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Maglaviceanu A, Peer M, Rockel J, Bonin RP, Fitzcharles MA, Ladha KS, Bhatia A, Leroux T, Kotra L, Kapoor M, Clarke H. The State of Synthetic Cannabinoid Medications for the Treatment of Pain. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:597-612. [PMID: 38951463 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds made in the laboratory to structurally and functionally mimic phytocannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) can signal via the classical endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) and the greater endocannabidiome network, highlighting their signalling complexity and far-reaching effects. Dronabinol and nabilone, which mimic THC signalling, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, there is ongoing interest in these two drugs as potential analgesics for a variety of other clinical conditions, including neuropathic pain, spasticity-related pain, and nociplastic pain syndromes including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain, among others. In this review, we highlight the signalling mechanisms of FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids, discuss key clinical trials that investigate their analgesic potential, and illustrate challenges faced when bringing synthetic cannabinoids to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Maglaviceanu
- Division of Orthopaedics, Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Miki Peer
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Sinai Health System, and Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Rockel
- Division of Orthopaedics, Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Department of Rheumatology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Karim S Ladha
- Department of Anesthesia, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto Western Hospital-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Leroux
- Division of Orthopaedics, Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lakshmi Kotra
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Division of Orthopaedics, Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hance Clarke
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesia, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Transitional Pain Service, Pain Research Unit, Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
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D'Andre S, Novotny P, Walters C, Lewis-Peters S, Thomé S, Tofthagen CS, Giridhar KV, Loprinzi C. Topical Cannabidiol for Established Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 39016024 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0253] [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: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients have been known to use cannabinoids for treating established chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) based on anecdotal information and retrospective reports suggesting that such might be beneficial. In response, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical trial was developed to evaluate whether resultant data would support a phase III trial for testing whether a cannabidiol (CBD) cream might improve CIPN. Methods: Forty patients with established CIPN were randomized, in a double-blinded manner, to topical CBD or a placebo cream. The study product was applied for 2 weeks, followed by a crossover for 2 weeks. Neuropathy was evaluated using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-CIPN20, the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and the Global Impression of Change instruments. Side effects were recorded by symptom diaries. Results: The EORTC-CIPN20 scores were similar in the patients receiving CBD versus the placebo. Likewise, the toxicity scores were similar in patients who received the CBD versus the placebo. Conclusions: This pilot trial did not support that the studied CBD isolate cream improved painful established CIPN. It was well tolerated overall. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05388058.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy D'Andre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul Novotny
- Department of Statistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Camille Walters
- Department of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Stephan Thomé
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Charles Loprinzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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3
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Han Y, Dong Q, Peng J, Li B, Sun C, Ma C. Laminar Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in the Prefrontal Cortex of Nonhuman Primates. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1-12. [PMID: 38062346 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03828-4] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis is an annual herb of the genus Cannabis, with a history of medical use going back thousands of years. However, its abuse causes many side-effects, including confusion of consciousness, alienation, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Research conducted on rodents suggests that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors-cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). CB1R is found mostly in the central nervous system, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and alterations in its expression in the PFC have been strongly linked to mental disorders. Within the layers of the PFC, Brodmann area 46 is associated with the processing of complex cognitive information. However, it remains unclear whether CB1R is expressed in the PFC 46 area of non-human primate. In this work, we applied western blotting along with immunofluorescent histochemical staining to investigate the distribution pattern of CB1R in the PFC of nonhuman primate, Our findings reveal that CB1R is highly expressed in the monkey PFC, especially in area 46. Furthermore, CB1R exhibits a layered distribution pattern within area 46 of the PFC, with the inner granular layer displaying the highest expression levels. Additionally, CB1R+PV+ cells are widely distributed in lay II-VI of area 46, with layer IV showing notable prevalence. In conclusion, CB1R is distributed in the PV interneurons in area 46 of the prefrontal cortex, particularly in layer IV, suggesting that cannabis may modulate PFC activities via regulating interneuron in the PFC. And cannabis-induced side effects may be caused by abnormal expression of CB1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Han
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Qianyu Dong
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Jiyun Peng
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Baoming Li
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Chong Sun
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Chaolin Ma
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Sampaio L, Campos RMP, Karhson D, Iannotti FA. Editorial: Insights on cannabinoid translational science and medicine: the endocannabinoidome as a target for clinical practice. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1432892. [PMID: 38887370 PMCID: PMC11180839 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1432892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Sampaio
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Debra Karhson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
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Haller J. Herbal Cannabis and Depression: A Review of Findings Published over the Last Three Years. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:689. [PMID: 38931356 PMCID: PMC11206863 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060689] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Public perception contrasts scientific findings on the depression-related effects of cannabis. However, earlier studies were performed when cannabis was predominantly illegal, its production was mostly uncontrolled, and the idea of medical cannabis was incipient only. We hypothesized that recent changes in attitudes and legislations may have favorably affected research. In addition, publication bias against cannabis may have also decreased. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a review of research studies published over the last three years. We found 156 relevant research articles. In most cross-sectional studies, depression was higher in those who consumed cannabis than in those who did not. An increase in cannabis consumption was typically followed by an increase in depression, whereas withdrawal from cannabis ameliorated depression in most cases. Although medical cannabis reduced depression in most studies, none of these were placebo-controlled. In clinical studies published in the same period, the placebo also ameliorated depression and, in addition, the average effect size of the placebo was larger than the average effect size of medical cannabis. We also investigated the plausibility of the antidepressant effects of cannabis by reviewing molecular and pharmacological studies. Taken together, the reviewed findings do not support the antidepressant effects of herbal cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozsef Haller
- Drug Research Institute, 1137 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Criminal Psychology, Faculty of Law Enforcement, Ludovika University of Public Service, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Rebassa JB, Capó T, Lillo J, Raïch I, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Cannabinoid and Orexigenic Systems Interplay as a New Focus of Research in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5378. [PMID: 38791416 PMCID: PMC11121409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105378] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant health challenge, with an increasing prevalence globally. Recent research has aimed to deepen the understanding of the disease pathophysiology and to find potential therapeutic interventions. In this regard, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as novel potential therapeutic targets to palliate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Orexin and cannabinoid receptors are GPCRs capable of forming heteromeric complexes with a relevant role in the development of this disease. On the one hand, the hyperactivation of the orexins system has been associated with sleep-wake cycle disruption and Aβ peptide accumulation. On the other hand, cannabinoid receptor overexpression takes place in a neuroinflammatory environment, favoring neuroprotective effects. Considering the high number of interactions between cannabinoid and orexin systems that have been described, regulation of this interplay emerges as a new focus of research. In fact, in microglial primary cultures of APPSw/Ind mice model of AD there is an important increase in CB2R-OX1R complex expression, while OX1R antagonism potentiates the neuroprotective effects of CB2R. Specifically, pretreatment with the OX1R antagonist has been shown to strongly potentiate CB2R signaling in the cAMP pathway. Furthermore, the blockade of OX1R can also abolish the detrimental effects of OX1R overactivation in AD. In this sense, CB2R-OX1R becomes a new potential therapeutic target to combat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Biel Rebassa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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7
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DeGregorio MW, Kao CJ, Wurz GT. Complexity of Translating Analytics to Recent Cannabis Use and Impairment. J AOAC Int 2024; 107:493-505. [PMID: 38410076 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
While current analytical methodologies can readily identify cannabis use, definitively establishing recent use within the impairment window has proven to be far more complex, requiring a new approach. Recent studies have shown no direct relationship between impairment and Δ9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentrations in blood or saliva, making legal "per se" Δ9-THC limits scientifically unjustified. Current methods that focus on Δ9-THC and/or metabolite concentrations in blood, saliva, urine, or exhaled breath can lead to false-positive results for recent use due to the persistence of Δ9-THC well outside of the typical 3-4 h window of potential impairment following cannabis inhalation. There is also the issue of impairment due to other intoxicating substances-just because a subject exhibits signs of impairment and cannabis use is detected does not rule out the involvement of other drugs. Compounding the matter is the increasing popularity of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp in the United States. Many of these products contain varying levels of Δ9-THC, which can lead to false-positive tests for cannabis use. Furthermore, hemp-derived CBD is used to synthesize Δ8-THC, which possesses psychoactive properties similar to Δ9-THC and is surrounded by legal controversy. For accuracy, analytical methods must be able to distinguish the various THC isomers, which have identical masses and exhibit immunological cross-reactivity. A new testing approach has been developed based on exhaled breath and blood sampling that incorporates kinetic changes and the presence of key cannabinoids to detect recent cannabis use within the impairment window without the false-positive results seen with other methods. The complexity of determining recent cannabis use that may lead to impairment demands such a comprehensive method so that irresponsible users can be accurately detected without falsely accusing responsible users who may unjustly suffer harsh, life-changing consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W DeGregorio
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
- Professor Emeritus, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Chiao-Jung Kao
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
| | - Gregory T Wurz
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
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8
