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Blebea NM, Pricopie AI, Vlad RA, Hancu G. Phytocannabinoids: Exploring Pharmacological Profiles and Their Impact on Therapeutical Use. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4204. [PMID: 38673788 PMCID: PMC11050509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084204] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds extracted from the Cannabis plant, have attracted interest due to their potential pharmacological effects and medicinal uses. This comprehensive review presents the intricate pharmacological profiles of phytocannabinoids while exploring the diverse impacts these substances have on biological systems. From the more than one hundred cannabinoids which were identified in the Cannabis plant so far, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most extensively studied phytocannabinoids. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties, making it a promising candidate for a wide array of medical conditions. THC, known for its psychoactive effects, possesses analgesic and antiemetic properties, contributing to its therapeutic potential. In addition to THC and CBD, a wide range of additional phytocannabinoids have shown intriguing pharmacological effects, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). The endocannabinoid system, made up of the enzymes involved in the production and breakdown of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), is essential for preserving homeostasis in several physiological processes. Beyond their effects on the endocannabinoid system, phytocannabinoids are studied for their ability to modify ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and anti-oxidative pathways. The complex interaction between phytocannabinoids and biological systems offers hope for novel treatment approaches and lays the groundwork for further developments in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine. This review summarizes the state of the field, points out information gaps, and emphasizes the need for more studies to fully realize the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Mirela Blebea
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University from Constanța, 900470 Constanța, Romania;
| | - Andreea Iulia Pricopie
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Environmental Factors Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Robert-Alexandru Vlad
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Gabriel Hancu
- Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania
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Amanzade A, Khakpai F, Zarrindast MR. Synergistic antidepressant-like effect of citicoline and CB 1 agonist in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:753-766. [PMID: 38383902 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06507-3] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in the control of many emotional-correlated reactions such as stress, depressed mood, and anxiety. Moreover, citicoline has neuroprotective properties and indicates beneficial effects in the treatment of depressive problems. Acute restraint stress (ARS) is an experimental model used for the induction of rodent models of depression. OBJECTIVE This research was designed to assess the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agents on citicoline-induced response to depression-like behaviors in the non-acute restraint stress (NARS) and ARS mice. METHODS For i.c.v. microinjection, a guide cannula was implanted in the left lateral ventricle of male mice. The ARS model was carried out by movement restraint for 4 h. Depression-related behaviors were assessed by forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and splash test. RESULTS The results exhibited that the ARS mice showed depressive-like responses. I.c.v. infusion of ACPA (1 μg/mouse) induced an antidepressant-like effect in the NARS and ARS mice by reduction of immobility time in the FST and TST as well as enhancement of grooming activity time in the splash test. On the other hand, i.c.v. microinjection of AM251 dose-dependently (0.5 and 1 μg/mouse) induced a depressant-like effect in the NARS mice. I.p. injection of citicoline (80 mg/kg) induced an antidepressant-like response in the NARS and ARS mice. Furthermore, ACPA (0.25 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) potentiated the antidepressant-like response induced by citicoline (20 mg/kg, i.p.) in the NARS and ARS mice. However, AM251 (0.25 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) reversed the antidepressant-like effect produced by the citicoline (80 mg/kg, i.p.) in the NARS and ARS mice. Interestingly, our results indicated a synergistic effect between citicoline and ACPA based on the induction of an antidepressant-like effect in the NARS and ARS mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested an interaction between citicoline and cannabinoid CB1 receptors on the modulation of depression-like behaviors in the NARS and ARS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysan Amanzade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
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Ledesma-Corvi S, Jornet-Plaza J, Gálvez-Melero L, García-Fuster MJ. Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107085. [PMID: 38309382 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107085] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are clinically approved for that age (i.e., fluoxetine or escitalopram) take weeks to work. In this context, one of the main research lines of our group is to characterize at the preclinical level novel approaches for rapid-acting antidepressants for adolescence. The present review summarizes the potential use in adolescence of non-pharmacological options, such as neuromodulators (electroconvulsive therapy and other innovative types of brain stimulation), as well as pharmacological options, including consciousness-altering drugs (mainly ketamine but also classical psychedelics) and cannabinoids (i.e., cannabidiol), with promising fast-acting responses. Following a brief analytical explanation of adolescent depression, we present a general introduction for each therapeutical approach together with the clinical evidence supporting its potential beneficial use in adolescence (mainly extrapolated from prior successful examples for adults), to then report recent and/or ongoing preclinical studies that will aid in improving the inclusion of these therapies in the clinic, by considering potential sex-, age-, and dose-related differences, and/or other factors that might affect efficacy or long-term safety. Finally, we conclude the review by providing future avenues to maximize treatment response, including the need for more clinical studies and the importance of designing and/or testing novel treatment options that are safe and fast-acting for adolescent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jordi Jornet-Plaza
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Melero
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
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Hasbi A, Madras BK, George SR. Endocannabinoid System and Exogenous Cannabinoids in Depression and Anxiety: A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020325. [PMID: 36831868 PMCID: PMC9953886 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a growing liberalization of cannabis-based preparations for medical and recreational use. In multiple instances, anxiety and depression are cited as either a primary or a secondary reason for the use of cannabinoids. Aim: The purpose of this review is to explore the association between depression or anxiety and the dysregulation of the endogenous endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as the use of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids in the remediation of depression/anxiety symptoms. After a brief description of the constituents of cannabis, cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system, the most important evidence is presented for the involvement of cannabinoids in depression and anxiety both in human and from animal models of depression and anxiety. Finally, evidence is presented for the clinical use of cannabinoids to treat depression and anxiety. Conclusions: Although the common belief that cannabinoids, including cannabis, its main studied components-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)-or other synthetic derivatives have been suggested to have a therapeutic role for certain mental health conditions, all recent systematic reviews that we report have concluded that the evidence that cannabinoids improve depressive and anxiety disorders is weak, of very-low-quality, and offers no guidance on the use of cannabinoids for mental health conditions within a regulatory framework. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies examining the effects of cannabinoids on mental disorders in general and depression/anxiety in particular, as well as the consequences of long-term use of these preparations due to possible risks such as addiction and even reversal of improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hasbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Bertha K. Madras
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susan R. George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.R.G.)
