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Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Metabolic Control Processes and in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome: An Update. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020306. [PMID: 36830844 PMCID: PMC9952954 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a complex disease state, which appears mostly as a consequence of an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Metabolic complications include insulin resistance (IR), diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, impairing life standards and reducing life expectancy. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has an important role in signalization processes, not only in the central nervous system, but also in the peripheral tissues. Several physiological functions are affected, and overexpression or downregulation contributes to several diseases. A better understanding of the functions of cannabinoid (CB) receptors may propose potential therapeutic effects by influencing receptor signaling and enzymes involved in downstream pathways. In this review, we summarize recent information regarding the roles of the ECS and the CB1 receptor signaling in the physiology and pathophysiology of energy and metabolic homeostasis, in the development of obesity by enhancing food intake, upregulating energy balance and fat accumulation, increasing lipogenesis and glucose production, and impairing insulin sensitivity and secretion. By analyzing the roles of the ECS in physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms, we introduce some recently identified signaling pathways in the mechanism of the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Our review emphasizes that the presence of such recently identified ECS signaling steps raises new therapeutic potential in the treatment of complex metabolic diseases such as diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and hypertension.
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Mińczuk K, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Krzyżewska A, Schlicker E, Malinowska B. Cross-Talk between the (Endo)Cannabinoid and Renin-Angiotensin Systems: Basic Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116350. [PMID: 35683028 PMCID: PMC9181166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is dedicated to the cross-talk between the (endo)cannabinoid and renin angiotensin systems (RAS). Activation of AT1 receptors (AT1Rs) by angiotensin II (Ang II) can release endocannabinoids that, by acting at cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), modify the response to AT1R stimulation. CB1R blockade may enhance AT1R-mediated responses (mainly vasoconstrictor effects) or reduce them (mainly central nervous system-mediated effects). The final effects depend on whether stimulation of CB1Rs and AT1Rs induces opposite or the same effects. Second, CB1R blockade may diminish AT1R levels. Third, phytocannabinoids modulate angiotensin-converting enzyme-2. Additional studies are required to clarify (1) the existence of a cross-talk between the protective axis of the RAS (Ang II—AT2 receptor system or angiotensin 1-7—Mas receptor system) with components of the endocannabinoid system, (2) the influence of Ang II on constituents of the endocannabinoid system and (3) the (patho)physiological significance of AT1R-CB1R heteromerization. As a therapeutic consequence, CB1R antagonists may influence effects elicited by the activation or blockade of the RAS; phytocannabinoids may be useful as adjuvant therapy against COVID-19; single drugs acting on the (endo)cannabinoid system (cannabidiol) and the RAS (telmisartan) may show pharmacokinetic interactions since they are substrates of the same metabolizing enzyme of the transport mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Mińczuk
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Anna Krzyżewska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Eberhard Schlicker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (B.M.); Tel.: +48-85-7485699 (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (B.M.); Tel.: +48-85-7485699 (B.M.)
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Angiotensin-II Modulates GABAergic Neurotransmission in the Mouse Substantia Nigra. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0090-21.2021. [PMID: 33771900 PMCID: PMC8174047 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0090-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic projections neurons of the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr), through an extensive network of dendritic arbors and axon collaterals, provide robust inhibitory input to neighboring dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) receptor signaling increases SNc dopaminergic neuronal sensitivity to insult, thus rendering these cells susceptible to dysfunction and destruction. However, the mechanisms by which Ang-II regulates SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity are unclear. Given the complex relationship between SN dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons, we hypothesized that Ang-II could regulate SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity directly and indirectly by modulating SNr GABAergic neurotransmission. Here, using transgenic mice, slice electrophysiology, and optogenetics, we provide evidence of an AT1 receptor-mediated signaling mechanism in SNr GABAergic neurons where Ang-II suppresses electrically-evoked neuronal output by facilitating postsynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and prolonging the action potential (AP) duration. Unexpectedly, Ang-II had no discernable effects on the electrical properties of SNc dopaminergic neurons. Also, and indicating a nonlinear relationship between electrical activity and neuronal output, following phasic photoactivation of SNr GABAergic neurons, Ang-II paradoxically enhanced the feedforward inhibitory input to SNc dopaminergic neurons. In sum, our observations describe an increasingly complex and heterogeneous response of the SN to Ang-II by revealing cell-specific responses and nonlinear effects on intranigral GABAergic neurotransmission. Our data further implicate the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) as a functionally relevant neuromodulator in the substantia nigra, thus underscoring a need for additional inquiry.
