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De Filippo C, Costa A, Becagli MV, Monroy MM, Provensi G, Passani MB. Gut microbiota and oleoylethanolamide in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1135157. [PMID: 37091842 PMCID: PMC10113643 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1135157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A vast literature strongly suggests that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system and related bioactive lipids (the paracannabinoid system) contribute to numerous physiological processes and are involved in pathological conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and intestinal inflammation. The gut paracannabinoid system exerts a prominent role in gut physiology as it affects motility, permeability, and inflammatory responses. Another important player in the regulation of host metabolism is the intestinal microbiota, as microorganisms are indispensable to protect the intestine against exogenous pathogens and potentially harmful resident microorganisms. In turn, the composition of the microbiota is regulated by intestinal immune responses. The intestinal microbial community plays a fundamental role in the development of the innate immune system and is essential in shaping adaptive immunity. The active interplay between microbiota and paracannabinoids is beginning to appear as potent regulatory system of the gastrointestinal homeostasis. In this context, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), a key component of the physiological systems involved in the regulation of dietary fat consumption, energy homeostasis, intestinal motility, and a key factor in modulating eating behavior, is a less studied lipid mediator. In the small intestine namely duodenum and jejunum, levels of OEA change according to the nutrient status as they decrease during food deprivation and increase upon refeeding. Recently, we and others showed that OEA treatment in rodents protects against inflammatory events and changes the intestinal microbiota composition. In this review, we briefly define the role of OEA and of the gut microbiota in intestinal homeostasis and recapitulate recent findings suggesting an interplay between OEA and the intestinal microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta De Filippo
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Mariela Mejia Monroy
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Dipartimento di Neurofarba, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Beatrice Passani, ; Gustavo Provensi,
| | - Maria Beatrice Passani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Beatrice Passani, ; Gustavo Provensi,
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Kaur S, Sharma N, Roy A. Role of cannabinoids in various diseases: A review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:1346-1358. [PMID: 34951355 DOI: 10.2174/1389201023666211223164656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plant, Cannabis sativa is heavily explored and researched with many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The medicinal and therapeutic role of cannabis Sativa has been summarized in the paper, citing its mechanism of action and influence on the human body. Diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders pose negative and long-term drastic effects on the body like neurodegeneration and other chronic system failures. Several existing literature has proved its effectiveness against such diseases. OBJECTIVES This review aims to provide an overview of the role of cannabinoids in various diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders. METHOD Various e-resources like Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched and read to form a well-informed and information-heavy manuscript. Here we tried to summaries the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa and its bioactive compound cannabinoids in various diseases. RESULT This review highlights the various constituents which are present in Cannabis sativa, the Endocannabinoid system, and the role of cannabinoids in various diseases Conclusion: Recent research on Cannabis has suggested its role in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, sleep disorders, pediatric diseases, and their analgesic nature. Therefore, the authors majorly focus on the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa in various diseases. The focus is also on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in fighting or preventing bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University. India
| | - Nikita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi. India
| | - Arpita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida. India
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Saravia R, Ten-Blanco M, Pereda-Pérez I, Berrendero F. New Insights in the Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System and Natural Cannabinoids in Nicotine Dependence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13316. [PMID: 34948106 PMCID: PMC8715672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, the main psychoactive component in tobacco smoke, plays a major role in tobacco addiction, producing a high morbidity and mortality in the world. A great amount of research has been developed to elucidate the neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems involved in such a complex addictive behavior. The endocannabinoid system, which has been reported to participate in the addictive properties of most of the prototypical drugs of abuse, is also implicated in nicotine dependence. This review summarizes and updates the main behavioral and biochemical data involving the endocannabinoid system in the rewarding properties of nicotine as well as in nicotine withdrawal and relapse to nicotine-seeking behavior. Promising results from preclinical studies suggest that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Saravia
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Marc Ten-Blanco
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
| | - Inmaculada Pereda-Pérez
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
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Morris G, Walder K, Kloiber S, Amminger P, Berk M, Bortolasci CC, Maes M, Puri BK, Carvalho AF. The endocannabinoidome in neuropsychiatry: Opportunities and potential risks. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105729. [PMID: 34119623 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises two cognate endocannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1R and CB2R. ECS dysregulation is apparent in neurodegenerative/neuro-psychiatric disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and potentially bipolar disorder. The aim of this paper is to review mechanisms whereby both receptors may interact with neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways, which play a pathophysiological role in these disorders. CB1R is located in the presynaptic terminals of GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons where it regulates the retrograde suppression of neurotransmission. CB1R plays a key role in long-term depression, and, to a lesser extent, long-term potentiation, thereby modulating synaptic transmission and mediating learning and memory. Optimal CB1R activity plays an essential neuroprotective role by providing a defense against the development of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is achieved, at least in part, by impeding AMPA-mediated increase in intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress. Moreover, CB1R activity enables optimal neuron-glial communication and the function of the neurovascular unit. CB2R receptors are detected in peripheral immune cells and also in central nervous system regions including the striatum, basal ganglia, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala as well as the ventral tegmental area. CB2R upregulation inhibits the presynaptic release of glutamate in several brain regions. CB2R activation also decreases neuroinflammation partly by mediating the transition from a predominantly neurotoxic "M1" microglial phenotype to a more neuroprotective "M2" phenotype. CB1R and CB2R are thus novel drug targets for the treatment of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative disorders including schizophrenia and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andre F Carvalho