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Dual Cannabinoid and Orexin Regulation of Anhedonic Behaviour Caused by Prolonged Restraint Stress. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020314. [PMID: 36831860 PMCID: PMC9954020 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020314] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and orexin systems share many biological functions, including wakefulness, stress response, reward processing, and mood. While these systems work against one another with respect to arousal, chronic stress-induced downregulation of both systems often leads to anhedonia or the inability to experience pleasure from natural rewards. In the current study, a 24 h restraint stress test (24 h RST) reduced sucrose preference in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice. Prior to the stressor, subsets of mice were intraperitoneally administered cannabinoid and orexin receptor agonists, antagonists, and combinations of these drugs. Restraint mice that received the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) antagonist SR141716A, orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R) agonist YNT-185, and the combination of SR141716A and YNT-185, exhibited less anhedonia compared to vehicle/control mice. Thus, the 24 h RST likely decreased orexin signaling, which was then restored by YNT-185. Receptor colocalization analysis throughout mesocorticolimbic brain regions revealed increased CB1R-OX1R colocalization from SR141716A and YNT-185 treatments. Although a previous study from our group showed additive cataleptic effects between CP55,940 and the dual orexin receptor antagonist (TCS-1102), the opposite combination of pharmacological agents proved additive for sucrose preference. Taken together, these results reveal more of the complex interactions between the endocannabinoid and orexin systems.
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Dlugosz L, Zhou HZ, Scott BW, Burnham M. The effects of cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, alone and in combination, in the maximal electroshock seizure model. Epilepsy Res 2023; 190:107087. [PMID: 36646020 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and combinations of CBD and THC, were evaluated in the mouse maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test - an animal model of generalized-onset seizures. Male CF-1 mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with either CBD, THC or a combination of CBD and THC. The MES test was conducted 2 h after the injection of CBD and 1 h after the injection of THC. A wide range of doses was tested to allow the construction of dose-response curves. Toxicity was assessed using a behavioral rating scale. It was found that: 1) the ED50 for THC alone was 52 mg/kg and its therapeutic index (TI) was 1.7; 2) the ED50 for CBD alone was 190 mg/kg and its TI was 2.4; and 3) the ED50 for a 15:1 combination of CBD+THC was 130 mg/kg + 8.6 mg/kg (CBD + THC). Thus, CBD and THC were both effective in the MES model, and CBD was somewhat more effective in the presence of low (non-therapeutic) doses of THC. The improvement in CBD's effect, however, was less dramatic than that seen in past experiments with the amygdala-kindling model (Fallah et al., 2021). Both CBD alone and CBD+THC in combination might be useful in the treatment of generalized-onset seizures. The advantage of adding THC to CBD, however, might be less than in the treatment of focal-onset seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Dlugosz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Han Zhong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Brian Wayne Scott
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S1A8, Canada
| | - McIntyre Burnham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S1A8, Canada.
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FAAH Inhibition Restores Early Life Stress-Induced Alterations in PFC microRNAs Associated with Depressive-Like Behavior in Male and Female Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416101. [PMID: 36555739 PMCID: PMC9782513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416101] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) increases predisposition to depression. We compared the effects of treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine, on ELS-induced depressive-like behavior and the expression of microRNAs (miRs) associated with depression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampal CA1 area, lateral habenula and dorsal raphe in rats. We also examined the mRNA expression of serotonergic (htr1a and slc6a4) and endocannabinoid (cnr1, cnr2 and faah) targets in the mPFC following ELS and pharmacological treatment. Adult males and females exposed to the 'Limited Bedding and Nesting' ELS paradigm demonstrated a depressive-like phenotype and late-adolescence URB597 treatment, but not paroxetine, reversed this phenotype. In the mPFC, ELS downregulated miR-16 in males and miR-135a in females and URB597 treatment restored this effect. In ELS females, the increase in cnr2 and decrease in faah mRNAs in the mPFC were reversed by URB597 treatment. We show for the first time that URB597 reversed ELS-induced mPFC downregulation in specific miRs and stress-related behaviors, suggesting a novel mechanism for the beneficial effects of FAAH inhibition. The differential effects of ELS and URB597 on males and females highlight the importance of developing sex-specific treatment approaches.
