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Nobili S, Micheli L, Lucarini E, Toti A, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Ultramicronized N-palmitoylethanolamine associated with analgesics: Effects against persistent pain. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108649. [PMID: 38615798 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Current epidemiological data estimate that one in five people suffers from chronic pain with considerable impairment of health-related quality of life. The pharmacological treatment is based on first- and second-line analgesic drugs, including COX-2 selective and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and opioids, that are characterized by important side effects. N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is a body's own fatty-acid ethanolamide belonging to the family of autacoid local injury antagonist amides. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of PEA have been recognized for decades and prompted to depict its role in the endogenous mechanisms of pain control. Together with its relative abundance in food sources, this opened the way to the use of PEA as a pain-relieving nutritional intervention. Naïve PEA is a large particle size lipid molecule with low solubility and bioavailability. Reducing particle size is a useful method to increase surface area, thereby improving dissolution rate and bioavailability accordingly. Micron-size formulations of PEA (e.g., ultramicronized and co-(ultra)micronized) have shown higher oral efficacy compared to naïve PEA. In particular, ultramicronized PEA has been shown to efficiently cross the intestinal wall and, more importantly, the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ultramicronized PEA. This narrative review summarizes the available pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data on ultramicronized PEA and focuses to its contribution to pain control, in particular as 'add-on' nutritional intervention. Data showing the ability of ultramicronized PEA to limit opioid side effects, including the development of tolerance, have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Nobili
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Trivedi P, Myers T, Ray B, Allain M, Zhou J, Kelly M, Lehmann C. Amelioration of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice through Oral Administration of Palmitoylethanolamide. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1000. [PMID: 38790962 PMCID: PMC11117589 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders characterized by pain, ulceration, and the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and categorized into two major subtypes: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. The inflammation in UC is typically restricted to the mucosal surface, beginning in the rectum and extending through the entire colon. UC patients typically show increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to intestinal epithelial apoptosis and mucosal inflammation, which impair barrier integrity. Chronic inflammation is associated with the rapid recruitment and inappropriate retention of leukocytes at the site of inflammation, further amplifying the inflammation. While UC can be managed using a number of treatments, these drugs are expensive and cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, a safe and effective treatment for UC patients is needed. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide and an analog of the endocannabinoid anandamine. PEA administration has been found to normalize intestinal GIT motility and reduce injury in rodents and humans. In the current study, we examined the efficacy of PEA encapsulated in phytosomes following oral administration in experimental ulcerative colitis. Here, we showed that PEA at a human-equivalent dose of 123 mg/kg (OD or BID) attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis as represented by the reduction in clinical signs of colitis, reduction in gross mucosal injury, and suppression of leukocyte recruitment at inflamed venules. These findings add to the growing body of data demonstrating the beneficial effects of PEA to control the acute phase of intestinal inflammation occurring during UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purvi Trivedi
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Tanya Myers
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Bithika Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Matthew Allain
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Melanie Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (P.T.); (T.M.); (B.R.); (M.A.); (M.K.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Ansari F, Sohel M, Haidary MMH, Mostaq MS, Akter S, Nahar A, Labony FZ, Ahmed A, Hasan MS, Babu MH, Amin MN. Therapeutic potential of clinically proven natural products in the management of dementia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27233. [PMID: 38533051 PMCID: PMC10963206 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a common neurodegenerative disorder connected to damage to nerve cells in the brain. Although some conventional drugs are available for dementia treatments and are still sanctified for dementia patients, their short- and long-term side effects and other limitations make treating patients more challenging. The authors aimed to explain novel options for treating dementia with natural products and unravel some clinically proven natural products. This article systematically reviewed recent studies that have investigated the role of natural products and their bioactive compounds for dementia. PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases of articles were collected, and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter.In this review, we provide mechanistic insights of clinically validated natural products, including like- Yokukansan, Souvenaid, BDW, Hupergene, Bacopa monnier, Omega-3, Tramiprostate and Palmitoylethanolamide with which have therapeutic efficacy against dementia in the management of dementia. As shown by studies, certain natural ingredients could be used to treat and prevent dementia. We strongly believe that the medicinal plants and phytoconstituents alone or in combination with other compounds would be effective treatments against dementia with lesser side effects as compared to currently available treatments. Moreover, these products should be studied further in order to develop novel dementia medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Health Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sohel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Saqline Mostaq
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Shamima Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1230. Bangladesh
| | - Asrafun Nahar
- Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1230. Bangladesh
| | | | - Arman Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Shamim Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Hasem Babu
- Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1230. Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nurul Amin
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1230. Bangladesh
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Hewer RC, Christie LA, Doyle KJ, Xu X, Roberts MJ, Dickson L, Cheung T, Cadwalladr DH, Pickford P, Teall M, Powell JAC, Sheardown S, Narayana L, Brice NL, Dawson LA, Carlton M, Bürli RW. Discovery and Characterization of Novel CNS-Penetrant GPR55 Agonists. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12858-12876. [PMID: 37708305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
From our NETSseq-derived human brain transcriptomics data, we identified GPR55 as a potential molecular target for the treatment of motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. From a high-throughput screen, we identified and optimized agonists with nanomolar potency against both human and rat GPR55. We discovered compounds with either strong or limited β-arrestin signaling and receptor desensitization, indicating biased signaling. A compound that showed minimal GPR55 desensitization demonstrated a reduction in firing frequency of medium spiny neurons cultured from rat striatum but did not reverse motor deficits in a rat hypolocomotion model. Further profiling of several desensitizing and non-desensitizing lead compounds showed that they are selective over related cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and that unbound brain concentrations well above the respective GPR55 EC50 can be readily achieved following oral administration. The novel brain-penetrant GPR55 agonists disclosed can be used to probe the role of this receptor in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Hewer
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Louisa A Christie
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Kevin J Doyle
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Xiao Xu
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Maxine J Roberts
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Louise Dickson
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Toni Cheung
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | | | - Philip Pickford
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Martin Teall
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Justin A C Powell
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Steven Sheardown
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Lakshminarayana Narayana
- Aragen Life Sciences Ltd, Plot #284A (part), Bommasandra-Jigani Link Road Industrial Area, Bengaluru 562106, India
| | - Nicola L Brice
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Lee A Dawson
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Mark Carlton
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Roland W Bürli
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, U.K
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Karoly HC, Drennan ML, Prince MA, Zulic L, Dooley G. Consuming oral cannabidiol prior to a standard alcohol dose has minimal effect on breath alcohol level and subjective effects of alcohol. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1119-1129. [PMID: 36939855 PMCID: PMC10622182 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in the cannabis plant and has garnered attention as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). CBD reduces alcohol consumption and other markers of alcohol dependence in rodents, but human research on CBD and alcohol is limited. It is unknown whether CBD reduces drinking in humans, and mechanisms through which CBD could impact behavioral AUD phenotypes are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study explores effects of oral CBD on breath alcohol level (BrAC), and subjective effects of alcohol in human participants who report heavy drinking. METHODS In this placebo-controlled, crossover study, participants consumed 30 mg CBD, 200 mg CBD, or placebo CBD before receiving a standardized alcohol dose. Participants were blind to which CBD dose they received at each session and completed sessions in random order. Thirty-six individuals completed at least one session and were included in analyses. RESULTS Differences in outcomes across the three conditions and by sex were explored using multilevel structural equation models. BrAC fell fastest in the placebo condition, followed by 30 mg and 200 mg CBD. Stimulation decreased more slowly in the 200 mg CBD condition than in placebo (b = - 2.38, BCI [- 4.46, - .03]). Sedation decreased more slowly in the 30 mg CBD condition than in placebo (b = - 2.41, BCI [- 4.61, - .09]). However, the magnitude of condition differences in BrAC and subjective effects was trivial. CONCLUSIONS CBD has minimal influence on BrAC and subjective effects of alcohol. Further research is needed to test whether CBD impacts alcohol consumption in humans, and if so, what mechanism(s) may explain this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 1876 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1876, USA.
