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Chow LH, Lin PC, Chen YJ, Chen YH, Huang EYK. Yangonin, one of the kavalactones isolated from Piper methysticum G. Forst, acts through cannabinoid 1 (CB 1) receptors to induce an intrathecal anti-hyperalgesia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118394. [PMID: 38823663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Piper methysticum G. Forst (Piperaceae) is traditionally consumed in Polynesian culture. The roots are used to produce an entheogenic drink and traditional medicine with sedative and anxiolytic properties. There is also evidence that it functions as a pain reliever. Kavalactones, its main active ingredients, exhibit psychoactive effects on the central nervous system. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of kavalactones are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the effects of kavain and yangonin on nociception, inflammatory hyperalgesia, and neuropathic mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered kavain and yangonin (27.14 and 19.36 nmol/rat) via intrathecal injection. Tail-flick tests were performed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive properties. The efficacy of kavain and yangonin on inflammatory hyperalgesia was examined using a plantar test in rats with carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. The von Frey test was used to assess mechanical allodynia induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation. RESULTS Intrathecal injection of yangonin demonstrated a relatively potent anti-nociceptive effect and attenuated carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. These effects were completely reversed by the co-administration of PF 514273, a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist. However, yangonin did not affect mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. Kavain, another abundant kavalactone, did not affect nociception, hyperalgesia, or mechanical allodynia at the spinal level. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study demonstrated that yangonin exerts anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory hyperalgesia effects via CB1 receptors at the spinal level. We identified a single kavalactone, yangonin, extracted from kava as a promising treatment for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok-Hi Chow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, National Yung Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pin-Chen Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Hao Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Eagle Yi-Kung Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Squire E, Lee HL, Jeong W, Lee S, Ravichandiran V, Limoli CL, Piomelli D, Parihar VK, Jung KM. Targeting dysfunctional endocannabinoid signaling in a mouse model of Gulf War illness. Neuropharmacology 2024; 261:110142. [PMID: 39241906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110142] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder characterized by a heterogeneous set of symptoms that include pain, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. These are thought to stem from damage caused by exposure under unpredictable stress to toxic Gulf War (GW) chemicals, which include pesticides, nerve agents, and prophylactic drugs. We hypothesized that GWI pathogenesis might be rooted in long-lasting disruption of the endocannabinoid (ECB) system, a signaling complex that serves important protective functions in the brain. Using a mouse model of GWI, we found that tissue levels of the ECB messenger, anandamide, were significantly reduced in the brain of diseased mice, compared to healthy controls. In addition, transcription of the Faah gene, which encodes for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that deactivates anandamide, was significant elevated in prefrontal cortex of GWI mice and brain microglia. Behavioral deficits exhibited by these animals, including heightened anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors, and defective extinction of fearful memories, were corrected by administration of the FAAH inhibitor, URB597, which normalized brain anandamide levels. Furthermore, GWI mice displayed unexpected changes in the microglial transcriptome, implying persistent dampening of homeostatic surveillance genes and abnormal expression of pro-inflammatory genes upon immune stimulation. Together, these results suggest that exposure to GW chemicals produce a deficit in brain ECB signaling which is associated with persistent alterations in microglial function. Pharmacological normalization of anandamide-mediated ECB signaling may offer an effective therapeutic strategy for ameliorating GWI symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Woojin Jeong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sumin Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - V Ravichandiran
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, 844102, India
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Vipan Kumar Parihar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, 844102, India; Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Kumar D, Khan B, Okcay Y, Sis ÇÖ, Abdallah A, Murray F, Sharma A, Uemura M, Taliyan R, Heinbockel T, Rahman S, Goyal R. Dynamic endocannabinoid-mediated neuromodulation of retinal circadian circuitry. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102401. [PMID: 38964508 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms that originate from the "master circadian clock," called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN orchestrates the circadian rhythms using light as a chief zeitgeber, enabling humans to synchronize their daily physio-behavioral activities with the Earth's light-dark cycle. However, chronic/ irregular photic disturbances from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) can disrupt the amplitude and the expression of clock genes, such as the period circadian clock 2, causing circadian rhythm disruption (CRd) and associated neuropathologies. The present review discusses neuromodulation across the RHT originating from retinal photic inputs and modulation offered by endocannabinoids as a function of mitigation of the CRd and associated neuro-dysfunction. Literature indicates that cannabinoid agonists alleviate the SCN's ability to get entrained to light by modulating the activity of its chief neurotransmitter, i.e., γ-aminobutyric acid, thus preventing light-induced disruption of activity rhythms in laboratory animals. In the retina, endocannabinoid signaling modulates the overall gain of the retinal ganglion cells by regulating the membrane currents (Ca2+, K+, and Cl- channels) and glutamatergic neurotransmission of photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Additionally, endocannabinoids signalling also regulate the high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels to mitigate the retinal ganglion cells and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells-mediated glutamate release in the SCN, thus regulating the RHT-mediated light stimulation of SCN neurons to prevent excitotoxicity. As per the literature, cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 are becoming newer targets in drug discovery paradigms, and the involvement of endocannabinoids in light-induced CRd through the RHT may possibly mitigate severe neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, HP 173229, India.
| | - Bareera Khan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, HP 173229, India
| | - Yagmur Okcay
- University of Health Sciences Gulhane Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacology, Turkey.
| | - Çağıl Önal Sis
- University of Health Sciences Gulhane Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacology, Turkey.
| | - Aya Abdallah
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.
| | - Fiona Murray
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.
| | - Ashish Sharma
- School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Maiko Uemura
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333301, India.
| | - Thomas Heinbockel
- Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, HP 173229, India.
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Chawla R, Fang Z. Hemp macromolecules: Crafting sustainable solutions for food and packaging innovation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132823. [PMID: 38852732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132823] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Industrial hemp has gained increasing interests for its applications in multifaceted areas, including foods, pharmaceuticals and reinforcing materials. The high protein content of hempseeds, presence of essential fatty acids and balanced ratio of omega 6:3 fatty acids, makes hemp an ideal source of choice amongst nutritionists and food product developers. The use of hemp has also been advocated in lowering the risks of certain medical conditions. The antimicrobial and antioxidant feature of oil expands its potential in innovative packaging solutions in the form of coatings or films for shelf-life extension. Fiber from hemp hulls, herd or stalks encourages it as a reinforcement material with eco-friendly attributes. This review explores the applications of hemp in novel product development, with the highlights of its nutritional benefits and antimicrobial efficacy in food and packaging sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Chawla
- Department of Dairy Technology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
| | - Zhongxiang Fang
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Gu X, Wang X, Cai W, Han Y, Zhang QW. Monofluorophore-based Two-Photon Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for the Quantitative Imaging of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in Live Neurons and Mouse Brain Tissues. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3387-3393. [PMID: 38850514 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays a crucial role in the metabolism of the endocannabinoid system by hydrolyzing a series of bioactive amides, whose abnormal levels are associated with neuronal disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, due to the lack of suitable quantitative sensing tools, real-time and accurate monitoring of the activity of FAAH in living systems remains unresolved. Herein, a novel enzyme-activated near-infrared two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe (CANP) based on a naphthylvinylpyridine monofluorophore is successfully developed, in which the electron-withdrawing amide moiety is prone to be hydrolyzed to an electron-donating amine group under the catalysis of FAAH, leading to the activation of the intramolecular charge transfer process and the emergence of a new 80 nm red-shifted emission, thereby achieving a ratiometric luminescence response. Benefiting from the high selectivity, high sensitivity, and ratiometric response to FAAH, the probe CANP is successfully used to quantitatively monitor and image the FAAH levels in living neurons, by which an amyloid β (Aβ)-induced upregulation of endogenous FAAH activity is observed. Similar increases in FAAH activity are found in various brain regions of AD model mice, indicating a potential fatty acid amide metabolite-involved pathway for the pathological deterioration of AD. Moreover, our quantitative FAAH inhibition experiments further demonstrate the great value of CANP as an efficient visual probe for in situ and precise assessment of FAAH inhibitors in complex living systems, assisting the discovery of FAAH-related therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Xuewei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Wenyan Cai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
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7
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Moreira R, Nóbrega C, de Almeida LP, Mendonça L. Brain-targeted drug delivery - nanovesicles directed to specific brain cells by brain-targeting ligands. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:260. [PMID: 38760847 PMCID: PMC11100082 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by extensive loss of function or death of brain cells, hampering the life quality of patients. Brain-targeted drug delivery is challenging, with a low success rate this far. Therefore, the application of targeting ligands in drug vehicles, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, holds the promise to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct therapies to the brain, in addition to protect their cargo from degradation and metabolization. In this review, we discuss the barriers to brain delivery and the different types of brain-targeting ligands currently in use in brain-targeted nanoparticles, such as peptides, proteins, aptamers, small molecules, and antibodies. Moreover, we present a detailed review of the different targeting ligands used to direct nanoparticles to specific brain cells, like neurons (C4-3 aptamer, neurotensin, Tet-1, RVG, and IKRG peptides), astrocytes (Aquaporin-4, D4, and Bradykinin B2 antibodies), oligodendrocytes (NG-2 antibody and the biotinylated DNA aptamer conjugated to a streptavidin core Myaptavin-3064), microglia (CD11b antibody), neural stem cells (QTRFLLH, VPTQSSG, and NFL-TBS.40-63 peptides), and to endothelial cells of the BBB (transferrin and insulin proteins, and choline). Reports demonstrated enhanced brain-targeted delivery with improved transport to the specific cell type targeted with the conjugation of these ligands to nanoparticles. Hence, this strategy allows the implementation of high-precision medicine, with reduced side effects or unwanted therapy clearance from the body. Nevertheless, the accumulation of some of these nanoparticles in peripheral organs has been reported indicating that there are still factors to be improved to achieve higher levels of brain targeting. This review is a collection of studies exploring targeting ligands for the delivery of nanoparticles to the brain and we highlight the advantages and limitations of this type of approach in precision therapies.
