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Chow LH, Lin PC, Chen YJ, Chen YH, Huang EYK. Yangonin, one of the kavalactones isolated from Piper methysticum G. Forst, acts through cannabinoid 1 (CB 1) receptors to induce an intrathecal anti-hyperalgesia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118394. [PMID: 38823663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Piper methysticum G. Forst (Piperaceae) is traditionally consumed in Polynesian culture. The roots are used to produce an entheogenic drink and traditional medicine with sedative and anxiolytic properties. There is also evidence that it functions as a pain reliever. Kavalactones, its main active ingredients, exhibit psychoactive effects on the central nervous system. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of kavalactones are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the effects of kavain and yangonin on nociception, inflammatory hyperalgesia, and neuropathic mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered kavain and yangonin (27.14 and 19.36 nmol/rat) via intrathecal injection. Tail-flick tests were performed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive properties. The efficacy of kavain and yangonin on inflammatory hyperalgesia was examined using a plantar test in rats with carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. The von Frey test was used to assess mechanical allodynia induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation. RESULTS Intrathecal injection of yangonin demonstrated a relatively potent anti-nociceptive effect and attenuated carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. These effects were completely reversed by the co-administration of PF 514273, a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist. However, yangonin did not affect mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. Kavain, another abundant kavalactone, did not affect nociception, hyperalgesia, or mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study demonstrated that yangonin exerts anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory hyperalgesia effects via CB1 receptors at the spinal level. We identified a single kavalactone, yangonin, extracted from kava as a promising treatment for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok-Hi Chow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, National Yung Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pin-Chen Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Hao Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Eagle Yi-Kung Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Monyela S, Kayoka PN, Ngezimana W, Nemadodzi LE. Evaluating the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Pathogenic Properties of Cannabis Species. Metabolites 2024; 14:253. [PMID: 38786730 PMCID: PMC11122914 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Cannabis species is one of the potent ancient medicinal plants acclaimed for its medicinal properties and recreational purposes. The plant parts are used and exploited all over the world for several agricultural and industrial applications. For many years Cannabis spp. has proven to present a highly diverse metabolomic profile with a pool of bioactive metabolites used for numerous pharmacological purposes ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial. Cannabis sativa has since been an extensive subject of investigation, monopolizing the research. Hence, there are fewer studies with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of bioactive metabolites grown in different environmental conditions, especially C. indica and a few other Cannabis strains. These pharmacological properties are mostly attributed to a few phytocannabinoids and some phytochemicals such as terpenoids or essential oils which have been tested for antimicrobial properties. Many other discovered compounds are yet to be tested for antimicrobial properties. These phytochemicals have a series of useful properties including anti-insecticidal, anti-acaricidal, anti-nematicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Research studies have reported excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although there has been an extensive investigation on the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis, the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis on phytopathogens and aquatic animal pathogens, mostly those affecting fish, remain under-researched. Therefore, the current review intends to investigate the existing body of research on metabolomic profile and anti-microbial properties whilst trying to expand the scope of the properties of the Cannabis plant to benefit the health of other animal species and plant crops, particularly in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadrack Monyela
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
| | - Prudence Ngalula Kayoka
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
| | - Wonder Ngezimana
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Plant and Animal Sciences and Technology, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera P.O. Box 35, Zimbabwe
| | - Lufuno Ethel Nemadodzi
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
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Aporosa S'A, Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 291:115080. [PMID: 35151837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Few studies have examined the impact of kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst. f.) on cognition when consumed at traditionally influenced volumes; most have used modified tablet-form kava, with the results erroneously overlaid on naturalistic kava consumption. Kava is a culturally significant Pacific drink with similar effects to Benzodiazepine. Traditionally influenced kava use sessions last, on average, 6 h in which attendees consume 3.6 L (7.6 pints) each of beverage kava, with some then driving home. AIM OF THE STUDY This study evaluated the impact of traditionally influenced kava consumption on participants' neurological functioning. Testing occurred before, throughout and immediately following a typical faikava (kava-drinking) session, with the data then used to assess kava's potential impacts on driver functionality and safety. METHODS Kava using participants (n = 20) were assessed with the Brain Gauge following and during a traditionally influenced kava session and compared against control (n = 19). Brain Gauge measures slight changes to six cognitive faculties: Speed, Accuracy, Temporal Order Judgement (TOJ), Timing Perception, Plasticity, and Focus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Comparisons of the within-cohort data showed a positive change in the Focus for the active group at the final testing point following 6-h of kava consumption. Between-cohort data showed a significant level of regression in the active participants' TOJ at the final testing point. No statistically significant level of impairment for the other five cognitive domains was detected. Although the results suggest that kava when consumed at traditional levels may have a slight positive effect on Focus, this result needs to be treated with caution, given the significant level of impairment noted at the final testing point for participants' TOJ. Temporal Order Judgement is associated with executive function, including decision making, behavioral control and information processing, all crucial aspects of driver safety. This is a new finding and suggests kava effects following traditional use differ from those caused by other substances commonly used for social or recreational purposes, such as cannabis, alcohol and other euphoric substances, and may impair driver safety, although again, in a different way to other commonly consumed recreational substances. The findings also add quantitative understanding to ethnographic data on kava effects, suggesting the often-used term 'kava intoxication' is misleading and incorrect.
