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Belali R, Mard SA, Khoshnam SE, Bavarsad K, Sarkaki A, Farbood Y. Anandamide Attenuates Neurobehavioral Deficits and EEG Irregularities in the Chronic Sleep Deprivation Rats: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1541-1555. [PMID: 37966567 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation increases stress, anxiety, and depression by altering the endocannabinoid system's function. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in the chronic sleep deprivation (SD) model in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into three groups: control + vehicle (Control), chronic sleep deprivation + vehicle (SD), and chronic sleep deprivation + 20 mg/kg AEA (SD + A). The rats were kept in a sleep deprivation device for 18 h (7 to 1 a.m.) daily for 21 days. Open-field (OFT), elevated plus maze, and forced swimming tests (FST) were used to assess anxiety and depression-like behavior. As well as the cortical EEG, CB1R mRNA expression, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4 levels, and antioxidant activity in the brain were examined following SD induction. AEA administration significantly increased the time spent (p < 0.01), the distance traveled in the central zone (p < 0.001), and the number of climbing (p < 0.05) in the OFT; it also increased the duration and number of entries into the open arms (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively), and did not reduce immobility time in the FST (p > 0.05), AEA increased CB1R mRNA expression in the anterior and medial parts of the brain (p < 0.01), and IL-4 levels (p < 0.05). AEA also reduced IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.05) and modulated cortical EEG. AEA induced anxiolytic-like effects but not anti-depressant effects in the SD model in rats by modulating CB1R mRNA expression, cortical EEG, and inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafie Belali
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Mard
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bavarsad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sarkaki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Yaghoob Farbood
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Basic Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Barbetti M, Mancabelli L, Vacondio F, Longhi G, Ferlenghi F, Viglioli M, Turroni F, Carnevali L, Mor M, Ventura M, Sgoifo A, Rivara S. Social stress-induced depressive-like symptoms and changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles are prevented by pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in male rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110963. [PMID: 38354897 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity has antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models of stress. In this study, we investigated whether the antidepressant-like effects of FAAH inhibition are associated with corresponding changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles, which are emerging as critical components in the pathophysiology of depression. Adult male Wistar rats experienced five weeks of repeated social defeat or control procedure and were treated with the FAAH inhibitor URB694 (0.3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle starting from the third week. Repeated social defeat induced the emergence of depressive-like behavioral (sucrose preference reduction and passive coping behaviors in the forced swim test) and neuroendocrine (increased corticosterone levels) changes, which were prevented by URB694 treatment. Repeated social defeat also provoked a significant variation in gut microbiota (changes in the relative abundance of 14 bacterial taxa) and lipidic (e.g., glycerophospholipids) composition. These stress-induced changes were prevented by URB694 treatment. These findings indicate that inhibition of FAAH activity with URB694 blocks the co-occurrence of depressive-like behavioral and neuroendocrine changes and alterations in gut microbial and lipid composition in rats exposed to repeated social defeat. In conclusion, these results suggest that the gut microbiota-lipid crosstalk may represent a novel biological target for FAAH inhibitors to enhance stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Barbetti
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Longhi
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Marco Mor
