1
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Carruthers ER, Grimsey NL. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor orthologues; in vitro function and perspectives for preclinical to clinical translation. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2247-2269. [PMID: 37349984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16172] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists are in development as therapeutic agents, including for immune modulation and pain relief. Despite promising results in rodent preclinical studies, efficacy in human clinical trials has been marginal to date. Fundamental differences in ligand engagement and signalling responses between the human CB2 receptor and preclinical model species orthologues may contribute to mismatches in functional outcomes. This is a tangible possibility for the CB2 receptor in that there is a relatively large degree of primary amino acid sequence divergence between human and rodent. Here, we summarise CB2 receptor gene and protein structure, assess comparative molecular pharmacology between CB2 receptor orthologues, and review the current status of preclinical to clinical translation for drugs targeted at the CB2 receptor, focusing on comparisons between human, mouse and rat receptors. We hope that raising wider awareness of, and proposing strategies to address, this additional challenge in drug development will assist in ongoing efforts toward successful therapeutic translation of drugs targeted at the CB2 receptor. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Carruthers
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Carrascosa AJ, Navarrete F, Saldaña R, García-Gutiérrez MS, Montalbán B, Navarro D, Gómez-Guijarro FM, Gasparyan A, Murcia-Sánchez E, Torregrosa AB, Pérez-Doblado P, Gutiérrez L, Manzanares J. Cannabinoid Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Management: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Reality. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6268. [PMID: 38892456 PMCID: PMC11172912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116268] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Postoperative pain (POP) is a challenging clinical phenomenon that affects the majority of surgical patients and demands effective management to mitigate adverse outcomes such as persistent pain. The primary goal of POP management is to alleviate suffering and facilitate a seamless return to normal function for the patient. Despite compelling evidence of its drawbacks, opioid analgesia remains the basis of POP treatment. Novel therapeutic approaches rely on multimodal analgesia, integrating different pharmacological strategies to optimize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The recognition of the imperative role of the endocannabinoid system in pain regulation has prompted the investigation of cannabinoid compounds as a new therapeutic avenue. Cannabinoids may serve as adjuvants, enhancing the analgesic effects of other drugs and potentially replacing or at least reducing the dependence on other long-term analgesics in pain management. This narrative review succinctly summarizes pertinent information on the molecular mechanisms, clinical therapeutic benefits, and considerations associated with the plausible use of various cannabinoid compounds in treating POP. According to the available evidence, cannabinoid compounds modulate specific molecular mechanisms intimately involved in POP. However, only two of the eleven clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of different cannabinoid interventions showed positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Carrascosa
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Raquel Saldaña
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Belinda Montalbán
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernando M. Gómez-Guijarro
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Murcia-Sánchez
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Abraham B. Torregrosa
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez-Doblado
- Servicio de Anestesiologia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.J.C.); (R.S.); (B.M.); (F.M.G.-G.); (E.M.-S.); (P.P.-D.)
| | - Luisa Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (D.N.); (A.G.); (A.B.T.); (L.G.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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3
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Scott-Dennis M, Rafani FA, Yi Y, Perera T, Harwood CR, Guba W, Rufer AC, Grether U, Veprintsev DB, Sykes DA. Development of a membrane-based Gi-CASE biosensor assay for profiling compounds at cannabinoid receptors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1158091. [PMID: 37637423 PMCID: PMC10450933 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1158091] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The cannabinoid receptor (CBR) subtypes 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) are key components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), playing a central role in the control of peripheral pain, inflammation and the immune response, with further roles in the endocrine regulation of food intake and energy balance. So far, few medicines targeting these receptors have reached the clinic, suggesting that a better understanding of the receptor signalling properties of existing tool compounds and clinical candidates may open the door to the development of more effective and safer treatments. Both CB1R and CB2R are Gαi protein-coupled receptors but detecting Gαi protein signalling activity reliably and reproducibly is challenging. This is due to the inherent variability in live cell-based assays and restrictions around the use of radioactive [35S]-GTPγS, a favoured technology for developing higher-throughput membrane-based Gαi protein activity assays. Methods: Here, we describe the development of a membrane-based Gαi signalling system, produced from membrane preparations of HEK293TR cells, stably overexpressing CB1R or CB2R, and components of the Gαi-CASE biosensor. This BRET-based system allows direct detection of Gαi signalling in both cells and membranes by monitoring bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between the α and the βγ subunits. Cells and membranes were subject to increasing concentrations of reference cannabinoid compounds, with 10 μM furimazine added to generate RET signals, which were detected on a PHERAstar FSX plate reader, then processed using MARS software and analysed in GraphPad PRISM 9.2. Results: In membranes expressing the Gi-CASE biosensor, the cannabinoid ligands profiled were found to show agonist and inverse agonist activity. Agonist activity elicited a decrease in the BRET signal, indicative of receptor activation and G protein dissociation. Inverse agonist activity caused an increase in BRET signal, indicative of receptor inactivation, and the accumulation of inactive G protein. Our membrane-based Gi-CASE NanoBRET system successfully characterised the potency (pEC50) and efficacy (Emax) of CBR agonists and inverse agonists in a 384-well screening format. Values obtained were in-line with whole-cell Gi-CASE assays and consistent with literature values obtained in the GTPγS screening format. Discussion: This novel, membrane-based Gαi protein activation assay is applicable to other Gαi-coupled GPCRs, including orphan receptors, allowing real-time higher-throughput measurements of receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Scott-Dennis
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Fikri A. Rafani
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Yicheng Yi
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Themiya Perera
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Clare R. Harwood
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arne C. Rufer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry B. Veprintsev
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Sykes
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Mugnaini C, Kostrzewa M, Casini M, Kumar P, Catallo V, Allarà M, Guastaferro L, Brizzi A, Paolino M, Tafi A, Kapatais C, Giorgi G, Vacondio F, Mor M, Corelli F, Ligresti A. Systematic Modification of the Substitution Pattern of the 7-Hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3- b]pyridine-6-carboxamide Scaffold Enabled the Discovery of New Ligands with High Affinity and Selectivity for the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor. Molecules 2023; 28:4958. [PMID: 37446625 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective ligands of the CB2 receptor are receiving considerable attention due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases. Recently, 7-hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxamide derivatives were shown to act at the CB2 receptor either as agonists or as inverse agonists/antagonists in vitro and to have anti-osteoarthritic activity in vivo. In this article, we report the synthesis, pharmacological profile, and molecular modeling of a series of twenty-three new 7-hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxamides with the aim of further developing this new class of selective CB2 ligands. In addition to these compounds, seven other analogs that had been previously synthesized were included in this study to better define the structure-activity relationship (SAR). Ten of the new compounds studied were found to be potent and selective ligands of the CB2 receptor, with Ki values ranging from 48.46 to 0.45 nM and CB1/CB2 selectivity indices (SI) ranging from >206 to >4739. In particular, compounds 54 and 55 were found to be high-affinity CB2 inverse agonists that were not active at all at the CB1 receptor, whereas 57 acted as an agonist. The functional activity profile of the compounds within this structural class depends mainly on the substitution pattern of the pyrazole ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marta Casini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Catallo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Laura Guastaferro
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tafi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Christelos Kapatais
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Giorgi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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5
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Nan J, Liu J, Lin G, Zhang S, Xia A, Zhou P, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Zhao J, Zhang S, Huang C, Wang Y, Hu Q, Chen J, Xiang M, Yang X, Yang S. Discovery of 4-(1,2,4-Oxadiazol-5-yl)azepan-2-one Derivatives as a New Class of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Pain. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3460-3483. [PMID: 36821347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Selectively targeting the cannabinoid receptor CB2 is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory pain without psychiatric side effects mediated by the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Herein, we report the discovery of 4-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)azepan-2-one derivatives as a new class of CB2 agonists. Systematic structure-activity relationship investigations resulted in the identification of the most potent compound 25r. This compound displayed high selectivity for CB2 against CB1 (CB2 EC50 = 21.0 nM, Emax = 87%, CB1 EC50 > 30 μM, ratio CB1/CB2 > 1428) with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Especially, 25r demonstrated significant efficacy in the analgesic model of rodent inflammatory pain. All the results suggest that compound 25r could serve as a lead compound for treating inflammatory pain and deserves further in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jingming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junxian Chen