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Affiliation(s)
- S 'Apo' Aporosa
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health and Te Kura Whatu Oho Mauri School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand.
| | - Hakau Ballard
- School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Rishi Pandey
- Forensic Specialised Analytical Services, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Mary Jane McCarthy
- Forensic Specialised Analytical Services, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Aotearoa New Zealand
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Kong L, Dong R, Huang K, Wang X, Wang D, Yue N, Wang C, Sun P, Gu J, Luo H, Liu K, Wu J, Sun H, Meng Q. Yangonin modulates lipid homeostasis, ameliorates cholestasis and cellular senescence in alcoholic liver disease via activating nuclear receptor FXR. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 90:153629. [PMID: 34304130 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a progressive disease beginning with simple steatosis but can progress to alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. The morbidity of ALD is on the rise and has been a large burden on global healthcare system. It is unfortunately that there are currently no approved therapeutic drugs against ALD. Hence, it is of utmost urgency to develop the efficacious therapies. The ability of many molecular targets against ALD is under investigation. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the ligand-activated transcription factor superfamily, has been recently demonstrated to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of ALD. PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to determine whether Yangonin (YAN), a FXR agonist previously demonstrated by us, exerts the hepatoprotective effects against ALD and further to clarify the mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. STUDY DESIGN The alcoholic liver disease model induced by Lieber-Decarli liquid diet was established with or without Yan treatment. METHODS We determined the liver to body weight ratios, the body weight, serum and hepatic biochemical indicators. The alleviation of the liver histopathological progression was evaluated by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to demonstrate YAN treatment-mediated alleviation mechanisms of ALD. RESULTS The data indicated that YAN existed hepatoprotective activity against ALD via FXR activation. YAN improved the lipid homeostasis by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis and increasing fatty acid β-oxidation and lipoprotein lipolysis through modulating the related protein. Also, YAN ameliorated ethanol-induced cholestasis via inhibiting bile acid uptake transporter Ntcp and inducing bile acid efflux transporter Bsep and Mrp2 expression. Besides, YAN improved bile acid homeostasis via inducing Sult2a1 expression and inhibiting Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1 expression. Furthermore, YAN attenuated ethanol-triggered hepatocyte damage by inhibiting cellular senescence marker P16, P21 and Hmga1 expression. Also, YAN alleviated ethanol-induced inflammation by down-regulating the inflammation-related gene IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Notably, the protective effects of YAN were cancelled by FXR siRNA in vitro and FXR antagonist GS in vivo. CONCLUSIONS YAN exerted significant hepatoprotective effects against liver injury triggered by ethanol via FXR-mediated target gene modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Kong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Renchao Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Dalong Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Nan Yue
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Pengyuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jiangning Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Haifeng Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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Dimmito MP, Stefanucci A, Della Valle A, Scioli G, Cichelli A, Mollica A. An overview on plants cannabinoids endorsed with cardiovascular effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111963. [PMID: 34332376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major causes for the reduction of the quality of life. The endocannabinoid system is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders due to its involvement in vasomotor control, cardiac contractility, blood pressure and vascular inflammation. Alteration in cannabinoid signalling can be often related to cardiotoxicity, circulatory shock, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Plants have been the major sources of medicines until modern eras in which researchers are experiencing a rediscovery of natural compounds as novel therapeutics. One of the most versatile plant is Cannabis sativa L., containing phytocannabinoids that may play a role in the treatment of CVDs. The aim of this review is to collect and investigate several less studied plants rich in cannabinoid-like active compounds able to interact with cannabinoid system; these plants may play a pivotal role in the treatment of disorders related to the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Endocannabinoid System and Its Regulation by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Full Spectrum Hemp Oils. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115479. [PMID: 34067450 PMCID: PMC8196941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes that play a critical homeostatic role in modulating polyunsaturated omega fatty acid (PUFA) signaling to maintain a balanced inflammatory and redox state. Whole food-based diets and dietary interventions linked to PUFAs of animal (fish, calamari, krill) or plant (hemp, flax, walnut, algae) origin, as well as full-spectrum hemp oils, are increasingly used to support the ECS tone, promote healthy metabolism, improve risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders, encourage brain health and emotional well-being, and ameliorate inflammation. While hemp cannabinoids of THC and CBD groups show distinct but complementary actions through a variety of cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2), adenosine (A2A), and vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors, they also modulate PUFA metabolism within a wide variety of specialized lipid mediators that promote or resolve inflammation and oxidative stress. Clinical evidence reviewed in this study links PUFAs and cannabinoids to changes in ECS tone, immune function, metabolic and oxidative stress adaptation, and overall maintenance of a well-balanced systemic function of the body. Understanding how the body coordinates signals from the exogenous and endogenous ECS modulators is critical for discerning the underlying molecular mechanisms of the ECS tone in healthy and disease states. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions represent promising approaches to address chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders that may overlap in the population at risk. Further investigation and validation of dietary interventions that modulate the ECS are required in order to devise clinically successful second-generation management strategies.
