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Maehashi S, Arora K, Fisher AL, Schweitzer DR, Akefe IO. Neurolipidomic insights into anxiety disorders: Uncovering lipid dynamics for potential therapeutic advances. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105741. [PMID: 38838875 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105741] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders constitute a spectrum of psychological conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide, imposing a significant health burden. Historically, the development of anxiolytic medications has been largely focused on neurotransmitter function and modulation. However, in recent years, neurolipids emerged as a prime target for understanding psychiatric pathogenesis and developing novel medications. Neurolipids influence various neural activities such as neurotransmission and cellular functioning, as well as maintaining cell membrane integrity. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the alterations in neurolipids associated with an anxious mental state and explore their potential as targets of novel anxiolytic medications. Existing evidence tentatively associates dysregulated neurolipid levels with the etiopathology of anxiety disorders. Notably, preclinical investigations suggest that several neurolipids, including endocannabinoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, may hold promise as potential pharmacological targets. Overall, the current literature tentatively suggests the involvement of lipids in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, hinting at potential prospects for future pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Maehashi
- Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kabir Arora
- Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andre Lara Fisher
- Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Isaac Oluwatobi Akefe
- Academy for Medical Education, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia.
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2
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Stasiulewicz A, Lesniak A, Bujalska-Zadrożny M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. Identification of Novel CB2 Ligands through Virtual Screening and In Vitro Evaluation. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1012-1027. [PMID: 36693026 PMCID: PMC9930120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is a very promising therapeutic target for a variety of potential indications. However, despite the existence of multiple high affinity CB2 ligands, none have yet been approved as a drug. Therefore, it would be beneficial to explore new chemotypes of CB2 ligands. The recent elucidation of CB2 tertiary structure allows for rational hit identification with structure-based (SB) methods. In this study, we established a virtual screening workflow based on SB techniques augmented with ligand-based ones, including molecular docking, MM-GBSA binding energy calculations, pharmacophore screening, and QSAR. We screened nearly 7 million drug-like, commercially available compounds. We selected 16 molecules for in vitro evaluation and identified two novel, selective CB2 antagonists with Ki values of 65 and 210 nM. Both compounds are structurally diverse from CB2 ligands known to date. The established virtual screening protocol may prove useful for hit identification for CB2 and similar molecular targets. The two novel CB2 ligands provide a desired starting point for future optimization and development of potential drugs.
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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,Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Lesniak
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrożny
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department
of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland,E-mail:
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3
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Leen N, de Weijer A, van Rooij S, Kennis M, Baas J, Geuze E. The Role of the Endocannabinoids 2-AG and Anandamide in Clinical Symptoms and Treatment Outcome in Veterans with PTSD. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2022; 6:24705470221107290. [PMID: 35707677 PMCID: PMC9190205 DOI: 10.1177/24705470221107290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although current treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in war veterans are effective, unfortunately 30-50% still do not benefit from these treatments. Trauma-focused therapies, eg exposure therapy, are primarily based on extinction processes in which the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that poor treatment response on trauma-focused therapy due to extinction deficits may be associated with a poorly functioning ECS. The present study examined whether the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are associated with post-treatment symptom reduction. METHODS Blood plasma levels of AEA and 2-AG were determined in war veterans with a PTSD diagnosis (n = 54) and combat controls (n = 26) before and after a 6-8 month interval. During this period veterans with PTSD received trauma-focused therapy (eg cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure or eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing). Clinical symptoms were assessed before and after therapy with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ). RESULTS Regression analysis demonstrated that pretreatment endocannabinoid levels were not predictive of PTSD symptom reduction. Additionally, baseline endocannabinoid levels did not differ between either PTSD and combat controls or between combat controls, treatment responders, and non-responders. Only cortisol levels significantly decreased over time from pre- to posttreatment (p = .041). Endocannabinoid levels were significantly lower in individuals who reported cannabis use during their lifetime, independent of PTSD diagnosis. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that pretreatment 2-AG levels in PTSD were positively correlated with anxious arousal (r = .354, p = .015) and negatively with avoidance symptoms (r = -.271, p = .048). Both posttreatment AEA and 2-AG were positively correlated with trait anxiety (AEA r = .459, p = .003; 2-AG r = .423, p = .006), anxious arousal (AEA r = .351, p = .024; 2-AG r = .311, p = .048) and general distress depression symptoms (AEA r = .414, p = .007; 2-AG r = .374, p = .016). CONCLUSION Since endocannabinoids are mainly generated 'on demand', future work could benefit by investigating endocannabinoid circulation under both baseline and stressful conditions. In line with previous research cannabis use was associated with lower endocannabinoid levels. The correlation analysis between pre- and posttreatment endocannabinoid levels and pre- and posttreatment clinical symptomatology were exploratory analysis and should be replicated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.A. Leen