- Key Laboratory of General Chemistry of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, School of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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6
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Stasiulewicz A, Lesniak A, Bujalska-Zadrożny M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. Identification of Novel CB2 Ligands through Virtual Screening and In Vitro Evaluation. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1012-1027. [PMID: 36693026 PMCID: PMC9930120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is a very promising therapeutic target for a variety of potential indications. However, despite the existence of multiple high affinity CB2 ligands, none have yet been approved as a drug. Therefore, it would be beneficial to explore new chemotypes of CB2 ligands. The recent elucidation of CB2 tertiary structure allows for rational hit identification with structure-based (SB) methods. In this study, we established a virtual screening workflow based on SB techniques augmented with ligand-based ones, including molecular docking, MM-GBSA binding energy calculations, pharmacophore screening, and QSAR. We screened nearly 7 million drug-like, commercially available compounds. We selected 16 molecules for in vitro evaluation and identified two novel, selective CB2 antagonists with Ki values of 65 and 210 nM. Both compounds are structurally diverse from CB2 ligands known to date. The established virtual screening protocol may prove useful for hit identification for CB2 and similar molecular targets. The two novel CB2 ligands provide a desired starting point for future optimization and development of potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department
of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland,Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Lesniak
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrożny
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department
of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland,E-mail:
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7
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Abd-Nikfarjam B, Dolati-Somarin A, Baradaran Rahimi V, Askari VR. Cannabinoids in neuroinflammatory disorders: Focusing on multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, and Alzheimers diseases. Biofactors 2023. [PMID: 36637897 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The medicinal properties of cannabis and cannabinoid-derivative are entirely investigated and known. In addition, the identification of psychotropic plant cannabinoids has led to more studies regarding the cannabinoid system and its therapeutic features in the treatment and management of clinical symptoms of neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinsons disease (PD), and Alzheimers disease (AD). In fact, cannabinoid agonists are able to control and regulate inflammatory responses. In contrast to the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and its unwanted adverse effects, the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and its ligands hold promise for new and effective therapeutic approaches. So far, some successes have been achieved in this field. This review will discuss an outline of the endocannabinoid system's involvement in neuroinflammatory disorders. Moreover, the pharmacological efficacy of different natural and synthetic preparations of phytocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid receptors, particularly in MS, PD, and AD, will be updated. Also, the reasons for targeting CB2 for neurodegeneration will be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Abd-Nikfarjam
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Vafa Baradaran Rahimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Reza Askari
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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8
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Opioid-sparing effect of cannabinoids for analgesia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1315-1330. [PMID: 35459926 PMCID: PMC9117273 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid co-administration may enable reduced opioid doses for analgesia. This updated systematic review on the opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids considered preclinical and clinical studies where the outcome was analgesia or opioid dose requirements. We searched Scopus, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase (2016 onwards). Ninety-two studies met the search criteria including 15 ongoing trials. Meta-analysis of seven preclinical studies found the median effective dose (ED50) of morphine administered with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was 3.5 times lower (95% CI 2.04, 6.03) than the ED50 of morphine alone. Six preclinical studies found no evidence of increased opioid abuse liability with cannabinoid administration. Of five healthy-volunteer experimental pain studies, two found increased pain, two found decreased pain and one found reduced pain bothersomeness with cannabinoid administration; three demonstrated that cannabinoid co-administration may increase opioid abuse liability. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found no evidence of opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids in acute pain. Meta-analysis of four RCTs in patients with cancer pain found no effect of cannabinoid administration on opioid dose (mean difference -3.8 mg, 95% CI -10.97, 3.37) or percentage change in pain scores (mean difference 1.84, 95% CI -2.05, 5.72); five studies found more adverse events with cannabinoids compared with placebo (risk ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.03, 1.24). Of five controlled chronic non-cancer pain trials; one low-quality study with no control arm, and one single-dose study reported reduced pain scores with cannabinoids. Three RCTs found no treatment effect of dronabinol. Meta-analyses of observational studies found 39% reported opioid cessation (95% CI 0.15, 0.64, I2 95.5%, eight studies), and 85% reported reduction (95% CI 0.64, 0.99, I2 92.8%, seven studies). In summary, preclinical and observational studies demonstrate the potential opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids in the context of analgesia, in contrast to higher-quality RCTs that did not provide evidence of opioid-sparing effects.
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Gunasekera B, Diederen K, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabinoids, reward processing, and psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1157-1177. [PMID: 33644820 PMCID: PMC9110536 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that an overlap exists between the neurobiology of psychotic disorders and the effects of cannabinoids on neurocognitive and neurochemical substrates involved in reward processing. AIMS We investigate whether the psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) are underpinned by their effects on the reward system and dopamine. METHODS This narrative review focuses on the overlap between altered dopamine signalling and reward processing induced by cannabinoids, pre-clinically and in humans. A systematic search was conducted of acute cannabinoid drug-challenge studies using neuroimaging in healthy subjects and those with psychosis RESULTS: There is evidence of increased striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis and release in psychosis, as well as abnormal engagement of the striatum during reward processing. Although, acute THC challenges have elicited a modest effect on striatal dopamine, cannabis users generally indicate impaired presynaptic dopaminergic function. Functional MRI studies have identified that a single dose of THC may modulate regions involved in reward and salience processing such as the striatum, midbrain, insular, and anterior cingulate, with some effects correlating with the severity of THC-induced psychotic symptoms. CBD may modulate brain regions involved in reward/salience processing in an opposite direction to that of THC. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest modulation of reward processing and its neural substrates by THC and CBD. Whether such effects underlie the psychotomimetic/antipsychotic effects of these cannabinoids remains unclear. Future research should address these unanswered questions to understand the relationship between endocannabinoid dysfunction, reward processing abnormalities, and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kelly Diederen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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Castro J, Garcia-Caraballo S, Maddern J, Schober G, Lumsden A, Harrington A, Schmiel S, Lindstrom B, Adams J, Brierley SM. Olorinab (APD371), a peripherally acting, highly selective, full agonist of the cannabinoid receptor 2, reduces colitis-induced acute and chronic visceral hypersensitivity in rodents. Pain 2022; 163:e72-e86. [PMID: 33863856 PMCID: PMC8675055 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Abdominal pain is a key symptom of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, for which there are inadequate therapeutic options. We tested whether olorinab-a highly selective, full agonist of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2)-reduced visceral hypersensitivity in models of colitis and chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH). In rodents, colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of nitrobenzene sulfonic acid derivatives. Control or colitis animals were administered vehicle or olorinab (3 or 30 mg/kg) twice daily by oral gavage for 5 days, starting 1 day before colitis induction. Chronic visceral hypersensitivity mice were administered olorinab (1, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) twice daily by oral gavage for 5 days, starting 24 days after colitis induction. Visceral mechanosensitivity was assessed in vivo by quantifying visceromotor responses (VMRs) to colorectal distension. Ex vivo afferent recordings determined colonic nociceptor firing evoked by mechanical stimuli. Colitis and CVH animals displayed significantly elevated VMRs to colorectal distension and colonic nociceptor hypersensitivity. Olorinab treatment significantly reduced VMRs to control levels in colitis and CVH animals. In addition, olorinab reduced nociceptor hypersensitivity in colitis and CVH states in a concentration- and CB2-dependent manner. By contrast, olorinab did not alter VMRs nor nociceptor responsiveness in control animals. Cannabinoid receptor 2 mRNA was detected in colonic tissue, particularly within epithelial cells, and dorsal root ganglia, with no significant differences between healthy, colitis, and CVH states. These results demonstrate that olorinab reduces visceral hypersensitivity through CB2 agonism in animal models, suggesting that olorinab may provide a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease- and irritable bowel syndrome-associated abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Garcia-Caraballo
