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Zhao Z, Yan Q, Xie J, Liu Z, Liu F, Liu Y, Zhou S, Pan S, Liu D, Duan J, Liu Z. The intervention of cannabinoid receptor in chronic and acute kidney disease animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2024; 16:45. [PMID: 38360685 PMCID: PMC10870675 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Cannabinoid receptors are components of the endocannabinoid system that affect various physiological functions. We aim to investigate the effect of cannabinoid receptor modulation on kidney disease. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science databases, and EMBASE were searched. Articles selection, data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. The SYRCLE's RoB tool was used to assess the risk of study bias, and pooled SMD using a random-effect model and 95% CIs were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted in preselected subgroups, and publication bias was evaluated. We compared the effects of CB1 and CB2 antagonists and/or knockout and agonists and/or genetic regulation on renal function, blood glucose levels, body weight, and pathological damage-related indicators in different models of chronic and acute kidney injury. RESULTS The blockade or knockout of CB1 could significantly reduce blood urea nitrogen [SMD,- 1.67 (95% CI - 2.27 to - 1.07)], serum creatinine [SMD, - 1.88 (95% CI - 2.91 to - 0.85)], and albuminuria [SMD, - 1.60 (95% CI - 2.16 to - 1.04)] in renal dysfunction animals compared with the control group. The activation of CB2 group could significantly reduce serum creatinine [SMD, - 0.97 (95% CI - 1.83 to - 0.11)] and albuminuria [SMD, - 2.43 (95% CI - 4.63 to - 0.23)] in renal dysfunction animals compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that targeting cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 antagonists and CB2 agonists, can improve kidney function and reduce inflammatory responses, exerting a renal protective effect and maintaining therapeutic potential in various types of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Zhao
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Yan
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwei Xie
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxun Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijie Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaokang Pan
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongwei Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayu Duan
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhangsuo Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
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Kaffe E, Tisi A, Magkrioti C, Aidinis V, Mehal WZ, Flavell RA, Maccarrone M. Bioactive signalling lipids as drivers of chronic liver diseases. J Hepatol 2024; 80:140-154. [PMID: 37741346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Lipids are important in multiple cellular functions, with most having structural or energy storage roles. However, a small fraction of lipids exert bioactive roles through binding to G protein-coupled receptors and induce a plethora of processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, migration, apoptosis, senescence and survival. Bioactive signalling lipids are potent modulators of metabolism and energy homeostasis, inflammation, tissue repair and malignant transformation. All these events are involved in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases. In this review, we focus specifically on the roles of bioactive lipids derived from phospholipids (lyso-phospholipids) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (eicosanoids, pro-resolving lipid mediators and endocannabinoids) in prevalent chronic liver diseases (alcohol-associated liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma). We discuss the balance between pathogenic and beneficial bioactive lipids as well as potential therapeutic targets related to the agonism or antagonism of their receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanna Kaffe
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 06511, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Annamaria Tisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Wajahat Z Mehal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Richard A Flavell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 06511, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy; Laboratory of Lipid Neurochemistry, European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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3
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Pan K, Jukic AM, Mishra GD, Mumford SL, Wise LA, Schisterman EF, Ley SH, Charlton BM, Chavarro JE, Hart JE, Sidney S, Xiong X, Barbosa-Leiker C, Schliep K, Shaffer JG, Bazzano LA, Harville EW. The association between preconception cannabis use and gestational diabetes mellitus: The Preconception Period Analysis of Risks and Exposures Influencing health and Development (PrePARED) consortium. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2024; 38:69-85. [PMID: 37751914 PMCID: PMC11000150 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolic changes that ultimately lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) likely begin before pregnancy. Cannabis use might increase the risk of GDM by increasing appetite or promoting fat deposition and adipogenesis. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the association between preconception cannabis use and GDM incidence. METHODS We analysed individual-level data from eight prospective cohort studies. We identified the first, or index, pregnancy (lasting ≥20 weeks of gestation with GDM status) after cannabis use. In analyses of pooled individual-level data, we used logistic regression to estimate study-type-specific odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounders using random effect meta-analysis to combine study-type-specific ORs and 95% CIs. Stratified analyses assessed potential effect modification by preconception tobacco use and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). RESULTS Of 17,880 participants with an index pregnancy, 1198 (6.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. Before the index pregnancy, 12.5% of participants used cannabis in the past year. Overall, there was no association between preconception cannabis use in the past year and GDM (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79, 1.18). Among participants who never used tobacco, however, those who used cannabis more than weekly had a higher risk of developing GDM than those who did not use cannabis in the past year (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.15, 6.09). This association was not present among former or current tobacco users. Results were similar across all preconception BMI groups. CONCLUSIONS In this pooled analysis of preconception cohort studies, preconception cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of developing GDM among individuals who never used tobacco but not among individuals who formerly or currently used tobacco. Future studies with more detailed measurements are needed to investigate the influence of preconception cannabis use on pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anne Marie Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gita D. Mishra
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sunni L. Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enrique F. Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sylvia H. Ley
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Brittany M. Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Sidney
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Xu Xiong
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Karen Schliep
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lydia A. Bazzano
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Emily W. Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic aging and dysregulation, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 2-Metabolome, immunome, synaptome. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182536. [PMID: 37854446 PMCID: PMC10579598 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The second part of this paper builds upon and expands the epigenomic-aging perspective presented in Part 1 to describe the metabolomic and immunomic bases of the epigenomic-aging changes and then considers in some detail the application of these insights to neurotoxicity, neuronal epigenotoxicity, and synaptopathy. Cannabinoids are well-known to have bidirectional immunomodulatory activities on numerous parts of the immune system. Immune perturbations are well-known to impact the aging process, the epigenome, and intermediate metabolism. Cannabinoids also impact metabolism via many pathways. Metabolism directly impacts immune, genetic, and epigenetic processes. Synaptic activity, synaptic pruning, and, thus, the sculpting of neural circuits are based upon metabolic, immune, and epigenomic networks at the synapse, around the synapse, and in the cell body. Many neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and autistic spectrum disorder have been linked with cannabis. Therefore, it is important to consider these features and their complex interrelationships in reaching a comprehensive understanding of cannabinoid dependence. Together these findings indicate that cannabinoid perturbations of the immunome and metabolome are important to consider alongside the well-recognized genomic and epigenomic perturbations and it is important to understand their interdependence and interconnectedness in reaching a comprehensive appreciation of the true nature of cannabinoid pathophysiology. For these reasons, a comprehensive appreciation of cannabinoid pathophysiology necessitates a coordinated multiomics investigation of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome-immunome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture which therefore form the proper mechanistic underpinning for major new and concerning epidemiological findings relating to cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Sztolsztener K, Konstantynowicz-Nowicka K, Pędzińska-Betiuk A, Chabowski A. Concentration-Dependent Attenuation of Pro-Fibrotic Responses after Cannabigerol Exposure in Primary Rat Hepatocytes Cultured in Palmitate and Fructose Media. Cells 2023; 12:2243. [PMID: 37759466 PMCID: PMC10526512 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182243] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of liver injuries, in which the overproduction and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components with the simultaneous failure of matrix turnover mechanisms are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration-dependent influence of cannabigerol (CBG, Cannabis sativa L. component) on ECM composition with respect to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) changes in primary hepatocytes with fibrotic changes induced by palmitate and fructose media. Cells were isolated from male Wistar rats' livers in accordance with the two-step collagenase perfusion technique. This was followed by hepatocytes incubation with the presence or absence of palmitate with fructose and/or cannabigerol (at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30 µM) for 48 h. The expression of ECM mRNA genes and proteins was determined using PCR and Western blot, respectively, whereas media ECM level was evaluated using ELISA. Our results indicated that selected low concentrations of CBG caused a reduction in TGF-β1 mRNA expression and secretion into media. Hepatocyte exposure to cannabigerol at low concentrations attenuated collagen 1 and 3 deposition. The protein and/or mRNA expressions and MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion were augmented using CBG. Considering the mentioned results, low concentrations of cannabigerol treatment might expedite fibrosis regression and promote regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Sztolsztener
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (K.K.-N.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Anna Pędzińska-Betiuk
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (K.K.-N.); (A.C.)
