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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Oyewole O, Abbas WA, Abib B, Omar A, Mansour ST, Abdelnaser A. Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:241. [PMID: 38399295 PMCID: PMC10891830 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is the predominant autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system in adolescents and adults. Specific treatments are categorized as disease-modifying, whereas others are symptomatic treatments to alleviate painful symptoms. Currently, no singular conventional therapy is universally effective for all patients across all stages of the illness. Nevertheless, cannabinoids exhibit significant promise in their capacity for neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, and immunosuppression. This review will examine the traditional treatment for multiple sclerosis, the increasing interest in using cannabis as a treatment method, its role in protecting the nervous system and regulating the immune system, commercially available therapeutic cannabinoids, and the emerging use of cannabis in nanomedicine. In conclusion, cannabinoids exhibit potential as a disease-modifying treatment rather than merely symptomatic relief. However, further research is necessary to unveil their role and establish the safety and advancements in nano-cannabinoid medicine, offering the potential for reduced toxicity and fewer adverse effects, thereby maximizing the benefits of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43221, Suez 43533, Egypt;
| | - Oluwaseyi Oyewole
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Walaa A. Abbas
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Bishoy Abib
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (B.A.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Abdelrouf Omar
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (R.A.N.); (O.O.); (W.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Somaia T. Mansour
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (B.A.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Zhang Q, Sun W, Wang Q, Zheng X, Zhang R, Zhang N. A High MCT-Based Ketogenic Diet Suppresses Th1 and Th17 Responses to Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice by Inhibiting GSDMD and JAK2-STAT3/4 Pathways. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300602. [PMID: 38054637 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Inflammation and pyroptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diet (KD) in EAE. METHODS AND RESULTS The administration of KD reduces demyelination and microglial activation in the spinal cord of EAE mice. Meanwhile, KD decreases the levels of Th1 and Th17 associated cytokines/transcription factors production (T-bet, IFN-γ, RORγt, and IL-17) and increases those of Th2 and Treg cytokines/transcription factors (GATA3, IL-4, Foxp3, and IL-10) in the spinal cord and spleen. Corresponding, KD reduces the expression of chemokines in EAE, which those chemokines associate with T-cell infiltration into central nervous system (CNS). In addition, KD inhibits the GSDMD activation in microglia, oligodendrocyte, CD31+ cells, CCR2+ cells, and T cells in the spinal cord. Moreover, KD significantly decreases the ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and p-STAT4/STAT4, as well as GSDMD in EAE mice. CONCLUSIONS this study demonstrates that KD reduces the activation and differentiation of T cells in the spinal cord and spleen and prevents T cell infiltration into CNS of EAE via modulating the GSDMD and STAT3/4 pathways, suggesting that KD is a potentially effective strategy in the treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianye Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Qingpeng Wang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Xuexing Zheng
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ruiyan Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
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3
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Abdelnaser A. Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Potentials and Safety Concerns. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041151. [PMID: 37111637 PMCID: PMC10146800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated condition in which the immune system attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying both myelin and axons to varying degrees. Several environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influence the risk of developing the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Cannabinoids have recently sparked renewed interest in their therapeutic applications, with growing evidence for their role in symptom control in MS. Cannabinoids exert their roles through the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system, with some reports shedding light on the molecular biology of this system and lending credence to some anecdotal medical claims. The double nature of cannabinoids, which cause both positive and negative effects, comes from their actions on the same receptor. Several mechanisms have been adopted to evade this effect. However, there are still numerous limitations to using cannabinoids to treat MS patients. In this review, we will explore and discuss the molecular effect of cannabinoids on the ECB system, the various factors that affect the response to cannabinoids in the body, including the role of gene polymorphism and its relation to dosage, assessing the positive over the adverse effects of cannabinoids in MS, and finally, exploring the possible functional mechanism of cannabinoids in MS and the current and future progress of cannabinoid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43518, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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4
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Costantini E, Masciarelli E, Casorri L, Di Luigi M, Reale M. Medicinal herbs and multiple sclerosis: Overview on the hard balance between new therapeutic strategy and occupational health risk. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:985943. [PMID: 36439198 PMCID: PMC9688751 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.985943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and axonal loss of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite its spread throughout the world, the mechanisms that determine its onset are still to be defined. Immunological, genetic, viral, and environmental factors and exposure to chemicals may trigger MS. Many studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of medicinal herbs, which make them a natural and complementary treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. A severe reduction of several MS symptoms occurs with herbal therapy. Thus, the request for medicinal plants with potential beneficial effects, for MS patients, is constantly increasing. Consequently, a production increase needs. Unfortunately, many medicinal herbs were untested and their action mechanism, possible adverse effects, contraindications, or interactions with other drugs, are poorly or not investigated. Keeping in mind the pathological mechanisms of MS and the oxidative damages and mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by pesticides, it is important to understand if pesticides used to increase agricultural productivity and their residues in medicinal plants, may increase the risk of developing MS in both workers and consumers. Studies providing some indication about the relationship between environmental exposure to pesticides and MS disease incidence are few, fragmentary, and discordant. The aim of this article is to provide a glance at the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and at the risk for MS onset of pesticides used by medicinal plant growers and present in medicinal herbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Eva Masciarelli