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Lumsden
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Harrington
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shirdi Schmiel
- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - John Adams
- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Dao M, François H. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Inhibition in Chronic Kidney Disease: A New Therapeutic Toolbox. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:720734. [PMID: 34305821 PMCID: PMC8293381 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.720734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) concerns millions of individuals worldwide, with few therapeutic strategies available to date. Recent evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could be a new therapeutic target to prevent CKD. ECS combines receptors, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R), and ligands. The most prominent receptor within the kidney is CB1R, its endogenous local ligands being anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Therefore, the present review focuses on the therapeutic potential of CB1R and not CB2R. In the normal kidney, CB1R is expressed in many cell types, especially in the vasculature where it contributes to the regulation of renal hemodynamics. CB1R could also participate to water and sodium balance and to blood pressure regulation but its precise role remains to decipher. CB1R promotes renal fibrosis in both metabolic and non-metabolic nephropathies. In metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes, CB1R inhibition not only improves metabolic parameters, but also exerts a direct role in preventing renal fibrosis. In non-metabolic nephropathies, its inhibition reduces the development of renal fibrosis. There is a growing interest of the industry to develop new CB1R antagonists without central nervous side-effects. Experimental data on renal fibrosis are encouraging and some molecules are currently under early-stage clinical phases (phases I and IIa studies). In the present review, we will first describe the role of the endocannabinoid receptors, especially CB1R, in renal physiology. We will next explore the role of endocannabinoid receptors in both metabolic and non-metabolic CKD and renal fibrosis. Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of CB1R inhibition using the new pharmacological approaches. Overall, the new pharmacological blockers of CB1R could provide an additional therapeutic toolbox in the management of CKD and renal fibrosis from both metabolic and non-metabolic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Dao
- INSERM UMR_S 1155, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale Adulte, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Helene François
- INSERM UMR_S 1155, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Soins Intensifs Néphrologiques et Rein Aigu (SINRA), Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Helene François,
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Mangiatordi GF, Intranuovo F, Delre P, Abatematteo FS, Abate C, Niso M, Creanza TM, Ancona N, Stefanachi A, Contino M. Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 2 (CB2R) in a Multitarget Approach: Perspective of an Innovative Strategy in Cancer and Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14448-14469. [PMID: 33094613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) represents an interesting and new therapeutic target for its involvement in the first steps of neurodegeneration as well as in cancer onset and progression. Several studies, focused on different types of tumors, report a promising anticancer activity induced by CB2R agonists due to their ability to reduce inflammation and cell proliferation. Moreover, in neuroinflammation, the stimulation of CB2R, overexpressed in microglial cells, exerts beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders. With the aim to overcome current treatment limitations, new drugs can be developed by specifically modulating, together with CB2R, other targets involved in such multifactorial disorders. Building on successful case studies of already developed multitarget strategies involving CB2R, in this Perspective we aim at prompting the scientific community to consider new promising target associations involving HDACs (histone deacetylases) and σ receptors by employing modern approaches based on molecular hybridization, computational polypharmacology, and machine learning algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Intranuovo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- CNR-Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Serena Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Creanza
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ancona
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Jordan CJ, Feng ZW, Galaj E, Bi GH, Xue Y, Liang Y, McGuire T, Xie XQ, Xi ZX. Xie2-64, a novel CB 2 receptor inverse agonist, reduces cocaine abuse-related behaviors in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2020; 176:108241. [PMID: 32712273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse remains a public health threat around the world. There are no pharmacological treatments approved for cocaine use disorder. Cannabis has received growing attention as a treatment for many conditions, including addiction. Most cannabis-based medication development has focused on cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists (and also inverse agonists) such as rimonabant, but clinical trials with rimonabant have failed due to its significant side-effects. Here we sought to determine whether a novel and selective CB2R inverse agonist, Xie2-64, has similar therapeutic potential for cocaine use disorder. Computational modeling indicated that Xie2-64 binds to CB2R in a way similar to SR144528, another well-characterized but less selective CB2R antagonist/inverse agonist, suggesting that Xie2-64 may also have CB2R antagonist profiles. Unexpectedly, systemic administration of Xie2-64 or SR144528 dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration and shifted cocaine dose-response curves downward in rats and wild-type, but not in CB2R-knockout, mice. Xie2-64 also dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced brain-stimulation reward maintained by optical stimulation of ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons in DAT-Cre mice, while Xie2-64 or SR144528 alone inhibited optical brain-stimulation reward. In vivo microdialysis revealed that systemic or local administration of Xie2-64 into the nucleus accumbens reduced extracellular dopamine levels in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Together, these results suggest that Xie2-64 has significant anti-cocaine reward effects likely through a dopamine-dependent mechanism, and therefore, deserves further study as a new pharmacotherapy for cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ying Liang
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Terence McGuire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Urasaki Y, Beaumont C, Workman M, Talbot JN, Hill DK, Le TT. Fast-Acting and Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Neuronal Signaling Pathways by Copaiba Essential Oil. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072259. [PMID: 32218156 PMCID: PMC7177672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the biological activities of copaiba essential oil via measurement of its effects on signaling pathways in the SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line. Nanofluidic proteomic technologies were deployed to measure the phosphorylation of biomarker proteins within the signaling cascades. Interestingly, copaiba essential oil upregulated the pI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in neuronal cells. The effects of copaiba essential oil peaked at 30 min post-treatment, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 80 ng/mL. Treatment with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist AM1241 or the inverse agonist BML190 abrogated the regulatory effects of copaiba essential oil on the pI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Surprisingly, copaiba essential oil also activated the apoptosis signaling pathway and reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells with an EC50 of approximately 400 ng/mL. Furthermore, β-caryophyllene, a principal constituent of copaiba essential oil, downregulated the pI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, the findings indicated that copaiba essential oil upregulated signaling pathways associated with cell metabolism, growth, immunity, and apoptosis. The biological activities of copaiba essential oil were determined to be fast acting, CB2 mediated, and dependent on multiple chemical constituents of the oil. Nanofluidic proteomics provided a powerful means to assess the biological activities of copaiba essential oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyo Urasaki
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
| | - Cody Beaumont
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Michelle Workman
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Jeffery N. Talbot
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
| | - David K. Hill
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Thuc T. Le
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-702-802-2820
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Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:309-323. [PMID: 30050084 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid mediator that acts as an endogenous ligand of CB1 receptors. These receptors are also the primary molecular target responsible for the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis sativa. Several studies demonstrate that anandamide exerts an overall modulatory effect on the brain reward circuitry. Several reports suggest its involvement in the addiction-producing actions of other abused drugs, and it can also act as a behavioral reinforcer in animal models of drug abuse. Importantly, all these effects of anandamide appear to be potentiated by pharmacological inhibition of its metabolic degradation. Enhanced brain levels of anandamide after treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the main enzyme responsible for its degradation, seem to affect the rewarding and reinforcing actions of many drugs of abuse. In this review, we will provide an overview from a preclinical perspective of the current state of knowledge regarding the behavioral pharmacology of anandamide, with a particular emphasis on its motivational/reinforcing properties. We will also discuss how modulation of anandamide levels through inhibition of enzymatic metabolic pathways could provide a basis for developing new pharmaco-therapeutic tools for the treatment of substance use disorders.