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Bright U, Akirav I. Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5526. [PMID: 35628337 PMCID: PMC9146799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by continuous low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities. First-line medications for mood disorders mostly target the monoaminergic system; however, many patients do not find relief with these medications, and those who do suffer from negative side effects and a discouragingly low rate of remission. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options. In this article, we discuss the literature on the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components of specific depression-like behaviors and phenotypes in rodents and then describe the findings in depressed patients. A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Bright
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Lalsare S. Cannabinoids: Legal aspects, pharmacology, phytochemistry, probable targets from biological system, and therapeutic potential. ASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND HEALTH CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ajprhc.ajprhc_9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Lataliza AAB, de Assis PM, da Rocha Laurindo L, Gonçalves ECD, Raposo NRB, Dutra RC. Antidepressant-like effect of rosmarinic acid during LPS-induced neuroinflammatory model: The potential role of cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6974-6989. [PMID: 34709695 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Herein, this study investigated in silico the drug-likeness and the potential molecular targets to RA. Moreover, it tested the antidepressant-like potential of RA in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression model. RA (MW = 360.31 g/mol) meets the criteria of both Lipinski's rule of five and the Ghose filter. It also attends to relevant pharmacokinetic parameters. Target prediction analysis identified RA's potential targets and biological activities, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 . In vivo, RA's acute, repetitive, and therapeutic administration showed antidepressant-like effect since it significantly reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test and increased grooming time in the splash test. Further, the pretreatment with antagonists of CB1 , CB2 , and PPAR-γ receptors significantly blocked the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Altogether, our findings suggest that cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathways are involved with the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Moreover, this molecule meets important physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters that favor its bioavailability. RA constitutes a promising, innovative, and safe molecule for the pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Augusto Barros Lataliza
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Pollyana Mendonça de Assis
- Center for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (NUPICS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Larissa da Rocha Laurindo
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Dalazen Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Nádia Rezende Barbosa Raposo
- Center for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (NUPICS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cypriano Dutra
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Zhong CC, Gao YN, Huang XC, Zhu X, Miao HH, Xu XG, Qin YB. Cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 reduces unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive behavior of rats. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1170. [PMID: 34430611 PMCID: PMC8350660 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Depression is a neurological disorder characterized by persistent low mood. A number of studies have suggested that the use of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) agonists can reduce depressive behavior, but its effect on the depressive behavior and nerve damage of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) has not been reported. Methods Rats were exposed to CUMS for 4 weeks to induce depressive behavior. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats aged 6–8 weeks were randomly divided into six groups: control group (control), depression group (CUMS), depression + fluoxetine group (Flu), depression + WIN55212-2 group (WIN), depression + NF-κB inhibitor group (PDTC), and depression + WIN + PDTC group (WIN + PDTC). We performed four behavioral experiments test to evaluate the depressive behaviors of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were performed to observe the neuron structures of the hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Biochemical experiments were performed to evaluate the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus, and western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Results Compared with the normal control group, CUMS significantly induced abnormal behaviors in stressed rats. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative stress injury factors in the hippocampus of the CUMS group increased significantly. The interventions of Flu, WIN, and PDTC significantly reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress injury. Compared with the WIN group, the WIN + PDTC intervention group had better results. In addition, WIN could significantly inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions This study showed that cannabinoid receptor agonists can reduce the CUMS-induced depressive behaviors of rats by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chao Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ya-Nan Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin-Chong Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hai-Hang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xing-Guo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi-Bin Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Kotańska M, Kubacka M, Bednarski M, Nicosia N, Szafarz M, Jawień W, Müller CE, Kieć-Kononowicz K. The GPR18 Agonist PSB-KD-107 Exerts Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080799. [PMID: 34451896 PMCID: PMC8398562 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR18 is an orphan GPCR that is activated by the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Emerging evidence indicates its involvement in the control of cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, contractility, vascular tone, as well as blood pressure. Therefore, we investigated the effects of selective GPR18 receptor ligands, namely PSB-KD-107 (agonist) and PSB-CB-92 (antagonist), on blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and vascular dilatation in vitro and in vivo, as well as their anti-oxidative potential in in vitro ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical (DPPH) assays. Our results clearly show that PSB-KD-107 dilates blood vessels. This effect is related to its activation of GPR18 as it can be blocked by the GPR18 antagonist PSB-CB-92. Moreover, our finding confirms the presence of GPR18 in blood vessels. The mechanism of the vasorelaxant activity of PSB-KD-107 is mainly related to endothelial nitric oxide generation; however, we cannot exclude additional nitric oxide-independent mechanisms or a direct influence on K+ channels. PSB-KD-107 may affect blood pressure and heart function after a single administration; however, this effect was no longer observed after repeated administrations once daily for eight days. PSB-KD-107 does not affect platelet aggregation-an important feature considering the safety of its administration. PSB-KD-107 also shows a significant anti-oxidant effect and further studies of its antioxidant activity in vivo are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marek Bednarski
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
| | - Noemi Nicosia
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
- Foundation “Prof. Antonio Imbesi”, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Jawień
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
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Heinbockel T, Bhatia-Dey N, Shields VDC. Endocannabinoid-mediated neuromodulation in the main olfactory bulb at the interface of environmental stimuli and central neural processing. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:1002-1014. [PMID: 33724578 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The olfactory system has become an important functional gateway to understand and analyze neuromodulation since olfactory dysfunction and deficits have emerged as prodromal and, at other times, as first symptoms of many of neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric and communication disorders. Considering olfactory dysfunction as outcome of altered, damaged and/or inefficient olfactory processing, in the current review, we analyze how olfactory processing interacts with the endocannabinoid signaling system. In the human body, endocannabinoid synthesis is a natural and on-demand response to a wide range of physiological and environmental stimuli. Our current understanding of the response dynamics of the endocannabinoid system is based in large part on research advances in limbic system areas, such as the hippocampus and the amygdala. Functional interactions of this signaling system with olfactory processing and associated pathways are just emerging but appear to grow rapidly with multidimensional approaches. Recent work analyzing the crystal structure of endocannabinoid receptors bound to their agonists in a signaling complex has opened avenues for developing specific therapeutic drugs that could help with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and alleviation/reduction of pain. We discuss the role of endocannabinoids as signaling molecules in the olfactory system and the relevance of the endocannabinoid system for synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heinbockel
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Naina Bhatia-Dey
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vonnie D C Shields
- Biological Sciences Department, Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
