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He Z, Guan MM, Xiong LT, Li X, Zeng Y, Deng X, Herron AN, Cui ZN. Discovery of novel amide derivatives as potent quorum sensing inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116410. [PMID: 38615409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116410] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing reports of antibiotic resistance in this species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common human pathogen with important implications for public health. Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) systems are potentially broad and versatile targets for developing new antimicrobial compounds. While previous reports have demonstrated that certain amide compounds can inhibit bacterial growth, there are few reports on the specific inhibitory effects of these compounds on bacterial quorum sensing systems. In this study, thirty-one amide derivatives were synthesized. The results of the biological activity assessment indicated that A9 and B6 could significantly inhibit the expression of lasB, rhlA, and pqsA, effectively reducing several virulence factors regulated by the QS systems of PAO1. Additionally, compound A9 attenuated the pathogenicity of PAO1 to Galleria mellonella larvae. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR, SPR, and molecular docking studies were conducted to explore the mechanism of these compounds, which suggests that compound A9 inhibited the QS systems by binding with LasR and PqsR, especially PqsR. In conclusion, amide derivatives A9 and B6 exhibit promising potential for further development as novel QS inhibitors in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ming-Ming Guan
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lan-Tu Xiong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xuan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xile Deng
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | | | - Zi-Ning Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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2
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Barbetti M, Mancabelli L, Vacondio F, Longhi G, Ferlenghi F, Viglioli M, Turroni F, Carnevali L, Mor M, Ventura M, Sgoifo A, Rivara S. Social stress-induced depressive-like symptoms and changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles are prevented by pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in male rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110963. [PMID: 38354897 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110963] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity has antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models of stress. In this study, we investigated whether the antidepressant-like effects of FAAH inhibition are associated with corresponding changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles, which are emerging as critical components in the pathophysiology of depression. Adult male Wistar rats experienced five weeks of repeated social defeat or control procedure and were treated with the FAAH inhibitor URB694 (0.3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle starting from the third week. Repeated social defeat induced the emergence of depressive-like behavioral (sucrose preference reduction and passive coping behaviors in the forced swim test) and neuroendocrine (increased corticosterone levels) changes, which were prevented by URB694 treatment. Repeated social defeat also provoked a significant variation in gut microbiota (changes in the relative abundance of 14 bacterial taxa) and lipidic (e.g., glycerophospholipids) composition. These stress-induced changes were prevented by URB694 treatment. These findings indicate that inhibition of FAAH activity with URB694 blocks the co-occurrence of depressive-like behavioral and neuroendocrine changes and alterations in gut microbial and lipid composition in rats exposed to repeated social defeat. In conclusion, these results suggest that the gut microbiota-lipid crosstalk may represent a novel biological target for FAAH inhibitors to enhance stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Barbetti
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Longhi
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Marco Mor
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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3
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Qiao Z, Liu S, Zhai W, Jiang L, Ma Y, Zhang Z, Wang B, Shao J, Qian H, Zhao F, Yan L. Novel dual-target FAAH and TRPV1 ligands as potential pharmacotherapeutics for pain management. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116208. [PMID: 38325006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116208] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Dual-acting drugs that simultaneously inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and antagonize the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a promising stronger therapeutic approach for pain management without side effects associated with single-target agents. Here, several series of dual FAAH/TRPV1 blockers were designed and synthesized through rational molecular hybridization between the pharmacophore of classical TRPV1 antagonists and FAAH inhibitors. The studies resulted in compound 2r, which exhibited strong dual FAAH/TRPV1 inhibition/antagonism in vitro, exerted powerful analgesic effects in formalin-induced pain test (phase II, in mice), desirable anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, no TRPV1-related hyperthermia side effect, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Meanwhile, the contributions of TRPV1 and FAAH to its antinociceptive effects were verified by target engagement and molecular docking studies. Overall, compound 2r can serve as a new scaffold for developing FAAH/TRPV1 dual-activie ligands to counteract pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrui Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Weibin Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yunmeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Zhikang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jingwen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Hai Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Fenqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
| | - Lin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
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4
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Casasampere M, Ung J, Iñáñez A, Dufau C, Tsuboi K, Casas J, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Andrieu-Abadie N, Segui B, Loughran TP, Abad JL, Fabrias G. A fluorogenic substrate for the detection of lipid amidases in intact cells. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100520. [PMID: 38369184 PMCID: PMC10956054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100520] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid amidases of therapeutic relevance include acid ceramidase (AC), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Although fluorogenic substrates have been developed for the three enzymes and high-throughput methods for screening have been reported, a platform for the specific detection of these enzyme activities in intact cells is lacking. In this article, we report on the coumarinic 1-deoxydihydroceramide RBM1-151, a 1-deoxy derivative and vinilog of RBM14-C12, as a novel substrate of amidases. This compound is hydrolyzed by AC (appKm = 7.0 μM; appVmax = 99.3 nM/min), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (appKm = 0.73 μM; appVmax = 0.24 nM/min), and FAAH (appKm = 3.6 μM; appVmax = 7.6 nM/min) but not by other ceramidases. We provide proof of concept that the use of RBM1-151 in combination with reported irreversible inhibitors of AC and FAAH allows the determination in parallel of the three amidase activities in single experiments in intact cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Casasampere
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Johnson Ung
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alejandro Iñáñez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carine Dufau
- INSERM UMR 1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France; Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Josefina Casas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - David J Feith
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nathalie Andrieu-Abadie
- INSERM UMR 1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France; Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Segui
- INSERM UMR 1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France; Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer, Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - José Luis Abad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain; Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)'s Cancer Hub, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Rosado‐Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap for the expression of canonical and extended endocannabinoid system receptors and metabolic enzymes in peripheral organs of preclinical animal models. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15947. [PMID: 38408761 PMCID: PMC10896677 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system have not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were no receptors with identical expression patterns among mice (three males and two females), rats (six females), and rhesus macaques (four males). Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Rosado‐Franco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. L. Ellison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - C. J. White
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. S. Price
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - C. F. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bayview CampusBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - R. E. Williams
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - L. B. Fridman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - E. M. Weerts
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - D. W. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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6
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Pan J, Lu Y, Wang S, Ma T, Xue X, Zhang Z, Mao Q, Guo D, Ma K. Synergistic neuroprotective effects of two natural medicinal plants against CORT-induced nerve cell injury by correcting neurotransmitter deficits and inflammation imbalance. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155102. [PMID: 37748389 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155102] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lilium henryi Baker (Liliaceae) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. (Plantaginaceae) were the traditional natural medicinal plants for the treatment of depression, but the antidepression mechanism of two plants co-decoction (Also known as Lily bulb and Rehmannia decoction (LBRD) drug-containing serum (LBRDDS) has not been elucidated in the in vitro model of depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS Here, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to identify the active components of LBRDDS and the potential effector substance was identified by bioinformatics analysis. CORT-induced nerve cells cytotoxicity was used to investigate the neuroprotection effect of LBRDDS and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms were explored by multiple experimental methods such as molecular docking, immunofluorescence, gain- or loss-of function experiments. RESULTS Bioactive compounds in LBRDDS absorbed from intestinal tract were transformed or metabolized by the gut microbiota including palmitic acid, adrenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and docosapentaenoic acid. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking of showed fatty acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and neuroinflammation may be potential therapeutic targets of LBRDDS. LBRDDS can improve the activity of model cells, reduce cytotoxicity of lactate dehydrogenase, recover neurotransmitter imbalance, relieve inflammatory damage, down-regulate the expression of miRNA-144-3p, increase the mRNAs and protein expression level of Gad-67 and VGAT, and promote the synthesis and transport of GABA. CONCLUSION Therefore, LBRDDS exerts neuroprotective effects by correcting neurotransmitter deficits and inflammation imbalance in the CORT-induced nerve cell injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Pan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Yanting Lu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Sijia Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Ting Ma
- College of Rehabilitation, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Xue
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Qiancheng Mao
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Dongjing Guo
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Ke Ma
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China.
