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McCormick ET, Draganski A, Chalmers S, Zahn J, Garcia S, Nussbaum D, Friedman A, Putterman C, Friedman J. Nano-encapsulated anandamide reduces inflammatory cytokines in vitro and lesion severity in a murine model of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:2072-2083. [PMID: 37726950 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune skin disease which occurs independently and in conjunction with systemic lupus erythematosus. Drug development for CLE is severely lacking. Anandamide (AEA) is a primary endocannabinoid which exhibits immunomodulatory effects through mixed cannabinoid receptor agonism. We evaluated AEA as topical treatment for CLE and assessed benefits of nanoparticle encapsulation (AEA-NP) on cutaneous drug penetration, delivery and biological activity. Compared to untreated controls, AEA-NP decreased IL-6 and MCP-1 in UVB-stimulated keratinocytes (p < 0.05) in vitro. In BALB/c mice, AEA-NP displayed improved cutaneous penetration, extended release and persistence of AEA in the follicular unit extending to the base after 24 h. Utilizing the MRL-lpr lupus murine model, twice weekly treatment of lesions with topical AEA-NP for 10 weeks led to decreased clinical and histologic lesion scores compared to unencapsulated AEA and untreated controls (p < 0.05). Prophylactic application of AEA-NP to commonly involved areas on MRL-lpr mice similarly resulted in decreased clinical and histologic scores when compared to controls (p < 0.05), and reduced C3 and IBA-1 in lesional tissue (p < 0.05). The demonstrated clinical and immunomodulatory effects of treatment with AEA support its potential as therapy for CLE. This work also suggests that encapsulation of AEA improves penetration and treatment efficacy. Future studies will be conducted to assess full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T McCormick
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Samantha Chalmers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
| | - Joseph Zahn
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sayra Garcia
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
| | - Dillon Nussbaum
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adam Friedman
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
- Research Institute, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Joel Friedman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
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Maia J, Fonseca BM, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Unveiling the angiogenic effects of cannabinoids: Enhancers or inhibitors? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115686. [PMID: 37463627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. Some can activate the cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2 (CB1 and CB2), that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), alongside the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes and is a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Synthetic cannabinoids, are associated with serious health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and death. Nonetheless, some of these molecules are also being explored for pharmacological applications. Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, crucial for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is associated with several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy and reproductive pathologies, such as preeclampsia. Recent data suggests that cannabinoids may affect angiogenesis. Here, we reviewed their impact on pro-angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix enzymes and inhibitors, immune-inflammatory responses, angiogenic pathways and functional assays, focusing on the main compounds for each cannabinoid class: THC and CBD for phytocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) for endocannabinoids and WIN-55, JWH-133, XLR-11, LYR-7 and LYR-8, for the synthetic cannabinoids. Despite conflicting reports about the actions of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids on angiogenesis, the ability to modulate the angiogenic process is undoubtedly confirmed. This may open a new therapeutical route for angiogenesis-related pathologies. In addition, synthetic cannabinoids present anti-angiogenic actions in several cell models, hinting their potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Maia
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - N Teixeira
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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4
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Oddi S, Fiorenza MT, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signaling in adult hippocampal neurogenesis: A mechanistic and integrated perspective. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101239. [PMID: 37385352 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Dentate gyrus of the hippocampus continuously gives rise to new neurons, namely, adult-born granule cells, which contribute to conferring plasticity to the mature brain throughout life. Within this neurogenic region, the fate and behavior of neural stem cells (NSCs) and their progeny result from a complex balance and integration of a variety of cell-autonomous and cell-to-cell-interaction signals and underlying pathways. Among these structurally and functionally diverse signals, there are endocannabinoids (eCBs), the main brain retrograde messengers. These pleiotropic bioactive lipids can directly and/or indirectly influence adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) by modulating, both positively and negatively, multiple molecular and cellular processes in the hippocampal niche, depending on the cell type or stage of differentiation. Firstly, eCBs act directly as cell-intrinsic factors, cell-autonomously produced by NSCs following their stimulation. Secondly, in many, if not all, niche-associated cells, including some local neuronal and nonneuronal elements, the eCB system indirectly modulates the neurogenesis, linking neuronal and glial activity to regulating distinct stages of AHN. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk of the eCB system with other neurogenesis-relevant signal pathways and speculate how the hippocampus-dependent neurobehavioral effects elicited by (endo)cannabinergic medications are interpretable in light of the key regulatory role that eCBs play on AHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oddi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy; European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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5
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Goeritzer M, Kuentzel KB, Beck S, Korbelius M, Rainer S, Bradić I, Kolb D, Mussbacher M, Schrottmaier WC, Assinger A, Schlagenhauf A, Rost R, Gottschalk B, Eichmann TO, Züllig T, Graier WF, Vujić N, Kratky D. Monoglyceride Lipase Deficiency Is Associated with Altered Thrombogenesis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3116. [PMID: 36834530 PMCID: PMC9958834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoglyceride lipase (MGL) hydrolyzes monoacylglycerols (MG) to glycerol and one fatty acid. Among the various MG species, MGL also degrades 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the most abundant endocannabinoid and potent activator of the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2. We investigated the consequences of MGL deficiency on platelet function using systemic (Mgl-/-) and platelet-specific Mgl-deficient (platMgl-/-) mice. Despite comparable platelet morphology, loss of MGL was associated with decreased platelet aggregation and reduced response to collagen activation. This was reflected by reduced thrombus formation in vitro, accompanied by a longer bleeding time and a higher blood volume loss. Occlusion time after FeCl3-induced injury was markedly reduced in Mgl-/- mice, which is consistent with contraction of large aggregates and fewer small aggregates in vitro. The absence of any functional changes in platelets from platMgl-/- mice is in accordance with lipid degradation products or other molecules in the circulation, rather than platelet-specific effects, being responsible for the observed alterations in Mgl-/- mice. We conclude that genetic deletion of MGL is associated with altered thrombogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Goeritzer
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina B. Kuentzel
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Beck
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg and Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Korbelius
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Rainer
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ivan Bradić
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kolb
- Core Facility Ultrastructural Analysis, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marion Mussbacher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Alice Assinger
- Core Facility Ultrastructural Analysis, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Axel Schlagenhauf
- Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - René Rost
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Benjamin Gottschalk
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas O. Eichmann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Züllig
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F. Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Nemanja Vujić
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kratky
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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6
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Maccarrone M. Need for Methods to Investigate Endocannabinoid Signaling. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:1-8. [PMID: 36152173 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipids able to bind to cannabinoid receptors, the primary molecular targets of the cannabis (Cannabis sativa) active principle Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. During the last 20 years, several N-acylethanolamines and acylesters have been shown to act as eCBs, and a complex array of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters (that altogether form the so-called "eCB system") has been shown to finely tune their manifold biological activities. It appears now urgent to develop methods and protocols that allow to assay in a specific and quantitative manner the distinct components of the eCB system and that can properly localize them within the cell. A brief overview of eCBs and of the proteins that bind, transport, and metabolize these lipids is presented here, in orderto put in a better perspective, the relevance of methodologies that help to disclose molecular details of eCB signaling in health and disease. Proper methodological approaches form also the basis for a more rationale and effective drug design and therapeutic strategy to combat human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Ciaramellano F, Fanti F, Scipioni L, Maccarrone M, Oddi S. Endocannabinoid Metabolism and Transport as Drug Targets. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:201-211. [PMID: 36152188 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The wide distribution of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) throughout the body and its pivotal pathophysiological role offer promising opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic drugs for treating several diseases. However, the need for strategies to circumvent the unwanted psychotropic and immunosuppressive effects associated with cannabinoid receptor agonism/antagonism has led to considerable research in the field of molecular alternatives, other than type-1 and type-2 (CB1/2) receptors, as therapeutic targets to indirectly manipulate this pro-homeostatic system. In this context, the use of selective inhibitors of proteins involved in endocannabinoid (eCB) transport and metabolism allows for an increase or decrease of the levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the sites where these major eCBs are indeed needed. This chapter will briefly review some preclinical and clinical evidence for the therapeutic potential of ECS pharmacological manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciaramellano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Fanti
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Environmental and Agriculture, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucia Scipioni