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Takahashi H, Araki K, Tabata H, Makino K, Ujiie R, Sezaki K, Nakayama H, Oshitari T, Natsugari H. Elucidation of The Conformational Properties of 3-Pyridinoyl Indoles as Intermediates of Cannabimimetics. HETEROCYCLES 2019. [DOI: 10.3987/com-19-14161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Franks LN, Ford BM, Fujiwara T, Zhao H, Prather PL. The tamoxifen derivative ridaifen-B is a high affinity selective CB 2 receptor inverse agonist exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 353:31-42. [PMID: 29906493 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) target estrogen receptors (ERs) to treat breast cancer and osteoporosis. Several SERMs exhibit anti-cancer activity not related to ERs. To discover novel anti-cancer drugs acting via ER-independent mechanisms, derivatives of the SERM tamoxifen, known as the "ridaifen" compounds, have been developed that exhibit reduced or no ER affinity, while maintaining cytotoxicity. Tamoxifen and other SERMs bind to cannabinoid receptors with moderate affinity. Therefore, ER-independent effects of SERMs might be mediated via cannabinoid receptors. This study determined whether RID-B, a first generation ridaifen compound, exhibits affinity and/or activity at CB1 and/or CB2 cannabinoid receptors. RID-B binds with high affinity (Ki = 43.7 nM) and 17-fold selectivity to CB2 over CB1 receptors. RID-B acts as an inverse agonist at CB2 receptors, modulating G-protein and adenylyl cyclase activity with potency values predicted by CB2 affinity. Characteristic of an antagonist, RID-B co-incubation produces a parallel-rightward shift in the concentration-effect curve of CB2 agonist WIN-55,212-2 to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. CB2 inverse agonists are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-ostoeclastogenic effects. In LPS-activated macrophages, RID-B exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO), IL-6 and IL-1α, but not TNFα. Only reduction of NO concentration by RID-B is mediated by cannabinoid receptors. RID-B also exhibits pronounced anti-osteoclastogenic effects, reducing the number of osteoclasts differentiating from primary bone marrow macrophages in a cannabinoid receptor-dependent manner. In summary, the tamoxifen derivative RID-B, developed with reduced affinity for ERs, is a high affinity selective CB2 inverse agonist with anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic properties.
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MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Benzoxazines/pharmacology
- Binding, Competitive/drug effects
- Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects
- CHO Cells
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Drug Inverse Agonism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Osteoclasts/drug effects
- Pyrrolidines/metabolism
- Pyrrolidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/metabolism
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/pharmacology
- Tamoxifen/analogs & derivatives
- Tamoxifen/metabolism
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirit N Franks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Benjamin M Ford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Toshifumi Fujiwara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Paul L Prather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Takahashi H, Araki K, Makino K, Tabata H, Nakayama H, Zaitsu K, Oshitari T, Natsugari H. Synthesis of 3-Aroylindoles as Intermediates of Cannabimimetics and Elucidation of Their Physicochemical Properties. HETEROCYCLES 2018. [DOI: 10.3987/com-18-13888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Shi Y, Duan YH, Ji YY, Wang ZL, Wu YR, Gunosewoyo H, Xie XY, Chen JZ, Yang F, Li J, Tang J, Xie X, Yu LF. Amidoalkylindoles as Potent and Selective Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Agonists with in Vivo Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7067-7083. [PMID: 28726401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Selective CB2 agonists represent an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a variety of diseases without psychiatric side effects mediated by the CB1 receptor. We carried out a rational optimization of a black market designer drug SDB-001 that led to the identification of potent and selective CB2 agonists. A 7-methoxy or 7-methylthio substitution at the 3-amidoalkylindoles resulted in potent CB2 antagonists (27 or 28, IC50 = 16-28 nM). Replacement of the amidoalkyls from 3-position to the 2-position of the indole ring dramatically increased the agonist selectivity on the CB2 over CB1 receptor. Particularly, compound 57 displayed a potent agonist activity on the CB2 receptor (EC50 = 114-142 nM) without observable agonist or antagonist activity on the CB1 receptor. Furthermore, 57 significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms and protected the murine central nervous system from immune damage in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yan-Hui Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-Based Bio-Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yue-Yang Ji
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zhi-Long Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan-Ran Wu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Hendra Gunosewoyo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University , Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Xiao-Yu Xie
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-Based Bio-Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li-Fang Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
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20
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Li AL, Carey LM, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB 2 Agonist GW405833 Suppresses Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain through a CB 1 Mechanism that is Independent of CB 2 Receptors in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 362:296-305. [PMID: 28592614 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.241901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GW405833, widely accepted as a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, suppresses pathologic pain in preclinical models without the unwanted central side effects of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonists; however, recent in vitro studies have suggested that GW405833 may also behave as a noncompetitive CB1 antagonist, suggesting that its pharmacology is more complex than initially appreciated. Here, we further investigated the pharmacologic specificity of in vivo antinociceptive actions of GW405833 in models of neuropathic (i.e., partial sciatic nerve ligation model) and inflammatory (i.e., complete Freund's adjuvant model) pain using CB2 and CB1 knockout (KO) mice, their respective wild-type (WT) mice, and both CB2 and CB1 antagonists. GW405833 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg i.p.) dose dependently reversed established mechanical allodynia in both pain models in WT mice; however, the antiallodynic effects of GW405833 were fully preserved in CB2KO mice and absent in CB1KO mice. Furthermore, the antiallodynic efficacy of GW405833 (30 mg/kg i.p.) was completely blocked by the CB1 antagonist rimonabant (10 mg/kg i.p.) but not by the CB2 antagonist SR144528 (10 mg/kg i.p.). Thus, the antinociceptive properties of GW405833 are dependent on CB1 receptors. GW405833 (30 mg/kg i.p.) was also inactive in a tetrad of tests measuring cardinal signs of CB1 activation. Additionally, unlike rimonabant (10 mg/kg i.p.), GW405833 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not act as a CB1 antagonist in vivo to precipitate withdrawal in mice treated chronically with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The present results suggest that the antiallodynic efficacy of GW405833 is CB1-dependent but does not seem to involve engagement of the CB1 receptor's orthosteric site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Li
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A-L L, L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Lawrence M Carey
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A-L L, L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A-L L, L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A-L L, L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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21
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Zhang HY, Gao M, Shen H, Bi GH, Yang HJ, Liu QR, Wu J, Gardner EL, Bonci A, Xi ZX. Expression of functional cannabinoid CB 2 receptor in VTA dopamine neurons in rats. Addict Biol 2017; 22:752-765. [PMID: 26833913 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We have recently reported the expression of functional cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2 Rs) in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in mice. However, little is known whether CB2 Rs are similarly expressed in rat brain because significant species differences in CB2 R structures and expression are found. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical assays detected CB2 gene and receptors in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which was up-regulated in cocaine self-administration rats. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that activation of CB2 Rs by JWH133 inhibited VTA DA neuronal firing in single dissociated neurons. Systemic administration of JWH133 failed to alter, while local administration of JWH133 into the nucleus accumbens inhibited cocaine-enhanced extracellular DA and i.v. cocaine self-administration. This effect was blocked by AM630, a selective CB2 R antagonist. These data suggest that CB2 Rs are expressed in VTA DA neurons and functionally modulate DA neuronal activities and cocaine self-administration behavior in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Zhang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Divisions of Neurology and Neurobiology; Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix AZ 85013 USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Hong-Ju Yang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Qing-Rong Liu
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Divisions of Neurology and Neurobiology; Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix AZ 85013 USA
| | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Antonello Bonci
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Neuroscience Institute; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD 21205 USA
- Department of Psychiatry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
