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Javid FA, Alam A, Williams E, Malik SS, Mohayuddin U, Hasan SS. Trends in prescription and cost of Sativex, a cannabinoid-based medicine, in treating patients with multiple sclerosis in England. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2342318. [PMID: 38726319 PMCID: PMC11080669 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2342318] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Cannabis-based medication has recently been made available in the NHS for reducing pain and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The currently available preparation of Sativex (nabiximols) contains a combination of botanical cannabis extracts with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with almost equal amounts in addition to minor cannabinoids and terpenoids and is delivered via an oro-mucosal spray. The present study aims to examine the use and trends in prescribing cannabinoid-based Sativex to control pain in patients diagnosed with MS. Methods Primary care prescribing data for cannabinoid-based Sativex (2013-2022) from the Prescription Cost Analysis were extracted and analysed. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine prescription trends and prescription costs (average change per year). Results There was a general increasing trend in the number of prescriptions each year, from 4.42 items dispensed per 100,000 people in 2013 to 5.15 in 2022. Overall, prescription items for cannabinoid-based Sativex increased by 0.34% per year (95% CI:-3.98, 4.67, p = 0.860) on average between 2013 and 2022. On average, a 2.43% (95% CI: -5.78, 0.92, p = 0.133) increase per year was observed for the costs of cannabinoid-based Sativex from 2013 to 2022. Conclusion The results suggested that cannabinoid-based Sativex should be considered an option due to its effectiveness, acceptable tolerance, and safety profile in the prescribing of Sativex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh A. Javid
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Anam Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Emily Williams
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Sidhra Sajid Malik
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Usama Mohayuddin
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Oyewole O, Abbas WA, Abib B, Omar A, Mansour ST, Abdelnaser A. Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:241. [PMID: 38399295 PMCID: PMC10891830 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020241] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is the predominant autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system in adolescents and adults. Specific treatments are categorized as disease-modifying, whereas others are symptomatic treatments to alleviate painful symptoms. Currently, no singular conventional therapy is universally effective for all patients across all stages of the illness. Nevertheless, cannabinoids exhibit significant promise in their capacity for neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, and immunosuppression. This review will examine the traditional treatment for multiple sclerosis, the increasing interest in using cannabis as a treatment method, its role in protecting the nervous system and regulating the immune system, commercially available therapeutic cannabinoids, and the emerging use of cannabis in nanomedicine. In conclusion, cannabinoids exhibit potential as a disease-modifying treatment rather than merely symptomatic relief. However, further research is necessary to unveil their role and establish the safety and advancements in nano-cannabinoid medicine, offering the potential for reduced toxicity and fewer adverse effects, thereby maximizing the benefits of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43221, Suez 43533, Egypt;
| | - Oluwaseyi Oyewole
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Walaa A. Abbas
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Bishoy Abib
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (B.A.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Abdelrouf Omar
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Somaia T. Mansour
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (B.A.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Motamedy S, Soltani B, Kameshki H, Kermani AA, Amleshi RS, Nazeri M, Shabani M. The Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Neuroprotective Effects of Sativex ® - A Cannabis-derived Spray. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1427-1448. [PMID: 38318827 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575285934240123110158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that comes in the form of an oromucosal spray. It contains equal amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, two compounds derived from cannabis plants. Sativex has been shown to have positive effects on symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and sleep disorders. It also has analgesic, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, and neuroprotective properties, which make it a potential treatment option for other neurological disorders. The article reviews the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies that support the therapeutic potential of Sativex and the molecular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective benefits in various neurological disorders. The article also discusses the possible advantages and disadvantages of using Sativex as a neurotherapeutic agent, such as its safety, efficacy, availability, and legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Motamedy
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bahareh Soltani
- Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Halimeh Kameshki
- Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Reza Saboori Amleshi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Nazeri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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4
