The Expression Analyses of GSK3B, VEGF, ANG1, and ANG2 in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Treated with the Synthetic Cannabinoid XLR-11

The synthetic cannabinoid 5-fluoro ABICA upregulates angiogenic markers and stimulates tube formation in human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Objective

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), a class of psychoactive compounds emulating the effects of natural cannabis, have prompted addiction and psychosis concerns. However, recent research has suggested potential pharmacological applications, particularly in brain angiogenesis-an essential physiological process for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance, in which new blood vasculature is formed from existing vasculature. This study explored the in vitro ability of the SC 5-fluoro ABICA to enhance new blood formation processes in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs).

Methods

HBMECs were treated with various concentrations of 5-fluoro ABICA (1 μM, 0.1 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.001 μM, and 0.0001 μM). A comprehensive analysis was conducted, including MTT assays indicating cell viability, wound healing assays indicating migration ability, and tube formation assays indicating the angiogenesis potential of endothelial cells. Additionally, mRNA expression and protein levels of specific pro-angiogenic factors were measured, and the phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were detected in treated HBMECs through ELISA, real-time PCR, and western blotting.

Results

Treatment with 5-fluoro ABICA effectively stimulated proliferation, migration, and tube formation in HBMECs in a dose-dependent manner; markedly increased the expression of pro-angiogenic factors; and upregulated levels of phosphorylated-GSK-3β.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that 5-fluoro ABICA stimulates angiogenesis in endothelial cells, thus potentially offering therapeutic options for diseases associated with angiogenesis. However, further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanism of 5-fluoro ABICA in angiogenesis, including ethical considerations regarding its use in medical research.

Neuroprotection and Beyond: The Central Role of CB1 and CB2 Receptors in Stroke Recovery

The endocannabinoid system, with its intricate presence in numerous cells, tissues, and organs, offers a compelling avenue for therapeutic interventions. Central to this system are the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), whose ubiquity can introduce complexities in targeted treatments due to their wide-ranging physiological influence. Injuries to the central nervous system (CNS), including strokes and traumatic brain injuries, induce localized pro-inflammatory immune responses, termed neuroinflammation. Research has shown that compensatory immunodepression usually follows, and these mechanisms might influence immunity, potentially affecting infection risks in patients. As traditional preventive treatments like antibiotics face challenges, the exploration of immunomodulatory therapies offers a promising alternative. This review delves into the potential neuroprotective roles of the cannabinoid receptors: CB1R's involvement in mitigating excitotoxicity and CB2R's dual role in promoting cell survival and anti-inflammatory responses. However, the potential of cannabinoids to reduce neuroinflammation must be weighed against the risk of exacerbating immunodepression. Though the endocannabinoid system promises numerous therapeutic benefits, understanding its multifaceted signaling mechanisms and outcomes remains a challenge.

The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2

Brain angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing brain vasculature, has been previously associated with neural plasticity and addictive behaviors related to substances. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the effects of cannabis, offering high potency and easy accessibility. In the current study, we reveal that the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA, the most common SC in the United States in 2019, increases cell metabolic activity and promotes angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). First, we performed an MTT assay to evaluate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment at various concentrations (0.0001 μM, 0.001 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM) on HBMECs metabolic activity. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of the SC improved cell metabolic activity. Furthermore, 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment enhanced tube formation and migration of HBMECs in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the mRNA, secreted protein, and intracellular protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2, which are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, as well as the protein levels of cannabinoid receptor type-1, were all increased following treatment with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Notably, the phosphorylation levels at Serine 9 residue of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were also increased in the 5F-MDMB-PICA treated HBMECs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA can enhance angiogenesis in HBMECs, suggesting the significant role of angiogenesis in the response to SCs. Manipulating this interaction may pave the way for innovative treatments targeting SC addiction and angiogenesis-related conditions.