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22
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Therapeutic Strategies Under Development Targeting Inflammatory Mechanisms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:2789-2813. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0532-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Marino S, Idris AI. Emerging therapeutic targets in cancer induced bone disease: A focus on the peripheral type 2 cannabinoid receptor. Pharmacol Res 2017; 119:391-403. [PMID: 28274851 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal complications are a common cause of morbidity in patients with primary bone cancer and bone metastases. The type 2 cannabinoid (Cnr2) receptor is implicated in cancer, bone metabolism and pain perception. Emerging data have uncovered the role of Cnr2 in the regulation of tumour-bone cell interactions and suggest that agents that target Cnr2 in the skeleton have potential efficacy in the reduction of skeletal complications associated with cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of findings relating to the role of Cnr2 receptor in the regulation of skeletal tumour growth, osteolysis and bone pain, and highlights the many unanswered questions and unmet needs. This review argues that development and testing of peripherally-acting, tumour-, Cnr2-selective ligands in preclinical models of metastatic cancer will pave the way for future research that will advance our knowledge about the basic mechanism(s) by which the endocannabinoid system regulate cancer metastasis, stimulate the development of a safer cannabis-based therapy for the treatment of cancer and provide policy makers with powerful tools to assess the science and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based therapy. Thus, offering the prospect of identifying selective Cnr2 ligands, as novel, alternative to cannabis herbal extracts for the treatment of advanced cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Marino
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
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24
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De Min A, Matera C, Bock A, Holze J, Kloeckner J, Muth M, Traenkle C, De Amici M, Kenakin T, Holzgrabe U, Dallanoce C, Kostenis E, Mohr K, Schrage R. A New Molecular Mechanism To Engineer Protean Agonism at a G Protein–Coupled Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 91:348-356. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.116.107276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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25
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Soethoudt M, Grether U, Fingerle J, Grim TW, Fezza F, de Petrocellis L, Ullmer C, Rothenhäusler B, Perret C, van Gils N, Finlay D, MacDonald C, Chicca A, Gens MD, Stuart J, de Vries H, Mastrangelo N, Xia L, Alachouzos G, Baggelaar MP, Martella A, Mock ED, Deng H, Heitman LH, Connor M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Lichtman AH, Maccarrone M, Pacher P, Glass M, van der Stelt M. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor ligand profiling reveals biased signalling and off-target activity. Nat Commun 2017; 8:13958. [PMID: 28045021 PMCID: PMC5216056 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) represents a promising therapeutic target for various forms of tissue injury and inflammatory diseases. Although numerous compounds have been developed and widely used to target CB2R, their selectivity, molecular mode of action and pharmacokinetic properties have been poorly characterized. Here we report the most extensive characterization of the molecular pharmacology of the most widely used CB2R ligands to date. In a collaborative effort between multiple academic and industry laboratories, we identify marked differences in the ability of certain agonists to activate distinct signalling pathways and to cause off-target effects. We reach a consensus that HU910, HU308 and JWH133 are the recommended selective CB2R agonists to study the role of CB2R in biological and disease processes. We believe that our unique approach would be highly suitable for the characterization of other therapeutic targets in drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Soethoudt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Department of Biochemistry, NMI, University Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Travis W. Grim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Luciano de Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Benno Rothenhäusler
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Camille Perret
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Noortje van Gils
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - David Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Christa MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Marianela Dalghi Gens
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Henk de Vries
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolina Mastrangelo
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Lizi Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Georgios Alachouzos
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Marc P. Baggelaar
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Martella
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot D. Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/NIAAA, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2, CB2 receptor or CB2-R) mediates analgesia via two mechanisms. CB2 receptors contained in peripheral immune tissue mediate analgesia by altering cytokine profiles, and thus have little adverse effects on central nervous systems (CNSs). CB2 is also expressed in the neurons and glial cells of the CNS. This neuronal expression may also contribute to pain attenuation. The CB2 receptor has been proposed as a potential target in treating chronic pain of several etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Shang
- a Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second Hospital , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yuying Tang
- a Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second Hospital , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
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Cannaert A, Storme J, Franz F, Auwärter V, Stove CP. Detection and Activity Profiling of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Their Metabolites with a Newly Developed Bioassay. Anal Chem 2016; 88:11476-11485. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Storme
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute
of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center −
University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute
of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center −
University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Synergistic combinations of the dual enkephalinase inhibitor PL265 given orally with various analgesic compounds acting on different targets, in a murine model of cancer-induced bone pain. Scand J Pain 2016; 14:25-38. [PMID: 28850427 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first line pharmacological treatment of cancer pain is morphine and surrogates but a significant pain relief and a reduction of the side-effects of these compounds makes it necessary to combine them with other drugs acting on different targets. The aim of this study was to measure the antinociceptive effect on cancer-induced bone pain resulting from the association of the endogenous opioids enkephalin and non-opioid analgesic drugs. For this purpose, PL265 a new orally active single dual inhibitor of the two degrading enkephalins enzymes, neprilysin (NEP) and aminopeptidase N (APN) was used. It strictly increased the levels of enkephalin at their sites of releases. The selected non-opioid compounds are: gabapentin, A-317491 (P2X3 receptor antagonist), ACEA (CB1 receptor antagonist), AM1241 (CB2 receptor antagonist), JWH-133 (CB2 receptor antagonist), URB937 (FAAH inhibitor), and NAV26 (Nav1.7 channel blocker). METHODS Experiments. Experiments were performed in 5-6 weeks old (26-33g weight) C57BL/6 mice. Cell culture and cell inoculation. B16-F10 melanoma cells were cultured and when preconfluent, treated and detached. Finally related cells were resuspended to obtain a concentration of 2×106 cells/100μL. Then 105 cells were injected into the right tibial medullar cavity. Control mice were treated by killed cells by freezing. Behavioural studies. Thermal withdrawal latencies were measured on a unilatered hot plate (UHP) maintained at 49±0.2°C. Mechanical threshold values were obtained by performing the von Frey test using the "up and down" method. To evaluate the nature (additive or synergistic) of the interactions between PL265 and different drugs, an isobolographic analysis following the method described by Tallarida was performed. RESULTS The results demonstrate the ability of PL265, a DENKI that prevents the degradation of endogenous ENKs, to counteract cancer-induced bone thermal hyperalgesia in mice, by exclusively stimulating peripheral opioid receptors as demonstrated by used of an opioid antagonist unable to enter the brain. The development of such DENKIs, endowed with druggable pharmacokinetic characteristics, such as good absorption by oral route, can be considered as an important step in the development of much needed novel antihyperalgesic drugs. Furthermore, all the tested combinations resulted in synergistic antihyperalgesic effects. As shown here, the greatest synergistic antinociceptive effect (doses could be lowered by 70%) was produced by the combination of PL265 with the P2X3 receptor antagonist (A-317491), cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist (exogenous, ACEA and endogenous URB937-protected-AEA) and Nav1.7 blocker (NAV26) whose mechanism of action involves the direct activation of the enkephalinergic system. CONCLUSIONS These multi-target-based antinociceptive strategies using combinations of non-opioid drugs with dual inhibitors of enkephalin degrading enzymes may bring therapeutic advantages in terms of efficacy and safety by allowing the reduction of doses of one of the compounds or of both, which is of the utmost interest in the chronic treatment of cancer pain. IMPLICATIONS This article presents synergistic antinociceptive effect produced by the combination of PL265 with non-opioid analgesic drugs acting via unrelated mechanisms. These multi-target-based antinociceptive strategies may bring therapeutic advantages by allowing the reduction of doses, which is of great interest in the chronic treatment of cancer pain.