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Teixeira SP, Nascimento IC, Grejo MP, Leite VG, Machado SR. The putative cannabinoid-secreting trichome of Trema micrantha (L.) Blume (Cannabaceae). PROTOPLASMA 2024; 261:463-475. [PMID: 37999805 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-023-01907-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Trema, a genus of the popularly known Cannabaceae, has recently been the subject of cannabinoid bioprospection. T. micrantha is a tree with pharmacological potential widely used in folk medicine. It has two types of glandular trichomes, bulbous and filiform, spread throughout the plant body. Considering the proximity of this species to Cannabis sativa and Trema orientalis, species containing cannabinoids, the glandular trichomes of T. micrantha are also expected to be related to the secretion of these compounds. Thus, this study aims to detail the morphology of secretory trichomes during the synthesis, storing and release of metabolites in T. micrantha. We tested the proposition that they could be a putative type of cannabinoid-secreting gland. Pistillate and staminate flowers and leaves were collected and processed for ontogenic, histochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Both types of glandular trichomes originate from a protodermal cell. They are putative cannabinoid-secreting sites because: (1) terpene-phenols and, more specifically, cannabinoids were detected in situ; (2) their secretory subcellular apparatus is consistent with that found in C. sativa: modified plastids, polyribosomes, an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, and a moniliform smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Plastids and smooth endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the synthesis of terpenes, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum acts in the phenolic synthesis. These substances cross the plasma membrane by exocytosis and are released outside the trichome through cuticle pores. The study of the cell biology of the putative cannabinoid glands can promote the advancement of prospecting for natural products in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pádua Teixeira
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Do Café, S/N, Ribeirão Preto, SP14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Isabel Cristina Nascimento
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Do Café, S/N, Ribeirão Preto, SP14040-903, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Marina Priolo Grejo
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Gonçalves Leite
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Do Café, S/N, Ribeirão Preto, SP14040-903, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Do Jardim Botânico Do Rio de Janeiro, DIPEQ, Rua Pacheco Leão, 915, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22460-030, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Rodrigues Machado
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Insituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Botucatu, SP, 18618-970, Brazil
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9
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Dutta S, Shukla D. Characterization of binding kinetics and intracellular signaling of new psychoactive substances targeting cannabinoid receptor using transition-based reweighting method. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.29.560261. [PMID: 37873328 PMCID: PMC10592854 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) targeting cannabinoid receptor 1 pose a significant threat to society as recreational abusive drugs that have pronounced physiological side effects. These greater adverse effects compared to classical cannabinoids have been linked to the higher downstream β-arrestin signaling. Thus, understanding the mechanism of differential signaling will reveal important structure-activity relationship essential for identifying and potentially regulating NPS molecules. In this study, we simulate the slow (un)binding process of NPS MDMB-Fubinaca and classical cannabinoid HU-210 from CB1 using multi-ensemble simulation to decipher the effects of ligand binding dynamics on downstream signaling. The transition-based reweighing method is used for the estimation of transition rates and underlying thermodynamics of (un)binding processes of ligands with nanomolar affinities. Our analyses reveal major interaction differences with transmembrane TM7 between NPS and classical cannabinoids. A variational autoencoder-based approach, neural relational inference (NRI), is applied to assess the allosteric effects on intracellular regions attributable to variations in binding pocket interactions. NRI analysis indicate a heightened level of allosteric control of NPxxY motif for NPS-bound receptors, which contributes to the higher probability of formation of a crucial triad interaction (Y7.53-Y5.58-T3.46) necessary for stronger β-arrestin signaling. Hence, in this work, MD simulation, data-driven statistical methods, and deep learning point out the structural basis for the heightened physiological side effects associated with NPS, contributing to efforts aimed at mitigating their public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumajit Dutta
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801
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10
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Gobira PH, Joca SR, Moreira FA. Roles of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the modulation of psychostimulant responses. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:67-77. [PMID: 35993329 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2022.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, D-amphetamine, and methamphetamine, is a public health issue that substantially contributes to the global burden of disease. Psychostimulant drugs promote an increase in dopamine levels within the mesocorticolimbic system, which is central to the rewarding properties of such drugs. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) are expressed in the main areas of this system and implicated in the neuronal mechanisms underlying the rewarding effect of psychostimulant drugs. Here, we reviewed studies focusing on pharmacological intervention targeting cannabinoid CB1R and CB2R and their interaction in the modulation of psychostimulant responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Gobira
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - S R Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - F A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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11
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Liktor-Busa E, Largent-Milnes TM. Natural Products Derived from Cannabis sativa for Pain Management. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38509238 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest medicinal plants in human history. Even ancient physicians from hundreds of years ago used Cannabis sativa to treat several conditions like pain. In the modern era, the research community, including health-care providers, have witnessed wide-scale changes in cannabis policy, legislation, and marketing, with a parallel increase in patient interest. A simple search in PubMed using "cannabis and pain" as keywords provides more than 2,400 articles, about 80% of which were published in the last 8-10 years. Several advancements have been achieved in understanding the complex chemistry of cannabis along with its multiple pharmacological activities. Preclinical data have demonstrated evidence for the promising potential of cannabis for pain management, and the continuous rise in the prevalence of pain increases the urgency to translate this into clinical practice. Despite the large body of cannabis literature, researchers still need to find rigorous answers for the questions about the efficacy and safety of cannabis in treatment of certain disorders such as pain. In the current chapter, we seek to present a critical overview about the current knowledge on cannabis with special emphasis on pain-related disorders.
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12
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Zeng F, Wade A, Harbert K, Patel S, Holley JS, Dehghanpuor CK, Hopwood T, Marino S, Sophocleous A, Idris AI. Classical cannabinoid receptors as target in cancer-induced bone pain: a systematic review, meta-analysis and bioinformatics validation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5782. [PMID: 38461339 PMCID: PMC10924854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56220-0] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological modulation of the classical cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors attenuate cancer-induced bone pain, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant skeletal and non-skeletal cancer studies from inception to July 28, 2022. We identified 29 animal and 35 human studies. In mice, a meta-analysis of pooled studies showed that treatment of osteolysis-bearing males with the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG (mean difference [MD] - 24.83, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] - 34.89, - 14.76, p < 0.00001) or the synthetic cannabinoid (CB) agonists ACPA, WIN55,212-2, CP55,940 (CB1/2-non-selective) and AM1241 (CB2-selective) (MD - 28.73, 95%CI - 45.43, - 12.02, p = 0.0008) are associated with significant reduction in paw withdrawal frequency. Consistently, the synthetic agonists AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal threshold (MD 0.89, 95%CI 0.79, 0.99, p < 0.00001), and ACEA (CB1-selective), AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) reduced spontaneous flinches (MD - 4.85, 95%CI - 6.74, - 2.96, p < 0. 00001) in osteolysis-bearing male mice. In rats, significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold is associated with the administration of ACEA and WIN55,212-2 (CB1/2-non-selective), JWH015 and AM1241 (CB2-selective) in osteolysis-bearing females (MD 8.18, 95%CI 6.14, 10.21, p < 0.00001), and treatment with AM1241 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal thermal latency in males (mean difference [MD]: 3.94, 95%CI 2.13, 5.75, p < 0.0001), confirming the analgesic capabilities of CB1/2 ligands in rodents. In human, treatment of cancer patients with medical cannabis (standardized MD - 0.19, 95%CI - 0.35, - 0.02, p = 0.03) and the plant-derived delta-9-THC (20 mg) (MD 3.29, CI 2.24, 4.33, p < 0.00001) or its synthetic derivative NIB (4 mg) (MD 2.55, 95%CI 1.58, 3.51, p < 0.00001) are associated with reduction in pain intensity. Bioinformatics validation of KEGG, GO and MPO pathway, function and process enrichment analysis of mouse, rat and human data revealed that CB1 and CB2 receptors are enriched in a cocktail of nociceptive and sensory perception, inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and cancer pathways. Thus, we cautiously conclude that pharmacological modulators of CB1/2 receptors show promise in the treatment of cancer-induced bone pain, however further assessment of their effects on bone pain in genetically engineered animal models and cancer patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Zeng
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Abbie Wade
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Kade Harbert
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Shrina Patel
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Joshua S Holley
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Cornelia K Dehghanpuor
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Thomas Hopwood
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), BioMed II, 238-2, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Antonia Sophocleous
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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13
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Bardhi K, Coates S, Chen G, Lazarus P. Cannabinoid-Induced Stereoselective Inhibition of R-S-Oxazepam Glucuronidation: Cannabinoid-Oxazepam Drug Interactions. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:243. [PMID: 38399297 PMCID: PMC10892093 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020243] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) such as oxazepam are commonly prescribed depressant drugs known for their anxiolytic, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects and are frequently used in conjunction with other illicit drugs including cannabis. Oxazepam is metabolized in an enantiomeric-specific manner by glucuronidation, with S-oxazepam metabolized primarily by UGT2B15 and R-oxazepam glucuronidation mediated by both UGT 1A9 and 2B7. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of major cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and major THC metabolites, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-COOH-THC), on the UGT-mediated metabolism of R- and S-oxazepam. The cannabinoids and metabolites were screened as inhibitors of R- and S-oxazepam glucuronidation in microsomes isolated from HEK293 cells overexpressing individual UGT enzymes (rUGTs). The IC50 values were determined in human liver microsomes (HLM), human kidney microsomes (HKM), and rUGTs and utilized to estimate the nonspecific, binding-corrected Ki (Ki,u) values and predict the area under the concentration-time curve ratio (AUCR). The estimated Ki,u values observed in HLM for S- and R-oxazepam glucuronidation by CBD, 11-OH-THC, and THC were in the micromolar range (0.82 to 3.7 µM), with the Ki,u values observed for R-oxazepam glucuronidation approximately 2- to 5-fold lower as compared to those observed for S-oxazepam glucuronidation. The mechanistic static modeling predicted a potential clinically significant interaction between oral THC and CBD with oxazepam, with the AUCR values ranging from 1.25 to 3.45. These data suggest a pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction when major cannabinoids like CBD or THC and oxazepam are concurrently administered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Philip Lazarus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
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14
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Alaia MJ, Li ZI, Chalem I, Hurley ET, Vasavada K, Gonzalez-Lomas G, Rokito AS, Jazrawi LM, Kaplan K. Cannabidiol for Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Deficits in Patient-Reported Outcomes Versus Placebo: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthop J Sports Med 2024; 12:23259671231222265. [PMID: 38322981 PMCID: PMC10846110 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231222265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown recently to positively affect patient pain and satisfaction immediately after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). However, it is unclear whether the addition of CBD to a perioperative regimen could affect postoperative outcomes. Purpose To evaluate patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent ARCR and received buccally absorbed CBD or an identical placebo for early postoperative pain management at 1-year follow-up. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods Eligible patients had previously participated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded trial that evaluated the analgesic effects of CBD in the immediate postoperative period after ARCR. The experimental group received 25 mg of CBD 3 times/day if <80 kg and 50 mg of CBD 3 times/day if >80 kg for 14 days, with the control group receiving an identical placebo. The following outcomes were assessed at minimum 1-year follow-up: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and patient satisfaction. The rates of achievement of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were compared based on ASES at latest follow-up. Continuous and categorical variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test, respectively. Results Follow-up was obtained from 83 of 99 patients (83.8%) who completed the original trial. There were no significant differences between the CBD and control groups with respect to age, sex, body mass index, rate of concomitant procedures, or number of anchors used intraoperatively. At 1-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between the CBD and control groups in VAS pain (0.8 vs 1.2, P = .38), ASES (93.0 vs 91.1, P = .71), SANE (87.6 vs 90.1, P = .24), or satisfaction (97.4 vs 95.4, P = .41). A majority of patients achieved the PASS (81.0% [CBD] vs 77.5% [control]; P = .79). Conclusion Perioperative use of CBD for pain control among patients undergoing ARCR did not result in any significant deficits in pain, satisfaction, or patient-reported outcomes at 1-year postoperatively compared with a placebo control group. These findings suggest that CBD can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without detrimental effects on outcome. Registration NCT04672252 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Alaia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zachary I. Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Isabel Chalem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eoghan T. Hurley