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Grants
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal.
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Pintori N, Mostallino R, Spano E, Orrù V, Piras MG, Castelli MP, De Luca MA. Immune and glial cell alterations in the rat brain after repeated exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 389:578325. [PMID: 38432046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578325] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) poses major psychiatric risks. We previously showed that repeated exposure to the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 induces alterations in dopamine (DA) transmission, abnormalities in the emotional state, and glial cell activation in the mesocorticolimbic DA circuits of rats. Despite growing evidence suggesting the relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and neuroinflammation, little is known about the impact of SCRAs on the neuroimmune system. Here, we investigated whether repeated JWH-018 exposure altered neuroimmune signaling, which could be linked with previously reported central effects. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to JWH-018 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) for fourteen consecutive days, and the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors was measured seven days after treatment discontinuation in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Moreover, microglial (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, IBA-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) activation markers were evaluated in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Repeated JWH-018 exposure induces a perturbation of neuroimmune signaling specifically in the striatum, as shown by increased levels of cytokines [interleukins (IL) -2, -4, -12p70, -13, interferon (IFN) γ], chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) -1α, -3α], and growth factors [macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], together with increased IBA-1 and GFAP expression in the CPu. JWH-018 exposure induces persistant brain region-specific immune alterations up to seven days after drug discontinuation, which may contribute to the behavioral and neurochemical dysregulations in striatal areas that play a role in the reward-related processes that are frequently impaired in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Spano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piras
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Badaut J, Hippauf L, Malinconi M, Noarbe BP, Obenaus A, Dubois CJ. Endocannabinoid-mediated rescue of somatosensory cortex activity, plasticity and related behaviors following an early in life concussion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.577914. [PMID: 38352553 PMCID: PMC10862852 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.577914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Due to the assumed plasticity of immature brain, early in life brain alterations are thought to lead to better recoveries in comparison to the mature brain. Despite clinical needs, how neuronal networks and associated behaviors are affected by early in life brain stresses, such as pediatric concussions, have been overlooked. Here we provide first evidence in mice that a single early in life concussion durably increases neuronal activity in the somatosensory cortex into adulthood, disrupting neuronal integration while the animal is performing sensory-related tasks. This represents a previously unappreciated clinically relevant mechanism for the impairment of sensory-related behavior performance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system a year post-concussion is well-suited to rescue neuronal activity and plasticity, and to normalize sensory-related behavioral performance, addressing the fundamental question of whether a treatment is still possible once post-concussive symptoms have developed, a time-window compatible with clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Badaut
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CRMSB, UMR 5536, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - L Hippauf
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CRMSB, UMR 5536, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - M Malinconi
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CRMSB, UMR 5536, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - B P Noarbe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - A Obenaus
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - C J Dubois
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CRMSB, UMR 5536, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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10
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Beldarrain G, Chillida M, Hilario E, Herrero de la Parte B, Álvarez A, Alonso-Alconada D. URB447 Is Neuroprotective in Both Male and Female Rats after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia and Enhances Neurogenesis in Females. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1607. [PMID: 38338884 PMCID: PMC10855747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The need for new and effective treatments for neonates suffering from hypoxia-ischemia is urgent, as the only implemented therapy in clinics is therapeutic hypothermia, only effective in 50% of cases. Cannabinoids may modulate neuronal development and brain plasticity, but further investigation is needed to better describe their implication as a neurorestorative therapy after neonatal HI. The cannabinoid URB447, a CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist, has previously been shown to reduce brain injury after HI, but it is not clear whether sex may affect its neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative effect. Here, URB447 strongly reduced brain infarct, improved neuropathological score, and augmented proliferative capacity and neurogenic response in the damaged hemisphere. When analyzing these effects by sex, URB447 ameliorated brain damage in both males and females, and enhanced cell proliferation and the number of neuroblasts only in females, thus suggesting a neuroprotective effect in males and a double neuroprotective/neurorestorative effect in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Marc Chillida
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Enrique Hilario
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Borja Herrero de la Parte
- Department of Surgery and Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
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11
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Zavareh S, Mirseyyed Z, Nasiri M, Hashemi-Moghaddam H. Revitalizing polycystic ovary syndrome: The therapeutic impact of low-dose ∆ tetrahydrocannabinol-9 through reduction of oxidative stress and modulation of macrophage polarization. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 27:1040-1049. [PMID: 38911246 PMCID: PMC11193508 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2024.73892.16061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder associated with chronic inflammation. However, the effect of ∆ tetrahydrocannabinol-9 (THC) on PCOS has not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of THC in an animal model of PCOS. Materials and Methods Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4 weeks, were divided into four groups. The control group received a normal diet, the sham group received a vehicle (carboxymethyl cellulose), the PCOS group received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks followed by letrozole for 4 weeks, and the THC group received an HFD for 16 weeks followed by letrozole+THC (0.02 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Results The PCOS animals exhibited significantly higher levels of testosterone, insulin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, along with elevated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to the control group. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR analysis revealed an increase in M1 macrophage markers and a decrease in M2 macrophage markers compared to the control group. However, the administration of a low dose of THC mitigated these disturbances. Conclusion Low-dose THC improved inflammatory responses and shifted the balance of M1/M2 macrophage markers towards M2 macrophages in the animal model of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Zavareh
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Zavareh Mirseyyed
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Meysam Nasiri
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
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12
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Ge H, Ji B, Fang J, Wang J, Li J, Wang J. Discovery of Potent and Selective CB2 Agonists Utilizing a Function-Based Computational Screening Protocol. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3941-3958. [PMID: 37823773 PMCID: PMC10623575 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the identification of agonists and antagonists represents a great challenge in computer-aided drug design. In this work, we developed a computational protocol enabling us to design/screen novel chemicals that are likely to serve as selective CB2 agonists. The principle of this protocol is that by calculating the ligand-residue interaction profile (LRIP) of a ligand binding to a specific target, the agonist-antagonist function of a compound is then able to be determined after statistical analysis and free energy calculations. This computational protocol was successfully applied in CB2 agonist development starting from a lead compound, and a success rate of 70% was achieved. The functions of the synthesized derivatives were determined by in vitro functional assays. Moreover, the identified potent CB2 agonists and antagonists strongly interact with the key residues identified using the already known potent CB2 agonists/antagonists. The analysis of the interaction profile of compound 6, a potent agonist, showed strong interactions with F2.61, I186, and F2.64, while compound 39, a potent antagonist, showed strong interactions with L17, W6.48, V6.51, and C7.42. Still, some residues including V3.32, T3.33, S7.39, F183, W5.43, and I3.29 are hotspots for both CB2 agonists and antagonists. More significantly, we identified three hotspot residues in the loop, including I186 for agonists, L17 for antagonists, and F183 for both. These hotspot residues are typically not considered in CB1/CB2 rational ligand design. In conclusion, LRIP is a useful concept in rationally designing a compound to possess a certain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Ge
- School
of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Beihong Ji
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening
Center, School of Pharmacy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Jiahui Fang
- Chinese
Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National
Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiayang Wang
- School
of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Chinese
Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National
Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Junmei Wang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening
Center, School of Pharmacy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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13
