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Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Cannabinoids as anticancer therapeutic agents. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:961-989. [PMID: 32249682 PMCID: PMC7217364 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1742952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent announcement of marijuana legalization in Canada spiked many discussions about potential health benefits of Cannabis sativa. Cannabinoids are active chemical compounds produced by cannabis, and their numerous effects on the human body are primarily exerted through interactions with cannabinoid receptor types 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). Cannabinoids are broadly classified as endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids. In this review, we will describe the activity of cannabinoids on the cellular level, comprehensively summarize the activity of all groups of cannabinoids on various cancers and propose several potential mechanisms of action of cannabinoids on cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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2
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Hoffmann G, Daniliuc CG, Studer A. Synthesis of Para (−)-Δ8-THC Triflate as a Building Block for the Preparation of THC Derivatives Bearing Different Side Chains. Org Lett 2018; 21:563-566. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grete Hoffmann
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstrasse 40, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Constantin G. Daniliuc
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstrasse 40, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Armido Studer
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstrasse 40, 48149 Münster, Germany
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3
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Chicca A, Schafroth MA, Reynoso-Moreno I, Erni R, Petrucci V, Carreira EM, Gertsch J. Uncovering the psychoactivity of a cannabinoid from liverworts associated with a legal high. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaat2166. [PMID: 30397641 PMCID: PMC6200358 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat2166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemical studies on the liverwort Radula genus have previously identified the bibenzyl (-)-cis-perrottetinene (cis-PET), which structurally resembles (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-trans-THC) from Cannabis sativa L. Radula preparations are sold as cannabinoid-like legal high on the internet, even though pharmacological data are lacking. Herein, we describe a versatile total synthesis of (-)-cis-PET and its (-)-trans diastereoisomer and demonstrate that both molecules readily penetrate the brain and induce hypothermia, catalepsy, hypolocomotion, and analgesia in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner in mice. The natural product (-)-cis-PET was profiled on major brain receptors, showing a selective cannabinoid pharmacology. This study also uncovers pharmacological differences between Δ9-THC and PET diastereoisomers. Most notably, (-)-cis-PET and (-)-trans-PET significantly reduced basal brain prostaglandin levels associated with Δ9-trans-THC side effects in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner, thus mimicking the action of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Therefore, the natural product (-)-cis-PET is a psychoactive cannabinoid from bryophytes, illustrating the existence of convergent evolution of bioactive cannabinoids in the plant kingdom. Our findings may have implications for bioprospecting and drug discovery and provide a molecular rationale for the reported effects upon consumption of certain Radula preparations as moderately active legal highs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M. A. Schafroth
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - I. Reynoso-Moreno
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R. Erni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - V. Petrucci
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - E. M. Carreira
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - J. Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Zhao G, Yuan LZ, Alami M, Provot O. Chlorotrimethylsilane and Sodium Iodide: A Remarkable Metal-Free Association for the Desulfurization of Benzylic Dithioketals under Mild Conditions. Adv Synth Catal 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adsc.201800437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guangkuan Zhao
- BioCIS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS; University Paris Saclay; 92290 Châtenay-Malabry France
| | - Ling-Zhi Yuan
- BioCIS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS; University Paris Saclay; 92290 Châtenay-Malabry France
| | - Mouad Alami
- BioCIS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS; University Paris Saclay; 92290 Châtenay-Malabry France
| | - Olivier Provot
- BioCIS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS; University Paris Saclay; 92290 Châtenay-Malabry France
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5
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of (3',5'-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-aryl/alkyl-methanone selective CB2 inverse agonist. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:5390-401. [PMID: 26275680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) selective agonists and inverse agonists possess significant potential as therapeutic agents for regulating inflammation and immune function. Although CB2 agonists have received the greatest attention, it is emerging that inverse agonists also manifest anti-inflammatory activity. In process of designing new cannabinoid ligands we discovered that the 2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-aryl methanone scaffold imparts inverse agonist activity at CB2 receptor without functional activity at CB1. To further explore the scaffold we synthesized a series of (3',5'-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-aryl/alkyl-methanone analogs and evaluated the CB1 and CB2 affinity, potency, and efficacy. The studies reveal that an aromatic C ring is required for inverse agonist activity and that substitution at the 4 position is optimum. The resorcinol moiety is required for optimum CB2 inverse agonist activity and selectivity. Antagonist studies against CP 55,940 demonstrate that the compounds 41 and 45 are noncompetitive antagonists at CB2.