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kinjal Vasavada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew S. Rokito
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laith M. Jazrawi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Kaplan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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15
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Mokoena D, George BP, Abrahamse H. Cannabidiol Combination Enhances Photodynamic Therapy Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:187. [PMID: 38247877 PMCID: PMC10814799 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020187] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is a well-known plant for its psychoactive effects; however, its many derivatives, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), contain several therapeutic applications. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main cannabis derivative responsible for psychoactive properties, while CBD is non-psychotropic. For this reason, CBD has been more exploited in the last decade. CBD has been connected to multiple anticancer properties, and when combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is possible to eradicate tumors more effectively. In this study, CBD was utilized to treat MCF-7 breast cancer cells, followed by in vitro PDT combination therapy. Conventional breast cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. have been reported for inducing a number of undesirable side effects, recurrence of the disease, and low quality of life. In this study, cells were exposed to varying concentrations of CBD (i.e., 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) and incubated 12 and 24 h after treatment. The optimal doses were then used in combination therapy. Morphology and biochemical assays, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for membrane integrity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for viability, and trypan blue exclusion assay for viability, were used to examine cellular responses after treatments. The optimal concentration was then utilized in Hypericin-Gold nanoparticles mediated PDT combination. The results revealed that, in a dose-dependent manner, conventional morphological characteristics of cell death, such as vacuolization, blebbing, and floating were observed in treated cells. The biochemical responses demonstrated an increase in LDH, a decrease in ATP, and a reduction in viability. This study demonstrated that CBD induces cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells cultured in vitro. The immunofluorescence results of combination therapy indicated that cell death occurred via apoptosis. In conclusion, this study proposes that the CBD and PDT combination therapy is effective in killing MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro by induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; (D.M.); (B.P.G.)
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16
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Young B, Zhang YV. A Direct Dilute-and-Shoot HPLC-MS/MS Method for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Metabolites. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2737:435-442. [PMID: 38036844 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3541-4_40] [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: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The Cannabis plant has been smoked for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid, and the properties of other cannabinoids are becoming better understood. Due to increased exposure, hospitals and clinics will need access to rapid and accurate THC testing procedures to better inform patients and improve care. A rapid and reliable HPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative assessment of two THC metabolites (THC-COOH and THC-COO(Gluc)). The chromatographic separation was done using a short (50 × 4.6 mm) phenyl-hexyl column with positive ESI mass spectrometry analysis. To reduce interferences and improve quantitation, the assay was run using multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was shown to be precise (<15% CV with-in day & between day), accurate (±20%) and linear (>R2 0.99) within the range of 25-8000 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy Young
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Y Victoria Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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17
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Baginski SR, Rautio T, Nisbet LA, Lindbom K, Wu X, Dahlén J, McKenzie C, Gréen H. The metabolic profile of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist ADB-HEXINACA using human hepatocytes, LC-QTOF-MS and synthesized reference standards. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:826-834. [PMID: 37747838 PMCID: PMC10714907 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain a major public health concern, with their use implicated in intoxications and drug-related deaths worldwide. Increasing our systematic understanding of SCRA metabolism supports clinical and forensic toxicology casework, facilitating the timely identification of analytical targets for toxicological screening procedures and confirmatory analysis. This is particularly important as new SCRAs continue to emerge on the illicit drug market. In this work, the metabolism of ADB-HEXINACA (ADB-HINACA, N-[1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-hexyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide), which has increased in prevalence in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, was investigated using in vitro techniques. The (S)-enantiomer of ADB-HEXINACA was incubated with pooled human hepatocytes over 3 hours to identify unique and abundant metabolites using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In total, 16 metabolites were identified, resulting from mono-hydroxylation, di-hydroxylation, ketone formation (mono-hydroxylation then dehydrogenation), carboxylic acid formation, terminal amide hydrolysis, dihydrodiol formation, glucuronidation and combinations thereof. The majority of metabolism took place on the hexyl tail, forming ketone and mono-hydroxylated products. The major metabolite was the 5-oxo-hexyl product (M9), while the most significant mono-hydroxylation product was the 4-hydroxy-hexyl product (M8), both of which were confirmed by comparison to in-house synthesized reference standards. The 5-hydroxy-hexyl (M6) and 6-hydroxy-hexyl (M7) metabolites were not chromatographically resolved, and the 5-hydroxy-hexyl product was the second largest mono-hydroxylated metabolite. The structures of the terminal amide hydrolysis products without (M16, third largest metabolite) and with the 5-positioned ketone (M13) were also confirmed by comparison to synthesized reference standards, along with the 4-oxo-hexyl metabolite (M11). The 5-oxo-hexyl and 4-hydroxy-hexyl metabolites are suggested as biomarkers for ADB-HEXINACA consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Baginski
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Fleming Laboratory, Small’s Wynd, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Tobias Rautio
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Lorna A Nisbet
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Fleming Laboratory, Small’s Wynd, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Karin Lindbom
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Xiongyu Wu
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Johan Dahlén
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Fleming Laboratory, Small’s Wynd, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
- Chiron AS, Stiklestadveien 1, Trondheim 7041, Norway
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Artillerigatan 12, Linköping 587 58, Sweden
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18
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Sooda K, Allison SJ, Javid FA. Investigation of the cytotoxicity induced by cannabinoids on human ovarian carcinoma cells. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01152. [PMID: 38100640 PMCID: PMC10723784 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1152] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been shown to induce anti-tumor activity in a variety of carcinoma cells such as breast, prostate, and brain. The aim of the present study is to investigate the anti-tumor activity of cannabinoids, CBD (cannbidiol), and CBG (cannabigerol) in ovarian carcinoma cells sensitive and resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. Sensitive A2780 cells and resistant A2780/CP70 carcinoma cells and non-carcinoma cells were exposed to varying concentrations of CBD, CBG, carboplatin or CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, AM251 and AM630, respectively, alone or in combination, at different exposure times and cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. The mechanism of action of CBD and CB in inducing cytotoxicity was investigated involving a variety of apoptotic and cell cycle assays. Treatment with CBD and CBG selectively, dose and time dependently reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis. The effect of CBD was stronger than CBG in all cell lines tested. Both CBD and CBG induced stronger cytotoxicity than afforded by carboplatin in resistant cells. The cytotoxicity induced by CBD was not CB1 or CB2 receptor dependent in both carcinoma cells, however, CBG-induced cytotoxicity may involve CB1 receptor activity in cisplatin-resistant carcinoma cells. A synergistic effect was observed when cannabinoids at sublethal doses were combined with carboplatin in both carcinoma cells. The apoptotic event may involve loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, Annexin V, caspase 3/7, ROS activities, and cell cycle arrest. Further studies are required to investigate whether these results are translatable in the clinic. Combination therapies with conventional cancer treatments using cannabinoids are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartheek Sooda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Simon J. Allison
- Department of Biological & Geographical Sciences, School of Applied SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Farideh A. Javid
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
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19
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Carmona Rendón Y, Garzón HS, Bueno-Silva B, Arce RM, Suárez LJ. Cannabinoids in Periodontology: Where Are We Now? Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1687. [PMID: 38136721 PMCID: PMC10740419 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabinoids are a well-documented treatment modality for various immune and inflammatory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn's disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and a range of neurodegenerative conditions. However, limited information is available regarding the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in treating periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to analyze the current evidence on the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of cannabis and its role in the healing and regeneration processes within periodontal tissues. RESULTS This review discusses the potential role of cannabinoids in restoring periodontal tissue homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS The examination of the endocannabinoid system and the physiological effects of cannabinoids in the periodontium suggests that they possess immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties, which could potentially promote proper tissue healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yésica Carmona Rendón
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Hernán Santiago Garzón
- Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba 13414-903, Brazil;
| | - Roger M. Arce
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Hygiene, University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Lina Janeth Suárez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Centro de Investigaciones Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
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20
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Spitzer S, Wloka J, Pietruszka J, Kayser O. Generation of Cannabigerolic Acid Derivatives and Their Precursors by Using the Promiscuity of the Aromatic Prenyltransferase NphB. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300441. [PMID: 37690998 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300441] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
NphB is an aromatic prenyltransferase with high promiscuity for phenolics including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and plant polyketides. It has been demonstrated that cannabigerolic acid is successfully formed by the reaction catalysed by NphB using geranyl diphosphate and olivetolic acid as substrates. In this study, the substrate specificity of NphB was further determined by using olivetolic acid derivatives as potential substrates for the formation of new synthetic cannabinoids. The derivatives differ in the hydrocarbon chain attached to C6 of the core structure. We performed in silico experiments, including docking of olivetolic acid derivatives, to identify differences in their binding modes. Substrate acceptance was predicted. Based on these results, a library of olivetolic acid derivatives was constructed and synthesized by using different organic synthetic routes. Conversion was monitored in in vitro assays with purified NphB versions. For the substrates leading to a high conversion olivetolic acid-C8, olivetolic acid-C2 and 2-benzyl-4,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, the products were further elucidated and identified as cannbigerolic acid derivatives. Therefore, these substrates show potential to be adapted in cannabinoid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Spitzer
- Technical Biochemistry Laboratory, Technical University Dortmund, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jasmin Wloka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jörg Pietruszka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Technical Biochemistry Laboratory, Technical University Dortmund, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