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casorri
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Luigi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL Research Center, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Reale
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marcella Reale,
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1560. [PMID: 36358910 PMCID: PMC9687363 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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Tudorancea IM, Ciorpac M, Stanciu GD, Caratașu C, Săcărescu A, Ignat B, Burlui A, Rezuș E, Creangă I, Alexa-Stratulat T, Tudorancea I, Tamba BI. The Therapeutic Potential of the Endocannabinoid System in Age-Related Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2492. [PMID: 36289755 PMCID: PMC9599275 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) dynamically regulates many aspects of mammalian physiology. ECS has gained substantial interest since growing evidence suggests that it also plays a major role in several pathophysiological conditions due to its ability to modulate various underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, cannabinoids, as components of the cannabinoid system (CS), have proven beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, antioxidative, and cardioprotective effects. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to describe the complex interaction between CS and most common age-related diseases such as neuro-degenerative, oncological, skeletal, and cardiovascular disorders, together with the potential of various cannabinoids to ameliorate the progression of these disorders. Since chronic inflammation is postulated as the pillar of all the above-mentioned medical conditions, we also discuss in this paper the potential of CS to ameliorate aging-associated immune system dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Maria Tudorancea
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Mitică Ciorpac
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Cătălin Caratașu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alina Săcărescu
- Department of Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ignat
- Department of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Elena Rezuș
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Ioana Creangă
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iași, Romania
| | - Ionuț Tudorancea
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Discipline of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
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7
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McGrail J, Martín-Banderas L, Durán-Lobato M. Cannabinoids as Emergent Therapy Against COVID-19. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:582-590. [PMID: 35512732 PMCID: PMC9587773 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), was identified for the first time in late 2019 in China, resulting in a global pandemic of massive impact. Despite a fast development and implementation of vaccination strategies, and the scouting of several pharmacological treatments, alternative effective treatments are still needed. In this regard, cannabinoids represent a promising approach because they have been proven to exhibit several immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties in COVID-19 disease models and related pathological conditions. This mini-review aims at providing a practical brief overview of the potential applications of cannabinoids so far identified for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, finally considering key aspects related to their technological and clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph McGrail
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lucía Martín-Banderas
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Matilde Durán-Lobato
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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8
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Dopkins N, Miranda K, Wilson K, Holloman BL, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. Effects of Orally Administered Cannabidiol on Neuroinflammation and Intestinal Inflammation in the Attenuation of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:15-32. [PMID: 34757526 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound isolated from Cannabis plants that has garnered attention within the medical community due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. To better understand how CBD limits excessive neuroinflammation we administered CBD via oral gavage (20 mg/kg) in a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS) known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA Seq) and array-based transcriptomics we were able to delineate how CBD limits excessive inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) as well as within the intestinal lining in EAE. In-depth scRNA Seq analysis of CNS tissue demonstrated that CBD treatment resulted in a significant reduction in CXCL9, CXCL10 and IL-1β expression within the CNS, leading to inhibited infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. CBD inhibited IL-1β production independent of the classical cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CBD treatment also led to induction of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) both in the CNS and periphery. Interestingly, CBD treatment of EAE mice revealed significant suppression of inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of CBD treated mice demonstrated a transcriptional inhibition of a family of pyroptosis initiators that drive localized inflammation known as gasdermins (GSDMs). Further investigation into the GI tract via 16s sequencing of cecal and fecal contents demonstrated that oral administration of CBD resulted in no significant changes in the intestinal microbiota composition. These findings demonstrate the beneficial effect of CBD treatment on autoimmune neuroinflammation by ablating expression of pro-inflammatory chemoattractants, regulating inflammatory macrophage activity, promoting MDSC expansion, and limiting the systemic low-grade inflammation in the GI tract, culminating in the attenuation of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dopkins
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kathryn Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA
| | - Bryan L Holloman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia SC, 29208, USA.
