all the literature about the neurobiological roles of cannabis extract, cannabidiol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol specially focused on metabolomics, transcriptomic, epigenetic, mechanism of action, in different cell lines, induced animal models and clinical trials. We used bioinformatics, network pharmacology and enrichment analysis to understand the effect of phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation. RESULTS Cannabidomics studies show wide variability of metabolites across different strains and varieties, which determine their medicinal and abusive usage, which is very important for its quality control and regulation. CB receptors interact with other compounds besides cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, like cannabinol and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Phytocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors (GPCR, ion channels, and PPAR) to improve various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its abuse because of THC is also a problem found across different epigenetic and transcriptomic studies. Network enrichment analysis shows CNR1 expression in the brain and its interacting genes involve different pathways such as Rap1 signalling, dopaminergic synapse, and relaxin signalling. CBD protects against diseases like epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's by modifying DNA and mitochondrial DNA in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology analysis of 8 phytocannabinoids revealed an interaction with 10 (out of 60) targets related to neurodegenerative diseases, with enrichment of ErbB and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways which helps in ameliorating neuro-inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of phytocannabinoids vary across sex, disease state, and age which suggests the importance of a personalized medicine approach for better success. CONCLUSIONS Phytocannabinoids present a range of promising neuromodulatory effects. It holds promise if utilized in a strategic way towards personalized neuropsychiatric treatment. However, just like any drug irrational usage may lead to unforeseen negative effects. Exploring neuro-epigenetics and systems pharmacology of major and minor phytocannabinoid combinations can lead to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Banerjee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Debolina Saha
- School of Bioscience and Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wuttichai Jaidee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Panupong Puttarak
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | | | - Rawiwan Chaoroensup
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand; School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand.
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Guldager MB, Biojone C, da Silva NR, Godoy LD, Joca S. New insights into the involvement of serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in cannabidiol's antidepressant effect. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111029. [PMID: 38762160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychostimulant properties and is currently under investigation as a potential antidepressant drug. However, the mechanisms underlying CBD's antidepressant effects are not yet well understood. CBD targets include a variety of receptors, enzymes, and transporters, with different binding-affinities. Neurochemical and pharmacological evidence indicates that both serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in the prefrontal cortex are necessary for the antidepressant effects induced by CBD in animal models. Herein, we reviewed the current literature to dissect if these are independent mechanisms or if CBD-induced modulation of the serotonergic neurotransmission could mediate its neuroplastic effects through subsequent regulation of BDNF-TrkB signalling, thus culminating in rapid neuroplastic changes. It is hypothesized that: a) CBD interaction with serotonin receptors on neurons of the dorsal raphe nuclei and the resulting disinhibition of serotonergic neurons would promote rapid serotonin release in the PFC and hence its neuroplastic and antidepressant effects; b) CBD facilitates BDNF-TRKB signalling, especially in the PFC, which rapidly triggers neurochemical and neuroplastic effects. These hypotheses are discussed with perspectives for new drug development and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Bock Guldager
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Livea Dornela Godoy
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Guldager MB, Chaves Filho AM, Biojone C, Joca S. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in depression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:251-293. [PMID: 39029987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread and debilitating condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. Traditional treatment for MDD has primarily involved drugs that increase brain monoamines by inhibiting their uptake or metabolism, which is the basis for the monoaminergic hypothesis of depression. However, these treatments are only partially effective, with many patients experiencing delayed responses, residual symptoms, or complete non-response, rendering the current view of the hypothesis as reductionist. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promising results in preclinical models and human studies. Its mechanism is not well-understood, but may involve monoamine and endocannabinoid signaling, control of neuroinflammation and enhanced neuroplasticity. This chapter will explore CBD's effects in preclinical and clinical studies, its molecular mechanisms, and its potential as a treatment for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Bock Guldager
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Caroline Biojone
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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7
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Socha J, Grochecki P, Marszalek-Grabska M, Skrok A, Smaga I, Slowik T, Prazmo W, Kotlinski R, Filip M, Kotlinska JH. Cannabidiol Protects against the Reinstatement of Oxycodone-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Adolescent Male but Not Female Rats: The Role of MOR and CB1R. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6651. [PMID: 38928357 PMCID: PMC11204276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, appeared to satisfy several criteria for a safe approach to preventing drug-taking behavior, including opioids. However, most successful preclinical and clinical results come from studies in adult males. We examined whether systemic injections of CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during extinction of oxycodone (OXY, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) induced conditioned place preference (CPP) could attenuate the reinstatement of CPP brought about by OXY (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) priming in adolescent rats of both sexes, and whether this effect is sex dependent. Accordingly, a priming dose of OXY produced reinstatement of the previously extinguished CPP in males and females. In both sexes, this effect was linked to locomotor sensitization that was blunted by CBD pretreatments. However, CBD was able to prevent the reinstatement of OXY-induced CPP only in adolescent males and this outcome was associated with an increased cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and a decreased mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The reinstatement of CCP in females was associated with a decreased MOR expression, but no changes were detected in CB1R in the hippocampus (HIP). Moreover, CBD administration during extinction significantly potentialized the reduced MOR expression in the PFC of males and showed a tendency to potentiate the reduced MOR in the HIP of females. Additionally, CBD reversed OXY-induced deficits of recognition memory only in males. These results suggest that CBD could reduce reinstatement to OXY seeking after a period of abstinence in adolescent male but not female rats. However, more investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Socha
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Pawel Grochecki
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Skrok
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Tymoteusz Slowik
- Experimental Medicine Center, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Prazmo
- Breast Surgery Department, Provincial Specialist Hospital, Al. Krasnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Robert Kotlinski
- Clinical Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rzeszow, Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
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8
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Werle I, Nascimento LMM, Dos Santos ALA, Soares LA, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC, Bertoglio LJ. Ayahuasca-enhanced extinction of fear behaviour: Role of infralimbic cortex 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 1A receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1671-1689. [PMID: 38320596 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ayahuasca (AYA) is a botanical psychedelic with promising results in observational and small clinical trials for depression, trauma and drug use disorders. Its psychoactive effects primarily stem from N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). However, there is a lack of research on how and where AYA acts in the brain. This study addressed these questions by examining the extinction of aversive memories in AYA-treated rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We focused on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, as DMT exhibits a high affinity for both of them, along with the infralimbic cortex in which activity and plasticity play crucial roles in regulating the mnemonic process under analysis. KEY RESULTS A single oral treatment with AYA containing 0.3 mg·kg-1 of DMT increased the within-session extinction of contextual freezing behaviour without affecting its recall. This protocol, when repeated twice on consecutive days, enhanced extinction recall. These effects were consistent for both 1- and 21-day-old memories in males and females. AYA effects on fear extinction were independent of changes in anxiety and general exploratory activity: AYA- and vehicle-treated animals showed no differences when tested in the elevated plus-maze. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL-11,939 and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 infused into the infralimbic cortex respectively blocked within- and between-session fear extinction effects resulting from repeated oral administration of AYA. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight complementary mechanisms by which AYA facilitates the behavioural suppression of aversive memories in the rat infralimbic cortex. These results suggest potential beneficial effects of AYA or DMT in stress-related disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Fear/drug effects
- Fear/physiology
- Male
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Extinction, Psychological/drug effects
- Rats
- Banisteriopsis/chemistry
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Hallucinogens/administration & dosage
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Pyridines/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Werle
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Laura M M Nascimento
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Aymee L A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luciane A Soares
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Departamento de Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Departamento de Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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9
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Dinur E, Goldenberg H, Robinson E, Naggan L, Kozela E, Yirmiya R. A Novel Anti-Inflammatory Formulation Comprising Celecoxib and Cannabidiol Exerts Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:561-580. [PMID: 36520610 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ample research shows that anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly celecoxib, exert antidepressant effects, especially in patients with microglia activation. However, substantial cardiovascular adverse effects limit celecoxib's usefulness. Given that cannabidiol (CBD) exerts anti-inflammatory, microglia-suppressive, and antidepressant effects, we hypothesized that it may potentiate the therapeutic effects of celecoxib. Methods: The effects of celecoxib, CBD, and their combination were examined in murine models of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like behavioral responsiveness, including the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), as well as in microglia cell cultures. Results: Acute administration of a combination of celecoxib plus CBD, at doses that had no effects by themselves (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively), produced significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in the FST and EPM, in male and female mice. In the LPS model, combinations of celecoxib (10 or 20 mg/kg) plus CBD (30 mg/kg) reversed the anxiety-like behavior in the open-field test (OFT) and anhedonia in the sucrose preference test (SPT), with minimal effects of celecoxib or CBD by themselves. In the CSDS paradigm, a combination of celecoxib plus CBD (each at 30 mg/kg) reversed the deficits in the OFT, EPM, social exploration, and SPT, whereas celecoxib or CBD by themselves had partial effects. In BV2 microglia cultures stimulated with LPS or α-synuclein, CBD markedly potentiated the suppressive effects of celecoxib over TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL (interleukin)-1β secretion. Conclusions: Combinations of celecoxib plus CBD produce efficacious antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects, which may depend on their synergistic microglia-suppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Dinur
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagar Goldenberg
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Naggan
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raz Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Rice LJ, Cannon L, Dadlani N, Cheung MMY, Einfeld SL, Efron D, Dossetor DR, Elliott EJ. Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:505-526. [PMID: 36864363 PMCID: PMC10869397 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02169-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system and a relaxation in regulatory control of cannabis globally has increased interest in the medicinal use of cannabinoid-based products (CBP). We provide a systematic review of the rationale and current clinical trial evidence for CBP in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Trials was performed to identify articles published after 1980 about CBP for medical purposes in individuals aged 18 years or younger with selected neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions. Risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed for each article. Of 4466 articles screened, 18 were eligible for inclusion, addressing eight conditions (anxiety disorders (n = 1); autism spectrum disorder (n = 5); foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (n = 1); fragile X syndrome (n = 2); intellectual disability (n = 1); mood disorders (n = 2); post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 3); and Tourette syndrome (n = 3)). Only one randomised controlled trial (RCT) was identified. The remaining seventeen articles included one open-label trial, three uncontrolled before-and-after trials, two case series and 11 case reports, thus the risk of bias was high. Despite growing community and scientific interest, our systematic review identified limited and generally poor-quality evidence for the efficacy of CBP in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Large rigorous RCTs are required to inform clinical care. In the meantime, clinicians must balance patient expectations with the limited evidence available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Rice
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, Australia.
