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Dell'Isola GB, Verrotti A, Sciaccaluga M, Dini G, Ferrara P, Parnetti L, Costa C. Cannabidiol: metabolism and clinical efficacy in epileptic patients. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:119-131. [PMID: 38465404 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2329733] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The landscape of epilepsy treatment has undergone a significant transformation with the emergence of cannabidiol as a potential therapeutic agent. Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD, garnered significant attention not just for its therapeutic potential but also for being the first cannabis-derived medication to obtain approval from regulatory bodies. AREA COVERED In this narrative review the authors explore the intricate landscape of CBD as an antiseizure medication, deepening into its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical trials involving various epileptic encephalopathies. This exploration serves as a comprehensive guide, shedding light on a compound that holds promise for individuals contending with the significant challenges of drug-resistant epilepsy. EXPERT OPINION Rigorous studies highlight cannabidiol's efficacy, safety profile, and potential cognitive benefits, warranting further exploration for its approval in various drug-resistant epilepsy forms. As a promising therapeutic option, cannabidiol not only demonstrates efficacy in seizure control but also holds the potential for broader enhancements in the quality of life, especially for patients with epileptic encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- "Mauro Baschirotto" Institute for Rare Diseases - BIRD Foundation Onlus, Longare, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, Allesø M. Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2323. [PMID: 37626819 PMCID: PMC10452568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'entourage effect' term was originally coined in a pre-clinical study observing endogenous bio-inactive metabolites potentiating the activity of a bioactive endocannabinoid. As a hypothetical afterthought, this was proposed to hold general relevance to the usage of products based on Cannabis sativa L. The term was later juxtaposed to polypharmacy pertaining to full-spectrum medicinal Cannabis products exerting an overall higher effect than the single compounds. Since the emergence of the term, a discussion of its pharmacological foundation and relevance has been ongoing. Advocates suggest that the 'entourage effect' is the reason many patients experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum products. Critics state that the term is unfounded and used primarily for marketing purposes in the Cannabis industry. This scoping review aims to segregate the primary research claiming as well as disputing the existence of the 'entourage effect' from a pharmacological perspective. The literature on this topic is in its infancy. Existing pre-clinical and clinical studies are in general based on simplistic methodologies and show contradictory findings, with the clinical data mostly relying on anecdotal and real-world evidence. We propose that the 'entourage effect' is explained by traditional pharmacological terms pertaining to other plant-based medicinal products and polypharmacy in general (e.g., synergistic interactions and bioenhancement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Christensen
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Rose
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Morten Allesø
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
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3
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Saumell-Esnaola M, Elejaga-Jimeno A, Echeazarra L, Borrega-Román L, Barrondo S, López de Jesús M, González-Burguera I, Gómez-Caballero A, Goicolea MA, Sallés J, García del Caño G. Design and validation of recombinant protein standards for quantitative Western blot analysis of cannabinoid CB1 receptor density in cell membranes: an alternative to radioligand binding methods. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:192. [PMID: 36109736 PMCID: PMC9479267 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01914-1] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Replacement of radioligand binding assays with antibody-antigen interaction-based approaches for quantitative analysis of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) levels requires the use of purified protein standards containing the antigen. GPCRs in general and cannabinoid CB1 receptor in particular show a progressive tendency to aggregate and precipitate in aqueous solution outside of their biological context due to the low solubility that the hydrophobic nature imprinted by their seven transmembrane domains. This renders full-length recombinant GPCRs useless for analytical purposes, a problem that can be overcome by engineering soluble recombinant fragments of the receptor containing the antigen. Results Here we generated highly soluble and stable recombinant protein constructs GST-CB1414–472 and GST-CB1414-442 containing much of the human CB1 receptor C-terminal tail for use as standard and negative control, respectively, in quantitative Western blot analysis of CB1 receptor expression on crude synaptosomes of the adult rat brain cortex. To this end we used three different antibodies, all raised against a peptide comprising the C-terminal residues 443–473 of the mouse CB1 receptor that corresponds to residues 442–472 in the human homolog. Estimated values of CB1 receptor density obtained by quantitative Western blot were of the same order of magnitude but slightly higher than values obtained by the radioligand saturation binding assay. Conclusions Collectively, here we provide a suitable Western blot-based design as a simple, cost-effective and radioactivity-free alternative for the quantitative analysis of CB1 receptor expression, and potentially of any GPCR, in a variety of biological samples. The discrepancies between the results obtained by quantitative Western blot and radioligand saturation binding techniques are discussed in the context of their particular theoretical bases and methodological constraints. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01914-1.
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Cannabidiol (CBD) drives sex-dependent impairments in omission, but has no effect on reinforcer devaluation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 434:114023. [PMID: 35901956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114023] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Habits are inflexible behaviors that persist despite changes in outcome value. While habits allow for efficient responding, neuropsychiatric diseases such as drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder are characterized by overreliance on habits. Recently, the commercially popular drug cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potential treatment for addictive behaviors, though it is not entirely clear how it exerts this therapeutic effect. As brain endocannabinoids play a key role in habit formation, we sought to determine how CBD modifies goal-directed behaviors and habit formation. To explore this, mice were administered CBD (20mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle as a control and trained on random interval (RI30/60) or random ratio (RR10/20) schedules designed to elicit habitual or goal-directed lever pressing, respectively. Mice were tested for habitual responding using probe trials following reinforcer-specific devaluation as well as omission trials, where mice had to withhold responding to earn rewards. We found that while CBD had little effect on operant behaviors or reward devaluation, CBD inhibited goal-directed behavior in a sex-specific and contextdependent manner during the omission task. Beyond drug treatment, we found an effect of sex throughout training, reward devaluation, and omission. This work provides evidence that CBD has no effect on habit formation in a reward devaluation paradigm. However, the omission results suggest that CBD may slow learning of novel actionoutcome contingencies or decrease goal-directed behavior. This work calls for further examination of sex-dependent outcomes of CBD treatment and highlights the importance of investigating sex effects in habit-related experiments.
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Mechanistic Origin of Partial Agonism of Tetrahydrocannabinol for Cannabinoid Receptors. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101764. [PMID: 35227761 PMCID: PMC8965160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a therapeutically relevant drug target for controlling pain, obesity, and other central nervous system disorders. However, full agonists and antagonists of CB1 have been reported to cause serious side effects in patients. Therefore, partial agonists have emerged as a viable alternative as they can mitigate overstimulation and side effects. One of the key bottlenecks in the design of partial agonists, however, is the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanism of partial agonism itself. In this study, we examine two mechanistic hypotheses for the origin of partial agonism in cannabinoid receptors and predict the mechanistic basis of partial agonism exhibited by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) against CB1. In particular, we inspect whether partial agonism emerges from the ability of THC to bind in both agonist and antagonist-binding poses or from its ability to only partially activate the receptor. We used extensive molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state modeling to capture the THC binding in both antagonist and agonist-binding poses in the CB1 receptor. Furthermore, we predict that binding of THC in the agonist-binding pose leads to rotation of toggle switch residues and causes partial outward movement of intracellular transmembrane helix 6 (TM6). Our simulations also suggest that the alkyl side chain of THC plays a crucial role in determining partial agonism by stabilizing the ligand in the agonist and antagonist-like poses within the pocket. Taken together, this study provides important insights into the mechanistic origin of the partial agonism of THC.