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Kotańska M, Mika K, Szafarz M, Kubacka M, Müller CE, Sapa J, Kieć-Kononowicz K. Effects of GPR18 Ligands on Body Weight and Metabolic Parameters in a Female Rat Model of Excessive Eating. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030270. [PMID: 33809564 PMCID: PMC8002110 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 has been proposed to play a role in the progression of metabolic disease and obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of selective GRP18 ligands (the antagonists PSB-CB5 and PSB-CB27 and the agonist PSB-KK1415) on body mass and the development of metabolic disorders commonly accompanying obesity. Experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats. In order to determine the anorectic activity of the investigated ligands, their effect on food and water intake in a model of excessive eating was assessed. Lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels as well as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in plasma were also evaluated. Potential side effects were examined in rat models of pica behavior and conditioned taste aversion. Animals treated with different ligands gained significantly less weight than rats from the obese control group. Effects of GPR18 antagonists on food intake and body weight were specific and unrelated to visceral illness, stress or changes in spontaneous activity. However, the GPR18 agonist is likely to affect body weight by inducing gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea. The presented preliminary data support the idea that the search for selective GPR18 antagonists for the treatment of obesity might be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-12-6205530
| | - Kamil Mika
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688, Krakow, Poland;
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Jacek Sapa
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland;
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Bitencourt RM, Takahashi RN, Carlini EA. From an Alternative Medicine to a New Treatment for Refractory Epilepsies: Can Cannabidiol Follow the Same Path to Treat Neuropsychiatric Disorders? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:638032. [PMID: 33643100 PMCID: PMC7905048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.638032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cannabis has been known for ages as an "alternative medicine" to provide relief from seizures, pain, anxiety, and inflammation, there had always been a limited scientific review to prove and establish its use in clinics. Early studies carried out by Carlini's group in Brazil suggested that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis sativa, has anticonvulsant properties in animal models and reduced seizure frequency in limited human trials. Over the past few years, the potential use of cannabis extract in refractory epilepsy, including childhood epilepsies such as Dravet's syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, has opened a new era of treating epileptic patients. Thus, a considerable number of pre-clinical and clinical studies have provided strong evidence that phytocannabinoids has anticonvulsant properties, as well as being promising in the treatment of different neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, neurodegenerative disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the advances of cannabinoids, especially CBD, in the treatment of epilepsy, would the same expectation regarding the treatment of other neuropsychiatric disorders be possible? The present review highlights some contributions from Brazilian researchers and other studies reported elsewhere on the history, pre-clinical and clinical data underlying the use of cannabinoids for the already widespread treatment of refractory epilepsies and the possibility of use in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M. Bitencourt
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo N. Takahashi
- Post Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Elisaldo A. Carlini
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações Sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Department of Preventive Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ma H, Li C, Wang J, Zhang X, Li M, Zhang R, Huang Z, Zhang Y. Amygdala-hippocampal innervation modulates stress-induced depressive-like behaviors through AMPA receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2019409118. [PMID: 33526688 PMCID: PMC8017726 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019409118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is one of the most critical factors in the onset of depressive disorders; hence, environmental factors such as psychosocial stress are commonly used to induce depressive-like traits in animal models of depression. Ventral CA1 (vCA1) in hippocampus and basal lateral amygdala (BLA) are critical sites during chronic stress-induced alterations in depressive subjects; however, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here we employed chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to model depression in mice and found that the activity of the posterior BLA to vCA1 (pBLA-vCA1) innervation was markedly reduced. Mice subjected to CUMS showed reduction in dendritic complexity, spine density, and synaptosomal AMPA receptors (AMPARs). Stimulation of pBLA-vCA1 innervation via chemogenetics or administration of cannabidiol (CBD) could reverse CUMS-induced synaptosomal AMPAR decrease and efficiently alleviate depressive-like behaviors in mice. These findings demonstrate a critical role for AMPARs and CBD modulation of pBLA-vCA1 innervation in CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Chenyang Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, 100083 Beijing, People's Republic of China;
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17
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Portugalov A, Akirav I. Do Adolescent Exposure to Cannabinoids and Early Adverse Experience Interact to Increase the Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from Rodent Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020730. [PMID: 33450928 PMCID: PMC7828431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been growing concerns about the protracted effects of cannabis use in adolescents on emotion and cognition outcomes, motivated by evidence of growing cannabis use in adolescents, evidence linking cannabis use to various psychiatric disorders, and the increasingly perceived notion that cannabis is harmless. At the same time, studies suggest that cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential against the impacts of stress on the brain and behavior, and that young people sometimes use cannabinoids to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety (i.e., “self-medication”). Exposure to early adverse life events may predispose individuals to developing psychopathology in adulthood, leading researchers to study the causality between early life factors and cognitive and emotional outcomes in rodent models and to probe the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we aim to better understand the long-term effects of cannabinoids administered in sensitive developmental periods (mainly adolescence) in rodent models of early life stress. We suggest that the effects of cannabinoids on emotional and cognitive function may vary between different sensitive developmental periods. This could potentially affect decisions regarding the use of cannabinoids in clinical settings during the early stages of development and could raise questions regarding educating the public as to potential risks associated with cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Portugalov
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Joshi N, Onaivi ES. Psychiatric Disorders and Cannabinoid Receptors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1264:131-153. [PMID: 33332008 PMCID: PMC10810008 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing global use of medical and adult recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids, this chapter provides overview of evidence from animal and human studies on psychiatric disorders and cannabinoid receptors. We review and present evaluation of the relationship between changes in the ECS and psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests the existence of a relationship between changes in components of the ECS, and some of the symptoms present in psychiatric disorders. Both CB1Rs and CB2Rs are components of the endocannabinoid system with different cellular and tissue localization patterns that are differentially expressed in the CNS and PNS and are emerging targets for the treatment of number psychiatric disorders. As cannabis preparations are widely used for recreation globally, it is predictable that cannabis use disorders (CUDs) will increase and there is currently no available treatment for CUDs. Although major advances have been reported from cannabinoid and ECS research, there are gaps in scientific knowledge on long-term consequences of cannabis use. Adolescent and cannabis use during pregnancy presents further challenges, and more research will uncover the signaling pathways that couple the gut microbiota with the host ECS. Development of cannabis and cannabinoid nanomedicine for nanotherapy will certainly overcome some of the shortcomings and challenges in medicinal and recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids. Thus, nanotechnology will allow targeted delivery of cannabinoid formulations with the potential to elevate their use to scientifically validated nanotherapeutic applications as the field of cannabis nanoscience matures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Joshi
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
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19
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Regulation of cannabinoid CB 1 and CB 2 receptors, neuroprotective mTOR and pro-apoptotic JNK1/2 kinases in postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:626-635. [PMID: 32871695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulations of endocannabinoids and/or cannabinoid (CB) receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS CB1 and CB2 receptors, neuroprotective mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) and pro-apoptotic JNK1/2 (c-Jun-N-terminal kinases) were quantified by immunoblotting in postmortem prefrontal cortex of MDD and controls, and further compared in antidepressant (AD)-free and AD-treated subjects. Neuroplastic proteins (PSD-95, Arc, spinophilin) were quantified in MDD brains. RESULTS Total cortical CB1 glycosylated (≈54/64 kDa) receptor was increased in MDD (+20%, n=23, p=0.02) when compared with controls (100%, n=19). This CB1 receptor upregulation was quantified in AD-treated (+23%, n=14, p=0.02) but not in AD-free (+14%, n=9, p=0.34) MDD subjects. In the same MDD cortical samples, CB2 glycosylated (≈45 kDa) receptor was unaltered (all MDD: +11%, n=23, p=0.10; AD-free: +12%, n=9, p=0.31; AD-treated: +10%, n=14, p=0.23). In MDD, mTOR activity (p-Ser2448 TOR/t-TOR) was increased (all MDD: +29%, n=18, p=0.002; AD-free: +33%, n=8, p=0.03; AD-treated: +25%, n=10, p=0.04). In contrast, JNK1/2 activity (p-Thr183/Tyr185/t-JNK) was unaltered in MDD subjects. Cortical PSD-95, Arc, and spinophilin contents were unchanged in MDD. LIMITATIONS A relative limited sample size. Some MDD subjects had been treated with a variety of ADs. The results must be understood in the context of suicide victims with MDD. CONCLUSIONS The upregulation of CB1 receptor density, but not that of CB2 receptor, as well as the increased mTOR activity in PFC/BA9 of subjects with MDD (AD-free/treated) support their contributions in the complex pathophysiology of MDD and in the molecular mechanisms of antidepressant drugs.