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7
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Shao Y, Chen S, Han L, Liu J. Pharmacotherapies of NAFLD: updated opportunities based on metabolic intervention. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2023; 20:30. [PMID: 37415199 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-023-00748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent, and it ranges from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. However, there is still a lack of pharmacotherapeutic strategies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which results in a higher risk of death related to carcinoma and cardiovascular complications. Of note, it is well established that the pathogenesis of NAFLD is tightly associated with whole metabolic dysfunction. Thus, targeting interconnected metabolic conditions could present promising benefits to NAFLD, according to a number of clinical studies. Here, we summarize the metabolic characteristics of the development of NAFLD, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and intestinal metabolism, and provide insight into pharmacological targets. In addition, we present updates on the progresses in the development of pharmacotherapeutic strategies based on metabolic intervention globally, which could lead to new opportunities for NAFLD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodi Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Suzhen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Liu Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Junli Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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8
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Scandiffio R, Bonzano S, Cottone E, Shrestha S, Bossi S, De Marchis S, Maffei ME, Bovolin P. Beta-Caryophyllene Modifies Intracellular Lipid Composition in a Cell Model of Hepatic Steatosis by Acting through CB2 and PPAR Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076060. [PMID: 37047034 PMCID: PMC10094507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease; however, no specific pharmacological therapy has yet been approved for this condition. Plant-derived extracts can be an important source for the development of new drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of (E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP), a phytocannabinoid recently found to be beneficial against metabolic diseases, on HepG2 steatotic hepatocytes. Using a fluorescence-based lipid quantification assay and GC-MS analysis, we show that BCP is able to decrease lipid accumulation in steatotic conditions and to change the typical steatotic lipid profile by primarily reducing saturated fatty acids. By employing specific antagonists, we demonstrate that BCP action is mediated by multiple receptors: CB2 cannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and γ (PPARγ). Interestingly, BCP was able to counteract the increase in CB2 and the reduction in PPARα receptor expression observed in steatotic conditions. Moreover, through immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that CB2 receptors are mainly intracellularly localized and that BCP is internalized in HepG2 cells with a maximum peak at 2 h, suggesting a direct interaction with intracellular receptors. The results obtained with BCP in normal and steatotic hepatocytes encourage future applications in the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scandiffio
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
- Plant Physiology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bonzano
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Cottone
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Sujata Shrestha
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Bossi
- Plant Physiology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia De Marchis
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo E Maffei
- Plant Physiology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bovolin
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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9
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Microglial Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptors in Pain Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032348. [PMID: 36768668 PMCID: PMC9917135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain, especially chronic pain, can strongly affect patients' quality of life. Cannabinoids ponhave been reported to produce potent analgesic effects in different preclinical pain models, where they primarily function as agonists of Gi/o protein-coupled cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are abundantly expressed in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central activation of CB1 receptors is strongly associated with psychotropic adverse effects, thus largely limiting its therapeutic potential. However, the CB2 receptors are promising targets for pain treatment without psychotropic adverse effects, as they are primarily expressed in immune cells. Additionally, as the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, microglia are increasingly recognized as critical players in chronic pain. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the expression of CB2 receptors is significantly increased in activated microglia in the spinal cord, which exerts protective consequences within the surrounding neural circuitry by regulating the activity and function of microglia. In this review, we focused on recent advances in understanding the role of microglial CB2 receptors in spinal nociceptive circuitry, highlighting the mechanism of CB2 receptors in modulating microglia function and its implications for CB2 receptor- selective agonist-mediated analgesia.
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10
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De Nunzio V, Carrieri L, Scavo MP, Lippolis T, Cofano M, Caponio GR, Tutino V, Rizzi F, Depalo N, Osella AR, Notarnicola M. Plasma-Derived Exosomes from NAFLD Patients Modulate the Cannabinoid Receptors' Expression in Cultured HepaRG Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021739. [PMID: 36675254 PMCID: PMC9862025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes produced by hepatocytes upon lipotoxic insult play a relevant role in pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), suggesting an inflammatory response by the activation of monocytes and macrophages and accelerating the disease progression. In the pathogenesis of NAFLD and liver fibrosis, the endogenous cannabinoids and their major receptors CB1 and CB2 appear to be highly involved. This study aimed at evaluating the expression of cannabinoids receptors (CB1R and CB2R) in plasma-derived exosomes extracted from patients with NAFLD, as well as investigating the in vitro effects of the circulating exosomes in cultured human HepaRG cells following their introduction into the culture medium. The results demonstrated that plasma-derived exosomes from NAFLD patients are vehicles for the transport of CB1R and are able to modulate CB receptors' expression in HepaRG cells. In particular, circulating exosomes from NAFLD patients are inflammatory drivers for HepaRG cells, acting through CB1R activation and the downregulation of CB2R. Moreover, CB1R upregulation was associated with increased expression levels of PPAR-γ, a well-known mediator of liver tissue injury. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for CB1R transport by exosomes and suggests that the in vitro effects of circulating exosomes from NAFLD patients are mediated by the expression of cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina De Nunzio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Livianna Carrieri
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Maria Principia Scavo
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Tamara Lippolis
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Miriam Cofano
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Giusy Rita Caponio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Valeria Tutino
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF), Council National Research (CNR) Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF), Council National Research (CNR) Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto Ruben Osella
- Laboratory of Epidemiolgy and Biostatistics, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-4994342
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11
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Barrientos-Riosalido A, Real M, Bertran L, Aguilar C, Martínez S, Parada D, Vives M, Sabench F, Riesco D, Castillo DD, Richart C, Auguet T. Increased Hepatic ATG7 mRNA and ATG7 Protein Expression in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Associated with Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021324. [PMID: 36674839 PMCID: PMC9867349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The autophagy gene ATG7 has been shown to be essential for the induction of autophagy, a process that used to be suppressed in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the specific role of ATG7 in NAFLD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze hepatic ATG7 mRNA and ATG7 protein expression regarding obesity-associated NAFLD. Patients included women classified into normal weight (NW, n = 6) and morbid obesity (MO, n = 72). The second group was subclassified into normal liver (NL, n = 11), simple steatosis (SS, n= 29), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n = 32). mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR and protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. Our results showed that NASH patients presented higher ATG7 mRNA and ATG7 protein levels. ATG7 mRNA expression was increased in NASH compared with SS, while ATG7 protein abundance was enhanced in NASH compared with NL. ATG7 mRNA correlated negatively with the expression of some hepatic lipid metabolism-related genes and positively with endocannabinoid receptors, adiponectin hepatic expression, and omentin levels. These results suggest that ATG7-mediated autophagy may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, especially in NASH, perhaps playing a possible protective role. However, this is a preliminary study that needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barrientos-Riosalido
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Monica Real
- Servei Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Laia Bertran
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Carmen Aguilar
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Salomé Martínez
- Servei Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - David Parada
- Servei Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Margarita Vives
- Servei de Cirurgia, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, URV, IISPV, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Fàtima Sabench
- Servei de Cirurgia, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, URV, IISPV, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - David Riesco
- Servei Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Daniel Del Castillo
- Servei de Cirurgia, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, URV, IISPV, Avinguda Doctor Josep Laporte, 2, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Richart
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Teresa Auguet
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Servei Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII Tarragona, Mallafré Guasch, 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-977-29-58-33
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12
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Xiao J, Zhou Y, Sun L, Wang H. Role of integrating cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1152167. [PMID: 37122621 PMCID: PMC10130673 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1152167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic events, which can result in long-term neurological impairments or even cell death, are among the most significant causes of brain injury during neurodevelopment. The complexity of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic pathophysiology and cellular pathways make it difficult to treat brain damage; hence, the development of new neuroprotective medicines is of great interest. Recently, numerous neuroprotective medicines have been developed to treat brain injuries and improve long-term outcomes based on comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie neuronal plasticity following hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. In this context, understanding of the medicinal potential of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system has recently increased. The endocannabinoid system plays a vital neuromodulatory role in numerous brain regions, ensuring appropriate control of neuronal activity. Its natural neuroprotection against adult brain injury or acute brain injury also clearly demonstrate the role of endocannabinoid signalling in modulating neuronal activity in the adult brain. The goal of this review is to examine how cannabinoid-derived compounds can be used to treat neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury and to assess the critical function of the endocannabinoid system and its potential for use as a new neuroprotective treatment for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Xindu District People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Luqiang Sun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Paediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Haichuan Wang,
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13
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Understanding the Dynamics of the Structural States of Cannabinoid Receptors and the Role of Different Modulators. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122137. [PMID: 36556502 PMCID: PMC9786085 DOI: 10.3390/life12122137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R are members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These receptors have recently come to light as possible therapeutic targets for conditions affecting the central nervous system. However, because CB1R is known to have psychoactive side effects, its potential as a drug target is constrained. Therefore, targeting CB2R has become the primary focus of recent research. Using various molecular modeling studies, we analyzed the active, inactive, and intermediate states of both CBRs in this study. We conducted in-depth research on the binding properties of various groups of cannabinoid modulators, including agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists, with all of the different conformational states of the CBRs. The binding effects of these modulators were studied on various CB structural features, including the movement of the transmembrane helices, the volume of the binding cavity, the internal fluids, and the important GPCR properties. Then, using in vitro experiments and computational modeling, we investigated how vitamin E functions as a lipid modulator to influence THC binding. This comparative examination of modulator binding to CBRs provides significant insight into the mechanisms of structural alterations and ligand affinity, which can directly help in the rational design of selective modulators that target either CB1R or CB2R.