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Comai S, Nunez N, Atkin T, Ghabrash MF, Zakarian R, Fielding A, Saint-Laurent M, Low N, Sauber G, Ragazzi E, Hillard CJ, Gobbi G. Dysfunction in endocannabinoids, palmitoylethanolamide, and degradation of tryptophan into kynurenine in individuals with depressive symptoms. BMC Med 2024; 22:33. [PMID: 38273283 PMCID: PMC10809514 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03248-8] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the serotonin (5-HT) are both implicated in the severity of the depression. 5-HT is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan (Trp), which is also a precursor for kynurenine (Kyn) whose production is increased at the expense of 5-HT in depressed patients. No clinical studies have investigated the crosstalk between the eCB system and the Trp/5-HT/Kyn pathways. Here, we hypothesized that the eCB system is associated with an enhanced Kyn production in relation to the severity of depressive symptoms. METHODS Eighty-two subjects (51 patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder (DSM-5) and 31 healthy volunteers), were assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Beck Depression Scale, and Global Clinical Impression. Serum concentrations of eCBs (N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)); structurally related fatty acyl compounds 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA); Trp, Kyn, Kyn/Trp ratio (an index of Trp degradation into Kyn) and 5-HT were also determined. RESULTS Following a principal component analysis including the severity of depression, Kyn and the Kyn/Trp ratio appear to be directly associated with 2-AG, AEA, and PEA. Interestingly, these biomarkers also permitted to distinguish the population into two main clusters: one of individuals having mild/severe depressive symptoms and the other with an absence of depressive symptoms. Using parametric analysis, higher serum levels of 2-AG, Kyn, and the ratio Kyn/Trp and lower levels of Trp and 5-HT were found in individuals with mild/severe depressive symptoms than in those without depressive symptoms. While in asymptomatic people, PEA was directly associated to Trp, and OEA indirectly linked to 5-HT, in individuals with depressive symptoms, these correlations were lost, and instead, positive correlations between AEA and 2-AG, PEA and AEA, and PEA vs 2-AG and OEA concentrations were found. CONCLUSIONS Parametric and non-parametric analyses suggest a possible association between eCBs, tryptophan/kynurenine biomarkers, and severity of depression, confirming a likely interplay among inflammation, stress, and depression. The enhanced relationships among the biomarkers of the 2-AG and AEA pathways and related lipids seen in individuals with depressive symptoms, but not in asymptomatics, suggest an altered metabolism of the eCB system in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicolas Nunez
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias Atkin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Rita Zakarian
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Allan Fielding
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Saint-Laurent
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Low
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Garrett Sauber
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Aguiar DD, Petrocchi JA, da Silva GC, Lemos VS, Castor MGME, Perez ADC, Duarte IDG, Romero TRL. Participation of the cannabinoid system and the NO/cGMP/K ATP pathway in serotonin-induced peripheral antinociception. Neurosci Lett 2024; 818:137536. [PMID: 37898181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
It has already been shown that serotonin can release endocannabinoids at the spinal cord level, culminating in inhibition of the dorsal horn. At the peripheral level, cannabinoid receptors modulate primary afferent neurons by inhibiting calcium conductance and increasing potassium conductance. Studies have shown that after the activation of opioid receptors and cannabinoids, there is also the activation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway, inducing cellular hyperpolarization. In this study, we evaluated the participation of the cannabinoid system with subsequent activation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway in the peripheral antinociceptive effect of serotonin. The paw pressure test of mice was used in animals that had their sensitivity to pain increased due to an intraplantar injection of PGE2 (2 μg). Serotonin (250 ng/paw), administered locally in the right hind paw, induced antinociceptive effect. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors antagonists, AM251 (20, 40 and 80 μg) and AM630 (25, 50 and 100 μg), respectively, reversed the serotonin-induced antinociceptive effect. MAFP (0.5 μg), an inhibitor of the FAAH enzyme that degrades anandamide, and JZL184 (3.75 μg), an inhibitor of the enzyme MAGL that degrades 2-AG, as well as the VDM11 (2.5 μg) inhibitor of anandamide reuptake, potentiated the antinociceptive effect induced by a low dose (62. 5 ng) of serotonin. In the evaluation of the participation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway, the antinociceptive effect of serotonin was reversed by the administration of the non-selective inhibitor of NOS isoforms L-NOarg (12.5, 25 and 50 μg) and by the selective inhibitor for the neuronal isoform LNPA (24 μg), as well as by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (25, 50 and 100 μg). Among potassium channel blockers, only Glibenclamide (20, 40 and 80 μg), an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, reversed the effect of serotonin. In addition, intraplantar administration of serotonin (250 ng) was shown to induce a significant increase in nitrite levels in the homogenate of the plantar surface of the paw of mice. Taken together, these data suggest that the antinociceptive effect of serotonin occurs by activation of the cannabinoid system with subsequent activation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Diniz Aguiar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Júlia Alvarenga Petrocchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Grazielle Caroline da Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Soares Lemos