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21
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Noone J, Rooney MF, Karavyraki M, Yates A, O’Sullivan SE, Porter RK. Cancer-Cachexia-Induced Human Skeletal Muscle Myotube Degeneration Is Prevented via Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonism In Vitro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1580. [PMID: 38004445 PMCID: PMC10675367 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111580] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cachexia syndrome, leading to reduced skeletal muscle and fat mass, is highly prevalent in cancer patients, resulting in further negative implications for these patients. To date, there is no approved therapy for cachexia syndrome. The objective of this study was to establish an in vitro model of cancer cachexia in mature human skeletal muscle myotubes, with the intention of exploiting the cell model to assess potential cachexia therapeutics, specifically cannabinoid related drugs. Having cultured and differentiated primary human muscle myoblasts to mature myotubes, we successfully established two cancer cachexia models using conditioned media (CM) from human colon adenocarcinoma (SW480) and from non-small-cell lung carcinoma (H1299) cultured cells. The cancer-CM-induced extensive myotube degeneration, demonstrated by a significant reduction in mature myotube diameter, which progressed over the period studied. Myotube degeneration is a characteristic feature of cancer cachexia and was used in this study as an index of cachexia. Expression of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) was confirmed in the mature human skeletal muscle myotubes. Subsequently, the effect of cannabinoid compounds on this myotube degeneration were assessed. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial CB1R/CB2R agonist, and JWH133, a selective CB2R agonist, proved efficacious in protecting mature human myotubes from the deleterious effects of both (SW480 and H1299) cancer cachexia conditions. ART27.13, a full, peripherally selective CB1R/CB2R agonist, currently being trialled in cancer cachexia (IRAS ID 278450, REC 20/NE/0198), was also significantly protective against myotube degeneration in both (SW480 and H1299) cancer cachexia conditions. Furthermore, the addition of the CB2R antagonist AM630, but not the CB1R antagonist Rimonabant, abolished the protective effect of ART27.13. In short, we have established a convenient and robust in vitro model of cancer-induced human skeletal muscle cachexia. The data obtained using the model demonstrate the therapeutic potential of ART27.13 in cancer-induced cachexia prevention and provides evidence indicating that this effect is via CB2R, and not CB1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Noone
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02R590 Dublin, Ireland; (J.N.); (M.F.R.)
| | - Mary F. Rooney
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02R590 Dublin, Ireland; (J.N.); (M.F.R.)
| | - Marilena Karavyraki
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02R590 Dublin, Ireland; (J.N.); (M.F.R.)
| | - Andrew Yates
- Artelo Bioscience, Ltd., Alderly Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK (S.E.O.)
| | | | - Richard K. Porter
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02R590 Dublin, Ireland; (J.N.); (M.F.R.)
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22
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Haller J. Anxiety Modulation by Cannabinoids-The Role of Stress Responses and Coping. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15777. [PMID: 37958761 PMCID: PMC10650718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115777] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids were implicated in a variety of pathological conditions including anxiety and are considered promising new targets for anxiolytic drug development. The optimism concerning the potentials of this system for anxiolysis is probably justified. However, the complexity of the mechanisms affected by endocannabinoids, and discrepant findings obtained with various experimental approaches makes the interpretation of research results difficult. Here, we review the anxiety-related effects of the three main interventions used to study the endocannabinoid system: pharmacological agents active at endocannabinoid-binding sites present on both the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm, genetic manipulations targeting cannabinoid receptors, and function-enhancers represented by inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation and transport. Binding-site ligands provide inconsistent findings probably because they activate a multitude of mechanisms concomitantly. More robust findings were obtained with genetic manipulations and particularly with function enhancers, which heighten ongoing endocannabinoid activation rather than affecting all mechanisms indiscriminately. The enhancement of ongoing activity appears to ameliorate stress-induced anxiety without consistent effects on anxiety in general. Limited evidence suggests that this effect is achieved by promoting active coping styles in critical situations. These findings suggest that the functional enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling is a promising drug development target for stress-related anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Haller
- Drug Research Institute, 1137 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Criminal Psychology, University of Public Service, 1082 Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Teodoro R, Gündel D, Deuther-Conrad W, Kazimir A, Toussaint M, Wenzel B, Bormans G, Hey-Hawkins E, Kopka K, Brust P, Moldovan RP. Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationships, Radiofluorination, and Biological Evaluation of [ 18F]RM365, a Novel Radioligand for Imaging the Human Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2R) in the Brain with PET. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13991-14010. [PMID: 37816245 PMCID: PMC10614203 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation under various pathological conditions. Herein, we report on the synthesis of a series of CB2R affine fluorinated indole-2-carboxamide ligands. Compound RM365 was selected for PET radiotracer development due to its high CB2R affinity (Ki = 2.1 nM) and selectivity over CB1R (factor > 300). Preliminary in vitro evaluation of [18F]RM365 indicated species differences in the binding to CB2R (KD of 2.32 nM for the hCB2R vs KD > 10,000 nM for the rCB2R). Metabolism studies in mice revealed a high in vivo stability of [18F]RM365. PET imaging in a rat model of local hCB2R(D80N) overexpression in the brain demonstrates the ability of [18F]RM365 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R(D80N) with a high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [18F]RM365 is a very promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated hCB2R expression under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Teodoro
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Gündel
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Kazimir
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Magali Toussaint
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Barbara Wenzel
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical
Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evamarie Hey-Hawkins
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, TU Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Brust
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- The
Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rareş-Petru Moldovan
- Institute
of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,
Research Site Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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24
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Licciardi M, Utzeri E, Marchetti MF, Nissardi V, Cecchetto G, Montisci M, Montisci R. Syncope and Cannabis: hypervagotonia from chronic abuse? A case report and literature review. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:518. [PMID: 37875800 PMCID: PMC10598970 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03566-4] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most consumed drug worldwide and number of users is increasing, particularly among youth. Moreover, cannabis potential therapeutic properties have renewed interest to make it available as a treatment for a variety of conditions. Albeit rarely, cannabis consumption has been associated with cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction (MI) and potentially sudden death. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old woman presented to the emergency department sent by her cardiologist because of a recent finding of a 16 seconds asystole on the implantable loop recorder (ILR) she implanted 7 months before for recurrent syncopes. She declared that she is a heavy cannabis user (at least 5 cannabis-cigarette per day, not mixed up with tobacco, for no less than 12 years) and all syncopes occurred shortly after cannabis consumption. After a collective discussion with the heart team, syncope unit, electrophysiologists and toxicologist, we decided to implant a dual chamber pacemaker with a rate response algorithm due to the high risk of trauma of the syncopal episodes. 24 months follow-up period was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis cardiovascular effects are not well known and, although rare, among these we find ischemic episodes, tachyarrhythmias, symptomatic sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, ventricular asystole and possibly death. Because of cannabis growing consumption both for medical and recreational purpose, cardiovascular diseases associated with cannabis use may become more and more frequent. In the light of the poor literature, we believe that cannabis may produce opposite adverse effects depending on the duration of the habit. Acute administration increases sympathetic tone and reduces parasympathetic tone; conversely, with chronic intake an opposite effect is observed: repetitive dosing decreases sympathetic activity and increases parasympathetic activity. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of cardiovascular complications associated with cannabis use and should investigate its consumption especially in young patients presenting with cardiac dysrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Licciardi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Clinical Cardiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Utzeri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Clinical Cardiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Marchetti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Clinical Cardiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nissardi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Clinical Cardiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cecchetto
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Montisci
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Roberta Montisci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Clinical Cardiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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25
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Hempel B, Crissman M, Pari S, Klein B, Bi GH, Alton H, Xi ZX. PPARα and PPARγ are expressed in midbrain dopamine neurons and modulate dopamine- and cannabinoid-mediated behavior in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4203-4214. [PMID: 37479780 PMCID: PMC10799974 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a PPARγ agonist and some endocannabinoids are natural activators of PPARα and PPARγ. However, little is known regarding their cellular distributions in the brain and functional roles in cannabinoid action. Here, we first used RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry assays to examine the cellular distributions of PPARα and PPARγ expression in the mouse brain. We found that PPARα and PPARγ are expressed in ~70% of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In the amygdala, PPARα is expressed in ~60% of glutamatergic neurons, while PPARγ is expressed in ~60% of GABA neurons. However, no PPARα/γ signal was detected in GABA neurons in the nucleus accumbens. We then used a series of behavioral assays to determine the functional roles of PPARα/γ in the CNS effects of Δ9-THC. We found that optogenetic stimulation of midbrain DA neurons was rewarding as assessed by optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) in DAT-cre mice. Δ9-THC and a PPARγ (but not PPARα) agonist dose-dependently inhibited oICSS. Pretreatment with PPARα or PPARγ antagonists attenuated the Δ9-THC-induced reduction in oICSS and Δ9-THC-induced anxiogenic effects. In addition, a PPARγ agonist increased, while PPARα or PPARγ antagonists decreased open-field locomotion. Pretreatment with PPARα or PPARγ antagonists potentiated Δ9-THC-induced hypoactivity and catalepsy but failed to alter Δ9-THC-induced analgesia, hypothermia and immobility. These findings provide the first anatomical and functional evidence supporting an important role of PPARα/γ in DA-dependent behavior and cannabinoid action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Hempel
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Madeline Crissman
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sruti Pari
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Klein
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Alton
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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26
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Ibrahim EA, Radwan MM, Gul W, Majumdar CG, Hadad GM, Abdel Salam RA, Ibrahim AK, Ahmed SA, Chandra S, Lata H, ElSohly MA, Wanas AS. Quantitative Determination of Cannabis Terpenes Using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:899-910. [PMID: 36322895 PMCID: PMC10589468 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0188] [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: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis has a long history of being credited with centuries of healing powers for millennia. The cannabis plant is a rich source of cannabinoids and terpenes. Each cannabis chemovar exhibits a different flavor and aroma, which are determined by its terpene content. Methods: In this study, a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector method was developed and validated for the determination of the 10 major terpenes in the main three chemovars of Cannabis sativa L. with n-tridecane used as the internal standard following the standard addition method. The 10 major terpenes (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) are α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, linalool, α-terpineol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide. The method was validated according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines. Spike recovery studies for all terpenes were carried out on placebo cannabis material and indoor-growing high THC chemovar with authentic standards. Results: The method was linear over the calibration range of 1-100 μg/mL with r2>0.99 for all terpenes. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated to be 0.3 and 1.0 μg/mL, respectively, for all terpenes. The accuracy (%recovery) at all levels ranged from 89% to 104% and 90% to 111% for placebo and indoor-growing high THC chemovar, respectively. The repeatability and intermediate precision of the method were evaluated by the quantification of target terpenes in the three different C. sativa chemovars, resulting in acceptable relative standard deviations (less than 10%). Conclusions: The developed method is simple, sensitive, reproducible, and suitable for the detection and quantification of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in C. sativa biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsayed A. Ibrahim