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
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Manchanda M, Leishman E, Sangani K, Alamri A, Bradshaw HB. Activation of TRPV1 by Capsaicin or Heat Drives Changes in 2-Acyl Glycerols and N-Acyl Ethanolamines in a Time, Dose, and Temperature Dependent Manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:611952. [PMID: 33937226 PMCID: PMC8085603 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.611952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are associated with thermoregulation; however, there are many gaps in the understanding of how these signaling systems work together in responding to changes in temperature. TRPV1, a calcium-permeable ion channel, is activated by capsaicin, elevated temperature, the eCB Anandamide, and over 15 additional endogenous lipids. There is also evidence for signaling crosstalk between TRPV1 and the eCB receptor, CB1. We recently found that activation of TRPV1-HEK cells by capsaicin increases the production of the eCB, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), suggesting a molecular link between these receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin drives regulation of a wider-range of lipid signaling molecules and is time and dose-dependent. We also tested the hypothesis that changes in temperature that drive changes in calcium mobilization in TRPV1-HEK will likewise drive similar changes in lipid signaling molecule regulation. Lipid analysis was conducted by partial purification of methanolic extracts on C18 solid phase extraction columns followed by HPLC/MS/MS. Capsaicin increased the release of 2-acyl glycerols (2-AG, 2-linoleoyl glycerol, 2-oleoyl glycerol), in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, whereas levels of N-acyl ethanolamines (NAEs), including Anandamide, were significantly decreased. Analogous changes in 2-acyl glycerols and NAEs were measured upon ramping the temperature from 37 to 45°C. In contrast, opposite effects were measured when analyzing lipids after they were maintained at 27°C and then quickly ramped to 37°C, wherein 2-acyl glycerol levels decreased and NAEs increased. These results provide further evidence that the eCB system and TRPV1 have integrated signaling functions that are associated with the molecular response to temperature variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Manchanda
- Bradshaw Laboratory of Lipid Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Emma Leishman
- Bradshaw Laboratory of Lipid Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Kishan Sangani
- Bradshaw Laboratory of Lipid Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Ali Alamri
- Bradshaw Laboratory of Lipid Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Bradshaw Laboratory of Lipid Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
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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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The Impact of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Hormones on the Metabolic State and Endocannabinoid System of Human Cumulus Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197124. [PMID: 32992491 PMCID: PMC7583999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) formulation and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to induce follicles development and oocytes maturation, but it is still under debate which protocol is to be preferred. In the present study, the different effects on cumulus cells (CCs) of three controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, based on urinary FSH, recombinant FSH, or human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG) administration, were assessed. CCs were obtained from 42 normal-responders women undergoing COS, randomly divided into three groups according to the used gonadotropin formulation. Differences were found in the expression of genes belonging to the endocannabinoid system (the receptors CNR1, CNR2 and TRPV1, and the enzymes involved in the metabolisms of anandamide, NAPE-PLD and FAAH, and 2-acylglycerol, DAGL and MAGL); consistently, changes in lipid (PPARα, and FASN) and carbohydrate (GLUT1 and GLUT9) metabolisms, in CCs’ macromolecules composition (highlighted by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy, FTIRM), and in the number of retrieved oocytes were found. For the first time, statistically significant evidence on the differences related to each COS protocol on the endocannabinoid system, metabolism and macromolecular composition of CCs was found, representing a proof of concept to be further confirmed in a larger cohort of patients.
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Toschi A, Tugnoli B, Rossi B, Piva A, Grilli E. Thymol modulates the endocannabinoid system and gut chemosensing of weaning pigs. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:289. [PMID: 32787931 PMCID: PMC7425016 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02516-y] [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: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The recent identification of the endocannabinoid system in the gastrointestinal tract suggests a role in controlling intestinal inflammation. In addition, the gut chemosensing system has therapeutic applications in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and inflammation due to the presence of a large variety of receptors. The purposes of this study were to investigate the presence of markers of the endocannabinoid system and the chemosensing system in the pig gut and, second, to determine if thymol modulates these markers. One hundred sixty 28-day-old piglets were allocated into one of 5 treatment groups (n = 32 per treatment): T1 (control), T2 (25.5 mg thymol/kg feed), T3 (51 mg thymol/kg feed), T4 (153 mg thymol/kg feed), and T5 (510 mg thymol/kg feed). After 14 days of treatment, piglets were sacrificed (n = 8), and then duodenal and ileal mucosal scrapings were collected. Gene expression of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), the olfactory receptor OR1G1, diacylglycerol lipases (DGL-α and DGL-β), fatty acid amine hydrolase (FAAH), and cytokines was measured, and ELISAs of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were performed. Results mRNAs encoding all markers tested were detected. In the duodenum and ileum, the CB1, CB2, TRPV1, and OR1G1 mRNAs were expressed at higher levels in the T4 and T5 groups compared to the control group. The level of the FAAH mRNA was increased in the ileum of the T4 group compared to the control. Regarding the immune response, the level of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) mRNA was significantly increased in the duodenum of the T5 group, but this increase was not consistent with the protein level. Conclusions These results indicate the presence of endocannabinoid system and gut chemosensing markers in the piglet gut mucosa. Moreover, thymol modulated the expression of the CB1, CB2, TRPV1, and OR1G1 mRNAs in the duodenum and ileum. It also modulated the mRNA levels of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoid molecules. Based on these findings, the effects of thymol on promoting gut health are potentially mediated by the activation of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Toschi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Rossi
- Vetagro SpA, via Porro, 2, 42124, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Piva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.,Vetagro SpA, via Porro, 2, 42124, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ester Grilli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy. .,Vetagro, Inc., 116 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60604, USA.