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marina Gomes Miranda E Castor
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Andrea de Castro Perez
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Igor Dimitri Gama Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago Roberto Lima Romero
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31.270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Stachowicz K. Deciphering the mechanisms of reciprocal regulation or interdependence at the cannabinoid CB1 receptors and cyclooxygenase-2 level: Effects on mood, cognitive implications, and synaptic signaling. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105439. [PMID: 37898448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The lipid endocannabinoid system refers to endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism, and the G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (GPCRs), CB1, and CB2. CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are distributed in the brain at presynaptic terminals. Their activation induces inhibition of neurotransmitter release, which are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Postsynaptically localized CB1Rs regulate the activity of selected ion channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). CB2Rs are mainly peripheral and will not be considered here. Anandamide metabolism, mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), generates anandamide-derived prostanoids. In addition, COX-2 regulates the formation of CB1 ligands, which reduce excitatory transmission in the hippocampus (HC). The role of CB1Rs and COX-2 has been described in anxiety, depression, and cognition, among other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, affecting neurotransmission and behavior of the synapses. This review will analyze common pathways, mechanisms, and behavioral effects of manipulation at the CB1Rs/COX-2 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stachowicz
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacoslogy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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Demartini C, Greco R, Zanaboni AM, Francavilla M, Facchetti S, Tassorelli C. URB937 Prevents the Development of Mechanical Allodynia in Male Rats with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1626. [PMID: 38004491 PMCID: PMC10675761 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are proposed for alleviating neuropathic pain, but their use is limited by cannabimimetic side effects. The inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the degrading enzyme of the endocannabinoid anandamide, has received attention as an alternative to cannabinoids in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Here, we investigated the effect of URB937, a blood-brain barrier impermeant FAAH inhibitor, on experimentally induced mechanical allodynia in an animal model of trigeminal neuralgia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (IoN-CCI); operated animals were treated sub-chronically with URB937 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle before or after trigeminal mechanical allodynia establishment. We also assayed mRNA expression levels of the pain neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cytokines in the medulla, cervical spinal cord, and trigeminal ganglion ipsilateral to IoN-CCI using rt-PCR. URB937 treatment prevented the development of mechanical allodynia and IoN-CCI-induced changes in mRNA expression levels of CGRP and cytokines in the evaluated areas. When administered after allodynia development, URB937 prevented IoN-CCI-induced changes in CGRP and cytokine gene expression; this was not associated with a significant abrogation of the mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that URB937 may counteract, but not reverse, the development of allodynia in trigeminal neuralgia. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Demartini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.M.Z.); (M.F.); (C.T.)
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Rosaria Greco
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Anna Maria Zanaboni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.M.Z.); (M.F.); (C.T.)
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Miriam Francavilla
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.M.Z.); (M.F.); (C.T.)
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Sara Facchetti
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.M.Z.); (M.F.); (C.T.)
- Section of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.G.); (S.F.)