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Minuti L, Ballerini E, Barattucci A, Bonaccorsi PM, Di Gioia ML, Leggio A, Siciliano C, Temperini A. A unified strategy for the synthesis of three conicol marine natural products. Tetrahedron 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2015.03.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Han S, Thatte J, Buzard DJ, Jones RM. Therapeutic Utility of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2) Selective Agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8224-56. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4005626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sangdon Han
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jayant Thatte
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Daniel J. Buzard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robert M. Jones
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
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8
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Dixon DD, Tius MA, Thakur GA, Zhou H, Bowman AL, Shukla VG, Peng Y, Makriyannis A. C3-heteroaroyl cannabinoids as photolabeling ligands for the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:5322-5. [PMID: 22796181 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A series of tricyclic cannabinoids incorporating a heteroaroyl group at C3 were prepared as probes to explore the binding site(s) of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This relatively unexplored structural motif is shown to be CB2 selective with K(i) values at low nanomolar concentrations when the heteroaromatic group is 3-benzothiophenyl (41) or 3-indolyl (50). When photoactivated, the lead compound 41 was shown to successfully label the CB2 receptor through covalent attachment at the active site while 50 failed to label. The benzothiophenone moiety may be a photoactivatable moiety suitable for selective labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl D Dixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2545 The Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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9
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Minuti L, Ballerini E. High-Pressure Access to the Δ9-cis- and Δ9-trans-Tetrahydrocannabinols Family. J Org Chem 2011; 76:5392-403. [DOI: 10.1021/jo200796b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Minuti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Perugia, via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Ballerini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Perugia, via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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10
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Chen CR, Zhou S, Biradar DB, Gau HM. Extremely Efficient Cross-Coupling of Benzylic Halides with Aryltitanium Tris(isopropoxide) Catalyzed by Low Loadings of a Simple Palladium(II) Acetate/Tris(p-tolyl)phosphine System. Adv Synth Catal 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/adsc.201000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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11
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Thakur GA, Tichkule R, Bajaj S, Makriyannis A. Latest advances in cannabinoid receptor agonists. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2010; 19:1647-73. [PMID: 19939187 DOI: 10.1517/13543770903436505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the discovery of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands in early 1990s, the endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a vital role in several pathophysiological processes. It has been targeted for the treatment of several diseases including neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and MS), cancer, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The last decade has witnessed remarkable advances in the development of cannabinergic ligands displaying high selectivity and potency towards two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2. OBJECTIVE In this review, we highlight the latest advances made in the development of cannabinoid agonists and summarize recently disclosed, novel chemical scaffolds as CB-selective agonists in patents that appeared during January 2008 - June 2009. METHODS Data presented here are obtained through the search of PubMed for research articles and reviews, and the website of European patents (http://ep.espacenet.com), SciFinder Scholar and US patents (www.uspto.gov). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis reveals prolific patenting activity mainly in the CB2 selective agonist area. Limiting the BBB penetrability, thereby, leading to peripherally restricted CB1/CB2 agonists and enhancing CB2-selectivity emerge as likely prerequisites for avoidance of adverse central CB1 mediated side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh A Thakur
- Northeastern University, Center for Drug Discovery, 116 Mugar Hall, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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12
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Ferreira AM, Krishnamurthy M, Moore BM, Finkelstein D, Bashford D. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) for a series of novel cannabinoid derivatives using descriptors derived from semi-empirical quantum-chemical calculations. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:2598-606. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Bhattacharjee H, Gurley SN, Moore BM. Design and synthesis of novel tri-aryl CB2 selective cannabinoid ligands. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:1691-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Lu D, Guo J, Duclos RI, Bowman AL, Makriyannis A. Bornyl- and isobornyl-Delta8-tetrahydrocannabinols: a novel class of cannabinergic ligands. J Med Chem 2008; 51:6393-9. [PMID: 18826296 DOI: 10.1021/jm8005299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Structure-activity relationship studies of classical cannabinoid analogues have established that the C3 aliphatic side chain plays a pivotal role in determining cannabinergic potency. In earlier work, we provided evidence for the presence of subsites within the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor binding domains that can accommodate bulky conformationally defined substituents at the C3 alkyl side chain pharmacophore of classical cannabinoids. We have now extended this work with the synthesis of a series of Delta (8)-THC analogues in which bornyl substituents are introduced at the C3 position. Our results indicate that, for optimal interactions with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, the bornyl substituents need to be within close proximity of the tricyclic core of Delta (8)-THC and that the conformational space occupied by the C3 substituents influences CB1/CB2 receptor subtype selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Lu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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15