| | - Meggan L Drennan
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 1876 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1876, USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 1876 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1876, USA
| | - Leila Zulic
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 1876 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1876, USA
| | - Gregory Dooley
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1601, USA
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Ono T, Yamashita T, Kano R, Inoue M, Okada S, Kano K, Koizumi S, Iwabuchi K, Hirabayashi Y, Matsuo I, Nakashima Y, Kamiguchi H, Kohro Y, Tsuda M. GPR55 contributes to neutrophil recruitment and mechanical pain induction after spinal cord compression in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:276-287. [PMID: 36898418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain transmission and processing in the nervous system are modulated by various biologically active substances, including lysophospholipids, through direct and indirect actions on the somatosensory pathway. Lysophosphatidylglucoside (LysoPtdGlc) was recently identified as a structurally unique lysophospholipid that exerts biological actions via the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55. Here, we demonstrated that GPR55-knockout (KO) mice show impaired induction of mechanical pain hypersensitivity in a model of spinal cord compression (SCC) without the same change in the models of peripheral tissue inflammation and peripheral nerve injury. Among these models, only SCC recruited peripheral inflammatory cells (neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and CD3+ T-cells) in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), and GPR55-KO blunted these recruitments. Neutrophils were the first cells recruited to the SDH, and their depletion suppressed the induction of SCC-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and inflammatory responses in compressed SDH. Furthermore, we found that PtdGlc was present in the SDH and that intrathecal administration of an inhibitor of secretory phospholipase A2 (an enzyme required for producing LysoPtdGlc from PtdGlc) reduced neutrophil recruitment to compressed SDH and suppressed pain induction. Finally, by screening compounds from a chemical library, we identified auranofin as a clinically used drug with an inhibitory effect on mouse and human GPR55. Systemically administered auranofin to mice with SCC effectively suppressed spinal neutrophil infiltration and pain hypersensitivity. These results suggest that GPR55 signaling contributes to the induction of inflammatory responses and chronic pain after SCC via the recruitment of neutrophils and may provide a new target for reducing pain induction after spinal cord compression, such as spinal canal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruaki Ono
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yamashita
- Department of Drug Discovery Structural Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryota Kano
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mariko Inoue
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shota Okada
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koki Kano
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1, Tenjin-cho, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Iwabuchi
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0021, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hirabayashi
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ichiro Matsuo
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1, Tenjin-cho, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kamiguchi
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yuta Kohro
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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Versace V, Ortelli P, Dezi S, Ferrazzoli D, Alibardi A, Bonini I, Engl M, Maestri R, Assogna M, Ajello V, Pucks-Faes E, Saltuari L, Sebastianelli L, Kofler M, Koch G. Co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin normalizes GABA B-ergic activity and cortical plasticity in long COVID-19 syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 145:81-88. [PMID: 36455453 PMCID: PMC9650483 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies showed that patients with cognitive dysfunction and fatigue after COVID-19 exhibit impaired cortical GABAB-ergic activity, as revealed by reduced long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Aim of this study was to test the effects of co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin (PEA-LUT), an endocannabinoid-like mediator able to enhance GABA-ergic transmission and to reduce neuroinflammation, on LICI. METHODS Thirty-nine patients (26 females, mean age 49.9 ± 11.4 years, mean time from infection 296.7 ± 112.3 days) suffering from persistent cognitive difficulties and fatigue after mild COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive either PEA-LUT 700 mg + 70 mg or PLACEBO, administered orally bid for eight weeks. The day before (PRE) and at the end of the treatment (POST), they underwent TMS protocols to assess LICI. We further evaluate short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-term potentiation (LTP)-like cortical plasticity. RESULTS Patients treated with PEA-LUT but not with PLACEBO showed a significant increase of LICI and LTP-like cortical plasticity. SAI remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS Eight weeks of treatment with PEA-LUT restore GABAB activity and cortical plasticity in long Covid patients. SIGNIFICANCE This study confirms altered physiology of the motor cortex in long COVID-19 syndrome and indicates PEA-LUT as a candidate for the treatment of this post-viral condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy.
| | - Paola Ortelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dezi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrazzoli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Alessia Alibardi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Ilenia Bonini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Michael Engl
- Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Roberto Maestri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Scientific Institute of Montescano - IRCCS, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Ajello
- Department of Cardiac Anesthesia, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Luca Sebastianelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Berger N, van der Wel T, Hirschmugl B, Baernthaler T, Gindlhuber J, Fawzy N, Eichmann T, Birner-Gruenberger R, Zimmermann R, van der Stelt M, Wadsack C. Inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase β modulates lipid and endocannabinoid levels in the ex vivo human placenta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1092024. [PMID: 36864832 PMCID: PMC9971001 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1092024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lipids and fatty acids are key components in metabolic processes of the human placenta, thereby contributing to the development of the fetus. Placental dyslipidemia and aberrant activity of lipases have been linked to diverse pregnancy associated complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. The serine hydrolases, diacylglycerol lipase α and β (DAGLα, DAGLβ) catalyze the degradation of diacylglycerols, leading to the formation of monoacylglycerols (MAG), including one main endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The major role of DAGL in the biosynthesis of 2-AG is evident from various studies in mice but has not been investigated in the human placenta. Here, we report the use of the small molecule inhibitor DH376, in combination with the ex vivo placental perfusion system, activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and lipidomics, to determine the impact of acute DAGL inhibition on placental lipid networks. METHODS DAGLα and DAGLβ mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization in term placentas. Immunohistochemistry staining for CK7, CD163 and VWF was applied to localize DAGLβ transcripts to different cell types of the placenta. DAGLβ activity was determined by in- gel and MS-based activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and validated by addition of the enzyme inhibitors LEI-105 and DH376. Enzyme kinetics were measured by EnzChek™ lipase substrate assay. Ex vivo placental perfusion experiments were performed +/- DH376 [1 µM] and changes in tissue lipid and fatty acid profiles were measured by LC-MS. Additionally, free fatty acid levels of the maternal and fetal circulations were determined. RESULTS We demonstrate that mRNA expression of DAGLβ prevails in placental tissue, compared to DAGLα (p ≤ 0.0001) and that DAGLβ is mainly located to CK7 positive trophoblasts (p ≤ 0.0001). Although few DAGLα transcripts were identified, no active enzyme was detected applying in-gel or MS-based ABPP, which underlined that DAGLβ is the principal DAGL in the placenta. DAGLβ dependent substrate hydrolysis in placental membrane lysates was determined by the application of LEI-105 and DH376. Ex vivo pharmacological inhibition of DAGLβ by DH376 led to reduced MAG tissue levels (p ≤ 0.01), including 2-AG (p≤0.0001). We further provide an activity landscape of serine hydrolases, showing a broad spectrum of metabolically active enzymes in the human placenta. DISCUSSION Our results emphasize the role of DAGLβ activity in the human placenta by determining the biosynthesis of 2-AG. Thus, this study highlights the special importance of intra-cellular lipases in lipid network regulation. Together, the activity of these specific enzymes may contribute to the lipid signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, with implications for function of the placenta in normal and compromised pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Berger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tom van der Wel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Birgit Hirschmugl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Baernthaler
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Juergen Gindlhuber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Diagnostic and Research Center of Molecular Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nermeen Fawzy
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Eichmann
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, Center for Medical Research (ZMF), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Diagnostic and Research Center of Molecular Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Zimmermann
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Christian Wadsack,
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9
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Abstract
Electrophysiological technique is an efficient tool for investigating the synaptic regulatory effects mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Stimulation of presynaptic type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is the principal mode by which endocannabinoids suppress transmitter release in the central nervous system, but a non-retrograde manner of functioning and other receptors have also been described. Endocannabinoids are key modulators of both short- and long-term plasticity. Here, we discuss ex vivo electrophysiological approaches to examine synaptic signaling induced by cannabinoid and endocannabinoid molecules in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Musella
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion University of Rome San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
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10
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Palmitoylethanolamide Mitigates Paclitaxel Toxicity in Primary Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121873. [PMID: 36551301 PMCID: PMC9775584 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of several chemotherapeutic agents, such as Paclitaxel. The main symptoms of CIPN are pain and numbness in the hands and feet. Paclitaxel is believed to accumulate in the dorsal root ganglia and free nerve endings. Novel therapeutic agents might help to mitigate or prevent Paclitaxel toxicity on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Thus, we used primary DRG neurons as a model to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of the endocannabinoid-like substance, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). DRG neurons were isolated from cervical to sacral segments of spinal nerves of Wister rats (6-8 weeks old). After isolation and purification of neuronal cell populations, different concentrations of Paclitaxel (0.01-10 µM) or PEA (0.1-10 µM) or their combination were tested on cell viability by MTT assay at 24 h, 48, and 72 h post-treatment. Furthermore, morphometric analyses of neurite length and soma size for DRG neurons were performed. Adverse Paclitaxel effects on cell viability were apparent at 72 h post-treatment whereas Paclitaxel significantly reduced the neurite length in a concentration-dependent manner nearly at all investigated time points. However, Paclitaxel significantly increased the size of neuronal cell bodies at all time windows. These phenotypic effects were significantly reduced in neurons additionally treated with PEA, indicating the neuroprotective effect of PEA. PEA alone led to a significant increase in neuron viability regardless of PEA concentrations, apparent improvements in neurite outgrowth as well as a significant decrease in soma size of neurons at different investigated time points. Taken together, PEA showed promising protective effects against Paclitaxel-related toxicity on DRG neurons.