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9
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Yang X, Rutkovsky AC, Zhou J, Zhong Y, Reese J, Schnell T, Albrecht H, Owens WB, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Characterization of Altered Gene Expression and Histone Methylation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Regulating Inflammation in COVID-19 Patients. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1968-1977. [PMID: 35379747 PMCID: PMC9012677 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 has caused >5 million deaths in the world. One of the leading causes of the severe form of COVID-19 is the production of massive amounts of proinflammatory cytokines. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone/DNA methylation, miRNA, and long noncoding RNA, are known to play important roles in the regulation of inflammation. In this study, we investigated if hospitalized COVID-19 patients exhibit alterations in epigenetic pathways in their PBMCs. We also compared gene expression profiles between healthy controls and COVID-19 patients. Despite individual variations, the expressions of many inflammation-related genes, such as arginase 1 and IL-1 receptor 2, were significantly upregulated in COVID-19 patients. We also found the expressions of coagulation-related genes Von Willebrand factor and protein S were altered in COVID-19 patients. The expression patterns of some genes, such as IL-1 receptor 2, correlated with their histone methylation marks. Pathway analysis indicated that most of those dysregulated genes were in the TGF-β, IL-1b, IL-6, and IL-17 pathways. A targeting pathway revealed that the majority of those altered genes were targets of dexamethasone, which is an approved drug for COVID-19 treatment. We also found that the expression of bone marrow kinase on chromosome X, a member of TEC family kinases, was increased in the PBMCs of COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, some inhibitors of TEC family kinases have been used to treat COVID-19. Overall, this study provides important information toward identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Alex C Rutkovsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Juhua Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Yin Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Julian Reese
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Timothy Schnell
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Helmut Albrecht
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - William B Owens
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
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10
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Holloman BL, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Epigenetic Regulation of Cannabinoid-Mediated Attenuation of Inflammation and Its Impact on the Use of Cannabinoids to Treat Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147302. [PMID: 34298921 PMCID: PMC8307988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is considered to be a silent killer because it is the underlying cause of a wide range of clinical disorders, from cardiovascular to neurological diseases, and from cancer to obesity. In addition, there are over 80 different types of debilitating autoimmune diseases for which there are no cure. Currently, the drugs that are available to suppress chronic inflammation are either ineffective or overtly suppress the inflammation, thereby causing increased susceptibility to infections and cancer. Thus, the development of a new class of drugs that can suppress chronic inflammation is imperative. Cannabinoids are a group of compounds produced in the body (endocannabinoids) or found in cannabis (phytocannabinoids) that act through cannabinoid receptors and various other receptors expressed widely in the brain and immune system. In the last decade, cannabinoids have been well established experimentally to mediate anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that they suppress inflammation through multiple pathways, including apoptosis and inducing immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Interestingly, cannabinoids also mediate epigenetic alterations in genes that regulate inflammation. In the current review, we highlight how the epigenetic modulations caused by cannabinoids lead to the suppression of inflammation and help identify novel pathways that can be used to target autoimmune diseases.