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Baranger DA, Miller AP, Gorelik AJ, Paul SE, Hatoum AS, Johnson EC, Colbert SM, Smyser CD, Rogers CE, Bijsterbosch JD, Agrawal A, Bogdan R. Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with localized brain differences that partially mediate associations with increased adolescent psychopathology. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.19.23295792. [PMID: 37790406 PMCID: PMC10543205 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.23295792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is associated with mental health problems, but the neurobiological mechanisms remain unknown. We find that PCE is associated with localized differences across neuroimaging metrics that longitudinally mediate associations with mental health in adolescence (n=9,322-10,186). Differences in brain development may contribute to PCE-related variability in adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Aa Baranger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Alex P Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Aaron J Gorelik
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Sarah E Paul
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Emma C Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Sarah Mc Colbert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher D Smyser
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Janine D Bijsterbosch
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
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14
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Kulbe JR, Le AA, Mante M, Florio J, Laird AE, Swinton MK, Rissman RA, Fields JA. GP120 and tenofovir alafenamide alter cannabinoid receptor 1 expression in hippocampus of mice. J Neurovirol 2023; 29:564-576. [PMID: 37801175 PMCID: PMC10645617 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction remains prevalent in people with HIV (PWH) despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is evidence that low-level HIV infection and ART drugs may contribute to CNS damage in the brain of PWH with suppressed viral loads. As cannabis is used at a higher rate in PWH compared to the general population, there is interest in understanding how HIV proteins and ART drugs interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and inflammation in the CNS. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the HIV envelope protein gp120 and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and IBA1 in the brain and on locomotor activity in mice. The gp120 transgenic (tg) mouse model was administered TAF daily for 30 days and then analyzed using the open field test before being euthanized, and their brains were analyzed for CB1R, GFAP, and IBA1 expression using immunohistochemical approaches. CB1R expression levels were significantly increased in CA1, CA2/3, and dentate gyrus of gp120tg mice compared to wt littermates; TAF reversed these effects. As expected, TAF showed a medium effect of enhancing GFAP in the frontal cortex of gp120tg mice in the frontal cortex. TAF had minimal effect on IBA1 signal. TAF showed medium to large effects on fine movements, rearing, total activity, total distance, and lateral activity in the open-field test. These findings suggest that TAF may reverse gp120-induced effects on CB1R expression and, unlike tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), may not affect gliosis in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Anh Le
- University of California, San Diego Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael Mante
- University of California, San Diego Department of Neurosciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jazmin Florio
- University of California, San Diego Department of Neurosciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anna Elizabeth Laird
- University of California, San Diego Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mary K Swinton
- University of California, San Diego Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- University of California, San Diego Department of Neurosciences, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- University of California, San Diego Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA.
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15
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Ly M, Yu GZ, Mian A, Cramer A, Meysami S, Merrill DA, Samara A, Eisenstein SA, Hershey T, Babulal GM, Lenze EJ, Morris JC, Benzinger TLS, Raji CA. Neuroinflammation: A Modifiable Pathway Linking Obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and Depression. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:853-866. [PMID: 37365110 PMCID: PMC10528955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are three major interrelated modern health conditions with complex relationships. Early-life depression may serve as a risk factor for AD, while late-life depression may be a prodrome of AD. Depression affects approximately 23% of obese individuals, and depression itself raises the risk of obesity by 37%. Mid-life obesity independently increases AD risk, while late-life obesity, particularly metabolically healthy obesity, may offer protection against AD pathology. Chronic inflammation serves as a key mechanism linking obesity, AD, and depression, encompassing systemic inflammation from metabolic disturbances, immune dysregulation through the gut microbiome, and direct interactions with amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation. In this review, we explore the biological mechanisms of neuroinflammation in relation to obesity, AD, and depression. We assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation and discuss current and future radiological imaging initiatives for studying neuroinflammation. By comprehending the intricate interplay among depression, obesity, and AD, especially the role of neuroinflammation, we can advance our understanding and develop innovative strategies for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ly
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Gary Z Yu
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ali Mian
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Somayeh Meysami
- Pacific Brain Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation, Santa Monica, CA; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
| | - David A Merrill
- Pacific Brain Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation, Santa Monica, CA; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Amjad Samara
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah A Eisenstein
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tamara Hershey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ganesh M Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Institute of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - John C Morris
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tammie L S Benzinger
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Cyrus A Raji
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
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16
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Gazarov EA, Zequeira S, Senetra AS, Howard J, Sharma A, McCurdy CR, Lewis J, Bizon JL, Setlow B. Pharmacokinetics of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol following acute cannabis smoke exposure in mice; effects of sex, age, and strain. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1227220. [PMID: 37701025 PMCID: PMC10493391 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1227220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased use of cannabis and cannabinoids for recreational and medical purposes has led to a growth in research on their effects in animal models. The majority of this work has employed cannabinoid injections; however, smoking remains the most common route of cannabis consumption. To better model real-world cannabis use, we exposed mice to cannabis smoke to establish the pharmacokinetics of Δ9THC and its metabolites in plasma and brain. To determine the time course of Δ9THC and two major metabolites [11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-COOH-THC)], male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to smoke from sequentially burning 5 cannabis cigarettes. Following smoke exposure, trunk blood and brains were collected at 6 time points (10-240 min). Plasma and brain homogenates were analyzed for Δ9THC and metabolites using a validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. To assess effects of age, sex, and mouse strain, we exposed mice of four strains (C57BL/6J, FVB, Swiss Webster, and 129S6/SvEv, aged 4-24 months) to cannabis using the same smoke regimen. Samples were collected 10 and 40 min following exposure. Lastly, to assess effects of dose, C57BL/6J mice were exposed to smoke from burning 3 or 5 cannabis cigarettes, with samples collected 40 min following exposure. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that maximum plasma Δ9THC concentrations (Cmax) were achieved at 10 and 40 min for males and females, respectively, while Cmax for brain Δ9THC was observed at 20 and 40 min for males and females, respectively. There were no age or strain differences in plasma Δ9THC concentrations at 10 or 40 min; however, 129S6/SvEv mice had significantly higher brain Δ9THC concentrations than FVB mice. Additionally, 3 cigarettes produced significantly lower plasma 11-COOH-THC concentrations compared to 5 cigarettes, although dose differences were not evident in plasma or brain concentrations of Δ9THC or 11-OH-THC. Across all experiments, females had higher levels of 11-COOH-THC in plasma compared to males. The results reveal robust sex differences in Δ9THC pharmacokinetics, and lay the groundwork for future studies using mice to model the pharmacodynamics of smoked cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emely A. Gazarov
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sabrina Zequeira
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | - John Howard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jada Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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17
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Microglial Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptors in Pain Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032348. [PMID: 36768668 PMCID: PMC9917135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain, especially chronic pain, can strongly affect patients' quality of life. Cannabinoids ponhave been reported to produce potent analgesic effects in different preclinical pain models, where they primarily function as agonists of Gi/o protein-coupled cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are abundantly expressed in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central activation of CB1 receptors is strongly associated with psychotropic adverse effects, thus largely limiting its therapeutic potential. However, the CB2 receptors are promising targets for pain treatment without psychotropic adverse effects, as they are primarily expressed in immune cells. Additionally, as the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, microglia are increasingly recognized as critical players in chronic pain. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the expression of CB2 receptors is significantly increased in activated microglia in the spinal cord, which exerts protective consequences within the surrounding neural circuitry by regulating the activity and function of microglia. In this review, we focused on recent advances in understanding the role of microglial CB2 receptors in spinal nociceptive circuitry, highlighting the mechanism of CB2 receptors in modulating microglia function and its implications for CB2 receptor- selective agonist-mediated analgesia.