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Ernst J, Grabiec U, Falk K, Dehghani F, Schaedlich K. The endocrine disruptor DEHP and the ECS: analysis of a possible crosstalk. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:101-110. [PMID: 31910153 PMCID: PMC6993259 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0548] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the last decade associated the environmental contamination by di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) with obesity and endocrine malfunction. DEHP was found to interact with several receptors - among them are receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with high expression levels in adipose tissue. Furthermore, the correlation for BMI and body fat to the serum endocannabinoid level raises the question if the obesogenic and endocrine-disrupting DEHP effects are mediated via the ECS. We therefore characterized the ECS in a human cell model of adipogenesis using the SGBS preadipocytes to subsequently investigate if DEHP exposure affects the intrinsic ECS. The receptors of the ECS and the endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes were upregulated during normal adipogenesis, accompanied by an increasing secretion of the adipokines adiponectin and leptin. DEHP affected the secretion of both adipokines but not the ECS, suggesting DEHP to alter the endocrine function of adipocytes without the involvement of the intrinsic ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ernst
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to J Ernst:
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kathrin Falk
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kristina Schaedlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Sládek M, Houdek P, Sumová A. Circadian profiling reveals distinct regulation of endocannabinoid system in the rat plasma, liver and adrenal glands by light-dark and feeding cycles. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1864:158533. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.158533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Holubiec MI, Romero JI, Suárez J, Portavella M, Fernández-Espejo E, Blanco E, Galeano P, de Fonseca FR. Palmitoylethanolamide prevents neuroinflammation, reduces astrogliosis and preserves recognition and spatial memory following induction of neonatal anoxia-ischemia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2929-2945. [PMID: 30058012 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4982-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONAL Neonatal anoxia-ischemia (AI) particularly affects the central nervous system. Despite the many treatments that have been tested, none of them has proven to be completely successful. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) are acylethanolamides that do not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors and thus they do not present cannabinoid activity. These molecules are agonist compounds of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor alpha (PPARα), which modulates the expression of different genes that are related to glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, differentiation and proliferation. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we analyzed the effects that the administration of PEA or OEA, after a neonatal AI event, has over different areas of the hippocampus. METHODS To this end, 7-day-old rats were subjected to AI and then treated with vehicle, OEA (2 or 10 mg/kg) or PEA (2 or 10 mg/kg). At 30 days of age, animals were subjected to behavioral tests followed by immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS Results showed that neonatal AI was associated with decreased locomotion, as well as recognition and spatial memory impairments. Furthermore, these deficits were accompanied with enhanced neuroinflammation and astrogliosis, as well as a decreased PPARα expression. PEA treatment was able to prevent neuroinflammation, reduce astrogliosis and preserve cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the acylethanolamide PEA may play an important role in the mechanisms underlying neonatal AI, and it could be a good candidate for further studies regarding neonatal AI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana I Holubiec
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Romero
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Portavella
- Laboratorio de Conducta Animal y Neurociencia, Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Camilo José Cela s/n, 41018, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Emilio Fernández-Espejo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología y Neurología Molecular, Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Sánchez Pizjuán 4, 41009, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eduardo Blanco
- Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research, Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo Galeano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
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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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Endocannabinod Signal Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Correlation Link between Inflammatory State and Neuro-Immune Alterations. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071425. [PMID: 28671614 PMCID: PMC5535916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies highlight a key involvement of endocannabinoid (EC) system in autism pathophysiology. The EC system is a complex network of lipid signaling pathways comprised of arachidonic acid-derived compounds (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), their G-protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) and the associated enzymes. In addition to autism, the EC system is also involved in several other psychiatric disorders (i.e., anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia). This system is a key regulator of metabolic and cellular pathways involved in autism, such as food intake, energy metabolism and immune system control. Early studies in autism animal models have demonstrated alterations in the brain's EC system. Autism is also characterized by immune system dysregulation. This alteration includes differential monocyte and macrophage responses, and abnormal cytokine and T cell levels. EC system dysfunction in a monocyte and macrophagic cellular model of autism has been demonstrated by showing that the mRNA and protein for CB2 receptor and EC enzymes were significantly dysregulated, further indicating the involvement of the EC system in autism-associated immunological disruptions. Taken together, these new findings offer a novel perspective in autism research and indicate that the EC system could represent a novel target option for autism pharmacotherapy.
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Holubiec MI, Romero JI, Blanco E, Tornatore TL, Suarez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Galeano P, Capani F. Acylethanolamides and endocannabinoid signaling system in dorsal striatum of rats exposed to perinatal asphyxia. Neurosci Lett 2017; 653:269-275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Volkow ND, Hampson AJ, Baler RD. Don't Worry, Be Happy: Endocannabinoids and Cannabis at the Intersection of Stress and Reward. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 57:285-308. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010716-104615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nora D. Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
| | - Aidan J. Hampson
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
| | - Ruben D. Baler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
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16
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Ritter JK, Li G, Xia M, Boini K. Anandamide and its metabolites: what are their roles in the kidney? Front Biosci (Schol Ed) 2016; 8:264-77. [PMID: 27100705 DOI: 10.2741/s461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is the N-acyl ethanolamide of arachidonic acid, an agonist of cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors in the body. The kidneys are enriched in AEA and in enzymes that metabolize AEA, but the roles of AEA and its metabolites in the kidney remain poorly understood. This system likely is involved in the regulation of renal blood flow and hemodynamics and of tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption. It may act as a neuromodulator of the renal sympathetic nervous system. AEA and its cyclooxygenase-2 metabolites, the prostamides, in the renal medulla may represent a unique antihypertensive system involved in the long-term control of blood pressure. AEA and its metabolites are also implicated as modulators of inflammation and mediators of signaling in inflammation. AEA and its metabolites may be influential in chronic kidney disease states associated with inflammation and cardiovascular diseases associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. The current knowledge of the roles of AEA and its derivatives highlights the need for further research to define and potentially exploit the role of this endocannabinoid system in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Ritter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA,
| | - Guangbi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA
| | - Min Xia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Krishna Boini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980613, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA