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lisa Cannon
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Navin Dadlani
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Mei Yin Cheung
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stewart L Einfeld
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daryl Efron
- Department of General Paediatrics, Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R Dossetor
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Martinez Naya N, Kelly J, Corna G, Golino M, Polizio AH, Abbate A, Toldo S, Mezzaroma E. An Overview of Cannabidiol as a Multifunctional Drug: Pharmacokinetics and Cellular Effects. Molecules 2024; 29:473. [PMID: 38257386 PMCID: PMC10818442 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis Sativa, has garnered increasing attention for its diverse therapeutic potential. This comprehensive review delves into the complex pharmacokinetics of CBD, including factors such as bioavailability, distribution, safety profile, and dosage recommendations, which contribute to the compound's pharmacological profile. CBD's role as a pharmacological inhibitor is explored, encompassing interactions with the endocannabinoid system and ion channels. The compound's anti-inflammatory effects, influencing the Interferon-beta and NF-κB, position it as a versatile candidate for immune system regulation and interventions in inflammatory processes. The historical context of Cannabis Sativa's use for recreational and medicinal purposes adds depth to the discussion, emphasizing CBD's emergence as a pivotal phytocannabinoid. As research continues, CBD's integration into clinical practice holds promise for revolutionizing treatment approaches and enhancing patient outcomes. The evolution in CBD research encourages ongoing exploration, offering the prospect of unlocking new therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Martinez Naya
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Jazmin Kelly
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Giuliana Corna
- Interventional Cardiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1199, Argentina;
| | - Michele Golino
- Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 2110 Varese, Italy
| | - Ariel H. Polizio
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Antonio Abbate
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
- Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA;
| | - Stefano Toldo
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Eleonora Mezzaroma
- School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
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12
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Schouten M, Dalle S, Mantini D, Koppo K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328885. [PMID: 38288087 PMCID: PMC10823027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp. Although currently available CBD products do not meet the safety standards of most food safety authorities to be approved as a dietary supplement or food additive, CBD has been gaining widespread attention in recent years due to its various potential health benefits. While primarily known for its therapeutic effects in managing epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, (neuropathic) pain, and inflammation, CBD's influence on brain function has also piqued the interest of researchers and individuals seeking to enhance cognitive performance. The primary objective of this review is to gather, synthesize, and consolidate scientifically proven evidence on the impact of CBD on brain function and its therapeutic significance in treating neurological and mental disorders. First, basic background information on CBD, including its biomolecular properties and mechanisms of action is presented. Next, evidence for CBD effects in the human brain is provided followed by a discussion on the potential implications of CBD as a neurotherapeutic agent. The potential effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain is considered but also in reducing the symptoms of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the implications of using CBD to manage psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, anxiety and fear, depression, and substance use disorders are explored. An overview of the beneficial effects of CBD on aspects of human behavior, such as sleep, motor control, cognition and memory, is then provided. As CBD products remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their use, including product quality, consistency, and safety. Therefore, this review discusses the need for responsible research and regulation of CBD to ensure its safety and efficacy as a therapeutic agent for brain disorders or to stimulate behavioral and cognitive abilities of healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek Schouten
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Dalle
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Scott C, Hall S, Zhou J, Lehmann C. Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID-19-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2023; 13:227. [PMID: 38202234 PMCID: PMC10779964 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010227] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is variable, often including symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, fatigue, and an altered sense of smell and taste. Recently, post-acute "long" COVID-19 has emerged as a concern, with symptoms persisting beyond the acute infection. Vaccinations remain one of the most effective preventative methods against severe COVID-19 outcomes and the development of long-term COVID-19. However, individuals with underlying health conditions may not mount an adequate protective response to COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the likelihood of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and the development of long-term COVID-19 in high-risk populations. This review explores the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids in limiting the susceptibility and severity of infection, both pre- and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection. Early in the SARS-CoV-19 infection, cannabinoids have been shown to prevent viral entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate the associated cytokine storm. Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress injury, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite. While current research primarily focuses on potential treatments for the acute phase of COVID-19, there is a gap in research addressing therapeutics for the early and post-infectious phases. This review highlights the potential for future research to bridge this gap by investigating cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system as a potential treatment strategy for both early and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Scott
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Stefan Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada;
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada;
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14
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Fonseca C, Ettcheto M, Bicker J, Fernandes MJ, Falcão A, Camins A, Fortuna A. Under the umbrella of depression and Alzheimer's disease physiopathology: Can cannabinoids be a dual-pleiotropic therapy? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:101998. [PMID: 37414155 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Depression and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) are two disorders highly prevalent worldwide. Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide while AD affects 60-80% of the 55 million cases of dementia. Both diseases are affected by aging with high prevalence in elderly and share not only the main brain affected areas but also several physiopathological mechanisms. Depression disease is already ascribed as a risk factor to the development of AD. Despite the wide diversity of pharmacological treatments currently available in clinical practice for depression management, they remain associated to a slow recovery process and to treatment-resistant depression. On the other hand, AD treatment is essentially based in symptomatology relieve. Thus, the need for new multi-target treatments arises. Herein, we discuss the current state-of-art regarding the contribution of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in synaptic transmission processes, synapses plasticity and neurogenesis and consequently the use of exogenous cannabinoids in the treatment of depression and on delaying the progression of AD. Besides the well-known imbalance of neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and glutamate, recent scientific evidence highlights aberrant spine density, neuroinflammation, dysregulation of neurotrophic factor levels and formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, as the main physiopathological mechanisms compromised in depression and AD. The contribution of the ECS in these mechanisms is herein specified as well as the pleiotropic effects of phytocannabinoids. At the end, it became evident that Cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, Cannabidivarin and Cannabichromene may act in novel therapeutic targets, presenting high potential in the pharmacotherapy of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fonseca
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Fernandes
- Departamento de Neurologia/Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, CEP, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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15
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Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, Allesø M. Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2323. [PMID: 37626819 PMCID: PMC10452568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'entourage effect' term was originally coined in a pre-clinical study observing endogenous bio-inactive metabolites potentiating the activity of a bioactive endocannabinoid. As a hypothetical afterthought, this was proposed to hold general relevance to the usage of products based on Cannabis sativa L. The term was later juxtaposed to polypharmacy pertaining to full-spectrum medicinal Cannabis products exerting an overall higher effect than the single compounds. Since the emergence of the term, a discussion of its pharmacological foundation and relevance has been ongoing. Advocates suggest that the 'entourage effect' is the reason many patients experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum products. Critics state that the term is unfounded and used primarily for marketing purposes in the Cannabis industry. This scoping review aims to segregate the primary research claiming as well as disputing the existence of the 'entourage effect' from a pharmacological perspective. The literature on this topic is in its infancy. Existing pre-clinical and clinical studies are in general based on simplistic methodologies and show contradictory findings, with the clinical data mostly relying on anecdotal and real-world evidence. We propose that the 'entourage effect' is explained by traditional pharmacological terms pertaining to other plant-based medicinal products and polypharmacy in general (e.g., synergistic interactions and bioenhancement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Christensen
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Rose
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Morten Allesø
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
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16