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18
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Miranda-Cortés A, Mota-Rojas D, Crosignani-Outeda N, Casas-Alvarado A, Martínez-Burnes J, Olmos-Hernández A, Mora-Medina P, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Hernández-Ávalos I. The role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in companion animals. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1050884. [PMID: 36686189 PMCID: PMC9848446 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1050884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabinoids in both veterinary and human medicine is controversial for legal and ethical reasons. Nonetheless, the availability and therapeutic use of naturally occurring or synthetic phytocannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabidiol and cannabidiol, have been the focus of attention in studies regarding their medical uses. This review aims to examine the role of cannabinoids in pain modulation by analyzing scientific findings regarding the signaling pathways of the endocannabinoid system and discussing the analgesic effects of synthetic cannabinoids compared to cannabinoid extracts and the extent and involvement of their receptors. In animals, studies have shown the analgesic properties of these substances and the role of the cannabinoid binding -1 (CB1) and cannabinoid binding -2 (CB2) receptors in the endocannabinoid system to modulate acute, chronic and neuropathic pain. This system consists of three main components: endogenous ligands (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), G protein-coupled receptors and enzymes that degrade and recycle the ligands. Evidence suggests that their interaction with CB1 receptors inhibits signaling in pain pathways and causes psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic reactions and effects on the immune system. Cannabis extracts and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic tool that contributes to compassionate pain care and participates in its multimodal management. However, the endocannabinoid system interacts with different endogenous ligands and neurotransmitters, thus offering other therapeutic possibilities in dogs and cats, such is the case of those patients who suffer from seizures or epilepsy, contact and atopic dermatitis, degenerative myelopathies, asthma, diabetes and glaucoma, among other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, these compounds have been shown to possess antineoplastic, appetite-stimulating, and antiemetic properties. Ultimately, the study of the endocannabinoid system, its ligands, receptors, mechanism of action, and signaling, has contributed to the development of research that shows that hemp-derived and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic alternative in the multimodal management of pain in dogs and cats due to their ability to prevent peripheral and central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Miranda-Cortés
- Department of Biological Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nadia Crosignani-Outeda
- Department of Clinics and Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary, University of Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Department Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Calzada México Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Livestock Science Department, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Department Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Calzada México Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Department of Biological Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico
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19
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Li S, Huang Y, Yu L, Ji X, Wu J. Impact of the Cannabinoid System in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:715-726. [PMID: 35105293 PMCID: PMC10207907 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220201091006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are compounds isolated from cannabis and are also widely present in both nervous and immune systems of animals. In recent years, with in-depth research on cannabinoids, their clinical medicinal value has been evaluated, and many exciting achievements have been continuously accumulating, especially in the field of neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia and has become a global health problem that seriously impacts human health today. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. How cannabinoids act on different endocannabinoid receptor subtypes to regulate Alzheimer's disease and the roles of the endocannabinoid system in Alzheimer's disease are outlined, and the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to Alzheimer's disease and discuss the potential usefulness of cannabinoids in the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangtao Li
- Shantou University Medical College, Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou, #22 Road Xinling, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Yuanbing Huang
- Department of Neurology, Yunfu People’s Hospital, Yunfu, Guangdong 527300, China
| | - Lijun Yu
- Shantou University Medical College, Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou, #22 Road Xinling, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Neurology, Yunfu People’s Hospital, Yunfu, Guangdong 527300, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Shantou University Medical College, Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou, #22 Road Xinling, Guangdong 515041, China
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20
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Duranti A, Beldarrain G, Álvarez A, Sbriscia M, Carloni S, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010028. [PMID: 36672536 PMCID: PMC9855621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
| | - Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Matilde Sbriscia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
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Gianquinto E, Sodano F, Rolando B, Kostrzewa M, Allarà M, Mahmoud AM, Kumar P, Spyrakis F, Ligresti A, Chegaev K. N-[1,3-Dialkyl(aryl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene]-aryl(alkyl)sulphonamides as Novel Selective Human Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor (hCB2R) Ligands; Insights into the Mechanism of Receptor Activation/Deactivation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238152. [PMID: 36500256 PMCID: PMC9738591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 (hCB1) and type 2 (hCB2) receptors are pleiotropic and crucial targets whose signaling contributes to physiological homeostasis and its restoration after injury. Being predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, hCB2R represents a safer therapeutic target than hCB1R, which is highly expressed in the brain, where it regulates processes related to cognition, memory, and motor control. The development of hCB2R ligands represents a therapeutic opportunity for treating diseases such as pain, inflammation and cancer. Identifying new selective scaffolds for cannabinoids and determining the structural determinants responsible for agonism and antagonism are priorities in drug design. In this work, a series of N-[1,3-dialkyl(aryl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene]-aryl(alkyl)sulfonamides is designed and synthesized and their affinity for human hCB1R and hCB2R is determined. Starting with a scaffold selected from the NIH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program Repository, through a combination of molecular modeling and structure-activity relationship studies, we were able to identify the chemical features leading to finely tuned hCB2R selectivity. In addition, an in silico model capable of predicting the functional activity of hCB2R ligands was proposed and validated. The proposed receptor activation/deactivation model enabled the identification of four pure hCB2R-selective agonists that can be used as a starting point for the development of more potent ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sodano
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ali Mokhtar Mahmoud
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (K.C.); Tel.: +39-0818675093 (A.L.); +39-0116707140 (K.C.)
| | - Konstantin Chegaev
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (K.C.); Tel.: +39-0818675093 (A.L.); +39-0116707140 (K.C.)
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22
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Smiley CE, Wood SK. Stress- and drug-induced neuroimmune signaling as a therapeutic target for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108212. [PMID: 35580690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress and substance use disorders remain two of the most highly prevalent psychiatric conditions and are often comorbid. While individually these conditions have a debilitating impact on the patient and a high cost to society, the symptomology and treatment outcomes are further exacerbated when they occur together. As such, there are few effective treatment options for these patients, and recent investigation has sought to determine the neural processes underlying the co-occurrence of these disorders to identify novel treatment targets. One such mechanism that has been linked to stress- and addiction-related conditions is neuroimmune signaling. Increases in inflammatory factors across the brain have been heavily implicated in the etiology of these disorders, and this review seeks to determine the nature of this relationship. According to the "dual-hit" hypothesis, also referred to as neuroimmune priming, prior exposure to either stress or drugs of abuse can sensitize the neuroimmune system to be hyperresponsive when exposed to these insults in the future. This review completes an examination of the literature surrounding stress-induced increases in inflammation across clinical and preclinical studies along with a summarization of the evidence regarding drug-induced alterations in inflammatory factors. These changes in neuroimmune profiles are also discussed within the context of their impact on the neural circuitry responsible for stress responsiveness and addictive behaviors. Further, this review explores the connection between neuroimmune signaling and susceptibility to these conditions and highlights the anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies that may be used for the treatment of stress and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Smiley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
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Tudorancea IM, Ciorpac M, Stanciu GD, Caratașu C, Săcărescu A, Ignat B, Burlui A, Rezuș E, Creangă I, Alexa-Stratulat T, Tudorancea I, Tamba BI. The Therapeutic Potential of the Endocannabinoid System in Age-Related Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2492. [PMID: 36289755 PMCID: PMC9599275 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) dynamically regulates many aspects of mammalian physiology. ECS has gained substantial interest since growing evidence suggests that it also plays a major role in several pathophysiological conditions due to its ability to modulate various underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, cannabinoids, as components of the cannabinoid system (CS), have proven beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, antioxidative, and cardioprotective effects. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to describe the complex interaction between CS and most common age-related diseases such as neuro-degenerative, oncological, skeletal, and cardiovascular disorders, together with the potential of various cannabinoids to ameliorate the progression of these disorders. Since chronic inflammation is postulated as the pillar of all the above-mentioned medical conditions, we also discuss in this paper the potential of CS to ameliorate aging-associated immune system dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Maria Tudorancea
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Mitică Ciorpac
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Cătălin Caratașu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alina Săcărescu
- Department of Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ignat
- Department of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Elena Rezuș
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Ioana Creangă
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iași, Romania
| | - Ionuț Tudorancea
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Discipline of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
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24
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Anticonvulsant Action and Long-Term Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment in the Rat Pentylenetetrazole-Kindling Model of Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081811. [PMID: 36009358 PMCID: PMC9405483 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) showed anticonvulsant action in several preclinical models and is currently approved by regulatory agencies to treat childhood epilepsy syndromes. However, CBD treatment has limited benefits, and its long-term effects on cognition are not fully understood yet. This study aimed to examine the impact of long-term CBD treatment in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindling model of epilepsy. Adult male Wistar rats (N = 24) received PTZ (35 mg/kg intraperitoneally) every other day until two consecutive generalized seizures occurred. CBD (60 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily by the oral route until the kindled state was achieved (n = 12). To confirm that the formulation and administration techniques were not of concern, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed to test the brain penetration of the CBD formula. As a result of CBD treatment, a lower mortality rate and significantly prolonged generalized seizure latency (925.3 ± 120.0 vs. 550.1 ± 69.62 s) were observed, while the frequency and duration of generalized seizures were not influenced. The CBD-treated group showed a significant decrease in vertical exploration in the open field test and a significant decrease in the discrimination index in the novel object recognition (NOR) test (−0.01 ± 0.17 vs. 0.57 ± 0.15, p = 0.04). The observed behavioral characteristics may be connected to the decreased thickness of the stratum pyramidale or the decreased astrogliosis observed in the hippocampus. In conclusion, CBD treatment did not prevent kindling, nor did it affect seizure frequency or duration. However, it did increase the latency to the first seizure and decreased the prolonged status epilepticus-related mortality in PTZ-kindled rats. The cognitive impairment observed in the NOR test may be related to the high dose used in this study, which may warrant further investigation.