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20
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Zajkowska Z, Borsini A, Nikkheslat N, Russell A, Romano GF, Tomassi S, Hepgul N, Forton D, Agarwal K, Hotopf M, Mondelli V, Zunszain P, Pariante CM. Differential effect of interferon-alpha treatment on AEA and 2-AG levels. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 90:248-258. [PMID: 32860939 PMCID: PMC7575143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is one of the key players in immunoregulation, and reduced activity of the eCB system has been linked with depressive-like behaviours in animal studies and depression in clinical samples. There is a well-established link between immune activation and depression, such as following the administration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interferon-α (IFN-α), used to treat hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. However, the role of peripheral endocannabinoids (eCBs), anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), following immunotherapy with IFN-α and in IFN-α -induced depression, have not been examined yet. In this study, we investigated whether circulating AEA and 2-AG were modified by treatment with IFN-α and whether they were involved in the development of IFN-α-induced depression. We also explored whether circulating eCBs were associated with peripheral cytokines during and after IFN-α treatment. We measured serum concentrations of AEA and 2-AG using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry, and serum concentrations of cytokines using Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence V-PLEX assay, in 70 patients with HCV infection and 41 healthy subjects. We assessed HCV patients at baseline, IFN-α-treatment weeks (TW) 4 and 24, end of treatment (END) and at six months follow-up (FU). We assessed depression using M.I.N.I. International Neuropsychiatric Interview. We found a different pattern of change in peripheral AEA and 2-AG during and after IFN-α treatment. Whilst 2-AG increased earlier in immunotherapy (TW4), remained elevated throughout treatment, and reduced at six months follow-up (FU), AEA increased later in treatment (TW24) and remained elevated six months post-treatment. We also found that baseline levels of AEA were lower in HCV patients compared with healthy controls, whereas there were no differences in 2-AG levels. Interestingly, AEA, but not 2-AG, was significantly, negatively correlated with interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-17a at six months follow-up. We did not find any difference in both eCBs between patients with and without IFN-α-induced depression, at any time point. Our findings suggest that AEA and 2-AG are involved in different stages of immunoregulation following IFN-α treatment, where AEA might be involved in chronic inflammation. Lack of association between peripheral eCBs and IFN-α-induced depression suggests that different biological mechanisms may underpin inflammation-induced depression compared with classic "psychiatric" depression, or that any changes in the eCB system in depression may not be captured by peripheral AEA and 2-AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Zajkowska
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK.
| | - Alessandra Borsini
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Naghmeh Nikkheslat
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Alice Russell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Graziella F Romano
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Simona Tomassi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Nilay Hepgul
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Daniel Forton
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, St George's University of London, UK
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, UK
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Patricia Zunszain
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
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21
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Structural Insights into β-arrestin/CB1 Receptor Interaction: NMR and CD Studies on Model Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218111. [PMID: 33143110 PMCID: PMC7662265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor induces different cellular signaling cascades through coupling to different effector proteins (G-proteins and β-arrestins), triggering numerous therapeutic effects. Conformational changes and rearrangements at the intracellular domain of this GPCR receptor that accompany ligand binding dictate the signaling pathways. The GPCR-binding interface for G proteins has been extensively studied, whereas β-arrestin/GPCR complexes are still poorly understood. To gain knowledge in this direction, we designed peptides that mimic the motifs involved in the putative interacting region: β-arrestin1 finger loop and the transmembrane helix 7-helix 8 (TMH7-H8) elbow located at the intracellular side of the CB1 receptor. According to circular dichroism and NMR data, these peptides form a native-like, helical conformation and interact with each other in aqueous solution, in the presence of trifluoroethanol, and using zwitterionic detergent micelles as membrane mimics. These results increase our understanding of the binding mode of β-arrestin and CB1 receptor and validate minimalist approaches to structurally comprehend complex protein systems.