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14
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Swanson ML, Regner KR, Moore BM, Park F. Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Activation Reduces the Progression of Kidney Fibrosis Using a Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:790-803. [PMID: 35196117 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney fibrosis is a hallmark consequence of all forms of chronic kidney disease with few available treatment modalities. Material and Methods: In this study, we performed the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure to investigate the effects of a selective cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) agonist receptor, SMM-295, as a nephroprotective therapy. Results: SMM-295 was demonstrated to exhibit 50-fold selectivity over the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor with an EC50 ∼2 nM. Four other off-targets were identified in the safety panel, but only at the highest concentration (5 mM) tested in the assay demonstrating the relative selectivity and safety of our compound. Administration of SMM-295 (12 mg/kg IP daily) in UUO mice led to a significant decrease of 33% in tubular damage compared to the vehicle-treated UUO mice after 7 days. Consistent with these findings, there was a significant decrease in α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, which are markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as determined by Western blot analysis. DNA damage as detected by a classic marker, γ-H2AX, was significantly reduced by 50% in the SMM-295 treatment group compared to vehicle treatment. Genetic knockout of CB2 or administration of a CB2 inverse agonist did not exhibit any beneficial effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis or kidney tubule injury. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that SMM-295 can therapeutically target the CB2 receptor with few, if any, physiological off-target sites to reduce kidney tissue damage and slow the fibrotic progression in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L Swanson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin R Regner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Frank Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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15
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Li B, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhou T, Zhou B, Zhang Y, Chen R, Xing J, He L, Salinas JM, Koyama S, Meng F, Wan Y. Current Perspectives of Neuroendocrine Regulation in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233783. [PMID: 36497043 PMCID: PMC9736734 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complicated process that involves different cell types and pathological factors. The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the formation of fibrotic scar disrupt the tissue homeostasis of the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis and even liver failure. Myofibroblasts derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute to the development of liver fibrosis by producing ECM in the area of injuries. It has been reported that the secretion of the neuroendocrine hormone in chronic liver injury is different from a healthy liver. Activated HSCs and cholangiocytes express specific receptors in response to these neuropeptides released from the neuroendocrine system and other neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine hormones and their receptors form a complicated network that regulates hepatic inflammation, which controls the progression of liver fibrosis. This review summarizes neuroendocrine regulation in liver fibrosis from three aspects. The first part describes the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. The second part presents the neuroendocrine sources and neuroendocrine compartments in the liver. The third section discusses the effects of various neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P (SP), melatonin, as well as α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP), on liver fibrosis and the potential therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yudian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tiejun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Bingru Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Rong Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Juan Xing
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Longfei He
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jennifer Mata Salinas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sachiko Koyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (Y.W.)
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16
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Alzu’bi A, Zoubi MSA, Al-Trad B, AbuAlArjah MI, Shehab M, Alzoubi H, Albals D, Abdelhady GT, El-Huneidi W. Acute Hepatic Injury Associated with Acute Administration of Synthetic Cannabinoid XLR-11 in Mouse Animal Model. TOXICS 2022; 10:668. [PMID: 36355959 PMCID: PMC9692363 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The widespread recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has become a serious health issue. Reports of life-threatening intoxications related to SC consumption have markedly increased in recent years, including neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. We investigated the impact of acute administration of the synthetic cannabinoid XLR-11 (3 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 consecutive days) on the liver in BALB/c mouse animal model. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, MDA assay, and TUNEL assay, we found consistent up-regulation of a variety of genes involved in oxidative stress (NOX2, NOX4, and iNOS), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and apoptosis (Bax) in the liver of XLR-11 treated mice compared to control mice. These finding were supported with an elevation of MDA levels and TUNEL positive cells in the liver of XLR-11 treated mice which further confirm increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, respectively. Histopathological analysis of the liver of XLR-11 treated mice confirmed pronounced hepatic necrosis associated with inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, elevated ALT and AST serum levels were also identified in XLR-11 treated mice indicating possible liver damage. Overall, SC-induced hepatotoxicity seems to be mainly mediated by activated oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in the liver, but the specific mechanisms involved require further investigations. However, the present study shed light on the potential deleterious role of acute administration of SCs in the progression to acute hepatic injury which enhances our understanding of the adverse effect of SC consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu’bi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Bahaa Al-Trad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Manal Isam AbuAlArjah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Malek Shehab
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Hiba Alzoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Dima Albals
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Gamal T. Abdelhady
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Cheng D, Zinker BA, Luo Y, Shipkova P, De Oliveira CH, Krishna G, Brown EA, Boehm SL, Tirucherai GS, Gu H, Ma Z, Chu CH, Onorato JM, Kopcho LM, Ammar R, Smith J, Devasthale P, Lawrence RM, Stryker SA, Dierks EA, Azzara AV, Carayannopoulos L, Charles ED, Lentz KA, Gordon DA. MGAT2 inhibitor decreases liver fibrosis and inflammation in murine NASH models and reduces body weight in human adults with obesity. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1732-1748.e5. [PMID: 36323235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2) is an important enzyme highly expressed in the human small intestine and liver for the regulation of triglyceride absorption and homeostasis. We report that treatment with BMS-963272, a potent and selective MGAT2 inhibitor, decreased inflammation and fibrosis in CDAHFD and STAM, two murine nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models. In high-fat-diet-treated cynomolgus monkeys, in contrast to a selective diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibitor, BMS-963272 did not cause diarrhea. In a Phase 1 multiple-dose trial of healthy human adults with obesity (NCT04116632), BMS-963272 was safe and well tolerated with no treatment discontinuations due to adverse events. Consistent with the findings in rodent models, BMS-963272 elevated plasma long-chain dicarboxylic acid, indicating robust pharmacodynamic biomarker modulation; increased gut hormones GLP-1 and PYY; and decreased body weight in human subjects. These data suggest MGAT2 inhibition is a promising therapeutic opportunity for NASH, a disease with high unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Cheng
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
| | - Bradley A Zinker
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Yi Luo
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Petia Shipkova
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | | | - Gopal Krishna
- ICF Early Clinical Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Brown
- Translational Bioinformatics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Stephanie L Boehm
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | | | - Huidong Gu
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Zhengping Ma
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Ching-Hsuen Chu
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Joelle M Onorato
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Lisa M Kopcho
- Leads Discovery and Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Ron Ammar
- Translational Bioinformatics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Julia Smith
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Pratik Devasthale
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - R Michael Lawrence
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Steven A Stryker
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Dierks
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Anthony V Azzara
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | | | - Edgar D Charles
- Global Drug Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Kimberley A Lentz
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - David A Gordon
- Departments of Discovery Biology Cardiovascular and Fibrosis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
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Ryu T, Kim K, Choi SE, Chung KPS, Jeong WI. New insights in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease: The metabolic, immunologic, and neurologic pathways. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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19
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Cannabinoids and Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169423. [PMID: 36012687 PMCID: PMC9408890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD), and viral hepatitis are the main causes of morbidity and mortality related to chronic liver diseases (CLDs) worldwide. New therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse these liver disorders are thus emerging. Although their etiologies differ, these CLDs all have in common a significant dysregulation of liver metabolism that is closely linked to the perturbation of the hepatic endocannabinoid system (eCBS) and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, targeting the hepatic eCBS might have promising therapeutic potential to overcome CLDs. Experimental models of CLDs and observational studies in humans suggest that cannabis and its derivatives may exert hepatoprotective effects against CLDs through diverse pathways. However, these promising therapeutic benefits are not yet fully validated, as the few completed clinical trials on phytocannabinoids, which are thought to hold the most promising therapeutic potential (cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabivarin), remained inconclusive. Therefore, expanding research on less studied phytocannabinoids and their derivatives, with a focus on their mode of action on liver metabolism, might provide promising advances in the development of new and original therapeutics for the management of CLDs, such as NAFLD, ALD, or even hepatitis C-induced liver disorders.