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Gunasekera B, Wilson R, O'Neill A, Blest-Hopley G, O'Daly O, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabidiol attenuates insular activity during motivational salience processing in patients with early psychosis. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4732-4741. [PMID: 35775365 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) remain unclear but growing evidence indicates that dysfunction in the insula, a key brain region involved in the processing of motivationally salient stimuli, may have a role in the pathophysiology of psychosis. Here, we investigate whether the antipsychotic mechanisms of CBD are underpinned by their effects on insular activation, known to be involved in salience processing. METHODS A within-subject, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of 19 healthy controls and 15 participants with early psychosis was conducted. Administration of a single dose of CBD was compared with placebo in psychosis participants while performing the monetary incentive delay task, an fMRI paradigm. Anticipation of reward and loss were used to contrast motivationally salient stimuli against a neutral control condition. RESULTS No group differences in brain activation between psychosis patients compared with healthy controls were observed. Attenuation of insula activation was observed following CBD, compared to placebo. Sensitivity analyses controlling for current cannabis use history did not affect the main results. CONCLUSION Our findings are in accordance with existing evidence suggesting that CBD modulates brain regions involved in salience processing. Whether such effects underlie the putative antipsychotic effects of CBD remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Grace Blest-Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Owen O'Daly
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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17
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Mendiguren A, Aostri E, Rodilla I, Pujana I, Noskova E, Pineda J. Cannabigerol modulates α 2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated electrophysiological effects on dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus neurons and anxiety behavior in rat. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1183019. [PMID: 37305529 PMCID: PMC10249961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1183019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological profile of cannabigerol (CBG), which acid form constitutes the main precursor of the most abundant cannabinoids, has been scarcely studied. It has been reported to target α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor. The locus coeruleus (LC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are the main serotonergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic (NA) areas in the rat brain, respectively. We aimed to study the effect of CBG on the firing rate of LC NA cells and DRN 5-HT cells and on α2-adrenergic and 5-HT1A autoreceptors by electrophysiological techniques in male Sprague-Dawley rat brain slices. The effect of CBG on the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor was also studied. CBG (30 μM, 10 min) slightly changed the firing rate of NA cells but failed to alter the inhibitory effect of NA (1-100 µM). However, in the presence of CBG the inhibitory effect of the selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 (10 nM) was decreased. Perfusion with CBG (30 μM, 10 min) did not change the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells or the inhibitory effect of 5-HT (100 μM, 1 min) but it reduced the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone (100 nM). CBG failed to reverse ipsapirone-induced inhibition whereas perfusion with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (30 nM) completely restored the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells. In the EPMT, CBG (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the percentage of time the rats spent on the open arms and the number of head-dipping but it reduced the anxiety index. In the NSFT, CBG decreased the time latency to eat in the novel environment but it did not alter home-cage consumption. The effect of CBG on the reduction of latency to feed was prevented by pretreatment with WAY100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In conclusion, CBG hinders the inhibitory effect produced by selective α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the firing rate of NA-LC and 5-HT-DRN neurons by a yet unknown indirect mechanism in rat brain slices and produces anxiolytic-like effects through 5-HT1A receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitziber Mendiguren
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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18
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Castillo-Arellano J, Canseco-Alba A, Cutler SJ, León F. The Polypharmacological Effects of Cannabidiol. Molecules 2023; 28:3271. [PMID: 37050032 PMCID: PMC10096752 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis sativa (Linneo, 1753). This naturally occurring secondary metabolite does not induce intoxication or exhibit the characteristic profile of drugs of abuse from cannabis like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) does. In contrast to ∆9-THC, our knowledge of the neuro-molecular mechanisms of CBD is limited, and its pharmacology, which appears to be complex, has not yet been fully elucidated. The study of the pharmacological effects of CBD has grown exponentially in recent years, making it necessary to generate frequently updated reports on this important metabolite. In this article, a rationalized integration of the mechanisms of action of CBD on molecular targets and pharmacological implications in animal models and human diseases, such as epilepsy, pain, neuropsychiatric disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory diseases, are presented. We identify around 56 different molecular targets for CBD, including enzymes and ion channels/metabotropic receptors involved in neurologic conditions. Herein, we compiled the knowledge found in the scientific literature on the multiple mechanisms of actions of CBD. The in vitro and in vivo findings are essential for fully understanding the polypharmacological nature of this natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Castillo-Arellano
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ana Canseco-Alba
- Laboratory of Reticular Formation Physiology, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico (INNN), Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Stephen J. Cutler
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Francisco León
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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19
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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20
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Corso B, Bacle A, Demay E, Mercerolle M, Pelletier R, Gicquel T, Le Daré B. Place of therapeutic cannabis in France and safety data: A literature review. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2023:S0003-4509(23)00021-4. [PMID: 36841395 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2023.02.002] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To date, very few cannabis-based specialities are authorised on the French market despite a growing demand from patients and health professionals. The objective of this study is to review the tolerance profile and the French legislative status of the two main cannabinoids used for therapeutic purposes: tetrahydrocannabiol (THC) associated with psychoactive effects and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). METHODS This review is based on relevant articles retrieved by a search in Google Scholar and PubMed databases and on an assessment of the legal texts and summaries of product characteristics available in France. RESULTS Evidence for the tolerability of CBD during chronic use is reassuring, but a significant risk of drug interactions exists. THC use appears to be associated with a higher proportion of serious adverse effects, including neuropsychological and cardiovascular effects. Inhaled cannabis appears to be associated with greater toxicity than the oral route. These data are presented together with the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of THC and CBD. CONCLUSION The literature reports several frequent but rarely serious adverse effects of CBD during chronic use as well as a significant risk of drug interactions. THC use seems to be associated with a higher proportion of serious adverse effects compared to CBD, particularly at the neuropsychological and cardiovascular levels. Health professionals should be up to date on the particularities of therapeutic cannabis in terms of efficacy, safety and drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Corso
- Université de Rennes 1, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - A Bacle
- Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - E Demay
- Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - M Mercerolle
- Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - R Pelletier
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, laboratoire de toxicologie biologique et médico-légale, biochimie-toxicologie, 35000 Rennes, France; Université Rennes, Inserm, INRAE, CHU de Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer), Réseau PREVITOX, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - T Gicquel
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, laboratoire de toxicologie biologique et médico-légale, biochimie-toxicologie, 35000 Rennes, France; Université Rennes, Inserm, INRAE, CHU de Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer), Réseau PREVITOX, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - B Le Daré
- Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France; Université Rennes, Inserm, INRAE, CHU de Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer), Réseau PREVITOX, 35000 Rennes, France.
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21
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Stella N. THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings. Neuron 2023; 111:302-327. [PMID: 36638804 PMCID: PMC9898277 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its sibling, cannabidiol (CBD), are produced by the same Cannabis plant and have similar chemical structures but differ dramatically in their mechanisms of action and effects on brain functions. Both THC and CBD exhibit promising therapeutic properties; however, impairments and increased incidence of mental health diseases are associated with acute and chronic THC use, respectively, and significant side effects are associated with chronic use of high-dose CBD. This review covers recent molecular and preclinical discoveries concerning the distinct mechanisms of action and bioactivities of THC and CBD and their impact on human behavior and diseases. These discoveries provide a foundation for the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics for multiple devastating diseases and to assure their safe use in the growing legal market of Cannabis-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cannabis Research, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Cannabidiol Modulates Alterations in PFC microRNAs in a Rat Model of Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032052. [PMID: 36768376 PMCID: PMC9953518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential antidepressant agent. We examined the association between the antidepressant effects of CBD and alterations in brain microRNAs in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model for depression. UCMS male rats were injected with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg) and tested for immobility time in the forced swim test. Alterations in miRNAs (miR16, miR124, miR135a) and genes that encode for the 5HT1a receptor, the serotonergic transporter SERT, β-catenin, and CB1 were examined. UCMS increased immobility time in a forced swim test (i.e., depressive-like behavior) and altered the expression of miRNAs and mRNA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), raphe nucleus, and nucleus accumbens. Importantly, CBD restored UCMS-induced upregulation in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC as well as the increase in immobility time. CBD also restored the UCMS-induced decrease in htr1a, the gene that encodes for the serotonergic 5HT1a receptor; using a pharmacological approach, we found that the 5HT1a receptor antagonist WAY100135 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of CBD on immobility time. Our findings suggest that the antidepressant effects of CBD in a rat model for depression are associated with alterations in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC and are mediated by the 5HT1a receptor.