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Abdelnaser A. Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Potentials and Safety Concerns. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041151. [PMID: 37111637 PMCID: PMC10146800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated condition in which the immune system attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying both myelin and axons to varying degrees. Several environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influence the risk of developing the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Cannabinoids have recently sparked renewed interest in their therapeutic applications, with growing evidence for their role in symptom control in MS. Cannabinoids exert their roles through the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system, with some reports shedding light on the molecular biology of this system and lending credence to some anecdotal medical claims. The double nature of cannabinoids, which cause both positive and negative effects, comes from their actions on the same receptor. Several mechanisms have been adopted to evade this effect. However, there are still numerous limitations to using cannabinoids to treat MS patients. In this review, we will explore and discuss the molecular effect of cannabinoids on the ECB system, the various factors that affect the response to cannabinoids in the body, including the role of gene polymorphism and its relation to dosage, assessing the positive over the adverse effects of cannabinoids in MS, and finally, exploring the possible functional mechanism of cannabinoids in MS and the current and future progress of cannabinoid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43518, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Conditional RAC1 knockout in motor neurons restores H-reflex rate-dependent depression after spinal cord injury. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7838. [PMID: 33837249 PMCID: PMC8035187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A major complication with spinal cord injury (SCI) is the development of spasticity, a clinical symptom of hyperexcitability within the spinal H-reflex pathway. We have previously demonstrated a common structural motif of dendritic spine dysgenesis associated with hyperexcitability disorders after injury or disease insults to the CNS. Here, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV)-mediated Cre-Lox system to knockout Rac1 protein expression in motor neurons after SCI. Three weeks after AAV9-Cre delivery into the soleus/gastrocnemius of Rac1-“floxed” adult mice to retrogradely infect spinal alpha-motor neurons, we observed significant restoration of RDD and reduced H-reflex excitability in SCI animals. Additionally, viral-mediated Rac1 knockdown reduced presence of dendritic spine dysgenesis on motor neurons. In control SCI animals without Rac1 knockout, we continued to observe abnormal dendritic spine morphology associated with hyperexcitability disorder, including an increase in mature, mushroom dendritic spines, and an increase in overall spine length and spine head size. Taken together, our results demonstrate that viral-mediated disruption of Rac1 expression in ventral horn motor neurons can mitigate dendritic spine morphological correlates of neuronal hyperexcitability, and reverse hyperreflexia associated with spasticity after SCI. Finally, our findings provide evidence of a putative mechanistic relationship between motor neuron dendritic spine dysgenesis and SCI-induced spasticity.
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Fatih P, Kucuker MU, Vande Voort JL, Doruk Camsari D, Farzan F, Croarkin PE. A Systematic Review of Long-Interval Intracortical Inhibition as a Biomarker in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:678088. [PMID: 34149483 PMCID: PMC8206493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.678088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) is a paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm mediated in part by gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABAB) inhibition. Prior work has examined LICI as a putative biomarker in an array of neuropsychiatric disorders. This review conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) sought to examine existing literature focused on LICI as a biomarker in neuropsychiatric disorders. There were 113 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Existing literature suggests that LICI may have utility as a biomarker of GABAB functioning but more research with increased methodologic rigor is needed. The extant LICI literature has heterogenous methodology and inconsistencies in findings. Existing findings to date are also non-specific to disease. Future research should carefully consider existing methodological weaknesses and implement high-quality test-retest reliability studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmis Fatih
- Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - M Utku Kucuker
- Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jennifer L Vande Voort
- Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Deniz Doruk Camsari
- Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Faranak Farzan
- School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Centre for Engineering-Led Brain Research, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Paul E Croarkin
- Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Vecchio D, Varrasi C, Virgilio E, Spagarino A, Naldi P, Cantello R. Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis: A neurophysiological analysis. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 142:333-338. [PMID: 32632918 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the action of cannabinoids on spasticity and pain in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, by means of neurophysiological indexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed 15 patients with progressive MS (11 females) using clinical scales for spasticity and pain, as well as neurophysiological variables (H/M ratio, cutaneous silent period or CSP). Testing occurred before (T0) and during (T1) a standard treatment with an oral spray containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Neurophysiological measures at T0 were compared with those of 14 healthy controls of similar age and sex (HC). We then compared the patient results at the two time points (T1 vs T0). RESULTS At T0, neurophysiological variables did not differ significantly between patients and controls. At T1, spasticity and pain scores improved, as detected by the Modified Ashworth Scale or MAS (P = .001), 9-Hole Peg Test or 9HPT (P = .018), numeric rating scale for spasticity or NRS (P = .001), and visual analogue scale for pain or VAS (P = .005). At the same time, the CSP was significantly prolonged (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS The THC-CBD spray improved spasticity and pain in secondary progressive MS patients. The spray prolonged CSP duration, which appears a promising tool for assessing and monitoring the analgesic effects of THC-CBD in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domizia Vecchio