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M. Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Waseem Gul
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Chandrani G. Majumdar
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Ghada M. Hadad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Randa A. Abdel Salam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amany K. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Safwat A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Suman Chandra
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Hemant Lata
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mahmoud A. ElSohly
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., Oxford, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Amira S. Wanas
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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27
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Ullah I, Ayaz M. A re-consideration of neural/receptor mechanisms in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: current scenario and future perspective. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1126-1137. [PMID: 37584820 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00514-z] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The neural mechanisms and the receptors behind the course of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are well described and considered mechanistically multifactorial, whereas the neurobiology of nausea is not completely understood yet. Some of the anti-neoplastic medications like cisplatin result in biphasic vomiting response. The acute phase of vomiting is triggered mainly via the release of serotonin from the enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and results in stimulation of dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the vomiting center and the vomiting is initiated by downward communication to the gut via vagal efferents. Agonism of 5HT3 receptors is majorly involved in the mediation of the acute phase. Therefore, antagonists at 5HT3 receptors are effective in the management of acute-phase vomiting episodes. Likewise, Dopamine type 2 (D2) receptors, dopamine neurotransmitter, Muscarinic receptors (M3), GLP1 receptors, and histaminergic receptors (H1) are also implicated in the vomiting act as well. In continuation, Cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors are also recommended and included in the guidelines as agonism of presynaptically located CB1 receptors inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters responsible for vomiting initiation. The delayed phase involves the release of "Substance P" in the gut and results in the stimulation of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors centrally in the area postrema (AP) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), subsequently the vomiting response. The current understanding is the existence of overlapping mechanisms of neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, and substance P throughout the time course of CINV. Furthermore, the emetic neurotransmitters are released via calcium ion (Ca++)-dependent mechanisms, implicating the molecular targets of intracellular Ca++ signaling in emetic circuitry. The current review entails the neurobiology of nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapeutic agents and the recent approaches in the management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsan Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Swabi, Anbar, Swabi, 23430, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Dir (L), Chakdara, 18000, KP, Pakistan.
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28
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Li ZI, Chalem I, Berzolla E, Vasavada KD, DeClouette B, Kaplan KM, Alaia MJ. Perceptions and Opinions on Cannabidiol in the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Community. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231191766. [PMID: 37745814 PMCID: PMC10517622 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231191766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabidiol (CBD) is a known pain modulator that is garnering increased attention in the orthopaedic world. There may be a considerable knowledge gap among orthopaedic sports medicine providers and their perception of its therapeutic value. Purpose To (1) examine the knowledge and beliefs of sports medicine orthopaedic providers with respect to CBD, (2) deliver an educational component, and (3) elucidate potential barriers to its widespread application. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods A 3-component, 25-question online survey was distributed to members of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America between July and October 2022. The first 20 questions assessed baseline knowledge and opinions regarding CBD, followed by an educational component, and then 5 questions assessing whether the respondents' opinions had changed after learning more about CBD. Responses were compared according to age, practice setting, and state's cannabinoid legalization status using the chi-square test, and changes in opinions from before to after the educational component were compared using the paired t test. Results There were 101 survey responses, for a response rate of approximately 1%. Most respondents believed that there is a role for CBD in postoperative pain management (76%), acute pain and inflammation after an injury (62%), and chronic pain (94%). Most respondents admitted that they were not knowledgeable about the mechanism of action (89%) or their state's laws (66%) concerning CBD. A minority (25%) believed that CBD has psychoactive properties. While most respondents (76%) did not believe that they would be stigmatized if they were to suggest CBD to a patient, only 48% had ever suggested CBD. Notably, 94% of respondents had encountered patients who reported trying CBD to treat pain. After reading the fact sheet, 51% of respondents stated that their opinion on CBD had changed, and 63% felt inclined to investigate the topic further. Conclusion Most survey respondents believed that CBD has a role in postoperative and chronic pain management. Although there was a relative familiarity with CBD, there was a knowledge gap, suggesting that increased attention, education, and research are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary I. Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Isabel Chalem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Berzolla
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kinjal D. Vasavada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brittany DeClouette
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin M. Kaplan
- Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael J. Alaia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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29
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Maia J, Fonseca BM, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Unveiling the angiogenic effects of cannabinoids: Enhancers or inhibitors? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115686. [PMID: 37463627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. Some can activate the cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2 (CB1 and CB2), that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), alongside the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes and is a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Synthetic cannabinoids, are associated with serious health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and death. Nonetheless, some of these molecules are also being explored for pharmacological applications. Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, crucial for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is associated with several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy and reproductive pathologies, such as preeclampsia. Recent data suggests that cannabinoids may affect angiogenesis. Here, we reviewed their impact on pro-angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix enzymes and inhibitors, immune-inflammatory responses, angiogenic pathways and functional assays, focusing on the main compounds for each cannabinoid class: THC and CBD for phytocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) for endocannabinoids and WIN-55, JWH-133, XLR-11, LYR-7 and LYR-8, for the synthetic cannabinoids. Despite conflicting reports about the actions of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids on angiogenesis, the ability to modulate the angiogenic process is undoubtedly confirmed. This may open a new therapeutical route for angiogenesis-related pathologies. In addition, synthetic cannabinoids present anti-angiogenic actions in several cell models, hinting their potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Maia
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - N Teixeira
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Biochemistry Lab., Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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30
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Eichler F, Poźniak B, Machnik M, Schenk I, Wingender A, Baudisch N, Thevis M, Bäumer W, Lischer C, Ehrle A. Pharmacokinetic modelling of orally administered cannabidiol and implications for medication control in horses. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1234551. [PMID: 37621871 PMCID: PMC10445762 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1234551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) products gain increasing popularity amongst animal owners and veterinarians as an alternative remedy for treatment of stress, inflammation or pain in horses. Whilst the use of cannabinoids is banned in equine sports, there is limited information available concerning CBD detection times in blood or urine. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of CBD following oral administration in the horse to assist doping control laboratories with interpreting CBD analytical results. Part 1: dose escalation study: Single oral administration of three escalating doses of CBD paste (0.2 mg/kg, n = 3 horses; 1 mg/kg, n = 3; 3 mg/kg, n = 5) with >7 days wash-out periods in between. Part 2: multiple dose study: oral administration of CBD paste (3 mg/kg, n = 6) twice daily for 15 days. Multiple blood and urine samples were collected daily throughout both studies. Following study part 2, blood and urine samples were collected for 2 weeks to observe the elimination phase. Concentrations of CBD, its metabolites and further cannabinoids were evaluated using gas-chromatography/tandem-mass-spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed via two approaches: population pharmacokinetic analysis using a nonlinear mixed-effects model and non-compartmental analysis. AUC0-12 h and Cmax were tested for dose proportionality. During the elimination phase, the CBD steady-state urine to serum concentration ratio (Rss) was calculated. Oral CBD medication was well-tolerated in horses. Based on population pharmacokinetics, a three-compartment model with zero-order absorption most accurately described the pharmacokinetic properties of CBD. High volumes of distribution into peripheral compartments and high concentrations of 7-carboxy-CBD were observed in serum. Non-compartmental analysis identified a Cmax of 12.17 ± 2.08 ng/mL after single administration of CBD (dose: 3 mg/kg). AUC0-12 h showed dose proportionality, increase for Cmax leveled off at higher doses. Following multiple doses, the CBD terminal half-life was 161.29 ± 43.65 h in serum. Rss was 4.45 ± 1.04. CBD is extensively metabolized and shows high volumes of tissue distribution with a resulting extended elimination phase. Further investigation of the potential calming and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are required to determine cut-off values for medication control using the calculated Rss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Eichler
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Błażej Poźniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marc Machnik
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Schenk
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anke Wingender
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalie Baudisch
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bäumer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Lischer
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Ehrle
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Filipiuc SI, Neagu AN, Uritu CM, Tamba BI, Filipiuc LE, Tudorancea IM, Boca AN, Hâncu MF, Porumb V, Bild W. The Skin and Natural Cannabinoids-Topical and Transdermal Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1049. [PMID: 37513960 PMCID: PMC10386449 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical constituents of the Cannabis plant known as cannabinoids have been extensively researched for their potential therapeutic benefits. The use of cannabinoids applied to the skin as a potential method for both skin-related benefits and systemic administration has attracted increasing interest in recent years. This review aims to present an overview of the most recent scientific research on cannabinoids used topically, including their potential advantages for treating a number of skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Additionally, with a focus on the pharmacokinetics and security of this route of administration, we investigate the potential of the transdermal delivery of cannabinoids as a method of systemic administration. The review also discusses the restrictions and difficulties related to the application of cannabinoids on the skin, emphasizing the potential of topical cannabinoids as a promising route for both localized and systemic administration. More studies are required to fully comprehend the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silviu-Iulian Filipiuc
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Physiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I bvd, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Mariana Uritu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Leontina-Elena Filipiuc
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ivona Maria Tudorancea