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Carnevali L, Barbetti M, Fotio Y, Ferlenghi F, Vacondio F, Mor M, Piomelli D, Sgoifo A. Enhancement of peripheral fatty acyl ethanolamide signaling prevents stress-induced social avoidance and anxiety-like behaviors in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06473-w. [PMID: 37932554 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06473-w] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to traumatic events can lead to alterations in social and anxiety-related behaviors. Emerging evidence suggests that peripheral host-defense processes are implicated in the expression of stress-induced behavioral responses and may be targeted to mitigate the negative sequalae of stress exposure. OBJECTIVES In this study, we used the peripherally restricted FAAH inhibitor URB937 to investigate the effects of the fatty acyl ethanolamide (FAE) family of lipid mediators - which include the endocannabinoid anandamide and the endogenous PPAR-α agonists, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide - on behavioral and peripheral biochemical responses to two ethologically distinct rat models of stress. METHODS Male adult rats were exposed to acute social defeat, a model of psychological stress (Experiment 1), or to the predator odor 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a test of innate predator-evoked fear (Experiment 2), and subsequently treated with URB937 (1 or 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or vehicle. Behavioral analyses were conducted 24 h (Experiment 1) or 7 days (Experiment 2) after exposure. RESULTS URB937 administration prevented the emergence of both social avoidance behavior after social defeat stress and anxiety-related behaviors after TMT exposure. Further, URB937 administration blocked social defeat-induced transient increase in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the elevation in plasma corticosterone levels observed 24 h after social defeat CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement of peripheral FAAH-regulated lipid signaling prevents the emergence of stress-induced social avoidance and anxiety-like behaviors in male rats through mechanisms that may involve an attenuation of peripheral cytokine release induced by stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Margherita Barbetti
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | | | | | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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9
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Chen I, Murdaugh LB, Miliano C, Dong Y, Gregus AM, Buczynski MW. NAPE-PLD regulates specific baseline affective behaviors but is dispensable for inflammatory hyperalgesia. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100135. [PMID: 38099275 PMCID: PMC10719515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
N-acyl-ethanolamine (NAEs) serve as key endogenous lipid mediators as revealed by manipulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the primary enzyme responsible for metabolizing NAEs. Preclinical studies focused on FAAH or NAE receptors indicate an important role for NAE signaling in nociception and affective behaviors. However, there is limited information on the role of NAE biosynthesis in these same behavioral paradigms. Biosynthesis of NAEs has been attributed largely to the enzyme N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine Phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), one of three pathways capable of producing these bioactive lipids in the brain. In this report, we demonstrate that Nape-pld knockout (KO) mice displayed reduced sucrose preference and consumption, but other baseline anxiety-like or depression-like behaviors were unaltered. Additionally, we observed sex-dependent responses in thermal nociception and other baseline measures in wildtype (WT) mice that were absent in Nape-pld KO mice. In the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory arthritis, WT mice exhibited sex-dependent changes in paw edema that were lost in Nape-pld KO mice. However, there was no effect of Nape-pld deletion on arthritic pain-like behaviors (grip force deficit and tactile allodynia) in either sex, indicating that while NAPE-PLD may alter local inflammation, it does not contribute to pain-like behaviors associated with inflammatory arthritis. Collectively, these findings indicate that chronic and systemic NAPE-PLD inactivation will likely be well-tolerated, warranting further pharmacological evaluation of this target in other disease indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Chen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Laura B. Murdaugh
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Yuyang Dong
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ann M. Gregus
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Matthew W. Buczynski
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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10
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Genovese T, Duranti A, Monaco F, Siracusa R, Fusco R, Impellizzeri D, D’Amico R, Cordaro M, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Inhibition of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Regulates NF-kb Pathways Reducing Bleomycin-Induced Chronic Lung Inflammation and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10125. [PMID: 37373275 PMCID: PMC10298572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The deadly interstitial lung condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) worsens over time and for no apparent reason. The traditional therapy approaches for IPF, which include corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs, are often ineffective and can have noticeable side effects. The endocannabinoids are hydrolyzed by a membrane protein called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Increasing endogenous levels of endocannabinoid by pharmacologically inhibiting FAAH results in numerous analgesic advantages in a variety of experimental models for pre-clinical pain and inflammation. In our study, we mimicked IPF by administering intratracheal bleomycin, and we administered oral URB878 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The histological changes, cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inflammation, and nitrosative stress caused by bleomycin were all reduced by URB878. Our data clearly demonstrate for the first time that the inhibition of FAAH activity was able to counteract not only the histological alteration bleomycin-induced but also the cascade of related inflammatory events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Genovese
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Monaco
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy (R.S.); (D.I.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
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11