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Krum BN, Molz de Freitas C, Chiapinotto Ceretta AP, Barbosa CP, de Moraes Reis E, Scussel R, da Silva Córneo E, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Boligon AA, Fachinetto R. Kava decreases the stereotyped behavior induced by amphetamine in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 265:113293. [PMID: 32841698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kava extract (Piper methysticum) is a phytotherapic mainly used for the treatment of anxiety. Although the reported effects of Kava drinking improving psychotic symptoms of patients when it was introduced to relieve anxiety in aboriginal communities, its effects on models of psychosis-like symptoms are not investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effects of Kava extract on behavioral changes induced by amphetamine (AMPH) and its possible relation with alterations in monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice received vehicle or Kava extract by gavage and, 2 h after vehicle or AMPH intraperitoneally. Twenty-five minutes after AMPH administration, behavioral (elevated plus maze, open field, stereotyped behavior, social interaction and Y maze) and biochemical tests (MAO-A and MAO-B activity in cortex, hippocampus and striatum) were sequentially evaluated. RESULTS Kava extract exhibited anxiolytic effects in plus maze test, increased the locomotor activity of mice in open field test and decreased MAO-A (in cortex) and MAO-B (in hippocampus) activity of mice. Kava extract prevented the effects of AMPH on stereotyped behavior and, the association between Kava/AMPH increased the number of entries into arms in Y maze test as well as MAO-B activity in striatum. However, Kava extract did not prevent hyperlocomotion induced by AMPH in open field test. The social interaction was not modified by Kava extract and/or AMPH. CONCLUSION The results showed that Kava extract decreased the stereotyped behavior induced by AMPH at the same dose that promotes anxiolytic effects, which could be useful to minimize the psychotic symptoms in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Nunes Krum
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Catiuscia Molz de Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | | | - Caroline Pilecco Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Elizete de Moraes Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rahisa Scussel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
| | - Emily da Silva Córneo
- Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Augusti Boligon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Roselei Fachinetto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Dong R, Wang X, Wang L, Wang C, Huang K, Fu T, Liu K, Wu J, Sun H, Meng Q. Yangonin inhibits ethanol-induced hepatocyte senescence via miR-194/FXR axis. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 890:173653. [PMID: 33068587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic alcohol assumption has been recognized as a major cause of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which ranges from alcoholic steatohepatitis to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Alcoholic liver disease has become the leading cause of liver-related health problem in the world. Herewith, effective therapeutic strategy for alcoholic liver disease is necessary. Yangonin (Yan), a bioactive compound extract from Kava, has been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects via Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation. The present study aims to investigate whether Yan ameliorated the ethanol-stimulated liver injury and further to elucidate the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Yan improved cell viabilities via cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) methods and obviously reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) levels. We detected miR-194 levels in ethanol-induced LO2 cells and male C57BL/6 mice by quantitative real-time PCR. Also, the effects of miR-194 on modulating cellular senescence via targeting FXR were further verified. The cellular senescence markers p16, p21, telomerase activity and senescence-related β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. Also, LO2 cells or liver tissues were stained with special primary antibodies and 4',6'-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. We observed that Yan significantly inhibited ethanol-induced cellular senescence via FXR activation (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that Yan significantly reduced the cellular markers p16, p21 and Hmga1 expression and inhibited the cell cycle arrest (P < 0.05). MiR-194 was upregulated in the alcoholic liver disease, which was significantly suppressed by Yan (P < 0.05). Moreover, miR-194 mimic inhibited FXR expression in vitro. In summary, these aggregated data demonstrate that Yan alleviates chronic ethanol-induced liver injury through inhibition of cellular senescence via regulating miR-194/FXR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renchao Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Pharmacy Department of Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Bian T, Corral P, Wang Y, Botello J, Kingston R, Daniels T, Salloum RG, Johnston E, Huo Z, Lu J, Liu AC, Xing C. Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3044. [PMID: 33027883 PMCID: PMC7600512 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kava beverages are typically prepared from the root of Piper methysticum. They have been consumed among Pacific Islanders for centuries. Kava extract preparations were once used as herbal drugs to treat anxiety in Europe. Kava is also marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is gaining popularity as a recreational drink in Western countries. Recent studies suggest that kava and its key phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, in addition to the well-documented neurological benefits. While its beneficial effects are widely recognized, rare hepatotoxicity had been associated with use of certain kava preparations, but there are no validations nor consistent mechanisms. Major challenges lie in the diversity of kava products and the lack of standardization, which has produced an unmet need for quality initiatives. This review aims to provide the scientific community and consumers, as well as regulatory agencies, with a broad overview on kava use and its related research. We first provide a historical background for its different uses and then discuss the current state of the research, including its chemical composition, possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory and neurological conditions, as well as cancer. We then discuss the challenges associated with kava use and research, focusing on the need for the detailed characterization of kava components and associated risks such as its reported hepatotoxicity. Lastly, given its growing popularity in clinical and recreational use, we emphasize the urgent need for quality control and quality assurance of kava products, pharmacokinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and foundational pharmacology. These are essential in order to inform research into the molecular targets, cellular mechanisms, and creative use of early stage human clinical trials for designer kava modalities to inform and guide the design and execution of future randomized placebo controlled trials to maximize kava's clinical efficacy and to minimize its risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.B.); (P.C.); (Y.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Pedro Corral
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.B.); (P.C.); (Y.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Yuzhi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.B.); (P.C.); (Y.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Jordy Botello
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.B.); (P.C.); (Y.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Rick Kingston
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Tyler Daniels
- Thorne Research Inc., Industrial Road, 620 Omni Dr, Summerville, SC 29483, USA;
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcome & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Edward Johnston
- The Association for Hawaiian Awa (kava), Pepe’ekeo, HI 96783, USA;
| | - Zhiguang Huo
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Junxuan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Andrew C. Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.B.); (P.C.); (Y.W.); (J.B.)
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Tauchen J, Huml L, Rimpelova S, Jurášek M. Flavonoids and Related Members of the Aromatic Polyketide Group in Human Health and Disease: Do They Really Work? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173846. [PMID: 32847100 PMCID: PMC7504053 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Some aromatic polyketides such as dietary flavonoids have gained reputation as miraculous molecules with preeminent beneficial effects on human health, for example, as antioxidants. However, there is little conclusive evidence that dietary flavonoids provide significant leads for developing more effective drugs, as the majority appears to be of negligible medicinal importance. Some aromatic polyketides of limited distribution have shown more interesting medicinal properties and additional research should be focused on them. Combretastatins, analogues of phenoxodiol, hepatoactive kavalactones, and silymarin are showing a considerable promise in the advanced phases of clinical trials for the treatment of various pathologies. If their limitations such as adverse side effects, poor water solubility, and oral inactivity are successfully eliminated, they might be prime candidates for the development of more effective and in some case safer drugs. This review highlights some of the newer compounds, where they are in the new drug pipeline and how researchers are searching for additional likely candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, 165 00 Praha, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-862-891
| | - Lukáš Huml
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Silvie Rimpelova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (M.J.)