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22
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Luan D, Zhao MG, Shi YC, Li L, Cao YJ, Feng HX, Zhang ZJ. Mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for anti-depression: Evidence from preclinical studies. World J Psychiatry 2020; 10:223-233. [PMID: 33134113 PMCID: PMC7582130 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i10.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the anti-depressant mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in preclinical studies, including anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress effects, enhancement of synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis via activation of the endocannabinoid system and brain derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway, increasing the content of monoamine neurotransmitters via inhibition of Sirtuin 1/monoamine oxidase A signaling pathway, and reducing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. We also discuss the shortcomings of transcranial magnetic stimulation in preclinical studies such as inaccurate positioning, shallow depth of stimulation, and difficulty in elucidating the neural circuit mechanism up- and down-stream of the stimulation target brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Luan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Ge Zhao
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Chen Shi
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Jia Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Xia Feng
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
- Mental Health Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang province, China
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Wróbel A, Serefko A, Szopa A, Ulrich D, Poleszak E, Rechberger T. O-1602, an Agonist of Atypical Cannabinoid Receptors GPR55, Reverses the Symptoms of Depression and Detrusor Overactivity in Rats Subjected to Corticosterone Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1002. [PMID: 32733244 PMCID: PMC7360849 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the fact that GPR55 receptors are localized in brain areas implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, GPR55 gene expression is reduced in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of suicide victims, and GPR55 receptor agonism exerts an anxiolytic-like effect, GPR55 receptors have drawn our attention as a potential target in the treatment of mood disorders. Therefore, in the present study, we wanted to check whether a 7-day intravenous administration of O-1602 (0.25 mg/kg/day) – a phytocannabinoid-like analogue of cannabidiol that belongs to the agonists of GPR55 receptors, was able to reverse the corticosterone-induced depressive-like behavior accompanied by detrusor overactivity in female Wistar rats. Additionally, we tried to determine the influence of GPR55 stimulation on the bladder, hippocampal and urine levels of several biomarkers that play a role in the functioning of the urinary bladder and/or the pathophysiology of depression. Our experiments showed that O-1602 therapy improved signs of depression (measured by the forced swim test) and detrusor contractility (measured by conscious cystometry) in animals exposed to the corticosterone treatment. Moreover, the treatment reduced the oxidative damage in the urinary bladder and neuroinflammation (observed as the reduction of elevated levels of 3-NIT, MAL, and IL-1β, TNF-α, CRF, respectively). The O-1602 treatment also reversed the abnormal changes in the bladder, hippocampal or urine values of CGRP, OCT3, VAChT, BDNF, and NGF. The above-mentioned findings allow to suggest that in the future the modulation of atypical cannabinoid receptors GPR55 could have a potential role in the treatment of depression and overactive bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Daniela Ulrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Germany
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Rechberger
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Fernández-Ruiz J, Galve-Roperh I, Sagredo O, Guzmán M. Possible therapeutic applications of cannabis in the neuropsychopharmacology field. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 36:217-234. [PMID: 32057592 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use induces a plethora of actions on the CNS via its active chemical ingredients, the so-called phytocannabinoids. These compounds have been frequently associated with the intoxicating properties of cannabis preparations. However, not all phytocannabinoids are psychotropic, and, irrespective of whether they are psychotropic or not, they have also shown numerous therapeutic properties. These properties are mostly associated with their ability to modulate the activity of an intercellular communication system, the so-called endocannabinoid system, which is highly active in the CNS and has been found altered in many neurological disorders. Specifically, this includes the neuropsychopharmacology field, with diseases such as schizophrenia and related psychoses, anxiety-related disorders, mood disorders, addiction, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa and other feeding-related disorders, dementia, epileptic syndromes, as well as autism, fragile X syndrome and other neurodevelopment-related disorders. Here, we gather, from a pharmacological and biochemical standpoint, the recent advances in the study of the therapeutic relevance of the endocannabinoid system in the CNS, with especial emphasis on the neuropsychopharmacology field. We also illustrate the efforts that are currently being made to investigate at the clinical level the potential therapeutic benefits derived from elevating or inhibiting endocannabinoid signaling in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Bruno A, Dolcetti E, Rizzo FR, Fresegna D, Musella A, Gentile A, De Vito F, Caioli S, Guadalupi L, Bullitta S, Vanni V, Balletta S, Sanna K, Buttari F, Stampanoni Bassi M, Centonze D, Mandolesi G. Inflammation-Associated Synaptic Alterations as Shared Threads in Depression and Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:169. [PMID: 32655374 PMCID: PMC7324636 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past years, several theories have been advanced to explain the pathogenesis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a neuropsychiatric disease that causes disability in general population. Several theories have been proposed to define the MDD pathophysiology such as the classic "monoamine-theory" or the "glutamate hypothesis." All these theories have been recently integrated by evidence highlighting inflammation as a pivotal player in developing depressive symptoms. Proinflammatory cytokines have been indeed claimed to contribute to stress-induced mood disturbances and to major depression, indicating a widespread role of classical mediators of inflammation in emotional control. Moreover, during systemic inflammatory diseases, peripherally released cytokines circulate in the blood, reach the brain and cause anxiety, anhedonia, social withdrawal, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Accordingly, chronic inflammatory disorders, such as the inflammatory autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), have been associated to higher risk of MDD, in comparison with overall population. Importantly, in both MS patients and in its experimental mouse model, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), the notion that depressive symptoms are reactive epiphenomenon to the MS pathology has been recently challenged by the evidence of their early manifestation, even before the onset of the disease. Furthermore, in association to such mood disturbance, inflammatory-dependent synaptic dysfunctions in several areas of MS/EAE brain have been observed independently of brain lesions and demyelination. This evidence suggests that a fine interplay between the immune and nervous systems can have a huge impact on several neurological functions, including depressive symptoms, in different pathological conditions. The aim of the present review is to shed light on common traits between MDD and MS, by looking at inflammatory-dependent synaptic alterations associated with depression in both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bruno
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Dolcetti
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Rizzo
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Fresegna
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Musella
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, University of Rome San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca De Vito
- Unit of Neurology, Mediterranean Neurological Institute IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Silvia Caioli
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Guadalupi
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bullitta
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanni
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Balletta
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Krizia Sanna
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology, Mediterranean Neurological Institute IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | - Diego Centonze
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, Mediterranean Neurological Institute IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Georgia Mandolesi
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, University of Rome San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
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26
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Allosteric modulators targeting cannabinoid cb1 and cb2 receptors: implications for drug discovery. Future Med Chem 2020; 11:2019-2037. [PMID: 31517528 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors hold great therapeutic potential, as they do not possess intrinsic efficacy, but instead enhance or diminish the receptor's response of orthosteric ligands allowing for the tempering of cannabinoid receptor signaling without the desensitization, tolerance and dependence. Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors have numerous advantages over the orthosteric ligands such as higher receptor type selectivity, probe dependence and biased signaling, so they have a great potential to separate the therapeutic benefits from side effects own of orthosteric ligands. This review aims to give an overview of the CB1 and CB2 receptor allosteric modulators highlighting the structure-activity relationship and pharmacological profile of each classes, and their future promise.