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23
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Luz-Veiga M, Azevedo-Silva J, Fernandes JC. Beyond Pain Relief: A Review on Cannabidiol Potential in Medical Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:155. [PMID: 37259306 PMCID: PMC9958812 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is receiving increasing attention due to its pharmacological properties. Although CBD is extracted from Cannabis sativa, it lacks the psychoactive effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and has become an attractive compound for pharmacological uses due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic potential. The molecular mechanisms involved in CBD's biological effects are not limited to its interaction with classical cannabinoid receptors, exerting anti-inflammatory or pain-relief effects. Several pieces of evidence demonstrate that CBD interacts with other receptors and cellular signaling cascades, which further support CBD's therapeutic potential beyond pain management. In this review, we take a closer look at the molecular mechanisms of CBD and its potential therapeutic application in the context of cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Luz-Veiga
- CBQF—Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina—Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Azevedo-Silva
- CBQF—Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina—Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - João C. Fernandes
- CBQF—Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina—Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- Amyris Bio Products Portugal, Unipessoal Lda, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
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24
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García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarro D, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Unveiling behavioral and molecular neuroadaptations related to the antidepressant action of cannabidiol in the unpredictable chronic mild stress model. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1171646. [PMID: 37144214 PMCID: PMC10151764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1171646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to further characterize cannabidiol's pharmacological and molecular profile as an antidepressant. Methods: Effects of cannabidiol (CBD), alone or combined with sertraline (STR), were evaluated in male CD1 mice (n = 48) exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) procedure. Once the model was established (4 weeks), mice received CBD (20 mg·kg-1, i.p.), STR (10 mg·kg-1, p.o.) or its combination for 28 days. The efficacy of CBD was evaluated using the light-dark box (LDB), elevated plus maze (EPM), tail suspension (TS), sucrose consumption (SC) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Gene expression changes in the serotonin transporter, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, BDNF, VGlut1 and PPARdelta, were evaluated in the dorsal raphe, hippocampus (Hipp) and amygdala by real-time PCR. Besides, BDNF, NeuN and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were assessed in the Hipp. Results: CBD exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects at 4 and 7 days of treatment in the LDB and TS tests, respectively. In contrast, STR required 14 days of treatment to show efficacy. CBD improved cognitive impairment and anhedonia more significantly than STR. CBD plus STR showed a similar effect than CBD in the LBD, TST and EPM. However, a worse outcome was observed in the NOR and SI tests. CBD modulates all molecular disturbances induced by UCMS, whereas STR and the combination could not restore 5-HT1A, BDNF and PPARdelta in the Hipp. Discussion: These results pointed out CBD as a potential new antidepressant with faster action and efficiency than STR. Particular attention should be given to the combination of CBD with current SSRI since it appears to produce a negative impact on treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jorge Manzanares,
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25
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Hartmann A, Vila-Verde C, Guimarães FS, Joca SR, Lisboa SF. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Stress Response: Another Target for the Promiscuous Cannabidiol. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:284-308. [PMID: 35410608 PMCID: PMC10190150 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220411101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many psychiatric patients do not respond to conventional therapy. There is a vast effort to investigate possible mechanisms involved in treatment resistance, trying to provide better treatment options, and several data points toward a possible involvement of inflammatory mechanisms. Microglia, glial, and resident immune cells are involved in complex responses in the brain, orchestrating homeostatic functions, such as synaptic pruning and maintaining neuronal activity. In contrast, microglia play a major role in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cell death. Increasing evidence implicate microglia dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders. The mechanisms are still unclear, but one pathway in microglia has received increased attention in the last 8 years, i.e., the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Stress response and inflammation, including microglia activation, can be attenuated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has antidepressant, anti-stress, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, and other properties. CBD effects are mediated by direct or indirect modulation of many receptors, enzymes, and other targets. This review will highlight some findings for neuroinflammation and microglia involvement in stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly addressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Moreover, we will discuss evidence and mechanisms for CBD effects in psychiatric disorders and animal models and address its potential effects on stress response via neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hartmann
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carla Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S. Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sâmia R. Joca
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- BioMolecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP);
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sabrina F. Lisboa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- BioMolecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP);
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26
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Epigenomic and Other Evidence for Cannabis-Induced Aging Contextualized in a Synthetic Epidemiologic Overview of Cannabinoid-Related Teratogenesis and Cannabinoid-Related Carcinogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16721. [PMID: 36554603 PMCID: PMC9778714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twelve separate streams of empirical data make a strong case for cannabis-induced accelerated aging including hormonal, mitochondriopathic, cardiovascular, hepatotoxic, immunological, genotoxic, epigenotoxic, disruption of chromosomal physiology, congenital anomalies, cancers including inheritable tumorigenesis, telomerase inhibition and elevated mortality. METHODS Results from a recently published longitudinal epigenomic screen were analyzed with regard to the results of recent large epidemiological studies of the causal impacts of cannabis. We also integrate theoretical syntheses with prior studies into these combined epigenomic and epidemiological results. RESULTS Cannabis dependence not only recapitulates many of the key features of aging, but is characterized by both age-defining and age-generating illnesses including immunomodulation, hepatic inflammation, many psychiatric syndromes with a neuroinflammatory basis, genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity. DNA breaks, chromosomal breakage-fusion-bridge morphologies and likely cycles, and altered intergenerational DNA methylation and disruption of both the histone and tubulin codes in the context of increased clinical congenital anomalies, cancers and heritable tumors imply widespread disruption of the genome and epigenome. Modern epigenomic clocks indicate that, in cannabis-dependent patients, cannabis advances cellular DNA methylation age by 25-30% at age 30 years. Data have implications not only for somatic but also stem cell and germ line tissues including post-fertilization zygotes. This effect is likely increases with the square of chronological age. CONCLUSION Recent epigenomic studies of cannabis exposure provide many explanations for the broad spectrum of cannabis-related teratogenicity and carcinogenicity and appear to account for many epidemiologically observed findings. Further research is indicated on the role of cannabinoids in the aging process both developmentally and longitudinally, from stem cell to germ cell to blastocystoids to embryoid bodies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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27
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Domingos LB, Silva NR, Chaves Filho AJM, Sales AJ, Starnawska A, Joca S. Regulation of DNA Methylation by Cannabidiol and Its Implications for Psychiatry: New Insights from In Vivo and In Silico Models. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2165. [PMID: 36421839 PMCID: PMC9690868 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic compound present in cannabis sativa. Many recent studies have indicated that CBD has a promising therapeutic profile for stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia and depression. Such a diverse profile has been associated with its complex pharmacology, since CBD can target different neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, transporters and ion channels. However, the precise contribution of each of those mechanisms for CBD effects is still not yet completely understood. Considering that epigenetic changes make the bridge between gene expression and environment interactions, we review and discuss herein how CBD affects one of the main epigenetic mechanisms associated with the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders: DNA methylation (DNAm). Evidence from in vivo and in silico studies indicate that CBD can regulate the activity of the enzymes responsible for DNAm, due to directly binding to the enzymes and/or by indirectly regulating their activities as a consequence of neurotransmitter-mediated signaling. The implications of this new potential pharmacological target for CBD are discussed in light of its therapeutic and neurodevelopmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana B. Domingos
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole R. Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Adriano J. M. Chaves Filho
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Amanda J. Sales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Anna Starnawska
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, CGPM, Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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28
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Kajero JA, Seedat S, Ohaeri JU, Akindele A, Aina O. The effects of cannabidiol on behavioural and oxidative stress parameters induced by prolonged haloperidol administration. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36328984 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2022.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the influence of oral cannabidiol (CBD) on vacuous chewing movements (VCM) and oxidative stress parameters induced by short- and long-term administration of haloperidol in a rat model of tardive dyskinesia (TD). METHODS Haloperidol was administered either sub-chronically via the intraperitoneal (IP) route or chronically via the intramuscular (IM) route to six experimental groups only or in combination with CBD. VCM and oxidative stress parameters were assessed at different time points after the last dose of medication. RESULTS Oral CBD (5 mg/kg) attenuated the VCM produced by sub-chronic administration of haloperidol (5 mg/kg) but had minimal effects on the VCM produced by chronic administration of haloperidol (50 mg/kg). In both sub-chronic and chronic haloperidol groups, there were significant changes in brain antioxidant parameters compared with CBD only and the control groups. The sub-chronic haloperidol-only group had lower glutathione activity compared with sub-chronic haloperidol before CBD and the control groups; also, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activities were increased in the sub-chronic (IP) haloperidol only group compared with the CBD only and control groups. Nitric oxide activity was increased in sub-chronic haloperidol-only group compared to the other groups; however, the chronic haloperidol group had increased malondialdehyde activity compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CBD ameliorated VCM in the sub-chronic haloperidol group before CBD, but marginally in the chronic haloperidol group before CBD. There was increased antioxidant activity in the sub-chronic group compared to the chronic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaiyeola Abiola Kajero
- Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jude U Ohaeri
- Department of Psychological Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Abidemi Akindele
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwagbemiga Aina
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Mendiguren A, Aostri E, Alberdi E, Pérez-Samartín A, Pineda J. Functional characterization of cannabidiol effect on the serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus in rat brain slices. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:956886. [PMID: 36147343 PMCID: PMC9485894 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.956886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, elicits several pharmacological effects via the 5-HT1A receptor. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is the main serotonergic cluster in the brain that expresses the 5-HT1A receptor. To date, the effect of CBD on the neuronal activity of DRN 5-HT cells and its interaction with somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors have not been characterized. Our aim was to study the effect of CBD on the firing activity of DRN 5-HT cells and the 5-HT1A autoreceptor activation by electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques in male Sprague–Dawley rat brain slices. Perfusion with CBD (30 μM, 10 min) did not significantly change the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells or the inhibitory effect of 5-HT (50–100 μM, 1 min). However, in the presence of CBD (30 μM, 10 min), the inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT (10 nM) and ipsapirone (100 nM) were reduced by 66% and 53%, respectively. CBD failed to reverse ipsapirone-induced inhibition, whereas perfusion with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (30 nM) completely restored by 97.05 ± 14.63% the firing activity of 5-HT cells. Administration of AM251 (1 µM), MDL100907 (30 nM), or picrotoxin (20 μM) did not change the blockade produced by CBD (30 μM) on ipsapirone-induced inhibition. Our study also shows that CBD failed to modify the KCl (15 mM, 4 min)-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i or the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone (1 μM, 4 min) on KCl-evoked [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, CBD does not activate 5-HT1A autoreceptors, but it hindered the inhibitory effect produced by selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the firing activity of DRN 5-HT cells through a mechanism that does not involve CB1, 5-HT2A, or GABAA receptors. Our data support a negative allosteric modulation of DRN somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptor by CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitziber Mendiguren
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- *Correspondence: Aitziber Mendiguren,
| | - Erik Aostri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Elena Alberdi
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alberto Pérez-Samartín
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Joseba Pineda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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30
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Zhan TT, Dong ZY, Yi LS, Zhang Y, Sun HH, Zhang HQ, Wang JW, Chen Y, Huang Y, Xu SC. Tandospirone prevents stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and visceral hypersensitivity by suppressing theta oscillation enhancement via 5-HT1A receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex in rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:922750. [PMID: 36072567 PMCID: PMC9441562 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.922750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandospirone, a third-generation of antianxiety agent with fewer side effects, has been widely used in the treatment of anxiety. Moreover, it is interesting that tandospirone has been found to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with refractory irritable bowel syndrome who also have psychological dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, using a visceral hypersensitivity rat model induced by chronic water avoidance stress to mimic the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, we found that tandospirone relieved anxiety-like behavior and visceral hypersensitivity induced by stress. Meanwhile, stressed rats had increased 5-HT concentration, less 5-HT1A receptor expression, and enhanced theta oscillations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Furthermore, the power of the theta band in ACC is positively correlated with the level of visceral sensitivity. Activation of 5-HT1A receptors by its agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, to compensate for their effect in ACC reduced the enhancement of theta oscillations in ACC slices in stressed rats, whereas 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY100135, facilitates theta oscillations in slices of normal rats. Tandospirone reduced the enhancement of theta band power in ACC in vitro and in vivo, thus alleviating anxiety-like behavior and visceral hypersensitivity through 5-HT1A receptors in stressed rats. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which tandospirone activates 5-HT1A receptors to relieve stress-induced anxiety and visceral hypersensitivity by suppressing theta oscillation enhancement in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Sha Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Hui Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Qin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Wen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Huang,
| | - Shu-Chang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shu-Chang Xu,
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Bright U, Akirav I. Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5526. [PMID: 35628337 PMCID: PMC9146799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by continuous low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities. First-line medications for mood disorders mostly target the monoaminergic system; however, many patients do not find relief with these medications, and those who do suffer from negative side effects and a discouragingly low rate of remission. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options. In this article, we discuss the literature on the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components of specific depression-like behaviors and phenotypes in rodents and then describe the findings in depressed patients. A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Bright
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Gunasekera B, Diederen K, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabinoids, reward processing, and psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1157-1177. [PMID: 33644820 PMCID: PMC9110536 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that an overlap exists between the neurobiology of psychotic disorders and the effects of cannabinoids on neurocognitive and neurochemical substrates involved in reward processing. AIMS We investigate whether the psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) are underpinned by their effects on the reward system and dopamine. METHODS This narrative review focuses on the overlap between altered dopamine signalling and reward processing induced by cannabinoids, pre-clinically and in humans. A systematic search was conducted of acute cannabinoid drug-challenge studies using neuroimaging in healthy subjects and those with psychosis RESULTS: There is evidence of increased striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis and release in psychosis, as well as abnormal engagement of the striatum during reward processing. Although, acute THC challenges have elicited a modest effect on striatal dopamine, cannabis users generally indicate impaired presynaptic dopaminergic function. Functional MRI studies have identified that a single dose of THC may modulate regions involved in reward and salience processing such as the striatum, midbrain, insular, and anterior cingulate, with some effects correlating with the severity of THC-induced psychotic symptoms. CBD may modulate brain regions involved in reward/salience processing in an opposite direction to that of THC. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest modulation of reward processing and its neural substrates by THC and CBD. Whether such effects underlie the psychotomimetic/antipsychotic effects of these cannabinoids remains unclear. Future research should address these unanswered questions to understand the relationship between endocannabinoid dysfunction, reward processing abnormalities, and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kelly Diederen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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Martín-Sánchez A, González-Pardo H, Alegre-Zurano L, Castro-Zavala A, López-Taboada I, Valverde O, Conejo NM. Early-life stress induces emotional and molecular alterations in female mice that are partially reversed by cannabidiol. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 115:110508. [PMID: 34973413 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gender is considered as a pivotal determinant of mental health. Indeed, several psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are more common and persistent in women than in men. In the past two decades, impaired brain energy metabolism has been highlighted as a risk factor for the development of these psychiatric disorders. However, comprehensive behavioural and neurobiological studies in brain regions relevant to anxiety and depression symptomatology are scarce. In the present study, we summarize findings describing cannabidiol effects on anxiety and depression in maternally separated female mice as a well-established rodent model of early-life stress associated with many mental disorders. Our results indicate that cannabidiol could prevent anxiolytic- and depressive-related behaviour in early-life stressed female mice. Additionally, maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) caused long-term changes in brain oxidative metabolism in both nucleus accumbens and amygdalar complex measured by cytochrome c oxidase quantitative histochemistry. However, cannabidiol treatment could not revert brain oxidative metabolism impairment. Moreover, we identified hyperphosphorylation of mTOR and ERK 1/2 proteins in the amygdala but not in the striatum, that could also reflect altered brain intracellular signalling related with to bioenergetic impairment. Altogether, our study supports the hypothesis that MSEW induces profound long-lasting molecular changes in mTOR signalling and brain energy metabolism related to depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours in female mice, which were partially ameliorated by CBD administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Castro-Zavala
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel López-Taboada