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30
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Chicca A, Gachet MS, Petrucci V, Schuehly W, Charles RP, Gertsch J. 4'-O-methylhonokiol increases levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol in mouse brain via selective inhibition of its COX-2-mediated oxygenation. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:89. [PMID: 25962384 PMCID: PMC4490613 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 4'-O-methylhonokiol (MH) is a natural product showing anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoclastogenic, and neuroprotective effects. MH was reported to modulate cannabinoid CB2 receptors as an inverse agonist for cAMP production and an agonist for intracellular [Ca2+]. It was recently shown that MH inhibits cAMP formation via CB2 receptors. In this study, the exact modulation of MH on CB2 receptor activity was elucidated and its endocannabinoid substrate-specific inhibition (SSI) of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and CNS bioavailability are described for the first time. METHODS CB2 receptor modulation ([35S]GTPγS, cAMP, and β-arrestin) by MH was measured in hCB2-transfected CHO-K1 cells and native conditions (HL60 cells and mouse spleen). The COX-2 SSI was investigated in RAW264.7 cells and in Swiss albino mice by targeted metabolomics using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS MH is a CB2 receptor agonist and a potent COX-2 SSI. It induced partial agonism in both the [35S]GTPγS binding and β-arrestin recruitment assays while being a full agonist in the cAMP pathway. MH selectively inhibited PGE2 glycerol ester formation (over PGE2) in RAW264.7 cells and significantly increased the levels of 2-AG in mouse brain in a dose-dependent manner (3 to 20 mg kg(-1)) without affecting other metabolites. After 7 h from intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, MH was quantified in significant amounts in the brain (corresponding to 200 to 300 nM). CONCLUSIONS LC-MS/MS quantification shows that MH is bioavailable to the brain and under condition of inflammation exerts significant indirect effects on 2-AG levels. The biphenyl scaffold might serve as valuable source of dual CB2 receptor modulators and COX-2 SSIs as demonstrated by additional MH analogs that show similar effects. The combination of CB2 agonism and COX-2 SSI offers a yet unexplored polypharmacology with expected synergistic effects in neuroinflammatory diseases, thus providing a rationale for the diverse neuroprotective effects reported for MH in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Salomé Gachet
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Vanessa Petrucci
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Wolfgang Schuehly
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Roch-Philippe Charles
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Picone RP, Kendall DA. Minireview: From the bench, toward the clinic: therapeutic opportunities for cannabinoid receptor modulation. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:801-13. [PMID: 25866875 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of cannabinoids have been known for centuries and over the past several decades two G protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2, that are responsible for their activity have been identified. Endogenous lipid-derived cannabinergic agents have been found, biosynthetic and catabolic machinery has been characterized, and synthetic agents have been designed to modulate these receptors. Selective agents including agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, and novel allosteric modulators targeting either CB1 or CB2 have been developed to inhibit or augment their basal tone. As a result, the role these receptors play in human physiology and their potential therapeutic applications in disease states are being elucidated. The CB1 receptor, although ubiquitous, is densely expressed in the brain, and CB2 is largely found on cells of immune origin. This minireview highlights the role of CB1 in excitotoxic assaults in the brain and its potential to limit addiction liability. In addition, it will examine the relationship between receptor activity and stimulation of insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, insulin resistance, and feeding behavior leading toward obesity. The roles of CB2 in the neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in the central manifestations of chronic HIV infection potentially converge at inflammatory cell activation, thereby providing an opportunity for intervention. Last, CB2 modulation is discussed in the context of an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Achieving exquisite receptor selectivity and elucidating the mechanisms underlying receptor inhibition and activation will be essential for the development of the next generation of cannabinergic-based therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Picone
- Clinical Development (R.P.P.), Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk Inc, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536; and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.A.K.), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Clinical Development (R.P.P.), Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk Inc, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536; and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.A.K.), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092
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Species differences in cannabinoid receptor 2 and receptor responses to cocaine self-administration in mice and rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:1037-51. [PMID: 25374096 PMCID: PMC4330519 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of functional cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2Rs) in brain suggests a potential new therapeutic target for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, recent findings in experimental animals appear controversial. Here we report that there are significant species differences in CB2R mRNA splicing and expression, protein sequences, and receptor responses to CB2R ligands in mice and rats. Systemic administration of JWH133, a highly selective CB2R agonist, significantly and dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration under a fixed ratio (FR) schedule of reinforcement in mice, but not in rats. However, under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement, JWH133 significantly increased breakpoint for cocaine self-administration in rats, but decreased it in mice. To explore the possible reasons for these conflicting findings, we examined CB2R gene expression and receptor structure in the brain. We found novel rat-specific CB2C and CB2D mRNA isoforms in addition to CB2A and CB2B mRNA isoforms. In situ hybridization RNAscope assays found higher levels of CB2R mRNA in different brain regions and cell types in mice than in rats. By comparing CB2R-encoding regions, we observed a premature stop codon in the mouse CB2R gene that truncated 13 amino-acid residues including a functional autophosphorylation site in the intracellular C-terminus. These findings suggest that species differences in the splicing and expression of CB2R genes and receptor structures may in part explain the different effects of CB2R-selective ligands on cocaine self-administration in mice and rats.
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Marini P, Cascio MG, King A, Pertwee RG, Ross RA. Characterization of cannabinoid receptor ligands in tissues natively expressing cannabinoid CB2 receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:887-99. [PMID: 23711022 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although cannabinoid CB₂ receptor ligands have been widely characterized in recombinant systems in vitro, little pharmacological characterization has been performed in tissues natively expressing CB₂ receptors. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacology of CB₂ receptor ligands in tissue natively expressing CB₂ receptors (human, rat and mouse spleen) and hCB₂-transfected CHO cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested the ability of well-known cannabinoid CB₂ receptor ligands to stimulate or inhibit [³⁵S]GTPγS binding to mouse, rat and human spleen membranes and to hCB₂-transfected CHO cell membranes. cAMP assays were also performed in hCB₂-CHO cells. KEY RESULTS The data presented demonstrate that: (i) CP 55,940, WIN 55,212-2 and JWH 133 behave as CB₂ receptor full agonists both in spleen and hCB₂-CHO cells, in both [³⁵S]GTPγS and cAMP assays; (ii) JWH 015 behaves as a low-efficacy agonist in spleen as well as in hCB₂-CHO cells when tested in the [³⁵S]GTPγS assay, while it displays full agonism when tested in the cAMP assay using hCB₂-CHO cells; (iii) (R)-AM 1241 and GW 405833 behave as agonists in the [³⁵S]GTPγS assay using spleen, instead it behaves as a low-efficacy inverse agonist in hCB₂-CHO cells; and (iv) SR 144528, AM 630 and JTE 907 behave as CB₂ receptor inverse agonists in all the tissues. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB₂ receptor ligands can display differential pharmacology when assays are conducted in tissues that natively express CB₂ receptors and imply that conclusions from recombinant CB₂ receptors should be treated with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marini
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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Dhopeshwarkar A, Mackie K. CB2 Cannabinoid receptors as a therapeutic target-what does the future hold? Mol Pharmacol 2014; 86:430-7. [PMID: 25106425 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.094649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decades have seen an exponential rise in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, comprising CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. The primary focus of this review is the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptors have been the subject of considerable attention, primarily due to their promising therapeutic potential for treating various pathologies while avoiding the adverse psychotropic effects that can accompany CB1 receptor-based therapies. With the appreciation that CB2-selective ligands show marked functional selectivity, there is a renewed opportunity to explore this promising area of research from both a mechanistic as well as a therapeutic perspective. In this review, we summarize our present knowledge of CB2 receptor signaling, localization, and regulation. We discuss the availability of genetic tools (and their limitations) to study CB2 receptors and also provide an update on preclinical data on CB2 agonists in pain models. Finally, we suggest possible reasons for the failure of CB2 ligands in clinical pain trials and offer possible ways to move the field forward in a way that can help reconcile the inconsistencies between preclinical and clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amey Dhopeshwarkar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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Cox RF, Rash V. Characterization of cannabinoid receptors. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 63:1.26.1-1.26.10. [PMID: 24510753 DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph0126s63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This unit describes the use of cannabinoid radioligands in competitive binding assays for determining affinity parameters (IC50, Ki ) of unlabeled compounds at transfected CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed in cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Cox
- GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Vincent Rash
- GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Alexander SPH, Benson HE, Faccenda E, Pawson AJ, Sharman JL, Spedding M, Peters JA, Harmar AJ. The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: G protein-coupled receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 170:1459-581. [PMID: 24517644 PMCID: PMC3892287 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen PH Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical SchoolNottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Helen E Benson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elena Faccenda
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adam J Pawson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joanna L Sharman
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - John A Peters
- Neuroscience Division, Medical Education Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anthony J Harmar
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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The natural product magnolol as a lead structure for the development of potent cannabinoid receptor agonists. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77739. [PMID: 24204944 PMCID: PMC3813752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnolol (4-allyl-2-(5-allyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)phenol), the main bioactive constituent of the medicinal plant Magnolia officinalis, and its main metabolite tetrahydromagnolol were recently found to activate cannabinoid (CB) receptors. We now investigated the structure-activity relationships of (tetrahydro)magnolol analogs with variations of the alkyl chains and the phenolic groups and could considerably improve potency. Among the most potent compounds were the dual CB1/CB2 full agonist 2-(2-methoxy-5-propyl-phenyl)-4-hexylphenol (61a, Ki CB1∶0.00957 µM; Ki CB2∶0.0238 µM), and the CB2-selective partial agonist 2-(2-hydroxy-5-propylphenyl)-4-pentylphenol (60, Ki CB1∶0.362 µM; Ki CB2∶0.0371 µM), which showed high selectivity versus GPR18 and GPR55. Compound 61b, an isomer of 61a, was the most potent GPR55 antagonist with an IC50 value of 3.25 µM but was non-selective. The relatively simple structures, which possess no stereocenters, are easily accessible in a four- to five-step synthetic procedure from common starting materials. The central reaction step is the well-elaborated Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, which is suitable for a combinatorial chemistry approach. The scaffold is versatile and may be fine-tuned to obtain a broad range of receptor affinities, selectivities and efficacies.
