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Guenther KG, Lin X, Xu Z, Makriyannis A, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors in primary sensory neurons are implicated in CB 2 agonist-mediated suppression of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception and sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116879. [PMID: 38850666 PMCID: PMC11209786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 agonists show therapeutic efficacy without unwanted CB1-mediated side effects. The G protein-biased CB2 receptor agonist LY2828360 attenuates the maintenance of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception in male mice and blocks development of morphine tolerance in this model. However, the cell types involved in this phenomenon are unknown and whether this therapeutic profile is observed in female mice has never been investigated. We used conditional deletion of CB2 receptors to determine the cell population(s) mediating the anti-allodynic and morphine-sparing effects of CB2 agonists. Anti-allodynic effects of structurally distinct CB2 agonists (LY2828360 and AM1710) were present in paclitaxel-treated CB2f/f mice and in mice lacking CB2 receptors in CX3CR1 expressing microglia/macrophages (CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f), but were absent in mice lacking CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f). The morphine-sparing effect of LY28282360 occurred in a sexually-dimorphic manner, being present in male, but not female, mice. LY2828360 treatment (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 12 days) blocked the development of morphine tolerance in male CB2f/f and CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f mice with established paclitaxel-induced neuropathy but was absent in male (or female) AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice. Co-administration of morphine with a low dose of LY2828360 (0.1 mg/kg per day i.p. x 6 days) reversed morphine tolerance in paclitaxel-treated male CB2f/f mice, but not AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice of either sex. LY2828360 (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 8 days) delayed, but did not prevent, the development of paclitaxel-induced mechanical or cold allodynia in either CB2f/f or CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f mice of either sex. Our findings have potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey G Guenther
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Zhili Xu
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
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Carrascosa AJ, Navarrete F, Saldaña R, García-Gutiérrez MS, Montalbán B, Navarro D, Gómez-Guijarro FM, Gasparyan A, Murcia-Sánchez E, Torregrosa AB, Pérez-Doblado P, Gutiérrez L, Manzanares J. Cannabinoid Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Management: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Reality. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6268. [PMID: 38892456 PMCID: PMC11172912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Postoperative pain (POP) is a challenging clinical phenomenon that affects the majority of surgical patients and demands effective management to mitigate adverse outcomes such as persistent pain. The primary goal of POP management is to alleviate suffering and facilitate a seamless return to normal function for the patient. Despite compelling evidence of its drawbacks, opioid analgesia remains the basis of POP treatment. Novel therapeutic approaches rely on multimodal analgesia, integrating different pharmacological strategies to optimize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The recognition of the imperative role of the endocannabinoid system in pain regulation has prompted the investigation of cannabinoid compounds as a new therapeutic avenue. Cannabinoids may serve as adjuvants, enhancing the analgesic effects of other drugs and potentially replacing or at least reducing the dependence on other long-term analgesics in pain management. This narrative review succinctly summarizes pertinent information on the molecular mechanisms, clinical therapeutic benefits, and considerations associated with the plausible use of various cannabinoid compounds in treating POP. According to the available evidence, cannabinoid compounds modulate specific molecular mechanisms intimately involved in POP. However, only two of the eleven clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of different cannabinoid interventions showed positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Carrascosa
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Raquel Saldaña
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Belinda Montalbán
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernando M. Gómez-Guijarro
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Murcia-Sánchez
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Abraham B. Torregrosa
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez-Doblado
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Luisa Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Manca A, Valz C, Chiara F, Mula J, Palermiti A, Billi M, Antonucci M, Nicolò AD, Luxardo N, Imperiale D, Vischia F, De Cori D, Cusato J, D'Avolio A. Cannabinoid levels description in a cohort of patients with chronic and neuropathic pain treated with Cannabis decoction: A possible role of TDM. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116686. [PMID: 38713939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116686] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The phytocomplex of Cannabis is made up of approximately 500 substances: terpeno-phenols metabolites, including Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, exhibit pharmacological activity. Medical Cannabis has several pharmacological potential applications, in particular in the management of chronic and neuropathic pain. In the literature, a few data are available concerning cannabis pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety. Thus, aim of the present study was the evaluation of cannabinoid pharmacokinetics in a cohort of patients, with chronic and neuropathic pain, treated with inhaled medical cannabis and decoction, as a galenic preparation. In this study, 67 patients were enrolled. Dried flower tops with different THC and CBD concentrations were used: Bedrocan® medical cannabis with THC level standardized at 19% and with a CBD level below 1%, Bediol® medical cannabis with THC and CBD level standardized at similar concentration of 6.5% and 8%, respectively. Cannabis was administered as a decoction in 47 patients and inhaled in 11 patients. The blood withdrawn was obtained before the new dose administration at the steady state and metabolites plasma concentrations were measured with an UHPLC-MS/MS method. Statistically significant differences were found in cannabinoids plasma exposure between inhaled and oral administration of medical cannabis, between male and female and cigarette smokers. For the first time, differences in cannabinoid metabolites exposures between different galenic formulations were suggested in patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring could be useful to allow for dose adjustment, but further studies in larger cohorts of patients are required in order to confirm these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Manca
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Cristina Valz
- SC Terapia del dolore - ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiara
- University of Turin, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology San Luigi A.O.U., RegioneGonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Jacopo Mula
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Alice Palermiti
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Martina Billi
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Miriam Antonucci
- SCDU Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Amedeo De Nicolò
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Nicola Luxardo
- SC Terapia del dolore - ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Flavio Vischia
- Department of Mental Health - Psychiatric Unit West, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - David De Cori
- Department of Mental Health - Psychiatric Unit West, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Jessica Cusato
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy.
| | - Antonio D'Avolio
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
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Mallick-Searle T, Adler JA. Update on Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review of Current US Guidelines with a Focus on the Most Recently Approved Management Options. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1005-1028. [PMID: 38505500 PMCID: PMC10949339 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s442595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a highly prevalent and disabling complication of diabetes that is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. The management of painful DPN involves treating its underlying cause via lifestyle modifications and intensive glucose control, targeting its pathogenesis, and providing symptomatic pain relief, thereby improving patient function and health-related quality of life. Four pharmacologic options are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat painful DPN. These include three oral medications (duloxetine, pregabalin, and tapentadol extended release) and one topical agent (capsaicin 8% topical system). More recently, the FDA approved several spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices to treat refractory painful DPN. Although not FDA-approved specifically to treat painful DPN, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentinoids, and sodium channel blockers are common first-line oral options in clinical practice. Other strategies may be used as part of individualized comprehensive pain management plans. This article provides an overview of the most recent US guidelines for managing painful DPN, with a focus on the two most recently approved treatment options (SCS and capsaicin 8% topical system), as well as evidence for using FDA-approved and guideline-supported drugs and devices. Also discussed are unmet needs for this patient population, and evidence for potential future treatments for painful DPN, including drugs with novel mechanisms of action, electrical stimulation devices, and nutraceuticals.
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Guenther KG, Lin X, Xu Z, Makriyannis A, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors in primary sensory neurons are implicated in CB 2 agonist-mediated suppression of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception and sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583426. [PMID: 38496640 PMCID: PMC10942397 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB 2 agonists show therapeutic efficacy without the unwanted side effects commonly associated with direct activation of CB 1 receptors. The G protein-biased CB 2 receptor agonist LY2828360 attenuates the maintenance of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception in male mice and blocks the development of morphine tolerance in this model. However, the specific cell types involved in this phenomenon have never been investigated and whether this therapeutic profile is observed in female mice remains poorly understood. We used conditional deletion of CB 2 receptors from specific cell populations to determine the population(s) mediating the anti-allodynic and morphine-sparing effects of CB 2 agonists. Anti-allodynic effects of structurally distinct CB 2 agonists (LY2828360 and AM1710) were present in paclitaxel-treated CB 2 f/f mice of either sex. The anti-allodynic effect of the CB 2 agonists were absent in conditional knockout (KO) mice lacking CB 2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (Advillin CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f ) but preserved in mice lacking CB 2 receptors in CX3CR1 expressing microglia/macrophages (CX3CR1 CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f ). The morphine-sparing effect of LY28282360 occurred in a sexually-dimorphic manner, being present in male mice but absent in female mice of any genotype. In mice with established paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, prior LY2828360 treatment (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 12 days) blocked the subsequent development of morphine tolerance in male CB 2 f/f mice but was absent in male (or female) Advillin CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f mice. LY2828360-induced sparing of morphine tolerance was preserved in male CX3CR1 CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f mice, but this effect was not observed in female CX3CR1 CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f mice. Similarly, co-administration of morphine with a low dose of LY2828360 (0.1 mg/kg per day i.p. x 6 days) reversed tolerance to the anti-allodynic efficacy of morphine in paclitaxel-treated male CB 2 f/f mice, but this effect was absent in female CB 2 f/f mice and Advillin CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f mice of either sex. Additionally, LY2828360 (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 8 days) delayed, but did not prevent, the development of paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in either CB 2 f/f or CX3CR1 CRE/+ ; CB 2 f/f mice of either sex. Our studies reveal that CB 2 receptors in primary sensory neurons are required for the anti-allodynic effects of CB 2 agonists in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception. We also find that CB 2 agonists acting on primary sensory neurons produce a sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance in males, but not female, paclitaxel-treated mice.