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Papahatjis DP, Nahmias VR, Nikas SP, Andreou T, Alapafuja SO, Tsotinis A, Guo J, Fan P, Makriyannis A. C1‘-Cycloalkyl Side Chain Pharmacophore in Tetrahydrocannabinols. J Med Chem 2007; 50:4048-60. [PMID: 17672444 DOI: 10.1021/jm070121a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In earlier work we have provided evidence for the presence of a subsite within the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor binding domains of classical cannabinoids. This putative subsite corresponds to substituents on the C1'-position of the C3-alkyl side chain, a key pharmacophoric feature in this class of compounds. We have now refined this work through the synthesis of additional C1'-cycloalkyl compounds using newly developed approaches. Our findings indicate that the C1'-cyclopropyl and C1'-cyclopentyl groups are optimal pharmacophores for both receptors while the C1'-cyclobutyl group interacts optimally with CB1 but not with CB2. The C1'-cyclohexyl analogs have reduced affinities for both CB1 and CB2. However, these affinities are significantly improved with the introduction of a C2'-C3' cis double bond that modifies the available conformational space within the side chain and allows for a better accommodation of a six-membered ring within the side chain subsite. Our SAR results are highlighted by molecular modeling of key analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris P Papahatjis
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou, Athens 116-35 Greece.
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Abstract
Over the past 50 years, a considerable research in medicinal chemistry has been carried out around the natural constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Following the identification of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) in 1964, critical chemical modifications, e.g., variation of the side chain at C3 and the opening of the tricyclic scaffold, have led to the characterization of potent and cannabinoid receptor subtype-selective ligands. Those ligands that demonstrate high affinity for the cannabinoid receptors and good biological efficacy are still used as powerful pharmacological tools. This review summarizes past as well as recent developments in the structure-activity relationships of phytocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Stern
- Drug Design and Discovery Center and Unité de Chimie pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie, Ecole de Pharmacie, Faculté de Médecine, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 73, U.C.L. 73.40, B-1200 Bruxelles
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17
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Brenna E, Fuganti C, Gatti FG, Perego M, Serra S. Enzyme-mediated preparation of enantioenriched forms of trans- and cis-p-menthan-1,8-dien-5-ol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetasy.2006.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Adam J, Cowley PM, Kiyoi T, Morrison AJ, Mort CJW. Recent progress in cannabinoid research. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2006; 44:207-329. [PMID: 16697899 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6468(05)44406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Adam
- Organon Research, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK
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19
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Abstract
Mammalian tissues express at least two types of cannabinoid receptor, CB1 and CB2, both G protein coupled. CB1 receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals where they mediate inhibition of transmitter release. CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells, one of their roles being to modulate cytokine release. Endogenous ligands for these receptors (endocannabinoids) also exist. These are all eicosanoids; prominent examples include arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. These discoveries have led to the development of CB1- and CB2-selective agonists and antagonists and of bioassays for characterizing such ligands. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists include the CB1-selective SR141716A, AM251, AM281 and LY320135, and the CB2-selective SR144528 and AM630. These all behave as inverse agonists, one indication that CB1 and CB2 receptors can exist in a constitutively active state. Neutral cannabinoid receptor antagonists that seem to lack inverse agonist properties have recently also been developed. As well as acting on CB1 and CB2 receptors, there is convincing evidence that anandamide can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Certain cannabinoids also appear to have non-CB1, non-CB2, non-TRPV1 targets, for example CB2-like receptors that can mediate antinociception and "abnormal-cannabidiol" receptors that mediate vasorelaxation and promote microglial cell migration. There is evidence too for TRPV1-like receptors on glutamatergic neurons, for alpha2-adrenoceptor-like (imidazoline) receptors at sympathetic nerve terminals, for novel G protein-coupled receptors for R-(+)-WIN55212 and anandamide in the brain and spinal cord, for novel receptors for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol on perivascular sensory nerves and for novel anandamide receptors in the gastro-intestinal tract. The presence of allosteric sites for cannabinoids on various ion channels and non-cannabinoid receptors has also been proposed. In addition, more information is beginning to emerge about the pharmacological actions of the non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid, cannabidiol. These recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology are all discussed in this review.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biological Assay
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Humans
- Ligands
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/classification
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- TRPV Cation Channels/drug effects