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7
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Migliaro M, Ruiz-Contreras AE, Herrera-Solís A, Méndez-Díaz M, Prospéro-García OE. Endocannabinoid system and aggression across animal species. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105375. [PMID: 37643683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105375] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and aggression across multiple vertebrate species. Experimental evidence indicates that acute administration of phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and the pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling decreases aggressive behavior in several animal models. However, research on the chronic effects of cannabinoids on animal aggression has yielded inconsistent findings, indicating a need for further investigation. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly cannabinoid receptor type 1, appear to be an important part of the endogenous mechanism involved in the dampening of aggressive behavior. Overall, this review underscores the importance of the ECS in regulating aggressive behavior and provides a foundation for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Migliaro
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Alejandra E Ruiz-Contreras
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Unidad de Investigación en Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Andrea Herrera-Solís
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Efectos Terapéuticos de los Cannabinoides, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico
| | - Mónica Méndez-Díaz
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Oscar E Prospéro-García
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
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8
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Mikaeili H, Habib AM, Yeung CWL, Santana-Varela S, Luiz AP, Panteleeva K, Zuberi S, Athanasiou-Fragkouli A, Houlden H, Wood JN, Okorokov AL, Cox JJ. Molecular basis of FAAH-OUT-associated human pain insensitivity. Brain 2023; 146:3851-3865. [PMID: 37222214 PMCID: PMC10473560 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad098] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and new treatments are needed urgently. One way to identify novel analgesic strategies is to understand the biological dysfunctions that lead to human inherited pain insensitivity disorders. Here we report how the recently discovered brain and dorsal root ganglia-expressed FAAH-OUT long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene, which was found from studying a pain-insensitive patient with reduced anxiety and fast wound healing, regulates the adjacent key endocannabinoid system gene FAAH, which encodes the anandamide-degrading fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme. We demonstrate that the disruption in FAAH-OUT lncRNA transcription leads to DNMT1-dependent DNA methylation within the FAAH promoter. In addition, FAAH-OUT contains a conserved regulatory element, FAAH-AMP, that acts as an enhancer for FAAH expression. Furthermore, using transcriptomic analyses in patient-derived cells we have uncovered a network of genes that are dysregulated from disruption of the FAAH-FAAH-OUT axis, thus providing a coherent mechanistic basis to understand the human phenotype observed. Given that FAAH is a potential target for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression and other neurological disorders, this new understanding of the regulatory role of the FAAH-OUT gene provides a platform for the development of future gene and small molecule therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Mikaeili
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Abdella M Habib
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Charlix Wai-Lok Yeung
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sonia Santana-Varela
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ana P Luiz
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kseniia Panteleeva
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sana Zuberi
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - John N Wood
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrei L Okorokov
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - James J Cox
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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9
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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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10
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Greco R, Francavilla M, Demartini C, Zanaboni AM, Facchetti S, Palmisani M, Franco V, Tassorelli C. Activity of FAAH-Inhibitor JZP327A in an Experimental Rat Model of Migraine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10102. [PMID: 37373250 PMCID: PMC10299064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210102] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased anandamide levels via fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition can decrease the pronociceptive responses and inflammatory mediators in animal models of migraine. Here, we profile the pharmacological activity of the FAAH inhibitor JZP327A, a chiral 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one compound, in the mediation of spontaneous and nocifensive behaviour in the animal models of migraine based on nitroglycerin (NTG) administration. JZP327A (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administered to male rats 3 h after NTG (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or NTG vehicle injection. The rats were then exposed to the open field test and an orofacial formalin test 1 h later. The levels of endocannabinoids and lipid-related substances, and the expression of pain and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in cranial tissues and serum. The findings show that JZP327A did not affect NTG-induced changes in the spontaneous behaviour of rats, while it inhibited NTG-induced hyperalgesia at the orofacial formalin test. Furthermore, JZP327A dramatically decreased the gene expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the trigeminal ganglia and medulla-pons, while it did not change endocannabinoids or lipids levels nor CGRP serum levels in the same tissues. These data suggest an anti-hyperalgesic role for JZP327A in the NTG model, which is mediated by the inhibition of the inflammatory cascade of events. This activity does not seem mediated by a change in the levels of endocannabinoids and lipid amides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Greco
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Miriam Francavilla
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Demartini
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zanaboni
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Facchetti
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Michela Palmisani
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Franco
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.F.); (C.D.); (A.M.Z.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (V.F.); (C.T.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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11
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Police A, Kumar Shankar V, Pandey P, Rangappa S, Doerksen RJ, Narasimha Murthy S. Novel Topical Anandamide Formulation for Alleviating Peripheral Neuropathic Pain. Int J Pharm 2023:123085. [PMID: 37245739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123085] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a condition of peripheral nerve damage leading to severe pain. The first line therapies are associated with adverse psychotropic effects (PSE) and second line therapies are not efficient enough to relieve pain. There is an unmet drug need for relieving pain effectively without PSE in PN. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid activates cannabinoid receptors to relieve the pain due to peripheral neuropathy (PN). Anandamide has a very short biological half-life as they are extensively metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme (FAAH). Regional delivery of safe FAAH inhibitor (FI) with anandamide would be beneficial for PN without psychotropic effects. The objective of the study is to identify a safe FAAH inhibitor and deliver the anandamide in combination with the FAAH inhibitor topically for the management of PN. The FAAH inhibition potential of silymarin constituents was evaluated by molecular docking and in vitro studies. The topical gel formulation was developed to deliver anandamide and FI. The formulation was assessed in chemotherapeutic agent-induced peripheral neuropathy rat models to relieve mechanical-allodynia and thermal-hyperalgesia. The molecular docking studies demonstrated that the Prime MM-GBSA free energy of silymarin constituents were in the order of silybin > isosilybin > silychristin > taxifolin > silydianin. In in vitro studies, silybin 20 µM inhibited >61.8% of FAAH activity and increased the half-life of anandamide. The developed formulation increased permeation of anandamide and silybin across the porcine skin. Furthermore, on the application of anandamide and anandamide-silybin gel to rat paws, there was a significant increase in the pain threshold for allodynic and hyperalgesic stimulus up to 1 h and 4 h, respectively. The topical anandamide with silybin delivery approach could serve to alleviate peripheral neuropathy efficiently and thus could minimize unwanted CNS side effects of synthetic or natural cannabinoids in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha Police
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Vijay Kumar Shankar
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Pankaj Pandey
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | | | - Robert J Doerksen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - S Narasimha Murthy
- Topical Products Testing LLC, Oxford, MS 38655, USA; Institute for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Research, Bangalore, India.