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11
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Fessler SN, Liu L, Chang Y, Yip T, Johnston CS. Palmitoylethanolamide Reduces Proinflammatory Markers in Unvaccinated Adults Recently Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2022; 152:2218-2226. [PMID: 36084236 PMCID: PMC9494383 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is at the core of many chronic conditions and exacerbates infectious conditions, including the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel food supplement, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), specifically Levagen+, as compared with a placebo on proinflammatory biomarkers in adults recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were unvaccinated and nonhospitalized. METHODS This study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted October 2020-March 2021 (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04912921). Participants aged 19-53 y were unvaccinated and recently infected with COVID-19 as indicated by a positive test result per RT-PCR or antigen test, and they reported to the test site following diagnosis as allowed by the CDC's return-to-work policy. Participants were stratified by age, sex, and BMI and randomly assigned by coin toss to receive 600 mg Levagen+ twice daily (LEV) or placebo tablets twice daily (CON) for 4 wk. At baseline and week 4, participants completed health histories, 24-h dietary recalls, anthropometrics, and nonfasting blood sampling. The primary outcomes were the 4-wk change between groups for IL-6, C-reactive protein, ferritin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to assess treatment effects on outcomes, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS A total of 60 participants completed the study (LEV: n = 30; CON: n = 30). After 4 wk of supplementation, sP-selectin (β = -11.5; 95% CI: -19.8, -3.15; P = 0.0078), IL-1β (β = -22.9; 95% CI: -42.4, -3.40; P = 0.0222), and IL-2 (β = -1.73; 95% CI: -3.45, -0.065; P = 0.0492) concentrations were significantly reduced in the LEV group compared with the CON group. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory mechanisms are crucial to optimal resolution of infectious conditions, yet unchecked secretion of inflammatory mediators can promote the dysregulated immune response implicated in COVID-19 complications. Overall, PEA supplementation produced anti-inflammatory effects in individuals recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were nonhospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Fessler
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Address correspondence to SNF (E-mail: )
| | - Li Liu
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yung Chang
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Theresa Yip
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carol S Johnston
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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12
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Patricio F, Morales Dávila E, Patricio-Martínez A, Arana Del Carmen N, Martínez I, Aguilera J, Perez-Aguilar JM, Limón ID. Intrapallidal injection of cannabidiol or a selective GPR55 antagonist decreases motor asymmetry and improves fine motor skills in hemiparkinsonian rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:945836. [PMID: 36120297 PMCID: PMC9479130 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.945836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) presents antiparkinsonian properties and neuromodulatory effects, possibly due to the pleiotropic activity caused at multiple molecular targets. Recently, the GPR55 receptor has emerged as a molecular target of CBD. Interestingly, GPR55 mRNA is expressed in the external globus pallidus (GPe) and striatum, hence, it has been suggested that its activity is linked to motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the intrapallidal injection of both CBD and a selective GPR55 antagonist (CID16020046) on motor asymmetry, fine motor skills, and GAD-67 expression in hemiparkinsonian rats. The hemiparkinsonian animal model applied involved the induction of a lesion in male Wistar rats via the infusion of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle via stereotaxic surgery. After a period of twenty days, a second surgical procedure was performed to implant a guide cannula into the GPe. Seven days later, lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), CBD, or CID16020046 were injected once a day for three consecutive days (from the 28th to the 30th day post-lesion). Amphetamine-induced turning behavior was evaluated on the 14th and 30th days post-injury. The staircase test and fine motor skills were evaluated as follows: the rats were subject to a ten-day training period prior to the 6-OHDA injury; from the 15th to the 19th days post-lesion, the motor skills alterations were evaluated under basal conditions; and, from the 28th to the 30th day post-lesion, the pharmacological effects of the drugs administered were evaluated. The results obtained show that the administration of LPI or CBD generated lower levels of motor asymmetry in the turning behavior of hemiparkinsonian rats. It was also found that the injection of CBD or CID16020046, but not LPI, in the hemiparkinsonian rats generated significantly superior performance in the staircase test, in terms of the use of the forelimb contralateral to the 6-OHDA-induced lesion, when evaluated from the 28th to the 30th day post-lesion. Similar results were also observed for superior fine motor skills performance for pronation, grasp, and supination. Finally, the immunoreactivity levels were found to decrease for the GAD-67 enzyme in the striatum and the ipsilateral GPe of the rats injected with CBD and CID16020046, in contrast with those lesioned with 6-OHDA. The results obtained suggest that the inhibitory effects of CBD and CID16020046 on GPR55 in the GPe could be related to GABAergic overactivation in hemiparkinsonism, thus opening new perspectives to explain, at a cellular level, the reversal of the motor impairment observed in PD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Patricio
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Eliud Morales Dávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Aleidy Patricio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Nayeli Arana Del Carmen
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - José Aguilera
- Departament de Bioquímica i de Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón, ,
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13
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Synaptic Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081161. [PMID: 36009055 PMCID: PMC9405819 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence strongly supports the key role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuroinflammation may alter synaptic transmission contributing to the progression of neurodegeneration, as largely documented in animal models and in patients’ studies. In the last few years, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous lipid mediator, and its new composite, which is a formulation constituted of PEA and the well-recognized antioxidant flavonoid luteolin (Lut) subjected to an ultra-micronization process (co-ultraPEALut), has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent in different disorders by exerting potential beneficial effects on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation by modulating synaptic transmission. In this review, we will show the potential therapeutic effects of PEA in animal models and in patients affected by neurodegenerative disorders.
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14
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Sánchez-Zavaleta R, Ávalos-Fuentes JA, González-Hernández AV, Recillas-Morales S, Paz-Bermúdez FJ, Leyva-Gómez G, Cortés H, Florán B. Presynaptic nigral GPR55 receptors stimulate [ 3 H]-GABA release through [ 3 H]-cAMP production and PKA activation and promote motor behavior. Synapse 2022; 76:e22246. [PMID: 35831708 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Striatal medium-sized spiny neurons express mRNA and protein of GPR55 receptors that stimulate neurotransmitter release; thus, GPR55 could be sent to nigral striatal projections, where it might modulate GABA release and motor behavior. Here we study the presence of GPR55 receptors at striato-nigral terminals, their modulation of GABA release, their signaling pathway, and their effect on motor activity. By double immunohistochemistry, we found the colocation of GPR55 protein and substance P in the dorsal striatum. In slices of the rat substantia nigra, the GPR55 agonists LPI and O-1602 stimulated [3 H]-GABA release induced by high K+ depolarization in a dose-dependent manner. The antagonists CID16020046 and cannabidiol prevented agonist stimulation in a dose-dependent way. The effect of GPR55 on nigral [3 H]-GABA release was prevented by lesion of the striatum with kainic acid, which was accompanied by a decrement of GPR55 protein in nigral synaptosomes, indicating the presynaptic location of receptors. The depletion of internal Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin did not prevent the effect of LPI on [3 H]-GABA release, but the remotion or chelation of external calcium did. Blockade of Gi, Gs, PLC, PKC, or dopamine D1 receptor signaling proteins did not prevent the effect of GPR55 on release. However, the activation of GPR55 stimulated [3 H]-cAMP accumulation and PKA activity. Intranigral unilateral injection of LPI induces contralateral turning. This turning was prevented by CID16020046, cannabidiol, and bicuculline but not by SCH 23390. Our data indicate that presynaptic GPR55 receptors stimulate [3 H]-GABA release at striato-nigral terminals through [3 H]-cAMP production and stimulate motor behavior. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Sánchez-Zavaleta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México
| | - José Arturo Ávalos-Fuentes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México
| | - Antonio Valentín González-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México
| | | | - Francisco Javier Paz-Bermúdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Hernán Cortés
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Benjamín Florán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México
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15
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Cifelli P, Ruffolo G, Ceccanti M, Cambieri C, Libonati L, Palma E, Inghilleri M. Classical and Unexpected Effects of Ultra-Micronized PEA in Neuromuscular Function. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060758. [PMID: 35740883 PMCID: PMC9221058 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the endocannabinoid system has attracted growing attention from the scientific community for its involvement in homeostatic and pathological processes as they pertains to human physiology. Among the constituents of the endocannabinoid system, the molecule palmitoyl ethanolamide has particularly been studied for its ability to reduce several inflammatory processes involving the central nervous system. Here, we reviewed published literature and summarized the main targets of the palmitoyl ethanolamide, along with its unique possible mechanisms for restoring correct functioning of the central nervous system. Moreover, we have highlighted a less-known characteristic of palmitoyl ethanolamide, namely its ability to modulate the function of the neuromuscular junction by binding to acetylcholine receptors in different experimental conditions. Indeed, there are several studies that have highlighted how ultra-micronized palmitoyl ethanolamide is an interesting nutraceutical support for the treatment of pathological neuromuscular conditions, specifically when the normal activity of the acetylcholine receptor is altered. Although further multicentric clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of ultra-micronized palmitoyl ethanolamide in improving symptoms of neuromuscular diseases, all the literature reviewed here strongly supports the ability of this endocannabinoid-like molecule to modulate the acetylcholine receptors thus resulting as a valid support for the treatment of human neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (E.P.)
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.I.)