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Biringer RG. Endocannabinoid signaling pathways: beyond CB1R and CB2R. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:335-360. [PMID: 33978927 PMCID: PMC8222499 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for cannabinoid receptors other than CB1R and CB2R has been ongoing for over a decade. A number of orphan receptors have been proposed as potential cannabinoid receptors primarily based on phylogenic arguments and reactivity towards known endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Seven putative cannabinoid receptors are described and discussed, and evidence for and against their inclusion in this category are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Gregory Biringer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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7
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Dash R, Jahan I, Ali MC, Mitra S, Munni YA, Timalsina B, Hannan MA, Moon IS. Potential roles of natural products in the targeting of proteinopathic neurodegenerative diseases. Neurochem Int 2021; 145:105011. [PMID: 33711400 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Defective proteostasis is associated with the gradual accumulations of misfolded proteins and is a hallmark of many age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In the aged brain, maintenance of the proteostasis network presents a substantial challenge, and its loss contributes to the onset and progression of neurological diseases associated with cognitive decline due to the generation of toxic protein aggregates, a process termed 'proteinopathy'. Emerging evidence suggests that reversing proteinopathies by boosting proteostasis might provide an effective means of preventing neurodegeneration. From this perspective, phytochemicals may play significant roles as potent modulators of the proteostasis network, as previous reports have suggested they can interact with various network components to modify pathologies and confer neuroprotection. This review focuses on some potent phytochemicals that directly or indirectly modulate the proteostasis network and on their possible molecular targets. In addition, we propose strategies for the natural product-based modulation of proteostasis machinery that target proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Dash
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Israt Jahan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Chayan Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Sarmistha Mitra
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeasmin Akter Munni
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Binod Timalsina
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Abdul Hannan
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Il Soo Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea.
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Sampson PB. Phytocannabinoid Pharmacology: Medicinal Properties of Cannabis sativa Constituents Aside from the "Big Two". JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:142-160. [PMID: 33356248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based therapies date back centuries. Cannabis sativa is one such plant that was used medicinally up until the early part of the 20th century. Although rich in diverse and interesting phytochemicals, cannabis was largely ignored by the modern scientific community due to its designation as a schedule 1 narcotic and restrictions on access for research purposes. There was renewed interest in the early 1990s when the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered, a complex network of signaling pathways responsible for physiological homeostasis. Two key components of the ECS, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), were identified as the molecular targets of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Restrictions on access to cannabis have eased worldwide, leading to a resurgence in interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Much of the focus has been on the two major constituents, Δ9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis contains over 140 phytocannabinoids, although only a handful have been tested for pharmacological activity. Many of these minor cannabinoids potently modulate receptors, ionotropic channels, and enzymes associated with the ECS and show therapeutic potential individually or synergistically with other phytocannabinoids. The following review will focus on the pharmacological developments of the next generation of phytocannabinoid therapeutics.
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Marsh DT, Smid SD. Cannabis Phytochemicals: A Review of Phytocannabinoid Chemistry and Bioactivity as Neuroprotective Agents. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch20183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of medical cannabis usage globally, there has been a renewed interest in exploring the chemical diversity of this unique plant. Cannabis produces hundreds of unique phytocannabinoids, which not only have diverse chemical structures but also a range of cellular and molecular actions, interesting pharmacological properties, and biological actions. In addition, it produces other flavonoids, stilbenoids, and terpenes that have been variably described as conferring additional or so-called entourage effects to whole-plant extracts when used in therapeutic settings. This review explores this phytochemical diversity in relation to specific bioactivity ascribed to phytocannabinoids as neuroprotective agents. It outlines emergent evidence for the potential for selected phytocannabinoids and other cannabis phytochemicals to mitigate factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress as drivers of neurotoxicity, in addition to focusing on specific interactions with pathological misfolding proteins, such as amyloid β, associated with major forms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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de Almeida DL, Devi LA. Diversity of molecular targets and signaling pathways for CBD. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2020; 8:e00682. [PMID: 33169541 PMCID: PMC7652785 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant component of the Cannabis plant and is known to have effects distinct from Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Many studies that examined the behavioral effects of CBD concluded that it lacks the psychotomimetic effects attributed to THC. However, CBD was shown to have a broad spectrum of effects on several conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, neuropathic pain, and epilepsy. It is currently thought that CBD engages different targets and hence CBD's effects are thought to be due to multiple molecular mechanisms of action. A well-accepted set of targets include GPCRs and ion channels, with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor and the transient receptor potential cation channel TRPV1 channel being the two main targets. CBD has also been thought to target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as cannabinoid and opioid receptors. Other studies have suggested a role for additional GPCRs and ion channels as targets of CBD. Currently, the clinical efficacy of CBD is not completely understood. Evidence derived from randomized clinical trials, in vitro and in vivo models and real-world observations support the use of CBD as a drug treatment option for anxiety, neuropathy, and many other conditions. Hence an understanding of the current status of the field as it relates to the targets for CBD is of great interest so, in this review, we include findings from recent studies that highlight these main targets.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cannabidiol/administration & dosage
- Cannabidiol/metabolism
- Humans
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/trends
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas L. de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiOne Gustave L. Levy PlaceNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Biological SciencesUFMG, Av. Antônio CarlosBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Lakshmi A. Devi
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiOne Gustave L. Levy PlaceNew YorkNYUSA
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11
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Sholler DJ, Huestis MA, Amendolara B, Vandrey R, Cooper ZD. Therapeutic potential and safety considerations for the clinical use of synthetic cannabinoids. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173059. [PMID: 33086126 PMCID: PMC7725960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was isolated and synthesized in the 1960s. Since then, two synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) targeting the cannabinoid 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) receptors were approved for medical use based on clinical safety and efficacy data: dronabinol (synthetic THC) and nabilone (synthetic THC analog). To probe the function of the endocannabinoid system further, hundreds of investigational compounds were developed; in particular, agonists with (1) greater CB1/2R affinity relative to THC and (2) full CB1/2R agonist activity. This pharmacological profile may pose greater risks for misuse and adverse effects relative to THC, and these SCBs proliferated in retail markets as legal alternatives to cannabis (e.g., novel psychoactive substances [NPS], "Spice," "K2"). These SCBs were largely outlawed in the U.S., but blanket policies that placed all SCB chemicals into restrictive control categories impeded research progress into novel mechanisms for SCB therapeutic development. There is a concerted effort to develop new, therapeutically useful SCBs that target novel pharmacological mechanisms. This review highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety considerations for unique SCBs, including CB1R partial and full agonists, peripherally-restricted CB1R agonists, selective CB2R agonists, selective CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, CB1R allosteric modulators, endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme inhibitors, and cannabidiol. We propose promising directions for SCB research that may optimize therapeutic efficacy and diminish potential for adverse events, for example, peripherally-restricted CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists and biased CB1/2R agonists. Together, these strategies could lead to the discovery of new, therapeutically useful SCBs with reduced negative public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J Sholler
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin Amendolara
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Le Bacquer O, Lanchais K, Combe K, Van Den Berghe L, Walrand S. Acute rimonabant treatment promotes protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2669-2683. [PMID: 32885412 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass associated with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance; changes that are also commonly described in obesity. Activation of the endocannabinoid system is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with the perturbed skeletal muscle development. Taken together this suggests that endocannabinoids could be regulators of skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. Here we report that rimonabant, an antagonist for the CB1 receptor, can prevent dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy without affecting the mRNA expression of atrogin-1/MAFbx (a marker of proteolysis), which suggests it is involved in the control of protein synthesis. Rimonabant alone stimulates protein synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner through mTOR- and intracellular calcium-dependent mechanisms. CB1 agonists are unable to modulate protein synthesis or prevent the effect of rimonabant. Using C2C12 cells stably expressing an shRNA directed against CB1, or HEK293 cells overexpressing HA-tagged CB1, we demonstrated that the effect of rimonabant is unaffected by CB1 expression level. In summary, rimonabant can stimulate protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. These results highlight the need to identify non-CB1 receptor(s) mediating the pro-anabolic effect of rimonabant as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia, and to design new side-effect-free molecules that consolidate the effect of rimonabant on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Le Bacquer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kassandra Lanchais
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kristell Combe
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Stéphane Walrand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France.,CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Nutrition Clinique, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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13
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Receptors and Channels Possibly Mediating the Effects of Phytocannabinoids on Seizures and Epilepsy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13080174. [PMID: 32751761 PMCID: PMC7463541 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy contributes to approximately 1% of the global disease burden. By affecting especially young children as well as older persons of all social and racial variety, epilepsy is a present disorder worldwide. Currently, only 65% of epileptic patients can be successfully treated with antiepileptic drugs. For this reason, alternative medicine receives more attention. Cannabis has been cultivated for over 6000 years to treat pain and insomnia and used since the 19th century to suppress epileptic seizures. The two best described phytocannabinoids, (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are claimed to have positive effects on different neurological as well as neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. There are different cannabinoids which act through different types of receptors and channels, including the cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and 18 (GPR18), opioid receptor µ and δ, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2), type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR) and voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). The mechanisms and importance of the interaction between phytocannabinoids and their different sites of action regarding epileptic seizures and their clinical value are described in this review.