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Abolghasemi A, Dirandeh E, Ansari Pirsaraei Z, Shohreh B. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation alters the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system in the bovine endometrium and increases plasma progesterone concentrations. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1453-1459. [PMID: 27262886 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are derived from phospholipids and reduce fertility by interfering with implantation. Identification of changes in the expression of genes of the endocannabinoid system as a result of dietary inclusion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is critical to the advancement of our understanding of the nutritional regulation of uterine function. An experiment was conducted on transition cows to evaluate the expression of key endocannabinoid genes in bovine endometrium in response to dietary supplementation with CLA. A total of 16 cows were randomly assigned to two treatments: (1) control (75 g/day palm oil) and (2) CLA (75 g/day CLA) from 21 days prepartum to Day 42 postpartum. Cows underwent uterine biopsy on days 21 and 42 postpartum. The abundance of mRNA encoding endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2), N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPEPLD), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) was measured by real-time PCR. Results reported that relative levels of mRNA encoding CNR2 and NAPEPLD were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with control cows between Days 21 and 42 postpartum. Relative levels of mRNA coding for NAAA and MGLL were not different (P > 0.05) in the same situation. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were higher in CLA-fed cows compared with control cows at Day 42 postpartum (3.51 and 1.42 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that the beneficial effects of a diet enriched with CLA are the result of a decrease in relative gene expression of the endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2) and enzymes that synthesize fatty acid amides (NAPEPLD) and of an increase in the expression of PTGS2 that in turn can oxidate endocannabinoids and consequently resulted in increased plasma progesterone concentrations during early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Abolghasemi
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - E Dirandeh
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Z Ansari Pirsaraei
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - B Shohreh
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
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Ernst J, Grabiec U, Greither T, Fischer B, Dehghani F. The endocannabinoid system in the human granulosa cell line KGN. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 423:67-76. [PMID: 26773729 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian steroidogenesis is embedded in a sensitive network of regulatory mechanisms crucial for human fertility. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) represents an intrinsic modulating system involved in the regulation of endocrine functions. In the present study we characterized the ECS in the human granulosa cell line KGN and its impact on gonadotropin sensitivity and steroid hormone synthesis under basal and FSH-stimulated conditions. Expression studies were performed and estradiol was measured. CB1, CB2, DAGL, FAAH, GPR55, MAGL, NAPE-PLD and TRPV1 were expressed without FSH-dependent effects. Treatment with selective cannabinoid receptor agonists reduced basal but not FSH-stimulated estradiol and CYP19. Progesterone was not altered by ECS manipulation. CB1 agonist changed the expression of miRNAs associated with granulosa cell function, e.g. miR-23a, miR-24, miR-181a and miR-320a. Present data indicate a modulating role of the intrinsic ovarian ECS in the regulation of estradiol synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ernst
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, D-06097 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, D-06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bernd Fischer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, D-06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, D-06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
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19
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises a complex of receptors, enzymes, and endogenous agonists that are widely distributed in the central nervous system of mammals and participates in a considerable number of neuromodulatory functions, including neurotransmission, immunological control, and cell signaling. In turn, the kynurenine pathway (KP) is the most relevant metabolic route for tryptophan degradation to form the metabolic precursor NAD(+). Recent studies demonstrate that the control exerted by the pharmacological manipulation of the ECS on the glutamatergic system in the brain may offer key information not only on the development of psychiatric disorders like psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms, but it also may constitute a solid basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat excitotoxic events occurring in neurological disorders like Huntington's disease (HD). Part of the evidence pointing to the last approach is based on experimental protocols demonstrating the efficacy of cannabinoids to prevent the deleterious actions of the endogenous neurotoxin and KP metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN). These findings intuitively raise the question about what is the precise role of the ECS in tryptophan metabolism through KP and vice versa. In this chapter, we will review basic concepts on the physiology of both the ECS and the KP to finally describe those recent findings combining the components of these two systems and hypothesize the future course that the research in this emerging field will take in the next years.
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20
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Blanco E, Galeano P, Holubiec MI, Romero JI, Logica T, Rivera P, Pavón FJ, Suarez J, Capani F, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Perinatal asphyxia results in altered expression of the hippocampal acylethanolamide/endocannabinoid signaling system associated to memory impairments in postweaned rats. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:141. [PMID: 26578900 PMCID: PMC4630311 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is an obstetric complication that strongly affects the CNS. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid transmitter system involved in several physiological processes including synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, memory, and mood. Endocannabinoids, and other acylethanolamides (AEs) without endocannabinoid activity, have recently received growing attention due to their potential neuroprotective functions in neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the changes produced by PA in the major metabolic enzymes and receptors of the ECS/AEs in the hippocampus using a rodent model of PA. To induce PA, we removed uterine horns from ready-to-deliver rats and immersed them into a water bath during 19 min. Animals delivered spontaneously or by cesarean section were employed as controls. At 1 month of age, cognitive functions were assessed and immunohistochemical procedures were carried out to determine the expression of NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein, enzymes responsible for synthesis (DAGLα and NAPE-PLD) and degradation (FAAH) of ECS/AEs and their receptors (CB1 and PPARα) in the hippocampus. Postweaned asphyctic rats showed impaired recognition and spatial reference memory that were accompanied by hippocampal astrogliosis and changes in the expression of enzymes and receptors. The most remarkable findings in asphyctic rats were a decrease in the expression of NAPE-PLD and PPARα in both hippocampal areas CA1 and CA3. In addition, postweaned cesarean delivery rats showed an increase in the immunolabeling for FAAH in the hippocampal CA3 area. Since, NAPE-PLD and PPARα are proteins that participate in the biochemical process of AEs, specially the neuroprotective oleoylethanolamide, these results suggest that PA dysregulates this system. These data encourage conducting future studies using AEs as potential neuroprotective compounds in animal models of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Blanco
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain ; Departament de Pedagogia i Psicologia, Facultat d'Educació, Psicologia i Treball Social, Universitat de Lleida Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo Galeano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Fundación Instituto Leloir Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas "Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana I Holubiec
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas "Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Romero
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas "Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara Logica
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas "Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Pavón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Capani
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas "Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
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21
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Marco EM, Rapino C, Caprioli A, Borsini F, Laviola G, Maccarrone M. Potential Therapeutic Value of a Novel FAAH Inhibitor for the Treatment of Anxiety. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137034. [PMID: 26360704 PMCID: PMC4567375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric diseases with high personal costs and a remarkable socio-economic burden. However, current treatment of anxiety is far from satisfactory. Novel pharmacological targets have emerged in the recent years, and attention has focused on the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, given the increasing evidence that supports its central role in emotion, coping with stress and anxiety. In the management of anxiety disorders, drug development strategies have left apart the direct activation of type-1 cannabinoid receptors to indirectly enhance eCB signalling through the inhibition of eCB deactivation, that is, the inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme. In the present study, we provide evidence for the anxiolytic-like properties of a novel, potent and selective reversible inhibitor of FAAH, ST4070, orally administered to rodents. ST4070 (3 to 30 mg/kg per os) administered to CD1 male mice induced an increase of time spent in the exploration of the open arms of the elevated-plus maze. A partial reduction of anxiety-related behaviour by ST4070 was also obtained in Wistar male rats, which moderately intensified the time spent in the illuminated compartment of the light-dark box. ST4070 clearly inhibited FAAH activity and augmented the levels of two of its substrates, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and N-palmitoylethanolamine, in anxiety-relevant brain regions. Altogether, ST4070 offers a promising anxiolytic-like profile in preclinical studies, although further studies are warranted to clearly demonstrate its efficacy in the clinic management of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Marco