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Saad AK, Akour A, Mahboob A, AbuRuz S, Sadek B. Role of Brain Modulators in Neurodevelopment: Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Comorbidities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:612. [PMID: 35631438 PMCID: PMC9144645 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders share similar pathogenesis and clinical features. Pathophysiological changes in these diseases are rooted in early neuronal stem cells in the uterus. Several genetic and environmental factors potentially perturb neurogenesis and synaptogenesis processes causing incomplete or altered maturation of the brain that precedes the symptomology later in life. In this review, the impact of several endogenous neuromodulators and pharmacological agents on the foetus during pregnancy, manifested on numerous aspects of neurodevelopment is discussed. Within this context, some possible insults that may alter these modulators and therefore alter their role in neurodevelopment are high-lighted. Sometimes, a particular insult could influence several neuromodulator systems as is supported by recent research in the field of ASD and associated disorders. Dopaminergic hy-pothesis prevailed on the table for discussion of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCH), atten-tion-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ASD for a long time. However, recent cumulative evidence suggests otherwise. Indeed, the neuromodulators that are dysregulated in ASD and comorbid disorders are as diverse as the causes and symptoms of this disease. Additionally, these neuromodulators have roles in brain development, further complicating their involvement in comorbidity. This review will survey the current understanding of the neuromodulating systems to serve the pharmacological field during pregnancy and to minimize drug-related insults in pa-tients with ASD and associated comorbidity disorders, e.g., SCH or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali K. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdulla Mahboob
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salahdein AbuRuz
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
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Vasincu A, Rusu RN, Ababei DC, Larion M, Bild W, Stanciu GD, Solcan C, Bild V. Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030440. [PMID: 35336814 PMCID: PMC8945712 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurodegenerative diseases represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Existing therapeutic options are limited and focus mostly on improving symptoms and reducing exacerbations. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiology of such disorders, an idea which has been highlighted by recent scientific work. The current work focusses its attention on the importance and implications of this system and its synthetic and natural ligands in disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis. Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to functional and mental impairment due to loss of neurons. Recent evidence highlights the link between neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. These are typically associated with several neurological disorders. These diseases have fundamental differences regarding their underlying physiology and clinical manifestations, although there are aspects that overlap. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is comprised of receptors (type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid-receptors, as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), endogenous ligands and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids (ECBs). Recent studies revealed the involvement of the ECS in different pathological aspects of these neurodegenerative disorders. The present review will explore the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and pharmacological agents that modulate CBRs or ECS activity with reference to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Vasincu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Mădălina Larion
- Department of Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 19 Croitorilor Street, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Anaesthetics, Midland Regional Hospital, Longford Road, Mullingar, N91 NA43 Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Walther Bild
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Preclinics Department, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, 8 M. Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Veronica Bild
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Wang L, Zeng Y, Zhou Y, Yu J, Liang M, Qin L, Zhou Y. Win55,212-2 Improves Neural Injury induced by HIV-1 Glycoprotein 120 in Rats by Exciting CB2R. Brain Res Bull 2022; 182:67-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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van den Hoogen NJ, Harding EK, Davidson CED, Trang T. Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain: Therapeutic Potential Through Microglia Modulation. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:816747. [PMID: 35069129 PMCID: PMC8777271 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.816747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex sensory, cognitive, and emotional experience that imposes a great personal, psychological, and socioeconomic burden on patients. An estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide are afflicted with chronic pain, which is often difficult to treat and may be resistant to the potent pain-relieving effects of opioid analgesics. Attention has therefore focused on advancing new pain therapies directed at the cannabinoid system because of its key role in pain modulation. Endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids exert their actions primarily through Gi/o-protein coupled cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed throughout the nervous system. CB1 receptors are found at key nodes along the pain pathway and their activity gates both the sensory and affective components of pain. CB2 receptors are typically expressed at low levels on microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells. In chronic pain states, there is a marked increase in CB2 expression which modulates the activity of these central and peripheral immune cells with important consequences for the surrounding pain circuitry. Growing evidence indicate that interventions targeting CB1 or CB2 receptors improve pain outcomes in a variety of preclinical pain models. In this mini-review, we will highlight recent advances in understanding how cannabinoids modulate microglia function and its implications for cannabinoid-mediated analgesia, focusing on microglia-neuron interactions within the spinal nociceptive circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynke J. van den Hoogen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Erika K. Harding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Chloé E. D. Davidson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Tuan Trang
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Vallée A. Sexual behaviors, cannabis, alcohol and monkeypox infection. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1054488. [PMID: 36733281 PMCID: PMC9887129 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1054488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in 2022 is a worldwide health issue. The rapid increase of monkeypox cases caused the WHO to designate the escalating global monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 23, 2022. The WHO has called on the group currently most affected by the virus, men who have sex with men (MSM), to limit their sexual partners. The diminution in number of sexual partners not only decreases the proportion of infected MSM but could also increases the number of days needed to reach a given infection level among the general population. Several behavioral factors could be associated with high levels of different sexual partners, such as cannabis use and alcohol consumption. Firstly, this review focuses on the association between cannabis and alcohol consumption and the number of sexual partners, and their possible impact on the current MPXV outbreak by impairing the immune responses. Secondly, this review investigated in the UK Biobank cohort the relationship between alcohol and cannabis use and the number of sexual partners. Among the 115,604 participants, 1.8% declared to be MSM, 1.9% to be WSW (women having sex with women), 43.3% men heterosexuals and 53.0% women heterosexuals. MSM and WSW showed higher lifetime sexual partners (N = 17.4 (SD:17.52) and N = 13.65 (SD: 13.21), respectively) compared to heterosexual men (N = 6.89 (SD: 9.47) and women (N = 5.19 (SD:6.56), p < 0.001. After adjustment for age, body mass index, lifetime sexual activity, educational and income levels, tobacco and cardiovascular diseases, cannabis use and alcohol consumption remained significantly associated with increase in the number of different sexual partners in all four subgroups. Thus, cannabis use and alcohol consumption may have two detrimental effects on the MPXV outbreak: by participating in the increase of the number of sexual partners which are mainly responsible for the augmentation of the number of new MPXV infected cases and by impairing the immune response to a viral infection. Health and safety policies should address the factors and practices, including chemsex, leading to an increase in risk of sexual behaviors responsible for MPXV dissemination in the worldwide population.