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Zeng F, Wade A, Harbert K, Patel S, Holley JS, Dehghanpuor CK, Hopwood T, Marino S, Sophocleous A, Idris AI. Classical cannabinoid receptors as target in cancer-induced bone pain: a systematic review, meta-analysis and bioinformatics validation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5782. [PMID: 38461339 PMCID: PMC10924854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56220-0] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological modulation of the classical cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors attenuate cancer-induced bone pain, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant skeletal and non-skeletal cancer studies from inception to July 28, 2022. We identified 29 animal and 35 human studies. In mice, a meta-analysis of pooled studies showed that treatment of osteolysis-bearing males with the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG (mean difference [MD] - 24.83, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] - 34.89, - 14.76, p < 0.00001) or the synthetic cannabinoid (CB) agonists ACPA, WIN55,212-2, CP55,940 (CB1/2-non-selective) and AM1241 (CB2-selective) (MD - 28.73, 95%CI - 45.43, - 12.02, p = 0.0008) are associated with significant reduction in paw withdrawal frequency. Consistently, the synthetic agonists AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal threshold (MD 0.89, 95%CI 0.79, 0.99, p < 0.00001), and ACEA (CB1-selective), AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) reduced spontaneous flinches (MD - 4.85, 95%CI - 6.74, - 2.96, p < 0. 00001) in osteolysis-bearing male mice. In rats, significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold is associated with the administration of ACEA and WIN55,212-2 (CB1/2-non-selective), JWH015 and AM1241 (CB2-selective) in osteolysis-bearing females (MD 8.18, 95%CI 6.14, 10.21, p < 0.00001), and treatment with AM1241 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal thermal latency in males (mean difference [MD]: 3.94, 95%CI 2.13, 5.75, p < 0.0001), confirming the analgesic capabilities of CB1/2 ligands in rodents. In human, treatment of cancer patients with medical cannabis (standardized MD - 0.19, 95%CI - 0.35, - 0.02, p = 0.03) and the plant-derived delta-9-THC (20 mg) (MD 3.29, CI 2.24, 4.33, p < 0.00001) or its synthetic derivative NIB (4 mg) (MD 2.55, 95%CI 1.58, 3.51, p < 0.00001) are associated with reduction in pain intensity. Bioinformatics validation of KEGG, GO and MPO pathway, function and process enrichment analysis of mouse, rat and human data revealed that CB1 and CB2 receptors are enriched in a cocktail of nociceptive and sensory perception, inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and cancer pathways. Thus, we cautiously conclude that pharmacological modulators of CB1/2 receptors show promise in the treatment of cancer-induced bone pain, however further assessment of their effects on bone pain in genetically engineered animal models and cancer patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Zeng
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Abbie Wade
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Kade Harbert
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Shrina Patel
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Joshua S Holley
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Cornelia K Dehghanpuor
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Thomas Hopwood
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), BioMed II, 238-2, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Antonia Sophocleous
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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Kinnunen K, Robayo LE, Cherup NP, Frank SI, Widerström-Noga E. A preliminary study evaluating self-reported effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuropathic pain and pain medication use in people with spinal cord injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1297223. [PMID: 38188193 PMCID: PMC10767995 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1297223] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) experience neuropathic pain, which often persists despite the use of various pharmacological treatments. Increasingly, the potential analgesic effects of cannabis and cannabinoid products have been studied; however, little research has been conducted among those with SCI-related neuropathic pain. Therefore, the primary objective of the study was to investigate the perceived effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on neuropathic pain among those who were currently or had previously used these approaches. Additionally, the study aimed to determine if common pain medications are being substituted by cannabis and cannabinoids. Participants (N = 342) were recruited from existing opt-in listserv sources within the United States. Of those, 227 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. The participants took part in an anonymous online survey regarding past and current use of cannabis and their perceived effects on neuropathic pain, including the use of pain medication. Those in the sample reported average neuropathic pain intensity scores over the past week of 6.8 ± 2.1 (0 to 10 scale), reflecting a high moderate to severe level of pain. Additionally, 87.9% noted that cannabis reduced their neuropathic pain intensity by more than 30%, and 92.3% reported that cannabis helped them to better deal with their neuropathic pain symptoms. Most participants (83.3%) also reported substituting their pain medications with cannabis, with the most substituted medication categories being opioids (47.0%), gabapentinoids (42.8%) and over-the-counter pain medications (42.2%). These preliminary results suggest that cannabis and cannabinoids may be effective in reducing neuropathic pain among those with SCI and may help to limit the need for certain pain medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Kinnunen
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Linda E. Robayo
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Cherup
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Scott I. Frank
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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8
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Albassam H, Ladin DA, Elhassanny A, Burns C, Van Dross-Anderson R. Apoptosis mechanisms induced by 15d-PMJ 2 in HCT116 colon cancer cells: insights into CHOP10/TRB3/Akt signaling. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1283677. [PMID: 38026967 PMCID: PMC10652392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1283677] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Agents that stimulate the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway are being exploited pharmacologically to induce cancer cell death. Cytotoxic ER stress is typically regulated by the transcription factor, C/EBP homologous protein 10 (CHOP10). Products of CHOP10 transcription include the pro-apoptotic proteins: ER oxidoreductase 1α (ERO1α), death receptor-5 (DR5), and tribbles-related protein 3 (TRB3). Our previous findings showed cell death induced by 15-deoxy- Δ12,14 prostamide J2 (15d-PMJ2) occurred in an ER stress-dependent manner. However, the pathway by which 15d-PMJ2 regulates ER stress-mediated death downstream of CHOP10 has not been identified. Our results demonstrate 5 µM 15d-PMJ2 increased CHOP10 expression and apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells. In cells treated with pharmacological inhibitors of ER stress, 15d-PMJ2-induced apoptosis was reliant upon the ER stress pathway. To investigate the role of CHOP10 and its transcriptional products in apoptosis, genetic deletion of CHOP10 (CHOP10-KO) was performed using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The apoptotic action of 15d-PMJ2 was blunted in cells lacking CHOP10 expression. The deletion of CHOP10 reduced the expression of DR5, ERO1α, and TRB3 although only the expression of TRB3 was significantly reduced. Therefore, we overexpressed TRB3 in CHOP10-KO cells and observed that the activation of Akt was inhibited and 15d-PMJ2-induced apoptosis was restored. Thus, a mechanism of apoptosis elicited by 15d-PMJ2 includes the stimulation of CHOP10/TRB3/Akt inhibition. Given the important role these signaling molecules play in cancer cell fate, 15d-PMJ2 may be an effective inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussam Albassam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Daniel A. Ladin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Ahmed Elhassanny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Colin Burns
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Center for Health Disparities, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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9
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Molinares D, Kurtevski S, Zhu Y. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis, Agents, General Clinical Presentation, and Treatments. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1227-1235. [PMID: 37702983 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01449-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to discuss pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Agent-specific presentation and pathophysiology is also being discussed. RECENT FINDINGS As new systemic oncological treatments continue to be developed, the number of cancer survivors continues to grow. Survivors are living longer with the long-term side effects of oncological treatments. We reviewed the pathophysiology of agent-specific chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the updates in its treatment and preventative tools. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating long-term side effect that often impairs cancer survivors' function and quality of life. The increasing life expectancy of cancer survivors has resulted in increased prevalence of this condition. Understanding its intricacies can provide physicians with better treatment tools and research opportunities to develop or identify new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Molinares
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1611 NW 12th avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Sara Kurtevski
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1611 NW 12th avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Yingrong Zhu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1611 NW 12th avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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10
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Sinclair J, Abbott J, Proudfoot A, Armour M. The Place of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Gynecological Pain. Drugs 2023; 83:1571-1579. [PMID: 37831340 PMCID: PMC10693518 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01951-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (L), a plant with an extensive history of medicinal usage across numerous cultures, has received increased attention over recent years for its therapeutic potential for gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, due at least in part to shortcomings with current management options. Despite this growing interest, cannabis inhabits an unusual position in the modern medical pharmacopoeia, being a legal medicine, legal recreational drug, and an illicit drug, depending on jurisdiction. To date, the majority of studies investigating cannabis use have found that most people are using illicit cannabis, with numerous obstacles to medical cannabis adoption having been identified, including outdated drug-driving laws, workplace drug testing policies, the cost of quality-assured medical cannabis products, a lack of cannabis education for healthcare professionals, and significant and persistent stigma. Although currently lacking robust clinical trial data, a growing evidence base of retrospective data, cohort studies, and surveys does support potential use in gynecological pain conditions, with most evidence focusing on endometriosis. Cannabis consumers report substantial reductions in pelvic pain, as well as common comorbid symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and poor sleep. Substitution effects were reported, with >50% reduction or cessation in opioid and/or non-opioid analgesics being the most common. However, a substantial minority report not disclosing cannabis consumption to their health professional. Therefore, while such deprescribing trends are potentially beneficial, the importance of medical supervision during this process is paramount given the possibility for withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jason Abbott
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Research (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Proudfoot
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand.
