Eicosanoid mediation of cannabinoid actions

A comprehensive UHPLC-MS/MS method for metabolomics profiling of signaling lipids: Markers of oxidative stress, immunity and inflammation

Signaling lipids (SLs) play a crucial role in various signaling pathways, featuring diverse lipid backbone structures. Emerging evidence showing the biological significance and biomedical values of SLs has strongly spurred the advancement of analytical approaches aimed at profiling SLs. Nevertheless, the dramatic differences in endogenous abundances across lipid classes as well as multiple isomers within the same lipid class makes the development of a generic analytical method challenging. A better analytical method that combines comprehensive coverage and high sensitivity is needed to enable us to gain a deeper understanding of the biochemistry of these molecules in health and disease. In this study, we developed a fast and comprehensive targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for profiling SLs. The platform enables analyses of 260 metabolites covering oxylipins (isoprostanes, prostaglandins and other oxidized lipids), free fatty acids, lysophospholipids, sphingoid bases (C16, C18), platelet activating factors (C16, C18), endocannabinoids and bile acids. Various validation parameters including linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, extraction recovery, matrix effect, intra-day and inter-day precision were used to characterize this method. Metabolite quantitation was successfully achieved in both NIST Standard Reference Material for human plasma (NIST SRM 1950) and pooled human plasma, with 109 and 144 metabolites quantitated. The quantitation results in NIST SRM 1950 plasma demonstrated good correlations with certified or previously reported values in published literature. This study introduced quantitative data for 37 SLs for the first time. Metabolite concentrations measured in NIST SRM 1950 will serve as essential reference data for facilitating interlaboratory comparisons. The methodology established here will be the cornerstone for in-depth profiling of signaling lipids across diverse biological samples and contexts.

Targeting the Endocannabinoid System Present in the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment as a Potential Anti-Cancer Strategy

The highly aggressive and invasive glioblastoma (GBM) tumour is the most malignant lesion among adult-type diffuse gliomas, representing the most common primary brain tumour in the neuro-oncology practice of adults. With a poor overall prognosis and strong resistance to treatment, this nervous system tumour requires new innovative treatment. GBM is a polymorphic tumour consisting of an array of stromal cells and various malignant cells contributing to tumour initiation, progression, and treatment response. Cannabinoids possess anti-cancer potencies against glioma cell lines and in animal models. To improve existing treatment, cannabinoids as functionalised ligands on nanocarriers were investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The GBM tumour microenvironment is a multifaceted system consisting of resident or recruited immune cells, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cells, and soluble factors. The immune microenvironment accounts for a substantial volume of GBM tumours. The barriers to the treatment of glioblastoma with cannabinoids, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier and psychoactive and off-target side effects, can be alleviated with the use of nanocarrier drug delivery systems and functionalised ligands for improved specificity and targeting of pharmacological receptors and anti-cancer signalling pathways. This review has shown the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in the tumour microenvironment, which can be used as a potential unique target for specific drug delivery. Existing cannabinoid agents, studied previously, show anti-cancer potencies via signalling pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer. The results of the review can be used to provide guidance in the design of future drug therapy for glioblastoma tumours.

Therapeutic effect of cannabidiol on myocardial arachidonic acid content in various lipid fractions in a rat model of obesity

The study explored the potential protective influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on myocardial inflammation state, with a special focus on arachidonic acid (AA), and oxidative balance in lipid overload conditions. The 7-week experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats receiving standard or high-fat diet (HFD) with intraperitoneal CBD injections for the last 14 days. The n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) activities and AA concentration in selected fractions were evaluated by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The expression of proteins was determined by Western blot and the concentration of different parameters by ELISA, colorimetric, or multiplex assay kits. Our results revealed that CBD increased n-3 PUFAs activity in phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions, and decreased AA content in the HFD group, especially in the phospholipid pool. Simultaneously, CBD decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase-1, and - 2, resulting in the reduction of prostaglandin E2 and the increment of prostaglandin I2. CBD appears to be relatively safe for the treatment of obesity-induced heart disease, as it has anti-inflammatory and partially antioxidative properties.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics of Phytocannabinoids from Non-Cannabis Plant Origins