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16
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Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide on Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review from Rodents to Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050667. [PMID: 35625595 PMCID: PMC9138306 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) stands out among endogenous lipid mediators for its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic functions. PEA belonging to the N-acetylanolamine class of phospholipids was first isolated from soy lecithin, egg yolk, and peanut flour. It is currently used for the treatment of different types of neuropathic pain, such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other conditions. The properties of PEA, especially of its micronized or ultra-micronized forms maximizing bioavailability and efficacy, have sparked a series of innovative research to evaluate its possible application as therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are widespread throughout the world, and although they are numerous and different, they share common patterns of conditions that result from progressive damage to the brain areas involved in mobility, muscle coordination and strength, mood, and cognition. The present review is aimed at illustrating in vitro and in vivo research, as well as human studies, using PEA treatment, alone or in combination with other compounds, in the presence of neurodegeneration. Namely, attention has been paid to the effects of PEA in counteracting neuroinflammatory conditions and in slowing down the progression of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Literature research demonstrated the efficacy of PEA in addressing the damage typical of major neurodegenerative diseases.
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17
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Xu C, Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Xu C, Nath B, Mistry T, Jiang W, Niphakis MJ, Cravatt BF, Mukhopadhyay S, Lichtman AH, Ignatowska-Jankowska BM, Fitting S. Inhibitory Neurotransmission Is Sex-Dependently Affected by Tat Expression in Transgenic Mice and Suppressed by the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Enzyme Inhibitor PF3845 via Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor Mechanisms. Cells 2022; 11:857. [PMID: 35269478 PMCID: PMC8909692 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, which regulates physiological and cognitive processes, presents a promising therapeutic target for treating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Here we examine whether upregulating eCB tone has potential protective effects against HIV-1 Tat (a key HIV transactivator of transcription) protein-induced alterations in synaptic activity. (2) Methods. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to assess inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission in prefrontal cortex slices of Tat transgenic male and female mice, in the presence and absence of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme inhibitor PF3845. Western blot and mass spectrometry analyses assessed alterations of cannabinoid receptor and enzyme protein expression as well as endogenous ligands, respectively, to determine the impact of Tat exposure on the eCB system. (3) Results. GABAergic activity was significantly altered upon Tat exposure based on sex, whereas the effectiveness of PF3845 to suppress GABAergic activity in Tat transgenic mice was not altered by Tat or sex and involved CB1R-related mechanisms that depended on calcium signaling. Additionally, our data indicated sex-dependent changes for AEA and related non-eCB lipids based on Tat induction. (4) Conclusion. Results highlight sex- and/or Tat-dependent alterations of GABAergic activity and eCB signaling in the prefrontal cortex of Tat transgenic mice and further increase our understanding about the role of FAAH inhibition in neuroHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Xu
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.X.); (B.J.Y.-S.); (C.X.)
| | - Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.X.); (B.J.Y.-S.); (C.X.)
| | - Callie Xu
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.X.); (B.J.Y.-S.); (C.X.)
| | - Bhupendra Nath
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (B.N.); (T.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Twisha Mistry
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (B.N.); (T.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Micah J. Niphakis
- Department of Chemical Physiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (M.J.N.); (B.F.C.)
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (M.J.N.); (B.F.C.)
| | - Somnath Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (B.N.); (T.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | | | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.X.); (B.J.Y.-S.); (C.X.)
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Schiano Moriello A, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. Mutual Links between the Endocannabinoidome and the Gut Microbiome, with Special Reference to Companion Animals: A Nutritional Viewpoint. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030348. [PMID: 35158670 PMCID: PMC8833664 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that perturbation of the gut microbiome, known as “dysbiosis”, is associated with the pathogenesis of human and veterinary diseases that are not restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, recent studies have demonstrated that dysbiosis is linked to the pathogenesis of central neuroinflammatory disorders, supporting the existence of the so-called microbiome-gut-brain axis. The endocannabinoid system is a recently recognized lipid signaling system and termed endocannabinoidome monitoring a variety of body responses. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that a profound link exists between the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoidome, with mutual interactions controlling intestinal homeostasis, energy metabolism and neuroinflammatory responses during physiological conditions. In the present review, we summarize the latest data on the microbiome-endocannabinoidome mutual link in health and disease, focalizing the attention on gut dysbiosis and/or altered endocannabinoidome tone that may distort the bidirectional crosstalk between these two complex systems, thus leading to gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases (e.g., idiopathic inflammation, chronic enteropathies and obesity) as well as neuroinflammatory disorders (e.g., neuropathic pain and depression). We also briefly discuss the novel possible dietary interventions based not only on probiotics and/or prebiotics, but also, and most importantly, on endocannabinoid-like modulators (e.g., palmitoylethanolamide) for intestinal health and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Centre NUTRISS, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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19
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The Endocannabinoid System in Glial Cells and Their Profitable Interactions to Treat Epilepsy: Evidence from Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413231. [PMID: 34948035 PMCID: PMC8709154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions. Yearly, five million people are diagnosed with epileptic-related disorders. The neuroprotective and therapeutic effect of (endo)cannabinoid compounds has been extensively investigated in several models of epilepsy. Therefore, the study of specific cell-type-dependent mechanisms underlying cannabinoid effects is crucial to understanding epileptic disorders. It is estimated that about 100 billion neurons and a roughly equal number of glial cells co-exist in the human brain. The glial population is in charge of neuronal viability, and therefore, their participation in brain pathophysiology is crucial. Furthermore, glial malfunctioning occurs in a wide range of neurological disorders. However, little is known about the impact of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulation over glial cells, even less in pathological conditions such as epilepsy. In this review, we aim to compile the existing knowledge on the role of the ECS in different cell types, with a particular emphasis on glial cells and their impact on epilepsy. Thus, we propose that glial cells could be a novel target for cannabinoid agents for treating the etiology of epilepsy and managing seizure-like disorders.
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20
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Ahmed M, Boileau I, Le Foll B, Carvalho AF, Kloiber S. The endocannabinoid system in social anxiety disorder: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:81-93. [PMID: 34468550 PMCID: PMC8827369 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2021-1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that presents with an early age of onset, chronic disease course, and increased risk of psychiatric comorbidity. Current treatment options for SAD are associated with low response rates, suboptimal efficacy, and possible risk of adverse effects. Investigation of new neurobiological mechanisms may aid in the identification of more specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. Emerging evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system, also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), could play a potential role in the pathophysiology of SAD. This review discusses the known pathophysiological mechanisms of SAD, the potential role of the ECS in this disorder, current drugs targeting the ECS, and the potential of these novel compounds to enhance the therapeutic armamentarium for SAD. Further investigational efforts, specifically in human populations, are warranted to improve our knowledge of the ECS in SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Ahmed
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia, 3216
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Potential and Limits of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060542. [PMID: 34204237 PMCID: PMC8234911 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This review was aimed at exploring the potentiality of drugging the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent discoveries have demonstrated how the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and receptor 2 (CB2) can exert neuroprotective effects without the recreational and pharmacological properties of Cannabis sativa. Thus, this review explores the potential of cannabinoids in AD, also highlighting their limitations in perspective to point out the need for further research on cannabinoids in AD therapy. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a detrimental brain disorder characterized by a gradual cognitive decline and neuronal deterioration. To date, the treatments available are effective only in the early stage of the disease. The AD etiology has not been completely revealed, and investigating new pathological mechanisms is essential for developing effective and safe drugs. The recreational and pharmacological properties of marijuana are known for centuries, but only recently the scientific community started to investigate the potential use of cannabinoids in AD therapy—sometimes with contradictory outcomes. Since the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is highly expressed in the hippocampus and cortex, cannabis use/abuse has often been associated with memory and learning dysfunction in vulnerable individuals. However, the latest findings in AD rodent models have shown promising effects of cannabinoids in reducing amyloid plaque deposition and stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis. Beneficial effects on several dementia-related symptoms have also been reported in clinical trials after cannabinoid treatments. Accordingly, future studies should address identifying the correct therapeutic dosage and timing of treatment from the perspective of using cannabinoids in AD therapy. The present paper aims to summarize the potential and limitations of cannabinoids as therapeutics for AD, focusing on recent pre-clinical and clinical evidence.