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
| | - Claudia Varrasi
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
| | - Eleonora Virgilio
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
| | - Antonio Spagarino
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
| | - Paola Naldi
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Neurology Unit Department of Translational Medicine University of Piemonte Orientale Novara Italy
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Calabrò RS, Russo M, Naro A, Ciurleo R, D'Aleo G, Rifici C, Balletta T, La Via C, Destro M, Bramanti P, Sessa E. Nabiximols plus robotic assisted gait training in improving motor performances in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 43:102177. [PMID: 32447249 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, affecting ambulation even in people with only mild neurological signs. Patients with MS frequently experience spasticity, which contributes significantly to impair their motor functions, including ambulation, owing to muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain. OBJECTIVES To clarify the role of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC):cannabidiol(CBD) oromucosal spray, coupled to robot-aided gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat©Pro to improve functional ambulation in patients with MS. METHODS We compared 20 patients with MS, who were treated with THC:CBD oromucosal spray in add-on to the ongoing oral antispastic therapy (OAT) (group A), with 20 individuals with MS (matched for clinical-demographic characteristics) who were treated only with OAT (group B). Both the groups underwent RAGT using the Lokomat-Pro (three 45-minute sessions per week). Our primary outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the 10 meters walking test (10MWT). As secondary outcome measures we evaluated the brain cortical excitability by using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Both parameters were taken before and after the end of the RAGT. RESULTS FIM improved in group A more than in group B (p<0.001). Moreover, 10MWT decreased in group A more than in group B (p<0.001). These clinical findings were paralleled by a more evident reshape of intracortical excitability in both upper and lower limbs, as suggested by motor evoked potential amplitude increase (p<0.001), intracortical inhibition strengthening (p<0.001), and intracortical facilitation decrease (p=0.01) in group A as compared to group B. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the combined THC:CBD-RAGT approach could be useful in improving gait performance in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy.
| | - Margherita Russo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Giangaetano D'Aleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Rifici
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Tina Balletta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristian La Via
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Destro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Edoardo Sessa
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza; 98124, Messina, Italy
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Maayah ZH, Takahara S, Ferdaoussi M, Dyck JRB. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of formulated full-spectrum cannabis extract in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:549-558. [PMID: 32239248 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabis has been used for thousands of years in many cultures for the treatment of several ailments including pain. The benefits of cannabis are mediated largely by cannabinoids, the most prominent of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). As such, THC and/or CBD have been investigated in clinical studies for the treatment of many conditions including neuropathic pain and acute or chronic inflammation. While a plethora of studies have examined the biochemical effects of purified THC and/or CBD, only a few have focused on the effects of full-spectrum cannabis plant extract. Accordingly, studies using purified THC or CBD may not accurately reflect the potential health benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extracts. Indeed, the cannabis plant produces a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other bioactive molecules which are likely to contribute to the different biological effects. The presence of all these bioactive molecules in cannabis extracts has garnered much attention of late especially with regard to their potential role in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis. METHODS Literature review was performed to further understand the effect of clinically used full-spectrum cannabis extract in patients with multiple sclerosis. RESULTS Herein, the current knowledge about the potential beneficial effects of existing products of full-spectrum cannabis extract in clinical studies involving patients with multiple sclerosis is extensively reviewed. In addition, the possible adverse effects associated with cannabis use is discussed along with how the method of extraction and the delivery mechanisms of different cannabis extracts contribute to the pharmacokinetic and biological effects of full-spectrum cannabis extracts.Herein, the current knowledge about the potential beneficial effects of existing products of full-spectrum cannabis extract in clinical studies involving patients with multiple sclerosis is extensively reviewed. In addition, the possible adverse effects associated with cannabis use is discussed along with how the method of extraction and the delivery mechanisms of different cannabis extracts contribute to the pharmacokinetic and biological effects of full-spectrum cannabis extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid H Maayah
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shingo Takahara
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mourad Ferdaoussi
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jason R B Dyck
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Heritage Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.