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14
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Dopart R, Immadi SS, Lu D, Kendall DA. Structural Optimization of the Diarylurea PSNCBAM-1, an Allosteric Modulator of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2019; 92:100574. [PMID: 32021660 PMCID: PMC6994307 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2019.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PSNCBAM-1 is an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptor 1. Derivatives of PSNCBAM-1 were made, to reduce the total rings in the structure. Several derivatives maintained allosteric activity, as shown by binding experiments. Some calculated physicochemical properties for these derivatives are provided.
Background Structure–activity relationship studies improve the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of a lead compound such as PSNCBAM-1, an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptor 1. Objectives Here, several derivatives of PSNCBAM-1 were synthesized with the aim of reducing the number of rings within its structure and enhancing the solubility of the compounds. The derivatives studied contain substituents previously shown to enhance binding of agonists (ie, a cyano group and a pyrimidine ring), with a reduced number of rings compared with the parent compound, PSNCBAM-1. Methods The synthesized compounds were tested for the enhancement of the binding of orthosteric cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist CP55,940 in the presence of varying concentrations of each test compound. Select compounds were also tested for their effects on cannabinoid receptor 1 inverse agonist SR141716A binding. The compounds were also subjected to computational analysis of drug-like properties and solubility. Results Consistent with a positive allosteric modulator for orthosteric ligand binding, compounds LDK1317 (12a), LDK1320 (12b), LDK1321 (6a), LDK1323 (8a), and LDK1324 (6b) all enhanced the binding of agonist CP55,940 to some degree. Reduction in the number of rings did not abolish the activity. The new lead compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) showed improved drug-like properties and enhanced solubility in silico. Conclusions In contrast to PSNCBAM-1, the synthesized compounds are analogs with fewer rings. The compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) contained only 2 or 3 rings, respectively, and showed the binding parameters (KB = 110 nM, α = 2.3, and KB = 85 nM, α = 5.9). Further, the computationally predicted drug-like properties and solubility suggest these compounds are acceptable new lead compounds for further development of cannabinoid receptor 1 allosteric modulators. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dopart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Sri Sujana Immadi
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Dopart R, Kendall DA. Allosteric modulators restore orthosteric agonist binding to mutated CB 1 receptors. J Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 72:84-91. [PMID: 31722122 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if diminished orthosteric agonist binding due to mutations in extracellular loops 1 or 2 of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 ) can be overcome by an allosteric modulator and restore agonist binding. METHODS Binding assays were performed using a range of concentrations of orthosteric compound, in the presence or absence of a set concentration of the allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 to determine the EC50 in its absence or presence. KEY FINDINGS Single mutations in extracellular loop 1 or 2 of CB1 showed weak or no binding of agonist CP55940 to the receptor. Interestingly, upon addition of the allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1, this binding was restored typically to wild-type CB1 levels. In a few cases, the allosteric modulator ORG27569 was compared with PSNCBAM-1 for CP55940 binding and it also restored binding. Further, wild-type levels of inverse agonist bound the CB1 mutants in the absence of modulator, suggesting the mutants were originally folded like the wild type. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we provide evidence of a therapeutic application for allosteric modulators in situations where a mutation in the receptor may hinder its function. By utilizing allosteric modulators, restoration of orthosteric binding may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dopart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Porcu A, Melis M, Turecek R, Ullrich C, Mocci I, Bettler B, Gessa GL, Castelli MP. Rimonabant, a potent CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, is a Gα i/o protein inhibitor. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:107-120. [PMID: 29407764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Rimonabant is a potent and selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist widely used in animal and clinical studies. Besides its antagonistic properties, numerous studies have shown that, at micromolar concentrations rimonabant behaves as an inverse agonist at CB1 receptors. The mechanism underpinning this activity is unclear. Here we show that micromolar concentrations of rimonabant inhibited Gαi/o-type G proteins, resulting in a receptor-independent block of G protein signaling. Accordingly, rimonabant decreased basal and agonist stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding to cortical membranes of CB1- and GABAB-receptor KO mice and Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell membranes stably transfected with GABAB or D2 dopamine receptors. The structural analog of rimonabant, AM251, decreased basal and baclofen-stimulated GTPγS binding to rat cortical and CHO cell membranes expressing GABAB receptors. Rimonabant prevented G protein-mediated GABAB and D2 dopamine receptor signaling to adenylyl cyclase in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells and to G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels (GIRK) in midbrain dopamine neurons of CB1 KO mice. Rimonabant suppressed GIRK gating induced by GTPγS in CHO cells transfected with GIRK, consistent with a receptor-independent action. Bioluminescent resonance energy transfer (BRET) measurements in living CHO cells showed that, in presence or absence of co-expressed GABAB receptors, rimonabant stabilized the heterotrimeric Gαi/o-protein complex and prevented conformational rearrangements induced by GABAB receptor activation. Rimonabant failed to inhibit Gαs-mediated signaling, supporting its specificity for Gαi/o-type G proteins. The inhibition of Gαi/o protein provides a new site of rimonabant action that may help to understand its pharmacological and toxicological effects occurring at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Porcu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Rostislav Turecek
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celine Ullrich
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ignazia Mocci
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR) U.O.S. of Cagliari, 09010, Pula, Italy
| | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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Mardani P, Oryan S, Sarihi A, Alaei E, Komaki A, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J. Endocannabinoid CB1 receptors are involved in antiepileptogenic effect of low frequency electrical stimulation during perforant path kindling in rats. Epilepsy Res 2018; 144:71-81. [PMID: 29800824 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Administration of low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFS) at the kindling site has an antiepileptogenic effect. In the present study, we investigated the role of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) in mediating the inhibitory effects of LFS on the development of perforant path kindled seizures. METHODS For seizure generation, rats were kindled by electrical stimulation of perforant path in semi-rapid kindling manner (12 stimulations per day at 10 min intervals at afterdischarge threshold intensity).To determine the effect of LFS (0.1 ms pulse duration at 1 Hz, 800 pulses) on seizure generation, LFS was applied to the perforant path 5 min after the last kindling stimulation daily. AM281, a CB1 receptor antagonist, was microinjected into the lateral ventricle immediately after the last kindling stimulation (before LFS application) at the doses of 0.5 and 2 μg/μl during kindling procedure. The expression of cannabinoid receptors in the dentate gyrus was also investigated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Application of LFS had inhibitory effect on development of kindled seizures (kindling rate). Microinjection of AM281 (0.5 μg/μl) immediately after the last kindling stimulation (before LFS application) reduced the inhibitory effect of LFS on the kindling rate and suppressed the effects of LFS on potentiation (increasing the magnitude) of both population spike amplitude and population excitatory postsynaptic potential slope during kindling acquisition. AM281 pretreatment also prevented the effects of LFS on kindling-induced increase in early and late paired pulse depression. The higher dose of AM281 (2 μg/μl) failed to exert the effects observed with its lower dose (0.5 μg/μl). In addition, there was a decreased CB1 receptors immunostaining in kindled animals compared to control. However, application of LFS following kindling stimulations led to overexpression of CB1 receptors in the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSION Obtained results showed that activation of overexpressed cannabinoid CB1 receptors by endogenous cannabinoids may have a role in mediating the inhibitory effect of LFS on perforant path kindled seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Mardani
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Payame Noor University, Iran.