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Mendiguren A, Aostri E, Rodilla I, Pujana I, Noskova E, Pineda J. Cannabigerol modulates α 2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated electrophysiological effects on dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus neurons and anxiety behavior in rat. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1183019. [PMID: 37305529 PMCID: PMC10249961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1183019] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological profile of cannabigerol (CBG), which acid form constitutes the main precursor of the most abundant cannabinoids, has been scarcely studied. It has been reported to target α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor. The locus coeruleus (LC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are the main serotonergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic (NA) areas in the rat brain, respectively. We aimed to study the effect of CBG on the firing rate of LC NA cells and DRN 5-HT cells and on α2-adrenergic and 5-HT1A autoreceptors by electrophysiological techniques in male Sprague-Dawley rat brain slices. The effect of CBG on the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor was also studied. CBG (30 μM, 10 min) slightly changed the firing rate of NA cells but failed to alter the inhibitory effect of NA (1-100 µM). However, in the presence of CBG the inhibitory effect of the selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 (10 nM) was decreased. Perfusion with CBG (30 μM, 10 min) did not change the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells or the inhibitory effect of 5-HT (100 μM, 1 min) but it reduced the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone (100 nM). CBG failed to reverse ipsapirone-induced inhibition whereas perfusion with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (30 nM) completely restored the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells. In the EPMT, CBG (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the percentage of time the rats spent on the open arms and the number of head-dipping but it reduced the anxiety index. In the NSFT, CBG decreased the time latency to eat in the novel environment but it did not alter home-cage consumption. The effect of CBG on the reduction of latency to feed was prevented by pretreatment with WAY100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In conclusion, CBG hinders the inhibitory effect produced by selective α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the firing rate of NA-LC and 5-HT-DRN neurons by a yet unknown indirect mechanism in rat brain slices and produces anxiolytic-like effects through 5-HT1A receptor.
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12
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Zhang ZW, Han P, Fu J, Yu H, Xu H, Hu JC, Lu JY, Yang XY, Zhang HJ, Bu MM, Jiang JD, Wang Y. Gut microbiota-based metabolites of Xiaoyao Pills (a typical Traditional Chinese medicine) ameliorate depression by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase levels in brain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116555. [PMID: 37100263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are often prepared in oral dosage forms, making TCMs interact with gut microbiota after oral administration, which could affect the therapeutic effect of TCM. Xiaoyao Pills (XYPs) are a commonly used TCM in China to treat depression. The biological underpinnings, however, are still in its infancy due to its complex chemical composition. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to explore XYPs' underlying antidepressant mechanism from both in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS XYPs were composed of 8 herbs, including the root of Bupleurum chinense DC., the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., the sclerotia of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., the leaves of Mentha haplocalyx Briq., the rhizome of Atractylis lancea var. chinensis (Bunge) Kitam., and the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, in a ratio of 5:5:5:5:4:1:5:5. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat models were established. After that, the sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to evaluate if the rats were depressed. After 28 days of treatment, the forced swimming test and SPT were carried out to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of XYPs. The feces, brain and plasma were taken out for 16SrRNA gene sequencing analysis, untargeted metabolomics and gut microbiota transformation analysis. RESULTS The results revealed multiple pathways affected by XYPs. Among them, the hydrolysis of fatty acids amide in brain decreased most significant via XYPs treatment. Moreover, the XYPs' metabolites which mainly derived from gut microbiota (benzoic acid, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhetinic acid and saikogenin D) were found in plasma and brain of CUMS rats and could inhibit the levels of FAAH in brain, which contributed to XYPs' antidepressant effect. CONCLUSIONS The potential antidepressant mechanism of XYPs by untargeted metabolomics combined with gut microbiota-transformation analysis was revealed, which further support the theory of gut-brain axis and provide valuable evidence of the drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Pei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jia-Chun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jin-Yue Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Hao-Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Meng-Meng Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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13
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Fotio Y, Mabou Tagne A, Jung KM, Piomelli D. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition alleviates anxiety-like symptoms in a rat model used to study post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06358-y. [PMID: 37017699 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a chronic debilitating condition that affects nearly 5-10% of American adults, is treated with a handful of FDA-approved drugs that provide at best symptomatic relief and exert multiple side effects. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows that inhibitors of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which deactivates the endocannabinoid anandamide, exhibit anxiolytic-like properties in animal models. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two novel brain-permeable FAAH inhibitors - the compounds ARN14633 and ARN14280 - in a rat model of predator stress-induced long-term anxiety used to study PTSD. METHODS We exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a volatile constituent of fox feces, and assessed anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test seven days later. We measured FAAH activity using a radiometric assay and brain levels of FAAH substrates by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Rats challenged with TMT developed persistent (≥ 7 days) anxiety-like symptoms in the EPM test. Intraperitoneal administration of ARN14633 or ARN14280 1 h before testing suppressed TMT-induced anxiety-like behaviors with median effective doses (ED50) of 0.23 and 0.33 mg/kg, respectively. The effects were negatively correlated (ARN14663: R2 = 0.455; ARN14280: R2 = 0.655) with the inhibition of brain FAAH activity and were accompanied by increases in brain FAAH substrate levels. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that FAAH-regulated lipid signaling serves important regulatory functions in the response to stress and confirm that FAAH inhibitors may be useful for the management of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA.