Phytocannabinoids are isoprenylated resorcinyl polyketides produced mostly in glandular trichomes of Cannabis sativa L. These discoveries led to the identification of cannabinoid receptors, which modulate psychotropic and pharmacological reactions and are found primarily in the human central nervous system. As a result of the biogenetic process, aliphatic ketide phytocannabinoids are exclusively found in the cannabis species and have a limited natural distribution, whereas phenethyl-type phytocannabinoids are present in higher plants, liverworts, and fungi. The development of cannabinomics has uncovered evidence of new sources containing various phytocannabinoid derivatives. Phytocannabinoids have been isolated as artifacts from their carboxylated forms (pre-cannabinoids or acidic cannabinoids) from plant sources. In this review, the overview of the phytocannabinoid biosynthesis is presented. Different non-cannabis plant sources are described either from those belonging to the angiosperm species and bryophytes, together with their metabolomic structures. Lastly, we discuss the legal framework for the ingestion of these biological materials which currently receive the attention as a legal high.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and acute oral toxicity profile of leaf and bark extracts of Albizia procera

Background

Pain and inflammation are associatory events in cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and other chronic diseases. Corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exert potential side effects on long term use. This study was aimed to investigate the acute oral toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf and bark extracts of Albizia procera in experimental animal models.

Methods

Ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hydroalcoholic extracts of Albizia procera (leaf and bark) were subjected for acute oral toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic screening. Carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma models were used to assess acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Intraplanar formalin test was used to assess the analgesic activity.

Results

All the extracts of Albizia procera were found to be well-tolerated up to 2000 mg/kg in female rats. Ethanolic leaf (ETLE) and bark (ETBE) of Albizia procera showed anti-inflammatory actions. But, only ETBE produced significant protection in chronic inflammation and analgesic activity.

Conclusion

In summary, Albizia procera possess significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This study adds evidence on the traditional use of Albizia procera plant for treating painful inflammatory disorders.

An Approach to Biomarker Discovery of Cannabis Use Utilizing Proteomic, Metabolomic, and Lipidomic Analyses

Introduction: Relatively little is known about the molecular pathways influenced by cannabis use in humans. We used a multi-omics approach to examine protein, metabolomic, and lipid markers in plasma differentiating between cannabis users and nonusers to understand markers associated with cannabis use. Methods: Eight discordant twin pairs and four concordant twin pairs for cannabis use completed a blood draw, urine and plasma toxicology testing, and provided information about their past 30-day cannabis use and other substance use patterns. The 24 twins were all non-Hispanic whites. Sixty-six percent were female. Median age was 30 years. Fifteen participants reported that they had used cannabis in the last 30 days, including eight participants that used every day or almost every day (29-30 of 30 days). Of these 15 participants, plasma 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) and total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations were detectable in 12 participants. Among the eight "heavy users" the amount of total THC (sum of THC and its metabolites) and plasma THC-COOH concentrations varied widely, with ranges of 13.1-1713 ng/mL and 2.7-284 ng/mL, respectively. A validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay measured plasma THC-COOH, THC, and other cannabinoids and metabolites. Plasma THC-COOH was used as the primary measure. Expression levels of 1305 proteins were measured using SOMAScan assay, and 34 lipid mediators and 314 metabolites were measured with LC-MS/MS. Analyses examined associations between markers and THC-COOH levels with and without taking genetic relatedness into account. Results: Thirteen proteins, three metabolites, and two lipids were identified as associated with THC-COOH levels. Myc proto-oncogene was identified as associated with THC-COOH levels in both molecular insight and potential marker analyses. Five pathways (interleukin-6 production, T lymphocyte regulation, apoptosis, kinase signaling pathways, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were linked with molecules identified in these analyses. Conclusions: THC-COOH levels are associated with immune system-related pathways. This study presents a feasible approach to identify additional molecular markers associated with THC-COOH levels.

