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Faiz MB, Naeem F, Irfan M, Aslam MA, Estevinho LM, Ateşşahin DA, Alshahrani AM, Calina D, Khan K, Sharifi-Rad J. Exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in cancer by modulating signaling pathways and addressing clinical challenges. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:490. [PMID: 39331301 PMCID: PMC11436528 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
For centuries, cannabinoids have been utilized for their medicinal properties, particularly in Asian and South-Asian countries. Cannabis plants, known for their psychoactive and non-psychoactive potential, were historically used for spiritual and remedial healing. However, as cannabis became predominantly a recreational drug, it faced prohibition. Recently, the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has sparked renewed research interest, extending their use to various medical conditions, including cancer. This review aims to highlight current data on the involvement of cannabinoids in cancer signaling pathways, emphasizing their potential in cancer therapy and the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles, review articles, and clinical trials discussing the anticancer properties of cannabinoids. Inclusion criteria included studies in English on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of cannabinoids in cancer. Cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBG, exhibit significant anticancer activities such as apoptosis induction, autophagy stimulation, cell cycle arrest, anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, and metastasis inhibition. Clinical trials have demonstrated cannabinoids' efficacy in tumor regression and health improvement in palliative care. However, challenges such as variability in cannabinoid composition, psychoactive effects, regulatory barriers, and lack of standardized dosing remain. Cannabinoids show promising potential as anticancer agents through various mechanisms. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these findings and establish standardized therapeutic protocols. Future research should focus on elucidating detailed mechanisms, optimizing dosing, and exploring cannabinoids as primary chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Bint Faiz
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Naeem
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeel Aslam
- Department of Forensic Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Leticia M Estevinho
- Mountain Research Center, CIMO, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Dilek Arslan Ateşşahin
- Baskil Vocational School, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Fırat University, 23100, Elazıg, Turkey
| | - Asma M Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Trials360, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos y Universitarios del Golfo, Veracruz, Mexico.
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Wang XX, Ji X, Lin J, Wong IN, Lo HH, Wang J, Qu L, Wong VKW, Chung SK, Law BYK. GPCR-mediated natural products and compounds: Potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological diseases. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107395. [PMID: 39241934 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), widely expressed in the human central nervous system (CNS), perform numerous physiological functions and play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases. Consequently, identifying key therapeutic GPCRs targets for CNS-related diseases is garnering immense interest in research labs and pharmaceutical companies. However, using GPCRs drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases has limitations, including side effects and uncertain effective time frame. Recognizing the rich history of herbal treatments for neurological disorders like stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), modern pharmacological research is now focusing on the understanding of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and compounds in modulating GPCRs and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. This paper will offer a comprehensive, critical review of how certain natural products and compounds target GPCRs to treat neurological diseases. Conducting an in-depth study of herbal remedies and their efficacies against CNS-related disorders through GPCRs targeting will augment our strategies for treating neurological disorders. This will not only broaden our understanding of effective therapeutic methodologies but also identify the root causes of altered GPCRs signaling in the context of pathophysiological mechanisms in neurological diseases. Moreover, it would be informative for the creation of safer and more effective GPCR-mediated drugs, thereby establishing a foundation for future treatment of various neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xia Wang
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Luzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Io Nam Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR China
| | - Hang Hong Lo
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Qu
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR China.
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR China.
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Menéndez-Pérez C, Rivas-Santisteban R, del Valle E, Tolivia J, Navarro A, Franco R, Martínez-Pinilla E. Heteromers Formed by GPR55 and Either Cannabinoid CB 1 or CB 2 Receptors Are Upregulated in the Prefrontal Cortex of Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4176. [PMID: 38673761 PMCID: PMC11050292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084176] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure, making it necessary to search for new treatments. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important neuromodulatory role in the CNS. In recent years, the formation of heteromers containing cannabinoid receptors and their up/downregulation in some neurodegenerative diseases have been demonstrated. Despite the beneficial effects shown by some phytocannabinoids in MS, the role of the ECS in its pathophysiology is unknown. The main objective of this work was to identify heteromers of cell surface proteins receptive to cannabinoids, namely GPR55, CB1 and CB2 receptors, in brain samples from control subjects and MS patients, as well as determining their cellular localization, using In Situ Proximity Ligation Assays and immunohistochemical techniques. For the first time, CB1R-GPR55 and CB2R-GPR55 heteromers are identified in the prefrontal cortex of the human brain, more in the grey than in the white matter. Remarkably, the number of CB1R-GPR55 and CB2R-GPR55 complexes was found to be increased in MS patient samples. The results obtained open a promising avenue of research on the use of these receptor complexes as potential therapeutic targets for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Menéndez-Pérez
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.M.-P.); (E.d.V.); (J.T.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.R.-S.); (R.F.)
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eva del Valle
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.M.-P.); (E.d.V.); (J.T.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Tolivia
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.M.-P.); (E.d.V.); (J.T.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Navarro
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.M.-P.); (E.d.V.); (J.T.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.R.-S.); (R.F.)