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Involvement in the Actions of CBD on Anxiety and Coping Behaviors in Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040473. [PMID: 35455470 PMCID: PMC9027088 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of cannabidiol (CBD) have been evaluated in several studies. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these actions remain unclear. A total of 130 male mice were used. CBD’s ability to modulate emotional disturbances (anxiety and depressive-like behaviors) was evaluated at different doses in wild-type (CD1; 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg; i.p.) and knockout (CB1KO, CB2KO; GPR55KO; 20 mg/kg) mice. Moreover, CBD effects (20 mg/kg; i.p.) were evaluated in mice previously treated with the CB1r-antagonist SR141716A (2mg/kg; i.p.). Relative gene expression analyses of Cnr1 and Cnr2, Gpr55 and GABA(A)α2 and γ2 receptor subunits were performed in the amygdala (AMY) and hippocampus (HIPP) of CD1 mice. CBD (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed anxiolytic and antidepressant actions in CD1 mice, being more effective at 20 mg/kg. Its administration did not induce anxiolytic actions in CB1KO mice, contrary to CB2KO and GPR55KO. In all of them, the lack of cannabinoid receptors did not modify the antidepressant activity of CBD. Interestingly, the administration of the CB1r antagonist SR141716A blocked the anxiolytic-like activity of CBD. Real-time PCR studies revealed a significant reduction in Cnr1 and GABA(A)α2 and γ2 gene expression in the HIPP and AMY of CD1 mice treated with CBD. Opposite changes were observed in the Cnr2. Indeed, Gpr55 was increased in the AMY and reduced in the HIPP. CB1r appears to play a relevant role in modulating the anxiolytic actions of CBD. Moreover, this study revealed that CBD also modified the gene expression of GABA(A) subunits α2 and γ2 and CB1r, CB2r and GPR55, in a dose- and brain-region-dependent manner, supporting a multimodal mechanism of action for CBD.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017: part 1 - continuous bivariate analysis. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:99. [PMID: 35354487 PMCID: PMC8966217 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00811-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genotoxic and cancerogenic impacts of population-wide cannabinoid exposure remains an open but highly salient question. The present report examines these issues from a continuous bivariate perspective with subsequent reports continuing categorical and detailed analyses. METHODS Age-standardized state census incidence of 28 cancer types (including "All (non-skin) Cancer") was sourced using SEER*Stat software from Centres for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute across US states 2001-2017. It was joined with drug exposure data from the nationally representative National Survey of Drug Use and Health conducted annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2003-2017, response rate 74.1%. Cannabinoid data was from Federal seizure data. Income and ethnicity data sourced from the US Census Bureau. Data was processed in R. RESULTS Nineteen thousand eight hundred seventy-seven age-standardized cancer rates were returned. Based on these rates and state populations this equated to 51,623,922 cancer cases over an aggregated population 2003-2017 of 124,896,418,350. Regression lines were charted for cancer-substance exposures for cigarettes, alcohol use disorder (AUD), cannabis, THC, cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabinol and cannabigerol. In this substance series positive trends were found for 14, 9, 6, 9, 12, 6, 9 and 7 cancers; with largest minimum E-Values (mEV) of 1.76 × 109, 4.67 × 108, 2.74 × 104, 4.72, 2.34 × 1018, 2.74 × 1017, 1.90 × 107, 5.05 × 109; and total sum of exponents of mEV of 34, 32, 13, 0, 103, 58, 25, 31 indicating that cannabidiol followed by cannabichromene are the most strongly implicated in environmental carcinogenesis. Breast cancer was associated with tobacco and all cannabinoids (from mEV = 3.53 × 109); "All Cancer" (non-skin) linked with cannabidiol (mEV = 1.43 × 1011); pediatric AML linked with cannabis (mEV = 19.61); testicular cancer linked with THC (mEV = 1.33). Cancers demonstrating elevated mEV in association with THC were: thyroid, liver, pancreas, AML, breast, oropharynx, CML, testis and kidney. Cancers demonstrating elevated mEV in relation to cannabidiol: prostate, bladder, ovary, all cancers, colorectum, Hodgkins, brain, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, esophagus, breast and stomach. CONCLUSION Data suggest that cannabinoids including THC and cannabidiol are important community carcinogens exceeding the effects of tobacco or alcohol. Testicular, (prostatic) and ovarian tumours indicate mutagenic corruption of the germline in both sexes; pediatric tumourigenesis confirms transgenerational oncogenesis; quantitative criteria implying causality are fulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
- , Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geospatiotemporal and causal inference study of cannabis and other drugs as risk factors for female breast cancer USA 2003-2017. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac006. [PMID: 35386387 PMCID: PMC8978645 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest human cancer and its incidence (BC incidence, BCI) is rising worldwide. Whilst both tobacco and alcohol have been linked to BCI genotoxic cannabinoids have not been investigated. Age-adjusted state-based BCI 2003-2017 was taken from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of the Centers for Disease Control. Drug use from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, response rate 74.1%. Median age, median household income and ethnicity were from US census. Inverse probability weighted (ipw) multivariable regression conducted in R. In bivariate analysis BCI was shown to be significantly linked with rising cannabis exposure {β-est. = 3.93 [95% confidence interval 2.99, 4.87], P = 1.10 × 10-15}. At 8 years lag cigarettes:cannabis [β-est. = 2660 (2150.4, 3169.3), P = 4.60 × 10-22] and cannabis:alcoholism [β-est. = 7010 (5461.6, 8558.4), P = 1.80 × 10-17] were significant in ipw-panel regression. Terms including cannabidiol [CBD; β-est. = 16.16 (0.39, 31.93), P = 0.446] and cannabigerol [CBG; β-est. = 6.23 (2.06, 10.39), P = 0.0034] were significant in spatiotemporal models lagged 1:2 years, respectively. Cannabis-liberal paradigms had higher BCI [67.50 ± 0.26 v. 65.19 ± 0.21/100 000 (mean ± SEM), P = 1.87 × 10-11; β-est. = 2.31 (1.65, 2.96), P = 9.09 × 10-12]. 55/58 expected values >1.25 and 13/58 >100. Abortion was independently and causally significant in space-time models. Data show that exposure to cannabis and the cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD, CBG and alcoholism fulfil quantitative causal criteria for BCI across space and time. Findings are robust to adjustment for age and several known sociodemographic, socio-economic and hormonal risk factors and establish cannabinoids as an additional risk factor class for breast carcinogenesis. BCI is higher under cannabis-liberal legal paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 27 Joondalup Dr., Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 27 Joondalup Dr., Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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DeMarino C, Cowen M, Khatkar P, Cotto B, Branscome H, Kim Y, Sharif SA, Agbottah ET, Zhou W, Costiniuk CT, Jenabian MA, Gelber C, Liotta LA, Langford D, Kashanchi F. Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription. Cells 2022; 11:723. [PMID: 35203372 PMCID: PMC8869966 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the 37.9 million individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), approximately 50% exhibit HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). We and others previously showed that HIV-1 viral RNAs, such as trans-activating response (TAR) RNA, are incorporated into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and elicit an inflammatory response in recipient naïve cells. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary cannabinoids present in cannabis, are effective in reducing inflammation. Studies show that cannabis use in people living with HIV-1 is associated with lower viral load, lower circulating CD16+ monocytes and high CD4+ T-cell counts, suggesting a potentially therapeutic application. Here, HIV-1 infected U1 monocytes and primary macrophages were used to assess the effects of CBD. Post-CBD treatment, EV concentrations were analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. Changes in intracellular and EV-associated viral RNA were quantified using RT-qPCR, and changes in viral proteins, EV markers, and autophagy proteins were assessed by Western blot. Our data suggest that CBD significantly reduces the number of EVs released from infected cells and that this may be mediated by reducing viral transcription and autophagy activation. Therefore, CBD may exert a protective effect by alleviating the pathogenic effects of EVs in HIV-1 and CNS-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine DeMarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
| | - Maria Cowen
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
| | - Pooja Khatkar
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
| | - Bianca Cotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (B.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Heather Branscome
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yuriy Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
| | - Sarah Al Sharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz, University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Weidong Zhou
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (W.Z.); (L.A.L.)
| | - Cecilia T. Costiniuk
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | | | - Lance A. Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (W.Z.); (L.A.L.)
| | - Dianne Langford
- Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (B.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (C.D.); (M.C.); (P.K.); (H.B.); (Y.K.)
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O’Brien K. Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040885. [PMID: 35205633 PMCID: PMC8869992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. Surveys suggest that medicinal cannabis is popular amongst people diagnosed with cancer. CBD is one of the key constituents of cannabis, and does not have the potentially intoxicating effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other key phytocannabinoid has. Research indicates the CBD may have potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment. Preclinical research suggests CBD may address many of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Preclinical and clinical research also suggests some evidence of efficacy, alone or in some cases in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the other key phytocannabinoid in cannabis), in treating cancer-associated pain, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, and oral mucositis that are associated with cancer and/or its treatment. Studies also suggest that CBD may enhance orthodox treatments with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy and protect against neural and organ damage. CBD shows promise as part of an integrative approach to the management of cancer. Abstract The plant Cannabis sativa has been in use medicinally for several thousand years. It has over 540 metabolites thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Two of the key phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have potentially intoxicating effects. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and many of them are relevant to the management of cancer. In this article, we explore some of the potential mechanisms of action of CBD in cancer, and evidence of its efficacy in the integrative management of cancer including the side effects associated with its treatment, demonstrating its potential for integration with orthodox cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie O’Brien
- Adelaide Campus, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Releaf Group Ltd., St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
- International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, iccm.co, London N1 7GU, UK
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Medial prefrontal cortex mechanisms of cannabidiol-induced aversive memory reconsolidation impairments. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108913. [PMID: 34864001 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that cannabidiol (CBD), a substance present in the Cannabis sativa plant, has potential therapeutic value to regulate abnormal emotional memories associated with post-traumatic stress and drug use disorders. CBD can attenuate their valence after retrieval (i.e., during reconsolidation) or potentiate their suppression by extinction. Pharmacological research has now focused on elucidating how it acts. Systemic antagonism of cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptors has often prevented the abovementioned effects of CBD. However, it is unknown in which brain regions CBD stimulates CB1 receptors and how it interferes with local activity-related plasticity to produce these effects. The present study addressed these questions considering the reconsolidation of contextual fear memories in rats. We focused on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which comprises the anterior cingulate (AC), prelimbic (PL), and infralimbic (IL) subregions, as local activity or plasticity has been associated with the process to-be-investigated. Animals that received post-retrieval systemic CBD treatment presented relatively fewer cells expressing Zif268/Egr1 protein, a proxy for synaptic plasticity related to reconsolidation, in the AC and PL. At the same time, there were no significant differences in the IL. Pretreatment with the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 into the AC, PL, or IL prevented the impairing effects of systemic CBD treatment on reconsolidation. CBD also caused reconsolidation impairments when injected directly into the AC or PL but not the IL. Together, these findings show complementary mechanisms through which CBD may hinder the reconsolidation of destabilized aversive memories along the dorsoventral axis of the mPFC.