- TRPV Cation Channels/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Duntsch C, Divi MK, Jones T, Zhou Q, Krishnamurthy M, Boehm P, Wood G, Sills A, Moore BM. Safety and efficacy of a novel cannabinoid chemotherapeutic, KM-233, for the treatment of high-grade glioma. J Neurooncol 2005; 77:143-52. [PMID: 16314952 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-005-9031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2005] [Accepted: 08/16/2005] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test in vitro and in vivo the safety and efficacy of a novel chemotherapeutic agent, KM-233, for the treatment of glioma. METHODS In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were used to measure and compare the cytotoxic effects of KM-233, Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and bis-chloroethyl-nitrosurea (BCNU) against human U87 glioma cells. An organotypic brain slice culture model was used for safety and toxicity studies. A human glioma-SCID mouse side-pocket tumor model was used to test in vivo the safety and efficacy of KM-233 with intratumoral and intra-peritoneal administration. RESULTS KM-233 is a classical cannabinoid with good blood brain barrier penetration that possesses a selective affinity for the CB2 receptors relative to THC. KM-233 was as efficacious in its cytotoxicity against human U87 glioma as Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol, and superior to the commonly used anti-glioma chemotherapeutic agent, BCNU. The cytotoxic effects of KM-233 against human glioma cells in vitro occur as early as two hours after administration, and dosing of KM-233 can be cycled without compromising cytotoxic efficacy and while improving safety. Cyclical dosing of KM-233 to treat U87 glioma in a SCID mouse xenograft side pocket model was effective at reducing the tumor burden with both systemic and intratumoral administration. CONCLUSION These studies provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence that KM-233 shows promising efficacy against human glioma cell lines in both in vitro and in vivo studies, minimal toxicity to healthy cultured brain tissue, and should be considered for definitive preclinical development in animal models of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Duntsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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21
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Thakur GA, Duclos RI, Makriyannis A. Natural cannabinoids: templates for drug discovery. Life Sci 2005; 78:454-66. [PMID: 16242157 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2005] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of cannabinoids and have highlighted the preference for a C-3 n-pentyl side chain in the most prominently represented cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa and their medicinally important decarboxylation products. The corresponding C-3 n-propyl side chain containing cannabinoids are also found, although in lesser quantities. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies performed on Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the key psychoactive ingredient of Cannabis, and its synthetic analogues have identified the C-3 side chain as the key pharmacophore for ligand affinity and selectivity for the known cannabinoid receptors and for pharmacological potency. Interestingly, the terminal n-pentyl saturated hydrocarbon side chain of endocannabinoids also plays a corresponding crucial role in conferring similar properties. This review briefly summarizes the biosynthesis of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids and focuses on their side chain SAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh A Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 116 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Abstract
Over the past 40 years, much research has been carried out directed toward the characterization of the cannabinergic system. With the identification of two G-protein coupled receptors and the endogenous ligand, anandamide, pharmacological targets have expanded to encompass hydrolase and transport proteins as well as novel classes of cannabinoid ligands. Those ligands that demonstrate high affinity for the receptors and good biological efficacy are tied together through lipophilic regions repeatedly demonstrated necessary for activity. This review presents recent developments in the structure-activity relationships of several classes of cannabinoid ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea W Padgett
- Howard L. Hunter Chemistry Laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0973, USA.
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23
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Thakur GA, Nikas SP, Li C, Makriyannis A. Structural requirements for cannabinoid receptor probes. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2005:209-46. [PMID: 16596776 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-26573-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and cloning of CB1 and CB2, the two known G(i/o) protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors, as well as the isolation and characterization of two families of endogenous cannabinergic ligands represented by arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), have opened new horizons in this newly discovered field of biology. Furthermore, a considerable number of cannabinoid analogs belonging to structurally diverse classes of compounds have been synthesized and tested, thus providing substantial information on the structural requirements for cannabinoid receptor recognition and activation. Experiments with site-directed mutated receptors and computer modeling studies have suggested that these diverse classes of ligands may interact with the receptors through different binding motifs. The information about the exact binding site may be obtained with the help of suitably designed molecular probes. These ligands either interact with the receptors in a reversible fashion (reversible probes) or alternatively attach at or near the receptor active site with the formation of covalent bonds (irreversible probes). This review focuses on structural requirements of cannabinoid receptor ligands and highlights their pharmacological and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Ferreira AM, Moore BM, Krishnamurthy M. Theoretical analysis of the NMR and electronic structure of novel Δ8-THC derivatives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theochem.2003.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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