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Endocannabinoid-Mediated Neuromodulation in the Olfactory Bulb: Functional and Therapeutic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082850. [PMID: 32325875 PMCID: PMC7216281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid synthesis in the human body is naturally occurring and on-demand. It occurs in response to physiological and environmental stimuli, such as stress, anxiety, hunger, other factors negatively disrupting homeostasis, as well as the therapeutic use of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol and recreational use of exogenous cannabis, which can lead to cannabis use disorder. Together with their specific receptors CB1R and CB2R, endocannabinoids are major components of endocannabinoid-mediated neuromodulation in a rapid and sustained manner. Extensive research on endocannabinoid function and expression includes studies in limbic system structures such as the hippocampus and amygdala. The wide distribution of endocannabinoids, their on-demand synthesis at widely different sites, their co-existence in specific regions of the body, their quantitative differences in tissue type, and different pathological conditions indicate their diverse biological functions that utilize specific and overlapping pathways in multiple organ systems. Here, we review emerging evidence of these pathways with a special emphasis on the role of endocannabinoids in decelerating neurodegenerative pathology through neural networks initiated by cells in the main olfactory bulb.
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28
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Stasiulewicz A, Znajdek K, Grudzień M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082778. [PMID: 32316328 PMCID: PMC7216112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most crucial systems in the human organism, exhibiting multi-purpose regulatory character. It is engaged in a vast array of physiological processes, including nociception, mood regulation, cognitive functions, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, appetite, lipid metabolism, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Thus, ECS proteins, including cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes, are promising therapeutic targets. Their modulation has been employed in or extensively studied as a treatment of multiple diseases. However, due to a complex nature of ECS and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel drugs turned out to be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic applications for ECS-targeting drugs, especially focusing on promising synthetic compounds and preclinical studies. We put emphasis on modulation of specific proteins of ECS in different pathophysiological areas. In addition, we stress possible difficulties and risks and highlight proposed solutions. By presenting this review, we point out information pivotal in the spotlight of ECS-targeting drug design, as well as provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on ECS-related pharmacodynamics and show possible directions for needed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Znajdek
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Grudzień
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
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Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological basis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is fundamental to accurately diagnose this neuropathology and offer appropriate treatment options to patients. The lack of pharmacological effects, too often observed with the most currently used drugs, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), makes even more urgent the discovery of new pharmacological approaches. Reliable animal models of PTSD are difficult to establish because of the present limited understanding of the PTSD heterogeneity and of the influence of various environmental factors that trigger the disorder in humans. We summarize knowledge on the most frequently investigated animal models of PTSD, focusing on both their behavioral and neurobiological features. Most of them can reproduce not only behavioral endophenotypes, including anxiety-like behaviors or fear-related avoidance, but also neurobiological alterations, such as glucocorticoid receptor hypersensitivity or amygdala hyperactivity. Among the various models analyzed, we focus on the social isolation mouse model, which reproduces some deficits observed in humans with PTSD, such as abnormal neurosteroid biosynthesis, changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression and lack of pharmacological response to benzodiazepines. Neurosteroid biosynthesis and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system are altered in PTSD and are promising neuronal targets to discover novel PTSD agents. In this regard, we discuss pharmacological interventions and we highlight exciting new developments in the fields of research for novel reliable PTSD biomarkers that may enable precise diagnosis of the disorder and more successful pharmacological treatments for PTSD patients.
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Roles of the Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Apelin Systems in the Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111311. [PMID: 31653030 PMCID: PMC6912778 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the consequence of an unresolved wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury and involves multiple cell types and molecular mechanisms. The hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two signalling pathways with a substantial role in the liver fibrosis pathophysiology-both are upregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules derived from arachidonic acid involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction, portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and other processes associated with hepatic disease through their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apelin is a peptide that participates in cardiovascular and renal functions, inflammation, angiogenesis, and hepatic fibrosis through its interaction with the APJ receptor. The endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two of the multiple cell-signalling pathways involved in the transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, the main matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the control of hepatic stellate cell activity are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the endocannabinoid and apelin signalling pathways. This review discusses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems play a significant role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
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31
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Challenges on the processing of plant-based neuronutraceuticals and functional foods with emerging technologies: Extraction, encapsulation and therapeutic applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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32
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Lin J, Song Z, Chen X, Zhao R, Chen J, Chen H, Yang X, Wu Z. Trans-cinnamaldehyde shows anti-depression effect in the forced swimming test and possible involvement of the endocannabinoid system. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:351-356. [PMID: 31421826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a mental disease that significantly reduces the quality of patients' life. Around 322 million people of all ages carry the heavy burden of depression on a worldwide scale, with a life-time prevalence of 20% according to the WHO. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) is an excellent COX-2 inhibitor in central nervous system which is a main constituent of GUIZHI as a member of traditional Chinese herb. Furthermore, previous studies demonstrated that TCA suppressed depression-like behavior in chronic unexpected mild stress, plus maze test and open field test. However, the molecular mechanism of TCA anti-depression effect is not clear. We examined the immobility of TCA pretreated male BALB/c mice in the forced swimming test (FST). Results show that TCA (50 mg/kg, po) revealed a significant effect on reduced immobility in the FST, compared with SAL group which indicated that TCA suppressed depression-like behavior. Moreover, TCA elevated the level of 5-HT and decreased the ratio of Glu/GABA in mice hippocampus. Compared with SAL + FST group, TCA + FST group significantly decreased COX-2, TRPV1 and CB1 protein level in mice hippocampus (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that TCA treatment exerted anti-depressive effect and was able to regulate neurotransmitters in the FST. This effect may have positive influence on the endocannabinoid (eCB) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Lin
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zejia Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolei Chen
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Riji Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifeng Chen
- School of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodan Yang
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongping Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, China.