| | - Shahrbanoo Oryan
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolrahman Sarihi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Elham Alaei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Molecular Targets of the Phytocannabinoids: A Complex Picture. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 103:103-131. [PMID: 28120232 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, hashish and marihuana, both derived from the Indian hemp Cannabis sativa L., have been used for their medicinal, as well as, their psychotropic effects. These effects are associated with the phytocannabinoids which are oxygen containing C21 aromatic hydrocarbons found in Cannabis sativa L. To date, over 120 phytocannabinoids have been isolated from Cannabis. For many years, it was assumed that the beneficial effects of the phytocannabinoids were mediated by the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. However, today we know that the picture is much more complex, with the same phytocannabinoid acting at multiple targets. This contribution focuses on the molecular pharmacology of the phytocannabinoids, including Δ9-THC and CBD, from the prospective of the targets at which these important compounds act.
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Molecular Pharmacology of Phytocannabinoids. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 103:61-101. [PMID: 28120231 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has been used for recreational, therapeutic and other uses for thousands of years. The plant contains more than 120 C21 terpenophenolic constituents named phytocannabinoids. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol type class of phytocannabinoids comprises the largest proportion of the phytocannabinoid content. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol was first discovered in 1971. This led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in mammals, including the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol exerts its well-known psychotropic effects through the CB1 receptor but this effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol has limited the use of cannabis medicinally, despite the therapeutic benefits of this phytocannabinoid. This has driven research into other targets outside the endocannabinoid system and has also driven research into the other non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids present in cannabis. This chapter presents an overview of the molecular pharmacology of the seven most thoroughly investigated phytocannabinoids, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabidivarin, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene. The targets of these phytocannabinoids are defined both within the endocannabinoid system and beyond. The pharmacological effect of each individual phytocannabinoid is important in the overall therapeutic and recreational effect of cannabis and slight structural differences can elicit diverse and competing physiological effects. The proportion of each phytocannabinoid can be influenced by various factors such as growing conditions and extraction methods. It is therefore important to investigate the pharmacology of these seven phytocannabinoids further, and characterise the large number of other phytocannabinoids in order to better understand their contributions to the therapeutic and recreational effects claimed for the whole cannabis plant and its extracts.
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Mollica A, Pelliccia S, Famiglini V, Stefanucci A, Macedonio G, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Brunetti L, Ferrante C, Pieretti S, Novellino E, Benyhe S, Zador F, Erdei A, Szucs E, Samavati R, Dvrorasko S, Tomboly C, Ragno R, Patsilinakos A, Silvestri R. Exploring the first Rimonabant analog-opioid peptide hybrid compound, as bivalent ligand for CB1 and opioid receptors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:444-451. [PMID: 28097916 PMCID: PMC6009935 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2016.1260565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid (CB) and opioid systems are both involved in analgesia, food intake, mood and behavior. Due to the co-localization of µ-opioid (MOR) and CB1 receptors in various regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and their ability to form heterodimers, bivalent ligands targeting to both these systems may be good candidates to investigate the existence of possible cross-talking or synergistic effects, also at sub-effective doses. In this work, we selected from a small series of new Rimonabant analogs one CB1R reverse agonist to be conjugated to the opioid fragment Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH2. The bivalent compound (9) has been used for in vitro binding assays, for in vivo antinociception models and in vitro hypothalamic perfusion test, to evaluate the neurotransmitters release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Mollica
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Sveva Pelliccia
- b Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco , Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Valeria Famiglini
- b Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco , Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Giorgia Macedonio
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- c Dipartimento del Farmaco , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- d Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Sandor Benyhe
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Ferenc Zador
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Anna Erdei
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Edina Szucs
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Reza Samavati
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Szalbolch Dvrorasko
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Csaba Tomboly
- e Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Rino Ragno
- f Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco , Rome Center for Molecular Design, Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy.,g Alchemical Dynamics s.r.l , Roma , Italy
| | - Alexandros Patsilinakos
- f Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco , Rome Center for Molecular Design, Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy.,g Alchemical Dynamics s.r.l , Roma , Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- b Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco , Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
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Pisanti S, Malfitano AM, Ciaglia E, Lamberti A, Ranieri R, Cuomo G, Abate M, Faggiana G, Proto MC, Fiore D, Laezza C, Bifulco M. Cannabidiol: State of the art and new challenges for therapeutic applications. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 175:133-150. [PMID: 28232276 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, several lines of evidence support a therapeutic potential of Cannabis derivatives and in particular phytocannabinoids. Δ9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant phytocannabinoids in Cannabis plants and therapeutic application for both compounds have been suggested. However, CBD is recently emerging as a therapeutic agent in numerous pathological conditions since devoid of the psychoactive side effects exhibited instead by Δ9-THC. In this review, we highlight the pharmacological activities of CBD, its cannabinoid receptor-dependent and -independent action, its biological effects focusing on immunomodulation, angiogenetic properties, and modulation of neuronal and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol is also highlighted, in particular in nuerological diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Lamberti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Ranieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Gaia Cuomo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Giorgio Faggiana
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Italy; Corporea, Fondazione Idis-Città della Scienza, Naples, Italy.