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute,
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the
Netherlands
| | - A.D. de Weijer
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
| | | | - M. Kennis
- ARQ Nationaal Psychotrauma Centrum, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - J.M.P. Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute,
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the
Netherlands
| | - E. Geuze
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
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4
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Cong J, Lu K, Zou W, Li Z, Guo Z, Tong X, Zheng J, Zhu J, Li S, Zhang W, Guo Y, Gao TM, Chen R. Astroglial CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Mediate CP 55,940-Induced Conditioned Place Aversion Through Cyclooxygenase-2 Signaling in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:772549. [PMID: 34887729 PMCID: PMC8650095 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.772549] [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: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids (CBs), such as phytocannabinoids, synthetic CBs, and endogenous CBs, can be neuroprotective, rewarding, or aversive. The aversive effects of CBs may hinder their medical and recreational applications. It is unknown which type of CB receptors mediates the direct aversive effects of synthetic CB CP 55,940 which is an analog of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of marijuana. In this study, we address this question by taking the advantage of systematic type 1 CB receptor (CB1R) knockout mice and conditional reinstatement of this receptor only in astrocytes. We show that CP 55,940 at a concentration of 1 mg/kg induces conditioned place aversion (CPA) and the CPA effect of CP 55,940 is mediated by the astroglial CB1Rs. Inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) eliminates CP 55,940-induced CPA in mice that only express CB1Rs in astrocytes. These findings conclude that CPA effect of CP 55,940 is mediated by the astroglial CB1Rs through COX-2 signaling, suggesting that selective COX-2 inhibition or precise isolation of astroglial CB1R activity may be the strategy for treating aversive response of medical and recreational administrations of marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangrong Lu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziming Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Guo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangzhen Tong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Zhu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuji Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangming Zhang
- The National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwu Guo
- The National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongqing Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Hashiesh HM, Jha NK, Sharma C, Gupta PK, Jha SK, Patil CR, Goyal SN, Ojha SK. Pharmacological potential of JWH133, a cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist in neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 909:174398. [PMID: 34332924 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R) gained attention due to its ability to mitigate neuroinflammatory events without eliciting psychotropic actions, a limiting factor for the drugs targeting cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R). Therefore, ligands activating CB2R are receiving enormous importance for therapeutic targeting in numerous neurological diseases including neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders as well as traumatic injuries and neuropathic pain where neuroinflammation is a common accompaniment. Since the characterization of CB2R, many CB2R selective synthetic ligands have been developed with high selectivity and functional activity. Among numerous ligands, JWH133 has been found one of the compounds with high selectivity for CB2R. JWH133 has been reported to exhibit numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory. Recent studies have shown that JWH133 possesses potent neuroprotective properties in several neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, depression, alcoholism, psychosis, stroke, and neurodegeneration. Additionally, JWH133 showed to protect neurons from oxidative damage and inflammation, promote neuronal survival and neurogenesis, and serve as an immunomodulatory agent. The present review comprehensively examined neuropharmacological activities of JWH133 in neurological disorders including neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric using synoptic tables and elucidated pharmacological mechanisms based on reported observations. Considering the cumulative data, JWH133 appears to be a promising CB2R agonist molecule for further evaluation and it can be a prototype agent in drug discovery and development for a unique class of agents in neurotherapeutics. Further, regulatory toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies are required to determine safety and proceed for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Chandragouda R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shreesh K Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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6