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Han S, Thatte J, Buzard DJ, Jones RM. Therapeutic Utility of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2) Selective Agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8224-56. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4005626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sangdon Han
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jayant Thatte
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Daniel J. Buzard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robert M. Jones
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Arena Pharmaceuticals, 6166 Nancy Ridge Drive, San
Diego, California 92121, United States
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Huryn DM, Resnick LO, Wipf P. Contributions of academic laboratories to the discovery and development of chemical biology tools. J Med Chem 2013; 56:7161-76. [PMID: 23672690 DOI: 10.1021/jm400132d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The academic setting provides an environment that may foster success in the discovery of certain types of small molecule tools while proving less suitable in others. For example, small molecule probes for poorly understood systems, those that exploit a specific resident expertise, and those whose commercial return is not apparent are ideally suited to be pursued in a university setting. In this review, we highlight five projects that emanated from academic research groups and generated valuable tool compounds that have been used to interrogate biological phenomena: reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensors, GPR30 agonists and antagonists, selective CB2 agonists, Hsp70 modulators, and β-amyloid PET imaging agents. By taking advantage of the unique expertise resident in university settings and the ability to pursue novel projects that may have great scientific value but with limited or no immediate commercial value, probes from academic research groups continue to provide useful tools and generate a long-term resource for biomedical researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Huryn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Chemical Diversity Center (UP-CDC) , 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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Cui JH, Ju J, Yoon MH. Pharmacology of Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists and a Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor in Rat Bone Tumor Pain. Pharmacology 2013; 92:150-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000354296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Idris AI. The promise and dilemma of cannabinoid therapy: lessons from animal studies of bone disease. BONEKEY REPORTS 2012; 1:224. [PMID: 24363927 DOI: 10.1038/bonekey.2012.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in numerous physiological processes and represents a potential drug target for diseases ranging from brain disorders to cancer. Recent preclinical studies implicated endocannabinoids and their receptors in the regulation of bone cell activity and in the pathogenesis of bone loss. Cells and intervening nerves in the skeleton express cannabinoid receptors and the machinery for the synthesis and breakdown of endocannabinoids. In healthy adult mice, pharmacological and genetic inactivation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) and putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55 (G protein-coupled receptor 55) inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and increase bone mass, suggesting that both receptors have a negative role in early bone development. Although no distinct abnormalities in bone development were observed in healthy adult mice deficient in cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2), pharmacological blockage of this receptor was effective in suppressing bone loss associated with increased bone turnover, particularly in mouse models of osteoporosis, arthritis and osteolytic bone disease. In the aging skeleton, CB1 deficiency causes accelerated osteoporosis characterized mainly by a significant reduction in bone formation coupled to enhanced adipocyte accumulation in the bone marrow. A similar acceleration of bone loss was also reported in aging CB2-deficient mice but found to be associated with enhanced bone turnover. This perspective describes the role of cannabinoid ligands and their receptors in bone metabolism and highlights the promise and dilemma of therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system for treatment of bone disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen I Idris
- Bone and Cancer Group, Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital , Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Bassoni DL, Jafri Q, Sastry S, Mathrubutham M, Wehrman TS. Characterization of G-protein coupled receptor modulators using homogeneous cAMP assays. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 897:171-80. [PMID: 22674165 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-909-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
More than two-thirds of all known G-protein coupled receptors are known to modulate the function of adenylate cyclase resulting in altered levels of cAMP. In turn, cAMP fluctuations transform agonist binding events into physiological changes in cell behavior. The advent of nonradioactive, homogeneous methods of measuring intracellular cAMP has enabled the rapid growth of drug discovery and research applications for these GPCR targets. In this chapter, we describe a nonradioactive, chemiluminescent cAMP detection method using enzyme fragment complementation technology to detect a wide range of GPCR modulators which is also suitable for high-throughput screening.
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Bolognini D, Cascio MG, Parolaro D, Pertwee RG. AM630 behaves as a protean ligand at the human cannabinoid CB2 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2561-74. [PMID: 21615724 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We have investigated how pre-incubating hCB(2) CHO cells with the CB(2) receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, AM630 and SR144528, affects how these and other ligands target hCB(2) receptors in these cells or their membranes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested the ability of AM630, SR144528 and of the CB(1) /CB(2) receptor agonists, CP55940 and R-(+)-WIN55212, to modulate forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in hCB(2) CHO cells or [(35) S]-GTPγS binding to membranes prepared from these cells, or to displace [(3) H]-CP55940 from whole cells and membranes. Assays were also performed with the CB(2) receptor partial agonist, Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin. Some cells were pre-incubated with AM630 or SR144528 and then washed extensively. KEY RESULTS AM630 behaved as a low-potency neutral competitive antagonist in AM630-pre-incubated cells, a low-potency agonist in SR144528-pre-incubated cells, and a much higher-potency inverse agonist/antagonist in vehicle-pre-incubated cells. AM630 pre-incubation (i) reduced the inverse efficacy of SR144528 without abolishing it; (ii) increased the efficacy of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin; and (iii) did not affect the potency with which AM630 displaced [(3) H]-CP55940 from whole cells or its inverse agonist potency and efficacy in the [(35) S]-GTPγS membrane assay. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that AM630 is a protean ligand that can target a constitutively active form of the hCB(2) receptor (R*) with low affinity to produce agonism or neutral antagonism and a constitutively inactive form of this receptor (R) with much higher affinity to produce inverse agonism, and that the constitutive activity of whole cells is decreased less by pre-incubation with AM630 than with the higher-efficacy inverse agonist, SR144528. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.
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CB₂: therapeutic target-in-waiting. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 38:16-20. [PMID: 22197668 PMCID: PMC3345167 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CB₂ cannabinoid receptor agonists hold promise as a new class of therapeutics for indications as diverse as pain, neuroinflammation, immune suppression and osteoporosis. These potential indications are supported by strong preliminary data from multiple investigators using diverse preclinical models. However, clinical trials for CB₂ agonists, when they have been reported have generally been disappointing. This review considers possible explanations for the mismatch between promising preclinical data and disappointing clinical data. We propose that a more careful consideration of CB₂ receptor pharmacology may help move CB₂ agonists from "promising" to "effective" therapeutics.
