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Avraham Y, Van Heukelom B, Zolotarev O, Magen I, Vorobiev L, Zwas DR. Insulin normalized brain metabolic status on a Model of Anorexia Nervosa in Mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113738. [PMID: 35182554 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anorexia nervosa is a psycho-socio-biological disease, characterized by self-starvation and distorted perception of body weight. Patients often over-exercise. Insulin is an anabolic hormone that increases food intake and restores body fat and is present in low levels in anorexia nervosa patients: thus may have therapeutic potential in treating anorexia nervosa. AIMS to explore whether low levels insulin administration may result in recovery of cerebral function and restoration of metabolic disorder providing a treatment option for anorexia nervosa. METHODS Female Sabra mice maintained on DR of 2.0 hours per day for 32 days, in cages with or without wheel attached to an electronic counter (activity wheel). They were then permitted to eat ad libitum for additional 15 days. On the second week, mice were injected ip with 0.5U/kg long acting Insulin(Lantus) or saline and cognitive function was evaluated. Insulin administered three times a week during days 8-32. Mice euthanized on day 48 and cerebral levels of monoamines, 2-AG and expression of genes associated with metabolic status were evaluated. RESULTS Activity wheel mice decreased body weight, 2-AG, dopamine levels and 5-HT1A and increased Camkk2 and SIRT1 gene expression compared to mice without it. Insulin increased body weight, decreased revolutions, enhanced NPY and normalized Camkk2, SIRT-1, BDNF, elevated 2-AG and improved cognition in the wheel group. CONCLUSION low dose insulin administration to animal model of anorexia associated with exercise, led to alterations and normalization in brain metabolic status and improved cognition. Insulin should be further explored as potential novel treatment for anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosefa Avraham
- Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel 91120.
| | - Bob Van Heukelom
- Department of Neurology Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede Netherlands 6716 RP Ede
| | - Olga Zolotarev
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
| | - Iddo Magen
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
| | - Lia Vorobiev
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
| | - Donna R Zwas
- Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
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Sadowska O, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Gromotowicz-Popławska A, Biernacki M, Kicman A, Malinowska B, Kasacka I, Krzyżewska A, Kozłowska H. Cannabidiol Ameliorates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197077. [PMID: 32992900 PMCID: PMC7582795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its vasorelaxant (including in the human pulmonary artery), anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our study was to examine the potential preventive effect of chronic CBD administration (10 mg/kg/day for three weeks) on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) rats. PH was connected with elevation of right ventricular systolic pressure; right ventricle hypertrophy; lung edema; pulmonary artery remodeling; enhancement of the vasoconstrictor and decreasing vasodilatory responses; increases in plasma concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and leukocyte count; and a decrease in blood oxygen saturation. CBD improved all abovementioned changes induced by PH except right ventricle hypertrophy and lung edema. In addition, CBD increased lung levels of some endocannabinoids (anandamide, N-arachidonoyl glycine, linolenoyl ethanolamide, palmitoleoyl ethanolamide and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide but not 2-arachidonoylglycerol). CBD did not affect the cardiopulmonary system of control rats or other parameters of blood morphology in PH. Our data suggest that CBD ameliorates MCT-induced PH in rats by improving endothelial efficiency and function, normalization of hemostatic alterations and reduction of enhanced leukocyte count determined in PH. In conclusion, CBD may be a safe, promising therapeutic or adjuvant therapy agent for the treatment of human pulmonary artery hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Sadowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Michał Biernacki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Kicman
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Irena Kasacka
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Anna Krzyżewska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Hanna Kozłowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (O.S.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.); (B.M.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-5699
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Li X, Zhu J, Tao Y, Tao K. Elevated endogenous opioids in obstructive jaundice: The possible skin mechanisms. Med Hypotheses 2018; 116:119-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Karpińska O, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Kloza M, Ambroz Ewicz E, Kozłowski T, Kasacka I, Malinowska B, Kozłowska H. Activation of CB 1 receptors by 2-arachidonoylglycerol attenuates vasoconstriction induced by U46619 and angiotensin II in human and rat pulmonary arteries. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 312:R883-R893. [PMID: 28356298 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00324.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that endocannabinoids acting via cannabinoid CB1 receptors may modulate vascular responses of various vasoconstrictors in the rodent systemic vasculature. The aim of the study was to investigate whether endocannabinoids modulate the contractile responses evoked by a thromboxane A2 analog (U46619), angiotensin II (ANG II), serotonin (5-HT), and phenylephrine, which stimulate distinct Gq/11 protein-coupled receptors (thromboxane, ANG II type 1, 5-HT2, and α1-adrenergic receptors) in isolated endothelium-intact human and rat pulmonary arteries (hPAs and rPAs, respectively). The CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1 μM) and diacylglycerol lipase (2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis enzyme) inhibitor RHC80267 (40 μM) enhanced contractions induced by U46619 in hPAs and rPAs and by ANG II in rPAs in an endothelium-dependent manner. AM251 did not influence vasoconstrictions induced by 5-HT or phenylephrine in rPAs. The monoacylglycerol lipase (2-arachidonoylglycerol degradation enzyme) inhibitor JZL184 (1 μM), but not the fatty acid amide hydrolase (anandamide degradation enzyme) inhibitor URB597 (1 μM), attenuated contractions evoked by U46619 in hPAs and rPAs and ANG II in rPAs. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol concentration-dependently induced relaxation of hPAs, which was inhibited by endothelium denudation or AM251 and enhanced by JZL184. Expression of CB1 receptors was confirmed in hPAs and rPAs using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The present study shows the protective interaction between the endocannabinoid system and vasoconstriction in response to U46619 and ANG II in the human and rat pulmonary circulation. U46619 and ANG II may stimulate rapid endothelial release of endocannabinoids (mainly 2-arachidonoylglycerol), leading to CB1 receptor-dependent and/or CB1 receptor-independent vasorelaxation, which in the negative feedback mechanism reduces later agonist-induced vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Karpińska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Monika Kloza
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Ambroz Ewicz
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kozłowski
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland; and
| | - Irena Kasacka
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Hanna Kozłowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland;
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Schurman LD, Lichtman AH. Endocannabinoids: A Promising Impact for Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:69. [PMID: 28261100 PMCID: PMC5314139 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system regulates a diverse array of physiological processes and unsurprisingly possesses considerable potential targets for the potential treatment of numerous disease states, including two receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2 receptors) and enzymes regulating their endogenous ligands N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG). Increases in brain levels of endocannabinoids to pathogenic events suggest this system plays a role in compensatory repair mechanisms. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathology remains mostly refractory to currently available drugs, perhaps due to its heterogeneous nature in etiology, clinical presentation, and severity. Here, we review pre-clinical studies assessing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and manipulations of the endocannabinoid system to ameliorate TBI pathology. Specifically, manipulations of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes (e.g., fatty acid amide hydrolase, monoacylglycerol lipase, and α/β-hydrolase domain-6), CB1 and CB2 receptors, and their endogenous ligands have shown promise in modulating cellular and molecular hallmarks of TBI pathology such as; cell death, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular breakdown, and cell structure and remodeling. TBI-induced behavioral deficits, such as learning and memory, neurological motor impairments, post-traumatic convulsions or seizures, and anxiety also respond to manipulations of the endocannabinoid system. As such, the endocannabinoid system possesses potential drugable receptor and enzyme targets for the treatment of diverse TBI pathology. Yet, full characterization of TBI-induced changes in endocannabinoid ligands, enzymes, and receptor populations will be important to understand that role this system plays in TBI pathology. Promising classes of compounds, such as the plant-derived phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids, as well as their non-cannabinoid receptor targets, such as TRPV1 receptors, represent important areas of basic research and potential therapeutic interest to treat TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, RichmondVA, USA
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Zelasko S, Arnold WR, Das A. Endocannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2014; 116-117:112-23. [PMID: 25461979 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid system was first uncovered following studies of the recreational drug Cannabis sativa. It is now recognized as a vital network of signaling pathways that regulate several physiological processes. Following the initial discovery of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), activated by Cannabis-derived analogs, many endogenous fatty acids termed "endocannabinoids" are now known to be partial agonists of the CB receptors. At present, the most thoroughly studied endocannabinoid signaling molecules are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), which are both derived from arachidonic acid. Both AEA and 2-AG are also substrates for the eicosanoid-synthesizing pathways, namely, certain cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. In the past, research in the endocannabinoid field focused on the interaction of AEA and 2-AG with the COX and LOX enzymes, but accumulating evidence also points to the involvement of CYPs in modulating endocannabinoid signaling. The focus of this review is to explore the current understanding of CYP-mediated metabolism of endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Zelasko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - William R Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - Aditi Das
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
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Floreani A, Pizzuti D, Bergasa NV, Petrosino S. The endocannabinoid system in cholestasis. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:1026-7. [PMID: 21816694 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Avraham Y, Grigoriadis N, Poutahidis T, Vorobiev L, Magen I, Ilan Y, Mechoulam R, Berry E. Cannabidiol improves brain and liver function in a fulminant hepatic failure-induced model of hepatic encephalopathy in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:1650-8. [PMID: 21182490 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder of complex pathogenesis caused by acute or chronic liver failure. We investigated the effects of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa with anti-inflammatory properties that activates the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 5-HT(1A) , on brain and liver functions in a model of hepatic encephalopathy associated with fulminant hepatic failure induced in mice by thioacetamide. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Female Sabra mice were injected with either saline or thioacetamide and were treated with either vehicle or cannabidiol. Neurological and motor functions were evaluated 2 and 3 days, respectively, after induction of hepatic failure, after which brains and livers were removed for histopathological analysis and blood was drawn for analysis of plasma liver enzymes. In a separate group of animals, cognitive function was tested after 8 days and brain 5-HT levels were measured 12 days after induction of hepatic failure. KEY RESULTS Neurological and cognitive functions were severely impaired in thioacetamide-treated mice and were restored by cannabidiol. Similarly, decreased motor activity in thioacetamide-treated mice was partially restored by cannabidiol. Increased plasma levels of ammonia, bilirubin and liver enzymes, as well as enhanced 5-HT levels in thioacetamide-treated mice were normalized following cannabidiol administration. Likewise, astrogliosis in the brains of thioacetamide-treated mice was moderated after cannabidiol treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cannabidiol restores liver function, normalizes 5-HT levels and improves brain pathology in accordance with normalization of brain function. Therefore, the effects of cannabidiol may result from a combination of its actions in the liver and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Avraham
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Ackerman Z, Karmeli F, Pappo O. Divergent effects of irritants on the gastric mucosa in rats during various stages after bile duct ligation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:1170-5. [PMID: 20594235 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Controversy exists as to whether rats after bile duct ligation (BDL) are more susceptible to gastric mucosal damage (GMD) induced by irritants. In the present study we characterize GMD after intragastric instillation of either ethanol or hydrochloric acid (HCL), 3 and 21 days after the surgical procedure. METHODS Bile duct ligation and sham operated (SO) rats were studied. RESULTS Three days after surgery, BDL rats exhibited a reduction in gastric mucosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity but an increase in ethanol-induced GMD. Twenty-one days after surgery gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) E(2) generation in BDL rats was increased while NOS activity in both groups was similar. Ethanol-induced GMD in SO rats was higher. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, prior to ethanol administration was associated with an increase in gastric mucosal PGE(2) generation: (147% in SO and 104% in BDL rats) and in GMD (176% in SO and 303% in BDL rats). HCL induced GMD was of similar magnitude in both groups in both time periods. CONCLUSIONS The gastric resistance to damage by irritants in rats with BDL is not a static phenomenon. This may result from sequential changes that occur in the gastric mucosal defense mechanisms during the evolution of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Ackerman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus Campus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Avraham Y, Grigoriadis NC, Magen I, Poutahidis T, Vorobiav L, Zolotarev O, Ilan Y, Mechoulam R, Berry EM. Capsaicin affects brain function in a model of hepatic encephalopathy associated with fulminant hepatic failure in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:896-906. [PMID: 19764982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00368.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by liver failure. In view of the effects of cannabinoids in a thioacetamide-induced model of hepatic encephalopathy and liver disease and the beneficial effect of capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) in liver disease, we assumed that capsaicin may also affect hepatic encephalopathy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fulminant hepatic failure was induced in mice by thioacetamide and 24 h later, the animals were injected with one of the following compound(s): 2-arachidonoylglycerol (CB(1), CB(2) and TRPV1 receptor agonist); HU308 (CB(2) receptor agonist), SR141716A (CB(1) receptor antagonist); SR141716A+2-arachidonoylglycerol; SR144528 (CB(2) receptor antagonist); capsaicin; and capsazepine (TRPV1 receptor agonist and antagonist respectively). Their neurological effects were evaluated on the basis of activity in the open field, cognitive function in an eight-arm maze and a neurological severity score. The mice were killed 3 or 14 days after thioacetamide administration. 2-arachidonoylglycerol and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, respectively. RESULTS Capsaicin had a neuroprotective effect in this animal model as shown by the neurological score, activity and cognitive function. The effect of capsaicin was blocked by capsazepine. Thioacetamide induced astrogliosis in the hippocampus and the cerebellum and raised brain 5-hydroxytryptamine levels, which were decreased by capsaicin, SR141716A and HU-308. Thioacetamide lowered brain 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels, an effect reversed by capsaicin. CONCLUSIONS Capsaicin improved both liver and brain dysfunction caused by thioacetamide, suggesting that both the endocannabinoid and the vanilloid systems play important roles in hepatic encephalopathy. Modulation of these systems may have therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Avraham
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Burstein SH, Zurier RB. Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and related analogs in inflammation. AAPS JOURNAL 2009; 11:109-19. [PMID: 19199042 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-009-9084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review covers reports published in the last 5 years on the anti-inflammatory activities of all classes of cannabinoids, including phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, synthetic analogs such as ajulemic acid and nabilone, the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and related compounds, namely, the elmiric acids, and finally, noncannabinoid components of Cannabis that show anti-inflammatory action. It is intended to be an update on the topic of the involvement of cannabinoids in the process of inflammation. A possible mechanism for these actions is suggested involving increased production of eicosanoids that promote the resolution of inflammation. This differentiates these cannabinoids from cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that suppress the synthesis of eicosanoids that promote the induction of the inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumner H Burstein
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation St., Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
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