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Duncan RS, Riordan SM, Hall CW, Payne AJ, Chapman KD, Koulen P. N-acylethanolamide metabolizing enzymes are upregulated in human neural progenitor-derived neurons exposed to sub-lethal oxidative stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:902278. [PMID: 36003139 PMCID: PMC9393304 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.902278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acyl amides (NAAs) are a class of lipids that consist of an acyl group N-linked to an amino acid, neurotransmitter, taurine or ethanolamide group (N-acylethanolamines or NAEs) and include some endocannabinoids (eCB) such as anandamide. These lipids are synthesized in a wide variety of organisms and in multiple cell types, including neurons. NAEs are involved in numerous cellular and physiological processes and their concentrations are elevated in response to ischemia and physical trauma to play a role in neuroprotection. The neuroprotective properties of eCB NAEs make the protein targets of these compounds attractive targets for clinical intervention for a variety of conditions. The most promising of these targets include cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Further characterization of these targets in a more contemporary model system of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection will allow us to fully describe their role and mechanism of action in neuroprotection against oxidative stress leading to better utilization in the clinical setting. Human stem cell-derived or human neural progenitor cell-derived cells, such as ReN cells, have become more utilized for the study of human neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases. ReN cells can be easily differentiated thereby circumventing the need for using transformed cell lines and primary neurons as cell model systems. In this study, we determined whether ReN cells, a superior cell model system for studying neurodevelopment, differentiation, and neuroprotection, express proteins involved in canonical eCB NAE signaling and whether oxidative stress can induce their expression. We determined that sublethal oxidative stress upregulates the expression of all eCB proteins tested. In addition, we determined that oxidative stress increases the nuclear localization of FAAH, and to a lesser extent, NAAA and NAPE-PLD. This study is a first step toward determining how oxidative stress affects CB1, CB2, FAAH, NAAA, and NAPE-PLD expression and their potential defense against oxidative stress. As such, our data is important for further determining the role of eCB metabolizing proteins and eCB receptors against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Scott Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sean M. Riordan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Conner W. Hall
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Andrew J. Payne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Kent D. Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Peter Koulen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter Koulen,
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21
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Mallat A. EASL Recognition Award Recipient 2022: Dr. Sophie Lotersztajn. J Hepatol 2022; 77:282-283. [PMID: 35750546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Mallat
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Creteil, France; Université Paris Est, Creteil, France.
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22
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Potential Pro-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin E Analogs through Mitigation of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Binding to the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084291. [PMID: 35457108 PMCID: PMC9026873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E acetate, which is used as a diluent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been reported as the primary causative agent of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Here, we employ in vitro assays, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations to investigate the interaction of vitamin E with the membrane-bound cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R), and its role in modulating the binding affinity of THC to CB2R. From the MD simulations, we determined that vitamin E interacts with both CB2R and membrane phospholipids. Notably, the synchronized effect of these interactions likely facilitates vitamin E acting as a lipid modulator for the cannabinoid system. Furthermore, MD simulation and trajectory analysis show that when THC binds to CB2R in the presence of vitamin E, the binding cavity widens, facilitating the entry of water molecules into it, leading to a reduced interaction of THC with CB2R. Additionally, the interaction between THC and vitamin E in solution is stabilized by several H bonds, which can directly limit the interaction of free THCs with CB2R. Overall, both the MD simulations and the in vitro dissociation assay results indicate that THC binding to CB2R is reduced in the presence of vitamin E. Our study discusses the role of vitamin E in limiting the effect of THCs and its implications on the reported pathology of EVALI.
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Golosova D, Levchenko V, Kravtsova O, Palygin O, Staruschenko A. Acute and long-term effects of cannabinoids on hypertension and kidney injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6080. [PMID: 35413977 PMCID: PMC9005691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and their endogenous and synthetic analogs impact blood pressure and contribute to the incidence of hypertension. It was previously reported that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in developing hypertension; however, it was also shown that cannabinoids elicit profound hypotension associated with hemorrhagic, cardiogenic, and endotoxic shock. This study aimed to test acute and chronic effects of an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptor anandamide (AEA) on blood pressure and kidney injury in vivo in conscious Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. We demonstrated that acute i.v. bolus administration of a low or a high doses (0.05 or 3 mg/kg) of AEA did not affect blood pressure for 2 h after the injection in Dahl SS rats fed a normal salt diet (0.4% NaCl). Neither low nor high doses of AEA had any beneficial effects on blood pressure or kidney function. Furthermore, hypertensive rats fed a HS diet (8% NaCl) and chronically treated with 3 mg/kg of AEA exhibited a significant increase in blood pressure accompanied by increased renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerular damage at the late stage of hypertension. Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of Smad3 protein levels in the kidney cortex in response to chronic treatment with a high AEA dose. Therefore, TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway may play a crucial role in kidney injury in SS hypertension during chronic treatment with AEA. Collectively, these data indicate that prolonged stimulation of cannabinoid receptors may result in aggravation of hypertension and kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Golosova
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Vladislav Levchenko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Olha Kravtsova
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Oleg Palygin
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA. .,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA. .,Hypertension and Kidney Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA. .,Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA.
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24
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ElTelbany A, Khoudari G, Al-Khadra Y, McCullough A, Alkhouri N. Lower Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Observed Among Cannabis Users: A Population-Based Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e24576. [PMID: 35651376 PMCID: PMC9138632 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The association between HCC and cannabis has been identified in mice; however, to our knowledge has not been identified in humans. Therefore, we aim to investigate the relation between HCC and cannabis use in humans. METHODS Using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2002 and 2014, we identified the patients with HCC and cannabis use diagnosis using the International Classification of Disease 9th version codes (ICD-9). Then, we identified patients without cannabis use as the control group. We adjusted for multiple potential confounders and performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between cannabis abuse and HCC. RESULTS A total of 101,231,036 patients were included in the study. Out of the total, 996,290 patients (1%) had the diagnosis of cannabis abuse versus 100,234,746 patients (99%) in the control group without cannabis abuse. We noticed that patients with cannabis abuse were younger (34 vs 48 years), had more males (61.7% vs 41.4%) and more African Americans (29.9% vs 14.2%) compared with the control group (P<0.001 for all). Besides, patients with cannabis use had more hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and smoking, but had less obesity and gallstones, (P<0.001 for all). Using multivariable logistic regression, and after adjusting for potential confounders, patients with cannabis abuse were 55% less likely to have HCC (adjusted Odds Ratio {aOR}, 0.45, 95% Confidence Interval {CI}, 0.42-0.49, P<0.001) compared with patients without cannabis abuse. CONCLUSION Based on our large database analysis, we found that cannabis use patients were 55% less likely to have HCC compared to patients without cannabis use. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the role of cannabis use on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Khoudari
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | - Yasser Al-Khadra
- Cardiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA
| | | | - Naim Alkhouri
- Fatty Liver Program, Arizona Liver Health, Pheonix, USA
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25
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The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Activity—A Robust Duo in the Novel Therapeutic Approach against Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063083. [PMID: 35328503 PMCID: PMC8948925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and related pathologies encompassing coronary heart disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes constitute serious threats to global health and are associated with a significantly elevated risk of premature death. Considering the enormous burden of these pathologies, novel therapeutic and preventive patterns are indispensable. Dysregulation of one of the most complex biological systems in the human body namely, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may result in metabolic imbalance and development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, many studies showed that physical exercises, depending on their type, intensity, and frequency, exert various alterations within the ECS. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting the ECS via physical activity may produce robust beneficial effects on the course of metabolic pathologies. However, the data showing a direct correlation between the ECS and physical activity in the aspect of metabolic health are very scarce. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide the most up-to-date state of knowledge about the interplay between the ECS activity and physical exercises in the novel therapeutic and preventive approach toward metabolic pathologies. We believe that this paper, at least in part, will fulfill the existing gap in knowledge and encourage researchers to further explore this very complex yet interesting link between the ECS, its action in physical activity, and subsequent positive outcomes for metabolic health.