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Vecchiarelli HA, Aukema RJ, Hume C, Chiang V, Morena M, Keenan CM, Nastase AS, Lee FS, Pittman QJ, Sharkey KA, Hill MN. Genetic Variants of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Modulate Acute Inflammatory Responses to Colitis in Adult Male Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764706. [PMID: 34916909 PMCID: PMC8670533 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, including cannabis derived phytocannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), are typically considered anti-inflammatory. One such endocannabinoid is N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), which is metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In humans, there is a loss of function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FAAH gene (C385A, rs324420), that leads to increases in the levels of AEA. Using a mouse model with this SNP, we investigated how this SNP affects inflammation in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. We administered 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intracolonically, to adult male FAAH SNP mice and examined colonic macroscopic tissue damage and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as levels of plasma and amygdalar cytokines and chemokines 3 days after administration, at the peak of colitis. We found that mice possessing the loss of function alleles (AC and AA), displayed no differences in colonic damage or myeloperoxidase activity compared to mice with wild type alleles (CC). In contrast, in plasma, colitis-induced increases in interleukin (IL)-2, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were reduced in animals with an A allele. A similar pattern was observed in the amygdala for granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and MCP-1. In the amygdala, the mutant A allele led to lower levels of IL-1α, IL-9, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and MIP-2 independent of colitis-providing additional understanding of how FAAH may serve as a regulator of inflammatory responses in the brain. Together, these data provide insights into how FAAH regulates inflammatory processes in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vincent Chiang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine M Keenan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quentin J Pittman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Mahmud MS, Hossain MS, Ahmed ATMF, Islam MZ, Sarker ME, Islam MR. Antimicrobial and Antiviral (SARS-CoV-2) Potential of Cannabinoids and Cannabis sativa: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2021; 26:7216. [PMID: 34885798 PMCID: PMC8658882 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health crisis and, therefore, new drug discovery is a paramount need. Cannabis sativa contains hundreds of chemical constituents produced by secondary metabolism, exerting outstanding antimicrobial, antiviral, and therapeutic properties. This paper comprehensively reviews the antimicrobial and antiviral (particularly against SARS-CoV-2) properties of C. sativa with the potential for new antibiotic drug and/or natural antimicrobial agents for industrial or agricultural use, and their therapeutic potential against the newly emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cannabis compounds have good potential as drug candidates for new antibiotics, even for some of the WHO's current priority list of resistant pathogens. Recent studies revealed that cannabinoids seem to have stable conformations with the binding pocket of the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, which has a pivotal role in viral replication and transcription. They are found to be suppressive of viral entry and viral activation by downregulating the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzymes in the host cellular system. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory compounds is hypothesized for the treatment of COVID-19. However, more systemic investigations are warranted to establish the best efficacy and their toxic effects, followed by preclinical trials on a large number of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sultan Mahmud
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Mohammad Sorowar Hossain
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - A. T. M. Faiz Ahmed
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Zahidul Islam
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Emdad Sarker
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Reajul Islam
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
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Karimi SA, Kazemi F, Komaki H, Kourosh Arami M, Shahidi S, Komaki A. Electrophysiological study of the interactive role of the cannabinoid breakdown inhibitors and L-type calcium channels on granular neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in rats. Neurol Res 2021; 44:446-454. [PMID: 34781846 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.2004364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and the endocannabinoid system (eCs) in synaptic plasticity is controversial. In the present research, the impact of acute administration of URB597, as an endocannabinoid breakdown inhibitor, was evaluated after chronic injection of verapamil, as a Ca2+ channels blocker, on inducing long-term potentiation (LTP) in the rat's hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Treatment of male Wistar rats was done using intraperitoneal(i.p) injection of verapamil hydrochloride (n = 8) and saline (n = 10), as the solvent of verapamil once a day within 13 days. Anesthetization was done by i.p injection of urethane and the rats were located in the stereotaxic apparatus for surgery, electrode implantation, and field potential recording. After observing a steady-state baseline response, saline or URB597 were injected (n = 9). Measurement of the population spike (PS) amplitude and slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the DG region was performed as a result of perforant pathway (PP) stimulation. Our treatments could inhibit LTP. Our results indicated that the chronic administration of verapamil produced a significant decrease in the slope of fEPSP and PS amplitude. Also, acute URB597 administration decreased the slope of fEPSP and PS amplitude compared to the saline group. Moreover, URB597 administration in combination with chronic administration of verapamil produced a greater decrease in fEPSP slope and PS amplitude than the saline group. These findings indicated that verapamil and URB597 disrupted LTP induction in the DG. Moreover, an interaction was observed between Ca2+ channels and eCs. Therefore, the eCs possibly play a selective role in synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Kourosh Arami
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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García-Baos A, Puig-Reyne X, García-Algar Ó, Valverde O. Cannabidiol attenuates cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation induced by early alcohol exposure in a mice model. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111813. [PMID: 34126352 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term used to describe the physical and mental disabilities induced by alcohol exposure during development. Early alcohol exposure induces cognitive impairments resulting from damage to the central nervous system (CNS). The neuroinflammatory response accompanied by neurodegenerative mechanisms contribute to those detrimental alterations. Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently emerged as an anti-inflammatory drug that might be useful to treat several neuropsychiatric disorders. In our study, we assessed the effects of CBD on long-lasting cognitive deficits induced by early alcohol exposure. Furthermore, we analysed long-term pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. To model alcohol binge drinking during gestational and lactation periods, we used pregnant C57BL/6 female mice with time-limited access to 20% v/v alcohol solution. Following the prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure (PLAE), we treated the male and female offspring with CBD from post-natal day (PD) 25 until PD34, and we evaluated their cognitive performance at PD60. Our results showed that CBD treatment during peri-adolescence period ameliorates cognitive deficits observed in our FASD-like mouse model, without sex differences. Moreover, CBD restores the PLAE-induced increased levels of TNFα and IL-6 in the hippocampus. Thus, our study provides new insights for CBD as a therapeutic agent to counteract cognitive impairments and neuroinflammation caused by early alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba García-Baos
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Puig-Reyne
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Óscar García-Algar
- Neonatology Unit, ICGON, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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34
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Graczyk M, Lewandowska AA, Dzierżanowski T. The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154551. [PMID: 34361704 PMCID: PMC8347461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant growth of interest in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), especially its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, has been observed recently. This narrative review aimed to present the state of the art of research concerning the anti-inflammatory activity of all classes of cannabinoids published in the last five years. Multimodal properties of cannabinoids include their involvement in immunological processes, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. Cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid compounds of cannabis proved their anti-inflammatory effects in numerous animal models. The research in humans is missing, and the results are unconvincing. Although preclinical evidence suggests cannabinoids are of value in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, the clinical evidence is scarce, and further well-designed clinical trials are essential to determine the prospects for using cannabinoids in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Graczyk
- Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | | | - Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Laboratory of Palliative Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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35
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Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibition Modulates Amyloid-Beta-Induced Microglia Polarization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147711. [PMID: 34299330 PMCID: PMC8306898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of endocannabinoid (eCB) to change functional microglial phenotype can be explored as a possible target for therapeutic intervention. Since the inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the main catabolic enzyme of anandamide (AEA), may provide beneficial effects in mice model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathology, we aimed at determining whether the FAAH inhibitor URB597 might target microglia polarization and alter the cytoskeleton reorganization induced by the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The morphological evaluation showed that Aβ treatment increased the surface area of BV-2 cells, which acquired a flat and polygonal morphology. URB597 treatment partially rescued the control phenotype of BV-2 cells when co-incubated with Aβ. Moreover, URB597 reduced both the increase of Rho protein activation in Aβ-treated BV-2 cells and the Aβ-induced migration of BV-2 cells, while an increase of Cdc42 protein activation was observed in all samples. URB597 also increased the number of BV-2 cells involved in phagocytosis. URB597 treatment induced the polarization of microglial cells towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with the parallel increase of Arg-1 and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these data suggest that FAAH inhibition promotes cytoskeleton reorganization, regulates phagocytosis and cell migration processes, thus driving microglial polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
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36
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Cankara FN, Çelik ZB, Günaydın C. Cannabinoid receptor-1 has an effect on CD200 under rotenone and alpha-synuclein induced stress. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135908. [PMID: 33892001 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Decades after identifying cannabinoids and their beneficial effects on Parkinson's disease (PD), many gaps are still missing. Although, CB2-dependent actions have been shown as underlying positive effects of cannabinoid treatment, in recent years, another receptor of cannabinoids, CB1, emerged as a valuable player in cannabinoid-induced neuroprotection. Remarkably, the effects of CB1 are mainly related to immune cells in the CNS, microglia, and astrocytes. However, oxidative stress, α-syn accumulation, and immune disbalance are essential aspects of both neurons and glial cells. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the CB1 on both α-syn and rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y and C8-D1A cells. ACEA and AM-251 were used as CB1 agonists and antagonists. Cell viability, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and CD200 expressions were determined in culture mediums. Our results demonstrated that preformed fibril form (pFF) of α-syn did not cause any significant change in SH-SY5Y cells compared to C8-D1A cells. Rotenone significantly increased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in both cells. pFF α-syn and rotenone treatment caused a decrease in CD200 expression. Surprisingly both ACEA and AM-251 alleviated rotenone-induced increase in cytokine levels in both cell lines. Although ACEA prevented pFF α-syn induced increase in cytokine levels and decrease in CD200 expression in C8-D1A cells, AM-251 failed to affect CD200 expression levels. Additionally, ACEA + AM-251 abolished the protective effects of both ACEA and AM-251 against rotenone and α-syn insults in both cell lines. The current study suggests that cannabinoid receptor agonism alleviates rotenone and α-syn-dependent inflammation in neurons and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Nihan Cankara
- Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Isparta, Turkey.
| | - Zülfinaz Betül Çelik
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Caner Günaydın
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Samsun, Turkey.