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Oddi S, Ciaramellano F, Scipioni L, Dainese E, Maccarrone M. Visualization of Endocannabinoids in the Cell. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:453-459. [PMID: 36152209 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A still unsolved, although critical, issue in endocannabinoid research is the mechanism by which the lipophilic anandamide (AEA) moves from its site of synthesis, crosses the aqueous milieu, and reaches the different intracellular membrane compartments, where its metabolic and signaling pathways take place. The difficulty of studying intracellular AEA transport and distribution results from the lack of specific probes and techniques to track and visualize this bioactive lipid within the cells. Herein, we describe the use of a biotinylated, non-hydrolyzable derivative of AEA (biotin-AEA, b-AEA) for visualizing the subcellular distribution of this endocannabinoid by means of confocal fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ciaramellano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Scipioni
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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9
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Standoli S, Pecchioli S, Tortolani D, Di Meo C, Fanti F, Sergi M, Bacci M, Seidita I, Bernacchioni C, Donati C, Bruni P, Maccarrone M, Rapino C, Cencetti F. The TRPV1 Receptor Is Up-Regulated by Sphingosine 1-Phosphate and Is Implicated in the Anandamide-Dependent Regulation of Mitochondrial Activity in C2C12 Myoblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911103. [PMID: 36232401 PMCID: PMC9570403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and endocannabinoid (ECS) systems comprehend bioactive lipids widely involved in the regulation of similar biological processes. Interactions between S1P and ECS have not been so far investigated in skeletal muscle, where both systems are active. Here, we used murine C2C12 myoblasts to investigate the effects of S1P on ECS elements by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and UHPLC-MS. In addition, the modulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), by JC-1 and Mitotracker Red CMX-Ros fluorescent dyes, as well as levels of protein controlling mitochondrial function, along with the oxygen consumption were assessed, by Western blotting and respirometry, respectively, after cell treatment with methanandamide (mAEA) and in the presence of S1P or antagonists to endocannabinoid-binding receptors. S1P induced a significant increase in TRPV1 expression both at mRNA and protein level, while it reduced the protein content of CB2. A dose-dependent effect of mAEA on ΔΨm, mediated by TRPV1, was evidenced; in particular, low doses were responsible for increased ΔΨm, whereas a high dose negatively modulated ΔΨm and cell survival. Moreover, mAEA-induced hyperpolarization was counteracted by S1P. These findings open new dimension to S1P and endocannabinoids cross-talk in skeletal muscle, identifying TRPV1 as a pivotal target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Standoli
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Sara Pecchioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Daniel Tortolani
- European Centre for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Di Meo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federico Fanti
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Bacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Isabelle Seidita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Centre for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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Yang T, Zhao J, Liu F, Li Y. Lipid metabolism and endometrial receptivity. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:858-889. [PMID: 35639910 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has now been recognized as a high-risk factor for reproductive health. Although remarkable advancements have been made in ART, a considerable number of infertile obese women still suffer from serial implantation failure, despite the high quality of embryos transferred. Although obesity has long been known to exert various deleterious effects on female fertility, the underlying mechanisms, especially the roles of lipid metabolism in endometrial receptivity, remain largely elusive. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes current evidence on the impacts of several major lipids and lipid-derived mediators on the embryonic implantation process. Emerging methods for evaluating endometrial receptivity, for example transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, are also discussed. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: (lipid or fatty acid or prostaglandin or phospholipid or sphingolipid or endocannabinoid or lysophosphatidic acid or cholesterol or progesterone or estrogen or transcriptomic or lipidomic or obesity or dyslipidemia or polycystic ovary syndrome) AND (endometrial receptivity or uterine receptivity or embryo implantation or assisted reproductive technology or in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer). A comprehensive literature search was performed on the roles of lipid-related metabolic pathways in embryo implantation published between January 1970 and March 2022. Only studies with original data and reviews published in English were included in this review. Additional information was obtained from references cited in the articles resulting from the literature search. OUTCOMES Recent studies have shown that a fatty acids-related pro-inflammatory response in the embryo-endometrium boundary facilitates pregnancy via mediation of prostaglandin signaling. Phospholipid-derived mediators, for example endocannabinoids, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate, are associated with endometrial receptivity, embryo spacing and decidualization based on evidence from both animal and human studies. Progesterone and estrogen are two cholesterol-derived steroid hormones that synergistically mediate the structural and functional alterations in the uterus ready for blastocyst implantation. Variations in serum cholesterol profiles throughout the menstrual cycle imply a demand for steroidogenesis at the time of window of implantation (WOI). Since 2002, endometrial transcriptomic analysis has been serving as a diagnostic tool for WOI dating. Numerous genes that govern lipid homeostasis have been identified and, based on specific alterations of lipidomic signatures differentially expressed in WOI, lipidomic analysis of endometrial fluid provides a possibility for non-invasive diagnosis of lipids alterations during the WOI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Given that lipid metabolic dysregulation potentially plays a role in infertility, a better understanding of lipid metabolism could have significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
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11
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Misner MJ, Taborek A, Dufour J, Sharifi L, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Oocyte Competence and Early Embryonic Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:647918. [PMID: 35295104 PMCID: PMC8915882 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.647918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent changes in legal status and public perception of cannabis have contributed to an increase use amongst women of reproductive age. Concurrently, there is inadequate evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical practice regarding cannabis and its effects on fertility and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during oocyte maturation, and its impact on the developing embryo. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h under clinically relevant doses of THC mimicking plasma levels achieved after therapeutic (0.032 μM) and recreational (0.32 and 3.2 μM) cannabis use. THC-treated oocytes were assessed for development and quality parameters at both the oocyte and embryo level. Characteristics of oocytes treated with cannabinoid receptor antagonists were also assessed. Oocytes treated with 0.32 and 3.2 μM THC, were significantly less likely to reach metaphase II (p < 0.01) and consequently had lower cleavage rates at day 2 post-fertilization (p < 0.0001). Treatment with cannabinoid receptor antagonists restored this effect (p < 0.05). Oocytes that did reach MII showed no differences in spindle morphology. Oocytes treated with 0.032 μM THC had significantly lower connexin mRNA (p < 0.05) (correlated with decreased quality), but this was not confirmed at the protein level. At the blastocyst stage there were no significant differences in developmental rates or the proportion of trophectoderm to inner cell mass cells between the control and treatment groups. These blastocysts, however, displayed an increased level of apoptosis in the 0.32 and 3.2 μM groups (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest a possible disruptive effect of cannabis on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Misner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afton Taborek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jaustin Dufour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lea Sharifi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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12
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O’Brien K. Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040885. [PMID: 35205633 PMCID: PMC8869992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. Surveys suggest that medicinal cannabis is popular amongst people diagnosed with cancer. CBD is one of the key constituents of cannabis, and does not have the potentially intoxicating effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other key phytocannabinoid has. Research indicates the CBD may have potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment. Preclinical research suggests CBD may address many of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Preclinical and clinical research also suggests some evidence of efficacy, alone or in some cases in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the other key phytocannabinoid in cannabis), in treating cancer-associated pain, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, and oral mucositis that are associated with cancer and/or its treatment. Studies also suggest that CBD may enhance orthodox treatments with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy and protect against neural and organ damage. CBD shows promise as part of an integrative approach to the management of cancer. Abstract The plant Cannabis sativa has been in use medicinally for several thousand years. It has over 540 metabolites thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Two of the key phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have potentially intoxicating effects. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and many of them are relevant to the management of cancer. In this article, we explore some of the potential mechanisms of action of CBD in cancer, and evidence of its efficacy in the integrative management of cancer including the side effects associated with its treatment, demonstrating its potential for integration with orthodox cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie O’Brien
- Adelaide Campus, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Releaf Group Ltd., St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
- International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, iccm.co, London N1 7GU, UK
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Khan RN, Maner-Smith K, A. Owens J, Barbian ME, Jones RM, R. Naudin C. At the heart of microbial conversations: endocannabinoids and the microbiome in cardiometabolic risk. Gut Microbes 2022; 13:1-21. [PMID: 33896380 PMCID: PMC8078674 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1911572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic syndrome encompasses intertwined risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and other maladaptive metabolic and inflammatory aberrations. As the molecular mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders are investigated, endocannabinoids have emerged as molecules of interest. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of biologically active lipids has been implicated in several conditions, including chronic liver disease, osteoporosis, and more recently in cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiome is a major regulator of inflammatory and metabolic signaling in the host, and if disrupted, has the potential to drive metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Extensive studies have unraveled the impact of the gut microbiome on host physiology, with recent reports showing that gut microbes exquisitely control the ECS, with significant influences on host metabolic and cardiac health. In this review, we outline how modulation of the gut microbiome affects host metabolism and cardiovascular health via the ECS, and how these findings could be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for various metabolic and cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Nabihah Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristal Maner-Smith