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12
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Zhang ZW, Han P, Fu J, Yu H, Xu H, Hu JC, Lu JY, Yang XY, Zhang HJ, Bu MM, Jiang JD, Wang Y. Gut microbiota-based metabolites of Xiaoyao Pills (a typical Traditional Chinese medicine) ameliorate depression by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase levels in brain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116555. [PMID: 37100263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are often prepared in oral dosage forms, making TCMs interact with gut microbiota after oral administration, which could affect the therapeutic effect of TCM. Xiaoyao Pills (XYPs) are a commonly used TCM in China to treat depression. The biological underpinnings, however, are still in its infancy due to its complex chemical composition. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to explore XYPs' underlying antidepressant mechanism from both in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS XYPs were composed of 8 herbs, including the root of Bupleurum chinense DC., the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., the sclerotia of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., the leaves of Mentha haplocalyx Briq., the rhizome of Atractylis lancea var. chinensis (Bunge) Kitam., and the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, in a ratio of 5:5:5:5:4:1:5:5. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat models were established. After that, the sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to evaluate if the rats were depressed. After 28 days of treatment, the forced swimming test and SPT were carried out to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of XYPs. The feces, brain and plasma were taken out for 16SrRNA gene sequencing analysis, untargeted metabolomics and gut microbiota transformation analysis. RESULTS The results revealed multiple pathways affected by XYPs. Among them, the hydrolysis of fatty acids amide in brain decreased most significant via XYPs treatment. Moreover, the XYPs' metabolites which mainly derived from gut microbiota (benzoic acid, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhetinic acid and saikogenin D) were found in plasma and brain of CUMS rats and could inhibit the levels of FAAH in brain, which contributed to XYPs' antidepressant effect. CONCLUSIONS The potential antidepressant mechanism of XYPs by untargeted metabolomics combined with gut microbiota-transformation analysis was revealed, which further support the theory of gut-brain axis and provide valuable evidence of the drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Pei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jia-Chun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jin-Yue Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hao-Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Meng-Meng Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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13
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [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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14
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Alswailmi FK. A Cross Talk between the Endocannabinoid System and Different Systems Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Retinopathy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030345. [PMID: 36986445 PMCID: PMC10058254 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of hypertension leads to organ damage by causing nephropathy, stroke, retinopathy, and cardiomegaly. Retinopathy and blood pressure have been extensively discussed in relation to catecholamines of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and angiotensin II of the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) but very little research has been conducted on the role of the ECS in the regulation of retinopathy and blood pressure. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a unique system in the body that can be considered as a master regulator of body functions. It encompasses the endogenous production of its cannabinoids, its degrading enzymes, and functional receptors which innervate and perform various functions in different organs of the body. Hypertensive retinopathy pathologies arise normally due to oxidative stress, ischemia, endothelium dysfunction, inflammation, and an activated renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and catecholamine which are vasoconstrictors in their biological nature. The question arises of which system or agent counterbalances the vasoconstrictors effect of noradrenaline and angiotensin II (Ang II) in normal individuals? In this review article, we discuss the role of the ECS and its contribution to the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy. This review article will also examine the involvement of the RAS and the ANS in the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy and the crosstalk between these three systems in hypertensive retinopathy. This review will also explain that the ECS, which is a vasodilator in its action, either independently counteracts the effect produced with the vasoconstriction of the ANS and Ang II or blocks some of the common pathways shared by the ECS, ANS, and Ang II in the regulation of eye functions and blood pressure. This article concludes that persistent control of blood pressure and normal functions of the eye are maintained either by decreasing systemic catecholamine, ang II, or by upregulation of the ECS which results in the regression of retinopathy induced by hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Khashim Alswailmi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 39524, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Singh P, Singh D, Srivastava P, Mishra G, Tiwari AK. Evaluation of advanced, pathophysiologic new targets for imaging of CNS. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:484-513. [PMID: 36779375 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22040] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The inadequate information about the in vivo pathological, physiological, and neurological impairments, as well as the absence of in vivo tools for assessing brain penetrance and the efficiency of newly designed drugs, has hampered the development of new techniques for the treatment for variety of new central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The searching sites such as Science Direct and PubMed were used to find out the numerous distinct tracers across 16 CNS targets including tau, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein, the adenosine 2A receptor, the phosphodiesterase enzyme PDE10A, and the purinoceptor, among others. Among the most encouraging are [18 F]FIMX for mGluR imaging, [11 C]Martinostat for Histone deacetylase, [18 F]MNI-444 for adenosine 2A imaging, [11 C]ER176 for translocator protein, and [18 F]MK-6240 for tau imaging. We also reviewed the findings for each tracer's features and potential for application in CNS pathophysiology and therapeutic evaluation investigations, including target specificity, binding efficacy, and pharmacokinetic factors. This review aims to present a current evaluation of modern positron emission tomography tracers for CNS targets, with a focus on recent advances for targets that have newly emerged for imaging in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepika Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pooja Srivastava
- Division of Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Gauri Mishra
- Department of Zoology, Swami Shraddhananad College, University of Delhi, Alipur, Delhi, India
| | - Anjani K Tiwari
- Department of Chemistry, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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16
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Mangiatordi GF, Cavalluzzi MM, Delre P, Lamanna G, Lumuscio MC, Saviano M, Majoral JP, Mignani S, Duranti A, Lentini G. Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzyme Inhibitors as Potential Antipsychotics: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020469. [PMID: 36831006 PMCID: PMC9953700 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important role in numerous physiological and pharmacological processes, such as those related to the central nervous system (CNS), including learning, memory, emotional processing, as well pain control, inflammatory and immune response, and as a biomarker in certain psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, the half-life of the natural ligands responsible for these effects is very short. This perspective describes the potential role of the inhibitors of the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), which are mainly responsible for the degradation of endogenous ligands in psychic disorders and related pathologies. The examination was carried out considering both the impact that the classical exogenous ligands such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and (-)-trans-cannabidiol (CBD) have on the ECS and through an analysis focused on the possibility of predicting the potential toxicity of the inhibitors before they are subjected to clinical studies. In particular, cardiotoxicity (hERG liability), probably the worst early adverse reaction studied during clinical studies focused on acute toxicity, was predicted, and some of the most used and robust metrics available were considered to select which of the analyzed compounds could be repositioned as possible oral antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamanna
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lumuscio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre Majoral
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Serge Mignani
- CERMN (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie), Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG (Molecular Materials Research Group), Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0722-303501
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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17
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Zhu Y, Zhang H, Mao H, Zhong S, Huang Y, Chen S, Yan K, Zhao Z, Hao X, Zhang Y, Yao H, Huang X, Wang M, Zhang W, Li J, Meng G, Qin X, Ye Z, Shen J, Song Y, Xu Y, Yang Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wen L. FAAH served a key membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3 protein independently of the endocannabinoid system. Cell Death Differ 2023. [PMID: 36104448 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-41022-00958-41415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
NLRP3, the sensor protein of the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays central roles in innate immunity. Over-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases, while gain-of-function mutations of NLRP3 cause cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). NLRP3 inhibitors, particularly those that inhibit inflammasome assembly and activation, are being intensively pursued, but alternative approaches for targeting NLRP3 would be highly desirable. During priming NLRP3 protein is synthesized on demand and becomes attached to the membranes of ER and mitochondria. Here, we show that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the key integral membrane enzyme in the endocannabinoid system, unexpectedly served the critical membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3. The specific interaction between NLRP3 and FAAH, mediated by the NACHT and LRR domains of NLRP3 and the amidase signature sequence of FAAH, was essential for preventing CHIP- and NBR1-mediated selective autophagy of NLRP3. Heterozygous knockout of FAAH, resulting in ~50% reduction in both FAAH and NLRP3 expression, was sufficient to substantially inhibit the auto-inflammatory phenotypes of the NLRP3-R258W knock-in mice, while homozygous FAAH loss almost completely abrogates these phenotypes. Interestingly, select FAAH inhibitors, in particular URB597 and PF-04457845, disrupted NLRP3-FAAH interaction and induced autophagic NLRP3 degradation, leading to diminished inflammasome activation in mouse macrophage cells as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from CAPS patients. Our results unraveled a novel NLRP3-stabilizing mechanism and pinpointed NLRP3-FAAH interaction as a potential drug target for CAPS and other NLRP3-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huawei Mao
- Department of Immunology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Suqin Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubing Huang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sirong Chen
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Hao
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowan Huang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meimei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology& Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxun Meng
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology& Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Qin
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Song
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youcui Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- China-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liansheng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yunjiao Zhang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Longping Wen
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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18
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Zhu Y, Zhang H, Mao H, Zhong S, Huang Y, Chen S, Yan K, Zhao Z, Hao X, Zhang Y, Yao H, Huang X, Wang M, Zhang W, Li J, Meng G, Qin X, Ye Z, Shen J, Song Y, Xu Y, Yang Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wen L. FAAH served a key membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3 protein independently of the endocannabinoid system. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:168-183. [PMID: 36104448 PMCID: PMC9883386 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01054-4] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
NLRP3, the sensor protein of the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays central roles in innate immunity. Over-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases, while gain-of-function mutations of NLRP3 cause cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). NLRP3 inhibitors, particularly those that inhibit inflammasome assembly and activation, are being intensively pursued, but alternative approaches for targeting NLRP3 would be highly desirable. During priming NLRP3 protein is synthesized on demand and becomes attached to the membranes of ER and mitochondria. Here, we show that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the key integral membrane enzyme in the endocannabinoid system, unexpectedly served the critical membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3. The specific interaction between NLRP3 and FAAH, mediated by the NACHT and LRR domains of NLRP3 and the amidase signature sequence of FAAH, was essential for preventing CHIP- and NBR1-mediated selective autophagy of NLRP3. Heterozygous knockout of FAAH, resulting in ~50% reduction in both FAAH and NLRP3 expression, was sufficient to substantially inhibit the auto-inflammatory phenotypes of the NLRP3-R258W knock-in mice, while homozygous FAAH loss almost completely abrogates these phenotypes. Interestingly, select FAAH inhibitors, in particular URB597 and PF-04457845, disrupted NLRP3-FAAH interaction and induced autophagic NLRP3 degradation, leading to diminished inflammasome activation in mouse macrophage cells as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from CAPS patients. Our results unraveled a novel NLRP3-stabilizing mechanism and pinpointed NLRP3-FAAH interaction as a potential drug target for CAPS and other NLRP3-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huawei Mao
- Department of Immunology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Suqin Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubing Huang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sirong Chen
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Hao
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowan Huang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meimei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology& Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxun Meng
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology& Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Qin
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Song
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youcui Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- China-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liansheng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yunjiao Zhang
- School of Medicine & Institute for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Longping Wen
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Duranti A, Beldarrain G, Álvarez A, Sbriscia M, Carloni S, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010028. [PMID: 36672536 PMCID: PMC9855621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
| | - Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Matilde Sbriscia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
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20
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Molecular Basis for Non-Covalent, Non-Competitive FAAH Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415502. [PMID: 36555144 PMCID: PMC9779292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays a key role in the control of cannabinoid signaling and it represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation. Starting from kinetics experiments carried out in our previous work for the most potent inhibitor 2-amino-3-chloropyridine amide (TPA14), we have investigated its non-competitive mechanism of action using molecular dynamics, thermodynamic integration and QM-MM/GBSA calculations. The computational studies highlighted the impact of mutations on the receptor binding pockets and elucidated the molecular basis of the non-competitive inhibition mechanism of TPA14, which prevents the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) from reaching its pro-active conformation. Our study provides a rationale for the design of non-competitive potent FAAH inhibitors for the treatment of neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation.