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andreea Nicoleta Boca
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Vlad Porumb
- Department Surgery, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Street, 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - 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
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Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Gryczka K, Kurant D, Szambelan M, Malinowski B, Falkowski M, Zabrzyński J, Słupski M. The Use of Cannabidiol in Metabolic Syndrome-An Opportunity to Improve the Patient's Health or Much Ado about Nothing? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4620. [PMID: 37510734 PMCID: PMC10380672 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144620] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis-derived therapies are gaining popularity in the medical world. More and more perfect forms of cannabinoids are sought, which could be used in the treatment of many common diseases, including metabolic syndrome, whose occurrence is also increasing. The purpose of this review was to investigate the usefulness of cannabinoids, mainly cannabidiol (CBD), in individuals with obesity, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We summarised the most recent research on the broad topic of cannabis-derived influence on metabolic syndrome components. Since there is a lot of work on the effects of Δ9-THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) on metabolism and far less on cannabidiol, we felt it needed to be sorted out and summarised in this review. The research results on the use of cannabidiol in obesity are contraindicatory. When it comes to glucose homeostasis, it appears that CBD maintains it, sensitises adipose tissue to insulin, and reduces fasting glucose levels, so it seems to be a potential target in this kind of metabolic disorder, but some research results are inconclusive. CBD shows some promising results in the treatment of various lipid disorders. Some studies have proven its positive effect by decreasing LDL and increasing HDL as well. Despite their probable efficacy, CBD and its derivatives will likely remain an adjunctive treatment rather than a mainstay of therapy. Studies have also shown that CBD in patients with hypertension has positive effects, even though the hypotensive properties of cannabidiol are small. However, CBD can be used to prevent blood pressure surges, stabilise them, and have a protective effect on blood vessels. Results from preclinical studies have shown that the effect of cannabidiol on NAFLD may be potentially beneficial in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome and its components. Nevertheless, there is limited data on CBD and NAFLD in human studies. Because of the numerous confounding factors, the conclusions are unclear, and more research in this field is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wiciński
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Fajkiel-Madajczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kurant
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Karol Gryczka
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dominik Kurant
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Monika Szambelan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Bartosz Malinowski
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Michal Falkowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Dr. A. Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jan Zabrzyński
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Maciej Słupski
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Pennant NM, Hinton CV. The evolution of cannabinoid receptors in cancer. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1602. [PMID: 36750231 PMCID: PMC10484301 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (cannabis) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for centuries treating various diseases and disorders. However, racial propaganda led to the criminalization of cannabis in the 1930s preventing opportunities to explore marijuana in therapeutic development. The increase in recreational use of cannabis further grew concern about abuse, and lead to further restrictions and distribution of cannabis in the 1970s when it was declared to be a Schedule I drug in the USA. In the late 1990s in some states, legislation assisted in legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes under physician supervision. As it has been proven that cannabinoids and their receptors play an essential role in the regulation of the physiological and biological processes in our bodies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the complex that regulates the cell-signaling system consisting of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids. The ECS along with phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids serves to be a beneficial therapeutic target in treating diseases as they play roles in cell homeostasis, cell motility, inflammation, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and even restore homeostasis in a variety of models of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cannabis and its receptors have evolved into a therapeutic treatment for cancers. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakea M Pennant
- Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cimona V Hinton
- Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Freeman-Striegel L, Hamilton J, Kannappan R, Bell T, Robison L, Thanos PK. Chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment has dose-dependent effects on open field exploratory behavior and [ 3H] SR141716A receptor binding in the rat brain. Life Sci 2023:121825. [PMID: 37270168 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Acute and chronic Δ9-THC exposure paradigms affect the body differently. More must be known about the impact of chronic Δ9-THC on cannabinoid-1 (CB1R) and mu-opioid (MOR) receptor levels in the brain. The present study examined chronic Δ9-THC's effects on CB1R and MOR levels and locomotor activity. MAIN METHODS Adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily intraperitoneal injections of Δ9-THC [0.75mg/kg (low dose or LD) or 2.0 mg/kg (high dose or HD)] or vehicle for 24 days, and locomotion in the open field was tested after the first and fourth weeks of chronic Δ9-THC exposure. Brains were harvested at the end of treatment. [3H] SR141716A and [3H] DAMGO autoradiography assessed CB1R and MOR levels, respectively. KEY FINDINGS Relative to each other, chronic HD rats showed reduced vertical plane (VP) entries and time, while LD rats had increased VP entries and time for locomotion, as assessed by open-field testing; no effects were found relative to the control. Autoradiography analyses showed that HD Δ9-THC significantly decreased CB1R binding relative to LD Δ9-THC in the cingulate (33%), primary motor (42%), secondary motor (33%) somatosensory (38%), rhinal (38%), and auditory (50%) cortices; LD Δ9-THC rats displayed elevated binding in the primary motor (33% increase) and hypothalamic (33 % increase) regions compared with controls. No significant differences were observed in MOR binding for the LD or HD compared to the control. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that chronic Δ9-THC dose-dependently altered CB1R levels throughout the brain and locomotor activity in the open field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Freeman-Striegel
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - John Hamilton
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America; Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Renuka Kannappan
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Tyler Bell
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Lisa Robison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States of America
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America; Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America.
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35
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Stith SS, Li X, Brockelman F, Keeling K, Hall B, Vigil JM. Understanding feeling "high" and its role in medical cannabis patient outcomes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1135453. [PMID: 37292156 PMCID: PMC10244544 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1135453] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: We measure for the first time the associations between subjective patient experiences of feeling "high" and treatment outcomes during real-time Cannabis flower consumption sessions. Methods: Our study uses data from the mobile health app, Releaf App™, through which 1,882 people tracked the effects of Cannabis flower on a multitude of health conditions during 16,480 medical cannabis self-administration sessions recorded between 6/5/2016 and 3/11/2021. Session-level reported information included plant phenotypes, modes of administration, potencies, baseline and post-administration symptom intensity levels, total dose used, and real-time side effect experiences. Results: Patients reported feeling high in 49% of cannabis treatment sessions. Using individual patient-level fixed effects regression models and controlling for plant phenotype, consumption mode, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) potencies, dose, and starting symptom level, our results show that, as compared to sessions in which individuals did not report feeling high, reporting feeling high was associated with a 7.7% decrease in symptom severity from a mean reduction of -3.82 on a 0 to 10 analog scale (coefficient = -0.295, p < 0.001) with evidence of a 14.4 percentage point increase (p < 0.001) in negative side effect reporting and a 4.4 percentage point (p < 0.01) increase in positive side effect reporting. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels and dose were the strongest statistical predictors of reporting feeling high, while the use of a vaporizer was the strongest inhibitor of feeling high. In symptom-specific models, the association between feeling high and symptom relief remained for people treating pain (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.01) and fatigue (p < 0.01), but was insignificant, though still negative, for people treating insomnia. Although gender and pre-app cannabis experience did not appear to affect the relationship between high and symptom relief, the relationship was larger in magnitude and more statistically significant among patients aged 40 or less. Discussion: The study results suggest clinicians and policymakers should be aware that feeling high is associated with improved symptom relief but increased negative side effects, and factors such as mode of consumption, product potency, and dose can be used to adjust treatment outcomes for the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Stith
- Department of Economics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Economics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | | | | | - Branden Hall
- MoreBetter, Ltd., Hyattsville, MD, United States
| | - Jacob M. Vigil
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Arceri L, Nguyen TK, Gibson S, Baker S, Wingert RA. Cannabinoid Signaling in Kidney Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1419. [PMID: 37408253 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101419] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid signaling plays crucial roles in human physiology in the function of multiple systems. The two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are cell membrane proteins that interact with both exogenous and endogenous bioactive lipid ligands, or endocannabinoids. Recent evidence has established that endocannabinoid signaling operates within the human kidney, as well as suggests the important role it plays in multiple renal pathologies. CB1, specifically, has been identified as the more prominent ECS receptor within the kidney, allowing us to place emphasis on this receptor. The activity of CB1 has been repeatedly shown to contribute to both diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Interestingly, recent reports of acute kidney injury (AKI) have been attributed to synthetic cannabinoid use. Therefore, the exploration of the ECS, its receptors, and its ligands can help provide better insight into new methods of treatment for a range of renal diseases. This review explores the endocannabinoid system, with a focus on its impacts within the healthy and diseased kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Arceri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Shannon Gibson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Sophia Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Dutta S, Shukla D. Distinct activation mechanisms regulate subtype selectivity of Cannabinoid receptors. Commun Biol 2023; 6:485. [PMID: 37147497 PMCID: PMC10163236 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04868-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Design of cannabinergic subtype selective ligands is challenging because of high sequence and structural similarities of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). We hypothesize that the subtype selectivity of designed selective ligands can be explained by the ligand binding to the conformationally distinct states between cannabinoid receptors. Analysis of ~ 700 μs of unbiased simulations using Markov state models and VAMPnets identifies the similarities and distinctions between the activation mechanism of both receptors. Structural and dynamic comparisons of metastable intermediate states allow us to observe the distinction in the binding pocket volume change during CB1 and CB2 activation. Docking analysis reveals that only a few of the intermediate metastable states of CB1 show high affinity towards CB2 selective agonists. In contrast, all the CB2 metastable states show a similar affinity for these agonists. These results mechanistically explain the subtype selectivity of these agonists by deciphering the activation mechanism of cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumajit Dutta
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Wong TS, Li G, Li S, Gao W, Chen G, Gan S, Zhang M, Li H, Wu S, Du Y. G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:177. [PMID: 37137892 PMCID: PMC10154768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disorders with diverse aetiological factors. Identifying treatment targets is challenging because the diseases are resulting from heterogeneous biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) opens a new possibility in drug discovery. Harnessing our knowledge of molecular mechanisms and structural information of GPCRs will be advantageous for developing effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Besides, we highlight the emerging opportunities of novel GPCR targets and address recent progress in GPCR drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thian-Sze Wong
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhi Li
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyi Gan
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Manzhan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China.