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Wood JT, Smith DM, Janero DR, Zvonok AM, Makriyannis A. Therapeutic modulation of cannabinoid lipid signaling: metabolic profiling of a novel antinociceptive cannabinoid-2 receptor agonist. Life Sci 2012; 92:482-91. [PMID: 22749867 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AM-1241, a novel, racemic cannabinoid-2 receptor (CB2) ligand, is the primary experimental agonist used to characterize the role of CB2-mediated lipid signaling in health and disease, including substance abuse disorders. In vivo pharmacological effects have been used as indirect proxies for AM-1241 biotransformation processes that could modulate CB2 activity. We report the initial pre-clinical characterization of AM-1241 biotransformation and in vivo distribution. MAIN METHODS AM-1241 metabolism was characterized in a variety of predictive in vitro systems (Caco-2 cells; mouse, rat and human microsomes) and in the mouse in vivo. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques were used to quantify AM-1241 tissue distribution and metabolic conversion. KEY FINDINGS AM-1241 bound extensively to plasma protein/albumin. A pharmacological AM-1241 dose (25mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to mice for direct determination of its plasma half-life (37 min), following which AM-1241 was quantified in brain, spleen, liver, and kidney. After p.o. administration, AM-1241 was detected in plasma, spleen, and kidney; its oral bioavailability was ~21%. From Caco-2 permeability studies and microsomal-based hepatic clearance estimates, in vivo AM-1241 absorption was moderate. Hepatic microsomal metabolism of AM-1241 in vitro generated hydroxylation and demethylation metabolites. Species-dependent differences were discovered in AM-1241's predicted hepatic clearance. Our data demonstrate that AM-1241 has the following characteristics: a) short plasma half-life; b) limited oral bioavailability; c) extensive plasma/albumin binding; d) metabolic substrate for hepatic hydroxylation and demethylation; e) moderate hepatic clearance. SIGNIFICANCE These results should help inform the design, optimization, and pre-clinical profiling of CB2 ligands as pharmacological tools and medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodianne T Wood
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Battista N, Di Tommaso M, Bari M, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid system: an overview. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:9. [PMID: 22457644 PMCID: PMC3303140 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the identification of anandamide (AEA) in the porcine brain, numerous studies contributed to the current state of knowledge regarding all elements that form the “endocannabinoid system (ECS).”How this complex system of receptors, ligands, and enzymes is integrated in helping to regulate fundamental processes at level of central nervous and peripheral systems and how its regulation and dysregulation might counteract disturbances of such functions, is nowadays still under investigation. However, the most recent advances on the physiological distribution and functional role of ECS allowed the progress of various research tools aimed at the therapeutic exploitation of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, as well as the development of novel drugs with pharmacological advantages. Here, we shall briefly overview the metabolic and signal transduction pathways of the main eCBs representatives, AEA, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and we will discuss the therapeutic potential of new ECS-oriented drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo Teramo, Italy
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Wilkerson JL, Gentry KR, Dengler EC, Wallace JA, Kerwin AA, Kuhn MN, Zvonok AM, Thakur GA, Makriyannis A, Milligan ED. Immunofluorescent spectral analysis reveals the intrathecal cannabinoid agonist, AM1241, produces spinal anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in neuropathic rats exhibiting relief from allodynia. Brain Behav 2012; 2:155-77. [PMID: 22574283 PMCID: PMC3345359 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During pathological pain, the actions of the endocannabinoid system, including the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB(2)R), leads to effective anti-allodynia and modifies a variety of spinal microglial and astrocyte responses. Here, following spinal administration of the CB(2)R compound, AM1241, we examined immunoreactive alterations in markers for activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10) as well as degradative endocannabinoid enzymes, and markers for altered glial responses in neuropathic rats. In these studies, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were examined. AM1241 produced profound anti-allodynia with corresponding immunoreactive levels of p38 mitogen-activated kinase, IL-1β, IL-10, the endocannabinoid enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase, and astrocyte activation markers that were similar to nonneuropathic controls. In contrast, spinal AM1241 did not suppress the increased microglial responses observed in neuropathic rats. The differences in fluorescent markers were determined within discrete anatomical regions by applying spectral analysis methods, which virtually eliminated nonspecific signal during the quantification of specific immunofluorescent intensity. These data reveal expression profiles that support the actions of intrathecal AM1241 control pathological pain through anti-inflammatory mechanisms by modulating critical glial factors, and additionally decrease expression levels of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L. Wilkerson
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Katherine R. Gentry
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Ellen C. Dengler
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - James A. Wallace
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Audra A. Kerwin
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Megan N. Kuhn
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Alexander M. Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | | | - Erin D. Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
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Reichenbach V, Ros J, Fernández-Varo G, Casals G, Melgar-Lesmes P, Campos T, Makriyannis A, Morales-Ruiz M, Jiménez W. Prevention of fibrosis progression in CCl4-treated rats: role of the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 340:629-37. [PMID: 22160265 PMCID: PMC11047215 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.188078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids behave as antifibrogenic agents by interacting with cannabinoid CB2 receptors, whereas the apelin (AP) system acts as a proangiogenic and profibrogenic mediator in the liver. This study assessed the effect of long-term stimulation of CB2 receptors or AP receptor (APJ) blockade on fibrosis progression in rats under a non-discontinued fibrosis induction program. The study was performed in control and CCl(4)-treated rats for 13 weeks. Fibrosis-induced rats received a CB2 receptor agonist (R,S)-3-(2-iodo-5-nitrobenzoyl)-1-(1-methyl-2-piperidinylmethyl)-1H-indole (AM1241) (1 mg/kg b.wt.), an APJ antagonist [Ala(13)]-apelin-13 sequence: Gln-Arg-Pro-Arg-Leu-Ser-His-Lys-Gly-Pro-Met-Pro-Ala (F13A) (75 μg/kg b.wt.), or vehicle daily during the last 5 weeks of the CCl(4) inhalation program. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal pressure (PP), hepatic collagen content, angiogenesis, cell infiltrate, and mRNA expression of a panel of fibrosis-related genes were measured in all animals. Fibrosis-induced rats showed increased hepatic collagen content, reduced MAP, portal hypertension, and increased expression of the assessed messengers in comparison with control rats. However, fibrotic rats treated with either AM1241 or F13A had reduced hepatic collagen content, improved MAP and PP, ameliorated cell viability, and reduced angiogenesis and cell infiltrate compared with untreated fibrotic rats. These results were associated with attenuated induction of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, α-smooth muscle actin, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase. CB2 receptor stimulation or APJ blockade prevents fibrosis progression in CCl(4)-treated rats. The mechanisms underlying these phenomena are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the CB2 and APJ signaling pathways, thus opening new avenues for preventing fibrosis progression in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedrana Reichenbach
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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Wilkerson JL, Milligan ED. The Central Role of Glia in Pathological Pain and the Potential of Targeting the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor for Pain Relief. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 2011. [PMID: 22442754 DOI: 10.5402/2011/593894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, acute pain processing consists of well-characterized neuronal signaling events. When dysfunctional pain signaling occurs, pathological pain ensues. Glial activation and their released factors participate in the mediation of pathological pain. The use of cannabinoid compounds for pain relief is currently an area of great interest for both basic scientists and physicians. These compounds, bind mainly either the cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB(1)R) or cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB(2)R) and are able to modulate pain. Although cannabinoids were initially only thought to modulate pain via neuronal mechanisms within the central nervous system, strong evidence now supports that CB(2)R cannabinoid compounds are capable of modulating glia, (e.g. astrocytes and microglia) for pain relief. However, the mechanisms underlying cannabinoid receptor-mediated pain relief remain largely unknown. An emerging body of evidence supports that CB(2)R agonist compounds may prove to be powerful novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, HSC, MSC08-4740, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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50
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Abstract
The myriad pain pathophysiology has intrigued and challenged humanity for centuries. In this regard, the traditional pain therapies such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been highly successful in treating acute and chronic pain. However, their drawback includes adverse events such as psychotropic effects, addiction potential, and gastrointestinal toxicities, to mention a few. These factors combined with the likelihood of an increase in chronic pain conditions due to an aging population calls for the development of novel mechanism-based or "site-specific" agents to target novel pain pathways. In this regard, rapid progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of novel pain targets such as cannabinoid receptors, fatty acid hydrolase, voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels such as P2 receptors, transient receptor potential channels and glial cell modulators. Accordingly, preclinical studies indicate that the site-specific/selective agents exhibit sufficient efficacy and reduced side effects such as lack of psychotropic effects indicating their clinical potential. This review provides a brief summary of some "at-site" pain targets and their role in the pain pathophysiology, and describes the efforts in developing some small molecules as novel pain therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Pn Rao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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