- Section of Behavioural Neuroscience, Dept. Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Laviola
- Section of Behavioural Neuroscience, Dept. Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (GL); (MM)
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (GL); (MM)
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Gamaleddin IH, Trigo JM, Gueye AB, Zvonok A, Makriyannis A, Goldberg SR, Le Foll B. Role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in nicotine addiction: novel insights. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:41. [PMID: 25859226 PMCID: PMC4373509 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have shown that the endogenous cannabinoids are implicated in several neuropsychiatric diseases. Notably, preclinical and human clinical studies have shown a pivotal role of the cannabinoid system in nicotine addiction. The CB1 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist rimonabant (also known as SR141716) was effective to decrease nicotine-taking and nicotine-seeking in rodents, as well as the elevation of dopamine induced by nicotine in brain reward area. Rimonabant has been shown to improve the ability of smokers to quit smoking in randomized clinical trials. However, rimonabant was removed from the market due to increased risk of psychiatric side-effects observed in humans. Recently, other components of the endogenous cannabinoid system have been explored. Here, we present the recent advances on the understanding of the role of the different components of the cannabinoid system on nicotine's effects. Those recent findings suggest possible alternative ways of modulating the cannabinoid system that could have implication for nicotine dependence treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Hany Gamaleddin
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Directorate of Poison Control and Forensic Chemistry, Ministry of Health , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Jose M Trigo
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Aliou B Gueye
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Alexander Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Steven R Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Alcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
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23
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Zelasko S, Arnold WR, Das A. Endocannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2014; 116-117:112-23. [PMID: 25461979 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid system was first uncovered following studies of the recreational drug Cannabis sativa. It is now recognized as a vital network of signaling pathways that regulate several physiological processes. Following the initial discovery of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), activated by Cannabis-derived analogs, many endogenous fatty acids termed "endocannabinoids" are now known to be partial agonists of the CB receptors. At present, the most thoroughly studied endocannabinoid signaling molecules are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), which are both derived from arachidonic acid. Both AEA and 2-AG are also substrates for the eicosanoid-synthesizing pathways, namely, certain cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. In the past, research in the endocannabinoid field focused on the interaction of AEA and 2-AG with the COX and LOX enzymes, but accumulating evidence also points to the involvement of CYPs in modulating endocannabinoid signaling. The focus of this review is to explore the current understanding of CYP-mediated metabolism of endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Zelasko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - William R Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
| | - Aditi Das
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
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24
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Rapino C, Battista N, Bari M, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoids as biomarkers of human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:501-16. [PMID: 24516083 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that affects ∼10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. More than half of all cases of infertility are a result of female conditions, while the remaining cases can be attributed to male factors, or to a combination of both. The search for suitable biomarkers of pregnancy outcome is a challenging issue in human reproduction, aimed at identifying molecules with predictive significance of the reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Among the various candidates, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and in particular anandamide (AEA), represent potential biomarkers of human fertility disturbances. Any perturbation of the balance between synthesis and degradation of eCBs will result in local changes of their tone in human female and male reproductive tracts, which in turn regulates various pathophysiological processes, oocyte and sperm maturation included. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for papers using relevant keywords like 'biomarker', 'endocannabinoid', 'infertility', 'pregnancy' and 'reproduction'. RESULTS In this review, we discuss different studies on the measurements of AEA and related eCBs in human reproductive cells, tissues and fluids, where the local contribution of these bioactive lipids could be critical in ensuring normal sperm fertilizing ability and pregnancy. CONCLUSION Based on the available data, we suggest that the AEA tone has the potential to be exploited as a novel diagnostic biomarker of infertility, to be used in association with assays of conventional hormones (e.g. progesterone, β-chorionic gonadotrophin) and semen analysis. However further quantitative research of its predictive capacity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy StemTeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Dempsey DR, Jeffries KA, Anderson RL, Carpenter AM, Rodriquez Opsina S, Merkler DJ. Identification of an arylalkylamine N-acyltransferase from Drosophila melanogaster that catalyzes the formation of long-chain N-acylserotonins. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:594-9. [PMID: 24444601 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Arylalkylamine N-acyltransferase-like 2(2) (AANATL2) from Drosophila melanogaster was expressed and shown to catalyze the formation of long-chain N-acylserotonins and N-acydopamines. Subsequent identification of endogenous amounts of N-acylserotonins and colocalization of these fatty acid amides and AANATL2 transcripts gives supporting evidence that AANATL2 has a role in the biosynthetic formation of these important cell signalling lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Dempsey
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Kristen A Jeffries
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Ryan L Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | | | | | - David J Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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Thieme U, Schelling G, Hauer D, Greif R, Dame T, Laubender RP, Bernhard W, Thieme D, Campolongo P, Theiler L. Quantification of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol plasma levels to examine potential influences of tetrahydrocannabinol application on the endocannabinoid system in humans. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:17-23. [PMID: 24424856 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, ECs) are both mediated by activation of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Exogenous activation of these receptors by THC could therefore alter EC levels. We tested this hypothesis in healthy volunteers (n = 25) who received a large intravenous dose of THC (0.10 mg/kg). Effects on the EC system were quantified by serial measurements of plasma ECs after THC administration. Eleven blood samples were drawn during the first 5 h after THC administration and two more samples after 24 and 48 h. THC, its metabolites THC-OH (biologically active) and THC-COOH (non-active), and the ECs anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. EC-plasma levels showed a biphasic response after THC injection reaching maximal values at 30 min. Anandamide increased slightly from 0.58 ± 0.21 ng/ml at baseline to 0.64 ± 0.24 ng/ml (p < 0.05) and 2-AG from 7.60 ± 4.30 ng/ml to 9.50 ± 5.90 ng/ml (p < 0.05). After reaching maximal concentrations, EC plasma levels decreased markedly to a nadir of 300 min after THC administration (to 0.32 ± 0.15 ng/ml for anandamide and to 5.50 ± 3.01 ng/ml for 2-AG, p < 0.05). EC plasma concentrations returned to near baseline levels until 48 h after the experiment. THC (0.76 ± 0.16 ng/ml) and THC-OH (0.36 ± 0.17 ng/ml) were still measurable at 24 h and remained detectible until 48 h after THC administration. Although the underlying mechanism is not clear, high doses of intravenous THC appear to influence endogenous cannabinoid concentrations and presumably EC-signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Thieme
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig - Maximilians University of Munich, Germany
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Kukkonen JP. Lipid signaling cascades of orexin/hypocretin receptors. Biochimie 2013; 96:158-65. [PMID: 23810911 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Orexins - orexin-A and orexin-B - are neuropeptides with significant role in regulation of fundamental physiological processes such as sleep-wakefulness cycle. Orexins act via G-protein-coupled OX1 and OX2 receptors, which are found, in addition to the central nervous system, also in a number of peripheral organs. Orexin receptors show high degree of signaling promiscuity. One particularly prominent way of signaling for these receptors is via phospholipase cascades, including the phospholipase C, phospholipase D and phospholipase A2 cascades, and also diacylglycerol lipase and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways. Most analyses have been performed in recombinant cells; there are indications of some of these cascades in native cells while the significance of other cascades remains to be shown. In this review, I present these pathways, their activation mechanisms and their physiological significance.