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Stark T, Di Martino S, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Micale V. Phytocannabinoids and schizophrenia: Focus on adolescence as a critical window of enhanced vulnerability and opportunity for treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105938. [PMID: 34655773 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent shift in socio-political debates and growing liberalization of Cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Concurrent with declining perception of Cannabis harms, more adolescents are using it daily in several countries and consuming marijuana strains with high content of psychotropic delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These dual, related trends seem to facilitate the development of compromised social and cognitive performance at adulthood, which are described in preclinical and human studies. Cannabis exerts its effects via altering signalling within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the stress circuitry during the neurodevelopment. In this context early interventions appear to circumvent the emergence of adult neurodevelopmental deficits. Accordingly, Cannabis sativa second-most abundant compound, cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. We first focus on human and preclinical studies on the long-term effects induced by adolescent THC exposure as a "critical window" of enhanced neurophysiological vulnerability, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related primary psychotic disorders. Then, we focus on adolescence as a "window of opportunity" for early pharmacological treatment, as novel risk reduction strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, we review current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in terms of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms treatment, safety profile, and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Li J, Carvajal R, Bruner L, Kaminski NE. The current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulation of cannabidiol in consumer products. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 157:112600. [PMID: 34626752 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) in consumer products is soaring as consumers are using CBD for general health and well-being as well as to seek relief from ailments especially pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. However, there are limited data currently in the public domain that provide support for these benefits. By contrast, a significant amount of safety evaluation data for CBD have been obtained recently from pre-clinical and clinical studies of the CBD therapeutic Epidiolex®. Yet some key data gaps concerning the safe use of CBD still remain. Furthermore, current regulations on CBD use in consumer products remain uncertain and often conflict between the state and federal level. In light of the rapidly expanding popularity of CBD-related products in the marketplace, here we review the current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulations surrounding CBD in consumer products. This review does not advocate for or against the use of CBD in consumer products. Rather this review seeks to assess the state-of-the-science on the health effects and safety of CBD, to identify critical knowledge gaps for future studies, and to raise the awareness of the current regulations that govern CBD use in consumer products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Li
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | | | - Leon Bruner
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Binge-like Alcohol Exposure in Adolescence: Behavioural, Neuroendocrine and Molecular Evidence of Abnormal Neuroplasticity… and Return. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091161. [PMID: 34572345 PMCID: PMC8470908 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge alcohol consumption among adolescents affects the developing neural networks underpinning reward and stress processing in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). This study explores in rats the long-lasting effects of early intermittent exposure to intoxicating alcohol levels at adolescence, on: (1) the response to natural positive stimuli and inescapable stress; (2) stress-axis functionality; and (3) dopaminergic and glutamatergic neuroadaptation in the NAc. We also assess the potential effects of the non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid cannabidiol, to counteract (or reverse) the development of detrimental consequences of binge-like alcohol exposure. Our results show that adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure alters the sensitivity to positive stimuli, exerts social and novelty-triggered anxiety-like behaviour, and passive stress-coping during early and prolonged withdrawal. In addition, serum corticosterone and hypothalamic and NAc corticotropin-releasing hormone levels progressively increase during withdrawal. Besides, NAc tyrosine hydroxylase levels increase at late withdrawal, while the expression of dopamine transporter, D1 and D2 receptors is dynamically altered during binge and withdrawal. Furthermore, the expression of markers of excitatory postsynaptic signaling—PSD95; Homer-1 and -2 and the activity-regulated spine-morphing proteins Arc, LIM Kinase 1 and FOXP1—increase at late withdrawal. Notably, subchronic cannabidiol, during withdrawal, attenuates social- and novelty-induced aversion and passive stress-coping and rectifies the hyper-responsive stress axis and NAc dopamine and glutamate-related neuroplasticity. Overall, the exposure to binge-like alcohol levels in adolescent rats makes the NAc, during withdrawal, a locus minoris resistentiae as a result of perturbations in neuroplasticity and in stress-axis homeostasis. Cannabidiol holds a promising potential for increasing behavioural, neuroendocrine and molecular resilience against binge-like alcohol harmful effects.
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Cannabidiol prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior and alters cytokine and neurotrophic factor levels in the brain. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1680-1693. [PMID: 34218397 PMCID: PMC8254454 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00301-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact pathogenesis is yet to be elucidated, the role of neuro-immune signaling has recently emerged. Despite major advances in pharmacotherapy, antidepressant use is marred by limited efficacy and potential side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, exerts antidepressant-like effects in experimental animals. This study investigated the impact of CBD on sickness behavior (SB), a measure of depressive-like response, and neuro-immune changes induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in mice. Methods Socially isolated rodents were administered with LPS to trigger SB. and treated with CBD or its vehicle. Animals were submitted to forced swimming test, to evaluate depressive-like behavior, and to open field test, to evaluate locomotory activity. Immediately after behavioral analyses, animals were euthanized and had their hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus dissected, to proceed neurotrophins and cytokines analyses. ELISA was used to detect IL-1β, BDNF and NGF; and cytometric beads array to measure IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 levels. Results CBD effectively prevented SB-induced changes in the forced swim test without altering spontaneous locomotion. This phytocannabinoid also partially reversed LPS-evoked IL-6 increase in both the hypothalamus and hippocampus. In addition, CBD prevented endotoxin-induced increase in BDNF and NGF levels in the hippocampus of SB animals. Conclusions Apparently, CBD prevents both behavioral and neuro-immunological changes associated with LPS-induced SB, which reinforces its potential use as an antidepressant which modulates neuroinflammation. This opens up potentially new therapeutic avenues in MDD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43440-021-00301-8.
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Malvestio RB, Medeiros P, Negrini-Ferrari SE, Oliveira-Silva M, Medeiros AC, Padovan CM, Luongo L, Maione S, Coimbra NC, de Freitas RL. Cannabidiol in the prelimbic cortex modulates the comorbid condition between the chronic neuropathic pain and depression-like behaviour in rats: The role of medial prefrontal cortex 5-HT 1A and CB 1 receptors. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:323-338. [PMID: 34192579 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The prelimbic division (PrL) of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a cerebral division that is putatively implicated in the chronic pain and depression. We investigated the activity of PrL cortex neurons in Wistar rats that underwent chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve and were further subjected to the forced swimming (FS) test and mechanical allodynia (by von Frey test). The effect of blockade of synapses with cobalt chloride (CoCl2), and the treatment of the PrL cortex with cannabidiol (CBD), the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 were also investigated. Our results showed that CoCl2 decreased the time spent immobile during the FS test but did not alter mechanical allodynia. CBD (at 15, 30 and 60 nmol) in the PrL cortex also decreased the frequency and duration of immobility; however, only the dose of 30 nmol of CBD attenuated mechanical allodynia in rats with chronic NP. AM251 and WAY-100635 in the PrL cortex attenuated the antidepressive and analgesic effect caused by CBD but did not alter the immobility and the mechanical allodynia when administered alone. These data show that the PrL cortex is part of the neural substrate underlying the comorbidity between NP and depression. Also, the previous blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors in the PrL cortex attenuated the antidepressive and analgesics effect of the CBD. They also suggest that CBD could be a potential medicine for the treatment of depressive and pain symptoms in patients with chronic NP/depression comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Malvestio
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P Medeiros
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, 14050-220, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S E Negrini-Ferrari
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Oliveira-Silva
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A C Medeiros
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, 14050-220, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C M Padovan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Stress and Depression, Department of Psychology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of the University of São Paulo (FFCLRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, 14050-220, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli-Caserta, Italy
| | - S Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli-Caserta, Italy
| | - N C Coimbra
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, 14050-220, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R L de Freitas
- Neuroelectrophysiology Multiuser Centre, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, 14050-220, São Paulo, Brazil; Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Str. Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Sartim AG, Marques J, Silveira KM, Gobira PH, Guimarães FS, Wegener G, Joca SR. Co-administration of cannabidiol and ketamine induces antidepressant-like effects devoid of hyperlocomotor side-effects. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108679. [PMID: 34157363 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although useful as a rapid-acting antidepressant drug, ketamine is known to induce psychotomimetic effects, which may interfere with its therapeutic use. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychostimulant compound from Cannabis sativa, which has shown promising antidepressant effects without inducing hyperlocomotion. AMPA receptor activation is involved in the antidepressant effect induced by ketamine, but its relevance for the effects of CBD is not known. Moreover, given that CBD has antipsychotic and antidepressant properties, it is unknown whether adding CBD to ketamine could potentiate the antidepressant properties of ketamine while also attenuating its psychostimulant effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH S-Ketamine (2.5, 3, 5, 10, 30 mg/kg) and cannabidiol (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) were administered alone or in combination to male Swiss mice. Independent groups received NBQX (AMPA receptor antagonist) 5 min before administration of CBD or S-ketamine. The antidepressant-like effect was assessed in the forced swimming test (FST), and the open field test (OFT) evaluated the psychostimulant effect. KEY RESULTS CBD induced significant dose-dependent antidepressant effects without causing hyperlocomotion in the OFT. S-ketamine produced an antidepressant effect associated with hyperlocomotion in the higher dose. NBQX inhibited the antidepressant effect of both ketamine and CBD. Pretreatment with CBD (10 mg/kg) attenuated the ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion while preserving its antidepressant effect. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Similar to ketamine, the antidepressant-like effect elicited by CBD involves AMPA receptor activation. Additionally, CBD prevents the hyperlocomotion induced by S-ketamine without affecting its antidepressant-like effect. Our findings suggest that CBD and ketamine's combined administration can be a promising therapeutic strategy for achieving an appropriate antidepressant effect without unwanted side-effects. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Sartim