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Kennedy L, Alpini G. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Antagonism Demonstrates High Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1259-1260. [PMID: 35131175 PMCID: PMC9073729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Kennedy
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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27
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Therapeutic Targeting of Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030429. [PMID: 35159238 PMCID: PMC8834168 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most threatening complications of Crohn’s disease. It occurs in more than a third of patients with this condition, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and surgery often represents the only available therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis are partly known. Studies conducted so far have shown a relevant pathogenetic role played by mesenchymal cells (especially myofibroblasts), cytokines (e.g., transforming growth factor-β), growth factors, microRNAs, intestinal microbiome, matrix stiffness, and mesenteric adipocytes. Further studies are still necessary to elucidate all the mechanisms involved in intestinal fibrosis, so that targeted therapies can be developed. Although several pre-clinical studies have been conducted so far, no anti-fibrotic therapy is yet available to prevent or reverse intestinal fibrosis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the main therapeutic targets currently identified and the most promising anti-fibrotic therapies, which may be available in the near future.
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Khan RN, Maner-Smith K, A. Owens J, Barbian ME, Jones RM, R. Naudin C. At the heart of microbial conversations: endocannabinoids and the microbiome in cardiometabolic risk. Gut Microbes 2022; 13:1-21. [PMID: 33896380 PMCID: PMC8078674 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1911572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic syndrome encompasses intertwined risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and other maladaptive metabolic and inflammatory aberrations. As the molecular mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders are investigated, endocannabinoids have emerged as molecules of interest. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of biologically active lipids has been implicated in several conditions, including chronic liver disease, osteoporosis, and more recently in cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiome is a major regulator of inflammatory and metabolic signaling in the host, and if disrupted, has the potential to drive metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Extensive studies have unraveled the impact of the gut microbiome on host physiology, with recent reports showing that gut microbes exquisitely control the ECS, with significant influences on host metabolic and cardiac health. In this review, we outline how modulation of the gut microbiome affects host metabolism and cardiovascular health via the ECS, and how these findings could be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for various metabolic and cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Nabihah Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristal Maner-Smith
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joshua A. Owens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Estefania Barbian
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rheinallt M. Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Crystal R. Naudin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,CONTACT Crystal R. Naudin Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA30322, United States of America
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Shao T, Chen Z, Rong J, Belov V, Chen J, Jeyarajan A, Deng X, Fu H, Yu Q, Rwema SH, Lin W, Papisov M, Josephson L, Chung RT, Liang SH. [ 18F]MAGL-4-11 positron emission tomography molecular imaging of monoacylglycerol lipase changes in preclinical liver fibrosis models. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:308-315. [PMID: 35127387 PMCID: PMC8799882 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a pivotal enzyme in the endocannabinoid system, which metabolizes 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) into the proinflammatory eicosanoid precursor arachidonic acid (AA). MAGL and other endogenous cannabinoid (EC) degrading enzymes are involved in the fibrogenic signaling pathways that induce hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and ECM accumulation during chronic liver disease. Our group recently developed an 18F-labeled MAGL inhibitor ([18F]MAGL-4-11) for PET imaging and demonstrated highly specific binding in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we determined [18F]MAGL-4-11 PET enabled imaging MAGL levels in the bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) models of liver cirrhosis; we also assessed the hepatic gene expression of the enzymes involved with EC system including MAGL, NAPE-PLD, FAAH and DAGL that as a function of disease severity in these models; [18F]MAGL-4-11 autoradiography was performed to assess tracer binding in frozen liver sections both in animal and human. [18F]MAGL-4-11 demonstrated reduced PET signals in early stages of fibrosis and further significantly decreased with disease progression compared with control mice. We confirmed MAGL and FAAH expression decreases with fibrosis severity, while its levels in normal liver tissue are high; in contrast, the EC synthetic enzymes NAPE-PLD and DAGL are enhanced in these different fibrosis models. In vitro autoradiography further supported that [18F]MAGL-4-11 bound specifically to MAGL in both animal and human fibrotic liver tissues. Our PET ligand [18F]MAGL-4-11 shows excellent sensitivity and specificity for MAGL visualization in vivo and accurately reflects the histological stages of liver fibrosis in preclinical models and human liver tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Shao
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jian Rong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vasily Belov
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andre Jeyarajan
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Deng
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hualong Fu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Qingzhen Yu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Steve H. Rwema
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mikhail Papisov
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lee Josephson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors. Tel.: +1 617 724 7562, fax: +1 617 643 0446 (Raymond T. Chung); Tel.: +1 617 726 6107, fax: +1 617 726 6165 (Steven H. Liang).
| | - Steven H. Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors. Tel.: +1 617 724 7562, fax: +1 617 643 0446 (Raymond T. Chung); Tel.: +1 617 726 6107, fax: +1 617 726 6165 (Steven H. Liang).
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Helmrich N, Roderfeld M, Baier A, Windhorst A, Herebian D, Mayatepek E, Dierkes C, Ocker M, Glebe D, Christ B, Churin Y, Irungbam K, Roeb E. Pharmacologic Antagonization of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Improves Cholestasis in Abcb4 -/- Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:1041-1055. [PMID: 34954190 PMCID: PMC8873597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The endocannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of inflammatory, fibrotic, metabolic, and carcinogenesis-associated signaling pathways via cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 and CB2. We hypothesized that the pharmacologic antagonization of CB1 receptor improves cholestasis in Abcb4-/- mice. METHODS After weaning, male Abcb4-/- mice were treated orally with rimonabant (a specific antagonist of CB1) or ACEA (an agonist of CB1) until up to 16 weeks of age. Liver tissue and serum were isolated and examined by means of serum analysis, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme function. Untreated Abcb4-/- and Bagg Albino Mouse/c wild-type mice served as controls. RESULTS Cholestasis-induced symptoms such as liver damage, bile duct proliferation, and enhanced circulating bile acids were improved by CB1 antagonization. Rimonabant treatment also improved Phosphoenolpyruvat-Carboxykinase expression and reduced inflammation and the acute-phase response. The carcinogenesis-associated cellular-Jun N-terminal kinase/cellular-JUN and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathways activated in Abcb4-/- mice were reduced to wild-type level by CB1 antagonization. CONCLUSIONS We showed a protective effect of oral CB1 antagonization in chronic cholestasis using the established Abcb4-/- model. Our results suggest that pharmacologic antagonization of the CB1 receptor could have a therapeutic benefit in cholestasis-associated metabolic changes, liver damage, inflammation, and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Baier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anita Windhorst
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Diran Herebian
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ertan Mayatepek
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Dierkes
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum for Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Trier, Germany
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Institute for Surgical Research, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bruno Christ
- Applied Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yuri Churin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Elke Roeb
- Department of Gastroenterology, Giessen, Germany,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Elke Roeb, MD, MHAC, Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg (UKGM), Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany. fax: (49) 641-985-42339.