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21
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Insight into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Aryl Formyl Piperidine Derivatives on Monoacylglycerol Lipase through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217512. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) can regulate the endocannabinoid system and thus becomes a target of antidepressant drugs. In this paper, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with binding free energy calculation, were employed to investigate the inhibitory mechanism and binding modes of four aryl formyl piperidine derivative inhibitors with different 1-substituents to MAGL. The results showed that in the four systems, the main four regions where the enzyme bound to the inhibitor included around the head aromatic ring, the head carbonyl oxygen, the tail amide bond, and the tail benzene ring. The significant conformational changes in the more flexible lid domain of the enzyme were caused by 1-substituted group differences of inhibitors and resulted in different degrees of flipping in the tail of the inhibitor. The flipping led to a different direction of the tail amide bond and made a greater variation in its interaction with some of the charged residues in the enzyme, which further contributed to a different swing of the tail benzene ring. If the swing is large enough, it can weaken the binding strength of the head carbonyl oxygen to its nearby residues, and even the whole inhibitor with the enzyme so that the inhibition decreases.
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22
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Chen C, Wang W, Poklis JL, Lichtman AH, Ritter JK, Hu G, Xie D, Li N. Inactivation of fatty acid amide hydrolase protects against ischemic reperfusion injury-induced renal fibrogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166456. [PMID: 35710061 PMCID: PMC10215004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although cannabinoid receptors (CB) are recognized as targets for renal fibrosis, the roles of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and its primary hydrolytic enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), in renal fibrogenesis remain unclear. The present study used a mouse model of post-ischemia-reperfusion renal injury (PIR) to test the hypothesis that FAAH participates in the renal fibrogenesis. Our results demonstrated that PIR showed upregulated expression of FAAH in renal proximal tubules, accompanied with decreased AEA levels in kidneys. Faah knockout mice recovered the reduced AEA levels and ameliorated PIR-triggered increases in blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine as well as renal profibrogenic markers and injuries. Correspondingly, a selective FAAH inhibitor, PF-04457845, inhibited the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced profibrogenic markers in human proximal tubular cell line (HK-2 cells) and mouse primary cultured tubular cells. Knockdown of FAAH by siRNA in HK-2 cells had similar effects as PF-04457845. Tubular cells isolated from Faah-/- mice further validated the protection against TGF-β1-induced damages. The CB 1 or CB2 receptor antagonist and exogenous FAAH metabolite arachidonic acid failed to reverse the protective effects of FAAH inactivation in HK-2 cells. However, a substrate-selective inhibitor of AEA-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway significantly suppressed the anti-profibrogenic actions of FAAH inhibition. Further, the AEA-COX-2 metabolite, prostamide E2 exerted anti-fibrogenesis effect. These findings suggest that FAAH activation and the consequent reduction of AEA contribute to the renal fibrogenesis, and that FAAH inhibition protects against fibrogenesis in renal cells independently of CB receptors via the AEA-COX-2 pathway by the recovery of reduced AEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Weili Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Joseph K Ritter
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Gaizun Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Dengpiao Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ningjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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23
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Andersson KE. Emerging drugs for the treatment of bladder storage dysfunction. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:277-287. [PMID: 35975727 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2113057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current drug treatment of lower urinary tract disorders, for example, overactive bladder syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, is moderately effective, has a low treatment persistence and some short- and long-term adverse events. Even if combination therapy with approved drugs may offer advantages in some patients, there is still a need for new agents. AREAS COVERED New b3-adrenoceptor agonists, antimuscarinics, the naked Maxi-K channel gene, a novel 5HT/NA reuptake inhibitor and soluble guanylate cyclase activators are discussed. Focus is given to P2X3 receptor antagonists, small molecule blockers of TRP channels, the roles of cannabis on incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis, and of drugs acting directly on CB1 and CB2 receptor or indirectly via endocannabinoids by inhibition of fatty acid aminohydrolase. EXPERT OPINION New potential alternatives to currently used drugs/drug principles are emerging, but further clinical testing is required before they can be evaluated as therapeutic alternatives. It seems that for the near future individualized treatment with approved drugs and their combinations will be the prevailing therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Erik Andersson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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24
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Serine Hydrolases in Lipid Homeostasis of the Placenta-Targets for Placental Function? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126851. [PMID: 35743292 PMCID: PMC9223866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic state of pregnant women and their unborn children changes throughout pregnancy and adapts to the specific needs of each gestational week. These adaptions are accomplished by the actions of enzymes, which regulate the occurrence of their endogenous substrates and products in all three compartments: mother, placenta and the unborn. These enzymes determine bioactive lipid signaling, supply, and storage through the generation or degradation of lipids and fatty acids, respectively. This review focuses on the role of lipid-metabolizing serine hydrolases during normal pregnancy and in pregnancy-associated pathologies, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, or preterm birth. The biochemical properties of each class of lipid hydrolases are presented, with special emphasis on their role in placental function or dysfunction. While, during a normal pregnancy, an appropriate tonus of bioactive lipids prevails, dysregulation and aberrant signaling occur in diseased states. A better understanding of the dynamics of serine hydrolases across gestation and their involvement in placental lipid homeostasis under physiological and pathophysiological conditions will help to identify new targets for placental function in the future.
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25
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URB597 and Andrographolide Improve Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell Permeability and Apoptosis by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Associated with Activation of Nrf2 Signaling in Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4139330. [PMID: 35602108 PMCID: PMC9119762 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4139330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke, a cerebrovascular disease worldwide, triggers a cascade of pathophysiological events, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) play a vital role in maintaining BBB function. The injury of BMECs may worsen neurovascular dysfunction and patients' prognosis. Therefore, uncover the principal molecular mechanisms involved in BBB disruption in stroke becomes pressing. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been implicated in increasingly physiological functions, both in neurometabolism and cerebrovascular regulation. Modulating its activities by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) shows anti-inflammatory characteristics. Andrographolide (AG), one Chinese herbal ingredient, has also attracted attention for its role in immunomodulatory and as a therapeutic target in BBB disorders. Recently, the FAAH inhibitor URB597 and AG have important regulatory effects on neuronal and vascular cells in ischemia. However, the effects of URB597 and AG on BMEC permeability and apoptosis in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address these issues, cultured BMECs (bEnd.3 cells) were exposed to OGD. The cell viability, permeability, tube formation, and apoptosis were assessed following treatment with URB597, AG, and cotreatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory factors, tight junction (TJ) proteins, and oxidative stress-mediated Nrf2 signaling were also investigated. Results revealed that OGD broke the endothelial barrier, cell viability, MMP, and tube formation, which was reversed by URB597 and AG. OGD-induced enhancement of ROS, MDA, and apoptosis was reduced after drug interventions. URB597 and AG exhibited antioxidant/anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial protective effects by activating Nrf2 signaling. These findings indicated that URB597 and AG protect BMECs against OGD-induced endothelial permeability impairment and apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation associated with activation of Nrf2 signaling. URB597 and AG showing the vascular protection may have therapeutic potential for the BBB damage in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
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26
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Gur Maz T, Turanlı S, Caliskan HB, Çalışkan B, Banoglu E. Development and molecular modeling studies of new thiadiazole piperazine urea derivatives as potential fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200082. [PMID: 35500130 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200082] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel piperazine urea derivatives with thiadiazole moieties were designed, synthesized, and investigated for their inhibition potential against human fatty acid amide hydrolase (hFAAH). The urea derivatives possessing p-chlorophenylthiadiazole and benzylpiperazine fragments (19-22) were effective inhibitors of hFAAH. Notably, compounds with 4-chlorobenzyl (19) and 4-fluorobenzyl (20) tails at the piperazine side were identified as the most active inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.13 and 0.22 µM, respectively. The preincubation test of 19 was in agreement with the irreversible binding mechanism. Molecular docking was performed to explore the potential binding interactions with key amino acid residues at the FAAH active site. These newly identified inhibitors could serve as leads for the further development of potent and selective FAAH inhibitors for FAAH-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Gur Maz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sumeyye Turanlı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Burcu Çalışkan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erden Banoglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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27