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11
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Sinclair J, Abbott J, Mikocka-Walus A, Ng C, Sarris J, Evans S, Armour M. "A glimmer of hope" - Perceptions, barriers, and drivers for medicinal cannabis use amongst Australian and New Zealand people with endometriosis. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2023; 4:RAF-23-0049. [PMID: 37855429 PMCID: PMC10692678 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0049] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous quantitative research has shown that cannabis use, mostly illicit, is used for symptom management amongst those with endometriosis living in Australia or New Zealand, but the drivers and barriers for use of legal, medicinal cannabis in this population are currently unclear. This study sought to investigate, via online focus-groups, the perceptions, barriers, drivers, and experiences associated with cannabis use, whether legal or illicit, amongst 37 Australians and New Zealanders, aged 18-55, with a medical diagnosis of endometriosis. Previous cannabis usage was not required to participate. Discussion topics included strategies employed to manage symptoms, exploration of current medications, previous use of cannabis for pain management, and interest in using medicinal cannabis as a management strategy. Participants with moderate to severe symptoms of medically diagnosed endometriosis reported inadequacies with their current medical and self-management strategies and were inclined to try medicinal cannabis, both as part of their medical management and as part of a clinical trial. Barriers to medicinal cannabis adoption identified in this cohort included high costs of legal cannabis products, lack of clarity and fairness in current roadside drug testing laws and workplace drug testing policies, concern over the impact of stigma affecting familial, social and workplace life domains, and subsequent judgement and the lack of education/engagement from their medical providers regarding cannabis use. Given the interest in medicinal cannabis and the reported lack of effective symptom management, clinical trials are urgently required to determine the potential role that medicinal cannabis may play in reducing the symptoms of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Research (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Sydney NSW Australia
| | | | - Cecilia Ng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Research (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Sydney NSW Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
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12
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Sokolaj E, Assareh N, Anderson K, Aubrey KR, Vaughan CW. Cannabis constituents for chronic neuropathic pain; reconciling the clinical and animal evidence. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37747128 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is a debilitating pain syndrome caused by damage to the nervous system that is poorly served by current medications. Given these problems, clinical studies have pursued extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa as alternative treatments for this condition. The vast majority of these studies have examined cannabinoids which contain the psychoactive constituent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While there have been some positive findings, meta-analyses of this clinical work indicates that this effectiveness is limited and hampered by side-effects. This review focuses on how recent preclinical studies have predicted the clinical limitations of THC-containing cannabis extracts, and importantly, point to how they might be improved. This work highlights the importance of targeting channels and receptors other than cannabinoid CB1 receptors which mediate many of the side-effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Sokolaj
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neda Assareh
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristen Anderson
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karin R Aubrey
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, Allesø M. Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2323. [PMID: 37626819 PMCID: PMC10452568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'entourage effect' term was originally coined in a pre-clinical study observing endogenous bio-inactive metabolites potentiating the activity of a bioactive endocannabinoid. As a hypothetical afterthought, this was proposed to hold general relevance to the usage of products based on Cannabis sativa L. The term was later juxtaposed to polypharmacy pertaining to full-spectrum medicinal Cannabis products exerting an overall higher effect than the single compounds. Since the emergence of the term, a discussion of its pharmacological foundation and relevance has been ongoing. Advocates suggest that the 'entourage effect' is the reason many patients experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum products. Critics state that the term is unfounded and used primarily for marketing purposes in the Cannabis industry. This scoping review aims to segregate the primary research claiming as well as disputing the existence of the 'entourage effect' from a pharmacological perspective. The literature on this topic is in its infancy. Existing pre-clinical and clinical studies are in general based on simplistic methodologies and show contradictory findings, with the clinical data mostly relying on anecdotal and real-world evidence. We propose that the 'entourage effect' is explained by traditional pharmacological terms pertaining to other plant-based medicinal products and polypharmacy in general (e.g., synergistic interactions and bioenhancement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Christensen
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Rose
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Morten Allesø
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
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14
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Chang JY, Balch C, Puccio J, Oh HS. A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:1314. [PMID: 37376614 DOI: 10.3390/v15061314] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and -2 (HSV-2) are large, spherically shaped, double-stranded DNA viruses that coevolved with Homo sapiens for over 300,000 years, having developed numerous immunoevasive mechanisms to survive the lifetime of their human host. Although in the continued absence of an acceptable prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine, approved pharmacologics (e.g., nucleoside analogs) hold benefit against viral outbreaks, while resistance and toxicity limit their universal application. Against these shortcomings, there is a long history of proven and unproven home remedies. With the breadth of purported alternative therapies, patients are exposed to risk of harm without proper information. Here, we examined the shortcomings of the current gold standard HSV therapy, acyclovir, and described several natural products that demonstrated promise in controlling HSV infection, including lemon balm, lysine, propolis, vitamin E, and zinc, while arginine, cannabis, and many other recreational drugs are detrimental. Based on this literature, we offered recommendations regarding the use of such natural products and their further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y Chang
- Ascendant Biotech Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Curt Balch
- Bioscience Advising, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
| | - Joseph Puccio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Hyung S Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Borgonetti V, Anceschi L, Brighenti V, Corsi L, Governa P, Manetti F, Pellati F, Galeotti N. Cannabidiol-rich non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. oils attenuate peripheral neuropathy symptoms by regulation of CB2-mediated microglial neuroinflammation. Phytother Res 2023; 37:1924-1937. [PMID: 36583304 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7710] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic disease that affects the normal quality of life of patients. To date, the therapies available are only symptomatic and they are unable to reduce the progression of the disease. Many studies reported the efficacy of Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) on NP, but no Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC)-free extracts have been investigated in detail for this activity so far. The principal aim of this work is to investigate the potential pain-relieving effect of innovative cannabidiol-rich non-psychotropic C. sativa oils, with a high content of terpenes (K2), compared to the same extract devoid of terpenes (K1). Oral administration of K2 (25 mg kg-1 ) induced a rapid and long-lasting relief of pain hypersensitivity in a mice model of peripheral neuropathy. In spinal cord samples, K2 reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) levels and neuroinflammatory factors. These effects were reverted by the administration of a CB2 antagonist (AM630), but not by a CB1 antagonist (AM251). Conversely, K1 showed a lower efficacy in the absence of CB1/CB2-mediated mechanisms. In LPS-stimulated murine microglial cells (BV2), K2 reduced microglia pro-inflammatory phenotype through the downregulation of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC-1) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (IKBα) and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression, an important antiinflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggested that K2 oral administration attenuated NP symptoms by reducing spinal neuroinflammation and underline the important role of the synergism between cannabinoids and terpenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa Anceschi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Virginia Brighenti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Corsi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Governa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy - Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy - Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Pellati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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16
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Fiore M, Alfieri A, Di Franco S, Petrou S, Damiani G, Pace MC. Medicinal cannabis products for the treatment of acute pain. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2670-2676. [PMID: 37214578 PMCID: PMC10198104 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i12.2670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, medicinal cannabis has been used for pain treatment, but its use for pain management is still controversial. Meta-analysis of the literature has shown contrasting results on the addition of cannabinoids to opioids compared with placebo/other active agents to reduce pain. Clinical studies are mainly focused on medicinal cannabis use in chronic pain management, for which the analgesic effect has been proven in many studies. This review focuses on the potential use of medical cannabis for acute pain management in preclinical studies, studies on healthy subjects and the few pioneering studies in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiore
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Aniello Alfieri
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Sveva Di Franco
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Stephen Petrou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Giovanni Damiani
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80138, Italy
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17
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Franzen AD, Paulsen RT, Kabeiseman EJ, Burrell BD. Heterosynaptic long-term potentiation of non-nociceptive synapses requires endocannabinoids, NMDARs, CamKII, and PKCζ. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:807-818. [PMID: 36883763 PMCID: PMC10085563 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00494.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Noxious stimuli or injury can trigger long-lasting sensitization to non-nociceptive stimuli (referred to as allodynia in mammals). Long-term potentiation (LTP) of nociceptive synapses has been shown to contribute to nociceptive sensitization (hyperalgesia) and there is even evidence of heterosynaptic spread of LTP contributing to this type of sensitization. This study will focus on how activation of nociceptors elicits heterosynaptic LTP (hetLTP) in non-nociceptive synapses. Previous studies in the medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana) have demonstrated that high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of nociceptors produces both homosynaptic LTP as well as hetLTP in non-nociceptive afferent synapses. This hetLTP involves endocannabinoid-mediated disinhibition of non-nociceptive synapses at the presynaptic level, but it is not clear if there are additional processes contributing to this synaptic potentiation. In this study, we found evidence for the involvement of postsynaptic level change and observed that postsynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) were required for this potentiation. Next, Hirudo orthologs for known LTP signaling proteins, CamKII and PKCζ, were identified based on sequences from humans, mice, and the marine mollusk Aplysia. In electrophysiological experiments, inhibitors of CamKII (AIP) and PKCζ (ZIP) were found to interfere with hetLTP. Interestingly, CamKII was found to be necessary for both induction and maintenance of hetLTP, whereas PKCζ was only necessary for maintenance. These findings show that activation of nociceptors can elicit a potentiation of non-nociceptive synapses through a process that involves both endocannabinoid-mediated disinhibition and NMDAR-initiated signaling pathways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pain-related sensitization involves increases in signaling by non-nociceptive sensory neurons. This can allow non-nociceptive afferents to have access to nociceptive circuitry. In this study, we examine a form of synaptic potentiation in which nociceptor activity elicits increases in non-nociceptive synapses. This process involves endocannabinoids, "gating" the activation of NMDA receptors, which in turn activate CamKII and PKCζ. This study provides an important link in how nociceptive stimuli can enhance non-nociceptive signaling related to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery D Franzen
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
| | - Riley T Paulsen
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
| | - Emily J Kabeiseman
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
| | - Brian D Burrell
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
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18
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Wen Y, Wang Z, Zhang R, Zhu Y, Lin G, Li R, Zhang J. The antinociceptive activity and mechanism of action of cannabigerol. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114163. [PMID: 36916438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat pain. The antinociceptive activity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) has been widely studied. However, the antinociceptive effects of other cannabis components, such as cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG), have rarely been revealed. The antinociceptive mechanism of CBG is not yet clear, so we investigated the antinociceptive effect of CBG on different pain models, and explored the mechanism of action of CBG to exert antinociceptive effects. In the current study, we compared the antinociceptive effects of CBC, CBD, and CBG on the carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain model in mice, and the results showed that CBG had a better antinociceptive effects through intraplantar administration. On this basis, we further investigated the antinociceptive effect of CBG on CIA-induced arthritis pain model and nerve pain model in mice, and found that CBG also relieved on both types of pain. Then, we explored the antinociceptive mechanism of CBG, which revealed that CBG can activate TRPV1 and desensitize it to block the transmission of pain signals. In addition, CBG can further activate CB2R, but not CB1R, to stimulate the release of β-endorphin, which greatly promotes the antinociceptive effect. Finally, the safety test results showed that CBG had no irritating effect on the rabbits' skin, and it did not induce significant biochemical and hematological changes in mice. Transdermal delivery results also indicated that CBG has certain transdermal properties. Overall, this study indicates that CBG is promising for developing a transdermal dosage for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wen
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuying Zhu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guoqiang Lin
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jiange Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Combined non-psychoactive Cannabis components cannabidiol and β-caryophyllene reduce chronic pain via CB1 interaction in a rat spinal cord injury model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282920. [PMID: 36913400 PMCID: PMC10010563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The most frequently reported use of medical marijuana is for pain relief. However, its psychoactive component Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes significant side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) and β-caryophyllene (BCP), two other cannabis constituents, possess more benign side effect profiles and are also reported to reduce neuropathic and inflammatory pain. We evaluated the analgesic potential of CBD and BCP individually and in combination in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) clip compression chronic pain model. Individually, both phytocannabinoids produced dose-dependent reduction in tactile and cold hypersensitivity in male and female rats with SCI. When co-administered at fixed ratios based on individual A50s, CBD and BCP produced enhanced dose-dependent reduction in allodynic responses with synergistic effects observed for cold hypersensitivity in both sexes and additive effects for tactile hypersensitivity in males. Antinociceptive effects of both individual and combined treatment were generally less robust in females than males. CBD:BCP co-administration also partially reduced morphine-seeking behavior in a conditioned place preference (CPP) test. Minimal cannabinoidergic side effects were observed with high doses of the combination. The antinociceptive effects of the CBD:BCP co-administration were not altered by either CB2 or μ-opioid receptor antagonist pretreatment but, were nearly completely blocked by CB1 antagonist AM251. Since neither CBD or BCP are thought to mediate antinociception via CB1 activity, these findings suggest a novel CB1 interactive mechanism between these two phytocannabinoids in the SCI pain state. Together, these findings suggest that CBD:BCP co-administration may provide a safe and effective treatment option for the management of chronic SCI pain.