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joshua A. Owens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Estefania Barbian
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rheinallt M. Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Crystal R. Naudin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,CONTACT Crystal R. Naudin Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA30322, United States of America
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Gish A, Wiart JF, Turpin E, Allorge D, Gaulier JM. État de l’art et intérêt des dosages plasmatiques des substances endocannabinoïdes et endocannabinoïdes-like. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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van Ackern I, Kuhla A, Kuhla B. A Role for Peripheral Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Short-Term Food Intake and Orexigenic Hypothalamic Responses in a Species with Continuous Nutrient Delivery. Nutrients 2021; 13:3587. [PMID: 34684588 PMCID: PMC8540326 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in the complex control and regulation of food intake. Pharmacological ECS activation could improve health in energy-deficient stages by increasing food intake, at least in intermittent feeders. However, knowledge of the mechanism regulating appetite in species with continued nutrient delivery is incomplete. The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate the effect of the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the endocannabinoids (ECs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) on food intake, plasma EC concentrations and hypothalamic orexigenic signaling, and to study how the circulatory EC tone changes in response to short-term food deprivation in dairy cows, a species with continuous nutrient delivery. The administration of EC resulted in higher food intake during the first hour after treatment. Plasma AEA concentrations were significantly increased 2.5 h after AEA injection, whereas plasma 2-AG concentrations remained unchanged 2.5 h after 2-AG injection. The hypothalamic immunoreactivity of cannabinoid receptor 1, agouti-related protein, and orexin-A was not affected by either treatment; however, neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein mRNA abundances were downregulated in the arcuate nucleus of AEA-treated animals. Short-term food deprivation increased plasma 2-AG, while plasma AEA remained unchanged. In conclusion, i.p.-administered 2-AG and AEA increase food intake in the short term, but only AEA accumulates in the circulation. However, plasma 2-AG concentrations are more responsive to food deprivation than AEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel van Ackern
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology ‘Oskar Kellner’, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
| | - Angela Kuhla
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Experimental Surgery, Schillingallee 69a, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Björn Kuhla
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology ‘Oskar Kellner’, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
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Rabino M, Mallia S, Castiglioni E, Rovina D, Pompilio G, Gowran A. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol: Past, Present, and Prospective for Cardiovascular Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090936. [PMID: 34577636 PMCID: PMC8472406 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, cannabis was commonly associated with mysticism and illegality. Fortunately, in recent years perspectives and discourses have changed. More prominence has been given to the rigorous scientific effort that led to the discovery of cannabis' many physiological actions and endogenous signalling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a complex and heterogeneous pro-homeostatic network comprising different receptors with several endogenous ligands, numerous metabolic enzymes and regulatory proteins. Therefore, it is not surprising that alterations and dysfunctions of the endocannabinoid system are observed in almost every category of disease. Such high degree of pathophysiological involvement suggests the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target and prompted the translation of resurgent scientific findings into clinical therapies. Shifting attitudes toward cannabis also raised other matters such as increased patient awareness, prescription requests, self-medication, recreational use, recognition of new knowledge gaps, renewed scientific activity, and seemingly exponential growth of the cannabis industry. This review, following a general overview of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, assiduously describes its role within the context of cardiovascular diseases, paying particular attention to the Janus influence that endocannabinoid system modulators can have on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rabino
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mallia
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Castiglioni
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rovina
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Aoife Gowran
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
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Bosnjak Kuharic D, Markovic D, Brkovic T, Jeric Kegalj M, Rubic Z, Vuica Vukasovic A, Jeroncic A, Puljak L. Cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 9:CD012820. [PMID: 34532852 PMCID: PMC8446835 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012820.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a common chronic condition, mainly affecting older adults, characterised by a progressive decline in cognitive and functional abilities. Medical treatments for dementia are limited. Cannabinoids are being investigated for the treatment of dementia. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS - the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register - on 8 July 2021, using the terms cannabis or cannabinoid or endocannabinoid or cannabidiol or THC or CBD or dronabinol or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or marijuana or marihuana or hashish. The register contains records from all major healthcare databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS), as well as from many clinical trials registries and grey literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia. We included participants of any age and of either sex with diagnosed dementia of any subtype, or with unspecified dementia of any severity, from any setting. We considered studies of cannabinoids administered by any route, at any dose, for any duration, compared with placebo, no treatment, or any active control intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. When necessary, other review authors were involved in reaching consensus decisions. We conducted meta-analyses using a generic inverse variance fixed-effect model to derive estimates of effect size. We used GRADE methods to assess our confidence in the effect estimates. MAIN RESULTS We included four studies (126 participants) in this review. Most participants had Alzheimer's disease; a few had vascular dementia or mixed dementia. Three studies had low risk of bias across all domains; one study had unclear risk of bias for the majority of domains. The included studies tested natural delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Namisol) and two types of synthetic THC analogue (dronabinol and nabilone). Three trials had a cross-over design. Interventions were applied over 3 to 14 weeks; one study reported adverse events over 70 weeks of follow-up. One trial was undertaken in the USA, one in Canada, and two in The Netherlands. Two studies reported non-commercial funding, and two studies were conducted with the support of both commercial and non-commercial funding. Primary outcomes in this review were changes in global and specific cognitive function, overall behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and adverse events. We found very low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be little or no clinically important effect of a synthetic THC analogue on cognition assessed with the standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (sMMSE) (mean difference (MD) 1.1 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1 to 2.1; 1 cross-over trial, 28 participants). We found low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be little or no clinically important effect of cannabinoids on overall behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (or its modified nursing home version) (MD -1.97, 95% CI -3.87 to -0.07; 1 parallel group and 2 cross-over studies, 110 participants). All included studies reported data on adverse events. However, the total number of adverse events, the total numbers of mild and moderate adverse events, and the total number of serious adverse events (SAEs) were not reported in a way that permitted meta-analysis. There were no clear differences between groups in numbers of adverse events, with the exception of sedation (including lethargy), which was more frequent among participants taking nabilone (N = 17) than placebo (N = 6) (odds ratio (OR) 2.83, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.48; 1 cross-over study, 38 participants). We judged the certainty of evidence for adverse event outcomes to be low or very low due to serious concerns regarding imprecision and indirectness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on data from four small, short, and heterogeneous placebo-controlled trials, we cannot be certain whether cannabinoids have any beneficial or harmful effects on dementia. If there are benefits of cannabinoids for people with dementia, the effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful. Adequately powered, methodologically robust trials with longer follow-up are needed to properly assess the effects of cannabinoids in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domagoj Markovic
- Clinic for Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Split Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
| | - Tonci Brkovic
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Split Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Zana Rubic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University of Split Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Vuica Vukasovic
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Split Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Jeroncic
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Livia Puljak
- Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
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The Impact of Early Life Exposure to Cannabis: The Role of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168576. [PMID: 34445282 PMCID: PMC8395329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use during pregnancy has continued to rise, particularly in developed countries, as a result of the trend towards legalization and lack of consistent, evidence-based knowledge on the matter. While there is conflicting data regarding whether cannabis use during pregnancy leads to adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight, or increased admission to neonatal intensive care units, investigations into long-term effects on the offspring’s health are limited. Historically, studies have focused on the neurobehavioral effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on the offspring. The effects of cannabis on other physiological aspects of the developing fetus have received less attention. Importantly, our knowledge about cannabinoid signaling in the placenta is also limited. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present at early stages of development and represents a potential target for exogenous cannabinoids in utero. The ECS is expressed in a broad range of tissues and influences a spectrum of cellular functions. The aim of this review is to explore the current evidence surrounding the effects of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids and the role of the ECS in the placenta and the developing fetus.