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High-throughput optical assays for sensing serine hydrolases in living systems and their applications. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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28
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Papa A, Pasquini S, Contri C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Butini S, Varani K, Vincenzi F. Polypharmacological Approaches for CNS Diseases: Focus on Endocannabinoid Degradation Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030471. [PMID: 35159280 PMCID: PMC8834510 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacology breaks up the classical paradigm of “one-drug, one target, one disease” electing multitarget compounds as potential therapeutic tools suitable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, psychiatric or degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and cancer. These diseases often require a combination therapy which may result in positive but also negative synergistic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is emerging as a particularly attractive therapeutic target in CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, and epilepsy. ECS is an organized neuromodulatory network, composed by endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2), and the main catabolic enzymes involved in the endocannabinoid inactivation such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The multiple connections of the ECS with other signaling pathways in the CNS allows the consideration of the ECS as an optimal source of inspiration in the development of innovative polypharmacological compounds. In this review, we focused our attention on the reported polypharmacological examples in which FAAH and MAGL inhibitors are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234161
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
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Zanfirescu A, Nitulescu G, Mihai DP, Nitulescu GM. Identifying FAAH Inhibitors as New Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Chronic Pain through Drug Repurposing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:38. [PMID: 35056095 PMCID: PMC8781999 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain determines a substantial burden on individuals, employers, healthcare systems, and society. Most of the affected patients report dissatisfaction with currently available treatments. There are only a few and poor therapeutic options-some therapeutic agents are an outgrowth of drugs targeting acute pain, while others have several serious side effects. One of the primary degradative enzymes for endocannabinoids, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) attracted attention as a significant molecular target for developing new therapies for neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases, including chronic pain. Using chemical graph mining, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, and molecular docking techniques we developed a multi-step screening protocol to identify repurposable drugs as FAAH inhibitors. After screening the DrugBank database using our protocol, 273 structures were selected, with five already approved drugs, montelukast, repaglinide, revefenacin, raloxifene, and buclizine emerging as the most promising repurposable agents for treating chronic pain. Molecular docking studies indicated that the selected compounds interact with the enzyme mostly non-covalently (except for revefenacin) through shape complementarity to the large substrate-binding pocket in the active site. A molecular dynamics simulation was employed for montelukast and revealed stable interactions with the enzyme. The biological activity of the selected compounds should be further confirmed by employing in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Song Q, Dou L, Zhang W, Peng Y, Huang M, Wang M. Public transcriptome database-based selection and validation of reliable reference genes for breast cancer research. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:124. [PMID: 34895237 PMCID: PMC8665499 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00963-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most sensitive technique for evaluating gene expression levels. Choosing appropriate reference genes (RGs) is critical for normalizing and evaluating changes in the expression of target genes. However, uniform and reliable RGs for breast cancer research have not been identified, limiting the value of target gene expression studies. Here, we aimed to identify reliable and accurate RGs for breast cancer tissues and cell lines using the RNA-seq dataset. Methods First, we compiled the transcriptome profiling data from the TCGA database involving 1217 samples to identify novel RGs. Next, ten genes with relatively stable expression levels were chosen as novel candidate RGs, together with six conventional RGs. To determine and validate the optimal RGs we performed qRT-PCR experiments on 87 samples from 11 types of surgically excised breast tumor specimens (n = 66) and seven breast cancer cell lines (n = 21). Five publicly available algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, ΔCt method, BestKeeper, and ComprFinder) were used to assess the expression stability of each RG across all breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Results Our results show that RG combinations SF1 + TRA2B + THRAP3 and THRAP3 + RHOA + QRICH1 showed stable expression in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, respectively, and that they displayed good interchangeability. We propose that these combinations are optimal triplet RGs for breast cancer research. Conclusions In summary, we identified novel and reliable RG combinations for breast cancer research based on a public RNA-seq dataset. Our results lay a solid foundation for the accurate normalization of qRT-PCR results across different breast cancer tissues and cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12938-021-00963-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Song
- Department of Central Laboratory, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 404000, China
| | - Lu Dou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 404000, China
| | - Wenjin Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 404000, China
| | - Yang Peng
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Man Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No.165, Xin Cheng Lu, Wanzhou, Chongqing, 404000, China.
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No.165, Xin Cheng Lu, Wanzhou, Chongqing, 404000, China.
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de Melo Reis RA, Isaac AR, Freitas HR, de Almeida MM, Schuck PF, Ferreira GC, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS, Trevenzoli IH. Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:747229. [PMID: 34776851 PMCID: PMC8581450 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.747229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain modulatory network. ECS regulates brain homeostasis throughout development, from progenitor fate decision to neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, brain plasticity and circuit repair, up to learning, memory, fear, protection, and death. It is a major player in the hypothalamic-peripheral system-adipose tissue in the regulation of food intake, energy storage, nutritional status, and adipose tissue mass, consequently affecting obesity. Loss of ECS control might affect mood disorders (anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, and depression), lead to drug abuse, and impact neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson, Huntington, Multiple, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum) disorders. Practice of regular physical and/or mind-body mindfulness and meditative activities have been shown to modulate endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, in addition to other players as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ECS is involved in pain, inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, general immune responses (asthma, allergy, and arthritis) and tumor expansion, both/either in the brain and/or in the periphery. The reason for such a vast impact is the fact that arachidonic acid, a precursor of eCBs, is present in every membrane cell of the body and on demand eCBs synthesis is regulated by electrical activity and calcium shifts. Novel lipid (lipoxins and resolvins) or peptide (hemopressin) players of the ECS also operate as regulators of physiological allostasis. Indeed, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in intracellular organelles as mitochondria or lysosomes, or in nuclear targets as PPARγ might impact energy consumption, metabolism and cell death. To live a better life implies in a vigilant ECS, through healthy diet selection (based on a balanced omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), weekly exercises and meditation therapy, all of which regulating eCBs levels, surrounded by a constructive social network. Cannabidiol, a diet supplement has been a major player with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities. Cognitive challenges and emotional intelligence might strengthen the ECS, which is built on a variety of synapses that modify human behavior. As therapeutically concerned, the ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis and cannabinoids are promising tools to control innumerous targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alinny Rosendo Isaac
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hércules Rezende Freitas
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Macedo de Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Fernanda Schuck
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Costa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Effects of Cannabinoid Exposure during Neurodevelopment on Future Effects of Drugs of Abuse: A Preclinical Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189989. [PMID: 34576153 PMCID: PMC8472179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in the earliest stages of embryonic, postnatal and adolescent neurodevelopment. Aberrant activity of this system at key developmental phases has been shown to affect neural development. The aim of this review is to synthesise and analyse preclinical insights within rodent populations, focusing on the effects that perinatal (embryonic, gestational and early postnatal developmental stages) and adolescent (postnatal day 21–60) cannabinoid exposure impose across time on the subsequent activity of various drugs of abuse. Results in rodents show that exposure to cannabinoids during the perinatal and adolescent period can lead to multifaceted behavioural and molecular changes. In the perinatal period, significant effects of Δ9-THC exposure on subsequent opiate and amphetamine reward-related behaviours were observed primarily in male rodents. These effects were not extended to include cocaine or alcohol. In adolescence, various cannabinoid agonists were used experimentally. This array of cannabinoids demonstrated consistent effects on opioids across sex. In contrast, no significant effects were observed regarding the future activity of amphetamines and cocaine. However, these studies focused primarily on male rodents. In conclusion, numerous gaps and limitations are apparent in the current body of research. The sparsity of studies analysing the perinatal period must be addressed. Future research within both periods must also focus on delineating sex-specific effects, moving away from a male-centric focus. Studies should also aim to utilise more clinically relevant cannabinoid treatments.