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Tauchen J. Natural Products and their (Semi-)Synthetic Forms in the Treatment of Migraine: History and Current Status. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3784-3808. [PMID: 30686246 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190125155947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine may be described as a headache with moderate to extreme pain that is often accompanied by incapacitating neurological symptoms. It is estimated that 12% of the world population suffers from migraine. Although a number of drugs have been used for treatment of migraine, most of these are not effective for every patient and may have undesirable side-effects. Thus, there is an enormous unmet need in current migraine therapy for discovering safer and more effective agents. METHODS The information summarized in this review was obtained through extensive literature review and search of relevant books and articles with the use of Web of Knowledge and SciVerse Scopus databases. RESULTS Greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the etiopathogenesis of migraine is helpful in identifying novel targets for antimigraine drugs such as cannabinoid, histamine, and melatonin receptors. In the past, natural product-derived constituents have served as an invaluable source of numerous medicinally useful antimigraine agents and it may be expected that further promising drug candidates from natural products will be discovered for antimigraine pharmacotherapy with better efficacy and fewer adverse-effects. CONCLUSION The discovery of novel targets in migraine therapy has opened new horizons for compounds that have not been clinically tested or that previously failed in clinical trials as potential antimigraine drugs. Ginkgolide B, melatonin, histamine, oxytocin, various ribosomal peptide toxins, kavalactones, devil's claw-derived compounds, salvinorin A and petasin are among those agents that show considerable promise as novel drugs in migraine prevention and treatment. It is necessary to conduct more research to better understand their antimigraine action, to confirm their effectiveness and safety, and to introduce them into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Synthetic Kavalactone Analogues with Increased Potency and Selective Anthelmintic Activity against Larvae of Haemonchus contortus In Vitro. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25082004. [PMID: 32344703 PMCID: PMC7221733 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25082004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Kava extract, an aqueous rhizome emulsion of the plant Piper methysticum, has been used for centuries by Pacific Islanders as a ceremonial beverage, and has been sold as an anxiolytic agent for some decades. Kavalactones are a major constituent of kava extract. In a previous investigation, we had identified three kavalactones that inhibit larval development of Haemonchus contortus in an in vitro-bioassay. In the present study, we synthesized two kavalactones, desmethoxyyangonin and yangonin, as well as 17 analogues thereof, and evaluated their anthelmintic activities using the same bioassay as employed previously. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies showed that a 4-substituent on the pendant aryl ring was required for activity. In particular, compounds with 4-trifluoromethoxy, 4-difluoromethoxy, 4-phenoxy, and 4-N-morpholine substitutions had anthelmintic activities (IC50 values in the range of 1.9 to 8.9 µM) that were greater than either of the parent natural products-desmethoxyyangonin (IC50 of 37.1 µM) and yangonin (IC50 of 15.0 µM). The synthesized analogues did not exhibit toxicity on HepG2 human hepatoma cells in vitro at concentrations of up to 40 µM. These findings confirm the previously-identified kavalactone scaffold as a promising chemotype for new anthelmintics and provide a basis for a detailed SAR investigation focused on developing a novel anthelmintic agent.
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Aporosa AS, Atkins M, Brunton R. Kava drinking in traditional settings: Towards understanding effects on cognitive function. Hum Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:e2725. [PMID: 32064691 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kava drinking is a tradition among Pacific Island people, although growing in popularity with other ethnicities. However, drinking substantial quantities of kava has raised concerns regarding physical manifestations of slow response and lack of precision in bodily control. These impairments can have significant consequences when after consuming large volumes of kava an individual makes a choice to drive. AIMS The objective of this study was to measure selected cognitive functions following high traditionally consumed kava volumes (greater than 2,000 mg of kavalactones) aimed at identifying potential risks for kava drink-drivers. METHODS The reaction and divided attention of 20 control participants was assessed against 20 active kava-drinking participants during and following a 6-hr kava session in a "naturalised" setting. Assessment measures were drawn from Vienna Test System-Traffic's test battery. RESULTS/OUTCOMES Results showed no statistical significant difference between control and active participants at any measurement point over a 6-hr testing period regardless that the movements and speech of the active participants were observed to slow as the test session and kava consumption progressed. CONCLUSION Inconsistencies between test results and observations during testing and by road policing officers demonstrate an urgent need for more research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apo S Aporosa
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Martin Atkins
- School of Engineering, The Faculty of Science & Engineering, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Richard Brunton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Hegazy NH, Breitinger HG, Breitinger U. Kavalactones from Kava (Piper methysticum) root extract as modulators of recombinant human glycine receptors. Biol Chem 2020; 400:1205-1215. [PMID: 31141476 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Roots of kava (Piper methysticum) plant are used in almost all Pacific Ocean cultures to prepare a drink with sedative, anesthetic and euphoric properties. One of the main active ingredients of the extract are kava lactones. Here, kava root CO2 extract and three kavalactones, DL-kavain, dihydrokavain and yangonin (isolated from whole extract by column chromatography) were tested for their inhibitory action on recombinant homomeric human α1 glycine receptors expressed in HEK293 cells. Kava CO2 root extract, as well as the individual components DL-kavain, dihydrokavain and yangonin inhibited glycine receptor activity in a dose-dependent manner. DL-kavain was the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 0.077 ± 0.002 mm), followed by yangonin (IC50 = 0.31 ± 0.04 mm) and dihydrokavain (IC50 = 3.23 ± 0.10 mm) which were 4- and 40-fold less active than DL-kavain, respectively. Application of kava root extract did not reduce maximum currents, but increased EC50 of glycine. Simultaneous application of kava extract and strychnine showed additive inhibition, suggesting that binding of kavalactones and strychnine on the receptor is mutually exclusive. Overall, kavalactones exert a moderate inhibitory effect on the human α1 glycine receptor with DL-kavain being the most potent constituent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Hany Hegazy