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Faúndez-Parraguez M, Alarcón-Miranda C, Cho YH, Pessoa-Mahana H, Gallardo-Garrido C, Chung H, Faúndez M, Pessoa-Mahana D. New Pyridone-Based Derivatives as Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Agonists. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11212. [PMID: 34681877 PMCID: PMC8537746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of the human cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) is known to mediate analgesic and anti-inflammatory processes without the central adverse effects related to cannabinoid receptor type I (CB1R). In this work we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of N-aryl-2-pyridone-3-carboxamide derivatives tested as human cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) agonists. Different cycloalkanes linked to the N-aryl pyridone by an amide group displayed CB2R agonist activity as determined by intracellular [cAMP] levels. The most promising compound 8d exhibited a non-toxic profile and similar potency (EC50 = 112 nM) to endogenous agonists Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) providing new information for the development of small molecules activating CB2R. Molecular docking studies showed a binding pose consistent with two structurally different agonists WIN-55212-2 and AM12033 and suggested structural requirements on the pyridone substituents that can satisfy the orthosteric pocket and induce an agonist response. Our results provide additional evidence to support the 2-pyridone ring as a suitable scaffold for the design of CB2R agonists and represent a starting point for further optimization and development of novel compounds for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Faúndez-Parraguez
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Carlos Alarcón-Miranda
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Young Hwa Cho
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Hernán Pessoa-Mahana
- Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Olivos 1007, Santiago 7820436, Chile;
| | - Carlos Gallardo-Garrido
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Hery Chung
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Mario Faúndez
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
| | - David Pessoa-Mahana
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (C.A.-M.); (Y.H.C.); (C.G.-G.); (H.C.); (M.F.)
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Yang K, Choi SE, Jeong WI. Hepatic Cannabinoid Signaling in the Regulation of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Alcohol Res 2021; 41:12. [PMID: 34646717 PMCID: PMC8496755 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v41.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a key regulatory signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). More than 30 years of research have established different roles of endocannabinoids and their receptors in various aspects of liver diseases, such as steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, pharmacological applications of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of ALD have not been successful because of psychoactive side effects, despite some beneficial effects. Thus, a more delicate and detailed elucidation of the mechanism linking the endocannabinoid system and ALD may be of paramount significance in efforts to apply the system to the treatment of ALD. SEARCH METHODS Three electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) were used for literature search from November 1988 to April 2021. Major keywords used for literature searches were “cannabinoid,” “cannabinoid receptor,” “ALD,” “steatosis,” and “fibrosis.” SEARCH RESULTS According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the authors selected 47 eligible full-text articles out of 2,691 searched initially. Studies in the past 3 decades revealed the opposite effects of cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R on steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in ALD. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the endocannabinoid signaling in the general physiology of the liver, the pathogenesis of ALD, and some of the potential therapeutic implications of cannabinoid-based treatments for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keungmo Yang
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Eun Choi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Il Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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Long C, Xie N, Shu Y, Wu Y, He P, Zhou Y, Xiang Y, Gu J, Yang L, Wang Y. Knockout of the Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Gene Promotes Inflammation and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Promoting A20/Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Expression in Mice with Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931236. [PMID: 34413280 PMCID: PMC8409143 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of deleting the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) gene on the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice via regulating inflammation. Material/Methods The DNA was extracted from the tails of mice to identify whether the cannabinoid receptor 2 gene was successfully knocked out. A liver fibrosis model was established by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 into mice. Hepatic damage and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated by detecting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and staining paraffin sections of liver tissue with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The secretion and distribution of collagen in liver tissue were observed by Masson staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (A20), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver tissue. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA in liver tissue. Results Compared with the control mice, the mice with CB2 knockout that were exposed to CCl4 exhibited increased liver damage, liver fibrosis, and upregulated α-SMA, TGF-β1, A20, and p-NF-κB p65 protein levels. IL-6 and TNF-α protein levels and mRNA levels were upregulated. Conclusions The deletion of the CB2 gene promoted the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice with liver fibrosis and aggravated liver fibrosis by up-regulating the protein expression of A20 and p-NF-κB p65 and inducing inflammatory response, potentially providing new insight into the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuizhen Long
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,Medical Laboratory Department, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Na Xie
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yuanhui Shu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yafeng Wu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People's Hospital of Ya'an City, Ya'an, Sichuan, China (mainland)
| | - Ping He
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Zhou
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yining Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Junying Gu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Yang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yuping Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
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Feedback Signaling between Cholangiopathies, Ductular Reaction, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082072. [PMID: 34440841 PMCID: PMC8391272 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are global health disparities, particularly in the United States, as a result of cultural eating habits and lifestyle. Pathological studies on NAFLD have been mostly focused on hepatocytes and other inflammatory cell types; however, the impact of other biliary epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes) in the promotion of NAFLD is growing. This review article will discuss how cholestatic injury and cholangiocyte activity/ductular reaction influence NAFLD progression. Furthermore, this review will provide informative details regarding the fundamental properties of cholangiocytes and bile acid signaling that can influence NAFLD. Lastly, studies relating to the pathogenesis of NAFLD, cholangiopathies, and ductular reaction will be analyzed to help gain insight for potential therapies.
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Tang X, Liu Z, Li X, Wang J, Li L. Cannabinoid Receptors in Myocardial Injury: A Brother Born to Rival. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136886. [PMID: 34206926 PMCID: PMC8268439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors typically include type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and they have attracted extensive attention in the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system. Due to more in-depth studies in recent years, it has been found that the typical CB1 and CB2 receptors confer functional importance far beyond the CNS and immune system. In particular, many works have reported the critical involvement of the CB1 and CB2 receptors in myocardial injuries. Both pharmacological and genetic approaches have been used for studying CB1 and CB2 functions in these studies, revealing that the brother receptors have many basic differences and sometimes antagonistic functions in a variety of myocardial injuries, despite some sequence or location identity they share. Herein, we introduce the general differences of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and summarize the functional rivalries between the two brother receptors in the setting of myocardial injuries. We point out the importance of individual receptor-based modulation, instead of dual receptor modulators, when treating myocardial injuries.
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Hashiesh HM, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Sadek B, Jha NK, Kaabi JA, Ojha S. A focused review on CB2 receptor-selective pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of β-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111639. [PMID: 34091179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a conserved physiological system emerged as a novel pharmacological target for its significant role and potential therapeutic benefits ranging from neurological diseases to cancer. Among both, CB1 and CB2R types, CB2R have received attention for its pharmacological effects as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiapoptotic that can be achieved without causing psychotropic adverse effects through CB1R. The ligands activate CB2R are of endogenous, synthetic and plant origin. In recent years, β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene in cannabis as well as non-cannabis plants, has received attention due to its selective agonist property on CB2R. BCP has been well studied in a variety of pathological conditions mediating CB2R selective agonist property. The focus of the present manuscript is to represent the CB2R selective agonist mediated pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of BCP. The present narrative review summarizes insights into the CB2R-selective pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of BCP such as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, chemopreventive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator. The available evidences suggest that BCP, can be an important candidate of plant origin endowed with CB2R selective properties that may provide a pharmacological rationale for its pharmacotherapeutic application and pharmaceutical development like a drug. Additionally, given the wide availability in edible plants and dietary use, with safety, and no toxicity, BCP can be promoted as a nutraceutical and functional food for general health and well-being. Further, studies are needed to explore pharmacological and pharmaceutical opportunities for therapeutic and preventive applications of use of BCP in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Juma Al Kaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Ahmed I, Rehman SU, Shahmohamadnejad S, Zia MA, Ahmad M, Saeed MM, Akram Z, Iqbal HMN, Liu Q. Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders. Molecules 2021; 26:3389. [PMID: 34205169 PMCID: PMC8199938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaq Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Saif Ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
| | - Shiva Shahmohamadnejad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-13151, Iran;
| | - Muhammad Anjum Zia
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SBBUVAS), Sakrand 67210, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Saeed
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Zain Akram
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico;
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
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Nguyen S, Mangubat M, Eleswarapu S, Wilson JB, Molina J, Abraham A, Artaza JN, Friedman TC, Ferrini MG. The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa. Sex Med 2021; 9:100312. [PMID: 33540365 PMCID: PMC8072182 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The link between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of cannabis in tandem with current Western dietary habits is an area in male sexual health that has yet to be explored. This study seeks to investigate the impact of diet and cannabis on penile health in an animal model. AIM To determine the effects of diet and oral cannabis extract on fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice. METHODS This is a pilot animal study in which groups of 2-month old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) daily and treated with or without either MJ or THC extract for 2 months. After euthanization, mouse penises were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical studies to determine: (i) smooth muscle cell to collagen content, (ii) myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) anti-oxidative activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers of fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice fed a high-fat diet in combination with either oral marijuana (MJ) or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol extract (THC). RESULTS The combination of HFD with MJ resulted in: (i) a decrease in the smooth/collagen ratio in the corpora cavernosa, (ii) an increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in the tunica albuginea compatible with myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) a decrease in heme oxygenase 1 expression indicating an increase in oxidative stress. Significant histological changes were not observed in the HFD + THC group. CONCLUSIONS HFD combined with oral MJ extract led to structural alterations in erectile tissue that are associated with accelerated corporal fibrosis. However, the addition of THC to the diet did not exacerbate histological changes within the corpora. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the discrepant effects between MJ and THC in order to optimize the therapeutic potential of cannabis and minimize its adverse effects on penile health. S Nguyen, M Mangubat, S Eleswarapu, et al. The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa. Sex Med 2021;9:100312.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Nguyen
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Mangubat
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sriram Eleswarapu
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julian B Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn Molina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Abraham
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jorge N Artaza
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theodore C Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Monica G Ferrini
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Hepatocardiac or Cardiohepatic Interaction: From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Western Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6655335. [PMID: 33777158 PMCID: PMC7981187 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6655335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a close relationship between the liver and heart based on "zang-xiang theory," "five-element theory," and "five-zang/five-viscus/five-organ correlation theory" in the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Moreover, with the development of molecular biology, genetics, immunology, and others, the Modern Medicine indicates the existence of the essential interorgan communication between the liver and heart (the heart and liver). Anatomically and physiologically, the liver and heart are connected with each other primarily via "blood circulation." Pathologically, liver diseases can affect the heart; for example, patients with end-stage liver disease (liver failure/cirrhosis) may develop into "cirrhotic cardiomyopathy," and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may promote the development of cardiovascular diseases via multiple molecular mechanisms. In contrast, heart diseases can affect the liver, heart failure may lead to cardiogenic hypoxic hepatitis and cardiac cirrhosis, and atrial fibrillation (AF) markedly alters the hepatic gene expression profile and induces AF-related hypercoagulation. The heart can also influence liver metabolism via certain nonsecretory cardiac gene-mediated multiple signals. Moreover, organokines are essential mediators of organ crosstalk, e.g., cardiomyokines link the heart to the liver, while hepatokines link the liver to the heart. Therefore, both TCM and Western Medicine, and both the basic research studies and the clinical practices, all indicate that there exist essential "heart-liver axes" and "liver-heart axes." To investigate the organ interactions between the liver and heart (the heart and liver) will help us broaden and deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of both liver and heart diseases, thus improving the strategies of prevention and treatment in the future.