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11
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Furgiuele A, Cosentino M, Ferrari M, Marino F. Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabidiol in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2021; 16:251-269. [PMID: 33492630 PMCID: PMC7829325 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-09982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Efficacy of treatments for MS is associated with risk of adverse effects, and effective and well-tolerated drugs remain a major unmet need. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., fam. Cannabaceae) and cannabinoids are popular among MS patients to treat spasticity and pain. Cannabinoids are endowed with remarkable immunomodulating properties, and in particular the non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly recognized as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, nevertheless with excellent tolerability even at high doses. In this systematic review, we retrieved and critically evaluated available evidence regarding the immune and disease-modifying effects of CBD in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in MS. Evidence in rodent models of EAE strongly supports CBD as effective, while clinical evidence is still limited and usually negative, due to paucity of studies and possibly to the use of suboptimal dosing regimens. Better characterization of targets acted upon by CBD in MS should be obtained in ex vivo/in vitro studies in human immune cells, and higher doses should be tested in well-designed clinical trials with clinically relevant efficacy endpoints. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Furgiuele
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology and Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy
| | - Marco Cosentino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology and Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology and Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy
| | - Franca Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology and Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy
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12
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Desprez PY, Murase R, Limbad C, Woo RWL, Adrados I, Weitenthaler K, Soroceanu L, Salomonis N, McAllister SD. Cannabidiol Treatment Results in a Common Gene Expression Response Across Aggressive Cancer Cells from Various Origins. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:148-155. [PMID: 33912679 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We previously reported that cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid with a low toxicity profile, downregulated the expression of the prometastatic gene inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1) in cancer cells, leading to inhibition of tumor progression in vivo. While CBD is broadly used, including in the self-medication of cancer patients, and CBD-based therapies are undergoing clinical evaluation for cancer treatment, its mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Methods: In this study, using microarray analysis and Western blot analysis for validation, we attempted to identify the full spectrum of genes regulated by CBD across various aggressive cancer cell lines, including the breast, brain, head and neck, and prostate. Results: We confirmed that ID1 was a major target downregulated by CBD and also discovered that CBD inhibited FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1), a transcriptional activator involved in cell proliferation, while simultaneously upregulating GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), a cytokine associated with tissue differentiation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that, by modulating expression of shared key cancer-driving genes, CBD could represent a promising nontoxic therapeutic for treating tumors of various origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Yves Desprez
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ryuichi Murase
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chandani Limbad
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rinette W L Woo
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Isabel Adrados
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Klemens Weitenthaler
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Liliana Soroceanu
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sean D McAllister
- California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
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13
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Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041863. [PMID: 33668469 PMCID: PMC7917759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant non-psychoactive component of cannabis; it displays a very low affinity for cannabinoid receptors, facilitates endocannabinoid signaling by inhibiting the hydrolysis of anandamide, and stimulates both transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2 and serotonin type 1A receptors. Since CBD interacts with a wide variety of molecular targets in the brain, its therapeutic potential has been investigated in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and mood disorders. Specifically, CBD has received growing attention due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a consequence, and given its safety profile, CBD is considered a promising new agent in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. However, the exact molecular mechanism of action of CBD still remains unknown. In the present preclinical review, we provide a summary of animal-based studies that support the use of CBD as an anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like compound. Next, we describe neuropharmacological evidence that links the molecular pharmacology of CBD to its behavioral effects. Finally, by taking into consideration the effects of CBD on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, we elaborate on the putative role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating CBD’s therapeutic outcomes.