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Colizzi M, Bortoletto R, Costa R, Zoccante L. Palmitoylethanolamide and Its Biobehavioral Correlates in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Evidence. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041346. [PMID: 33919499 PMCID: PMC8073263 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology is not completely understood; however, altered inflammatory response and glutamate signaling have been reported, leading to the investigation of molecules targeting the immune-glutamatergic system in ASD treatment. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring saturated N-acylethanolamine that has proven to be effective in controlling inflammation, depression, epilepsy, and pain, possibly through a neuroprotective role against glutamate toxicity. Here, we systematically reviewed all human and animal studies examining PEA and its biobehavioral correlates in ASD. Studies indicate altered serum/brain levels of PEA and other endocannabinoids (ECBs)/acylethanolamines (AEs) in ASD. Altered PEA signaling response to social exposure and altered expression/activity of enzymes responsible for the synthesis and catalysis of ECBs/AEs, as well as downregulation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and cannabinoid receptor target GPR55 mRNA brain expression, have been reported. Stress and exposure to exogenous cannabinoids may modulate ECBs/AEs levels and expression of candidate genes for neuropsychiatric disorders, with implications for ASD. Limited research suggests that PEA supplementation reduces overall autism severity by improving language and social and nonsocial behaviors. Potential neurobiological underpinnings include modulation of immune response, neuroinflammation, neurotrophy, apoptosis, neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, neurodegeneration, mitochondrial function, and microbiota activity, possibly through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Colizzi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.B.); (L.Z.)
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-812-6832
| | - Riccardo Bortoletto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.B.); (L.Z.)
| | - Rosalia Costa
- Community Mental Health Team, Department of Mental Health, ASST Mantova, 46100 Mantua, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Zoccante
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.B.); (L.Z.)
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Fakhri S, Piri S, Majnooni MB, Farzaei MH, Echeverría J. Targeting Neurological Manifestations of Coronaviruses by Candidate Phytochemicals: A Mechanistic Approach. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:621099. [PMID: 33708124 PMCID: PMC7941749 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.621099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made a wide range of manifestations. In this regard, growing evidence is focusing on COVID-19 neurological associations; however, there is a lack of established pathophysiological mechanisms and related treatments. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was conducted, using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, along with the author's expertize in COVID-19 associated neuronal signaling pathways. Besides, potential phytochemicals have been provided against neurological signs of COVID-19. Considering a high homology among SARS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2, revealing their precise pathophysiological mechanisms seems to pave the road for the treatment of COVID-19 neural manifestations. There is a complex pathophysiological mechanism behind central manifestations of COVID-19, including pain, hypo/anosmia, delirium, impaired consciousness, pyramidal signs, and ischemic stroke. Among those dysregulated neuronal mechanisms, neuroinflammation, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/spike proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and protease are of special attention. So, employing multi-target therapeutic agents with considerable safety and efficacy seems to show a bright future in fighting COVID-19 neurological manifestations. Nowadays, natural secondary metabolites are highlighted as potential multi-target phytochemicals in combating several complications of COVID-19. In this review, central pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2 has been provided. Besides, in terms of pharmacological mechanisms, phytochemicals have been introduced as potential multi-target agents in combating COVID-19 central nervous system complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sana Piri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Komorowska-Müller JA, Schmöle AC. CB2 Receptor in Microglia: The Guardian of Self-Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E19. [PMID: 33375006 PMCID: PMC7792761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are key to maintaining the homeostasis of the brain. These immune cells of the brain can be our biggest ally in fighting infections, but can worsen pathology or hinder recovery when uncontrolled. Thus, understanding how microglia contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and how their activity can be controlled is of great importance. It is known that activation of endocannabinoid system, and especially the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), decreases inflammation. Alongside its non-psychoactive effect, it makes the CB2R receptor a perfect target for treating diseases accompanied by neuroinflammation including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanisms by which CB2R regulates microglial activity are not yet understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on the roles of microglial CB2R from in vitro and in vivo studies. We look into CB2R function under physiological and pathological conditions and focus on four different disease models representing chronic and acute inflammation. We highlight open questions and controversies and provide an update on the latest discoveries that were enabled by the development of novel technologies. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the role of microglia CB2R in cognition and its role in neuron-microglia communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne-Caroline Schmöle
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
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Tyrtyshnaia A, Bondar A, Konovalova S, Sultanov R, Manzhulo I. N-Docosahexanoylethanolamine Reduces Microglial Activation and Improves Hippocampal Plasticity in a Murine Model of Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249703. [PMID: 33352646 PMCID: PMC7767308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuroinflammation is a common pathogenetic link in the development of various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, a detailed study of neuroinflammation and the development of drugs that reduce or eliminate the negative effect of neuroinflammation on cognitive processes are among the top priorities of modern neurobiology. N-docosahexanoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) is an endogenous metabolite and structural analog of anandamide, an essential endocannabinoid produced from arachidonic acid. Our study aims to elucidate the pharmacological activity of synaptamide in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. Memory deficits in animals were determined using behavioral tests. To study the effects of LPS (750 µg/kg/day, 7 days) and synaptamide (10 mg/kg/day, 7 days) on synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation was examined in the CA1 area of acute hippocampal slices. The Golgi-Cox method allowed us to assess neuronal morphology. The production of inflammatory factors and receptors was assessed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. During the study, functional, structural, and plastic changes within the hippocampus were identified. We found a beneficial effect of synaptamide on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and morphological characteristics of neurons. Synaptamide treatment recovered hippocampal neurogenesis, suppressed microglial activation, and significantly improved hippocampus-dependent memory. The basis of the phenomena described above is probably the powerful anti-inflammatory activity of synaptamide, as shown in our study and several previous works.
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Henriquez JE, Bach AP, Matos-Fernandez KM, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Impairs CD8 + T Cell-Mediated Activation of Astrocytes. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:863-874. [PMID: 32215844 PMCID: PMC7529688 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09912-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells can contribute to neuroinflammation by secretion of inflammatory cytokines like interferon γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Astrocytes, a glial cell in the brain, can be stimulated by IFNγ and TNFα to secrete the inflammatory cytokines, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa, possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this investigation was to assess the effects of THC treatment on CD8+ T cell-mediated activation of astrocytes. CD3/CD28/IFNα- stimulated CD8+ T cells were treated with vehicle (0.03% EtOH) or THC and cocultured with U251 astrocytes. IP-10+, MCP-1+, and IL-6+ astrocytes were quantified by flow cytometry. LegendPlex™ was used to measure cytokine secretion by CD8+ T cells and flow cytometry was employed to quantify IFNγ, TNFα, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) expression. Recombinant TNFα and IFNγ were used to stimulate MCP-1, IP-10, IL-6 responses in U251 astrocytes, which were measured by flow cytometry. Treatment with THC reduced CD8+ T cell-mediated induction of IP-10 and IL-6 responses in U251 astrocytes but had no effect on MCP-1. THC treatment differentially affected T cell effector functions such that IFNγ and degranulation responses were sensitive to THC-mediated ablation while TNFα was not. Lastly, THC treatment reduced the IFNγ-induced IP-10 response but had no effect on TNFα-induced MCP-1 response in U251 astrocytes. The results suggest that cannabinoid treatment can selectively reduce certain CD8+ T cell responses that contribute to stimulation of astrocytes. Graphical Abstract Treatment with THC can abate CD8+ T cell-dependent neuroinflammatory processes by inhibiting CD8+ cell differentiation into effector cells, suppressing CD8+ effector cell function, and reducing activation of astrocytes by CD8+ T cell-derived inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Henriquez
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Rm 165G, Food Safety and Toxicology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Anthony P Bach
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Robert B Crawford
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Rm 165G, Food Safety and Toxicology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Rm 165G, Food Safety and Toxicology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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43
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Traumatic brain injury and the misuse of alcohol, opioids, and cannabis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 157:195-243. [PMID: 33648670 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), most often classified as concussion, is caused by biomechanical forces to the brain resulting in short- or long-term impairment in brain function. TBI resulting from military combat, sports, violence, falls, and vehicular accidents is a major cause of long-term physical, cognitive, and psychiatric dysfunction. Psychiatric disorders associated with TBI include depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, all having significant implications for post-TBI recovery and rehabilitation. This chapter reviews the current preclinical and clinical literature describing the bidirectional relationship between TBI and misuse of three commonly abused drugs: alcohol, opioids, and cannabis. We highlight the influence of each of these drugs on the incidence of TBI, as well as trends in their use after TBI. Furthermore, we discuss factors that may underlie post-injury substance use. Understanding the complex relationship between TBI and substance misuse will enhance the clinical treatment of individuals suffering from these two highly comorbid conditions.