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hans-Georg Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Volgin A, Yang L, Amstislavskaya T, Demin K, Wang D, Yan D, Wang J, Wang M, Alpyshov E, Hu G, Serikuly N, Shevyrin V, Wappler-Guzzetta E, de Abreu M, Kalueff A. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Kava. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3893-3904. [PMID: 31904216 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Kava (kava kava, Piper methysticum) is a common drug-containing plant in the Pacific islands. Kavalactones, its psychoactive compounds, exert potent central nervous system (CNS) action clinically and in animal models. However, the exact pharmacological profiles and mechanisms of action of kava on the brain and behavior remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss clinical and experimental data on kava psychopharmacology and summarize chemistry and synthesis of kavalactones. We also review its societal impact, drug use and abuse potential, and future perspectives on translational kava research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Volgin
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - LongEn Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Tamara Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Konstantin Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 194156, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Dongmei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Dongni Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Jingtao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Erik Alpyshov
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Guojun Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Nazar Serikuly
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, Louisiana 70458, United States
| | | | - Edina Wappler-Guzzetta
- Department of Pathology, Loma Linda University Medical Center and School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, United States
| | - Murilo de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Allan Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
- Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg 197758, Russia
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Petrosino S, Schiano Moriello A, Verde R, Allarà M, Imperatore R, Ligresti A, Mahmoud AM, Peritore AF, Iannotti FA, Di Marzo V. Palmitoylethanolamide counteracts substance P-induced mast cell activation in vitro by stimulating diacylglycerol lipase activity. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:274. [PMID: 31878942 PMCID: PMC6933707 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a pleiotropic endogenous lipid mediator currently used as a "dietary food for special medical purposes" against neuropathic pain and neuro-inflammatory conditions. Several mechanisms underlie PEA actions, among which the "entourage" effect, consisting of PEA potentiation of endocannabinoid signaling at either cannabinoid receptors or transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels. Here, we report novel molecular mechanisms through which PEA controls mast cell degranulation and substance P (SP)-induced histamine release in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, a mast cell model. METHODS RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with SP were treated with PEA in the presence and absence of a cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor antagonist (AM630), or a diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) enzyme inhibitor (OMDM188) to inhibit the biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The release of histamine was measured by ELISA and β-hexosaminidase release and toluidine blue staining were used as indices of degranulation. 2-AG levels were measured by LC-MS. The mRNA expression of proposed PEA targets (Cnr1, Cnr2, Trpv1, Ppara and Gpr55), and of PEA and endocannabinoid biosynthetic (Napepld, Dagla and Daglb) and catabolic (Faah, Naaa and Mgl) enzymes were also measured. The effects of PEA on the activity of DAGL-α or -β enzymes were assessed in COS-7 cells overexpressing the human recombinant enzyme or in RBL-2H3 cells, respectively. RESULTS SP increased the number of degranulated RBL-2H3 cells and triggered the release of histamine. PEA counteracted these effects in a manner antagonized by AM630. PEA concomitantly increased the levels of 2-AG in SP-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, and this effect was reversed by OMDM188. PEA significantly stimulated DAGL-α and -β activity and, consequently, 2-AG biosynthesis in cell-free systems. Co-treatment with PEA and 2-AG at per se ineffective concentrations downmodulated SP-induced release of histamine and degranulation, and this effect was reversed by OMDM188. CONCLUSIONS Activation of CB2 underlies the inhibitory effects on SP-induced RBL-2H3 cell degranulation by PEA alone. We demonstrate for the first time that the effects in RBL-2H3 cells of PEA are due to the stimulation of 2-AG biosynthesis by DAGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy.
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy
| | - Roberta Imperatore
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Ali Mokhtar Mahmoud
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, Canada.
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Hepatoprotection of yangonin against hepatic fibrosis in mice via farnesoid X receptor activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105833. [PMID: 31450152 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible would-healing response following chronic liver injury of different aetiologies and represents a major worldwide health problem. Up to date, there is no satisfactory drugs treated for liver fibrosis. The present study was to investigate hepatoprotection of yangonin against liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in mice and further to clarify the involvement of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in vivo and in vitro. Yangonin treatment remarkably ameliorated TAA-induced liver injury by reducing relative liver weight, as well as serum ALT and AST activities. Moreover, yangonin alleviated TAA-induced accumulation of bile acids through increasing the expression of bile acid efflux transporters such as Bsep and Mrp2, and reducing hepatic uptake transporter Ntcp expression, all of these are FXR-target genes. The liver sections stained by H&E indicated that the histopathological change induced by TAA was improved by yangonin. Masson and Sirius red staining indicated the obvious anti-fibrotic effect of yangonin. The mechanism of anti-fibrotic effect of yangonin was that yangonin reduced collagen content by regulating the genes involved in hepatic fibrosis including COL1-α1 and TIMP-1. Besides, yangonin inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation by reducing TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression. In addition, yangonin protected against TAA-induced hepatic inflammation via its inhibition of NF-κB and TNF-α. These hepatoprotective effects of yangonin were abrogated by guggulsterone which is a FXR antagonist. In vitro experiment further demonstrated dose-dependent activation of FXR by yangonin using dual-luciferase reporter assay. In summary, yangonin produces hepatoprotection against TAA-induced liver fibrosis via FXR activation.