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Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: "High"-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1487. [PMID: 29176975 PMCID: PMC5686045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that certain active ingredients of the plants of Cannabis genus, i.e., the "phytocannabinoids" [pCBs; e.g., (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), (-)-cannabidiol, etc.] can influence a wide array of biological processes, and the human body is able to produce endogenous analogs of these substances ["endocannabinoids" (eCB), e.g., arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), etc.]. These ligands, together with multiple receptors (e.g., CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, etc.), and a complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the synthesis and degradation of the ligands constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a recently emerging regulator of several physiological processes. The ECS is widely expressed in the human body, including several members of the innate and adaptive immune system, where eCBs, as well as several pCBs were shown to deeply influence immune functions thereby regulating inflammation, autoimmunity, antitumor, as well as antipathogen immune responses, etc. Based on this knowledge, many in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at exploiting the putative therapeutic potential of cannabinoid signaling in inflammation-accompanied diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) or in organ transplantation, and to dissect the complex immunological effects of medical and "recreational" marijuana consumption. Thus, the objective of the current article is (i) to summarize the most recent findings of the field; (ii) to highlight the putative therapeutic potential of targeting cannabinoid signaling; (iii) to identify open questions and key challenges; and (iv) to suggest promising future directions for cannabinoid-based drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Giacoppo S, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Sativex in the management of multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: An overview of the last decade of clinical evaluation. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 17:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Patejdl R, Zettl UK. Spasticity in multiple sclerosis: Contribution of inflammation, autoimmune mediated neuronal damage and therapeutic interventions. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:925-936. [PMID: 28698092 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to other diseases that go along with spasticity (e.g. spinal cord injury), spasticity in chronic autoimmune diseases involving the CNS is complicated by the ongoing damage of neuronal networks that leads to permanent changes in the clinical picture of spasticity. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and spasticity is one of the most disabling symptoms. It occurs in more than 80% MS patients at some point of the disease and is associated with impaired ambulation, pain and the development of contractures. Besides causing cumulative structural damage, neuroinflammation occurring in MS leads to dynamic changes in motor circuit function and muscle tone that are caused by cytokines, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species and stress hormones that affect neuronal circuits and thereby spasticity. The situation is complicated further by the fact that therapeutics used for the immunotherapy of MS may worsen spasticity and drugs used for the symptomatic treatment of spasticity have been shown to have the potential to alter immune cell function and CNS autoimmunity itself. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the immunologic pathways that are involved in the development, maintenance, dynamic changes and pharmacological modulation of spasticity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Patejdl
- University of Rostock, Department of Physiology, Germany.
| | - Uwe K Zettl
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Germany
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Ayache SS, Chalah MA. Cortical excitability changes: A mirror to the natural history of multiple sclerosis? Neurophysiol Clin 2017; 47:221-223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Keating GM. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol/Cannabidiol Oromucosal Spray (Sativex ®): A Review in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity. Drugs 2017; 77:563-574. [PMID: 28293911 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (THC/CBD, Sativex®, nabiximols) is available in numerous countries worldwide for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related moderate to severe spasticity in patients who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity-related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy. Twelve weeks' therapy with THC/CBD improved MS-related spasticity in patients with an inadequate response to other anti-spasticity agents who had undergone a successful initial trial of THC/CBD therapy, according to the results of a pivotal phase 3 trial. Improvements in spasticity were maintained in the longer term with THC/CBD with no evidence of dose tolerance, and results of real-world studies confirm the effectiveness of THC/CBD in everyday clinical practice. Improvements in health-related quality of life and activities of daily living were also seen with THC/CBD. THC/CBD is generally well tolerated; adverse effects such as dizziness may occur whilst the THC/CBD dosage is being optimized. THC/CBD has low abuse potential and a low risk of psychoactive effects. In conclusion, THC/CBD oromucosal spray is a useful option for the treatment of MS-related spasticity not completely relieved with current anti-spasticity medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian M Keating
- Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand.
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