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Key Words
- 2-AG
- 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- AA
- CNS
- DAG
- DAG lipase
- DAGL
- DOG
- ERK
- Endocannabinoid
- G-protein-coupled receptor
- GPCR
- GPL
- Hypocretin
- IP(3)
- Ion fluxes
- KB-R7943
- MAFP
- N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine
- N-arachidonoylethanolamine
- NAPE
- NSCC
- OX(1)
- OX(2)
- Orexin
- PA
- PC
- PC-PLC
- PC-specific PLC
- PDK1
- PI
- PI3K
- PIP
- PIP(2)
- PIP(3)
- PIs
- PKB, PKC and PKD
- PLA(1), PLA(2), PLB, PLC and PLD
- Phospholipase
- TRP (channel)
- U73122
- a NCX inhibitor
- a PLC inhibitor
- a cPLA(2)α/ζ inhibitor
- anandamide
- arachidonic acid
- cPLA(2) and iPLA(2)
- central nervous system
- cytosolic (Ca(2+)-dependent) and intracellular (Ca(2+)-independent) PLA(2), respectively
- diacylglycerol
- dioctanoylglycerol
- extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- glycerophospholipid
- inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate
- lyso(glycero)phospholipid
- lysoGPL
- lysoPA
- lysophosphatidic acid
- methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate
- non-selective cation channel
- orexin 1 receptor
- orexin 2 receptor
- phosphatidic acid
- phosphatidylcholine
- phosphatidylinositol
- phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate
- phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate
- phosphatidylinositolmonophosphate
- phosphatidylinositols (including differentially phosphorylated species PI, PIP, PIP(2) and PIP(3))
- phosphoinositide-3-kinase
- phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1
- phospholipase A(1), A(2), B, C and D, respectively
- protein kinase B, C and D, respectively
- pyrrophenone
- transient receptor potential (channel)
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyrki P Kukkonen
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, POB 66, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. Latest advances in the discovery of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:509-22. [PMID: 23488865 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.780021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the major catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) that, with different degrees of efficiency, also hydrolyzes other endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides. FAAH is increasingly being considered a relevant therapeutic target, especially in models of inflammatory pain. The opportunity to selectively increase the endocannabinoid tone only in those tissues where such an enhancement can be beneficial might result in a therapeutic benefit with more limited side effects, compared to the use of direct agonists of anandamide-binding receptors. Thus the research for selective FAAH inhibitors has become a hot topic in current drug discovery. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the advances in the development of different compounds belonging to different chemical families that have been proposed as FAAH inhibitors. Several classes of inhibitors have been reported so far, and they may be classified into two major classes: reversible and irreversible compounds. These inhibitors are reviewed herein with an emphasis on their potency and selectivity. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to develop the FAAH inhibitors, and consequently many novel chemical templates have been discovered. It is still a major challenge to identify the first inhibitor of FAAH suitable for clinical exploitation that satisfies the requirements of potency, selectivity versus proteins related to anandamide activity as well as other potential off-targets, reversibility versus irreversibility, and efficacy toward rat versus human FAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry/Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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Elphick MR. The evolution and comparative neurobiology of endocannabinoid signalling. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2012; 367:3201-15. [PMID: 23108540 PMCID: PMC3481536 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CB(1)- and CB(2)-type cannabinoid receptors mediate effects of the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide in mammals. In canonical endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity, 2-AG is generated postsynaptically by diacylglycerol lipase alpha and acts via presynaptic CB(1)-type cannabinoid receptors to inhibit neurotransmitter release. Electrophysiological studies on lampreys indicate that this retrograde signalling mechanism occurs throughout the vertebrates, whereas system-level studies point to conserved roles for endocannabinoid signalling in neural mechanisms of learning and control of locomotor activity and feeding. CB(1)/CB(2)-type receptors originated in a common ancestor of extant chordates, and in the sea squirt Ciona intestinalis a CB(1)/CB(2)-type receptor is targeted to axons, indicative of an ancient role for cannabinoid receptors as axonal regulators of neuronal signalling. Although CB(1)/CB(2)-type receptors are unique to chordates, enzymes involved in biosynthesis/inactivation of endocannabinoids occur throughout the animal kingdom. Accordingly, non-CB(1)/CB(2)-mediated mechanisms of endocannabinoid signalling have been postulated. For example, there is evidence that 2-AG mediates retrograde signalling at synapses in the nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis by activating presynaptic transient receptor potential vanilloid-type ion channels. Thus, postsynaptic synthesis of 2-AG or anandamide may be a phylogenetically widespread phenomenon, and a variety of proteins may have evolved as presynaptic (or postsynaptic) receptors for endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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30
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Pucci M, Pasquariello N, Battista N, Di Tommaso M, Rapino C, Fezza F, Zuccolo M, Jourdain R, Finazzi Agrò A, Breton L, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoids stimulate human melanogenesis via type-1 cannabinoid receptor. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:15466-78. [PMID: 22431736 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.314880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We show that a fully functional endocannabinoid system is present in primary human melanocytes (normal human epidermal melanocyte cells), including anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the respective target receptors (CB(1), CB(2), and TRPV1), and their metabolic enzymes. We also show that at higher concentrations AEA induces normal human epidermal melanocyte apoptosis (∼3-fold over controls at 5 μM) through a TRPV1-mediated pathway that increases DNA fragmentation and p53 expression. However, at lower concentrations, AEA and other CB(1)-binding endocannabinoids dose-dependently stimulate melanin synthesis and enhance tyrosinase gene expression and activity (∼3- and ∼2-fold over controls at 1 μM). This CB(1)-dependent activity was fully abolished by the selective CB(1) antagonist SR141716 or by RNA interference of the receptor. CB(1) signaling engaged p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases, which in turn activated the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. Silencing of tyrosinase or microphthalmia-associated transcription factor further demonstrated the involvement of these proteins in AEA-induced melanogenesis. In addition, CB(1) activation did not engage the key regulator of skin pigmentation, cyclic AMP, showing a major difference compared with the regulation of melanogenesis by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone through melanocortin 1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Pucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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31