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Dong R, Wang J, Gao X, Wang C, Liu K, Wu J, Liu Z, Sun H, Ma X, Meng Q. Yangonin protects against estrogen–induced cholestasis in a farnesoid X receptor-dependent manner. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 857:172461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Berry J, Gilbert A, Grodnitzky J. Cases of Kava Impairment in Iowa Drivers. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1943-1949. [PMID: 31305953 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Kava is an Oceanic plant in which the root is consumed as a beverage and is becoming increasingly popular. The effects of kava consumption may include sedation, euphoria, and impairment of motor coordination. This article demonstrates kava impairment through four cases of self-reported kava use supported with Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations of each subject. Subject's urines screened negative for common drugs of abuse by immunoassay analysis. Urine from cases 3 and 4 were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which yielded the presence of kavalactones. Subjects exhibited poor driving behavior and signs of intoxication. Indicators of impairment from multiple drug categories, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, CNS stimulants, and cannabis were observed, which may be consistent with the presence of multiple kavalactones and their diverse array of mechanisms of action. The consumption of kava can hinder one's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Berry
- Criminalistics Laboratory, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations, 2240 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, 50023
| | | | - Justin Grodnitzky
- Criminalistics Laboratory, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations, 2240 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, 50023
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Kumar A, Premoli M, Aria F, Bonini SA, Maccarinelli G, Gianoncelli A, Memo M, Mastinu A. Cannabimimetic plants: are they new cannabinoidergic modulators? PLANTA 2019; 249:1681-1694. [PMID: 30877436 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemicals and secondary metabolites able to interact with the endocannabinoid system (Cannabimimetics) have been recently described in a broad range of plants and fruits. These findings can open new alternative avenues to explore for the development of novel therapeutic compounds. The cannabinoids regulate many physiological and pathological functions in both animals and plants. Cannabis sativa is the main plant that produces phytocannabinoids inside resins capable to defend the plant from the aggression of parasites and herbivores. Animals produce anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, which thanks to binding with main receptors such as type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and the type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) are involved in inflammation processes and several brain functions. Endogenous cannabinoids, enzymes for synthesis and degradation of cannabinoids, and CB1R and CB2R constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Other plants can produce cannabinoid-like molecules such as perrottetinene extracted from Radula perrottetii, or anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol extracted from some bryophytes. Moreover, several other secondary metabolites can also interact with the ECS of animals and take the name of cannabimimetics. These phytoextracts not derived from Cannabis sativa can act as receptor agonists or antagonist, or enzyme inhibitors of ECS and can be involved in the inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer, and neuroprotection. Finally, given the evolutionary heterogeneity of the cannabimimetic plants, some authors speculated on the fascinating thesis of the evolutionary convergence between plants and animals regarding biological functions of ECS. The review aims to provide a critical and complete assessment of the botanical, chemical and therapeutic aspects of cannabimimetic plants to evaluate their spread in the world and medicinal potentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marika Premoli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy.
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Dong R, Yang X, Wang C, Liu K, Liu Z, Ma X, Sun H, Huo X, Fu T, Meng Q. Yangonin protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through farnesoid X receptor. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 53:134-142. [PMID: 30668392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently evolving as the most common liver disease worldwide. Dyslipidemia, pathoglycemia and insulin resistance are the major risk factors for the development of NAFLD. To date, no effective drug therapies for this condition have been approved. PURPOSE The present study was to investigate the protective effects of yangonin, a kavalactone isolated from Kava, against NAFLD and further elucidate the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN A high-fat diet (HFD) induced mouse NAFLD model was used with or without yangonin treatment. METHODS The body weight, relative liver weight and serum biochemical indicators were measured. H&E and Oil Red O staining were used to identify the amelioration of the liver histopathological changes. Serum and hepatic triglyceride, free fatty acids and total cholesterol were analyzed. siRNA, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to clarify the mechanisms underlying yangonin protection. RESULTS Yangonin had obvious protective effects against NAFLD via farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation. Through FXR activation, yangonin attenuated lipid accumulation in the liver via inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis-related protein including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). Besides, yangonin promoted lipid metabolism through an induction in genes required for lipoprotein lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation. Furthermore, yangonin modulated blood glucose homeostasis through regulation of gluconeogenesis-related gene phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), and glycogen synthesis-related gene glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDase). Also, yangonin increased insulin sensitivity through upregulating phosphorylation of insulin responsive substrate 1, 2 (IRS-1 and IRS-2). Then, in vivo and in vitro evidence further demonstrated the involvement of FXR activation in yangonin hepatoprotection. CONCLUSIONS Yangonin protects against NAFLD due to its activation of FXR signalling to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, and to promote lipid metabolism and glycogen synthesis, as well as insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renchao Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaokui Huo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Pharmacy Department of Affiliated Zhongshan hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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Herath HMPD, Preston S, Jabbar A, Garcia-Bustos J, Addison RS, Hayes S, Rali T, Wang T, Koehler AV, Chang BCH, Hofmann A, Davis RA, Gasser RB. Selected α-pyrones from the plants Cryptocarya novoguineensis (Lauraceae) and Piper methysticum (Piperaceae) with activity against Haemonchus contortus in vitro. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 9:72-79. [PMID: 30739078 PMCID: PMC6369141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to the widespread occurrence and spread of anthelmintic resistance, there is a need to develop new drugs against resistant parasitic nematodes of livestock animals. The Nobel Prize-winning discovery and development of the anti-parasitic drugs avermectin and artemisinin has renewed the interest in exploring natural products as anthelmintics. In the present study, we screened 7500 plant extracts for in vitro-activity against the barber's pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, a highly significant pathogen of ruminants. The anthelmintic extracts from two plants, Cryptocarya novoguineensis and Piper methysticum, were fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, compounds were purified from fractions with significant biological activity. Four α-pyrones, namely goniothalamin (GNT), dihydrokavain (DHK), desmethoxyyangonin (DMY) and yangonin (YGN), were purified from fractions from the two plants, GNT from C. novoguineensis, and DHK, DMY and YGN (= kavalactones) from P. methysticum. The three kavalactones induced a lethal, eviscerated (Evi) phenotype in treated exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s), and DMY and YGN had moderate potencies (IC50 values of 31.7 ± 0.23 μM and 23.7 ± 2.05 μM, respectively) at inhibiting the development of xL3s to fourth-stage larvae (L4s). Although GNT had limited potency (IC50 of 200–300 μM) at inhibiting L4 development, it was the only compound that reduced L4 motility (IC50 of 6.25–12.50 μM). The compounds purified from each plant affected H. contortus in an irreversible manner. These findings suggest that structure-activity relationship studies of α-pyrones should be pursued to assess their potential as anthelmintics. 7500 plant extracts were screened against Haemonchus for anthelmintic activity. Three of these extracts were potent inhibitors of larval motility and/or development. Pure α-pyrones isolated from active fractions exhibited significant nematocidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M P Dilrukshi Herath
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria 3350, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jose Garcia-Bustos
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Russell S Addison
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Sasha Hayes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Topul Rali
- School of Natural & Physical Sciences, The University of Papua New Guinea, PO Box 320, University 134, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
| | - Tao Wang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Lin X, Duan X, Jacobs C, Ullmann J, Chan CY, Chen S, Cheng SH, Zhao WN, Poduri A, Wang X, Haggarty SJ, Shi P. High-throughput brain activity mapping and machine learning as a foundation for systems neuropharmacology. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5142. [PMID: 30510233 PMCID: PMC6277389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies for mapping the spatial and temporal patterns of neural activity have advanced our understanding of brain function in both health and disease. An important application of these technologies is the discovery of next-generation neurotherapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe an in vivo drug screening strategy that combines high-throughput technology to generate large-scale brain activity maps (BAMs) with machine learning for predictive analysis. This platform enables evaluation of compounds’ mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic uses based on information-rich BAMs derived from drug-treated zebrafish larvae. From a screen of clinically used drugs, we found intrinsically coherent drug clusters that are associated with known therapeutic categories. Using BAM-based clusters as a functional classifier, we identify anti-seizure-like drug leads from non-clinical compounds and validate their therapeutic effects in the pentylenetetrazole zebrafish seizure model. Collectively, this study provides a framework to advance the field of systems neuropharmacology. A major goal in neuropharmacology is to develop new tools to effectively test the therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. Here, authors present an in vivo drug screening system that generates large-scale brain activity maps to be used with machine learning to predict the therapeutic potential of clinically relevant drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Claire Jacobs
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jeremy Ullmann
- Epilepsy Genetics Program and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chung-Yuen Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siya Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk-Han Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Epilepsy Genetics Program and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, 518057, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Peng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, 518057, Shenzhen, China.