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Costa L, Moreia-Pinto B, Felgueira E, Ribeiro A, Rebelo I, Fonseca BM. The major endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) induces apoptosis of human granulosa cells. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2021; 171:102311. [PMID: 34126378 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in human reproduction. Changes in anandamide (AEA) levels affect reproductive events and has already been suggested as biomarker of reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Although cannabinoid-receptor 1 (CB1) was already identified in human granulosa cells (hGCs) the ECS was not characterized on granulosa cells line COV434 nor the effects of AEA on GCs viability and function depicted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the ECS elements and explore the effects of AEA on both COV434 and hGCs. Our results revealed that hGCs express the full enzymatic machinery responsible for AEA metabolism as well as cannabinoid receptors. In addition, AEA induced a reduction in both COV434 and hGCs viability in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the effects of AEA in cell viability was independent of either CB1 or CB2 receptors. There was no ROS release in both cell models; however, AEA induced morphological changes, presenting chromatin condensation at 72 h, and variation on mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, AEA induced an increase in caspase -3/-7 activities in both cell models, but in hGCs there was also an increase in caspase 8 activity. This study supports the idea that ECS balance is crucial for folliculogenesis and oocyte quality as dysregulated AEA levels may compromise female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal; Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - B Moreia-Pinto
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - E Felgueira
- Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - A Ribeiro
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - I Rebelo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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Bajaj S, Jain S, Vyas P, Bawa S, Vohora D. The role of endocannabinoid pathway in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease: Can the inhibitors of MAGL and FAAH prove to be potential therapeutic targets against the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease? Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:305-322. [PMID: 34217798 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline of cognitive function in combination with neuronal death. Current approved treatment target single dysregulated pathway instead of multiple mechanism, resulting in lack of efficacy in slowing down disease progression. The proclivity of endocannabinoid system to exert neuroprotective action and mitigate symptoms of neurodegeneration condition has received substantial interest. Growing evidence suggest the endocannabinoids (eCB) system, viz. anadamide (AEA) and arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), as potential therapeutic targets with the ability to modify Alzheimer's pathology by targeting the inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cognitive aspects of the disease. In order to modulate endocannabinoid system, number of agents have been reported amongst which are inhibitors of the monoacylglycerol (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzymes that hydrolyses 2-AG and AEA respectively. However, little is known regarding the exact mechanistic signalling and their effects on pathophysiology and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Both MAGL and FAAH inhibitors possess fascinating properties that may offer a multi-faceted approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease such as potential to protect neurons from deleterious effect of amyloid-β, reducing phosphorylation of tau, reducing amyloid-β induced oxidative stress, stimulating neurotrophin to support brain intrinsic repair mechanism etc. Based on empirical evidence, MAGL and FAAH inhibitors might have potential for therapeutic efficacy against cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies demonstrating the polyvalent properties of MAGL or FAAH inhibitor compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and also effect of these on learning and types of memories, which together encourage to study these compounds over other therapeutics targets. Further research in this direction would enhance the molecular mechanisms and development of applicable interventions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which nevertheless stay as the primary unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanshu Bajaj
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Shreshta Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandhya Bawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Vohora
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
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21
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Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S. Mechanisms of endocannabinoid transport in the brain. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4300-4310. [PMID: 33786823 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide are among the best studied lipid messengers in the brain. By activating cannabinoid receptors in the CNS, endocannabinoids tune synaptic function, thereby influencing a variety of physiological and behavioural processes. Extensive research conducted over the last few decades has considerably enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system. It is now well-established that endocannabinoids are synthesized by postsynaptic neurons and serve as retrograde messengers that suppress neurotransmitter release at central synapses. While the detailed mechanisms by which endocannabinoids gate synaptic function and behavioural processes are relatively well characterized, the mechanisms governing endocannabinoid transport at central synapses remain ill defined. Recently, several studies have begun to unravel the mechanisms governing intracellular and intercellular endocannabinoid transport. In this review, we will focus on new advances in the mechanisms of intracellular and synaptic endocannabinoid transport in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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22
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The rise and fall of anandamide: processes that control synthesis, degradation, and storage. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2753-2775. [PMID: 33713246 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide is an endocannabinoid derived from arachidonic acid-containing membrane lipids and has numerous biological functions. Its effects are primarily mediated by the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor. Anandamide is known to be involved in sleeping and eating patterns as well as pleasure enhancement and pain relief. This manuscript provides a review of anandamide synthesis, degradation, and storage and hence the homeostasis of the anandamide signaling system.
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Different Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Formulations Distinctively Modify Tissue Fatty Acid and N-Acylethanolamine Profiles. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020625. [PMID: 33671938 PMCID: PMC7919039 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the influence of different dietary formulation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on rat tissue fatty acid (FA) incorporation and consequent modulation of their bioactive metabolite N-acylethanolamines (NAE). For 10 weeks, rats were fed diets with 12% of fat from milk + 4% soybean oil and 4% of oils with different n-3 PUFA species: soybean oil as control, linseed oil rich in α-linolenic (ALA), Buglossoides arvensis oil rich in ALA and stearidonic acid (SDA), fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Nannochloropsis microalga oil rich in EPA or Schizochytrium microalga oil rich in DHA. FA and NAE profiles were determined in plasma, liver, brain and adipose tissues. Different dietary n-3 PUFA distinctively influenced tissue FA profiles and consequently NAE tissue concentrations. Interestingly, in visceral adipose tissue the levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and N-docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA), NAE derived from arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA, respectively, significantly correlated with NAE in plasma, and circulating DHEA levels were also correlated with those in liver and brain. Circulating NAE derived from stearic acid, stearoylethanolamide (SEA), palmitic acid and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) correlated with their liver concentrations. Our data indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA are not all the same in terms of altering tissue FA and NAE concentrations. In addition, correlation analyses suggest that NAE levels in plasma may reflect their concentration in specific tissues. Given the receptor-mediated tissue specific metabolic role of each NAE, a personalized formulation of dietary n-3 PUFA might potentially produce tailored metabolic effects in different pathophysiological conditions.
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Taylor AH, Tortolani D, Ayakannu T, Konje JC, Maccarrone M. (Endo)Cannabinoids and Gynaecological Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:E37. [PMID: 33375539 PMCID: PMC7795647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynaecological cancers can be primary neoplasms, originating either from the reproductive tract or the products of conception, or secondary neoplasms, representative of metastatic disease. For some of these cancers, the exact causes are unknown; however, it is recognised that the precise aetiopathogeneses for most are multifactorial and include exogenous (such as diet) and endogenous factors (such as genetic predisposition), which mutually interact in a complex manner. One factor that has been recognised to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of gynaecological cancers is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (bioactive lipids), their receptors, and metabolic enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. In this review, the impact of plant-derived (Cannabis species) cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on gynaecological cancers will be discussed within the context of the complexity of the proteins that bind, transport, and metabolise these compounds in reproductive and other tissues. In particular, the potential of endocannabinoids, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes as biomarkers of specific cancers, such as those of the endometrium, will be addressed. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of targeting selected elements of the ECS as new action points for the development of innovative drugs will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony H. Taylor
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.H.T.); (T.A.)
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Daniel Tortolani
- European Centre for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00164 Rome, Italy;
| | - Thangesweran Ayakannu
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.H.T.); (T.A.)
- Gynaecology Oncology Cancer Centre, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - Justin C. Konje
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.H.T.); (T.A.)
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Centre for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00164 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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25
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CannabinEYEds: The Endocannabinoid System as a Regulator of the Ocular Surface Nociception, Inflammatory Response, Neovascularization and Wound Healing. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9124036. [PMID: 33327429 PMCID: PMC7764860 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9124036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex regulatory system, highly conserved among vertebrates. It has been widely described in nearly all human tissues. In the conjunctiva and cornea, the ECS is believed to play a pivotal role in the modulation of the local inflammatory state as well as in the regulation of tissue repair and fibrosis, neo-angiogenesis and pain perception. This review aims to summarize all the available data on ECS expression and its function in ocular surface structures to provide a specific insight concerning its modulation in dry eye disease, and to propose directions for future research.