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Hunter MR, Grimsey NL, Glass M. Sulfation of the FLAG epitope is affected by co-expression of G protein-coupled receptors in a mammalian cell model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27316. [PMID: 27273047 PMCID: PMC4895180 DOI: 10.1038/srep27316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important therapeutic targets and therefore extensively studied. Like most transmembrane proteins, there has been considerable difficulty in developing reliable specific antibodies for them. To overcome this, epitope tags are often used to facilitate antibody recognition in studies on fundamental receptor signalling and trafficking. In our study of cannabinoid CB1/dopamine D2 interactions we sought to generate HEK293 cells expressing FLAG-tagged D2 for use in antibody-based assays of GPCR localisation and trafficking activity, however observed that stable FLAG-hD2 expression was particularly challenging to maintain. In contrast, when expressed in cell lines expressing hCB1 robust and stable FLAG-hD2 expression was observed. We hypothesised that co-expression of CB1 might stabilise surface FLAG-hD2 expression, and therefore investigated this further. Here, we describe the observation that co-expression of either cannabinoid CB1 or CB2 receptors in HEK293 decreases the sulfation of a FLAG epitope appended at the N-terminus of the dopamine D2 receptor. Sulfation alters epitope recognition by some anti-FLAG antibodies, leading to the detection of fewer receptors, even though expression is maintained. This demonstrates that cannabinoid receptor expression modifies posttranslational processing of the FLAG-hD2 receptor, and importantly, has wider implications for the utilisation and interpretation of receptor studies involving epitope tags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Rose Hunter
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha Lillia Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Cannabinoid receptor 1 ligands revisited: Pharmacological assessment in the ACTOne system. Anal Biochem 2016; 498:8-28. [PMID: 26772161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cannabinoid pharmacology has evolved over time from simple receptor binding to include [(35)S]GTPγ, β-arrestin, and cAMP assays. Each assay has benefits and drawbacks; however, no single functional system has been used for high-throughput evaluation of compounds from binding to pharmacological functionality and antagonist assessment in a well-characterized human cell line. In this study, we evaluated and validated one system-ACTOne human embryonic kidney cells transfected with a cyclic nucleotide gated channel and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)-and compared human CB1 affinity, functional, and antagonistic effects on cAMP with previously published results. The study was conducted on a diverse group of CB1 ligands, including endocannabinoids and related compounds, 2-AG, AEA, MAEA, and ACEA, the phytocannabinoid Δ(9) THC, and synthetic cannabinoids CP 55,940, WIN 55,212-2, SR 141716A, CP 945,598, and WIN 55,212-3. Our results were compared with literature values where human CB1 was used for affinity determination and cAMP was used as a functional readout. Here we report the first detailed evaluation of the ACTOne assay for the pharmacological evaluation of CB1 ligands. The results from the study reveal some interesting deviations from previously reported functional activities of the aforementioned ligands.
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Low dosage of rimonabant leads to anxiolytic-like behavior via inhibiting expression levels and G-protein activity of kappa opioid receptors in a cannabinoid receptor independent manner. Neuropharmacology 2015; 89:298-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Cawston EE, Redmond WJ, Breen CM, Grimsey NL, Connor M, Glass M. Real-time characterization of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 ) allosteric modulators reveals novel mechanism of action. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:893-907. [PMID: 23937487 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 ) has an allosteric binding site. The drugs ORG27569 {5-chloro-3-ethyl-N-[2-[4-(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]ethyl]-1H-indole-2-carboxamide} and PSNCBAM-1 {1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[3-(6-pyrrolidin-1-ylpyridin-2-yl)phenyl]urea} have been extensively characterized with regard to their effects on signalling of the orthosteric ligand CP55,940 {(-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol}, and studies have suggested that these allosteric modulators increase binding affinity but act as non-competitive antagonists in functional assays. To gain a deeper understanding of allosteric modulation of CB1 , we examined real-time signalling and trafficking responses of the receptor in the presence of allosteric modulators. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Studies of CB1 signalling were carried out in HEK 293 and AtT20 cells expressing haemagglutinin-tagged human and rat CB1 . We measured real-time accumulation of cAMP, activation and desensitization of potassium channel-mediated cellular hyperpolarization and CB1 internalization. KEY RESULTS ORG27569 and PSNCBAM-1 produce a complex, concentration and time-dependent modulation of agonist-mediated regulation of cAMP levels, as well as an increased rate of desensitization of CB1 -mediated cellular hyperpolarization and a decrease in agonist-induced receptor internalization. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Contrary to previous studies characterizing allosteric modulators at CB1, this study suggests that the mechanism of action is not non-competitive antagonism of signalling, but rather that enhanced binding results in an increased rate of receptor desensitization and reduced internalization, which results in time-dependent modulation of cAMP signalling. The observed effect of the allosteric modulators is therefore dependent on the time frame over which the signalling response occurs. This finding may have important consequences for the potential therapeutic application of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Cawston
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Zádor F, Kocsis D, Borsodi A, Benyhe S. Micromolar concentrations of rimonabant directly inhibits delta opioid receptor specific ligand binding and agonist-induced G-protein activity. Neurochem Int 2014; 67:14-22. [PMID: 24508403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN There is a growing number of evidence showing, that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist rimonabant has many non-cannabimimetic actions, such as affecting the opioid system. The direct effect of rimonabant on opioid receptors has been studied so far mainly on μ-opioid receptors. However recently the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) receives much more attention as before, due to its potential therapeutic applications, such as nociception or treatment for psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVES To investigate the direct effect of rimonabant on DOR specific ligand binding and on the DOR mediated G-protein activation. RESULTS Micromolar concentrations of rimonabant directly inhibited the DOR specific agonist binding in radioligand competition binding experiments using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with mouse DOR (CHO-mDOR). However the inhibition occurred also in the subnanomolar range during DOR specific antagonist binding in similar experimental conditions. In functional [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays rimonabant significantly decreased the basal receptor activity in CHO-mDOR but also in parental CHO cell membranes. During DOR agonist stimulation, micromolar concentration of rimonabant attenuated the DOR G-protein activation and the potency of the activator ligand in [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays performed in CHO-mDOR, in wild type and also in CB1/CB2 double knock-out mouse forebrain membranes. Yet again this inhibitory action was DOR specific, since it did not occur during other specific GPCR agonist mediated G-protein activation. CONCLUSION Rimonabant directly inhibited DOR function in the micromolar concentrations. The inhibitory actions indicate an antagonistic behavior towards DOR which was established by the followings: (i) rimonabant inhibited DOR antagonist binding more effectively than agonist binding, (ii) the inverse agonistic, agonistic effect of the compound can be excluded, and (iii) additionally according to previous findings the allosteric mechanism can also be foreclosed.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)/metabolism
- Ligands
- Mice
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Protein Binding
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Rimonabant
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Dóra Kocsis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Borsodi
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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28
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Aghazadeh Tabrizi M, Baraldi PG, Saponaro G, Moorman AR, Romagnoli R, Preti D, Baraldi S, Ruggiero E, Tintori C, Tuccinardi T, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Varani K. Discovery of 7-oxopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxamides as potent and selective CB(2) cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:4482-96. [PMID: 23697626 DOI: 10.1021/jm400182t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We recently described the medicinal chemistry of a new series of heteroaryl-4-oxopyridine/7-oxopyrimidines as CB2 receptor partial agonists, showing that the functionality of these ligands is controlled by the nature of the heteroaryl function condensed with the pyridine ring. We describe herein the design and synthesis of the 7-oxopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxamides, structural isomers of our previously reported pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines. All of the new compounds showed high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 receptor in the nanomolar range. In 3,5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays, the novel series shows stimulatory effects on forskolin-induced cAMP production acting as inverse agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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29