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Pluskal T, Weng JK. Natural product modulators of human sensations and mood: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:1592-1637. [PMID: 28933478 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00411g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Humans perceive physical information about the surrounding environment through their senses. This physical information is registered by a collection of highly evolved and finely tuned molecular sensory receptors. A multitude of bioactive, structurally diverse ligands have evolved in nature that bind these molecular receptors. The complex, dynamic interactions between the ligands and the receptors lead to changes in our sensory perception or mood. Here, we review our current knowledge of natural products and their derived analogues that interact specifically with human G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, and nuclear hormone receptors to modulate the sensations of taste, smell, temperature, pain, and itch, as well as mood and its associated behaviour. We discuss the molecular and structural mechanisms underlying such interactions and highlight cases where subtle differences in natural product chemistry produce drastic changes in functional outcome. We also discuss cases where a single compound triggers complex sensory or behavioural changes in humans through multiple mechanistic targets. Finally, we comment on the therapeutic potential of the reviewed area of research and draw attention to recent technological developments in genomics, metabolomics, and metabolic engineering that allow us to tap the medicinal properties of natural product chemistry without taxing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Pluskal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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25
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Kong Y, Gao X, Wang C, Ning C, Liu K, Liu Z, Sun H, Ma X, Sun P, Meng Q. Protective effects of yangonin from an edible botanical Kava against lithocholic acid-induced cholestasis and hepatotoxicity. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 824:64-71. [PMID: 29427579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of toxic bile acids in liver could cause cholestasis and liver injury. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of yangonin, a product isolated from an edible botanical Kava against lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced cholestasis, and further to elucidate the involvement of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the anticholestatic effect using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The cholestatic liver injury model was established by intraperitoneal injections of LCA in C57BL/6 mice. Serum biomarkers and H&E staining were used to identify the amelioration of cholestasis after yangonin treatment. Mice hepatocytes culture, gene silencing experiment, real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying yangonin hepatoprotection. The results indicated that yangonin promoted bile acid efflux and reduced hepatic uptake via an induction in FXR-target genes Bsep, Mrp2 expression and an inhibition in Ntcp, all of which are responsible for bile acid transport. Furthermore, yangonin reduced bile acid synthesis through repressing FXR-target genes Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, and increased bile acid metabolism through an induction in gene expression of Sult2a1, which are involved in bile acid synthesis and metabolism. In addition, yangonin suppressed liver inflammation through repressing inflammation-related gene NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β. In vitro evidences showed that the changes in transporters and enzymes induced by yangonin were abrogated when FXR was silenced. In conclusions, yangonin produces protective effect against LCA-induced hepatotoxity and cholestasis due to FXR-mediated regulation. Yangonin may be an effective approach for the prevention against cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Kong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaoguang Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Chenqing Ning
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Pengyuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Transport of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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26
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Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:594-605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Chua HC, Christensen ETH, Hoestgaard-Jensen K, Hartiadi LY, Ramzan I, Jensen AA, Absalom NL, Chebib M. Kavain, the Major Constituent of the Anxiolytic Kava Extract, Potentiates GABAA Receptors: Functional Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157700. [PMID: 27332705 PMCID: PMC4917254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracts of the pepper plant kava (Piper methysticum) are effective in alleviating anxiety in clinical trials. Despite the long-standing therapeutic interest in kava, the molecular target(s) of the pharmacologically active constituents, kavalactones have not been established. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are assumed to be the in vivo molecular target of kavalactones based on data from binding assays, but evidence in support of a direct interaction between kavalactones and GABAARs is scarce and equivocal. In this study, we characterised the functional properties of the major anxiolytic kavalactone, kavain at human recombinant α1β2, β2γ2L, αxβ2γ2L (x = 1, 2, 3 and 5), α1βxγ2L (x = 1, 2 and 3) and α4β2δ GABAARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. We found that kavain positively modulated all receptors regardless of the subunit composition, but the degree of enhancement was greater at α4β2δ than at α1β2γ2L GABAARs. The modulatory effect of kavain was unaffected by flumazenil, indicating that kavain did not enhance GABAARs via the classical benzodiazepine binding site. The β3N265M point mutation which has been previously shown to profoundly decrease anaesthetic sensitivity, also diminished kavain-mediated potentiation. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of the functional characteristics of a single kavalactone at distinct GABAAR subtypes, and presents the first experimental evidence in support of a direct interaction between a kavalactone and GABAARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chow Chua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emilie T. H. Christensen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Hoestgaard-Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leonny Y. Hartiadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iqbal Ramzan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nathan L. Absalom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Sharma C, Sadek B, Goyal SN, Sinha S, Kamal MA, Ojha S. Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:238482. [PMID: 26664449 PMCID: PMC4664820 DOI: 10.1155/2015/238482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid molecules are derived from Cannabis sativa plant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2 receptors. However, these synthetic based Cannabis derived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other than Cannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, Mahrastra 425405, India