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45
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Kilinc E, Ankarali S, Torun IE, Dagistan Y. Receptor mechanisms mediating the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of endocannabinoid system modulation in a rat model of migraine. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 55:1015-1031. [PMID: 32639078 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and dural mast cells are main contributors in neurogenic inflammation underlying migraine pathophysiology. Modulation of endocannabinoid system attenuates migraine pain, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. We investigated receptor mechanisms mediating anti-neuroinflammatory effects of endocannabinoid system modulation in in vivo migraine model and ex vivo hemiskull preparations in rats. To induce acute model of migraine, a single dose of nitroglycerin was intraperitoneally administered to male rats. Moreover, isolated ex vivo rat hemiskulls were prepared to study CGRP and substance P release from meningeal trigeminal afferents. We used methanandamide (cannabinoid agonist), rimonabant (cannabinoid receptor-1 CB1 antagonist), SR144528 (CB2 antagonist) and capsazepine (transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 TRPV1 antagonist) to explore effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on the neurogenic inflammation, and possible involvement of CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptors during endocannabinoid effects. Methanandamide attenuated nitroglycerin-induced CGRP increments in in vivo plasma, trigeminal ganglia and brainstem and also in ex vivo hemiskull preparations. Methanandamide also alleviated enhanced number and degranulation of dural mast cells induced by nitroglycerin. Rimonabant, but not capsazepine or SR144528, reversed the attenuating effects of methanandamide on CGRP release in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Additionally, SR144528, but not rimonabant or capsazepine, reversed the attenuating effects of methanandamide on dural mast cells. However, neither nitroglycerin nor methanandamide changed substance P levels in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Methanandamide modulates CGRP release in migraine-related structures via CB1 receptors and inhibits the degranulation of dural mast cells through CB2 receptors. Selective ligands targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors may provide novel and effective treatment strategies against migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kilinc
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Seyit Ankarali
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Ethem Torun
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Yasar Dagistan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Neurosurgery, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
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46
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Ghanbari MM, Joneidi M, Kiani B, Babaie J, Sayyah M. Cannabinoid receptors and the proconvulsant effect of toxoplasmosis in mice. Microb Pathog 2020; 144:104204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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47
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Ruthirakuhan M, Herrmann N, Andreazza AC, Verhoeff NPLG, Gallagher D, Black SE, Kiss A, Lanctôt KL. Agitation, Oxidative Stress, and Cytokines in Alzheimer Disease: Biomarker Analyses From a Clinical Trial With Nabilone for Agitation. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2020; 33:175-184. [PMID: 31547752 DOI: 10.1177/0891988719874118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been a target of interest for agitation in Alzheimer disease (AD) because of potential behavioral effects and its potential impact on mechanisms implicated in AD such as oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation. We explored whether serum markers of OS and neuroinflammation were associated with response to the cannabinoid nabilone in agitated patients with AD (N = 38). All participants were enrolled in a 14-week, double-blind, cross-over trial comparing nabilone to placebo (6 weeks each) with a 1-week washout between phases. Samples were collected at the start and end of each phase. The cross-sectional relationship agitation (Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory) and OS and inflammatory markers were investigated to select markers of interest. Significant markers were then explored for their relationship with response. The OS marker, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE; F1, 35 = 6.41, P = .016), and the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; F1, 29 = 3.97, P = .06), were associated with agitation severity, and TNF-α remained significantly associated (F2, 25 = 3.69, P = .04) after adjustment for cognition. In the placebo phase, lower baseline 4-HNE was associated with decreases in agitation severity only (b = 0.01, P = .01), while lower baseline TNF-α was associated with decreases in agitation severity in the nabilone phase only (b = 1.14, P = .045). Changes in 4-HNE were not associated with changes in agitation severity in either phase. In the nabilone phase, lower baseline TNF-α was associated with decreases in agitation severity (b = 1.14, P = .045), and decreases in TNF-α were associated with decreases in agitation severity (b = 1.12, P = .006). These findings suggest that OS and neuroinflammation may be associated with agitation severity, while nabilone may have anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myuri Ruthirakuhan
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana C Andreazza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolaas Paul L G Verhoeff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Baycrest Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Damien Gallagher
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Reddy V, Grogan D, Ahluwalia M, Salles ÉL, Ahluwalia P, Khodadadi H, Alverson K, Nguyen A, Raju SP, Gaur P, Braun M, Vale FL, Costigliola V, Dhandapani K, Baban B, Vaibhav K. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: a predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine-directed approach to the management of brain pathologies. EPMA J 2020; 11:217-250. [PMID: 32549916 PMCID: PMC7272537 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-020-00203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis-inspired medical products are garnering increasing attention from the scientific community, general public, and health policy makers. A plethora of scientific literature demonstrates intricate engagement of the endocannabinoid system with human immunology, psychology, developmental processes, neuronal plasticity, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Despite the therapeutic potential, the adverse psychoactive effects and historical stigma, cannabinoids have limited widespread clinical application. Therefore, it is plausible to weigh carefully the beneficial effects of cannabinoids against the potential adverse impacts for every individual. This is where the concept of "personalized medicine" as a promising approach for disease prediction and prevention may take into the account. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the endocannabinoid system, including endocannabinoid metabolizing pathways, and will progress to a more in-depth discussion of the therapeutic interventions by endocannabinoids in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsi Reddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Dayton Grogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Meenakshi Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Pankaj Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Katelyn Alverson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Andy Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Srikrishnan P. Raju
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Pankaj Gaur
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Molly Braun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
- VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
| | - Fernando L. Vale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | | | - Krishnan Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
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Carloni S, Crinelli R, Palma L, Álvarez FJ, Piomelli D, Duranti A, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Synthetic Cannabinoid URB447 Reduces Brain Injury and the Associated White Matter Demyelination after Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1291-1299. [PMID: 32271539 PMCID: PMC7997380 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
The number of functions controlled
by the endocannabinoid system
in health and disease continues growing over the years. In the brain,
these include the modulation of harmful events such as glutamate excitotoxicity,
oxidative stress, and inflammation, mainly regulated by activation/blockade
of CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. In the present
work, we evaluated the capacity of the CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist synthetic cannabinoid URB447 on reducing neurodegeneration
after brain injury. By using a model of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in neonatal
rats, we found that URB447 strongly reduced brain injury when administered
before HI. A comparable effect was observed with the CB1 antagonist SR141716A, whereas the CB1 agonist WIN-55,212-2
reduced the effect of URB447. When administered 3 h after HI, which
is considered a clinically feasible therapeutic window to treat perinatal
brain injury in humans, URB447 reduced neurodegeneration and white
matter damage. Markers of astrogliosis and microglial activation also
appeared reduced. These results confirm the important role played
by the endocannabinoid system in the neurodegenerative process and
strongly encourage further research into the mechanisms of URB447-induced
neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Linda Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francisco J. Álvarez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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50
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Alves P, Amaral C, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Cannabis sativa: Much more beyond Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104822. [PMID: 32335286 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide and its medicinal use is under discussion, being regulated in several countries. However, the psychotropic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa, are of concern. Thus, the interest in the isolated constituents without psychotropic activity, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) is growing. CBD and CBDV are lipophilic molecules with poor oral bioavailability and are mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The pharmacodynamics of CBD is the best explored, being able to interact with diverse molecular targets, like cannabinoid receptors, G protein-coupled receptor-55, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Considering the therapeutic potential, several clinical trials are underway to study the efficacy of CBD and CBDV in different pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders and pain conditions. The anti-cancer properties of CBD have also been demonstrated by several pre-clinical studies in different types of tumour cells. Although less studied, CBDV, a structural analogue of CBD, is receiving attention in the last years. CBDV exhibits anticonvulsant properties and, currently, clinical trials are underway for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Despite the benefits of these phytocannabinoids, it is important to highlight their potential interference with relevant physiologic mechanisms. In fact, CBD interactions with CYP450 enzymes and with drug efflux transporters may have serious consequences when co-administered with other drugs. This review summarizes the therapeutic advances of CBD and CBDV and explores some aspects of their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and possible interactions. Moreover, it also highlights the therapeutic potential of CBD and CBDV in several medical conditions and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal.
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