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Maccarrone M, Rapino C, Francavilla F, Barbonetti A. Cannabinoid signalling and effects of cannabis on the male reproductive system. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 18:19-32. [PMID: 33214706 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely consumed recreational drug worldwide, which raises concerns for its potential effects on fertility. Many aspects of human male reproduction can be modulated by cannabis-derived extracts (cannabinoids) and their endogenous counterparts, known as endocannabinoids (eCBs). These latter molecules act as critical signals in a variety of physiological processes through receptors, enzymes and transporters collectively termed the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Increasing evidence suggests a role for eCBs, as well as cannabinoids, in various aspects of male sexual and reproductive health. Although preclinical studies have clearly shown that ECS is involved in negative modulation of testosterone secretion by acting both at central and testicular levels in animal models, the effect of in vivo exposure to cannabinoids on spermatogenesis remains a matter of debate. Furthermore, inconclusive clinical evidence does not seem to support the notion that plant-derived cannabinoids have harmful effects on human sexual and reproductive health. An improved understanding of the complex crosstalk between cannabinoids and eCBs is required before targeting of ECS for modulation of human fertility becomes a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Felice Francavilla
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Lone SA, Mohanty TK, Bhakat M, Paray AR, Baithalu RK, Yadav HP, Sinha R. Supplementing extender with anandamide enhances quality of low sperm doses during cryopreservation in bulls. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13782. [PMID: 32721053 DOI: 10.1111/and.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study explored the effect of anandamide supplementation in the extender on quality of low sperm doses during cryopreservation in Sahiwal bulls. Each fresh semen sample was split into eight aliquots (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII). The aliquots I, II, III and IV were taken as control and diluted to 20, 15, 10 and 5 million spermatozoa/0.25 ml respectively. The aliquots V, VI, VII and VIII were diluted with extender (supplemented with anandamide at 1 µM/ml of extender) to 20, 15, 10 and 5 million spermatozoa/0.25 ml respectively. This was followed by filling of diluted semen into French mini straws, equilibrated at 4°C of 4 hr and cryopreserved. The results revealed that the proportions of motile spermatozoa, live spermatozoa and live acrosome intact spermatozoa were significantly (p < .05) higher in all anandamide-treated sperm doses compared to control. The proportions of moribund spermatozoa, dead acrosome intact spermatozoa and capacitated spermatozoa were significantly (p < .05) reduced in all anandamide-treated sperm doses compared to control, with no difference in proportion of dead acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. In conclusion, anandamide supplementation in the extender increases the post-thaw quality of low sperm doses during cryopreservation in bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabir A Lone
- Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tushar K Mohanty
- Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Mukesh Bhakat
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Adil R Paray
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rubina K Baithalu
- Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Hanuman P Yadav
- Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ranjana Sinha
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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Butler K, Le Foll B. Novel therapeutic and drug development strategies for tobacco use disorder: endocannabinoid modulation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1065-1080. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1767581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Butler
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dainese E, Oddi S, Simonetti M, Sabatucci A, Angelucci CB, Ballone A, Dufrusine B, Fezza F, De Fabritiis G, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid hydrolase FAAH is an allosteric enzyme. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2292. [PMID: 32041998 PMCID: PMC7010751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a membrane-bound homodimeric enzyme that in vivo controls content and biological activity of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and other relevant bioactive lipids termed endocannabinoids. Parallel orientation of FAAH monomers likely allows both subunits to simultaneously recruit and cleave substrates. Here, we show full inhibition of human and rat FAAH by means of enzyme inhibitors used at a homodimer:inhibitor stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, implying that occupation of only one of the two active sites of FAAH is enough to fully block catalysis. Single W445Y substitution in rat FAAH displayed the same activity as the wild-type, but failed to show full inhibition at the homodimer:inhibitor 1:1 ratio. Instead, F432A mutant exhibited reduced specific activity but was fully inhibited at the homodimer:inhibitor 1:1 ratio. Kinetic analysis of AEA hydrolysis by rat FAAH and its F432A mutant demonstrated a Hill coefficient of ~1.6, that instead was ~1.0 in the W445Y mutant. Of note, also human FAAH catalysed an allosteric hydrolysis of AEA, showing a Hill coefficient of ~1.9. Taken together, this study demonstrates an unprecedented allosterism of FAAH, and represents a case of communication between two enzyme subunits seemingly controlled by a single amino acid (W445) at the dimer interface. In the light of extensive attempts and subsequent failures over the last decade to develop effective drugs for human therapy, these findings pave the way to the rationale design of new molecules that, by acting as positive or negative heterotropic effectors of FAAH, may control more efficiently its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Dainese
- Faculty of Biosciences, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Sergio Oddi
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Simonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annalaura Sabatucci
- Faculty of Biosciences, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Alice Ballone
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University of Pompeu Fabra and Icrea, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatrice Dufrusine
- Faculty of Biosciences, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni De Fabritiis
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University of Pompeu Fabra and Icrea, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Medicine - Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Castel P, Simon P, Barbier M, Sunyach C, Tassistro V, Manzoni O, Pelissier AL, Courbiere B. [Focus on the endocannabinoid system and the reprotoxicity of marijuana in female users]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 48:384-392. [PMID: 32017991 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2020.01.024] [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: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Among recreative compounds, marijuana is the most used worldwide. Delta9THC binding on brain endocannabinoid receptors drives its psychotropic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous neurohormonal system essential for homeostasis composed of ligands, metabolic enzymes and at least 2 receptors discovered to date. In female reproduction, the ECS regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and many steps of the reproduction process, such as ovulation, tubal transportation and trophoblast implantation. Delta9THC can cross the placental barrier and bind to the fetal endocannabinoid system. In humans, fetal and obstetrical consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy are intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery. In the light of legalization projects currently reviewed in several western countries, further research should be conducted to improve knowledge on maternal, fetal and reprotoxic consequences of marijuana use during reproductive age and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Castel
- Aix-Marseille université, Avignon université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale, équipe biomarqueurs, environnement et santé, site Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; Pôle femmes-parents-enfants, plateforme couple reproduction enfant : environnement & risques (CREER), hôpital de La Conception, hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France.
| | - P Simon
- Pôle femmes-parents-enfants, plateforme couple reproduction enfant : environnement & risques (CREER), hôpital de La Conception, hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, Inserm, INMED, institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 163, avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - M Barbier
- Aix-Marseille université, Avignon université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale, équipe biomarqueurs, environnement et santé, site Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; Pôle femmes-parents-enfants, plateforme couple reproduction enfant : environnement & risques (CREER), hôpital de La Conception, hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - C Sunyach
- Aix-Marseille université, Avignon université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale, équipe biomarqueurs, environnement et santé, site Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; Pôle femmes-parents-enfants, plateforme couple reproduction enfant : environnement & risques (CREER), hôpital de La Conception, hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - V Tassistro
- Aix-Marseille université, Avignon université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale, équipe biomarqueurs, environnement et santé, site Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - O Manzoni
- Aix-Marseille université, Inserm, INMED, institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 163, avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - A-L Pelissier
- Aix-Marseille université, Inserm, INMED, institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 163, avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; Service de médecine légale, CHU Timone Adultes, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - B Courbiere
- Aix-Marseille université, Avignon université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, institut méditerranéen de biodiversité et d'écologie marine et continentale, équipe biomarqueurs, environnement et santé, site Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; Pôle femmes-parents-enfants, plateforme couple reproduction enfant : environnement & risques (CREER), hôpital de La Conception, hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France
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31
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Maccarrone M. Missing Pieces to the Endocannabinoid Puzzle. Trends Mol Med 2019; 26:263-272. [PMID: 31822395 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most bioactive ingredient of cannabis (Cannabis sativa or indica) extracts, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was identified in the 1960s as one of more than 110 phytocannabinoids. It activates receptors of chemically different endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) that, unlike THC, are metabolized by several enzymes of the endocannabinoid system. Here, the complexity of the plant-derived and endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs) is discussed, to better appreciate the challenge of: (i) dissecting their mutual interactions; (ii) understanding their impact on human pathophysiology; and (iii) exploiting them for human disease. To this aim, missing pieces to the eCB puzzle must be urgently found, by solving the 3D structures of key components, and interrogating noncanonical modes of regulation and trafficking of these lipid signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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Páez JA, Campillo NE. Innovative Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptors as Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease and Less Well-Known Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3300-3340. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180226095132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
:
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors at the beginning of the 1990s, CB1 cloned
in 1990 and CB2 cloned in 1993, and the availability of selective and potent cannabimimetics
could only be justified by the existence of endogenous ligands that are capable of binding to
them. Thus, the characterisation and cloning of the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) led to the
isolation and characterisation of the first endocannabinoid, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA),
two years later and the subsequent identification of a family of lipid transmitters known as the
fatty acid ester 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
:
The endogenous cannabinoid system is a complex signalling system that comprises transmembrane
endocannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands (the endocannabinoids), the
specific uptake mechanisms and the enzymatic systems related to their biosynthesis and degradation.
:
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a wide diversity of biological processes,
in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including memory, learning, neuronal development,
stress and emotions, food intake, energy regulation, peripheral metabolism, and
the regulation of hormonal balance through the endocrine system.
:
In this context, this article will review the current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of
cannabinoid receptor as a target in Alzheimer’s disease and other less well-known diseases
that include, among others, multiple sclerosis, bone metabolism, and Fragile X syndrome.