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Deplano A, Karlsson J, Moraca F, Svensson M, Cristiano C, Morgillo CM, Fowler CJ, Russo R, Catalanotti B, Onnis V. Design, synthesis and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of flurbiprofen amides as new fatty acid amide hydrolase/cyclooxygenase-2 dual inhibitory potential analgesic agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:940-953. [PMID: 33896320 PMCID: PMC8079065 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1875459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds combining dual inhibitory action against FAAH and cyclooxygenase (COX) may be potentially useful analgesics. Here, we describe a novel flurbiprofen analogue, N-(3-bromopyridin-2-yl)-2-(2-fluoro-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)propanamide (Flu-AM4). The compound is a competitive, reversible inhibitor of FAAH with a Ki value of 13 nM and which inhibits COX activity in a substrate-selective manner. Molecular modelling suggested that Flu-AM4 optimally fits a hydrophobic pocket in the ACB region of FAAH, and binds to COX-2 similarly to flurbiprofen. In vivo studies indicated that at a dose of 10 mg/kg, Flu-AM4 was active in models of prolonged (formalin) and neuropathic (chronic constriction injury) pain and reduced the spinal expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NFκB in the neuropathic model. Thus, the present study identifies Flu-AM4 as a dual-action FAAH/substrate-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in animal pain models. These findings underscore the potential usefulness of such dual-action compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Deplano
- Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jessica Karlsson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Federica Moraca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Net4Science srl, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mona Svensson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Marco Morgillo
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Onnis
- Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Zhirnov VV, Velihina YS, Mitiukhin OP, Brovarets VS. Intrinsic drug potential of oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines and oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:561-581. [PMID: 34148293 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13911] [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: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The oxazole and pyrimidine rings are widely displayed in natural products and synthetic molecules. They are known as the prime skeletons for drug discovery. On the account of structural and chemical diversity, oxazole and pyrimidine-based molecules, as central scaffolds, not only provide different types of interactions with various receptors and enzymes, showing broad biological activities, but also occupy a core position in medicinal chemistry, showing their importance for development and discovery of newer potential therapeutic agents (Curr Top Med Chem, 16, 2016, 3133; Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, 8, 2016, 8; BMC Chem, 13, 2019, 44). For a long time, relatively little attention has been paid to their fused rings that are oxazolopyrimidines, whose chemical structure is similar to that of natural purines because probably none of these compounds were found in natural products or their biological activities turned out to be unexpressed (Bull Chem Soc Jpn, 43, 1970, 187). Recently, however, a significant number of studies have been published on the biological properties of oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines, showing their significant activity as agonists and antagonists of signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the cell life cycle, whereas oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines, on the contrary, represent a poorly studied class of compounds. Limited access to this scaffold has resulted in a corresponding lack of biological research (Eur J Organ Chem, 18, 2018, 2148). Actually, oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine is a versatile scaffold used for the design of bioactive ligands against enzymes and receptors. This review focuses on biological targets and associated pathogenetic mechanisms, as well as pathological disorders that can be modified by well-known oxazolopyrimidines that have been proven to date. Many molecular details of these processes are omitted here, which the interested reader will find in the cited literature. This work also does not cover the methods for the synthesis of the oxazolopyrimidines, which are exhaustively described by De Coen et al. (Eur J Organ Chem, 18, 2018, 2148). The review as well does not discuss the structure-activity relationship, which is described in detail in the original works and deliberately, whenever possible, cites not primary sources, but mostly relevant review articles, so that the reader who wants to delve into a particular problem will immediately receive more complete information. It is expected that the information presented in this review will help readers better understand the purpose of the development of oxazolopyrimidines and the possibility of their development as drugs for the treatment of a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V Zhirnov
- Department of Chemistry of Bioactive Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Bases, Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yevheniia S Velihina
- Department of Chemistry of Bioactive Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Bases, Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleg P Mitiukhin
- Department of Chemistry of Bioactive Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Bases, Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr S Brovarets
- Department of Chemistry of Bioactive Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Bases, Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Morris G, Walder K, Kloiber S, Amminger P, Berk M, Bortolasci CC, Maes M, Puri BK, Carvalho AF. The endocannabinoidome in neuropsychiatry: Opportunities and potential risks. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105729. [PMID: 34119623 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises two cognate endocannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1R and CB2R. ECS dysregulation is apparent in neurodegenerative/neuro-psychiatric disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and potentially bipolar disorder. The aim of this paper is to review mechanisms whereby both receptors may interact with neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways, which play a pathophysiological role in these disorders. CB1R is located in the presynaptic terminals of GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons where it regulates the retrograde suppression of neurotransmission. CB1R plays a key role in long-term depression, and, to a lesser extent, long-term potentiation, thereby modulating synaptic transmission and mediating learning and memory. Optimal CB1R activity plays an essential neuroprotective role by providing a defense against the development of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is achieved, at least in part, by impeding AMPA-mediated increase in intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress. Moreover, CB1R activity enables optimal neuron-glial communication and the function of the neurovascular unit. CB2R receptors are detected in peripheral immune cells and also in central nervous system regions including the striatum, basal ganglia, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala as well as the ventral tegmental area. CB2R upregulation inhibits the presynaptic release of glutamate in several brain regions. CB2R activation also decreases neuroinflammation partly by mediating the transition from a predominantly neurotoxic "M1" microglial phenotype to a more neuroprotective "M2" phenotype. CB1R and CB2R are thus novel drug targets for the treatment of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative disorders including schizophrenia and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andre F Carvalho
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
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Rahman SMK, Uyama T, Hussain Z, Ueda N. Roles of Endocannabinoids and Endocannabinoid-like Molecules in Energy Homeostasis and Metabolic Regulation: A Nutritional Perspective. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:177-202. [PMID: 34115519 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-090216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in signal transduction in mammals. It comprises principally G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous agonists, called endocannabinoids, as well as the enzymes and transporters responsible for the metabolism of endocannabinoids. Two arachidonic acid-containing lipid molecules, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, function as endocannabinoids. N-acylethanolamines and monoacylglycerols, in which the arachidonic acid chain is replaced with a saturated or monounsaturated fatty acid, are not directly involved in the endocannabinoid system but exhibit agonistic activities for other receptors. These endocannabinoid-like molecules include palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and 2-oleoylglycerol. Endocannabinoids stimulate feeding behavior and the anabolism of lipids and glucose, while OEA suppresses appetite. Both central and peripheral systems are included in these nutritional and metabolic contexts. Therefore, they have potential in the treatment and prevention of obesity. We outline the structure, metabolism, and biological activities of endocannabinoids and related molecules, and focus on their involvement in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Khaledur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , , .,Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore-7408, Bangladesh
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , ,
| | - Zahir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , , .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , ,
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Zięba A, Laitinen T, Patel JZ, Poso A, Kaczor AA. Docking-Based 3D-QSAR Studies for 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one Derivatives as FAAH Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6108. [PMID: 34204026 PMCID: PMC8201265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to construct 3D-QSAR CoMFA and CoMSIA models for a series of 31 FAAH inhibitors, containing the 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one moiety. The obtained models were characterized by good statistical parameters: CoMFA Q2 = 0.61, R2 = 0.98; CoMSIA Q2 = 0.64, R2 = 0.93. The CoMFA model field contributions were 54.1% and 45.9% for steric and electrostatic fields, respectively. In the CoMSIA model, electrostatic, steric, hydrogen bond donor, and hydrogen acceptor properties were equal to 34.6%, 23.9%, 23.4%, and 18.0%, respectively. These models were validated by applying the leave-one-out technique, the seven-element test set (CoMFA r2test-set = 0.91; CoMSIA r2test-set = 0.91), a progressive scrambling test, and external validation criteria developed by Golbraikh and Tropsha (CoMFA r20 = 0.98, k = 0.95; CoMSIA r20 = 0.98, k = 0.89). As the statistical significance of the obtained model was confirmed, the results of the CoMFA and CoMSIA field calculation were mapped onto the enzyme binding site. It gave us the opportunity to discuss the structure-activity relationship based on the ligand-enzyme interactions. In particular, examination of the electrostatic properties of the established CoMFA model revealed fields that correspond to the regions where electropositive substituents are not desired, e.g., in the neighborhood of the 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one moiety. This highlights the importance of heterocycle, a highly electronegative moiety in this area of each ligand. Examination of hydrogen bond donor and acceptor properties contour maps revealed several spots where the implementation of another hydrogen-bond-donating moiety will positively impact molecules' binding affinity, e.g., in the neighborhood of the 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one ring. On the other hand, there is a large isopleth that refers to the favorable H-bond properties close to the terminal phenoxy group of a ligand, which means that, generally speaking, H-bond acceptors are desired in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zięba
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jayendra Z Patel
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20059 Lublin, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Synthesis, Characterization, and DFT Studies of N-(3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)stearamide. MOLBANK 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/m1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel N-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)stearamide 3 was prepared in moderate yield by a solventless direct amidation reaction of stearic acid 1 with 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine 2 at 140 °C for 24 h under metal- and catalyst-free conditions. This practical method was conducted in air without any special treatment or activation. The fatty acid amide 3 was fully characterized by IR, UV–Vis, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Moreover, molecular electrostatic potential studies, determination of quantum descriptors, fundamental vibrational frequencies, and intensity of vibrational bands were computed by density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP method with 6-311+G(d,p) basis set in gas phase. Simulation of the infrared spectrum using the results of these calculations led to good agreement with the observed spectral patterns.