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14
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Nagarkatti P, Miranda K, Nagarkatti M. Use of Cannabinoids to Treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Cytokine Storm Associated with Coronavirus Disease-2019. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:589438. [PMID: 33240092 PMCID: PMC7677512 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.589438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) resulting from hyperactivation of the immune system and cytokine storm, which leads to respiratory and multi-organ failure, and death. Currently, there are no effective treatments against hyperimmune syndrome and ARDS. We propose that because immune cells express cannabinoid receptors and their agonists are known to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity, targeting cannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoids deserve intense investigation as a novel approach to treat systemic inflammation, cytokine storm, and ARDS in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States.,University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Kathryn Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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15
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Yang X, Bam M, Becker W, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Long Noncoding RNA AW112010 Promotes the Differentiation of Inflammatory T Cells by Suppressing IL-10 Expression through Histone Demethylation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:987-993. [PMID: 32690657 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play important regulatory roles in gene expression, from histone modification to protein stability. However, the functions of most identified lncRNAs are not known. In this study, we investigated the role of an lncRNA called AW112010. The expression of AW112010 was significantly increased in CD4+ T cells from C57BL/6J mice activated in vivo with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, Staphylococcal enterotoxin B, or in vitro with anti-CD3 anti-CD28 mAbs, thereby demonstrating that activation of T cells leads to induction of AW112010. In contrast, anti-inflammatory cannabinoids such as cannabidiol or δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol decreased the expression of AW112010 in T cells. Interestingly, the expression of AW112010 was high in in vitro-polarized Th1 and Th17 cells but low in Th2 cells, suggesting that this lncRNA may regulate inflammation. To identify genes that might be regulated by AW112010, we used chromatin isolation by RNA purification, followed by sequencing. This approach demonstrated that AW112010 regulated the transcription of IL-10. Additionally, the level of IL-10 in activated T cells was low when the expression of AW112010 was increased. Use of small interfering RNA to knock down AW112010 expression in activated T cells led to increased IL-10 expression and a decrease in the expression of IFN-γ. Further studies showed that AW112010 interacted with histone demethylase KDM5A, which led to decreased H3K4 methylation in IL-10 gene locus. Together, these studies demonstrate that lncRNA AW112010 promotes the differentiation of inflammatory T cells by suppressing IL-10 expression through histone demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Marpe Bam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - William Becker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209
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16
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Ye B, Yang G, Li Y, Zhang C, Wang Q, Yu G. ZNF143 in Chromatin Looping and Gene Regulation. Front Genet 2020; 11:338. [PMID: 32318100 PMCID: PMC7154149 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ZNF143, a human homolog of the transcriptional activator Staf, is a C2H2-type protein consisting of seven zinc finger domains. As a transcription factor (TF), ZNF143 is sequence specifically binding to chromatin and activates the expression of protein-coding and non-coding genes on a genome scale. Although it is ubiquitous expressed, its expression in cancer cells and tissues is usually higher than that in normal cells and tissues. Therefore, abnormal expression of ZNF143 is related to cancer cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion, suggesting that new small molecules can be designed by targeting ZNF143 as it may be a good potential biomarker and therapeutic target for related cancers. However, the mechanism on how ZNF143 regulates its targeting gene remains unclear. Recently, with the development of chromatin conformation capture (3C) and its derivatives, and high-throughput sequencing technology, new findings have been obtained in the study of ZNF143. Pioneering studies have showed that ZNF143 binds directly to promoters and contributes to chromatin interactions connecting promoters to distal regulatory elements, such as enhancers. Further, it has proved that ZNF143 is involved in CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in establishing the conserved chromatin loops by cooperating with cohesin and other partners. These results indicate that ZNF143 is a key loop formation factor. In addition, we report ZNF143 is dynamically bound to chromatin during the cell cycle demonstrated that it is a potential mitotic bookmarking factor. It may be associated with CTCF for mitosis-to-G1 phase transition and chromatin loop re-establishment in early G1 phase. In the future, researchers could further clarify the fine mechanism of ZNF143 in mediating chromatin loops with the help of CUT&RUN (CUT&Tag) and Cut-C technology. Thus, in this review, we summarize the research progress of TF ZNF143 in detail and also predict the potential functions of ZNF143 in cell fate and identity based on our recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ganggang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuanmeng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qiwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
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