:
The therapeutic applications will be addressed through the study of cannabinoid agonists acting
as single drugs and multi-target drugs highlighting the CB2 receptor agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Páez
- Instituto de Quimica Medica (IQM-CSIC). C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC). C/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Oddi S, Caporali P, Dragotto J, Totaro A, Maiolati M, Scipioni L, Angelucci CB, Orsini C, Canterini S, Rapino C, Maccarrone M, Fiorenza MT. The endocannabinoid system is affected by cholesterol dyshomeostasis: Insights from a murine model of Niemann Pick type C disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104531. [PMID: 31302243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The dyshomeostasis of intracellular cholesterol trafficking is typical of the Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a fatal inherited lysosomal storage disorder presenting with progressive neurodegeneration and visceral organ involvement. In light of the well-established relevance of cholesterol in regulating the endocannabinoid (eCB) system expression and activity, this study was aimed at elucidating whether NPC disease-related cholesterol dyshomeostasis affects the functional status of the brain eCB system. To this end, we exploited a murine model of NPC deficiency for determining changes in the expression and activity of the major molecular components of the eCB signaling, including cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors, their ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), along with their main synthesizing/inactivating enzymes. We found a robust alteration of distinct components of the eCB system in various brain regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum, of Npc1-deficient compared to wild-type pre-symptomatic mice. Changes of the eCB component expression and activity differ from one brain structure to another, although 2-AG and AEA are consistently found to decrease and increase in each structure, respectively. The thorough biochemical characterization of the eCB system was accompanied by a behavioral characterization of Npc1-deficient mice using a number of paradigms evaluating anxiety, locomotor activity, spatial learning/memory abilities, and coping response to stressful experience. Our findings provide the first description of an early and region-specific alteration of the brain eCB system in NPC and suggest that defective eCB signaling could contribute at producing and/or worsening the neurological symptoms of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | - Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Totaro
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | - Marzia Maiolati
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Scipioni
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Orsini
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Ayakannu T, Taylor AH, Marczylo TH, Maccarrone M, Konje JC. Identification of Novel Predictive Biomarkers for Endometrial Malignancies: N-Acylethanolamines. Front Oncol 2019; 9:430. [PMID: 31245282 PMCID: PMC6579876 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify new biochemical markers for endometrial cancer (EC). Recent evidence suggests that members of the endocannabinoid system (N-acylethanolamines) that bind to and activate receptors that are dysregulated in EC are involved in this tumour's biology. These observations suggest increased N-acylethanolamine levels in the tissue that might appear in plasma and could be used as disease biomarkers. Methods: N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and the N-acylethanolamine substances, N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) were quantified in plasma and endometrial tissue collected from 31 EC and seven atrophic controls using UHPLC-MS/MS. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) and logistic regression were used to determine diagnostic accuracy. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) protein levels were determined by specific immunohistochemistry and histomorphometric analyses. Correlations between plasma and tissue levels of the three N-acylethanolamines and tissue levels of the three N-acylethanolamines and CB1 and CB2 receptor expression levels were determined using correlation analysis. Results: Plasma and tissue AEA and PEA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in EC than controls whilst OEA levels were significantly elevated in type 1 EC tissues but not in plasma. There were significant positive correlations between plasma and tissue levels of AEA (R 2 = 0.302, p = 0.008) and PEA (R 2 = 0.182, p = 0.047), but not for OEA (R 2 = 0.022, p = 0.506). The diagnostic accuracies for EC were: sensitivity of 53.3%, specificity of 100% for plasma AEA (>1.36 nM); sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 100% for plasma PEA (>27.5 nM); and sensitivity of 93.3%, specificity of 28.6% for plasma OEA (>4.97 nM). Logistic regression increased the area under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.781 for AEA, 0.857 for PEA, and 0.543 for OEA to a combined AUC of 0.933 for EC diagnosis. Significant inverse correlations between tissue AEA (R 2 = 0.343, p = 0.003) and PEA (R 2 = 0.384, p < 0.0001) levels and CB1 expression were observed. No correlation between tissue levels of OEA and CB1 and tissue levels of any of the three N-acylethanolamines and CB2 protein expression were observed, except in the type 1 EC patients. Conclusion: Since plasma AEA and PEA are significantly elevated in patients with EC and a reflection of production by the endometrial tumour, then these lipids have the potential to be useful biomarkers for the early diagnosis of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangesweran Ayakannu
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Gynaecology Oncology Cancer Centre, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony H Taylor
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy H Marczylo
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Toxicology Department at the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Justin C Konje
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sidra Medicine, Women's Wellness and Research Center, HMC, Doha, Qatar
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Hagemann PM, Nsiah-Dosu S, Hundt JE, Hartmann K, Orinska Z. Modulation of Mast Cell Reactivity by Lipids: The Neglected Side of Allergic Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1174. [PMID: 31191542 PMCID: PMC6549522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) have long been mainly regarded as effector cells in IgE-associated allergic disorders with potential immunoregulatory roles. Located close to the allergen entry sites in the skin and mucosa, MCs can capture foreign substances such as allergens, toxins, or noxious substances and are exposed to the danger signals produced by epithelial cells. MC reactivity shaped by tissue-specific factors is crucial for allergic responses ranging from local skin reactions to anaphylactic shock. Development of Th2 response leading to allergen-specific IgE production is a prerequisite for MC sensitization and induction of FcεRI-mediated MC degranulation. Up to now, IgE production has been mainly associated with proteins, whereas lipids present in plant pollen grains, mite fecal particles, insect venoms, or food have been largely overlooked regarding their immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties. Recent studies, however, have now demonstrated that lipids affect the sensitization process by modulating innate immune responses of epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and NK-T cells and thus crucially contribute to the outcome of sensitization. Whether and how lipids affect also MC effector functions in allergic reactions has not yet been fully clarified. Here, we discuss how lipids can affect MC responses in the context of allergic inflammation. Direct effects of immunomodulatory lipids on MC degranulation, changes in local lipid composition induced by allergens themselves and changes in lipid transport affecting MC reactivity are possible mechanisms by which the function of MC might be modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M Hagemann
- Division of Experimental Pneumology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum, Airway Research Center North, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | | | | | - Karin Hartmann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Division of Allergy, Department of Dermatology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zane Orinska
- Division of Experimental Pneumology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum, Airway Research Center North, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
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36
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Sabatucci A, Simonetti M, Tortolani D, Angelucci CB, Dainese E, Maccarrone M. Role of Steroids on the Membrane Binding Ability of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2019; 4:42-50. [PMID: 30944869 PMCID: PMC6446164 DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a membrane-bound homodimeric enzyme that gets in contact with a lipophilic substrate in the lipid bilayer, and then cleaves it into water soluble products. FAAH plays a critical role in modulating in vivo content and biological activity of endocannabinoids (eCBs), and its function is affected by membrane lipids. Increasing evidence suggests that also steroids can modulate endocannabinoid signaling, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Methods: In this study, we interrogated the effect of six steroids with relevant biological activity (testosterone, hydrocortisone, estradiol, pregnenolone, progesterone, and cortisone) on the membrane binding ability of rat FAAH. The experimental data analysis obtained by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Spectroscopy was paralleled by computational docking analysis. Results: Our data revealed distinct effects of the different steroids on the interaction of rat FAAH with model membranes. Among them, pregnenolone was found to be the most effective in raising rat FAAH affinity for model membranes. A possible binding pocket for steroid molecules was identified by docking analysis in the membrane-embedded region of the enzyme; such a pocket could account for the observed increase of the membrane affinity in the presence of the tested molecules. Conclusions: Overall, the results point to steroids as new regulators of FAAH interaction with membranes, which may impact the biological activity of eCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Sabatucci
- Faculty of Bioscience, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Simonetti
- Faculty of Bioscience, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Daniel Tortolani
- Faculty of Bioscience, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Dainese
- Faculty of Bioscience, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Stress during Lactation Induces Insulin Resistance Associated with an Increase in Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptors in Liver and Adipose Tissue. J Nutr Metab 2019; 2019:2806519. [PMID: 30800481 PMCID: PMC6360041 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2806519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports have shown that stress during lactation causes long-term metabolic and hormonal disruptions. In this study, we designed experiments to evaluate the effects of stress during lactation on the abundance of Type 1 cannabinoid/endocannabinoid receptors (CB1R) in epididymal fat and liver and development of insulin resistance in adult mice. During the whole lactation, male mice pups were daily subcutaneously injected (days 1–21) with a saline solution to produce a soft nociceptive stress (NS). Mice body weight and food intake were periodically evaluated. Adult animals were subsequently subjected to an insulin tolerance test and some days later sacrificed to evaluate the amount of epididymal fat and abundance of CB1R and adipophilin in liver and epididymal adipose tissue. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and circulating levels of leptin, adiponectin, and corticosterone were also evaluated. In this model, NS during lactation significantly increased the amount of epididymal fat and induced insulin resistance in adult mice. In addition, a significantly increased abundance of CB1R and adipophilin in epididymal fat and liver was observed, together with elevated circulating levels of leptin and corticosterone. Adult NS animals also had low plasmatic adiponectin and, although nonsignificant, had a sustained trend to a greater LPL activity associated with epididymal fat. These results indicate that increased abundance of CB1R in liver and epididymal fat alters tissue functionality likely associated with development of systemic metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance in adult mice. All these pathophysiological facts are long-term consequences of nociceptive stress during lactation.