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Rudolph S, Dahlhaus H, Hanekamp W, Albers C, Barth M, Michels G, Friedrich D, Lehr M. Aryl N-[ω-(6-Fluoroindol-1-yl)alkyl]carbamates as Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, Monoacylglycerol Lipase, and Butyrylcholinesterase: Structure-Activity Relationships and Hydrolytic Stability. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:13466-13483. [PMID: 34056494 PMCID: PMC8158844 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A series of aryl N-[ω-(6-fluoroindol-1-yl)alkyl]carbamates with alkyl spacers of varying lengths between the indole and the carbamate group and with differently substituted aryl moieties at the carbamate oxygen were synthesized and tested for inhibition of the pharmacologically interesting serine hydrolases fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Furthermore, the chemical stability in an aqueous solution and the metabolic stability toward esterases in porcine liver homogenate and porcine blood plasma were determined. While most of the synthesized derivatives were potent inhibitors of FAAH, a considerable inhibition of MAGL and BuChE was elicited only by compounds with a high carbamate reactivity, as evidenced by a significant hydrolysis of these compounds in an aqueous solution. However, the high inhibitory potency of some compounds toward MAGL and BuChE, especially that of the ortho-carboxyphenyl derivative 37, could not be explained by chemical reactivity alone. Several of the carbamates studied possessed varying degrees of stability toward esterases from liver and blood plasma. In some cases, marked inactivation by the pseudo-esterase activity of plasma albumin was observed. Mass spectrometric studies showed that such carbamates formed covalent bonds with albumin at several sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rudolph
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Helmut Dahlhaus
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Walburga Hanekamp
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Albers
- Bruker
Daltonik GmbH, Fahrenheitstrasse
4, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Barth
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Giulia Michels
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Denise Friedrich
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias Lehr
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
- . Tel: +49251 83 33331. Fax: +49251 83 32144
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Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Adipose Tissue with Focus on Energy Metabolism. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061279. [PMID: 34064024 PMCID: PMC8224009 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide range of processes including the control of energy acquisition and expenditure. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are present in the central nervous system but also in peripheral tissues, notably the adipose tissues. The endocannabinoid system interacts with two main hormones regulating appetite, namely leptin and ghrelin. The inhibitory effect of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist rimonabant on fat mass suggested that the endocannabinoid system can also have a peripheral action in addition to its effect on appetite reduction. Thus, several investigations have focused on the peripheral role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of metabolism. The white adipose tissue stores energy as triglycerides while the brown adipose tissue helps to dissipate energy as heat. The endocannabinoid system regulates several functions of the adipose tissues to favor energy accumulation. In this review we will describe the presence of the endocannabinoid system in the adipose tissue. We will survey the role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of white and brown adipose tissue metabolism and how the eCB system participates in obesity and metabolic diseases.
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Reynoso-Moreno I, Tietz S, Vallini E, Engelhardt B, Gertsch J, Chicca A. Selective Endocannabinoid Reuptake Inhibitor WOBE437 Reduces Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:765-779. [PMID: 33860200 PMCID: PMC8033750 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
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The modulation of
the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has shown positive
results in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and immune and
inflammatory disorders. However, chronic administration of CB1 receptor
agonists and degrading enzyme inhibitors can lead to CB1 receptor
desensitization and sedation. WOBE437 is the prototype of a new class
of ECS modulators named selective endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors
(SERIs), which mildly and selectively increase central endocannabinoid
levels with a self-limiting mode of action. In previous studies, WOBE437
demonstrated analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Here, we tested the therapeutic potential of WOBE437 in a clinically
relevant mouse model of MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis).
C57BL/6 mice were administered WOBE437 (10 mg/kg, 20 days) or vehicle
using two therapeutic options: (1) starting the treatment at the disease
onset or (2) before reaching the peak of the disease. In both strategies,
WOBE437 significantly reduced disease severity and accelerated recovery
through CB1 and CB2 receptor-dependent mechanisms. At the peak of
the disease, WOBE437 increased endocannabinoid levels in the cerebellum,
concurring with a reduction of central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrating
immune cells and lower microglial proliferation. At the end of treatment,
endocannabinoid levels were mildly increased in brain, cerebellum,
and plasma of WOBE437-treated mice, without desensitization of CB1
receptor in the brain and cerebellum. In a mouse model of spasticity
(Straub test), WOBE437 (10 mg/kg) induced significant muscle relaxation
without eliciting the typical sedative effects associated with muscle
relaxants or CB1 receptor agonists. Collectively, our results show
that WOBE437 (and SERIs) may represent a novel therapeutic strategy
for slowing MS progression and control major symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Reynoso-Moreno
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Tietz
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erika Vallini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Pelizzaro F, Kitenge MP, Cardin R, Ponzoni A, Cillo U, Vitale A, Businello G, Munari G, Fassan M, Farinati F. Circulating prostaglandin E 2: a novel potential prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2021; 21:675-682. [PMID: 33768340 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to explore the activation of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), evaluating circulating PGE2 as prognostic biomarker in HCC patients. PGE2 levels were measured in blood samples from 24 cirrhotics, and 34 HCC patients were consecutively collected between January 2016 and December 2017. In a subgroup of patients, tissue expression of MAGL mRNA and immunohistochemistry for MAGL and COX-2 were obtained. Despite tumor tissues showing overexpression of MAGL mRNA and higher levels of both MAGL and COX-2 at immunohistochemistry, PGE2 levels were not significantly different in HCC and cirrhotics. HCC patients with circulating PGE2 levels > 14 pg/mL had a significantly shorter overall survival (19.4 vs. 49.9 months; p = 0.03), the finding being confirmed by the multivariate analysis (HR 3.37 [95% CI 1.00-11.60]; p = 0.05). The MAGL/COX-2/PGE2 axis is activated in HCC, and circulating PGE2 proved to be a potential prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Piera Kitenge
- Gastroenterology Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Romilda Cardin
- Gastroenterology Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ponzoni
- Radiology Unit, Azienda-Ospedale Università Di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Businello
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giada Munari
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Gunduz-Cinar O. The endocannabinoid system in the amygdala and modulation of fear. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110116. [PMID: 32976951 PMCID: PMC7511205 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a persistent, trauma induced psychiatric condition characterized by lifelong complex cognitive, emotional and behavioral phenotype. Although many individuals that experience trauma are able to gradually diminish their emotional responding to trauma-related stimuli over time, known as extinction learning, individuals suffering from PTSD are impaired in this capacity. An inability to decline this initially normal and adaptive fear response, can be confronted with exposure-based therapies, often in combination with pharmacological treatments. Due to the complexity of PTSD, currently available pharmacotherapeutics are inadequate in treating the deficient extinction observed in many PTSD patients. To develop novel therapeutics, researchers have exploited the conserved nature of fear and stress-associated behavioral responses and neurocircuits across species in an attempt to translate knowledge gained from preclinical studies into the clinic. There is growing evidence on the endocannabinoid modulation of fear and stress due to their 'on demand' synthesis and degradation. Involvement of the endocannabinoids in fear extinction makes the endocannabinoid system very attractive for finding effective therapeutics for trauma and stress related disorders. In this review, a brief introduction on neuroanatomy and circuitry of fear extinction will be provided as a model to study PTSD. Then, the endocannabinoid system will be discussed as an important component of extinction modulation. In this regard, anandamide degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) will be exemplified as a target identified and validated strongly from preclinical to clinical translational studies of enhancing extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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44
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Oultram JMJ, Pegler JL, Bowser TA, Ney LJ, Eamens AL, Grof CPL. Cannabis sativa: Interdisciplinary Strategies and Avenues for Medical and Commercial Progression Outside of CBD and THC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030234. [PMID: 33652704 PMCID: PMC7996784 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is one of the world’s most well-known, yet maligned plant species. However, significant recent research is starting to unveil the potential of Cannabis to produce secondary compounds that may offer a suite of medical benefits, elevating this unique plant species from its illicit narcotic status into a genuine biopharmaceutical. This review summarises the lengthy history of Cannabis and details the molecular pathways that underpin the production of key secondary metabolites that may confer medical efficacy. We also provide an up-to-date summary of the molecular targets and potential of the relatively unknown minor compounds offered by the Cannabis plant. Furthermore, we detail the recent advances in plant science, as well as synthetic biology, and the pharmacology surrounding Cannabis. Given the relative infancy of Cannabis research, we go on to highlight the parallels to previous research conducted in another medically relevant and versatile plant, Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), as an indicator of the possible future direction of Cannabis plant biology. Overall, this review highlights the future directions of cannabis research outside of the medical biology aspects of its well-characterised constituents and explores additional avenues for the potential improvement of the medical potential of the Cannabis plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M. J. Oultram