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20
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Carey LM, Xu Z, Rajic G, Makriyannis A, Romero J, Hillard C, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Peripheral sensory neuron CB2 cannabinoid receptors are necessary for both CB2-mediated antinociceptive efficacy and sparing of morphine tolerance in a mouse model of anti-retroviral toxic neuropathy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106560. [PMID: 36417942 PMCID: PMC9845180 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological complication associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and anti-retroviral therapy. We characterized the impact of two CB2 cannabinoid agonists (AM1710 and LY2828360 - ligands differing in signaling bias and CNS penetration) on neuropathic nociception induced by the antiretroviral agent Zalcitabine (2',3'-dideoxycytidine; ddC). We also used a conditional knockout approach to identify cell types mediating CB2 agonist-induced antinociceptive efficacy and sparing of morphine tolerance. AM1710 and LY2828360 alleviated ddC-induced neuropathic nociception in mice of both sexes. These benefits were absent in global CB2 knockout mice, which exhibited robust morphine antinociception. Like morphine, AM1710 blunted ddC-induced increases in proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α) and chemokine (CCL2) mRNA expression levels. We generated advillinCre/+;CB2f/f conditional knockout mice to ascertain the role of CB2 localized to primary sensory neurons in CB2-mediated therapeutic effects. Antinociceptive efficacy of both AM1710 and LY2828360, but not reference analgesics, were absent in advillinCre/+;CB2f/f mice, which exhibited robust ddC-induced neuropathy. In ddC-treated CB2f/f mice, LY2828360 suppressed development of morphine tolerance and reversed established morphine tolerance, albeit with greater efficacy in male compared to female mice. LY2828360 failed to block or reverse morphine tolerance in advillinCre/+;CB2f/f mice. The present studies indicate that CB2 activation may alleviate HIV-associated antiretroviral neuropathy and identify a previously unreported mechanism through which CB2 activation produces antinociceptive efficacy. Our results also provide the first evidence that a CB2 agonist can reverse established morphine tolerance and demonstrate that CB2 localized to peripheral sensory neurons mediates the opioid tolerance sparing efficacy of CB2 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Carey
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Zhili Xu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Gabriela Rajic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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21
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Micheli L, Maggini V, Ciampi C, Gallo E, Bogani P, Fani R, Pistelli L, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L, De Leo M, Firenzuoli F. Echinacea purpurea against neuropathic pain: Alkamides versus polyphenols efficacy. Phytother Res 2022; 37:1911-1923. [PMID: 36578266 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7709] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy represents the main dose-limiting toxicity of several anticancer drugs, such as oxaliplatin, leading to chronic pain and an impairment of the quality of life. Echinacea purpurea n-hexane extract (EP4 -RE ; rich in alkamides) and butanolic extract (EP4 -RBU ; rich in polyphenols) have been characterized and tested in an in vivo model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, addressing the endocannabinoid system with alkamides and counteracting the redox imbalance with polyphenols. Thermal hypersensitivity was evaluated by the Cold Plate test. EP4 -RE showed a dose-dependent anti-hyperalgesic profile. The extract was more effective than its main constituent, dodeca-2 E,4 E,8Z,10 E/Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (18 mg kg-1 , twofold to equimolar EP4 -RE 30 mg kg-1 ), suggesting a synergy with other extract constituents. Administration of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor-selective antagonist completely blocked the anti-allodynic effect of EP4 -RE , differently from the antagonism of CB1 receptors. EP4 -RBU (30 mg kg-1 ) exhibited anti-neuropathic properties too. The effect was mainly exerted by chicoric acid, which administered alone (123 μg kg-1 , equimolar to EP4 -RBU 30 mg kg-1 ) completely reverted oxaliplatin-induced allodynia. A synergy between different polyphenols in the extract had not been highlighted. Echinacea extracts have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, through both alkamides CB2-selective activity and polyphenols protective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Referring Center for Phytotherapy, Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eugenia Gallo
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Referring Center for Phytotherapy, Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bogani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Renato Fani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Luisa Pistelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marinella De Leo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Referring Center for Phytotherapy, Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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22
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2-Arylpropionic Acid Pyrazolamides as Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Inverse Agonists Endowed with Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121519. [PMID: 36558970 PMCID: PMC9781268 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121519] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most recent proposals regarding the mechanism of action of dipyrone, the modulation of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 appears to be a promising hypothesis. In this context, the present work describes a series of five novel pyrazolamides (7-11) designed as molecular hybrids of dipyrone metabolites and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and flurbiprofen. Target compounds were obtained in good overall yields (50-80%) by classical amide coupling between 4-aminoantipyrine and arylacetic or arylpropionic acids, followed in some cases by N-methylation of the amide group. The compounds presented good physicochemical properties in addition to stability to chemical (pH 2 and 7.4) and enzymatic (plasma esterases) hydrolysis and showed medium to high gastrointestinal and BBB permeabilities in the PAMPA assay. When subjected to functional testing on CB1- or CB2-transfected cells, compounds demonstrated an inverse agonist profile on CB2 receptors and the further characterization of compound LASSBio-2265 (11) revealed moderate binding affinity to CB2 receptor (Ki = 16 µM) with an EC50 = 0.36 µM (Emax = 63%). LASSBio-2265 (11) (at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg p.o.) was investigated in the formalin test in mice and a remarkable analgesic activity in the late inflammatory phase was observed, suggesting it could be promising for the treatment of pain syndromes associated with chronic inflammatory diseases.
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23
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Ghasemi-Gojani E, Kovalchuk I, Kovalchuk O. Cannabinoids and terpenes for diabetes mellitus and its complications: from mechanisms to new therapies. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:828-849. [PMID: 36280497 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The number of people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and its complications is markedly increasing worldwide, leading to a worldwide epidemic across all age groups, from children to older adults. Diabetes is associated with premature aging. In recent years, it has been found that peripheral overactivation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and in particular cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) signaling, plays a crucial role in the progression of insulin resistance, diabetes (especially type 2), and its aging-related comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Therefore, it is suggested that peripheral blockade of CB1R may ameliorate diabetes and diabetes-related comorbidities. The use of synthetic CB1R antagonists such as rimonabant has been prohibited because of their psychiatric side effects. In contrast, phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), produced by cannabis, exhibit antagonistic activity on CB1R signaling and do not show any adverse side effects such as psychoactive effects, depression, or anxiety, thereby serving as potential candidates for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In addition to these phytocannabinoids, cannabis also produces a substantial number of other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids with therapeutic potential against insulin resistance, diabetes, and its complications. In this review, the pathogenesis of diabetes, its complications, and the potential to use cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids for its treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada.
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada.