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China.
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518116, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Almeida CF, Teixeira N, Valente MJ, Vinggaard AM, Correia-da-Silva G, Amaral C. Cannabidiol as a Promising Adjuvant Therapy for Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Tumors: Unveiling Its Benefits with Aromatase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092517. [PMID: 37173983 PMCID: PMC10177097 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092517] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most diagnosed subtype, with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) being one of the therapeutic drug types used in the clinic. However, endocrine resistance may develop after prolonged treatment, and different approaches, such as combining endocrine and targeted therapies, have been applied. Recently, we demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD) induces anti-tumor actions in ER+ breast cancer cells by targeting aromatase and ERs. Considering this, we studied, in vitro, whether CBD when combined with AIs could improve their effectiveness. METHODS MCF-7aro cells were used and the effects on cell viability and on the modulation of specific targets were investigated. RESULTS CBD when combined with anastrozole (Ana) and letrozole (Let) caused no beneficial effect in comparison to the isolated AIs. In contrast, when combined with the AI exemestane (Exe), CBD potentiated its pro-cell death effects, abolished its estrogen-like effect, impaired ERα activation, and prevented its oncogenic role on the androgen receptor (AR). Moreover, this combination inhibited ERK1/2 activation, promoting apoptosis. The study of the hormonal microenvironment suggests that this combination should not be applied in early stages of ER+ breast tumors. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to Ana and Let, this study highlights the potential benefits of combining CBD with Exe to improve breast cancer treatment and opens up the possibility of new therapeutic approaches comprising the use of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Valente
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Chen C. Inhibiting degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108394. [PMID: 36966972 PMCID: PMC10123871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid signaling mediators that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and is a full agonist of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are targets of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. While 2-AG has been well recognized as a retrograde messenger modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain, growing evidence suggests that 2-AG also functions as an endogenous terminator of neuroinflammation in response to harmful insults, thus maintaining brain homeostasis. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme that degrades 2-AG in the brain. The immediate metabolite of 2-AG is arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes. Several lines of evidence indicate that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of MAGL, which boosts 2-AG levels and reduces its hydrolytic metabolites, resolves neuroinflammation, mitigates neuropathology, and improves synaptic and cognitive functions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neurodegenerative disease. Thus, it has been proposed that MAGL is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As the main enzyme hydrolyzing 2-AG, several MAGL inhibitors have been identified and developed. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which inactivation of MAGL produces neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases remains limited. A recent finding that inhibition of 2-AG metabolism in astrocytes, but not in neurons, protects the brain from TBI-induced neuropathology might shed some light on this unsolved issue. This review provides an overview of MAGL as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of restraining degradation of 2-AG in the brain.
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Min AK, Keane AM, Weinstein MP, Swartz TH. The impact of cannabinoids on inflammasome signaling in HIV-1 infection. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:79-88. [PMID: 37027347 PMCID: PMC10070009 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a chronic disease that afflicts over 38 million people worldwide without a known cure. The advent of effective antiretroviral therapies (ART) has significantly decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-1 infection in people living with HIV-1 (PWH), thanks to durable virologic suppression. Despite this, people with HIV-1 experience chronic inflammation associated with co-morbidities. While no single known mechanism accounts for chronic inflammation, there is significant evidence to support the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome as a key driver. Numerous studies have demonstrated therapeutic impact of cannabinoids, including exerting modulatory effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. Given the high rates of cannabinoid use in PWH, it is of great interest to understand the intersecting biology of the role of cannabinoids in HIV-1-associated inflammasome signaling. Here we describe the literature of chronic inflammation in people with HIV, the therapeutic impact of cannabinoids in PWH, endocannabinoids in inflammation, and HIV-1-associated inflammation. We describe a key interaction between cannabinoids, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and HIV-1 viral infection, which supports further investigation of the critical role of cannabinoids in HIV-1 infection and inflammasome signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice K. Min
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aislinn M. Keane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Paltiel Weinstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Talia H. Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Natural and synthetic compounds for glioma treatment based on ROS-mediated strategy. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175537. [PMID: 36871663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most frequent and most malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS),accounting for about 50% of all CNS tumor and approximately 80% of the malignant primary tumors in the CNS. Patients with glioma benefit from surgical resection, chemo- and radio-therapy. However these therapeutical strategies do not significantly improve the prognosis, nor increase survival rates owing to restricted drug contribution in the CNS and to the malignant characteristics of glioma. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important oxygen-containing molecules that regulate tumorigenesis and tumor progression. When ROS accumulates to cytotoxic levels, this can lead to anti-tumor effects. Multiple chemicals used as therapeutic strategies are based on this mechanism. They regulate intracellular ROS levels directly or indirectly, resulting in the inability of glioma cells to adapt to the damage induced by these substances. In the current review, we summarize the natural products, synthetic compounds and interdisciplinary techniques used for the treatment of glioma. Their possible molecular mechanisms are also presented. Some of them are also used as sensitizers: they modulate ROS levels to improve the outcomes of chemo- and radio-therapy. In addition, we summarize some new targets upstream or downstream of ROS to provide ideas for developing new anti-glioma therapies.
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Xi ZX, Hempel B, Crissman M, Pari S, Klein B, Bi GH, Alton H. PPARα and PPARγ are expressed in midbrain dopamine neurons and modulate dopamine- and cannabinoid-mediated behavior in mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2614714. [PMID: 36909477 PMCID: PMC10002816 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2614714/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression. Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) is a PPARg agonist and some endocannabinoids are natural activators of PPAR a and PPARg. Therefore, both the receptors are putative cannabinoid receptors. However, little is known regarding their cellular distributions in the brain and functional roles in cannabinoid action. Here we first used RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry assays to examine the cellular distributions of PPARα and PPARγ expression in the mouse brain. We found that PPARα and PPARγ are highly expressed in ~70% midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and in ~50% GABAergic and ~50% glutamatergic neurons in the amygdala. However, no PPARα/γ signal was detected in GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens. We then used a series of behavioral assays to determine the functional roles of PPARα/γ in the CNS effects of Δ 9 -THC. We found that optogenetic stimulation of midbrain DA neurons was rewarding as assessed by optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) in DAT-cre mice. Δ 9 -THC and a PPARγ (but not PPARα) agonist dose-dependently inhibited oICSS, suggesting that dopaminergic PPARγ modulates DA-dependent behavior. Surprisingly, pretreatment with PPARα or PPARγ antagonists dose-dependently attenuated the Δ 9 -THC-induced reduction in oICSS and anxiogenic effects. In addition, a PPARγ agonist increased, while PPARa or PPARγ antagonists decreased open-field locomotion. Pretreatment with PPARa or PPARγ antagonists potentiated Δ 9 -THC-induced hypoactivity and catalepsy but failed to alter Δ 9 -THC-induced analgesia, hypothermia and immobility. These findings provide the first anatomical and functional evidence supporting an important role of PPARa/g in DA-dependent behavior and cannabinoid action.