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Kaminski NE, Kaplan BLF. Immunomodulation by cannabinoids: Current uses, mechanisms, and identification of data gaps to be addressed for additional therapeutic application. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 91:1-59. [PMID: 34099105 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in immunity and therefore its components, including cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), are putative druggable targets for immune-mediated diseases. Whether modulating endogenous cannabinoid levels or interacting with CB1 or CB2 receptors directly, cannabinoids or cannabinoid-based therapeutics (CBTs) show promise as anti-inflammatory or immune suppressive agents. Herein we provide an overview of cannabinoid effects in animals and humans that provide support for the use of CBTs in immune-mediated disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, arthritis, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). This is not an exhaustive review of cannabinoid effects on immune responses, but rather provides: (1) key studies in which initial and/or novel observations were made in animal studies; (2) critical human studies including meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which CBTs have been assessed; and (3) evidence for the role of CB1 or CB2 receptors in immune-mediated diseases through genetic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CNR1 and CNR2 genes that encode CB1 or CB2 receptors, respectively. Perhaps most importantly, we provide our view of data gaps that exist, which if addressed, would allow for more rigorous evaluation of the efficacy and risk to benefit ratio of the use of cannabinoids and/or CBTs for immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert E Kaminski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States.
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Yuan CY, Zhou V, Sauber G, Stollenwerk T, Komorowski R, López A, Tolón RM, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Drobyski WR. Signaling through the type 2 cannabinoid receptor regulates the severity of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Blood 2021; 137:1241-1255. [PMID: 33027805 PMCID: PMC7933769 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020004871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) pathophysiology is a complex interplay between cells that comprise the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system. Effective prophylactic strategies are therefore contingent upon approaches that address contributions from both immune cell compartments. In the current study, we examined the role of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R), which is expressed on nearly all immune cells, and demonstrated that absence of the CB2R on donor CD4+ or CD8+ T cells or administration of a selective CB2R pharmacological antagonist exacerbated acute GVHD lethality. This was accompanied primarily by the expansion of proinflammatory CD8+ T cells, indicating that constitutive CB2R expression on T cells preferentially regulated CD8+ T-cell alloreactivity. Using a novel CB2ReGFP reporter mouse, we observed significant loss of CB2R expression on T cells, but not macrophages, during acute GVHD, indicative of differential alterations in receptor expression under inflammatory conditions. Therapeutic targeting of the CB2R with the agonists Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and JWH-133 revealed that only THC mitigated lethal T cell-mediated acute GVHD. Conversely, only JWH-133 was effective in a sclerodermatous chronic GVHD model where macrophages contributed to disease biology. In vitro, both THC and JWH-133 induced arrestin recruitment and extracellular regulated kinase phosphorylation via CB2R, but THC had no effect on CB2R-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This study shows that the CB2R plays a critical role in the regulation of GVHD and suggests that effective therapeutic targeting is dependent upon agonist signaling characteristics and receptor selectivity in conjunction with the composition of pathogenic immune effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Richard Komorowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; and
| | - Alicia López
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa María Tolón
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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Late effects of early weaning on food preference and the dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems in male and female rats. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 13:90-100. [PMID: 33650480 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Early weaning (EW) is associated with obesity later in life. Here, using an EW model in rats, we investigated changes in feeding behavior and the dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems (ECS) in the adult offspring. Lactating Wistar rats were divided into two groups: EW, dams were wrapped with a bandage to interrupt suckling during the last 3 days of breastfeeding; CONT; dams fed the pups throughout the period without hindrances. EW animals were compared with CONT animals of the same sex. At PN175, male and female offspring of both groups could freely self-select between high-fat and high-sugar diets (food challenge test). EW males preferred the high-fat diet at 30 min and more of the high-sugar diet after 12 h compared to CONT males. EW females did not show differences in their preference for the palatable diets compared to CONT females. Total intake of standard diet from PN30-PN180 was higher in both male and female EW animals, indicating hyperphagia. At PN180, EW males showed lower type 2 dopamine receptor (D2r) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsal striatum, while EW females had lower tyrosine hydroxylase in the ventral tegmental area and NAc, D1r in the NAc, and D2r in the prefrontal cortex. In the lateral hypothalamus, EW males had lower fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase, whereas EW females showed lower N-arachidonoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase-D and increased FAAH. Early weaning altered both the dopaminergic and ECS parameters at adulthood, contributing to the eating behavior changes of the progeny in a sex-dependent manner.