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Blood endocannabinoid levels in patients with panic disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 122:104905. [PMID: 33091759 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and maintenance of anxiety disorders is not fully understood. There is consensus in the literature that in addition to genetic factors, social, psychological and neurobiological factors are of crucial importance. The present exploratory study investigates the influence of the endocannabinoids (EC) and related N-acylethanolamines (NA) on the maintenance of panic disorder (PD). METHODS A total of n = 36 PD and n = 26 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Baseline characteristics showed no differences between the two groups. The participants were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) for reliable laboratory stress induction. Blood samples were taken during the TSST by an intravenous catheter to examine the endocannabinoid (EC) stress response. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to test for main effects of time and group as well as the respective interaction. RESULTS Participants with PD consistently had significantly higher EC and NA blood levels than HC. The consistently high EC and NA levels barely showed any reactivity as indicated by a lack of statistical variance. In line with these findings no reaction to the psychosocial stressor TSST could be detected. CONCLUSION Our main results show significant differences in EC concentrations between participants with PD and HC. These findings suggest that an imbalance in the ECS contributes to the maintenance of PD. Increased endocannabinoid levels may have important implications for organic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. The limitations of the study as well as implications for further investigations are discussed.
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7
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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: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [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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8
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Jurado-Barba R, Rubio G, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Endocannabinoid System Components as Potential Biomarkers in Psychiatry. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:315. [PMID: 32395111 PMCID: PMC7197485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders leads to a lack of diagnostic precision. Therefore, the search of biomarkers is a fundamental aspect in psychiatry to reach a more personalized medicine. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has gained increasing interest due to its involvement in many different functional processes in the brain, including the regulation of emotions, motivation, and cognition. This article reviews the role of the main components of the ECS as biomarkers in certain psychiatric disorders. Studies carried out in rodents evaluating the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids (eCBs) degrading enzymes were included. Likewise, the ECS-related alterations occurring at the molecular level in animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neuropathological aspects of psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating gene or protein alterations in post-mortem brain tissue or in vivo blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed. Also, the results from neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) were included. This review shows the close involvement of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r) in stress regulation and the development of mood disorders [anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (BD)], in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders (i.e. anorexia and bulimia nervosa). On the other hand, recent results reveal the potential therapeutic action of the endocannabinoid tone manipulation by inhibition of eCBs degrading enzymes, as well as by the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) activity on anxiolytic, antidepressive, or antipsychotic associated effects. Further clinical research studies are needed; however, current evidence suggests that the components of the ECS may become promising biomarkers in psychiatry to improve, at least in part, the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Jurado-Barba
- Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Salud, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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9
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dos Anjos-Garcia T, Coimbra NC. Anandamide in the anterior hypothalamus diminishes defensive responses elicited in mice threatened by Epicrates cenchria constrictor serpents. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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10
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Cunha Silva C, Fontes MAP. Cardiovascular reactivity to emotional stress: The hidden challenge for pets in the urbanized environment. Physiol Behav 2019; 207:151-158. [PMID: 31100295 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Emotional stress is currently considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Experimental evidence clearly shows robust autonomic cardiovascular effects in animals exposed to stress stimuli. Considering the remarkable variability of stressors, the urban environment can pose a severe challenge to cardiovascular control. Interestingly, pet ownership is indicated as an efficient non-pharmacological therapy to attenuate stress effects that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the risk of cardiovascular diseases in pets themselves living in urban environment has not received attention it deserves. Here, we review the central mechanisms involved in the autonomic cardiovascular response to emotional stress. Next, we discuss experimental evidence showing the cardiovascular effects produced by emotional stressors in animals, aiming to establish a parallel with common urban stressors. Association of additional risk factors such as sedentarism, obesity and ambient temperature are also considered. Our aim is to identify and raise awareness of the risk of cardiovascular disease in pets exposed to quotidian emotional stressors present in the urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Cunha Silva
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Peliky Fontes
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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