Bioactive Sugarcane Lipids in a Circular Economy Context

Most of the global sugar and ethanol supply trade comes from the harvesting of Saccharum officinarum (i.e., sugarcane). Its industrial processing results in numerous by-products and waste streams, such as tops, straw, filter cake, molasses and bagasse. The recovery of lipids (i.e., octacosanol, phytosterols, long-chain aldehydes and triterpenoids) from these residues is an excellent starting point for the development of new products for various application fields, such as health and well-being, representing an important feature of the circular economy. By selecting green scalable extraction procedures, industry can reduce its environmental impact. Refluxed ethanol extraction methods have been demonstrated to meet these characteristics. On the other hand, effective non-solvent methodologies such as molecular distillation and supercritical CO₂ extraction can fractionate lipids based on high temperature and pressure application with similar yields. Sugarcane lipophilic extracts are usually analyzed through gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) techniques. In many cases, the identification of such compounds involves the development of high-temperature GC–MS/FID techniques. On the other hand, for the identification and quantification of thermolabile lipids, LC–MS techniques are suitable for the separation and identification of major lipid classes. Generically, its composition includes terpenes, phytosterols, tocopherol, free fatty acids, fatty alcohols, wax esters, triglycerides, diglycerides and monoglycerides. These compounds are already known for their interesting application in various fields such as pharma and cosmetics due to their anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Oxygenation of endocannabinoids by mammalian lipoxygenase isoforms

Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (ANA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG), are lipid-signaling molecules that can be oxidized by lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, and this oxidation alters the bioactivity of these lipid mediators. Here, under strictly comparable experimental conditions, we explored whether ANA and 2AG function as substrates for four human (ALOX15, ALOX15B, ALOX12, ALOX5) and three mice Alox isoforms (Alox15, Alox12, Alox5) and compared the rates of product formation with those of arachidonic acid oxygenation. Except for ALOX5, the two endocannabinoids were more efficiently oxygenated than arachidonic acid by human ALOX isoforms. Mice Alox15 oxygenated ANA more efficiently than arachidonic acid, but the other mice Alox isoforms exhibited reduced reaction rates for endocannabinoid conversion. Like its human ortholog, mice Alox5 did not oxygenate ANA, but the formation of 5-HETE-containing 2AG derivatives was observed for this enzyme. 1AG and 2AG were similarly effective substrates for human ALOX isoforms. Molecular docking studies, the pattern of oxygenation products, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments suggested a similar substrate alignment of arachidonic acid and endocannabinoids at the active site of ALOX15 orthologs. The product specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation was conserved for endocannabinoid metabolization, and the triad concept describing the molecular basis for the reaction specificity of ALOX15 orthologs is applicable for endocannabinoid oxygenation. Taken together, these data indicate that, except for ALOX5 orthologs, endocannabinoids are suitable substrates for most mammalian ALOX isoforms.

Attenuation of acute and chronic inflammation using compounds derived from plants

The appearance of excessive inflammatory activity is associated with onset of many disease states. Such non-productive responses are often the basis of the mortality consequent to incurring numerous disorders. The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by the virus "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" is a striking reflection of the inadequacy of current medical science to adequately address this issue. The usefulness of a range of materials of botanical origin in the attenuation of both chronic and acute inflammatory responses to various disease stressors is described. The properties of preparations of plant-based origin often parallel those of synthesized pharmacologics, but differ from them in some key respects. These differences can lead to more traditional preparations having distinct therapeutic advantages but also a number of specific shortcomings. The strengths and weaknesses of these materials are objectively contrasted with that of a more orthodox pharmacological approach. Each of these emphases in style has specific advantages and they should not be considered as competitors, but rather as accomplices in combating adverse states involving derangement of immune function.