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Aghazadeh Tabrizi M, Baraldi PG, Saponaro G, Moorman AR, Romagnoli R, Preti D, Baraldi S, Corciulo C, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Varani K. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Properties of New Heteroarylpyridine/Heteroarylpyrimidine Derivatives as CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Partial Agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:1098-112. [DOI: 10.1021/jm301527r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Giovanni Baraldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Saponaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Allan R. Moorman
- King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development, Inc., 4000 Centre Green Way,
Suite 300, Cary, North Carolina 27707, United States
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Baraldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale,
Sezione di Farmacologia, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale,
Sezione di Farmacologia, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale,
Sezione di Farmacologia, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale,
Sezione di Farmacologia, Università di Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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30
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Baraldi PG, Saponaro G, Moorman AR, Romagnoli R, Preti D, Baraldi S, Ruggiero E, Varani K, Targa M, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Aghazadeh Tabrizi M. 7-Oxo-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]quinoline-6-carboxamides as Selective CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Structural Investigations around a Novel Class of Full Agonists. J Med Chem 2012; 55:6608-23. [DOI: 10.1021/jm300763w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pier Giovanni Baraldi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Saponaro
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Allan R. Moorman
- Research and Development, King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4000 CentreGreen Way, Suite
300, Cary, North Carolina 27707, United States
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Baraldi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ruggiero
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Targa
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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31
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Diness F, Fairlie DP. Catalyst-Free N-Arylation Using Unactivated Fluorobenzenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:8012-6. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201202149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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32
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Diness F, Fairlie DP. Catalyst-Free N-Arylation Using Unactivated Fluorobenzenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201202149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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33
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Howlett AC, Reggio PH, Childers SR, Hampson RE, Ulloa NM, Deutsch DG. Endocannabinoid tone versus constitutive activity of cannabinoid receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1329-43. [PMID: 21545414 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This review evaluates the cellular mechanisms of constitutive activity of the cannabinoid (CB) receptors, its reversal by inverse agonists, and discusses the pitfalls and problems in the interpretation of the research data. The notion is presented that endogenously produced anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) serve as autocrine or paracrine stimulators of the CB receptors, giving the appearance of constitutive activity. It is proposed that one cannot interpret inverse agonist studies without inference to the receptors' environment vis-à-vis the endocannabinoid agonists which themselves are highly lipophilic compounds with a preference for membranes. The endocannabinoid tone is governed by a combination of synthetic pathways and inactivation involving transport and degradation. The synthesis and degradation of 2-AG is well characterized, and 2-AG has been strongly implicated in retrograde signalling in neurons. Data implicating endocannabinoids in paracrine regulation have been described. Endocannabinoid ligands can traverse the cell's interior and potentially be stored on fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). Molecular modelling predicts that the endocannabinoids derived from membrane phospholipids can laterally diffuse to enter the CB receptor from the lipid bilayer. Considering that endocannabinoid signalling to CB receptors is a much more likely scenario than is receptor activation in the absence of agonist ligands, researchers are advised to refrain from assuming constitutive activity except for experimental models known to be devoid of endocannabinoid ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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34
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Rorato R, Reis WL, de Carvalho Borges B, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Elias LLK. Cannabinoid CB₁ receptor restrains accentuated activity of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor and brainstem tyrosine hydroxylase neurons in endotoxemia-induced hypophagia in rats. Neuropharmacology 2011; 63:154-60. [PMID: 22138163 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that endocannabinoids play an important role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are found in the hypothalamus and brainstem, which are central areas involved in the control of food intake and energy expenditure. Activation of these areas is related to hypophagia observed during inflammatory stimulus. This study investigated the effects of cannabinoid (CB₁) receptor blockade on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hypophagia. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with rimonabant (10 mg/kg, by gavage) or vehicle; 30 min later they received an injection of either LPS (100 μg/kg, intraperitoneal) or saline. Food intake, body weight, corticosterone response, CRF and CART mRNA expression, Fos-CRF and Fos-α-MSH immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus and Fos-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the brainstem were evaluated. LPS administration decreased food intake and body weight gain and increased plasma corticosterone levels and CRF mRNA expression in the PVN. We also observed an increase in Fos-CRF and Fos-TH double-labeled neurons after LPS injection in vehicle-pretreated rats, with no changes in CART mRNA or Fos-α-MSH immunoreactive neurons in the ARC. In saline-treated animals, rimonabant pretreatment decreased food intake and body weight gain but did not modify hormone response or Fos expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem compared with vehicle-pretreated rats. Rimonabant pretreatment potentiated LPS-induced hypophagia, body weight loss and Fos-CRF and Fos-TH expressing neurons. Rimonabant did not modify corticosterone, CRF mRNA or Fos-α-MSH responses in rats treated with LPS. These data suggest that the endocannabinoid system, mediated by CB₁ receptors, modulates hypothalamic and brainstem circuitry underlying the hypophagic effect during endotoxemia to prevent an exaggerated food intake decrease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Central Control of Food Intake'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rorato
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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35
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Erdozain AM, Diez-Alarcia R, Meana JJ, Callado LF. The inverse agonist effect of rimonabant on G protein activation is not mediated by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor: evidence from postmortem human brain. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 83:260-8. [PMID: 22093909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Rimonabant (SR141716) was the first potent and selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist synthesized. Several data support that rimonabant behaves as an inverse agonist. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that this inverse agonism may be CB1 receptor-independent. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the effect of rimonabant over G protein activation in postmortem human brain is CB1 dependent or independent. [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays and antibody-capture [(35)S]GTPγS scintillation proximity assays (SPA) were performed in human and mice brain. [(3)H]SR141716 binding characteristics were also studied. Rimonabant concentration-dependently decreased basal [(35)S]GTPγS binding to human cortical membranes. This effect did not change in the presence of either the CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2, the CB1 receptor neutral antagonist O-2050, or the CB1 allosteric modulator Org 27569. [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays performed in CB1 knockout mice brains revealed that rimonabant inhibited the [(35)S]GTPγS binding in the same manner as it did in wild-type mice. The SPA combined with the use of specific antibody-capture of G(α) specific subunits showed that rimonabant produces its inverse agonist effect through G(i3), G(o) and G(z) subtypes. This effect was not inhibited by the CB1 receptor antagonist O-2050. Finally, [(3)H]SR141716 binding assays in human cortical membranes demonstrated that rimonabant recognizes an additional binding site other than the CB1 receptor orthosteric binding site recognized by O-2050. This study provides new data demonstrating that at least the inverse agonist effect observed with >1μM concentrations of rimonabant in [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays is not mediated by the CB1 receptor in human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country E-48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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36