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Dugues P, Abe E, Etting I, Nguyen AH, Edel Y, Alvarez JC, Larabi IA. Consommation de cannabinoïdes de synthèse (CS) en région parisienne : profil d’un consommateur de 9 CS dérivés indoles et indazoles et premières données de la littérature. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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Bazzari FH, Bazzari AH. Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding the Therapeutic Use of Cannabinoids among Community Pharmacists: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study in Amman, Jordan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050694. [PMID: 36900699 PMCID: PMC10000482 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in the therapeutic use of cannabis worldwide, with a number of cannabinoid-derived drugs currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain indications. This study was conducted via a printed questionnaire and aimed to explore the attitudes and knowledge regarding the therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabinoids among community pharmacists residing in Amman, Jordan. The results revealed a neutral to low agreement level regarding the medical usefulness of cannabis; however, a higher agreement level was observed for FDA-approved cannabinoid-derived drugs. The majority of the participants reported that they did not learn enough regarding cannabinoids, do not adequately remember what they have learned, and do not actively look for information after graduation. The average percentages of correct identification of cannabis/cannabinoid FDA-approved drug indications, common adverse effects, interacting drugs, and cautions/contraindications were 40.6%, 53%, 49.4%, and 57.3%, respectively, with an overall correct identification rate of 51.1% of the participants. In conclusion, the results indicate an inadequate level of knowledge with a significant room for improvement regarding the various aspects of cannabinoid pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas H. Bazzari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jerash University, Jerash 26150, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Amjad H. Bazzari
- Department of Basic Scientific Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
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Gloerfelt-Tarp F, Hewavitharana AK, Mieog J, Palmer WM, Fraser F, Ansari O, Kretzschmar T. Using a global diversity panel of Cannabis sativa L. to develop a near InfraRed-based chemometric application for cannabinoid quantification. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2253. [PMID: 36755037 PMCID: PMC9908977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29148-0] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
C. sativa has gained renewed interest as a cash crop for food, fibre and medicinal markets. Irrespective of the final product, rigorous quantitative testing for cannabinoids, the regulated biologically active constituents of C. sativa, is a legal prerequisite across the supply chains. Currently, the medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp industries depend on costly chromatographic analysis for cannabinoid quantification, limiting production, research and development. Combined with chemometrics, Near-InfraRed spectroscopy (NIRS) has potential as a rapid, accurate and economical alternative method for cannabinoid analysis. Using chromatographic data on 12 therapeutically relevant cannabinoids together with spectral output from a diffuse reflectance NIRS device, predictive chemometric models were built for major and minor cannabinoids using dried, homogenised C. sativa inflorescences from a diverse panel of 84 accessions. Coefficients of determination (r2) of the validation models for 10 of the 12 cannabinoids ranged from 0.8 to 0.95, with models for major cannabinoids showing best performance. NIRS was able to discriminate between neutral and acidic forms of cannabinoids as well as between C3-alkyl and C5-alkyl cannabinoids. The results show that NIRS, when used in conjunction with chemometrics, is a promising method to quantify cannabinoids in raw materials with good predictive results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jos Mieog
- Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - William M Palmer
- Research Division, Rapid Phenotyping (Hone), Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia
| | - Felicity Fraser
- Research Division, Rapid Phenotyping (Hone), Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia
| | - Omid Ansari
- Ecofibre Ltd, Virginia, QLD, 4014, Australia.,Hemp GenTech, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD, 4069, Australia
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Kruger DJ, Kruger JS. Consumer Experiences with Delta-8-THC: Medical Use, Pharmaceutical Substitution, and Comparisons with Delta-9-THC. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:166-173. [PMID: 34797727 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis products containing delta-8-THC became widely available in most of the United States in late 2020 and rapidly became a significant source of revenue for hemp processing companies, especially in states where use of delta-9-THC remains illegal or requires professional authorization for medical use. Scientific research on the use of delta-8-THC is scarce, previous clinical studies included a combined total of 14 participants, leading some state governments to prohibit it until its properties and effects are better understood. Methods: Researchers developed an online survey for delta-8-THC consumers addressing a broad range of issues regarding delta-8-THC, including use for the treatment of health and medical conditions. Previous survey studies on the medical use of cannabis and cannabis products informed survey components. Results: Patterns of delta-8-THC use had both similarities with and differences from the use of delta-9-THC cannabis and products. Administration methods were primarily edibles (64%) and vaping concentrates (48%). About half of the participants (51%) used delta-8-THC to treat a range of health and medical conditions, primarily anxiety or panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%). Participants compared delta-8-THC very favorably with both delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs and reported substantial levels of substitution for both. Most participants did not inform their primary care provider of their delta-8-THC use (78%) and were not confident of their primary care provider's ability to integrate medical cannabis into their treatment (70%). Knowledge of effective dosages was low, and participants' knowledge of delta-8-THC was primarily from the Internet and their own experiences. Conclusion: Harm reduction is a central component of public health. Although the legal environment is becoming more restrictive for delta-8-THC in comparison to delta-9-THC, results suggest that delta-8-THC may be equally effective for desired purposes of cannabis use and lower in undesirable or adverse effects. All policies and practices should be informed by empirical evidence. Considerable research will be needed to systematically verify the patterns reported by participants, and collaborations among academic researchers, government, and the cannabis industry may be valuable in developing the knowledge base for delta-8-THC and other cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Kruger
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jessica S Kruger
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Del Pozo A, Barker-Haliski M. Cannabidiol reveals a disruptive strategy for 21st century epilepsy drug discovery. Exp Neurol 2023; 360:114288. [PMID: 36471511 PMCID: PMC9789191 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114288] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over 30 antiseizure medicines (ASMs) have been uncovered in a diversity of preclinical seizure and epilepsy models, with several critical inflection points in the 20th century fundamentally transforming ASM discovery. This commentary aims to review the historical relevance of cannabidiol's (CBD; Epidiolex) approval for epilepsy in the context of other ASMs brought to market. Further, we highlight how CBD's approval may represent an inflection point for 21st century ASM discovery. CBD is one of the main phytocannabinoids of Cannabis sativa. Unlike its related phytocannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not exert any euphorigenic, tolerance, or withdrawal effects at anticonvulsant doses. CBD also possess marked anti-inflammatory effects, offering the tantalizing potential of a new pharmacological approach in epilepsy. For decades, hints of the anticonvulsant profile of CBD had been suggested with a small handful of studies in rodent seizure models, yet difficulties in formulation, compounded by the social and regulatory pressures related to medical use of cannabis plant-derived agents constrained any clinical implementation. Nonetheless, CBD possesses a broad antiseizure profile in preclinical seizure and epilepsy models, but the transformative impact of CBD'-s approval came because of studies in a rodent model of the orphan disease Dravet syndrome (DS). DS is a pediatric developmental epileptic encephalopathy with high mortality, frequent spontaneous recurrent seizures, and marked resistance to conventional ASMs, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine. CBD was approved for DS by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018 after convincing efficacy was established in randomized, placebo-controlled trials in children. Because of the clinical approval of CBD as a novel, cannabis plantderived ASM for DS, CBD has revealed a new strategy in ASM discovery to reignite 21st century therapeutic development for epilepsy. In this commentary, we review the major preclinical and clinical milestones of the late 20th century that made CBD, a compound historically subjected to regulatory restrictions, a key driver of a new discovery strategy for epilepsy in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Del Pozo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Melissa Barker-Haliski
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
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Patil N, Chandel V, Rana A, Jain M, Kaushik P. Investigation of Cannabis sativa Phytochemicals as Anti-Alzheimer's Agents: An In Silico Study. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12030510. [PMID: 36771595 PMCID: PMC9919841 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is a medicinal plant that has been known for years and is used as an Ayurvedic medicine. This plant has great potential in treating various types of brain diseases. Phytochemicals present in this plant act as antioxidants by maintaining synaptic plasticity and preventing neuronal loss. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease by increasing the solubility of Aβ42 amyloid and Tau aggregation. Apart from these therapeutic effects, there are certain unknown functions of these phytochemicals in Alzheimer's disease that we want to elucidate through this study. In this research, our approach is to analyze the effect of phytochemicals in Cannabis sativa on multiple culprit enzymes in Alzheimer's disease, such as AChE (Acetylcholinesterase), BChE (Butyrylcholinesterase), γ-secretase, and BACE-1. In this study, the compounds were selected by Lipinski's rule, ADMET, and ProTox based on toxicity. Molecular docking between the selected compounds (THCV, Cannabinol C2, and Cannabidiorcol) and enzymes mentioned above was obtained by various software programs including AutoDock Vina 4.2, AutoDock, and iGEMDOCK. In comparison to Donepezil (BA = -8.4 kcal/mol, Ki = 1.46 mM), Rivastigmine (BA = -7.0 kcal/mol, Ki = 0.02 mM), and Galantamine (BA = -7.1, Ki = 2.1 mM), Cannabidiorcol (BA = -9.4 kcal/mol, Ki = 4.61 mM) shows significant inhibition of AChE. On the other hand, Cannabinol C2 (BA = -9.2 kcal/mol, Ki = 4.32 mM) significantly inhibits Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in comparison to Memantine (BA = -6.8 kcal/mol, Ki = 0.54 mM). This study sheds new light and opens new avenues for elucidating the role of bioactive compounds present in Cannabis sativa in treating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nil Patil
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
- Laboratory 209, Cell & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Vaishnavi Chandel
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Aarzu Rana
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Mukul Jain
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
- Laboratory 209, Cell & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Prashant Kaushik
- Instituto de Conservacióny Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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A PLS study on the psychotropic activity for a series of cannabinoid compounds. J Mol Model 2023; 29:46. [PMID: 36656418 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05443-5] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of the Cannabis sativa plant by man has been common for centuries due to its numerous therapeutic properties resulting from the compounds present in it, called cannabinoids. However, the use of these compounds as drugs is still limited due to the psychotropic effects caused by them. The proteins that act as receptors of cannabinoid compounds were identified and characterized, being called CB1 and CB2 receptors. There is a series of 50 cannabinoid compounds that was studied through quantum and chemometric methods in order to obtain a mathematical model that could relate the structure of these compounds to their psychotropic activity. That model proved to be effective by predicting the psychoactivity of the 50 compounds from the series and elucidating relevant characteristics that imply in psychoactivity. However, most of these 50 compounds do not have experimental data of biological activity with CB1 and CB2 receptors. OBJECTIVES This study aims to generate QSAR models in order to predict the biological activity of the 50 cannabinoid compounds and then relate the predicted biological activity values to the already known psychoactivity. METHODS Another series of cannabinoid compounds was selected to generate and validate QSAR models, aiming to predict the biological activity of the 50 cannabinoid compounds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. RESULTS The PLS-CB1 and PLS-CB2 QSAR models were generated and validated in this work, proving to be highly predictive, and the biological activities (pK ) of the 50 cannabinoid compounds were predicted by them. It is important to highlight compounds Ic14, Ic18, and Ic19 (psychotropic inactive) which presented higher predicted pK values than the main cannabinoid compounds (Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC). Also, compound Ic21 stood out as the highest value of the predicted biological activities in the interaction with the CB2 receptor. CONCLUSION The generated PLS models and the predicted pKi values of the 50 cannabinoid compounds can provide valuable information in the drug design of new cannabinoid compounds that can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in a therapeutic way with no psychotropic effects.
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