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38
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Walker OLS, Holloway AC, Raha S. The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:3. [PMID: 30646937 PMCID: PMC6332911 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in the role of endocannabinoids as critical modulators of the female reproductive processes. Endocannabinoids are natural ligands of cannabinoid, vanilloid, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Together with their receptors, enzymes and downstream signaling targets, they form the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the ECS is known to modulate pain and neurodevelopment, it is also known to impact the female reproductive system where it affects folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovarian endocrine secretion. In addition, the ECS affects oviductal embryo transport, implantation, uterine decidualization and placentation. There is a complex interplay between the ECS and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and an intricate crosstalk between the ECS and steroid hormone production and secretion. Exogenous cannabinoids, derived from plants such as Cannabis sativa, are also ligands for cannabinoid receptors. These have been shown to have clinical outcomes related to ECS dysregulation, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, along with adverse effects on female reproduction. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss data from human, animal, and in vitro studies that support the important role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues and processes. In particular, we will discuss some of the mechanisms by which endocannabinoid signaling can affect ovarian function in both physiological and pathophysiological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- O’ Llenecia S. Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N11H, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Alison C. Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N52A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics, and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N11H, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
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Moreira-Silva D, Carrettiero DC, Oliveira ASA, Rodrigues S, Dos Santos-Lopes J, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Almeida MC, Ferreira TL. Anandamide Effects in a Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Like Sporadic Dementia in Rats. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:653. [PMID: 30333717 PMCID: PMC6176656 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by multiple cognitive deficits including memory and sensorimotor gating impairments as a result of neuronal and synaptic loss. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in these deficits but little is known about its influence on the molecular mechanism regarding phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein accumulation - one of the hallmarks of AD -, and on the density of synaptic proteins. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) on multiple cognitive deficits and on the levels of synaptic proteins (syntaxin 1, synaptophysin and synaptosomal-associated protein, SNAP-25), cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and molecules related to p-tau degradation machinery (heat shock protein 70, HSP70), and Bcl2-associated athanogene (BAG2) in an AD-like sporadic dementia model in rats using intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Our hypothesis is that AEA could interact with HSP70, modulating the level of p-tau and synaptic proteins, preventing STZ-induced cognitive impairments. Thirty days after receiving bilateral icv injections of AEA or STZ or both, the cognitive performance of adult male Wistar rats was evaluated in the object recognition test, by the escape latency in the elevated plus maze (EPM), by the tone and context fear conditioning as well as in prepulse inhibition tests. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized and their brains were removed for histological analysis or for protein quantification by Western Blotting. The behavioral results showed that STZ impaired recognition, plus maze and tone fear memories but did not affect contextual fear memory and prepulse inhibition. Moreover, AEA prevented recognition and non-associative emotional memory impairments induced by STZ, but did not influence tone fear conditioning. STZ increased the brain ventricular area and this enlargement was prevented by AEA. Additionally, STZ reduced the levels of p-tau (Ser199/202) and increased p-tau (Ser396), although AEA did not affect these alterations. HSP70 was found diminished only by STZ, while BAG2 levels were decreased by STZ and AEA. Synaptophysin, syntaxin and CB1 receptor levels were reduced by STZ, but only syntaxin was recovered by AEA. Altogether, albeit AEA failed to modify some AD-like neurochemical alterations, it partially prevented STZ-induced cognitive impairments, changes in synaptic markers and ventricle enlargement. This study showed, for the first time, that the administration of an endocannabinoid can prevent AD-like effects induced by STZ, boosting further investigations about the modulation of endocannabinoid levels as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreira-Silva
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Carrettiero
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Adriele S A Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Samanta Rodrigues
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Dos Santos-Lopes
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria C Almeida
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana L Ferreira
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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40
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Effects of feeding a source of omega-3 fatty acid during the early postpartum period on the endocannabinoid system in the bovine endometrium. Theriogenology 2018; 121:141-146. [PMID: 30145543 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of sixteen Holstein dairy cows (35 ± 1.1 kg/d of milk yield) were randomly assigned to consider the effects of feeding omega-3 sources on endometrial endocannabinoids system (ECS) genes expression to understand the effect mechanism of omega-3 on reproductive performances during the early postpartum period to evaluate to what extent can be intervened in reproduction, e.g. via nutrition to improve fertility. Experimental diets were 1) either protected palm oil (control) or 2) extruded linseed (linseed). Cows (n = 16) were fed from calving date to 70 days in milk (DIM). There was no difference between groups (mean ± S.E.M.) in parity (3.0 ± 1.00) or body condition score (BCS) at calving day (3.1 ± 0.25). At 30 DIM, the ovulatory cycles of cows were synchronized using two injections of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) with a 14-day interval. On day 15 of synchronized estrous cycle (d0 = ovulation) uterine endometrial biopsies were collected to evaluate the expression of genes related to ECS (endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2), N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPEPLD), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), monoglyceride lipase (MGLL)) and PGF2α. Results showed that dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by diets. Uterine endometrial NAAA (7.69 fold), and MGLL (1.96 fold) genes expression were greater (P < 0.05) in cows fed linseed compared with control ones. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of CNR-2 (4.26 fold), and NAPEPLD (20.0 fold) were decreased (P < 0.05) in animals fed linseed compared to control cows. The expression of mRNA for the FAAH was not influenced by the diets. First service conception rate was greater in cows fed linseed compared to control cows (75 vs. 25%). Pregnancy loss within 32-60 day after artificial insemination (AI) was lower in cows fed linseed compared to control cows (0 vs. 100%). In conclusion these data demonstrated that positive effect of omega-3 on reproduction may act through a mechanism involving the ECS. However, more studies to be undertaken to confirm these results.
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41
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Baggelaar MP, Maccarrone M, van der Stelt M. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol: A signaling lipid with manifold actions in the brain. Prog Lipid Res 2018; 71:1-17. [PMID: 29751000 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a signaling lipid in the central nervous system that is a key regulator of neurotransmitter release. 2-AG is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. It is involved in a wide array of (patho)physiological functions, such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation and neuroinflammation. In this review, we describe the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of 2-AG and how chemical and genetic perturbation of these pathways has led to insight in the biological role of this signaling lipid. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating 2-AG levels in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Baggelaar
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; European Centre for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands..