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Sidhpura N, Parsons LH. Endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity and addiction-related behavior. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1070-87. [PMID: 21669214 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde messengers that provide feedback inhibition of both excitatory and inhibitory transmission in brain through the activation of presynaptic CB₁ receptors. Substantial evidence indicates that eCBs mediate various forms of short- and long-term plasticity in brain regions involved in the etiology of addiction. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms through which eCBs mediate various forms of synaptic plasticity and discusses evidence that eCB-mediated plasticity is disrupted following exposure to a variety of abused substances that differ substantially in pharmacodynamic mechanism including alcohol, psychostimulants and cannabinoids. The possible involvement of dysregulated eCB signaling in maladaptive behaviors that evolve over long-term drug exposure is also discussed, with a particular focus on altered behavioral responses to drug exposure, deficient extinction of drug-related memories, increased drug craving and relapse, heightened stress sensitivity and persistent affective disruption (anxiety and depression).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimish Sidhpura
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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37
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Wang Y, Kong Y, Shei GJ, Kang L, Cvijic ME. Development of a cyclic adenosine monophosphate assay for Gi-coupled G protein-coupled receptors by utilizing the endogenous calcitonin activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2011; 9:522-31. [PMID: 21561374 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2010.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of G(i)-coupled G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) by their ligands leads to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in cells. The traditional cAMP assay for G(i)-coupled GPCRs commonly uses forskolin, a nonspecific AC activator, to increase the basal cAMP level in cells to create an assay window for ligand detection. However, there is still a need to develop a nonforskolin-based cAMP assay because of the challenges inherent in titrating the concentration of forskolin to achieve a reliable assay window, along with issues related to the cAMP-independent effects of forskolin. Herein, we describe such an assay by utilizing the endogenous activity of the calcitonin receptor in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The calcitonin receptor is a G(s)-coupled GPCR that, when activated by calcitonin, leads to the stimulation of AC and increases cAMP in cells. Thus, we use calcitonin, instead of forskolin, to increase the basal cAMP level in CHO cells to achieve an assay window. We demonstrated that calcitonin peptides robustly increased cAMP accumulation in several CHO cell lines stably expressing well-known G(i)-coupled GPCRs, such as the Dopamine D2 receptor, the Opioid μ receptor, or the Cannabinoid receptor-1. Agonists of these G(i)-coupled GPCRs attenuated calcitonin-induced cAMP production in their receptor stable cell lines. On the other hand, antagonists and/or inverse agonists blocked the effects of their agonists on calcitonin-induced cAMP production. This calcitonin-based cAMP assay has been demonstrated to be sensitive and robust and exhibited acceptable assay windows (signal/noise ratio) and, thus, can be applied to screen for agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists of G(i)-coupled GPCRs in high-throughput screening formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuren Wang
- Metabolic Disease Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 311 Pennington-Rocky Hill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534, USA.
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Measurement of inverse agonism of the cannabinoid receptors. Methods Enzymol 2011. [PMID: 21050915 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381296-4.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by endocannabinoids or exogenous agonists such as tetrahydrocannabinol. Upon agonist binding, cannabinoid receptors will activate Gi which in turn inhibits adenylyl cyclase. Recently, inverse agonists for the cannabinoid receptors have been identified, demonstrating constitutive activity of the cannabinoid receptors. Several methods have been used to measure inverse agonist activity of ligands for the cannabinoid receptors, including Gi-cAMP second messenger assay, GTPγS binding assay, and electrophysiological assays. Each assay has its advantages and limitations, and the Gi-cAMP second messenger assay appears to provide the best overall measurement of inverse agonism in a cellular environment.
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Abstract
Starting from an historical overview of lasting Cannabis use over the centuries, we will focus on a description of the cannabinergic system, with a comprehensive analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties of endogenous and synthetic cannabimimetic analogues. The metabolic pathways and the signal transduction mechanisms, activated by cannabinoid receptors stimulation, will also be discussed. In particular, we will point out the action of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on the different neuronal networks involved in reproductive axis, and locally, on male and female reproductive tracts, by emphasizing the pivotal role played by this system in the control of fertility.
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40
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Ho WS, Patel S, Thompson JR, Roberts CJ, Stuhr KL, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid modulation of hyperaemia evoked by physiologically relevant stimuli in the rat primary somatosensory cortex. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:736-46. [PMID: 20590576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In vitro studies demonstrate that cannabinoid CB(1) receptors subserve activity-dependent suppression of inhibition in the neocortex. To examine this mechanism in vivo, we assessed the effects of local changes in CB(1) receptor activity on somatosensory cortex neuronal activation by whisker movement in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Laser Doppler flowmetry and c-Fos immunohistochemistry were used to measure changes in local blood flow and neuronal activation, respectively. All drugs were applied directly to the cranium above the whisker barrel fields of the primary somatosensory cortex. KEY RESULTS The CB(1) receptor agonist WIN55212-2 potentiated the hyperaemia induced by whisker movement and this potentiation was occluded by bicuculline. The CB(1) receptor antagonists, rimonabant and AM251, inhibited hyperaemic responses to whisker movement; indicating that activation of endogenous CB(1) receptors increased during whisker movement. Whisker movement-induced expression of c-Fos protein in neurons of the whisker barrel cortex was inhibited by rimonabant. Movement of the whiskers increased the 2-arachidonoylglycerol content in the contralateral, compared to the ipsilateral, sensory cortex. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results support the hypothesis that endocannabinoid signalling is recruited during physiologically relevant activation of the sensory cortex. These data support the hypothesis that the primary effect of CB(1) receptor activation within the activated whisker barrel cortex is to inhibit GABA release, resulting in disinhibition of neuronal activation. These studies provide physiological data involving endocannabinoid signalling in activity-dependent regulation of neuronal activation and provide a mechanistic basis for the effects of cannabis use on sensory processing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-Sv Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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41
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Makwana R, Molleman A, Parsons ME. Evidence for both inverse agonism at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and the lack of an endogenous cannabinoid tone in the rat and guinea-pig isolated ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:615-26. [PMID: 20590566 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00717.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid receptor agonists reduce intestinal propulsion in rodents through the CB(1) receptor. In addition to its antagonistic activity at this receptor, rimonabant (N-(piperidino)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxyamide) alone augments intestinal transit. Using rat and guinea-pig ileum MPLM (myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle) preparations, we investigated whether the latter effect was through inverse agonism or antagonism of endocannabinoid agonist(s). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Inverse agonism was investigated by comparing the maximal enhancement of electrically evoked contractions of the MPLM by two CB(1) receptor antagonists, AM 251 (N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide) and O-2050 [(6aR,10aR)-3-(1-methanesulphonylamino-4-hexyn-6-yl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6-H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran], with that produced by rimonabant. To reveal ongoing endocannabinoid activity, effects of inhibiting endocannabinoid hydrolysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) using AA-5HT (arachidonyl-5-hydroxytryptamine), PMSF (phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride) or URB-597 (3'-carbamoyl-biphenyl-3-yl-cyclohexylcarbamate), or putative uptake using VDM-11 [(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-N-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenamide] was evaluated. KEY RESULTS The presence of CB(1) receptors was revealed by antagonism of exogenous anandamide, arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and WIN 55,212-2 [(R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)-pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-naphthalenylmethanone mesylate] by rimonabant. The rank order of potentiation of contractions was AM 251 > rimonabant > O-2050. Neither the FAAH inhibitors nor VDM-11 affected electrically evoked contractions. Each FAAH inhibitor increased the potency of AEA but not WIN 55,212-2. VDM-11 did not alter the inhibitory effect of AEA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The different levels of maximal potentiation of contractions by the CB(1) receptor antagonists suggest inverse agonism. The potentiation of the action of AEA by the FAAH inhibitors showed that FAAH was present. The lack of effect of FAAH inhibitors and VDM-11 alone on electrically evoked contractions, and on the potency of exogenous AEA suggests that pharmacologically active endocannabinoids were not released and the endocannabinoid transporter was absent. Thus, the CB(1) receptor antagonists behave as inverse agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Makwana
- The Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, King's College London, Waterloo Campus, London, UK.