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Schifano F, Orsolini L, Duccio Papanti G, Corkery JM. Novel psychoactive substances of interest for psychiatry. World Psychiatry 2015; 14:15-26. [PMID: 25655145 PMCID: PMC4329884 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances include synthetic cannabinoids, cathinone derivatives, psychedelic phenethylamines, novel stimulants, synthetic opioids, tryptamine derivatives, phencyclidine-like dissociatives, piperazines, GABA-A/B receptor agonists, a range of prescribed medications, psychoactive plants/herbs, and a large series of performance and image enhancing drugs. Users are typically attracted by these substances due to their intense psychoactive effects and likely lack of detection in routine drug screenings. This paper aims at providing psychiatrists with updated knowledge of the clinical pharmacology and psychopathological consequences of the use of these substances. Indeed, these drugs act on a range of neurotransmitter pathways/receptors whose imbalance has been associated with psychopathological conditions, including dopamine, cannabinoid CB1, GABA-A/B, 5-HT2A, glutamate, and k opioid receptors. An overall approach in terms of clinical management is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, UK
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Shimoda LMN, Showman A, Baker JD, Lange I, Koomoa DL, Stokes AJ, Borris RP, Turner H. Differential regulation of calcium signalling pathways by components of Piper methysticum ('Awa). Phytother Res 2015; 29:582-90. [PMID: 25640812 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Kava is a soporific, anxiolytic and relaxant in widespread ritual and recreational use throughout the Pacific. Traditional uses of kava by indigenous Pacific Island peoples reflect a complex pharmacopeia, centered on GABA-ergic effects of the well-characterized kavalactones. However, peripheral effects of kava suggest active components other than the CNS-targeted kavalactones. We have previously shown that immunocytes exhibit calcium mobilization in response to traditionally prepared kava extracts, and that the kavalactones do not induce these calcium responses. Here, we characterize the complex calcium-mobilizing activity of traditionally prepared and partially HPLC-purified kava extracts, noting induction of both calcium entry and store release pathways. Kava components activate intracellular store depletion of thapsigargin-sensitive and -insensitive stores that are coupled to the calcium release activated (CRAC) current, and cause calcium entry through non-store-operated pathways. Together with the pepper-like potency reported by kava users, these studies lead us to hypothesize that kava extracts contain one or more ligands for the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. Indeed, TRP-like conductances are observed in kava-treated cells under patch clamp. Thus TRP-mediated cellular effects may be responsible for some of the reported pharmacology of kava.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M N Shimoda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, United States
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Abstract
Mounting evidence substantiates the central role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the modulation of both homeostatic and hedonic elements of appetite and food intake. Conversely, feeding status and dietary patterns directly influence activity of the ECS. Following a general introduction on the functioning of the ECS, the present review specifically addresses its role in the modulation of hedonic eating. Humans possess strong motivational systems triggered by rewarding aspects of food. Food reward is comprised of two components: one appetitive (orienting towards food); the other consummatory (hedonic evaluation), also referred to as 'wanting' and 'liking', respectively. Endocannabinoid tone seems to influence both the motivation to feed and the hedonic value of foods, probably by modifying palatability. Human physiology underlying hedonic eating is still not fully understood. A better understanding of the role of the ECS in the rewarding value of specific foods or diets could offer new possibilities to optimise the balance between energy and nutrient intake for different target groups. These groups include the obese and overweight, and potentially individuals suffering from malnutrition. Examples for the latter group are patients with disease-related anorexia, as well as the growing population of frail elderly suffering from persistent loss of food enjoyment and appetite resulting in malnutrition and involuntary weight loss. It has become clear that the psychobiology of food hedonics is extremely complex and the clinical failure of CB1 inverse agonists including rimonabant (Accomplia®) has shown that 'quick wins' in this field are unlikely.
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McPartland JM, Guy GW, Di Marzo V. Care and feeding of the endocannabinoid system: a systematic review of potential clinical interventions that upregulate the endocannabinoid system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89566. [PMID: 24622769 PMCID: PMC3951193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The “classic” endocannabinoid (eCB) system includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the eCB ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their metabolic enzymes. An emerging literature documents the “eCB deficiency syndrome” as an etiology in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, psychological disorders, and other conditions. We performed a systematic review of clinical interventions that enhance the eCB system—ways to upregulate cannabinoid receptors, increase ligand synthesis, or inhibit ligand degradation. Methodology/Principal Findings We searched PubMed for clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical research. Data synthesis was qualitative. Exclusion criteria limited the results to 184 in vitro studies, 102 in vivo animal studies, and 36 human studies. Evidence indicates that several classes of pharmaceuticals upregulate the eCB system, including analgesics (acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, glucocorticoids), antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants. Clinical interventions characterized as “complementary and alternative medicine” also upregulate the eCB system: massage and manipulation, acupuncture, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines. Lifestyle modification (diet, weight control, exercise, and the use of psychoactive substances—alcohol, tobacco, coffee, cannabis) also modulate the eCB system. Conclusions/Significance Few clinical trials have assessed interventions that upregulate the eCB system. Many preclinical studies point to other potential approaches; human trials are needed to explore these promising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. McPartland
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Geoffrey W. Guy
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomoleculare, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
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