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42
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Coccurello R, Maccarrone M. Hedonic Eating and the "Delicious Circle": From Lipid-Derived Mediators to Brain Dopamine and Back. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:271. [PMID: 29740277 PMCID: PMC5928395 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Palatable food can be seductive and hedonic eating can become irresistible beyond hunger and negative consequences. This is witnessed by the subtle equilibrium between eating to provide energy intake for homeostatic functions, and reward-induced overeating. In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to study neural circuits, and to identify potential factors responsible for the derangement of homeostatic eating toward hedonic eating and addiction-like feeding behavior. Here, we examined recent literature on “old” and “new” players accountable for reward-induced overeating and possible liability to eating addiction. Thus, the role of midbrain dopamine is positioned at the intersection between selected hormonal signals involved in food reward information processing (namely, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin), and lipid-derived neural mediators such as endocannabinoids. The impact of high fat palatable food and dietary lipids on endocannabinoid formation is reviewed in its pathogenetic potential for the derangement of feeding homeostasis. Next, endocannabinoid signaling that regulates synaptic plasticity is discussed as a key mechanism acting both at hypothalamic and mesolimbic circuits, and affecting both dopamine function and interplay between leptin and ghrelin signaling. Outside the canonical hypothalamic feeding circuits involved in energy homeostasis and the notion of “feeding center,” we focused on lateral hypothalamus as neural substrate able to confront food-associated homeostatic information with food salience, motivation to eat, reward-seeking, and development of compulsive eating. Thus, the lateral hypothalamus-ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens neural circuitry is reexamined in order to interrogate the functional interplay between ghrelin, dopamine, orexin, and endocannabinoid signaling. We suggested a pivotal role for endocannabinoids in food reward processing within the lateral hypothalamus, and for orexin neurons to integrate endocrine signals with food reinforcement and hedonic eating. In addition, the role played by different stressors in the reinstatement of preference for palatable food and food-seeking behavior is also considered in the light of endocannabinoid production, activation of orexin receptors and disinhibition of dopamine neurons. Finally, type-1 cannabinoid receptor-dependent inhibition of GABA-ergic release and relapse to reward-associated stimuli is linked to ghrelin and orexin signaling in the lateral hypothalamus-ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens network to highlight its pathological potential for food addiction-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Coccurello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurochemistry of Lipids, European Center for Brain Research (CERC), IRRCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry of Lipids, European Center for Brain Research (CERC), IRRCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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43
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Leimuranta P, Khiroug L, Giniatullin R. Emerging Role of (Endo)Cannabinoids in Migraine. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:420. [PMID: 29740328 PMCID: PMC5928495 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this mini-review, we summarize recent discoveries and present new hypotheses on the role of cannabinoids in controlling trigeminal nociceptive system underlying migraine pain. Individual sections of this review cover key aspects of this topic, such as: (i) the current knowledge on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with emphasis on expression of its components in migraine related structures; (ii) distinguishing peripheral from central site of action of cannabinoids, (iii) proposed mechanisms of migraine pain and control of nociceptive traffic by cannabinoids at the level of meninges and in brainstem, (iv) therapeutic targeting in migraine of monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase, enzymes which control the level of endocannabinoids; (v) dual (possibly opposing) actions of cannabinoids via anti-nociceptive CB1 and CB2 and pro-nociceptive TRPV1 receptors. We explore the cannabinoid-mediated mechanisms in the frame of the Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) hypothesis, which implies reduced tone of endocannabinoids in migraine patients. We further discuss the control of cortical excitability by cannabinoids via inhibition of cortical spreading depression (CSD) underlying the migraine aura. Finally, we present our view on perspectives of Cannabis-derived (extracted or synthetized marijuana components) or novel endocannabinoid therapeutics in migraine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinja Leimuranta
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Leonard Khiroug
- Neurotar Ltd., Helsinki, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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44
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Schwarz R, Ramer R, Hinz B. Targeting the endocannabinoid system as a potential anticancer approach. Drug Metab Rev 2018; 50:26-53. [PMID: 29390896 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1428344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is currently under intense investigation due to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as treatment options for a broad variety of diseases including cancer. Besides the canonical endocannabinoid system that includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, recent investigations suggest that other fatty acid derivatives, receptors, enzymes, and lipid transporters likewise orchestrate this system as components of the endocannabinoid system when defined as an extended signaling network. As such, fatty acids acting at cannabinoid receptors (e.g. 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether [noladin ether], N-arachidonoyldopamine) as well as endocannabinoid-like substances that do not elicit cannabinoid receptor activation (e.g. N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine) have raised interest as anticancerogenic substances. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors, members of the transient receptor potential family as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been considered as targets of antitumoral cannabinoid activity. Therefore, this review focused on the antitumorigenic effects induced upon modulation of this extended endocannabinoid network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schwarz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
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45
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Chiurchiù V, van der Stelt M, Centonze D, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation in multiple sclerosis: Clues for other neuroinflammatory diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 160:82-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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46
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Incubation of spermatozoa with Anandamide prior to cryopreservation reduces cryocapacitation and improves post-thaw sperm quality in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 189:77-83. [PMID: 29277315 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid, has been shown to reduce capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis in human spermatozoa. Because buffalo spermatozoa are highly susceptible to cryopreservation induced damage, AEA was assessed as to whether it could protect spermatozoa from cryo-damage. Six ejaculates from six Murrah buffalo bulls (total 36 ejaculates) were utilized for the study. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots; spermatozoa in Aliquot 1 were extended in Tris-Citrate-Egg Yolk and frozen as per the standard protocol. Spermatozoa in Aliquots 2, 3 and 4 were incubated with AEA at 1 nM, 1 μM and 10 μM, respectively in Tris-Citrate extender for 15 min at 37 °C before cryopreservation. Cryopreserved spermatozoa were thawed at 37 °C for 30 s before assessment of sperm motility, membrane integrity, capacitation, acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lipid peroxidation status. The proportion of motile and membrane intact spermatozoa were greater (P < 0.05) with use of 1 μM AEA incorporated group compared with other groups. The proportion of un-capacitated and acrosome intact spermatozoa was greater (P < 0.05) with use of 1 or 10 μM of AEA compared with the other groups. When compared to the control group, use of 1 μM AEA resulted in a greater proportion of spermatozoa with high MMP (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the lipid peroxidation status of spermatozoa among any of the four groups. It was inferred that the protective role of AEA during cryopreservation of buffalo spermatozoa was dose dependent and incubation of spermatozoa with AEA at 1 μM concentration prior to cryopreservation reduced cryo-capacitation and improved post-thaw sperm quality in buffalo.
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47
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Visualization of Endocannabinoids in the Cell. Methods Mol Biol 2017. [PMID: 27245913 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3539-0_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
A still unsolved, although critical, issue in endocannabinoid research is the mechanism by which the lipophilic compound anandamide (AEA) moves from its site of synthesis, crosses the aqueous milieu, and reaches the different intracellular compartments, where its metabolic and signaling pathways take place. The difficulty of studying intracellular AEA transport and distribution results from the lack of specific probes and techniques to track and visualize this bioactive lipid within the cell. Here, we describe the use of a biotinylated, non-hydrolyzable derivative of AEA (biotin-AEA, b-AEA) for visualizing the subcellular distribution of this endocannabinoid by means of confocal fluorescence microscopy.
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48
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Markovic D, Bošnjak D, Brkovic T, Jeric M, Rubic Z, Vuica Vukasović A, Puljak L. Cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domagoj Markovic
- University Hospital Split; Clinic for Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases; Spinciceva 1 Split Croatia 21000
| | - Dina Bošnjak
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče; Bolnicka cesta 32 Zagreb Grad Zagreb Croatia 10000
| | - Tonci Brkovic
- University of Split Hospital Center; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; Mejaši 31 Split Croatia 21000
| | - Milka Jeric
- General Hospital Zadar; Department of Dermatovenerology; Matoseva 59b Split CRO Croatia 21000
| | - Zana Rubic
- University of Split Hospital Center; Department of Clinical Microbiology; Spinciceva 1 Split Croatia 21000
| | - Ana Vuica Vukasović
- University of Split Hospital Center; Department of Nuclear Medicine; Split Croatia 21000
| | - Livia Puljak
- University of Split School of Medicine; Cochrane Croatia; Soltanska 2 Split Croatia 21000
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49
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Xu W, Wei Z, Dong J, Duan F, Chen K, Chen C, Liu J, Yang X, Chen L, Xiao H, Liu A. Global Metabolomics Reveals the Metabolic Dysfunction in Ox-LDL Induced Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:586. [PMID: 28912717 PMCID: PMC5583968 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disorder of large arteries that is a major risk factors of high morbidity and mortality. Oxidative modification LDL is one of the important contributors to atherogenesis. Macrophages take up ox-LDL and convert into foam cells, which is the hallmark of AS. To advance the understanding of the metabolic perturbation involved in ox-LDL induced macrophage-derived foam cells and discover the potential biomarkers of early AS, a global metabolomics approach was applied based on UHPLC-QTOF/MS. Multivariate statistical analyses identified five metabolites (25-azacholesterol, anandamide, glycocholate, oleoyl ethanolamide, and 3-oxo-4, 6-choladienoate) for distinguishing foamy macrophages from controls. Among the six main metabolic pathways, the unsaturated fatty acid, especially arachidonic acid metabolism, contributed importantly to early AS. A new biomarker, anandamide (AEA), whose synthesis and metabolism in macrophages are disturbed by overloaded ox-LDL, results in metabolic obstruction. This study is the first to investigate the metabolic disturbance in macrophage-derived foam cells induced by ox-LDL and screen potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways associated with early AS. Our findings provide a new insight in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and also help to identify novel targets for the intervention of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Ziyi Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Dong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Feipeng Duan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Kuikui Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Lianming Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - Hongbin Xiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing, China
| | - An Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
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50
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Maccarrone M. Metabolism of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide: Open Questions after 25 Years. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:166. [PMID: 28611591 PMCID: PMC5447297 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis extracts have been used for centuries, but its main active principle ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was identified about 50 years ago. Yet, it is only 25 years ago that the first endogenous ligand of the same receptors engaged by the cannabis agents was discovered. This “endocannabinoid (eCB)” was identified as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (or anandamide (AEA)), and was shown to have several receptors, metabolic enzymes and transporters that altogether drive its biological activity. Here I report on the latest advances about AEA metabolism, with the aim of focusing open questions still awaiting an answer for a deeper understanding of AEA activity, and for translating AEA-based drugs into novel therapeutics for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of RomeRome, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia FoundationRome, Italy
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