Cannabidiol and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder) have broad health implications for children, with no definitive cure for the vast majority of them. However, recently medicinal cannabis has been successfully trialled as a treatment to manage many of the patients' symptoms and improve quality of life. The cannabinoid cannabidiol, in particular, has been reported to be safe and well-tolerated with a plethora of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lately, the current consensus is that the endocannabinoid system is a crucial factor in neural development and health; research has found evidence that there are a multitude of signalling pathways involving neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system by which cannabinoids could potentially exert their therapeutic effects. A better understanding of the cannabinoids' mechanisms of action should lead to improved treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Molecular Mechanisms for the Inflammation-Resolving Actions of Lenabasum

A first-in-class cannabinoid analog called lenabasum that is a CB2 agonist is being developed as an inflammation-resolving drug candidate. Thus far, specific therapeutic targets include scleroderma, cystic fibrosis, dermatomyositis, and lupus, all of which represent unmet medical needs. Two somewhat-independent molecular mechanisms for this type of action are here proposed. Both pathways initially involve the release of free arachidonic acid after activation of the CB2 receptor and phospholipase A2 by lenabasum. The pathways then diverge into a cyclooxygenase 2-mediated and a lipoxygenase-mediated route. The former leads to increased levels of the cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin-J₂ that can activate the NLPR3 inflammasome, which in turn releases caspase-3, leading to apoptosis and the resolution of chronic inflammation. The lipoxygenase-mediated pathway stimulates the production of lipoxin A₄ as well as other signaling molecules called specialized proresolving mediators. These also have inflammation-resolving actions. It is not well understood under which conditions each of these mechanisms operates and whether there is crosstalk between them. Thus, much remains to be learned about the mechanisms describing the actions of lenabasum. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The resolution of chronic inflammation is a major unmet medical need. The synthetic nonpsychoactive cannabinoid lenabasum could provide a safe and effective drug for this purpose. Two putative molecular mechanisms are suggested to better understand how lenabasum produces this action. In both, different metabolites of arachidonic acid act as mediators.

Effect of acute and subchronic administration of (R)-WIN55,212-2 induced neuroprotection and anti inflammatory actions in rat retina: CB1 and CB2 receptor involvement

Cannabinoids have been shown to protect the retina from ischemic/excitotoxic insults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of the synthetic cannabinoid (R)-WIN55,212-2 (CB1/CB2 receptor agonist) when administered acutely or subchronically in control and AMPA treated retinas. Sprague-Dawley rats were intravitreally administered (acutely) with vehicle or AMPA, in the absence or presence of (R)-WIN55,212-2 (10^-7-10^-4M) alone or in combination with AM251 [CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist,10^-4M] and AM630 (CB2 receptor antagonist,10^-4M). In addition, AMPA was co-administered with the racemic (R,S)-WIN55,212 (10^-4Μ). (R)-WIN55,212-2 was also administered subchronically (25,100 μg/kg,i.p.,4d) in control and AMPA treated rats. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using antibodies against the CB1R, and retinal markers for retinal neurons (brain nitric oxide synthetase, bNOS) and microglia (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1). ELISA assay was employed to assess TNFα levels in AMPA treated retinas. Intravitreal administration of (R)-WIN55,212-2 reversed the AMPA induced loss of bNOS expressing amacrine cells, an effect that was blocked by both AM251 and AM630. (R,S)WIN55,212 had no effect. (R)-WIN55,212-2 also reduced a) the AMPA induced activation of microglia, by activating CB2 receptors that were shown to be colocalized with Iba1⁺ reactive microglial cells, and b) TNFα levels in retina. (R)-WIN55,212-2 administered subchronically led to the downregulation of CB1 receptors at the high dose of 100 μg/kg(i.p.), and to the attenuation of the WIN55,212-2 induced neuroprotection of amacrine cells. At the same dose, (R)-WIN55,212-2 did not attenuate the AMPA induced increase in the number of reactive microglia cells, suggesting CB2 receptor downregulation under subchronic conditions. This study provides new findings regarding the role of CB1 and CB2 receptor activation by the synthetic cannabinoid (R)-WIN55,212-2, administered acutely or sub-chronically, on neuron viability and microglia activation in healthy and diseased retina.

Regulating membrane lipid levels at the synapse by small-molecule inhibitors of monoacylglycerol lipase: new developments in therapeutic and PET imaging applications

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a major endocannabinoid hydrolyzing enzyme and can be regulated to control endogenous lipid levels in the brain. This review highlights the pharmacological roles and in vivo PET imaging of MAGL in brain.