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Pinilla
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.M.-P.); (E.d.V.); (J.T.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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Bo Y, Zhao X, Li L. Cardiotoxic effects of common and emerging drugs: role of cannabinoid receptors. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:413-434. [PMID: 38505994 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity has become one of the most common and detrimental health concerns, which causes significant loss to public health and drug resources. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have recently achieved great attention for their vital roles in the regulation of heart health and disease, with mounting evidence linking CBRs with the pathogenesis and progression of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. This review aims to summarize fundamental characteristics of two well-documented CBRs (CB1R and CB2R) from aspects of molecular structure, signaling and their functions in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, we describe the roles of CB1R and CB2R in the occurrence of cardiotoxicity induced by common drugs such as antipsychotics, anti-cancer drugs, marijuana, and some emerging synthetic cannabinoids. We highlight the 'yin-yang' relationship between CB1R and CB2R in drug-induced cardiotoxicity and propose future perspectives for CBR-based translational medicine toward cardiotoxicity curation and clinical monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Bo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Endocannabinoid System: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16020148. [PMID: 37017445 PMCID: PMC9966761 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCB) has been studied to identify the molecular structures present in Cannabis sativa. eCB consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, and the associated enzymatic apparatus responsible for maintaining energy homeostasis and cognitive processes. Several physiological effects of cannabinoids are exerted through interactions with various receptors, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, vanilloid receptors, and the recently discovered G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR55, GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, and GPR19). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoylglycerol (2-AG), two small lipids derived from arachidonic acid, showed high-affinity binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. eCB plays a critical role in chronic pain and mood disorders and has been extensively studied because of its wide therapeutic potential and because it is a promising target for the development of new drugs. Phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have shown varied affinities for eCB and are relevant to the treatment of several neurological diseases. This review provides a description of eCB components and discusses how phytocannabinoids and other exogenous compounds may regulate the eCB balance. Furthermore, we show the hypo- or hyperfunctionality of eCB in the body and how eCB is related to chronic pain and mood disorders, even with integrative and complementary health practices (ICHP) harmonizing the eCB.
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Whiting ZM, Yin J, de la Harpe SM, Vernall AJ, Grimsey NL. Developing the Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) pharmacopoeia: past, present, and future. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:754-771. [PMID: 35906103 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with considerable, though as yet unrealised, therapeutic potential. Promising preclinical data supports the applicability of CB2 activation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, pain, neurodegeneration, and osteoporosis. A diverse pharmacopoeia of cannabinoid ligands is available, which has led to considerable advancements in the understanding of CB2 function and extensive preclinical evaluation. However, until recently, most CB2 ligands were highly lipophilic and as such not optimal for clinical application due to unfavourable physicochemical properties. A number of strategies have been applied to develop CB2 ligands to achieve closer to 'drug-like' properties and a few such compounds have now undergone clinical trial. We review the current state of CB2 ligand development and progress in optimising physicochemical properties, understanding advanced molecular pharmacology such as functional selectivity, and clinical evaluation of CB2-targeting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zak M Whiting
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jiazhen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sara M de la Harpe
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrea J Vernall
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.
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G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and Ischemic Stroke: a Focus on Molecular Function and Therapeutic Potential. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4588-4614. [PMID: 34120294 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In ischemic stroke, there is only one approved drug, tissue plasminogen activator, to be used in clinical conditions for thrombolysis. New neuroprotective therapies for ischemic stroke are desperately needed. Several targets and pathways have been shown to confer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most frequently targeted receptors for developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system disorders. GPCRs are a large family of cell surface receptors that response to a wide variety of extracellular stimuli. GPCRs are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. More than 90% of the identified non-sensory GPCRs are expressed in the brain, where they play important roles in regulating mood, pain, vision, immune responses, cognition, and synaptic transmission. There is also good evidence that GPCRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke. This review narrates the pathophysiological role and possible targeted therapy of GPCRs in ischemic stroke.
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An D, Peigneur S, Hendrickx LA, Tytgat J. Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors: Current Status and Prospects of Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5064. [PMID: 32709050 PMCID: PMC7404216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as part of the endocannabinoid system, play a critical role in numerous human physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, considerable efforts have been made to develop ligands for CB1 and CB2, resulting in hundreds of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids which have shown varying affinities relevant for the treatment of various diseases. However, only a few of these ligands are clinically used. Recently, more detailed structural information for cannabinoid receptors was revealed thanks to the powerfulness of cryo-electron microscopy, which now can accelerate structure-based drug discovery. At the same time, novel peptide-type cannabinoids from animal sources have arrived at the scene, with their potential in vivo therapeutic effects in relation to cannabinoid receptors. From a natural products perspective, it is expected that more novel cannabinoids will be discovered and forecasted as promising drug leads from diverse natural sources and species, such as animal venoms which constitute a true pharmacopeia of toxins modulating diverse targets, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors such as CB1 and CB2, with astonishing affinity and selectivity. Therefore, it is believed that discovering novel cannabinoids starting from studying the biodiversity of the species living on planet earth is an uncharted territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.A.); (S.P.); (L.A.H.)
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