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Joseph L. Pegler
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Timothy A. Bowser
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
| | - Luke J. Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia;
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Christopher P. L. Grof
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +612-4921-5858
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Sugawara K, Zákány N, Tiede S, Purba T, Harries M, Tsuruta D, Bíró T, Paus R. Human epithelial stem cell survival within their niche requires "tonic" cannabinoid receptor 1-signalling-Lessons from the hair follicle. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:479-493. [PMID: 33523535 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates multiple aspects of human epithelial physiology, including inhibition/stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation/apoptosis, respectively. Yet, how the ECS impacts on human adult epithelial stem cell (eSC) functions remains unknown. Scalp hair follicles (HFs) offer a clinically relevant, prototypic model system for studying this directly within the native human stem cell niche. Here, we show in organ-cultured human HFs that, unexpectedly, selective activation of cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1)-mediated signalling via the MAPK (MEK/Erk 1/2) and Akt pathways significantly increases the number and proliferation of cytokeratin CK15+ or CK19+ human HF bulge eSCs in situ, and enhances CK15 promoter activity in situ. In striking contrast, CB1-stimulation promotes apoptosis in the differentiated progeny of these eSCs (CK6+ HF keratinocytes). Instead, intrafollicular CB1 gene knockdown or CB1 antagonist treatment significantly reduces human HF eSCs numbers and stimulates their apoptosis, while CB1 knockout mice exhibit a reduced bulge eSCs pool in vivo. This identifies "tonic" CB1 signalling as a required survival stimulus for adult human HF eSCs within their niche. This novel concept must be taken into account whenever the human ECS is targeted therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Sugawara
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Stephan Tiede
- Department of Biochemistry, Children's Hospital, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Talveen Purba
- Centre for Dermatology Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, MAHSC, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Harries
- Centre for Dermatology Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, MAHSC, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK.,The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Daisuke Tsuruta
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Monasterium Laboratory, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Münster, Germany.,Centre for Dermatology Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, MAHSC, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK.,Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Elevated Brain Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Induces Depressive-Like Phenotypes in Rodent Models: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031047. [PMID: 33494322 PMCID: PMC7864498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It is speculated that increased brain FAAH expression is correlated with increased depressive symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the role of FAAH expression in animal models of depression to determine the translational potential of targeting FAAH in clinical studies. A literature search employing multiple databases was performed; all original articles that assessed FAAH expression in animal models of depression were considered. Of the 216 articles that were screened for eligibility, 24 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Three key findings emerged: (1) FAAH expression is significantly increased in depressive-like phenotypes; (2) genetic knockout or pharmacological inhibition of FAAH effectively reduces depressive-like behavior, with a dose-dependent effect; and (3) differences in FAAH expression in depressive-like phenotypes were largely localized to animal prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. We conclude, based on the animal literature, that a positive relationship can be established between brain FAAH level and expression of depressive symptoms. In summary, we suggest that FAAH is a tractable target for developing novel pharmacotherapies for MDD.
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Abstract
The science of cannabis and cannabinoids encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines and can appear daunting to newcomers to the field. The encroachment of folklore and ‘cannabis culture’ into scientific discussions can cloud the situation further. This Primer Review is designed to give a succinct overview of the chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for chemistry undergraduates, postgraduates and their instructors, and experienced chemists who require a comprehensive and up to date summary of the field. The Review begins with a brief overview of the history and botany of cannabis, then goes on to detail important aspects of the chemistry of phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinomimetics. Other natural constituents of the cannabis plant are then described including terpenes and terpenoids, polyphenolics, alkaloids, waxes and triglycerides, and important toxic contaminants. A discussion of key aspects of the pharmacology associated with cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system then follows, with a focus on the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. The medicinal chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids is covered, highlighting the range of diseases targeted with cannabis and phytocannabinoids, as well as key aspects of phytocannabinoid metabolism, distribution, and delivery. The modulation of endocannabinoid levels through the inhibition of key endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is then discussed. The Review concludes with an assessment of the much touted ‘entourage effect’. References to primary literature and more specialised reviews are provided throughout.
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Chen J, Liu H. Nutritional Indices for Assessing Fatty Acids: A Mini-Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165695. [PMID: 32784511 PMCID: PMC7460856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary fats are generally fatty acids that may play positive or negative roles in the prevention and treatment of diseases. In nature, fatty acids occur in the form of mixtures of saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), so their nutritional and/or medicinal values must be determined. Herein, we do not consider the classic indices, such as ∑SFA, ∑MUFA, ∑PUFA, ∑n-6 PUFA, ∑n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA; instead, we summarize and review the definitions, implications, and applications of indices used in recent years, including the PUFA/SFA, index of atherogenicity (IA), the index of thrombogenicity (IT), the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), the health-promoting index (HPI), the unsaturation index (UI), the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA), fish lipid quality/flesh lipid quality (FLQ), the linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid (LA/ALA) ratio, and trans fatty acid (TFA). Of these nutritional indices, IA and IT are the most commonly used to assess the composition of fatty acids as they outline significant implications and provide clear evidence. EPA + DHA is commonly used to assess the nutritional quality of marine animal products. All indices have their advantages and disadvantages; hence, a rational choice of which to use is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China;
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0532-82031823
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Smith LC, George O. Advances in smoking cessation pharmacotherapy: Non-nicotinic approaches in animal models. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108225. [PMID: 32758566 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The landscape of worldwide tobacco use is changing, with a decrease in traditional smoking and an exponential rise in electronic cigarette use. No new nicotine cessation pharmacotherapies have come to market in the last 10 years. The current therapies that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for nicotine cessation include nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, and the atypical antidepressant bupropion. Nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline both act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Bupropion inhibits the dopamine transporter, the norepinephrine transporter, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to inhibit smoking behavior. Notwithstanding these treatments, rates of successful nicotine cessation in clinical trials remain low. Recent pharmacological approaches to improve nicotine cessation rates in animal models have turned their focus away from activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The present review focuses on such pharmacological approaches, including nicotine vaccines, anti-nicotine antibodies, nicotine-degrading enzymes, cannabinoids, and metformin. Both immunopharmacological and enzymatic approaches rely on restricting and degrading nicotine within the periphery, thus preventing psychoactive effects of nicotine on the central nervous system. In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of the enzymes which degrade nicotine could affect smoking behavior. Cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists interact with the dopamine reward pathway and show efficacy in reducing nicotine addiction-like behaviors in preclinical studies. Metformin is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetes. It activates specific intracellular kinases that may protect against the lower metabolism, higher oxidation, and inflammation that are associated with nicotine withdrawal. Further studies are needed to investigate non-nicotinic targets to improve the treatment of tobacco use disorder. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Almogi-Hazan O, Or R. Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System and Immunity-the Journey from the Bedside to the Bench and Back. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124448. [PMID: 32585801 PMCID: PMC7352399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cannabis plant contains numerous components, including cannabinoids and other active molecules. The phyto-cannabinoid activity is mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids affect the nervous system and play significant roles in the regulation of the immune system. While Cannabis is not yet registered as a drug, the potential of cannabinoid-based medicines for the treatment of various conditions has led many countries to authorize their clinical use. However, the data from basic and medical research dedicated to medical Cannabis is currently limited. A variety of pathological conditions involve dysregulation of the immune system. For example, in cancer, immune surveillance and cancer immuno-editing result in immune tolerance. On the other hand, in autoimmune diseases increased immune activity causes tissue damage. Immuno-modulating therapies can regulate the immune system and therefore the immune-regulatory properties of cannabinoids, suggest their use in the therapy of immune related disorders. In this contemporary review, we discuss the roles of the endocannabinoid system in immunity and explore the emerging data about the effects of cannabinoids on the immune response in different pathologies. In addition, we discuss the complexities of using cannabinoid-based treatments in each of these conditions.
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