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Bigsby S, Neapetung J, Campanucci VA. Voltage-gated sodium channels in diabetic sensory neuropathy: Function, modulation, and therapeutic potential. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:994585. [PMID: 36467605 PMCID: PMC9713017 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.994585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V ) are the main contributors to action potential generation and essential players in establishing neuronal excitability. Na V channels have been widely studied in pain pathologies, including those that develop during diabetes. Diabetic sensory neuropathy (DSN) is one of the most common complications of the disease. DSN is the result of sensory nerve damage by the hyperglycemic state, resulting in a number of debilitating symptoms that have a significant negative impact in the quality of life of diabetic patients. Among those symptoms are tingling and numbness of hands and feet, as well as exacerbated pain responses to noxious and non-noxious stimuli. DSN is also a major contributor to the development of diabetic foot, which may lead to lower limb amputations in long-term diabetic patients. Unfortunately, current treatments fail to reverse or successfully manage DSN. In the current review we provide an updated report on Na V channels including structure/function and contribution to DSN. Furthermore, we summarize current research on the therapeutic potential of targeting Na V channels in pain pathologies, including DSN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Verónica A. Campanucci
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (APP), College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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25
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Bardhi K, Coates S, Watson CJ, Lazarus P. Cannabinoids and drug metabolizing enzymes: potential for drug-drug interactions and implications for drug safety and efficacy. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1443-1460. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2148655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keti Bardhi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Shelby Coates
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Christy J.W. Watson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Philip Lazarus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
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26
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Woyach V, Sherman K, Hillard CJ, Hopp FA, Hogan QH, Dean C. Fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the dorsal periaqueductal gray attenuates neuropathic pain and associated dysautonomia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R749-R762. [PMID: 36154489 PMCID: PMC9639763 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00073.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of neuropathic pain and its associated comorbidities, including dysautonomia, make it difficult to treat. Overlap of anatomical regions and pharmacology of sympathosensory systems in the central nervous system (CNS) provide targets for novel treatment strategies. The dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is an integral component of both the descending pain modulation system and the acute stress response and is critically involved in both analgesia and the regulation of sympathetic activity. Local manipulation of the endocannabinoid signaling system holds great promise to provide analgesia without excessive adverse effects and also influence autonomic output. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increases brain concentrations of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and reduces pain-related behaviors in neuropathic pain models. Neuropathic hyperalgesia and reduced sympathetic tone are associated with increased FAAH activity in the dPAG, which suggests the hypothesis that inhibition of FAAH in the dPAG will normalize pain sensation and autonomic function in neuropathic pain. To test this hypothesis, the effects of systemic or intra-dPAG FAAH inhibition on hyperalgesia and dysautonomia developed after spared nerve injury (SNI) were assessed in male and female rats. Administration of the FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 into the dPAG reduces hyperalgesia behavior and the decrease in sympathetic tone induced by SNI. Prior administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM281, attenuated the antihyperalgesic and sympathetic effects of FAAH inhibition. No sex differences were identified. These data support an integrative role for AEA/CB1 receptor signaling in the dPAG contributing to the regulation of both hyperalgesia behavior and altered sympathetic tone in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Woyach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Katherine Sherman
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Francis A Hopp
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Caron Dean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Slivicki RA, Yi J, Brings VE, Huynh PN, Gereau RW. The cannabinoid agonist CB-13 produces peripherally mediated analgesia in mice but elicits tolerance and signs of central nervous system activity with repeated dosing. Pain 2022; 163:1603-1621. [PMID: 34961756 PMCID: PMC9281468 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB 1 ) produces analgesia in a variety of preclinical models of pain; however, engagement of central CB 1 receptors is accompanied by unwanted side effects, such as psychoactivity, tolerance, and dependence. Therefore, some efforts to develop novel analgesics have focused on targeting peripheral CB 1 receptors to circumvent central CB 1 -related side effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of acute and repeated dosing with the peripherally selective CB 1 -preferring agonist CB-13 on nociception and central CB 1 -related phenotypes in a model of inflammatory pain in mice. We also evaluated cellular mechanisms underlying CB-13-induced antinociception in vitro using cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. CB-13 reduced inflammation-induced mechanical allodynia in male and female mice in a peripheral CB 1 -receptor-dependent manner and relieved inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia. In cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, CB-13 reduced TRPV1 sensitization and neuronal hyperexcitability induced by the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E 2 , providing potential mechanistic explanations for the analgesic actions of peripheral CB 1 receptor activation. With acute dosing, phenotypes associated with central CB 1 receptor activation occurred only at a dose of CB-13 approximately 10-fold the ED 50 for reducing allodynia. Strikingly, repeated dosing resulted in both analgesic tolerance and CB 1 receptor dependence, even at a dose that did not produce central CB 1 -receptor-mediated phenotypes on acute dosing. This suggests that repeated CB-13 dosing leads to increased CNS exposure and unwanted engagement of central CB 1 receptors. Thus, caution is warranted regarding therapeutic use of CB-13 with the goal of avoiding CNS side effects. Nonetheless, the clear analgesic effect of acute peripheral CB 1 receptor activation suggests that peripherally restricted cannabinoids are a viable target for novel analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Slivicki
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jiwon Yi
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Victoria E. Brings
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Phuong Nhu Huynh
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
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28
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Buhck M, Achenbach J, Wiese B, Tran AT, Stuhrmann M, Jaeger B, Bernateck M, Schneider N, Karst M. The interplay of chronic stress and genetic traits discriminates between patients suffering from multisomatoform disorder with pain as the leading symptom and matched controls. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:466-472. [PMID: 35460735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatoform disorders and functional somatic syndromes (FSS) with symptoms that are not sufficiently explained by physical or technical examination are among the most challenging underlying causes. Many different somatoform disorders and FSS have overlapping symptoms, often with pain as the most prevalent one, leading to a high burden of disease. The concept of multisomatoform disorder (MSD) has been developed to acknowledge that fact. We analyzed a group of 151 patients and 149 matched controls to identify interactions of genetic and environmental factors with a possible influence on the development of MSD. DESIGN In a retrospective case-control study, we performed a statistical analysis on 151 patients and 149 matched controls using logistic regression and a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. RESULTS The logistic regression analysis of genes and environmental factors demonstrated significant differences in the results of the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress (TICS) questionnaire, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1800955 of the dopamine receptor D4 and the single nucleotide polymorphism rs4818 of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase between patients with MSD and healthy controls. The resulting decision tree of the CART analysis determined that the TICS questionnaire was able to differentiate patients and controls most accurately, followed by certain genotypes of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A and a single nucleotide polymorphism of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS The results of the statistical analysis identified a gene-environmental interaction possibly leading to MSD. The resulting identifiers could be used as a reference to inform diagnostic algorithms to easier identify patients suffering from MSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Buhck
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - J Achenbach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pain Medicine, Nordstadt Krankenhaus Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - B Wiese
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A T Tran
- Department of Neurology und Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Stuhrmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - B Jaeger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Bernateck
- Center for Pain Medicine Hannover, 30159 Hannover, Germany
| | - N Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Karst
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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29
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The Role of Cannabis, Cannabidiol and Other Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain. The Perspective of Physicians. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:318-333. [PMID: 34467511 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a renewed interest in treatments with medical cannabis and cannabinoids. Based on an increasing number of publications over the last decades that permitted new insights into mechanisms, efficacy and safety of cannabinoids, the use of cannabinergic medications is authorised in an increasing number of European and non-European countries. The alleviation of chronic, painful conditions is, since thousands of years, one of the primary reasons for the use of cannabis. Depending on the country, a wide range of medicinal cannabis preparations are available:ranging from defined cultivars of medical cannabis, mainly varying in their THC:CBD ratio, that are inhaled or taken as whole plant extracts,to highly purified single cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD),or mixtures of two enriched extracts, standardised to a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD (nabiximols). Although conflicting opinions continue to exist, the majority of reviews in the past concluded that medical cannabis and cannabinoids play a significant role in the management of pain. Surprisingly, systematic studies to date do not support an "entourage effect" of the other plant constituents of cannabis (mainly terpenoids) in treatment of chronic pain. An emerging cannabinoid is CBD which is the only cannabinergic medication available at present that does not cause the typical "cannabis high"; it is not a "controlled substance". However, despite years of research, there is either no study or no well-conducted, head-to-head, comparison available between different cannabis cultivars, between pure cannabinoids, and between pure cannabinoids and extracts. It remains unanswered which is the optimal treatment approach.
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30
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Lind J, Stensson N, Gerdle B, Ghafouri N. Levels of bioactive endogenous lipids and health-related quality of life in Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy. Ups J Med Sci 2022; 127:8577. [PMID: 37621890 PMCID: PMC10445423 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v127.8577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although neuropathic pain is a significant problem in polyneuropathy, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The endogenous bioactive lipids 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and stearoylethanolamide (SEA) are known to influence pain and inflammation in the peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to explore the plasma levels of endocannabinoids and related lipids and health-related quality of life in patients with polyneuropathy with and without pain. Methods Patients (n = 48) with Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Neuropathy were included. Clinical data were retrieved from medical files. All patients filled out the SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires. In addition, blood samples were analyzed for 2-AG, OEA, PEA, and SEA. Results Neuropathic pain was reported in 21 of the patients. There were significantly lower levels of 2-AG in patients with neuropathic pain (P = 0.03), but there were no significant differences in OEA (P = 0.61), PEA (P = 0.95), or SEA (P = 0.97) levels. The patients reporting pain in the hands had significantly lower SEA levels, 10.0 versus 15.0 (P = 0.03). The levels of 2-AG were significantly higher among patients reporting paresthesia in their feet (80.1 vs. 56.3; P = 0.02). Levels of PEA, SEA, and 2-AG were decreased in patients with loss of vibration. PEA and SEA were decreased in patients with loss of pain and temperature, and SEA decreased in patients with loss of sense of touch. However, the differences in the levels of bioactive endogenous lipids were not statistically significant when corrected for multiple comparisons. Conclusion Alterations of 2-AG levels between polyneuropathy patients with and without neurogenic pain indicate that it could play an essential role. Further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Lind
- Department of Neurology, Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Niclas Stensson
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nazdar Ghafouri
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Lin X, Xu Z, Carey L, Romero J, Makriyannis A, Hillard CJ, Ruggiero E, Dockum M, Houk G, Mackie K, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, Hohmann AG. A peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptor mechanism suppresses chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: evidence from a CB2 reporter mouse. Pain 2022; 163:834-851. [PMID: 35001054 PMCID: PMC8942871 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT CB2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2) are a promising therapeutic target that lacks unwanted side effects of CB1 activation. However, the cell types expressing CB2 that mediate these effects remain poorly understood. We used transgenic mice with CB2 promoter-driven expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to study cell types that express CB2 and suppress neuropathic nociception in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Structurally distinct CB2 agonists (AM1710 and LY2828360) suppressed paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in CB2EGFP reporter mice with established neuropathy. Antiallodynic effects of AM1710 were blocked by SR144528, a CB2 antagonist with limited CNS penetration. Intraplantar AM1710 administration suppressed paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception in CB2EGFP but not CB2 knockout mice, consistent with a local site of antiallodynic action. mRNA expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 were elevated in the lumbar spinal cord after intraplantar AM1710 injection along with the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha and chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. CB2EGFP, but not wildtype mice, exhibited anti-GFP immunoreactivity in the spleen. However, the anti-GFP signal was below the threshold for detection in the spinal cord and brain of either vehicle-treated or paclitaxel-treated CB2EGFP mice. EGFP fluorescence was coexpressed with CB2 immunolabeling in stratified patterns among epidermal keratinocytes. EGFP fluorescence was also expressed in dendritic cells in the dermis, Langerhans cells in the epidermis, and Merkel cells. Quantification of the EGFP signal revealed that Langerhans cells were dynamically increased in the epidermis after paclitaxel treatment. Our studies implicate CB2 expressed in previously unrecognized populations of skin cells as a potential target for suppressing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lin
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Zhili Xu
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lawrence Carey
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, College of Science, Health Sciences Entrepreneurs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | | | - Marilyn Dockum
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - George Houk
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Price RL, Charlot KV, Frieler S, Dettori JR, Oskouian R, Chapman JR. The Efficacy of Cannabis in Reducing Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Global Spine J 2022; 12:343-352. [PMID: 35128969 PMCID: PMC8907633 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211065411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To critically analyze the evidence and efficacy of cannabis to treat surgical and nonsurgical back pain via a Systematic Review. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to investigate the efficacy of cannabis to treat non-surgical and surgical back pain. A literature search was performed with MEDLINE and Embase databases. Only RCTs and prospective cohort studies with concurrent control were included in this study. Risk of bias and quality grading was assessed for each included study. RESULTS Database searches returned 1738 non-duplicated results. An initial screening excluded 1716 results. Twenty-two full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Four articles ultimately met pre-determined eligibility and were included in the study. Two studies addressed post-SCI pain while other two studies addressed low back pain. No studies specifically examined the use of cannabis for surgical back pain. The type of cannabis varied between study and included THC, dronabinol, and Nabilone. A total of 110 patients were included in the four studies reviewed. In each study, there was a quantifiable advantage of cannabis therapy for alleviating back pain. There were no serious adverse effects reported. CONCLUSIONS In all articles, cannabis was shown to be effective to treat back pain with an acceptable side effect profile. However, long-term follow up is lacking. As medicinal cannabis is being used more commonly for analgesic effect and patients are "self-prescribing" cannabis for back pain, additional studies are needed for healthcare providers to confidently recommend cannabis therapy for back pain. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Price
- Swedish Neuroscience
Institute, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St.
Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA,Richard L. Price, Swedish Neuroscience
Institute 500 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USA.
| | | | - Sven Frieler
- Swedish Neuroscience
Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Rod Oskouian
- Swedish Neuroscience
Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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D'Andre S, McAllister S, Nagi J, Giridhar KV, Ruiz-Macias E, Loprinzi C. Topical Cannabinoids for Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Case Series. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211061739. [PMID: 34841942 PMCID: PMC8646190 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211061739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and often severe side effect from many chemotherapeutic agents, with limited treatment options. There is no literature on the use of topical cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. CASE PRESENTATIONS The current manuscript presents a case series of patients presenting in oncology clinics at Sutter Health, CA and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN from April 2019 to December 2020 with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy who used topical creams containing the cannabinoids delta-nine-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). CONCLUSIONS This case series suggests that topical cannabinoids may be helpful for patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This paper also discusses the potential mechanisms of action by which topical cannabinoids might alleviate established CIPN symptoms. A randomized placebo-controlled trial using a standardized product is planned to study the actual efficacy of such treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy D'Andre
- Sutter Institute for Medical Research, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sean McAllister
- Sutter California Pacific Medical Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jasdeepa Nagi
- Sutter Institute for Medical Research, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Tait MA, Costa DSJ, Campbell R, Norman R, Schug S, Rutherford C. A Quality-of-Life Evaluation Study Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Medicinal Cannabis (the QUEST Initiative): Protocol for a Longitudinal Observational Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e32327. [PMID: 34821570 PMCID: PMC8663597 DOI: 10.2196/32327] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence supports several countries introducing legislation to allow cannabis-based medicine as an adjunctive treatment for the symptomatic relief of chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), epileptic seizures, depression, and anxiety. However, clinical trial participants do not represent the entire spectrum of disease and health status seen in patients currently accessing medicinal cannabis in practice. Objective This study aims to collect real-world data to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients prescribed medicinal cannabis oil and describe any differences over time, from before starting therapy to after 3 and 12 months of therapy. Methods Adult patients newly prescribed medicinal cannabis oil by authorized prescribers and under the Special Access Schemes across Australia will be screened for eligibility and invited to participate. A sample size of 2142 is required, with a 3-month follow-up. All participants will complete the EuroQol 5-Dimension; European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-30; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21; Patients’ Global Impression of Change; Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Form (SF) version 1.0: Sleep Disturbance 8b; and PROMIS SF Fatigue 13a questionnaires. Patients with chronic pain conditions will also complete the PROMIS SF version 1.0: Pain Intensity 3a and PROMIS SF version 1.0: Pain Interference 8a. Patients with movement disorders will also complete Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) SF version 1.0: Upper Extremity Function (Fine Motor and Activities of Daily Living) and if chorea is indicated, the Neuro-QoL SF version 2.0: Huntington’s Disease health-related Quality of LIFE-Chorea 6a. All questionnaires will be administered at baseline, 2 weeks (titration), monthly up to 3 months, and then every 2 months up to 1 year. Results Recruitment commenced in November 2020. By June 2021, 1095 patients were screened for the study by 69 physicians in centers across 6 Australian states: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Of the patients screened, 833 (39% of the target sample size) provided consent and completed baseline questionnaires. Results are expected to be published in 2022. Results of this study will show whether patient-reported outcomes improve in patients accessing prescribed medicinal cannabis from baseline to 3 months and whether any changes are maintained over a 12-month period. This study will also identify differences in improvements in patient-reported outcomes among patients with different chronic conditions (eg, chronic pain, MS, epilepsy, Parkinson disease, or cancer). Conclusions This protocol contains detailed methods that will be used across multiple sites in Australia. The findings from this study have the potential to be integral to treatment assessment and recommendations for patients with chronic pain and other health indicators for accessing medicinal cannabis. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ANZCTRN12621000063819; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380807&isReview=true International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/32327
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret-Ann Tait
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel S J Costa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Campbell
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Norman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Stephan Schug
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Claudia Rutherford
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Levine A, Liktor-Busa E, Lipinski AA, Couture S, Balasubramanian S, Aicher SA, Langlais PR, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. Sex differences in the expression of the endocannabinoid system within V1M cortex and PAG of Sprague Dawley rats. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:60. [PMID: 34749819 PMCID: PMC8577021 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several chronic pain disorders, such as migraine and fibromyalgia, have an increased prevalence in the female population. The underlying mechanisms of this sex-biased prevalence have yet to be thoroughly documented, but could be related to endogenous differences in neuromodulators in pain networks, including the endocannabinoid system. The cellular endocannabinoid system comprises the endogenous lipid signals 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and AEA (anandamide); the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them; and the cannabinoid receptors. The relative prevalence of different components of the endocannabinoid system in specific brain regions may alter responses to endogenous and exogenous ligands. METHODS Brain tissue from naïve male and estrous staged female Sprague Dawley rats was harvested from V1M cortex, periaqueductal gray, trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Tissue was analyzed for relative levels of endocannabinoid enzymes, ligands, and receptors via mass spectrometry, unlabeled quantitative proteomic analysis, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in 2-AG and AEA concentrations between males and females, as well as between female estrous cycle stages. Specifically, 2-AG concentration was lower within female PAG as compared to male PAG (*p = 0.0077); female 2-AG concentration within the PAG did not demonstrate estrous stage dependence. Immunohistochemistry followed by proteomics confirmed the prevalence of 2-AG-endocannabinoid system enzymes in the female PAG. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system in two CNS regions relevant to cortical spreading depression (V1M cortex) and descending modulatory networks in pain/anxiety (PAG). These basal differences in endogenous endocannabinoid mechanisms may facilitate the development of chronic pain conditions and may also underlie sex differences in response to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Levine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Austin A Lipinski
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sarah Couture
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Shreya Balasubramanian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sue A Aicher
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Paul R Langlais
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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Bukke VN, Archana M, Villani R, Serviddio G, Cassano T. Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Phytocannabinoids and Recreational Synthetic Cannabinoids: Increasing Risk of Public Health. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100965. [PMID: 34681189 PMCID: PMC8541640 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100965] [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: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic Cannabinoids (CBs) are a novel class of psychoactive substances that have rapidly evolved around the world with the addition of diverse structural modifications to existing molecules which produce new structural analogues that can be associated with serious adverse health effects. Synthetic CBs represent the largest class of drugs detected by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) with a total of 207 substances identified from 2008 to October 2020, and 9 compounds being reported for the first time. Synthetic CBs are sprayed on natural harmless herbs with an aim to mimic the euphoric effect of Cannabis. They are sold under different brand names including Black mamba, spice, K2, Bombay Blue, etc. As these synthetic CBs act as full agonists at the CB receptors, they are much more potent than natural Cannabis and have been increasingly associated with acute to chronic intoxications and death. Due to their potential toxicity and abuse, the US government has listed some synthetic CBs under schedule 1 classification. The present review aims to provide a focused overview of the literature concerning the development of synthetic CBs, their abuse, and potential toxicological effects including renal toxicity, respiratory depression, hyperemesis syndrome, cardiovascular effects, and a range of effects on brain function.