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J Marques
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - K M Silveira
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - P H Gobira
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - F S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - S R Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
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Liu J, Chen H, Newmaster S, Wang S, Liu C. Global Trends in Cannabis and Cannabidiol Research from the Year 1940 to 2019. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:579-591. [PMID: 32479242 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200601152118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Legalization of Cannabis in countries, like Canada, and global demand for non-hallucinating chemical components, such as Cannabidiols (CBD), have stimulated the increased interest from academics, industry, and regulatory agencies. Subsequent research publications in scientific journals in this field are expected to grow rapidly. However, there have been few research reviews that have quantified patterns in research publications concerning cannabis, nor a literature-based perspective on the historical development, current status, and future direction of cannabis research. Here, a bibliometric analysis is performed to address this gap in the scientific literature. A total of 1167 relevant articles (Supplementary file 1) were screened and analyzed using three software tools: HistCite, CiteSpace, and Bibliometric Online Analysis Platform. The performances of relevant countries, institutions, authors, and journals were presented, and the evolutionary trends of different categories were revealed. The historical development of cannabis and CBD research can be clearly divided into three stages, which focus on the chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology aspects of Cannabis sativa in general and then a focus on CBD related publications. A timeline was drawn to highlight the major trends in the literature, including scientific discoveries. In the end, several suggestions for future research directions in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Haimei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Steven Newmaster
- Natural Health Products (NHP) Research Alliance, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Shubin Wang
- Hanyi Biotechnology (Beijing) Co., Building 8, Hangxing Sci-tech Park, Hepingli East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
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Gunasekera B, Davies C, Martin-Santos R, Bhattacharyya S. The Yin and Yang of Cannabis: A Systematic Review of Human Neuroimaging Evidence of the Differential Effects of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:636-645. [PMID: 33414100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been the most investigated cannabinoids at the human and preclinical levels, although the neurobiological mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. Human experimental evidence complemented by observational studies suggests that THC may have psychotogenic effects while CBD may have antipsychotic effects. However, whether their effects on brain function are consistent with their opposing behavioral effects remains unclear. To address this, here we synthesize neuroimaging evidence investigating the acute effects of THC and CBD on human brain function using a range of neuroimaging techniques, with an aim to identify the key brain substrates where THC and CBD have opposing effects. After a systematic search, a review of the available studies indicated marked heterogeneity. However, an overall pattern of opposite effect profiles of the two cannabinoids was evident with some degree of consistency, primarily attributed to the head-to-head challenge studies of THC and CBD. While head-to-head comparisons are relatively few, collectively the evidence suggests that opposite effects of THC and CBD may be present in the striatum, parahippocampus, anterior cingulate/medial prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, with opposite effects less consistently identified in other regions. Broadly, THC seems to increase brain activation and blood flow, whereas CBD seems to decrease brain activation and blood flow. Given the sparse evidence, there is a particular need to understand the mechanisms underlying their opposite behavioral effects because it may not only offer insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of psychotic disorders but also suggest potentially novel targets and biomarkers for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Davies
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Role of Cannabidiol in the Therapeutic Intervention for Substance Use Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:626010. [PMID: 34093179 PMCID: PMC8173061 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.626010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug treatments available for the management of substance use disorders (SUD) present multiple limitations in efficacy, lack of approved treatments or alarming relapse rates. These facts hamper the clinical outcome and the quality of life of the patients supporting the importance to develop new pharmacological agents. Lately, several reports suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) presents beneficial effects relevant for the management of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's diseases. Furthermore, there is a large body of evidence pointing out that CBD improves cognition, neurogenesis and presents anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective effects suggesting potential usefulness for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases and SUD. Here we review preclinical and clinical reports regarding the effects of CBD on the regulation of the reinforcing, motivational and withdrawal-related effects of different drugs of abuse such as alcohol, opioids (morphine, heroin), cannabinoids, nicotine, and psychostimulants (cocaine, amphetamine). Furthermore, a special section of the review is focused on the neurobiological mechanisms that might be underlying the 'anti-addictive' action of CBD through the regulation of dopaminergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and endocannabinoid systems as well as hippocampal neurogenesis. The multimodal pharmacological profile described for CBD and the specific regulation of addictive behavior-related targets explains, at least in part, its therapeutic effects on the regulation of the reinforcing and motivational properties of different drugs of abuse. Moreover, the remarkable safety profile of CBD, its lack of reinforcing properties and the existence of approved medications containing this compound (Sativex®, Epidiolex®) increased the number of studies suggesting the potential of CBD as a therapeutic intervention for SUD. The rising number of publications with substantial results on the valuable therapeutic innovation of CBD for treating SUD, the undeniable need of new therapeutic agents to improve the clinical outcome of patients with SUD, and the upcoming clinical trials involving CBD endorse the relevance of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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Vitale RM, Iannotti FA, Amodeo P. The (Poly)Pharmacology of Cannabidiol in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Molecular Mechanisms and Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4876. [PMID: 34062987 PMCID: PMC8124847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive Cannabis constituent, has been proposed for the treatment of a wide panel of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy and drug addiction due to the ability of its versatile scaffold to interact with diverse molecular targets that are not restricted to the endocannabinoid system. Albeit the molecular mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effects of CBD have yet to be fully elucidated, many efforts have been devoted in the last decades to shed light on its complex pharmacological profile. In particular, an ever-increasing number of molecular targets linked to those disorders have been identified for this phytocannabinoid, along with the modulatory effects of CBD on their cascade signaling. In this view, here we will try to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the molecular basis underlying the therapeutic effects of CBD involved in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; (F.A.I.); (P.A.)
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; (F.A.I.); (P.A.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group (ERG), Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; (F.A.I.); (P.A.)
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Chaves YC, Genaro K, Crippa JA, da Cunha JM, Zanoveli JM. Cannabidiol induces antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects in experimental type-1 diabetic animals by multiple sites of action. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:639-652. [PMID: 33464458 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00667-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid compound, presents antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects in the type-1 diabetes mellitus(DM1) animal model. Although the underlying mechanism remains unknown, the type-1A serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) and cannabinoids type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2) receptors seem to play a central role in mediating the beneficial effects on emotional responses. We aimed to study the involvement of these receptors on an antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of CBD and on some parameters of the diabetic condition itself. After 2 weeks of the DM1 induction in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg; i.p.), animals were treated continuously for 2-weeks with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), CB1 antagonist AM251 (1 mg/kg i.p.) or CB2 antagonist AM630 (1 mg/kg i.p.) before the injection of CBD (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (VEH, i.p.) and then, they were submitted to the elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests. Our findings show the continuous treatment with CBD improved all parameters evaluated in these diabetic animals. The previous treatment with the antagonists - 5-HT1A, CB1, or CB2 - blocked the CBD-induced antidepressant-like effect whereas only the blockade of 5-HT1A or CB1 receptors was able to inhibit the CBD-induced anxiolytic-like effect. Regarding glycemic control, only the blockade of CB2 was able to inhibit the beneficial effect of CBD in reducing the glycemia of diabetic animals. These findings indicated a therapeutic potential for CBD in the treatment of depression/anxiety associated with diabetes pointing out a complex intrinsic mechanism in which 5-HT1A, CB1, and/or CB2 receptors are differently recruited.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/therapeutic use
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Cannabidiol/pharmacology
- Cannabidiol/therapeutic use
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/psychology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/psychology
- Male
- Maze Learning/drug effects
- Maze Learning/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yane Costa Chaves
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Science Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Karina Genaro
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior (INeC), University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - José Alexandre Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM- CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joice Maria da Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Science Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior (INeC), University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaína Menezes Zanoveli
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Science Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior (INeC), University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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