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Battista N, Di Tommaso M, Bari M, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid system: an overview. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:9. [PMID: 22457644 PMCID: PMC3303140 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the identification of anandamide (AEA) in the porcine brain, numerous studies contributed to the current state of knowledge regarding all elements that form the “endocannabinoid system (ECS).”How this complex system of receptors, ligands, and enzymes is integrated in helping to regulate fundamental processes at level of central nervous and peripheral systems and how its regulation and dysregulation might counteract disturbances of such functions, is nowadays still under investigation. However, the most recent advances on the physiological distribution and functional role of ECS allowed the progress of various research tools aimed at the therapeutic exploitation of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, as well as the development of novel drugs with pharmacological advantages. Here, we shall briefly overview the metabolic and signal transduction pathways of the main eCBs representatives, AEA, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and we will discuss the therapeutic potential of new ECS-oriented drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo Teramo, Italy
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32
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Selvy PE, Lavieri RR, Lindsley CW, Brown HA. Phospholipase D: enzymology, functionality, and chemical modulation. Chem Rev 2011; 111:6064-119. [PMID: 21936578 PMCID: PMC3233269 DOI: 10.1021/cr200296t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paige E Selvy
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37064, USA
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33
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Khan MJ, Graugnard DE, Loor JJ. Endocannabinoid system and proopiomelanocortin gene expression in peripartal bovine liver in response to prepartal plane of nutrition. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2011; 96:907-19. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01204.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Kukkonen JP. A ménage à trois made in heaven: G-protein-coupled receptors, lipids and TRP channels. Cell Calcium 2011; 50:9-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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35
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Scott CW, Tian G, Yu XH, Paschetto KA, Wilkins DE, Meury L, Cao CQ, Varnes J, Edwards PD. Biochemical characterization and in vitro activity of AZ513, a noncovalent, reversible, and noncompetitive inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 667:74-9. [PMID: 21645511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) hydrolyzes several bioactive lipids including the endocannabinoid anandamide. Synthetic FAAH inhibitors are being generated to help define the biological role(s) of this enzyme, the lipids it degrades in vivo, and the disease states that might benefit from its pharmacological modulation. AZ513 inhibits human FAAH (IC(50)=551 nM), is 20-fold more potent against rat FAAH (IC(50)=27 nM), and is inactive at 10 μM against the serine hydrolases acetylcholinesterase, thrombin, and trypsin. In contrast to most other potent FAAH inhibitors, AZ513 showed no evidence of covalently modifying the enzyme and displayed reversible inhibition. In an enzyme cross-competition assay, AZ513 did not compete with OL-135, an inhibitor that binds to the catalytic site in FAAH, which indicates that AZ513 does not bind to the catalytic site and is therefore noncompetitive with respect to substrate. AZ513 has good cell penetration as demonstrated by inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis in human FAAH-transfected HEK293 cells (IC(50)=360 nM). AZ513 was tested in a rat spinal cord slice preparation where CB(1) activation reduces excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs). In this native tissue assay of synaptic activity, AZ513 reduced EPSCs, which is consistent with inhibiting endogenous FAAH and augmenting endocannabinoid tone. AZ513 has a unique biochemical profile compared with other published FAAH inhibitors and will be a useful tool compound to further explore the role of FAAH in various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clay W Scott
- CNS Discovery Research, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
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36
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Alger BE, Kim J. Supply and demand for endocannabinoids. Trends Neurosci 2011; 34:304-15. [PMID: 21507493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system consists of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors that can be activated by cannabis-derived drugs and small lipids termed endocannabinoids (eCBs) plus associated biochemical machinery (precursors, synthetic and degradative enzymes, transporters). The eCB system in the brain primarily influences neuronal synaptic communication, and affects biological functions - including eating, anxiety, learning and memory, growth and development - via an array of actions throughout the nervous system. Although many aspects of synaptic regulation by eCBs are becoming clear, details of the subcellular organization and regulation of the eCB system are less well understood. This review focuses on recent investigations that illuminate fundamental issues of eCB storage, release, and functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley E Alger
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Social encounter with a novel partner in adolescent rats: activation of the central endocannabinoid system. Behav Brain Res 2011; 220:140-5. [PMID: 21295077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is critically involved in the modulation of affect, motivation, and emotion. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that changes in the content of endocannabinoid levels might underlie adaptation to positive social conditions during adolescence. To this aim, separate pairs of adolescent (postnatal days 32-35) male Wistar rats were allowed to interact in a neutral cage under two different testing conditions, i.e. familiar (FAM) and non-familiar (NFAM) social partners. We found that adolescent rats that encountered a NFAM partner spent significantly more time Sniffing and Following the companion than subjects exposed to a FAM partner, whereas no changes in levels of rough-and-tumble play were observed. Notably, the NFAM social encounter significantly increased striatal anandamide (AEA) levels compared to both non-social controls and animals that encountered a FAM partner. Changes in AEA levels appeared to be region-specific, since no changes were observed in the other brain regions analysed, neither were they observed in the activity of the AEA-hydrolase (FAAH) nor in the content of the other major endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol. In addition, animals that encountered a NFAM partner tended to explore less extensively the illuminated compartment of the light-dark box when compared to animals that had previously encountered a FAM companion. In conclusion, striatal AEA levels seem to participate in the emotional arousal resulting from a NFAM social encounter in adolescent rats, and to be particularly important for coping response to novel social contexts.