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Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Bryant J, Ngwa W. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9472. [PMID: 34502379 PMCID: PMC8430969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems. In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development. The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development. The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases. This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as "C. sativa L." or "medical cannabis"), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lowe
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Ngeh Toyang
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Blair Steele
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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O'Brien JB, Roman DL. Novel treatments for chronic pain: moving beyond opioids. Transl Res 2021; 234:1-19. [PMID: 33727192 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is essential that safe and effective treatment options be available to patients suffering from chronic pain. The emergence of an opioid epidemic has shaped public opinions and created stigmas surrounding the use of opioids for the management of pain. This reality, coupled with high risk of adverse effects from chronic opioid use, has led chronic pain patients and their healthcare providers to utilize nonopioid treatment approaches. In this review, we will explore a number of cellular reorganizations that are associated with the development and progression of chronic pain. We will also discuss the safety and efficacy of opioid and nonopioid treatment options for chronic pain. Finally, we will review the evidence for adenylyl cyclase type 1 (AC1) as a novel target for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B O'Brien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David L Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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Merheb D, Dib G, Zerdan MB, Nakib CE, Alame S, Assi HI. Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis and Management. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 22:49-76. [PMID: 34288840 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210720142542] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy comes in all shapes and forms and is a disorder which is found in the peripheral nervous system. It can have an acute or chronic onset depending on the multitude of pathophysiologic mechanisms involving different parts of nerve fibers. A systematic approach is highly beneficial when it comes to cost-effective diagnosis. More than 30 causes of peripheral neuropathy exist ranging from systemic and auto-immune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, viral infections, diabetes, etc. One of the major causes of peripheral neuropathy is drug induced disease, which can be split into peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or by other medications. This review deals with the latest causes of drug induced peripheral neuropathy, the population involved, the findings on physical examination and various workups needed and how to manage each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala Merheb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georgette Dib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Neurology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Clara El Nakib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Saada Alame
- Department of Pediatrics, Clemenceau Medical Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut,, Lebanon
| | - Hazem I Assi
- Department of Internal Medicine Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute American University of Beirut Medical Center Riad El Solh 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon
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Cuesta SA, Meneses L. The Role of Organic Small Molecules in Pain Management. Molecules 2021; 26:4029. [PMID: 34279369 PMCID: PMC8271912 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, a timeline starting at the willow bark and ending in the latest discoveries of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs will be discussed. Furthermore, the chemical features of the different small organic molecules that have been used in pain management will be studied. Then, the mechanism of different types of pain will be assessed, including neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and the relationship found between oxidative stress and pain. This will include obtaining insights into the cyclooxygenase action mechanism of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib and the structural difference between the two cyclooxygenase isoforms leading to a selective inhibition, the action mechanism of pregabalin and its use in chronic neuropathic pain, new theories and studies on the analgesic action mechanism of paracetamol and how changes in its structure can lead to better characteristics of this drug, and cannabinoid action mechanism in managing pain through a cannabinoid receptor mechanism. Finally, an overview of the different approaches science is taking to develop more efficient molecules for pain treatment will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián A Cuesta
- Laboratorio de Química Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 Apartado, Quito 17-01-2184, Ecuador
| | - Lorena Meneses
- Laboratorio de Química Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 Apartado, Quito 17-01-2184, Ecuador
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Aly E, Masocha W. Targeting the endocannabinoid system for management of HIV-associated neuropathic pain: A systematic review. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:109-118. [PMID: 34179865 PMCID: PMC8211923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.01.004] [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: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy can independently induce HIV-associated neuropathic pain (HIV-NP). There is a dearth of drugs or therapeutic modalities that can alleviate HIV-NP. Smoked cannabis has been reported to improve pain measures in patients with neuropathic pain. Cannabis, phytocannabinoids, and the endocannabinoids such N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), produce some of their effects via cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). Endocannabinoids are degraded by various enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu using various key words and their combinations for published papers that studied HIV-NP and cannabis, cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids up to 27th December 2020. All original research articles that evaluated the efficacy of molecules that modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) for the prevention and/or treatment of pain in HIV-NP animal models and patients with HIV-NP were included. The PubMed search produced a total of 117 articles, whereas the Google Scholar search produced a total of 9467 articles. Amongst the 13 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria 11 articles were found in both searches whereas 2 articles were found in Google Scholar only. The clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu searches produced five registered trials of which three were completed and with results. Ten preclinical studies found that the endocannabinoids (2-AG and AEA), synthetic mixed CB1R/CB2R agonist WIN 55,212-2, a CB2R-selective phytocannabinoid β-caryophyllene, synthetic CB2R-selective agonists (AM1710, JWH015, JWH133 and Gp1a, but not HU308); FAAH inhibitors (palmitoylallylamide, URB597 and PF-3845) and a drug combination of indomethacin plus minocycline, which produces its effects in a CBR-dependent manner, either prevented the development of and/or attenuated established HIV-NP. Two clinical trials demonstrated greater efficacy of smoked cannabis over placebo in alleviating HIV-NP, whereas another clinical trial demonstrated that cannabidivarin, a cannabinoid that does not activate CBRs, did not reduce HIV-NP. The available preclinical results suggest that targeting the ECS for prevention and treatment of HIV-NP is a plausible therapeutic option. Clinical evidence shows that smoked cannabis alleviates HIV-NP. Further research is needed to find out if non-psychoactive drugs that target the ECS and are delivered by other routes than smoking could be useful as treatment options for HIV-NP.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- ABHD12, α-β-hydrolase domain-containing 12
- ABHD6, α-β-hydrolase domain-containing 6
- AEA, N-arachidonoylethanolamine
- AEs, adverse effects
- Antiretroviral
- BCP, β-caryophyllene
- CB1R, cannabinoid type 1 receptor
- CB2R, cannabinoid type 2 receptor
- CBD, cannabidiol
- CBDV, cannabidivarin
- CBRs, cannabinoid receptors
- CINP, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
- CNS, central nervous system
- COX, cyclooxygenase
- Cannabinoid
- Cannabis
- DAG, diacylglycerol
- DAGL, DAG lipase
- DDS, descriptor differential scale
- DSP, distal symmetric polyneuropathy
- ECS, endocannabinoid system
- Endocannabinoid
- FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- GPCRs, G protein-coupled receptors
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- HIV-DSP, HIV-distal symmetric polyneuropathy
- HIV-NP, HIV-associated neuropathic pain
- Human immunodeficiency virus
- IPM, indomethacin plus minocycline
- L-29, palmitoylallylamide
- MAGL, monoacylglycerol lipase
- MAIDS, murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
- NAPE, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine
- NAPE-PLD, NAPE-specific phospholipase D
- NP, neuropathic pain
- NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Neuropathic pain
- OTC, over the counter
- PLWH, people living with HIV
- PNP, peripheral neuropathic pain
- RCTs, randomised clinical trials
- SAMRC, South African Medical Research Council
- TRPA, transient receptor potential ankyrin
- TRPV, transient receptor potential vanilloid
- WHO, World Health Organization
- ddC, 2′-3′-dideoxycytidine
- delta-9-THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- gp, glycoprotein
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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Schloss J, Lacey J, Sinclair J, Steel A, Sughrue M, Sibbritt D, Teo C. A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:649555. [PMID: 34094937 PMCID: PMC8176855 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.649555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabis for cancer is very topical and, given the use of illicit cannabis preparations used in this vulnerable population, research investigating standardised, quality-assured medicinal cannabis is critical to inform clinicians and assist patient safety. Methods A randomized trial involving adult patients diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, no history of substance abuse, liver or kidney damage or myocardial infarction were eligible for inclusion in a tolerability study on two different ratios of medicinal cannabis. Baseline screening of brain morphology, blood pathology, functional status, and cognition was conducted. A retrospective control group was used for comparison for secondary outcomes. Results Participants (n=88) were on average 53.3 years old. A paired t-test assessed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Brain Cancer (FACT-Br) between groups from baseline to week 12 found that the 1:1 ratio favoured both physical (p=0.025) and functional (p=0.014) capacity and improved sleep (p=0.009). Analysis of changes from baseline to week 12 also found 11% of 61 participants had a reduction in disease, 34% were stable, 16% had slight enhancement, and 10% had progressive disease. No serious adverse events occurred. Side effects included dry mouth, tiredness at night, dizziness, drowsiness. Conclusion This study demonstrated that a single nightly dose of THC-containing medicinal cannabis was safe, had no serious adverse effects and was well tolerated in patients. Medicinal cannabis significantly improved sleep, functional wellbeing, and quality of life. Clinical Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373556&isReview=true, identifier ACTRN12617001287325.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Schloss
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia.,Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Judith Lacey
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Supportive Care, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Cancer Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Clinical School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Sinclair
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Sughrue
- Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Sibbritt
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles Teo
- Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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43
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Ramírez A, Viveros JM. Brewing with
Cannabis sativa
vs.