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22
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Assogna M, Casula EP, Borghi I, Bonnì S, Samà D, Motta C, Di Lorenzo F, D'Acunto A, Porrazzini F, Minei M, Caltagirone C, Martorana A, Koch G. Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide Combined with Luteoline on Frontal Lobe Functions, High Frequency Oscillations, and GABAergic Transmission in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1297-1308. [PMID: 32623398 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a presenile neurodegenerative disease for which there is no effective pharmacological treatment. Recently, a link has been proposed between neuroinflammation and FTD. OBJECTIVE Here, we aim to investigate the effects of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) combined with luteoline (PEA-LUT), an endocannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, on behavior, cognition, and cortical activity in a sample of FTD patients. METHODS Seventeen patients with a diagnosis of probable FTD were enrolled. Cognitive and neurophysiological evaluations were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of PEA-LUT 700 mg×2/day. Cognitive effects were assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Screening for Aphasia in Neurodegeneration, Activities of Daily Living-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-modified Clinical Dementia Rating scale. To investigate in vivo neurophysiological effects of PEA-LUT, we used repetitive and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols assessing LTP-like cortical plasticity, short-interval intracortical inhibition, long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), and short-latency afferent inhibition. Moreover, we used TMS combined with EEG to evaluate the effects on frontal lobe cortical oscillatory activity. RESULTS Treatment with PEA-LUT was associated with an improvement in NPI and FAB scores. Neurophysiological evaluation showed a restoration of LICI, in particular at ISI 100 ms, suggesting a modulation of GABA(B) activity. TMS-EEG showed a remarkable increase of TMS-evoked frontal lobe activity and of high-frequency oscillations in the beta/gamma range. CONCLUSION PEA-LUT could reduce behavioral disturbances and improve frontal lobe functions in FTD patients through the modulation of cortical oscillatory activity and GABA(B)ergic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Assogna
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Tor Vergata Policlinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Elias Paolo Casula
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giacomo Koch
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
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23
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Chen J, Li LF, Hu XR, Wei F, Ma S. Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Elucidating the Molecular Basis Forthe Pharmacologic Effects of Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza spp.). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:590477. [PMID: 33995004 PMCID: PMC8114075 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.590477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its numerous pharmacologic effects. However, the mechanisms of action of the chemical constituents of licorice and their structure–function relationships are not fully understood. To address these points, we analyzed the chemical compounds in licorice listed in the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Integrated database. Target proteins of the compounds were predicted using Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of TCM v2.0. Information on the pharmacologic effects of licorice was obtained from the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and disease-related genes that have been linked to these effects were identified from the Encyclopedia of TCM database. Pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database were carried out for target proteins, and pharmacologic networks were constructed based on drug target–disease-related gene and protein–protein interactions. A total of 451 compounds were analyzed, of which 211 were from the medicinal parts of the licorice plant. The 241 putative targets of 106 bioactive compounds in licorice comprised 52 flavonoids, 47 triterpenoids, and seven coumarins. Four distinct pharmacologic effects of licorice were defined: 61 major hubs were the putative targets of 23 compounds in heat-clearing and detoxifying effects; 68 were targets of six compounds in spleen-invigorating and qi-replenishing effects; 28 were targets of six compounds in phlegm-expulsion and cough-suppressant effects; 25 compounds were targets of six compounds in spasm-relieving and analgesic effects. The major bioactive compounds of licorice were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory properties of liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid and isoliquiritin apioside were demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, kaempferol, and kumatakenin were the main active flavonoids, and 18α- and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were the main active triterpenoids of licorice. The former were associated with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, whereas the latter were implicated in the other three pharmacologic effects. Thus, the compounds in licorice have distinct pharmacologic effects according to their chemical structure. These results provide a reference for investigating the potential of licorice in treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Fu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Hu
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Shuangcheng Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
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24
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della Rocca G, Gamba D. Chronic Pain in Dogs and Cats: Is There Place for Dietary Intervention with Micro-Palmitoylethanolamide? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:952. [PMID: 33805489 PMCID: PMC8065429 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic pain is an integral challenge of small animal veterinary practitioners. Multiple pharmacological agents are usually employed to treat maladaptive pain including opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others. In order to limit adverse effects and tolerance development, they are often combined with non-pharmacologic measures such as acupuncture and dietary interventions. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-neuronal cells such as mast cells and microglia play active roles in the pathogenesis of maladaptive pain. Accordingly, these cells are currently viewed as potential new targets for managing chronic pain. Palmitoylethanolamide is an endocannabinoid-like compound found in several food sources and considered a body's own analgesic. The receptor-dependent control of non-neuronal cells mediates the pain-relieving effect of palmitoylethanolamide. Accumulating evidence shows the anti-hyperalgesic effect of supplemented palmitoylethanolamide, especially in the micronized and co-micronized formulations (i.e., micro-palmitoylethanolamide), which allow for higher bioavailability. In the present paper, the role of non-neuronal cells in pain signaling is discussed and a large number of studies on the effect of palmitoylethanolamide in inflammatory and neuropathic chronic pain are reviewed. Overall, available evidence suggests that there is place for micro-palmitoylethanolamide in the dietary management of chronic pain in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia della Rocca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Gamba
- Operational Unit of Anesthesia, Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Roma, Italy;
- Freelance, DG Vet Pain Therapy, 24124 Bergamo, Italy
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25
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Anti-inflammatory dopamine- and serotonin-based endocannabinoid epoxides reciprocally regulate cannabinoid receptors and the TRPV1 channel. Nat Commun 2021; 12:926. [PMID: 33568652 PMCID: PMC7876028 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a promising target to mitigate pain as the endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of the pain-mediating receptors—cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) and TRPV1. Herein, we report on a class of lipids formed by the epoxidation of N-arachidonoyl-dopamine (NADA) and N-arachidonoyl-serotonin (NA5HT) by epoxygenases. EpoNADA and epoNA5HT are dual-functional rheostat modulators of the endocannabinoid-TRPV1 axis. EpoNADA and epoNA5HT are stronger modulators of TRPV1 than either NADA or NA5HT, and epoNA5HT displays a significantly stronger inhibition on TRPV1-mediated responses in primary afferent neurons. Moreover, epoNA5HT is a full CB1 agonist. These epoxides reduce the pro-inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and nitrous oxide and raise anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine in activated microglial cells. The epoxides are spontaneously generated by activated microglia cells and their formation is potentiated in the presence of anandamide. Detailed kinetics and molecular dynamics simulation studies provide evidence for this potentiation using the epoxygenase human CYP2J2. Taken together, inflammation leads to an increase in the metabolism of NADA, NA5HT and other eCBs by epoxygenases to form the corresponding epoxides. The epoxide metabolites are bioactive lipids that are potent, multi-faceted molecules, capable of influencing the activity of CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptors. Endocannabinoids are ligands of cannabinoid receptors and a promising target for pain management. Here, the authors report a class of lipids formed by the epoxidation of N-arachidonoyl dopamine and N-arachidonoyl serotonin by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, which reciprocally regulate canabinoid receptors and display anti-inflammatory activity.
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26
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Im DS. GPR119 and GPR55 as Receptors for Fatty Acid Ethanolamides, Oleoylethanolamide and Palmitoylethanolamide. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031034. [PMID: 33494185 PMCID: PMC7864322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide are members of the fatty acid ethanolamide family, also known as acylethanolamides. Their physiological effects, including glucose homeostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-anaphylactic, analgesia, and hypophagia, have been reported. They have affinity for different receptor proteins, including nuclear receptors such as PPARα, channels such as TRPV1, and membrane receptors such as GPR119 and GPR55. In the present review, the pathophysiological functions of fatty acid ethanolamides have been discussed from the perspective of receptor pharmacology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-2-961-9377; Fax: +82-2-961-9580
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
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27
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Petrosino S, Schiano Moriello A. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249526. [PMID: 33333772 PMCID: PMC7765232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a physiological response aimed at maintaining the homodynamic balance and providing the body with the fundamental resource of adaptation to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Although the response is initiated with protective purposes, the effect may be detrimental when not regulated. The physiological control of neuroinflammation is mainly achieved via regulatory mechanisms performed by particular cells of the immune system intimately associated with or within the nervous system and named “non-neuronal cells.” In particular, mast cells (within the central nervous system and in the periphery) and microglia (at spinal and supraspinal level) are involved in this control, through a close functional relationship between them and neurons (either centrally, spinal, or peripherally located). Accordingly, neuroinflammation becomes a worsening factor in many disorders whenever the non-neuronal cell supervision is inadequate. It has been shown that the regulation of non-neuronal cells—and therefore the control of neuroinflammation—depends on the local “on demand” synthesis of the endogenous lipid amide Palmitoylethanolamide and related endocannabinoids. When the balance between synthesis and degradation of this bioactive lipid mediator is disrupted in favor of reduced synthesis and/or increased degradation, the behavior of non-neuronal cells may not be appropriately regulated and neuroinflammation exceeds the physiological boundaries. In these conditions, it has been demonstrated that the increase of endogenous Palmitoylethanolamide—either by decreasing its degradation or exogenous administration—is able to keep neuroinflammation within its physiological limits. In this review the large number of studies on the benefits derived from oral administration of micronized and highly bioavailable forms of Palmitoylethanolamide is discussed, with special reference to neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy;
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy;
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
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28