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Silote GP, Sartim A, Sales A, Eskelund A, Guimarães F, Wegener G, Joca S. Emerging evidence for the antidepressant effect of cannabidiol and the underlying molecular mechanisms. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 98:104-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Fogaça MV, Duman RS. Cortical GABAergic Dysfunction in Stress and Depression: New Insights for Therapeutic Interventions. Front Cell Neurosci 2019. [PMID: 30914923 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00087/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness characterized by neuroanatomical and functional alterations in limbic structures, notably the prefrontal cortex (PFC), that can be precipitated by exposure to chronic stress. For decades, the monoaminergic deficit hypothesis of depression provided the conceptual framework to understand the pathophysiology of MDD. However, accumulating evidence suggests that MDD and chronic stress are associated with an imbalance of excitation-inhibition (E:I) within the PFC, generated by a deficit of inhibitory synaptic transmission onto principal glutamatergic neurons. MDD patients and chronically stressed animals show a reduction in GABA and GAD67 levels in the brain, decreased expression of GABAergic interneuron markers, and alterations in GABAA and GABAB receptor levels. Moreover, genetically modified animals with deletion of specific GABA receptors subunits or interneuron function show depressive-like behaviors. Here, we provide further evidence supporting the role of cortical GABAergic interneurons, mainly somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing cells, required for the optimal E:I balance in the PFC and discuss how the malfunction of these cells can result in depression-related behaviors. Finally, considering the relatively low efficacy of current available medications, we review new fast-acting pharmacological approaches that target the GABAergic system to treat MDD. We conclude that deficits in cortical inhibitory neurotransmission and interneuron function resulting from chronic stress exposure can compromise the integrity of neurocircuits and result in the development of MDD and other stress-related disorders. Drugs that can establish a new E:I balance in the PFC by targeting the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems show promising as fast-acting antidepressants and represent breakthrough strategies for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ronald S Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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35
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Fogaça MV, Duman RS. Cortical GABAergic Dysfunction in Stress and Depression: New Insights for Therapeutic Interventions. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:87. [PMID: 30914923 PMCID: PMC6422907 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness characterized by neuroanatomical and functional alterations in limbic structures, notably the prefrontal cortex (PFC), that can be precipitated by exposure to chronic stress. For decades, the monoaminergic deficit hypothesis of depression provided the conceptual framework to understand the pathophysiology of MDD. However, accumulating evidence suggests that MDD and chronic stress are associated with an imbalance of excitation-inhibition (E:I) within the PFC, generated by a deficit of inhibitory synaptic transmission onto principal glutamatergic neurons. MDD patients and chronically stressed animals show a reduction in GABA and GAD67 levels in the brain, decreased expression of GABAergic interneuron markers, and alterations in GABAA and GABAB receptor levels. Moreover, genetically modified animals with deletion of specific GABA receptors subunits or interneuron function show depressive-like behaviors. Here, we provide further evidence supporting the role of cortical GABAergic interneurons, mainly somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing cells, required for the optimal E:I balance in the PFC and discuss how the malfunction of these cells can result in depression-related behaviors. Finally, considering the relatively low efficacy of current available medications, we review new fast-acting pharmacological approaches that target the GABAergic system to treat MDD. We conclude that deficits in cortical inhibitory neurotransmission and interneuron function resulting from chronic stress exposure can compromise the integrity of neurocircuits and result in the development of MDD and other stress-related disorders. Drugs that can establish a new E:I balance in the PFC by targeting the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems show promising as fast-acting antidepressants and represent breakthrough strategies for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ronald S Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Khakpai F, Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Alijanpour S, Zarrindast MR. Ketamine-induced antidepressant like effects in mice: A possible involvement of cannabinoid system. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108717. [PMID: 30970516 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the possible interaction between ketamine and cannabinoid system in the modulation of depression-related responses using the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT) in mice. Our results revealed that intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of ketamine (5 and 10 mg/kg), a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, dose-dependently produced antidepressant-like effect in the FST. Moreover, i.p. administration of both CB1 and CB2 receptor drugs: ACPA (1 mg/kg; CB1 receptor agonist), AM251 (1 mg/kg; CB1 receptor antagonist), GP1a (2 mg/kg; CB2 receptor agonist) and AM630 (0.5 mg/kg; CB2 receptor antagonist) exhibited antidepressant action. Interestingly, the concomitant administration of ineffective doses of ketamine and cannabinoid receptor antagonists provoked the antidepressant-like effects as compared to control group. It should be considered, all above mentioned doses of drugs could not change locomotor activity in the OFT. It seems that possible interaction between ketamine and cannabinoid system may modulate depression-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khakpai
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Safavynia SA, Goldstein PA. The Role of Neuroinflammation in Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: Moving From Hypothesis to Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:752. [PMID: 30705643 PMCID: PMC6345198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication of the surgical experience and is common in the elderly and patients with preexisting neurocognitive disorders. Animal and human studies suggest that neuroinflammation from either surgery or anesthesia is a major contributor to the development of POCD. Moreover, a large and growing body of literature has focused on identifying potential risk factors for the development of POCD, as well as identifying candidate treatments based on the neuroinflammatory hypothesis. However, variability in animal models and clinical cohorts makes it difficult to interpret the results of such studies, and represents a barrier for the development of treatment options for POCD. Here, we present a broad topical review of the literature supporting the role of neuroinflammation in POCD. We provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of POCD from pre-clinical and human studies. We offer a brief discussion of the ongoing debate on the root cause of POCD. We conclude with a list of current and hypothesized treatments for POCD, with a focus on recent and current human randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed A Safavynia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peter A Goldstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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