Humulus lupulus
: a review. JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF BREWING 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jib.654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Ramírez
- University Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering University of Guadalajara Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Olímpica Guadalajara Jalisco 44430 Mexico
| | - Juan M. Viveros
- University Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering University of Guadalajara Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Olímpica Guadalajara Jalisco 44430 Mexico
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44
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Liu R, Caram-Salas NL, Li W, Wang L, Arnason JT, Harris CS. Interactions of Echinacea spp. Root Extracts and Alkylamides With the Endocannabinoid System and Peripheral Inflammatory Pain. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:651292. [PMID: 33986678 PMCID: PMC8111300 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.651292] [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: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Historical ethnobotanies of indigenous peoples of the North American prairies reveal treatment of many painful conditions by Echinacea spp. Recent evidence suggests a pharmacological basis for such use as the bioactivity of E. angustifolia and E. purpurea is mediated, in part, through activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Whereas the cannabimimetic effects of individual echinacea products and alkylamides have been described, the activity of crude extracts has not been compared between cannabinoid (CB) receptors or across species or genotypes. Moreover, few studies have explored echinacea's engagement of the ECS for historic treatments or new therapeutic applications in peripheral inflammatory pain. We hypothesized that 1) the in vitro effects of root extracts on CB receptor internalization would vary with species and phytochemistry, and that echinacea root extracts would reduce inflammatory pain in vivo through activation of the ECS. Root extracts of different E. angustifolia and E. purpurea accessions were prepared, analyzed by HPLC-DAD to quantify caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides (AKA), and tested for agonist and antagonist activities using receptor redistribution assays. Linear regression of activity relative to phytochemistry identified predictive compounds that were assessed individually in redistribution assays. Extracts were evaluated in the Hargreaves model of chronic inflammatory pain in rats with co-administration of selective CB1/2 antagonists to gauge involvement of the ECS. CB receptor agonist activity varied among accessions of both species with linear regression revealing a significant relationship between CB1 activity and AKA2 for E angustifolia, and AKA 9 + 10 for E purpurea. CB2 activity was positively related with AKA 9 + 10 and total AKAs in E. angustifolia. Four isolated AKA demonstrated agonist activity in the CB2, but not CB1, assay. In the inflammatory pain model, oral administration of either E angustifolia or E. purpurea root extract produced dose-dependent analgesic effects that were partially reversed by co-administration of CB receptor antagonists. This study demonstrates that in vitro effects of crude echinacea root extracts on CB receptors is predicted by phytochemistry. In vivo, echinacea has potential applications for peripheral inflammatory pain such as arthritis and burns, reflecting the traditional uses of Indigenous North Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nadia L Caram-Salas
- Departamento de Innovacion Biomédica, Unidad de Desarrollo y Évaluacion Preclinica de Sustancias Bioactivas, Catédra CONACYT-CICESE, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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45
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Bebee B, Taylor DM, Bourke E, Pollack K, Foster L, Ching M, Wong A. The CANBACK trial: a randomised, controlled clinical trial of oral cannabidiol for people presenting to the emergency department with acute low back pain. Med J Aust 2021; 214:370-375. [PMID: 33846971 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the analgesic efficacy and safety of single-dose oral cannabidiol (CBD) as an adjunct to standard care for patients presenting to an emergency department with acute low back pain. DESIGN Randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING The tertiary emergency department of Austin Hospital, Melbourne. PARTICIPANTS Patients who presented with acute, non-traumatic low back pain between 21 May 2018 and 13 June 2019. INTERVENTION One hundred eligible patients were randomised to receiving 400 mg CBD or placebo in addition to standard emergency department analgesic medication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain score two hours after administration of study agent, on a verbal numerical pain scale (range, 0-10). Secondary outcomes were length of stay, need for rescue analgesia, and adverse events. RESULTS The median age of the 100 participants was 47 years (IQR, 34-60 years); 44 were women. Mean pain scores at two hours were similar for the CBD (6.2 points; 95% CI, 5.5-6.9 points) and placebo groups (5.8 points; 95% CI, 5.1-6.6 points; absolute difference, -0.3 points; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.6 points). The median length of stay was 9.0 hours (IQR, 7.4-12 hours) for the CBD group and 8.5 hours (IQR, 6.5-21 hours) for the placebo group. Oxycodone use during the four hours preceding and the four hours after receiving CBD or placebo was similar for the two groups, as were reported side effects. CONCLUSION CBD was not superior to placebo as an adjunct medication for relieving acute non-traumatic low back pain in the emergency department. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618000487213 (prospective).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Taylor
- Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | | | | | - Anselm Wong
- Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.,Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
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46
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Different Cannabis sativa Extraction Methods Result in Different Biological Activities against a Colon Cancer Cell Line and Healthy Colon Cells. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10030566. [PMID: 33802757 PMCID: PMC8002592 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans, containing hundreds of bioactive compounds. The biological effects and interplay of these compounds are far from fully understood, although the plant’s therapeutic effects are beyond doubt. Extraction methods for these compounds are becoming an integral part of modern Cannabis-based medicine. Still, little is known about how different methods affect the final composition of Cannabis extracts and thus, their therapeutic effects. In this study, different extraction methods were tested, namely maceration, Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and supercritical CO2 extraction methods. The obtained extracts were evaluated for their cannabinoid content, antioxidant properties, and in vitro bioactivity on human colon cancer and healthy colon cells. Our data suggest that Cannabis extracts, when properly prepared, can significantly decrease cancer cell viability while protecting healthy cells from cytotoxic effects. However, post-processing of extracts poses a significant limitation in predicting therapeutic response based on the composition of the crude extract, as it affects not only the actual amounts of the respective cannabinoids but also their relative ratio to the primary extracts. These effects must be carefully considered in the future preparations of new therapeutic extracts.
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47
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Mitchell VA, Harley J, Casey SL, Vaughan AC, Winters BL, Vaughan CW. Oral efficacy of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a mouse neuropathic pain model. Neuropharmacology 2021; 189:108529. [PMID: 33741405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The psychoactive and non-psychoactive constituents of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have synergistic analgesic efficacy in animal models of neuropathic pain when injected systemically. However, the relevance of this preclinical synergy to clinical neuropathic pain studies is unclear because many of the latter use oral administration. We therefore examined the oral effectiveness of these phytocannabinoids and their interactions in a mouse chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. THC produced a dose-dependent reduction in mechanical and cold allodynia, but also induced side-effects with similar potency. CBD also reduced allodynia, albeit with lower potency than THC, but did not produce cannabinoid-like side-effects at any dose tested. Combination THC:CBD produced a dose-dependent reduction in allodynia, however, it displayed little to no synergy. Combination THC:CBD produced substantial, synergistic side-effects which increased with the proportion of CBD. These findings demonstrate that oral THC and CBD, alone and in combination, have analgesic efficacy in an animal neuropathic pain model. Unlike prior systemic injection studies, combination THC:CBD lacks analgesic synergy when delivered orally. Furthermore, both THC and combination THC:CBD display a relatively poor therapeutic window when delivered orally. This suggests that CBD provides a safer, albeit lower efficacy, oral treatment for nerve injury induced neuropathic pain than THC-containing preparations. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A Mitchell
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Juliette Harley
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Sherelle L Casey
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Arabella C Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Bryony L Winters
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia.
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48
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Zarabian K, Wannon A, Chin M, Kogan M. The intersection between integrative medicine and neuropathic pain: A case report. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:165-169. [PMID: 33509740 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Integrative modalities such as yoga, acupuncture, and massage are evidenced therapies for pain management. Additionally, medical cannabis and cannabinoids are emerging therapies for treatment of neuropathic pain (4,28). The authors of this study report a case of chronic neuropathic pain treated with integrative interventions. CASE PRESENTATION The patient is a 71-year-old female with a past medical history of chronic neuropathic pain in her lower back and legs, degenerative arthritis, restless leg syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and severe, chronic anxiety, presenting with worsening neuropathic pain. After over a decade of unsuccessful allopathic treatment, the patient sought out a more integrative approach to her pain management. A regimen of acupuncture, massage, gentle yoga, and medical cannabis was recommended. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to continue most of the integrative modalities and reported a significant increase in pain. The patient then joined a weekly Mind and Body program and began acupuncture treatments again, reporting a steady improvement in pain. CONCLUSION The patient's chronic neuropathic pain was effectively treated using an integrative approach, with a combination of acupuncture, massage, yoga, mind-body approaches, and medical cannabis. While this case originally presented similarly to other cases of chronic neuropathic pain, it is unique in that it demonstrates the importance of an individualized complex approach, highlighting the patient's driven engagement in integrative modalities and medical cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Zarabian
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, United States.
| | - Avi Wannon
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, United States.
| | - May Chin
- George Washington University Medical Center, United States.
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Everett TJ, Gomez DM, Hamilton LR, Oleson EB. Endocannabinoid modulation of dopamine release during reward seeking, interval timing, and avoidance. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110031. [PMID: 32663486 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are neuromodulators that influence a wide range of neural systems and behaviors. In the current review, we describe our recent research showing how eCBs, particularly 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), concurrently shape mesolimbic dopamine (DA) release and associated behavior. We will restrict our discussion by emphasizing three distinct behaviors: reward seeking, interval timing, and active avoidance. During reward seeking we find that 2-AG is necessary to observe cue-evoked DA release events that are thought to represent the value of a rewarding outcome. We then describe data showing that 2-AG modulates unique patterns of DA release and behavior observed under conditions of periodic reinforcement. These data are discussed within the context of interval timing and adjunctive behavior. eCB modulation of DA release is also implicated in defensive behavior, including the avoidance of harm. As in reward seeking, our data suggest that the concentration of DA that is evoked by a warning signal can represent the value of an avoidance outcome. And, disrupting eCB signaling concomitantly reduces the concentration of the avoidance value signal and active avoidance. Disruptions in reward seeking, interval timing, and defensive behavior are commonly observed in a variety of movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's and Huntington's disease) and disorders of motivation (e.g., addiction). We believe our data on eCB-DA interactions have implications for the development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat these disorders. Thus, we conclude by discussing how eCB pharmacology might be harnessed to treat disorders of movement and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devan M Gomez
- Psychology Department, University of Colorado Denver, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, USA
| | | | - Erik B Oleson
- Psychology Department, University of Colorado Denver, USA; Integrative Biology Department, University of Colorado Denver, USA.
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50
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Alkislar I, Miller AR, Hohmann AG, Sadaka AH, Cai X, Kulkarni P, Ferris CF. Inhaled Cannabis Suppresses Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Nociception by Decoupling the Raphe Nucleus: A Functional Imaging Study in Rats. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:479-489. [PMID: 33622657 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy of inhaled cannabis for treating pain is controversial. Effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy represents an unmet medical need. We hypothesized that cannabis reduces neuropathic pain by reducing functional coupling in the raphe nuclei. METHODS We assessed the impact of inhalation of vaporized cannabis plant (containing 10.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol/0.05% cannabidiol) or placebo cannabis on brain resting-state blood oxygen level-dependent functional connectivity and pain behavior induced by paclitaxel in rats. Rats received paclitaxel to produce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy or its vehicle. Behavioral and imaging experiments were performed after neuropathy was established and stable. Images were registered to, and analyzed using, a 3D magnetic resonance imaging rat atlas providing site-specific data on more than 168 different brain areas. RESULTS Prior to vaporization, paclitaxel produced cold allodynia. Inhaled vaporized cannabis increased cold withdrawal latencies relative to prevaporization or placebo cannabis, consistent with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced antinociception. In paclitaxel-treated rats, the midbrain serotonergic system, comprising the dorsal and median raphe, showed hyperconnectivity to cortical, brainstem, and hippocampal areas, consistent with nociceptive processing. Inhalation of vaporized cannabis uncoupled paclitaxel-induced hyperconnectivity patterns. No such changes in connectivity or cold responsiveness were observed following placebo cannabis vaporization. CONCLUSIONS Inhaled vaporized cannabis plant uncoupled brain resting-state connectivity in the raphe nuclei, normalizing paclitaxel-induced hyperconnectivity to levels observed in vehicle-treated rats. Inhaled vaporized cannabis produced antinociception in both paclitaxel- and vehicle-treated rats. Our study elucidates neural circuitry implicated in the therapeutic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and supports a role for functional imaging studies in animals in guiding indications for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilayda Alkislar
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alison R Miller
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Aymen H Sadaka
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xuezhu Cai
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Praveen Kulkarni
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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