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Tóth V, Fehér Á, Németh J, Gyertyán I, Zádori Z, Gyires K. Modulation of central endocannabinoid system results in gastric mucosal protection in the rat. Brain Res Bull 2018; 139:224-234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Tóth AD, Turu G, Hunyady L, Balla A. Novel mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors functions: AT 1 angiotensin receptor acts as a signaling hub and focal point of receptor cross-talk. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:69-82. [PMID: 29678287 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AT1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R), a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is the main receptor, which mediates the effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). AT1R plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and salt-water homeostasis, and in the development of pathological conditions, such as hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular remodeling, renal fibrosis, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Stimulation of AT1R leads to pleiotropic signal transduction pathways generating arrays of complex cellular responses. Growing amount of evidence shows that AT1R is a versatile GPCR, which has multiple unique faces with distinct conformations and signaling properties providing new opportunities for functionally selective pharmacological targeting of the receptor. Biased ligands of AT1R have been developed to selectively activate the β-arrestin pathway, which may have therapeutic benefits compared to the conventional angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. In this review, we provide a summary about the most recent findings and novel aspects of the AT1R function, signaling, regulation, dimerization or oligomerization and its cross-talk with other receptors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, adrenergic receptors and CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Better understanding of the mechanisms and structural aspects of AT1R activation and cross-talk can lead to the development of novel type of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- András D Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Turu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Hunyady
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - András Balla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Gyires K, Zádori ZS. Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:935-951. [PMID: 26935536 PMCID: PMC5333598 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160303110150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system influences various gastrointestinal physiological and pathophysiological processes, and cannabinoid receptors as well as regulatory enzymes responsible for the synthesis or degradation of endocannabinoids representing potential targets to reduce the development of gastrointestinal mucosal lesions, hemorrhage and inflammation. Direct activation of CB1 receptors by plant-derived, endogenous or synthetic cannabinoids effectively reduces both gastric acid secretion and gastric motor activity, and decreases the formation of gastric mucosal lesions induced by stress, pylorus ligation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or alcohol, partly by peripheral, partly by central mechanisms. Similarly, indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors through elevation of endocannabinoid levels by globally acting or peripherally restricted inhibitors of their metabolizing enzymes (FAAH, MAGL) or by inhibitors of their cellular uptake reduces the gastric mucosal lesions induced by NSAIDs in a CB1 receptor-dependent fashion. Dual inhibition of FAAH and cyclooxygenase enzymes induces protection against both NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage and intestinal inflammation. Moreover, in intestinal inflammation direct or indirect activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors exerts also multiple beneficial effects. Namely, activation of both CB receptors was shown to ameliorate intestinal inflammation in various murine colitis models, to decrease visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain, as well as to reduce colitis-associated hypermotility and diarrhea. In addition, CB1 receptors suppress secretory processes and also modulate intestinal epithelial barrier functions. Thus, experimental data suggest that the endocannabinoid system represents a promising target in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and this assumption is also confirmed by preliminary clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Gyires
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4., 1089, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
The physiological and pathophysiological functions of the endocannabinoid system have been studied extensively using transgenic and targeted knockout mouse models. The first gene deletions of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor were described in the late 1990s, soon followed by CB(2) and FAAH mutations in early 2000. These mouse models helped to elucidate the fundamental role of endocannabinoids as retrograde transmitters in the CNS and in the discovery of many unexpected endocannabinoid functions, for example, in the skin, bone and liver. We now have knockout mouse models for almost every receptor and enzyme of the endocannabinoid system. Conditional mutant mice were mostly developed for the CB(1) receptor, which is widely expressed on many different neurons, astrocytes and microglia, as well as on many cells outside the CNS. These mouse strains include "floxed" CB(1) alleles and mice with a conditional re-expression of CB(1). The availability of these mice made it possible to decipher the function of CB(1) in specific neuronal circuits and cell populations or to discriminate between central and peripheral effects. Many of the genetic mouse models were also used in combination with viral expression systems. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing genetic models and to summarize some of the most important discoveries that were made with these animals.
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MESH Headings
- Amidohydrolases/genetics
- Amidohydrolases/metabolism
- Animals
- Endocannabinoids/genetics
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Gene Deletion
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genotype
- Humans
- Hydrolysis
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Monoacylglycerol Lipases/genetics
- Monoacylglycerol Lipases/metabolism
- Mutation
- Phenotype
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Zádori ZS, Tóth VE, Fehér Á, Philipp K, Németh J, Gyires K. Evidence for the gastric cytoprotective effect of centrally injected agmatine. Brain Res Bull 2014; 108:51-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Gyires K, Zádori ZS. Brain neuropeptides in gastric mucosal protection. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2014; 19:24-30. [PMID: 24971914 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The centrally induced gastroprotective effect of neuropeptides has been intensively studied. Besides many similarities, however, differences can also be observed in their gastroprotective actions. The gastroprotective dose-response curve proved to be either sigmoid, or bell-shaped. Additional gastrointestinal effects of neuropeptides can contribute to their mucosal protective effect. Part of the neuropeptides induces gastroprotection by peripheral administration as well. Besides vagal nerve the sympathetic nervous system may also be involved in conveying the central effect to the periphery. Better understanding of the complex mechanism of the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity may result in the development of new strategy to enhance gastric mucosal resistance against injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Gyires
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zoltán S Zádori
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
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[Esthetic-preventive conservation of first molars in mixed dentition]. Handb Exp Pharmacol 1990; 231:423-47. [PMID: 2640817 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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