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Abstract
Since the first endocannabinoid anandamide was identified in 1992, extensive research has been conducted to characterize the elements of the tightly controlled endocannabinoid signaling system. While it was established that the activity of endocannabinoids are terminated by a two-step process that includes cellular uptake and degradation, there is still a continuing debate about the mechanistic role of these processes in inactivating anandamide signals.
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Vaughn LK, Denning G, Stuhr KL, de Wit H, Hill MN, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signalling: has it got rhythm? Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:530-43. [PMID: 20590563 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00790.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous cannabinoid signalling is widespread throughout the body, and considerable evidence supports its modulatory role in many fundamental physiological processes. The daily and seasonal cycles of the relationship of the earth and sun profoundly affect the terrestrial environment. Terrestrial species have adapted to these cycles in many ways, most well studied are circadian rhythms and hibernation. The purpose of this review was to examine literature support for three hypotheses: (i) endocannabinoid signalling exhibits brain region-specific circadian rhythms; (ii) endocannabinoid signalling modulates the rhythm of circadian processes in mammals; and (iii) changes in endocannabinoid signalling contribute to the state of hibernation. The results of two novel studies are presented. First, we report the results of a study of healthy humans demonstrating that plasma concentrations of the endocannabinoid, N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide), exhibit a circadian rhythm. Concentrations of anandamide are threefold higher at wakening than immediately before sleep, a relationship that is dysregulated by sleep deprivation. Second, we investigated differences in endocannabinoids and congeners in plasma from Marmota monax obtained in the summer and during the torpor state of hibernation. We report that 2-arachidonoylglycerol is below detection in M. monax plasma and that concentrations of anandamide are not different. However, plasma concentrations of the anorexigenic lipid oleoylethanolamide were significantly lower in hibernation, while the concentrations of palmitoylethanolamide and 2-oleoylglycerol were significantly greater in hibernation. We conclude that available data support a bidirectional relationship between endocannabinoid signalling and circadian processes, and investigation of the contribution of endocannabinoid signalling to the dramatic physiological changes that occur during hibernation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda K Vaughn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. Enzymological studies on the biosynthesis of N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2010; 1801:1274-85. [PMID: 20736084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamides of different long-chain fatty acids constitute a class of endogenous lipid molecules generally called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). They contain N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine, which receive considerable attention because of their actions as an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand (endocannabinoid), an anti-inflammatory substance, and an appetite-suppressing substance, respectively. Identification of their biosynthetic routes in animal tissues and molecular characterization of the enzymes involved are essential for better understanding of physiological importance of NAEs as well as development of enzyme inhibitors as possible therapeutic drugs. In the classical "transacylation-phosphodiesterase pathway", NAEs are formed from glycerophospholipids via N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), an unusual derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine with a third acyl chain attached to the amino group, by sequential catalyses by Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D. However, recent studies reveal that NAE-generating pathways are more complex than presumed before. In this review article, we will focus on recent findings regarding mammalian enzymes that are involved or might be involved in the biosynthesis of NAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
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A new group of oxime carbamates as reversible inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:4406-11. [PMID: 20591666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A series of oxime carbamates have been identified as potent inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an important regulatory enzyme of the endocannabinoid signaling system. Kinetic analysis indicates that they behave as non-competitive, reversible inhibitors, and show remarkable selectivity for FAAH over the other components of the endocannabinoid system.
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Maccarrone M, Dainese E, Oddi S. Intracellular trafficking of anandamide: new concepts for signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2010; 35:601-8. [PMID: 20570522 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are key mediators of many aspects of human health and disease. The biological activity of anandamide, a prominent member of this group, depends on the metabolic control exerted by biosynthetic, catabolic and oxidative pathways working together. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of anandamide are crucial steps in the process. Whereas the identity of anandamide transmembrane carriers remains undetermined, recent insights have been gained related to its intracellular stores (adiposomes) and intracellular binding proteins, particularly fatty acid binding proteins, albumin and heat shock protein 70. On this basis, we propose a reconsideration of the dogma that endocannabinoids are exclusively synthesized and released 'on demand', and suggest that their metabolic control is complemented by intracellular trafficking and storage in specific reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Gattinoni S, De Simone C, Dallavalle S, Fezza F, Nannei R, Amadio D, Minetti P, Quattrociocchi G, Caprioli A, Borsini F, Cabri W, Penco S, Merlini L, Maccarrone M. Enol Carbamates as Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Endowed with High Selectivity for FAAH over the Other Targets of the Endocannabinoid System. ChemMedChem 2010; 5:357-60. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200900472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Snider NT, Walker VJ, Hollenberg PF. Oxidation of the endogenous cannabinoid arachidonoyl ethanolamide by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases: physiological and pharmacological implications. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 62:136-54. [PMID: 20133390 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) is an endogenous amide of arachidonic acid and an important signaling mediator of the endocannabinoid system. Given its numerous roles in maintaining normal physiological function and modulating pathophysiological responses throughout the body, the endocannabinoid system is an important pharmacological target amenable to manipulation directly by cannabinoid receptor ligands or indirectly by drugs that alter endocannabinoid synthesis and inactivation. The latter approach has the possible advantage of more selectivity, thus there is the potential for fewer untoward effects like those that are traditionally associated with cannabinoid receptor ligands. In that regard, inhibitors of the principal inactivating enzyme for anandamide, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), are currently in development for the treatment of pain and inflammation. However, several pathways involved in anandamide synthesis, metabolism, and inactivation all need to be taken into account when evaluating the effects of FAAH inhibitors and similar agents in preclinical models and assessing their clinical potential. Anandamide undergoes oxidation by several human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, including CYP3A4, CYP4F2, CYP4X1, and the highly polymorphic CYP2D6, forming numerous structurally diverse lipids, which are likely to have important physiological roles, as evidenced by the demonstration that a P450-derived epoxide of anandamide is a potent agonist for the cannabinoid receptor 2. The focus of this review is to emphasize the need for a better understanding of the P450-mediated pathways of the metabolism of anandamide, because these are likely to be important in mediating endocannabinoid signaling as well as the pharmacological responses to endocannabinoid-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha T Snider
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 7720 Medical Science II, 1301 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA.
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