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Di Miceli M, Bosch-Bouju C, Layé S. PUFA and their derivatives in neurotransmission and synapses: a new hallmark of synaptopathies. Proc Nutr Soc 2020; 79:1-16. [PMID: 32299516 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665120000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PUFA of the n-3 and n-6 families are present in high concentration in the brain where they are major components of cell membranes. The main forms found in the brain are DHA (22 :6, n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6). In the past century, several studies pinpointed that modifications of n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels in the brain through dietary supply or genetic means are linked to the alterations of synaptic function. Yet, synaptopathies emerge as a common characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric diseases and some neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of action underlying the activity of PUFA at the level of synapses is thus of high interest. In this frame, dietary supplementation in PUFA aiming at restoring or promoting the optimal function of synapses appears as a promising strategy to treat synaptopathies. This paper reviews the link between dietary PUFA, synapse formation and the role of PUFA and their metabolites in synaptic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Di Miceli
- INRAE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Clémentine Bosch-Bouju
- INRAE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sophie Layé
- INRAE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
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29
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Stasiulewicz A, Znajdek K, Grudzień M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082778. [PMID: 32316328 PMCID: PMC7216112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most crucial systems in the human organism, exhibiting multi-purpose regulatory character. It is engaged in a vast array of physiological processes, including nociception, mood regulation, cognitive functions, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, appetite, lipid metabolism, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Thus, ECS proteins, including cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes, are promising therapeutic targets. Their modulation has been employed in or extensively studied as a treatment of multiple diseases. However, due to a complex nature of ECS and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel drugs turned out to be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic applications for ECS-targeting drugs, especially focusing on promising synthetic compounds and preclinical studies. We put emphasis on modulation of specific proteins of ECS in different pathophysiological areas. In addition, we stress possible difficulties and risks and highlight proposed solutions. By presenting this review, we point out information pivotal in the spotlight of ECS-targeting drug design, as well as provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on ECS-related pharmacodynamics and show possible directions for needed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Znajdek
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Grudzień
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
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Lowin T, Schneider M, Pongratz G. Joints for joints: cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2020; 31:271-278. [PMID: 30920973 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An increasing number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are using cannabis to treat their symptoms, although systematic studies regarding efficacy in RA are lacking. Within this review we will give an overview on the overall effects of cannabinoids in inflammation and why they might be useful in the treatment of RA. RECENT FINDINGS Peripherally, cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory effects by activating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2) which decrease cytokine production and immune cell mobilization. In contrast, cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) activation on immune cells is proinflammatory while CB1 antagonism provides anti-inflammatory effects by increasing β2-adrenergic signaling in the joint and secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, the nonpsychotropic cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrated antiarthritic effects independent of cannabinoid receptors. In addition to controlling inflammation, cannabinoids reduce pain by activating central and peripheral CB1, peripheral CB2 receptors and CBD-sensitive noncannabinoid receptor targets. SUMMARY Cannabinoids might be a suitable treatment for RA, but it is important to target the right receptors in the right place. For clinical studies, we propose a combination of a CB2 agonist to decrease cytokine production, a peripheral CB1 antagonist to prevent detrimental CB1 signaling and to support anti-inflammatory effects of CB2 via activation of β2-adrenergic receptors and CBD to induce cannabinoid-receptor-independent anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Lowin
- Poliklinik, Funktionsbereich & Hiller Forschungszentrum für Rheumatologie, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Petrosino S, Schiano Moriello A, Verde R, Allarà M, Imperatore R, Ligresti A, Mahmoud AM, Peritore AF, Iannotti FA, Di Marzo V. Palmitoylethanolamide counteracts substance P-induced mast cell activation in vitro by stimulating diacylglycerol lipase activity. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:274. [PMID: 31878942 PMCID: PMC6933707 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a pleiotropic endogenous lipid mediator currently used as a "dietary food for special medical purposes" against neuropathic pain and neuro-inflammatory conditions. Several mechanisms underlie PEA actions, among which the "entourage" effect, consisting of PEA potentiation of endocannabinoid signaling at either cannabinoid receptors or transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels. Here, we report novel molecular mechanisms through which PEA controls mast cell degranulation and substance P (SP)-induced histamine release in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, a mast cell model. METHODS RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with SP were treated with PEA in the presence and absence of a cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor antagonist (AM630), or a diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) enzyme inhibitor (OMDM188) to inhibit the biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The release of histamine was measured by ELISA and β-hexosaminidase release and toluidine blue staining were used as indices of degranulation. 2-AG levels were measured by LC-MS. The mRNA expression of proposed PEA targets (Cnr1, Cnr2, Trpv1, Ppara and Gpr55), and of PEA and endocannabinoid biosynthetic (Napepld, Dagla and Daglb) and catabolic (Faah, Naaa and Mgl) enzymes were also measured. The effects of PEA on the activity of DAGL-α or -β enzymes were assessed in COS-7 cells overexpressing the human recombinant enzyme or in RBL-2H3 cells, respectively. RESULTS SP increased the number of degranulated RBL-2H3 cells and triggered the release of histamine. PEA counteracted these effects in a manner antagonized by AM630. PEA concomitantly increased the levels of 2-AG in SP-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, and this effect was reversed by OMDM188. PEA significantly stimulated DAGL-α and -β activity and, consequently, 2-AG biosynthesis in cell-free systems. Co-treatment with PEA and 2-AG at per se ineffective concentrations downmodulated SP-induced release of histamine and degranulation, and this effect was reversed by OMDM188. CONCLUSIONS Activation of CB2 underlies the inhibitory effects on SP-induced RBL-2H3 cell degranulation by PEA alone. We demonstrate for the first time that the effects in RBL-2H3 cells of PEA are due to the stimulation of 2-AG biosynthesis by DAGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy.
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030, Saccolongo (Padova), Italy
| | - Roberta Imperatore
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Ali Mokhtar Mahmoud
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, Canada.
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Karoly HC, Mueller RL, Bidwell LC, Hutchison KE. Cannabinoids and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging Effects of Cannabidiol and Potential Applications to Alcohol Use Disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 44:340-353. [PMID: 31803950 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged in recent years as a potential treatment target for alcohol use disorders (AUD). In particular, the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has shown preclinical promise in ameliorating numerous clinical symptoms of AUD. There are several proposed mechanism(s) through which cannabinoids (and CBD in particular) may confer beneficial effects in the context of AUD. First, CBD may directly impact specific brain mechanisms underlying AUD to influence alcohol consumption and the clinical features of AUD. Second, CBD may influence AUD symptoms through its actions across the digestive, immune, and central nervous systems, collectively known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). Notably, emerging work suggests that alcohol and cannabinoids exert opposing effects on the MGBA. Alcohol is linked to immune dysfunction (e.g., chronic systemic inflammation in the brain and periphery) as well as disturbances in gut microbial species (microbiota) and increased intestinal permeability. These MGBA disruptions have been associated with AUD symptoms such as craving and impaired cognitive control. Conversely, existing preclinical data suggest that cannabinoids may confer beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal and immune system, such as reducing intestinal permeability, regulating gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Thus, cannabinoids may exert AUD harm-reduction effects, at least in part, through their beneficial actions across the MGBA. This review will provide a brief introduction to the ECS and the MGBA, discuss the effects of cannabinoids (particularly CBD) and alcohol in the brain, gut, and immune system (i.e., across the MGBA), and put forth a theoretical framework to inform future research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Raeghan L Mueller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - L Cinnamon Bidwell
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Kent E Hutchison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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Hohmann U, Pelzer M, Kleine J, Hohmann T, Ghadban C, Dehghani F. Opposite Effects of Neuroprotective Cannabinoids, Palmitoylethanolamide, and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol on Function and Morphology of Microglia. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1180. [PMID: 31787870 PMCID: PMC6853843 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various studies performed in cultured cells and in in vivo models of neuronal damage showed that cannabinoids exert a neuroprotective effect. The increase in cannabinoids and cannabinoid like substances after stroke has been postulated to limit the content of neuronal injury. As well-accepted, inflammation, and neuronal damage are coupled processes and microglial cells as the main intrinsic immunological effector within the brain play a central role in their regulation. Treatment with the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or the endocannabinoid-like substance, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) affected microglial cells and led to a decrease in the number of damaged neurons after excitotoxical lesion in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC). 2-AG activated abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) receptor, PEA was shown to mediate neuroprotection via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α. Despite the known neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, the potential synergistic effect, namely possible entourage effect after treatment with the combination of these two protective cannabinoids has not been examined yet. After excitotoxical lesion OHSC were treated with PEA, 2-AG or a combination of both and the number of damaged neurons was evaluated. To investigate the role of microglial cells in PEA and 2-AG mediated protection, primary microglial cell cultures were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 2-AG, PEA or a combination of those. Thereafter, we measured NO production, ramification index, proliferation and PPARα distribution in microglial cells. While PEA or 2-AG alone were neuroprotective, their co-application vanished the protective effect. This behavior was independent of microglial cells. Furthermore, PEA and 2-AG had contrary effects on ramification index and on NO production. No significant changes were observed in the proliferation rate of microglial cells after treatment. The expression of PPARα was not changed upon stimulation with PEA or 2-AG, but the distribution was significantly altered. 2-AG and PEA mediated neuroprotection was abolished when co-applied. Both cannabinoids exert contrary effects on morphology and function of microglial cells. Co-application of both cannabinoids with different targets did not lead to a positive additive effect as expected, presumably due to the contrary polarization of microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Pelzer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joshua Kleine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Borgan F, Laurikainen H, Veronese M, Marques TR, Haaparanta-Solin M, Solin O, Dahoun T, Rogdaki M, Salokangas RKR, Karukivi M, Di Forti M, Turkheimer F, Hietala J, Howes O. In Vivo Availability of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Levels in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:1074-1084. [PMID: 31268519 PMCID: PMC6613300 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.1427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Experimental and epidemiological studies implicate the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) in the pathophysiology of psychosis. However, whether CB1R levels are altered in the early stages of psychosis and whether they are linked to cognitive function or symptom severity remain unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate CB1R availability in first-episode psychosis (FEP) without the confounds of illness chronicity or the use of illicit substances or antipsychotics. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional, case-control study of 2 independent samples included participants receiving psychiatric early intervention services at 2 independent centers in Turku, Finland (study 1) and London, United Kingdom (study 2). Study 1 consisted of 18 volunteers, including 7 patients with affective or nonaffective psychoses taking antipsychotic medication and 11 matched controls; study 2, 40 volunteers, including 20 antipsychotic-naive or antipsychotic-free patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 20 matched controls. Data were collected from January 5, 2015, through September 26, 2018, and analyzed from June 20, 2016, through February 12, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The availability of CB1R was indexed using the distribution volume (VT, in milliliters per cubic centimeter) of 2 CB1R-selective positron emission tomography radiotracers: fluoride 18-labeled FMPEP-d2 (study 1) and carbon 11-labeled MePPEP (study 2). Cognitive function was measured using the Wechsler Digit Symbol Coding Test. Symptom severity was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for study 1 and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for study 2. RESULTS A total of 58 male individuals were included in the analyses (mean [SD] age of controls, 27.16 [5.93] years; mean [SD] age of patients, 26.96 [4.55] years). In study 1, 7 male patients with FEP (mean [SD] age, 26.80 [5.40] years) were compared with 11 matched controls (mean [SD] age, 27.18 [5.86] years); in study 2, 20 male patients with FEP (mean [SD] age, 27.00 [5.06] years) were compared with 20 matched controls (mean [SD] age, 27.15 [6.12] years). In study 1, a significant main effect of group on [18F]FMPEP-d2 VT was found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (t16 = -4.48; P < .001; Hedges g = 1.2), hippocampus (t16 = -2.98; P = .006; Hedges g = 1.4), striatum (t16 = -4.08; P = .001; Hedges g = 1.9), and thalamus (t16 = -4.67; P < .001; Hedges g = 1.4). In study 2, a significant main effect of group on [11C]MePPEP VT was found in the ACC (Hedges g = 0.8), hippocampus (Hedges g = 0.5), striatum (Hedges g = 0.4), and thalamus (Hedges g = 0.7). In patients, [11C]MePPEP VT in the ACC was positively associated with cognitive functioning (R = 0.60; P = .01), and [11C]MePPEP VT in the hippocampus was inversely associated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total symptom severity (R = -0.50; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The availability of CB1R was lower in antipsychotic-treated and untreated cohorts relative to matched controls. Exploratory analyses indicated that greater reductions in CB1R levels were associated with greater symptom severity and poorer cognitive functioning in male patients. These findings suggest that CB1R may be a potential target for the treatment of psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Borgan
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heikki Laurikainen
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Merja Haaparanta-Solin
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Olof Solin
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tarik Dahoun
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Rogdaki
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raimo KR Salokangas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University, Satakunta Hospital District, Turku, Finland
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jarmo Hietala
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Oliver Howes
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Gentile A, De Vito F, Fresegna D, Rizzo FR, Bullitta S, Guadalupi L, Vanni V, Buttari F, Stampanoni Bassi M, Leuti A, Chiurchiù V, Marfia GA, Mandolesi G, Centonze D, Musella A. Peripheral T cells from multiple sclerosis patients trigger synaptotoxic alterations in central neurons. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 46:160-170. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Gentile
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - F. De Vito
- Unit of Neurology IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli Italy
| | - D. Fresegna
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - F. R. Rizzo
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - S. Bullitta
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - L. Guadalupi
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - V. Vanni
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - F. Buttari
- Unit of Neurology IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli Italy
| | | | - A. Leuti
- Department of Medicine Campus Bio‐Medico University of Rome Rome Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - V. Chiurchiù
- Department of Medicine Campus Bio‐Medico University of Rome Rome Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - G. A. Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit Department of Systems Medicine Tor Vergata University Rome Italy
| | - G. Mandolesi
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana and University San Raffaele Rome Italy
| | - D. Centonze
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
- Unit of Neurology IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli Italy
| | - A. Musella
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana and University San Raffaele Rome Italy
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Locci A, Pinna G. Stimulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α by N-Palmitoylethanolamine Engages Allopregnanolone Biosynthesis to Modulate Emotional Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:1036-1045. [PMID: 30955840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid and neurosteroid systems regulate emotions and stress responses. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α by the endocannabinoid congener N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) regulates pathophysiological systems (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress) and induces peripheral biosynthesis of allopregnanolone, a gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurosteroid implicated in mood disorders. However, effects of PPAR-α on emotional behavior are poorly understood. METHODS We studied the impact of PPAR-α activation on emotional behavior in a mouse model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurosteroid levels before and after PEA treatment were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in relevant brain regions of socially isolated versus group-housed mice exposed to the contextual fear conditioning test, elevated plus maze test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. Neurosteroidogenic enzyme levels were quantified in hippocampus by Western blot. RESULTS PEA administered in a model of conditioned contextual fear reconsolidation blockade facilitated fear extinction and fear extinction retention and induced marked antidepressive- and anxiolytic-like effects in socially isolated mice with reduced brain allopregnanolone levels. These effects were mimicked by the PPAR-α synthetic agonists, fenofibrate and GW7647, and were prevented by PPAR-α deletion, PPAR-α antagonists, and neurosteroid-enzyme inhibitors. Behavioral improvements correlated with PEA-induced upregulation of PPAR-α, neurosteroidogenic enzyme expression, and normalization of corticolimbic allopregnanolone levels. CONCLUSIONS This evidence supports a previously unknown role for PPAR-α in behavior regulation and suggests new strategies for the treatment of neuropsychopathologies characterized by deficient neurosteroidogenesis, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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37
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Hawken ER, Normandeau CP, Gardner Gregory J, Cécyre B, Bouchard JF, Mackie K, Dumont ÉC. A novel GPR55-mediated satiety signal in the oval Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1274-1283. [PMID: 30647449 PMCID: PMC6785105 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nestled within feeding circuits, the oval (ov) region of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) may be critical for monitoring energy balance through changes in synaptic strength. Here we report that bidirectional plasticity at ovBNST GABA synapses was tightly linked to the caloric state of male rats, seesawing between long-term potentiation (iLTP, fed) and depression (iLTD, food restricted). L-α-lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) acting on GPR55 receptors and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) through CB1R were respectively responsible for fed (iLTP) and food restricted (iLTD) states. Thus, we have characterized a potential gating mechanism within the ovBNST that may signal metabolic state within the rat brain feeding circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. R. Hawken
- 0000 0004 1936 8331grid.410356.5Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - C. P. Normandeau
- 0000 0004 1936 8331grid.410356.5Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - J. Gardner Gregory
- 0000 0004 1936 8331grid.410356.5Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - B. Cécyre
- 0000 0001 2292 3357grid.14848.31École d’optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - J.-F. Bouchard
- 0000 0001 2292 3357grid.14848.31École d’optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - K. Mackie
- 0000 0001 0790 959Xgrid.411377.7Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana USA
| | - É. C. Dumont
- 0000 0004 1936 8331grid.410356.5Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
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De Ternay J, Naassila M, Nourredine M, Louvet A, Bailly F, Sescousse G, Maurage P, Cottencin O, Carrieri PM, Rolland B. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:627. [PMID: 31214036 PMCID: PMC6554654 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural component of cannabis that possesses a widespread and complex immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antiepileptic properties. Much experimental data suggest that CBD could be used for various purposes in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related damage on the brain and the liver. Aim: To provide a rationale for using CBD to treat human subjects with AUD, based on the findings of experimental studies. Methods: Narrative review of studies pertaining to the assessment of CBD efficiency on drinking reduction, or on the improvement of any aspect of alcohol-related toxicity in AUD. Results: Experimental studies find that CBD reduces the overall level of alcohol drinking in animal models of AUD by reducing ethanol intake, motivation for ethanol, relapse, anxiety, and impulsivity. Moreover, CBD reduces alcohol-related steatosis and fibrosis in the liver by reducing lipid accumulation, stimulating autophagy, modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and by inducing death of activated hepatic stellate cells. Finally, CBD reduces alcohol-related brain damage, preventing neuronal loss by its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Conclusions: CBD could directly reduce alcohol drinking in subjects with AUD. Any other applications warrant human trials in this population. By reducing alcohol-related steatosis processes in the liver, and alcohol-related brain damage, CBD could improve both hepatic and neurocognitive outcomes in subjects with AUD, regardless of the individual's drinking trajectory. This might pave the way for testing new harm reduction approaches in AUD, in order to protect the organs of subjects with an ongoing AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia De Ternay
- Service Universitaire d’Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Bron, France
| | - Mickaël Naassila
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l’Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, France
| | | | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des maladies de l’appareil digestif, CHU Lille, Universitéde Lille and INSERM U995, Lille, France
| | - François Bailly
- Service d’Addictologie et d’Hépatologie, GHN, HCL, Lyon, France
| | - Guillaume Sescousse
- Université de Lyon, UCBL, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron, France
| | - Pierre Maurage
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology (LEP), Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Olivier Cottencin
- CHU de Lille, Université Lille, service d’addictologie, CNRS, UMR 9193, SCALab, équipe psyCHIC, Lille, France
| | - Patrizia Maria Carrieri
- INSERM, UMR_S 912, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l’Information Médicale (SESSTIM), Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- Service Universitaire d’Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Bron, France
- Université de Lyon, UCBL, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron, France
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Davis MP, Behm B, Mehta Z, Fernandez C. The Potential Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide in Palliation: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:1134-1154. [PMID: 31113223 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119850807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a nutraceutical endocannabinoid that was retrospectively discovered in egg yolks. Feeding poor children with known streptococcal infections prevented rheumatic fever. Subsequently, it was found to alter the course of influenza. Unfortunately, there is little known about its pharmacokinetics. Palmitoylethanolamide targets nonclassical cannabinoid receptors rather than CB1 and CB2 receptors. Palmitoylethanolamide will only indirectly activate classical cannabinoid receptors by an entourage effect. There are a significant number of prospective and randomized trials demonstrating the pain-relieving effects of PEA. There is lesser evidence of benefit in patients with nonpain symptoms related to depression, Parkinson disease, strokes, and autism. There are no reported drug-drug interactions and very few reported adverse effects from PEA. Further research is needed to define the palliative benefits to PEA.