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Kennett GA, Clifton PG. New approaches to the pharmacological treatment of obesity: can they break through the efficacy barrier? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 97:63-83. [PMID: 20688100 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this review we assess the range of centrally active anorectics that are either in human clinical trials, or are likely to be so in the near future. We describe their weight loss efficacy, mode of action at both pharmacological and behavioural levels, where understood, together with the range of side effects that might be expected in clinical use. We have however evaluated these compounds against the considerably more rigorous criteria that are now being used by the Federal Drugs Agency and European Medicines Agency to decide approvals and market withdrawals. Several trends are evident. Recent advances in the understanding of energy balance control have resulted in the exploitation of a number of new targets, some of which have yielded promising data in clinical trials for weight loss. A second major trend is derived from the hypothesis that improved weight loss efficacy over current therapy is most likely to emerge from treatments targeting multiple mechanisms of energy balance control. This reasoning has led to the development of a number of new treatments for obesity where multiple mechanisms are targeted, either by a single molecule, such as tesofensine, or through drug combinations such as qnexa, contrave, empatic, and pramlintide+metreleptin. Many of these approaches also utilise advances in formulation technology to widen safety margins. Finally, the practicality of peptide therapies for obesity has become better validated in recent studies and this may allow more rapid exploitation of novel targets, rather than awaiting the development of orally available small molecules. We conclude that novel, more efficacious and better tolerated treatments for obesity may become available in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Kennett
- Saretius Limited, Science and Technology Centre, Earley Gate, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
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Hanlon KE, Vanderah TW. Constitutive activity at the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor and behavioral responses. Methods Enzymol 2010; 484:3-30. [PMID: 21036224 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381298-8.00001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1, found mainly on cells of the central and peripheral nervous system, is a major component of the endogenous cannabinoid system. Constitutive and endogenous activity at cannabinoid receptor type 1 regulates a diverse subset of biological processes including appetite, mood, motor function, learning and memory, and pain. The complexity of cannabinoid receptor type 1 activity is not limited to the constitutive activity of the receptor: promiscuity of ligands associated with and the capability of this receptor to instigate G protein sequestration also complicates the activity of cannabinoid receptor type 1. The therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonists is still a heavily debated topic, making research on the mechanisms underlying the potential benefits and risks of cannabinoid use more vital than ever. Elucidation of these mechanisms and the quest for agonists and antagonists with greater specificity will allow a greater control of the side effects and risks involved in utilizing cannabinoids as therapeutic agents. In this chapter, we review a small subset of techniques used in the pharmacological application of and the behavioral effects of molecules acting at the paradoxical cannabinoid receptor type 1.
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Cascio MG, Bolognini D, Pertwee RG, Palazzo E, Corelli F, Pasquini S, Di Marzo V, Maione S. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of two novel selective cannabinoid CB(2) receptor inverse agonists. Pharmacol Res 2009; 61:349-54. [PMID: 19961936 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have previously developed quinolone-3-carboxamides with the aim of obtaining new ligands for both cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Our preliminary screening led to the identification of cannabinoid receptor ligands characterized by high affinity and, in some cases, also selectivity for CB(2) receptors. Specifically, three compounds, 1, 2 and 3 showed high affinity for CB2 as well as high selectivity over CB1 receptors. In addition, the activity shown by 1 against the formalin-induced nocifensive response in mice, reported in our previous paper, suggests that quinolone-3-carboxamides possess anti-nociceptive properties. In the present work, we have performed functional in vitro bioassays with the aim of investigating the functional activity in the [35S]GTPgammaS binding assay of the other two compounds that, like 1, behave as CB2 selective ligands, and their potential analgesic actions in vivo. We found that both 2 and 3 behave in vitro as CB2 inverse agonists and are able to decrease nociceptive behaviour in the late phase of the formalin test only at the highest dose tested, although, at lower doses, they prevent the anti-nociceptive effects of a selective CB2 partial agonist in the formalin test. These results identify in 2 and 3 two novel, potent and selective CB2 antagonists/inverse agonists and confirm previous reports in the literature that, in addition to agonists at cannabinoid CB2 receptors, also inverse agonists/antagonists at these receptors show promise as anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cascio
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Fong TM, Addy C, Erondu N, Heymsfield SB. CB1 receptor inverse agonist pharmacotherapy for metabolic disorders. Drug Dev Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Fong T, Shearman L, Stribling D, Shu J, Lao J, Huang CR, Xiao J, Shen CP, Tyszkiewicz J, Strack A, DeMaula C, Hubert MF, Galijatovic-Idrizbegovic A, Owen R, Huber A, Lanning C. Pharmacological efficacy and safety profile of taranabant in preclinical species. Drug Dev Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonists: current understanding of mechanism of action and unanswered questions. Int J Obes (Lond) 2009; 33:947-55. [PMID: 19597516 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2009.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rimonabant and taranabant are two extensively studied cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) inverse agonists. Their effects on in vivo peripheral tissue metabolism are generally well replicated. The central nervous system site of action of taranabant or rimonabant is firmly established based on brain receptor occupancy studies. At the whole-body level, the mechanism of action of CB1R inverse agonists includes a reduction in food intake and an increase in energy expenditure. At the tissue level, fat mass reduction, liver lipid reduction and improved insulin sensitivity have been shown. These effects on tissue metabolism are readily explained by CB1R inverse agonist acting on brain CB1R and indirectly influencing the tissue metabolism through the autonomic nervous system. It has also been hypothesized that rimonabant acts directly on adipocytes, hepatocytes, pancreatic islets or skeletal muscle in addition to acting on brain CB1R, although strong support for the contribution of peripherally located CB1R to in vivo efficacy is still lacking. This review will carefully examine the published literature and provide a perspective on what new tools and studies are required to address the peripheral site of action hypothesis.
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Cinar R, Szücs M. CB1 Receptor-Independent Actions of SR141716 on G-Protein Signaling: Coapplication with the μ-Opioid Agonist Tyr-d-Ala-Gly-(NMe)Phe-Gly-ol Unmasks Novel, Pertussis Toxin-Insensitive Opioid Signaling in μ-Opioid Receptor-Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 330:567-74. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.152710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Kreitzer FR, Stella N. The therapeutic potential of novel cannabinoid receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 122:83-96. [PMID: 19248809 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids produce a plethora of biological effects, including the modulation of neuronal activity through the activation of CB(1) receptors and of immune responses through the activation of CB(2) receptors. The selective targeting of either of these two receptor subtypes has clear therapeutic value. Recent evidence indicates that some of the cannabinomimetic effects previously thought to be produced through CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptors, be they on neuronal activity, on the vasculature tone or immune responses, still persist despite the pharmacological blockade or genetic ablation of CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptors. This suggests that additional cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors exist. Here we will review this evidence in the context of their therapeutic value and discuss their true belonging to the endocannabinoid signaling system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith R Kreitzer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98115-7280, USA
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Chapter 13 Endogenous Cannabinoids and Neutrophil Chemotaxis. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2009; 81:337-65. [DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(09)81013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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