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Rohbeck E, Eckel J, Romacho T. Cannabinoid Receptors in Metabolic Regulation and Diabetes. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 36:102-113. [PMID: 33595385 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00029.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for developing effective drugs to combat the obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemics. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in energy homeostasis. It comprises the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids and their metabolizing enzymes. Because the CB1 receptor is overactivated in metabolic alterations, pharmacological blockade of the CB1 receptor arose as a promising candidate to treat obesity. However, because of the wide distribution of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, their negative central effects halted further therapeutic use. Although the CB2 receptor is mostly peripherally expressed, its role in metabolic homeostasis remains unclear. This review discusses the potential of CB1 and CB2 receptors at the peripheral level to be therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases. We focus on the impact of pharmacological intervention and/or silencing on peripheral cannabinoid receptors in organs/tissues relevant for energy homeostasis. Moreover, we provide a perspective on novel therapeutic strategies modulating these receptors. Targeting CB1 with peripherally restricted antagonists, neutral antagonists, inverse agonists, or monoclonal antibodies could represent successful strategies. CB2 agonism has shown promising results at preclinical level. Beyond classic antagonism and agonism targeting orthosteric sites, the recently described crystal structures of CB1 and CB2 open new possibilities for therapeutic interventions with negative and positive allosteric modulators. The challenge of simultaneously targeting CB1 and CB2 might be possible by developing dual-steric ligands. The future will tell whether these promising strategies result in a renaissance of the cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Rohbeck
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Juergen Eckel
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tania Romacho
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Ali AM, El-Tawil OS, Al-Mokaddem AK, Abd El-Rahman SS. Promoted inhibition of TLR4/miR-155/ NF kB p65 signaling by cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist (AM1241), aborts inflammation and progress of hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 336:109398. [PMID: 33503444 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a pivotal role, whether it is promoting or dampening hepatic fibrosis. This study investigated the role of Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) activation by the synthetic analog (AM1241) on revoking the progress of liver fibrosis. Thioacetamide (TAA) was used to induce liver fibrosis in rats for three weeks followed by its concurrent administration with AM1241 at two different doses for another three weeks. Markers for liver function and oxidative stress, hepatic TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, qRT-PCR expression of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), TGF-β1, α-SMA and microRNA-155 (miR-155) genes, Western blot for protein levels of Vimentin and E-cadherin, immunohistochemical expression of NFκB p65 and histopathology of liver tissue were all investigated. AM1241 administration significantly maintained liver function markers and decreased; malondialdehyde, Vimentin, TLR4, TGF-β1, α-SMA and miR-155 genes expression, NFκB p65 immune-expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). Additionally, AM1241 significantly increased E-Cadherin level, GSH and SOD content. Histologically, AM1241 limited fibroplasia extension, and broke the itinerary of bridging fibrosis. In conclusion, activation of the CB2 receptors by AM1241 promoted liver regeneration and overrun the progression of liver fibrosis through; inhibition of TLR4/miR-155/NFκB p65 pathway, suppression of pro-inflammatory IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, reducing TGF-β1, α-SMA, Vimentin and up-regulating E-Cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa M Ali
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Osama S El-Tawil
- Department of Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Veterinary Regulations, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K Al-Mokaddem
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Phytocannabinoids-A Green Approach toward Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030393. [PMID: 33498537 PMCID: PMC7864168 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent chronic liver disease in adults in developed countries, with a global prevalence as high as one billion. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is a multifactorial and multi-step process. Nowadays, a growing body of research suggests the considerable role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a complex cell-signaling system in NAFLD development. Although increased endocannabinoid tone in the liver highly contributes to NAFLD development, the complex effects and impacts of plant-derived cannabinoids in the aspect of NAFLD pathophysiology are yet not fully understood, and effective medications are still in demand. In our review, we present the latest reports describing the role of ECS in NAFLD, focusing primarily on two types of cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, we sum up the recent literature on the clinical use of natural cannabinoids in NAFLD treatment. This review is useful for understanding the importance of ECS in NAFLD development, and it also provides the basis for more extensive clinical phytocannabinoids testing in patients suffering from NAFLD.
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Kimura T, Singh S, Tanaka N, Umemura T. Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Approaches to Anti-Fibrotic Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:773432. [PMID: 34938271 PMCID: PMC8685252 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.773432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally increasing. Gaining control over disease-related events in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, is currently an unmet medical need. Hepatic fibrosis is a critical prognostic factor in NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and the development of related therapies are of great importance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate the function of a great variety of extracellular ligands. GPCRs represent major drug targets, as indicated by the fact that about 40% of all drugs currently used in clinical practice mediate their therapeutic effects by acting on GPCRs. Like many other organs, various GPCRs play a role in regulating liver function. It is predicted that more than 50 GPCRs are expressed in the liver. However, our knowledge of how GPCRs regulate liver metabolism and fibrosis in the different cell types of the liver is very limited. In particular, a better understanding of the role of GPCRs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary cells that regulate liver fibrosis, may lead to the development of drugs that can improve hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe the functions of multiple GPCRs expressed in HSCs, their roles in liver fibrogenesis, and finally speculate on the development of novel treatments for NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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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Hepatocyte cannabinoid 1 receptor nullification alleviates toxin-induced liver damage via NF-κB signaling. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1044. [PMID: 33298885 PMCID: PMC7726564 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) expression is upregulated in the liver with viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD), whereas its expression is muted under usual physiological conditions. Inhibiting CB1R has been shown to be beneficial in preserving hepatic function in FLD but it is unclear if inhibiting CB1R during an inflammatory response to an acute hepatic injury, such as toxin-induced injury, would also be beneficial. We found that intrinsic CB1R in hepatocytes regulated liver inflammation-related gene transcription. We tested if nullification of hepatocyte-specific CB1R (hCNR1−/−) in mice protects against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury. We looked for evidence of liver damage and markers of inflammation in response to Con A by measuring liver enzyme levels and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) in serum collected from hCNR1−/− and control mice. We observed a shift to the right in the dose-response curve for liver injury and inflammation in hCNR1−/− mice. We also found less inflammatory cell infiltration and focal necrosis in livers of hCNR1−/− mice compared to controls, resulting from downregulated apoptotic markers. This anti-apoptotic mechanism results from increased activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), especially cAMP-dependent cannabinoid signaling and membrane-bound TNF-α, via downregulated TNF-α receptor 2 (TNFR2) transcription levels. Collectively, these findings provide insight into involvement of CB1R in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury.
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Association between gestational cannabis exposure and maternal, perinatal, placental, and childhood outcomes. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:694-703. [PMID: 33280638 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420001166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the availability and formulations for the administration of cannabis are changing with decriminalization or legalization of recreational use in some jurisdictions, and the prescription of cannabis also occurring. These changes are likely to affect the prevalence of use, including by women of childbearing age. The effects of in utero and infant alcohol and tobacco exposure are well-documented, but the outcomes of cannabis exposure are less certain. The content of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis has progressively increased over several decades. This review explores the limited knowledge surrounding the epidemiology of gestational and postnatal cannabis exposure and implications for the mother-placenta-fetus/neonate triad. We examine cannabis' effects from antenatal and lactation exposure on (a) pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, (b) placental health, and (c) longer term cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental risks and outcomes. Though definitive outcomes are lacking, gestational cannabis has been associated with increased risk of other substance use during pregnancy; impaired placental blood flow; increased risk of small for gestational age births; and associated complications. Childhood and adolescent outcomes are sparsely assessed, with suggested outcomes including increased risk of depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Cardiometabolic implications of gestational cannabis use may include maternal fatty liver, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with potential consequences for the fetus. Clinical implications for pediatric practice were explored in a bid to understand any potential risk or impact on child health and development.
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Choi CJ, Weiss SH, Nasir UM, Pyrsopoulos NT. Cannabis use history is associated with increased prevalence of ascites among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A nationwide analysis. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:993-1003. [PMID: 33312424 PMCID: PMC7701971 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have revealed the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic target in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cannabis use is associated with reduced risk for NAFLD, we hypothesized that cannabis use would be associated with less liver-related clinical complications in patients with NAFLD.
AIM To assess the effects of cannabis use on liver-related clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with NAFLD.
METHODS We performed a retrospective matched cohort study based on querying the 2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for hospitalizations of adults with a diagnosis of NAFLD. The NIS database is publicly available and the largest all-payer inpatient database in the United States. The patients with cannabis use were selected as cases and those without cannabis were selected as controls. Case-control matching at a ratio of one case to two controls was performed based on sex, age, race, and comorbidities. The liver-related outcomes such as portal hypertension, ascites, varices and variceal bleeding, and cirrhosis were compared between the groups.
RESULTS A total of 49911 weighed hospitalizations with a diagnosis of NAFLD were identified. Of these, 3820 cases were selected as the cannabis group, and 7625 non-cannabis cases were matched as controls. Patients with cannabis use had a higher prevalence of ascites (4.5% vs 3.6%), with and without cannabis use, P = 0.03. The prevalence of portal hypertension (2.1% vs 2.2%), varices and variceal bleeding (1.3% vs 1.7%), and cirrhosis (3.7% vs 3.6%) was not different between the groups, with and without cannabis use, all P > 0.05. Hyperlipidemia, race/ethnicity other than White, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander or Native American, and higher comorbidity score were independent risk factors for ascites in the cannabis group. Among non-cannabis users, obesity and hyperlipidemia were independent protective factors against ascites while older age, Native American and higher comorbidity index were independent risk factors for ascites.
CONCLUSION Cannabis was associated with higher rates of ascites, but there was no statistical difference in the prevalence of portal hypertension, varices and variceal bleeding, and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Choi
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, United States
| | - Stanley H Weiss
- Department of Medicine, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Umair M Nasir
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, United States
| | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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