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Intestinal epithelial N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D links dietary fat to metabolic adaptations in obesity and steatosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:457. [PMID: 30692526 PMCID: PMC6349942 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in N-acylethanolamines (NAE) levels are associated with obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Their role in the gut remains unclear. Therefore, we generated a mouse model of inducible intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific deletion of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), a key enzyme involved in NAE biosynthesis (Napepld∆IEC). We discovered that Napepld∆IEC mice are hyperphagic upon first high-fat diet (HFD) exposure, and develop exacerbated obesity and steatosis. These mice display hypothalamic Pomc neurons dysfunctions and alterations in intestinal and plasma NAE and 2-acylglycerols. After long-term HFD, Napepld∆IEC mice present reduced energy expenditure. The increased steatosis is associated with higher gut and liver lipid absorption. Napepld∆IEC mice display altered gut microbiota. Akkermansia muciniphila administration partly counteracts the IEC NAPE-PLD deletion effects. In conclusion, intestinal NAPE-PLD is a key sensor in nutritional adaptation to fat intake, gut-to-brain axis and energy homeostasis and thereby constitutes a novel target to tackle obesity and related disorders. Obesity is associated with altered N-acylethanolamine levels (NAE). Here the authors show that deletion of the gene encoding N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D, a key enzyme for NAE synthesis, in intestinal cells of mice leads to the development of obesity and hepatic steatosis via a mechanism involving the gut-brain axis.
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Boccella S, Cristiano C, Romano R, Iannotta M, Belardo C, Farina A, Guida F, Piscitelli F, Palazzo E, Mazzitelli M, Imperatore R, Tunisi L, de Novellis V, Cristino L, Di Marzo V, Calignano A, Maione S, Luongo L. Ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide rescues the cognitive decline-associated loss of neural plasticity in the neuropathic mouse entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus pathway. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 121:106-119. [PMID: 30266286 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with cognitive deficits. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been shown to ameliorate pain and pain-related cognitive impairments by restoring glutamatergic synapses functioning in the spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve in mice. SNI reduced mechanical and thermal threshold, spatial memory and LTP at the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC)-dentate gyrus (DG) pathway. It decreased also postsynaptic density, volume and dendrite arborization of DG and increased the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and 7 (mGluR1 and mGluR7), of the GluR1, GluR1s845 and GluR1s831 subunits of AMPA receptor and the levels of glutamate in the DG. The level of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was instead increased in the LEC. Chronic treatment with PEA, starting from when neuropathic pain was fully developed, was able to reverse mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, memory deficit and LTP in SNI wild type, but not in PPARα null, mice. PEA also restored the level of glutamate and the expression of phosphorylated GluR1 subunits, postsynaptic density and neurogenesis. Altogether, these results suggest that neuropathic pain negatively affects cognitive behavior and related LTP, glutamatergic synapse and synaptogenesis in the DG. In these conditions PEA treatment alleviates pain and cognitive impairment by restoring LTP and synaptic maladaptative changes in the LEC-DG pathway. These outcomes open new perspectives for the use of the N-acylethanolamines, such as PEA, for the treatment of neuropathic pain and its central behavioural sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Romano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Roberta Imperatore
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Lea Tunisi
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vito de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Cristino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
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Alhouayek M, Masquelier J, Muccioli GG. Lysophosphatidylinositols, from Cell Membrane Constituents to GPR55 Ligands. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:586-604. [PMID: 29588059 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidylinositols (LPIs) are membrane constituents that alter the properties of said membranes. However, recent data showing that the once orphan receptor, GPR55, can act as a receptor for LPIs has sparked a renewed interest in LPIs as bioactive lipids. As evidence supporting the importance of LPIs and/or GPR55 is continuously accumulating and because LPI levels are altered in a number of pathologies such as obesity and cancer, the coming years should bring new, exciting discoveries to this field. In this review, we discuss the recent work on LPIs and on their molecular target, the GPR55 receptor. First, we summarize the metabolism of LPIs before outlining the cellular pathways activated by GPR55. Then, we review the actions of LPIs and GPR55 that could have potential pharmacological or therapeutic applications in several pathophysiological settings, such as cancer, obesity, pain, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Alhouayek
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Julien Masquelier
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Giulio G Muccioli
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Tomas-Roig J, Piscitelli F, Gil V, Quintana E, Ramió-Torrentà LL, Del Río JA, Moore TP, Agbemenyah H, Salinas G, Pommerenke C, Lorenzen S, Beißbarth T, Hoyer-Fender S, Di Marzo V, Havemann-Reinecke U. Effects of repeated long-term psychosocial stress and acute cannabinoid exposure on mouse corticostriatal circuitries: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:528-538. [PMID: 29388323 PMCID: PMC5969305 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vulnerability to psychiatric manifestations is achieved by the influence of genetic and environment including stress and cannabis consumption. Here, we used a psychosocial stress model based on resident‐intruder confrontations to study the brain corticostriatal‐function, since deregulation of corticostriatal circuitries has been reported in many psychiatric disorders. CB1 receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system and particularly, in both cortex and striatum brain structures. Aims and methods The investigation presented here is addressed to assess the impact of repeated stress following acute cannabinoid exposure on behavior and corticostriatal brain physiology by assessing mice behavior, the concentration of endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid‐like molecules and changes in the transcriptome. Results Stressed animals urinated frequently; showed exacerbated scratching activity, lower striatal N‐arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) levels and higher cortical expression of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 6. The cannabinoid agonist WIN55212.2 diminished locomotor activity while the inverse agonist increased the distance travelled in the center of the open field. Upon CB1 activation, N‐oleoylethanolamide and N‐palmitoylethanolamide, two AEA congeners that do not interact directly with cannabinoid receptors, were enhanced in the striatum. The co‐administration with both cannabinoids induced an up‐regulation of striatal FK506 binding protein 5. The inverse agonist in controls reversed the effects of WIN55212.2 on motor activity. When Rimonabant was injected under stress, the cortical levels of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol were maximum. The agonist and the antagonist influenced the cortical expression of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 6 and serotonin transporter neurotransmitter type 4 in opposite directions, while their co‐administration tended to produce a null effect under stress. Conclusions The endocannabinoid system had a direct effect on serotoninergic neurotransmission and glucocorticoid signaling. Cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha‐6 was shown to be deregulated in response to stress and following synthetic cannabinoid drugs thus could confer vulnerability to cannabis addiction and psychosis. Targeting the receptors of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid‐like mediators might be a valuable option for treating stress‐related neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Tomas-Roig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.,Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEMTG), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital and Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Research Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gil
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Quintana
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEMTG), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital and Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Research Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Lluís L Ramió-Torrentà
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEMTG), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital and Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Research Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Del Río
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Timothy Patrick Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hope Agbemenyah
- Laboratory for Aging and Cognitive Diseases, European Neuroscience Institute, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Pommerenke
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Lorenzen
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Beißbarth
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Developmental Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ursula Havemann-Reinecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
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