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14
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Battaglia S, Di Fazio C, Vicario CM, Avenanti A. Neuropharmacological Modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate, Noradrenaline and Endocannabinoid Receptors in Fear Extinction Learning: Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065926. [PMID: 36983000 PMCID: PMC10053024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning to recognize and respond to potential threats is crucial for survival. Pavlovian threat conditioning represents a key paradigm for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of fear learning. In this review, we address the role of specific neuropharmacological adjuvants that act on neurochemical synaptic transmission, as well as on brain plasticity processes implicated in fear memory. We focus on novel neuropharmacological manipulations targeting glutamatergic, noradrenergic, and endocannabinoid systems, and address how the modulation of these neurobiological systems affects fear extinction learning in humans. We show that the administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) agonists and modulation of the endocannabinoid system by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition can boost extinction learning through the stabilization and regulation of the receptor concentration. On the other hand, elevated noradrenaline levels dynamically modulate fear learning, hindering long-term extinction processes. These pharmacological interventions could provide novel targeted treatments and prevention strategies for fear-based and anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Fazio
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Carmelo M Vicario
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università Degli Studi di Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Neuropsicology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
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15
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Emons B, Arning L, Makulla VE, Suchy MT, Tsikas D, Lücke T, Epplen JT, Juckel G, Roser P. Endocannabinergic modulation of central serotonergic activity in healthy human volunteers. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2023; 22:11. [PMID: 36932421 PMCID: PMC10024405 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-023-00437-2] [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: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonergic and the endocannabinoid system are involved in the etiology of depression. Depressive patients exhibit low serotonergic activity and decreased level of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2AG). Since the cannabinoid (CB) 1 receptor is activated by endogenous ligands such as AEA and 2AG, whose concentration are controlled by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase, respectively, we investigated the effects on serotonergic utilization. In this study, we investigated the impact of the rs1049353 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene, which codes the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor, and the rs324420 SNP of the FAAH gene on the serotonergic and endocannabinoid system in 59 healthy volunteers. METHODS Serotonergic activity was measured by loudness dependence of auditory-evoked potentials (LDAEP). Plasma concentrations of AEA, 2AG and its inactive isomer 1AG were determined by mass spectrometry. Genotyping of two SNPs (rs1049353, rs344420) was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and differential enzymatic analysis with the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS Genotype distributions by serotonergic activity or endocannabinoid concentration showed no differences. However, after detailed consideration of the CNR1-A-allele-carriers, a reduced AEA (A-allele-carrier M = 0.66, SD = 0.24; GG genotype M = 0.72, SD = 0.24) and 2AG (A-allele-carriers M = 0.70, SD = 0.33; GG genotype M = 1.03, SD = 0.83) plasma concentration and an association between the serotonergic activity and the concentrations of AEA and 2AG has been observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that carriers of the CNR1-A allele may be more susceptible to developing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Emons
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Larissa Arning
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Vera-Estelle Makulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Dimitrios Tsikas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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16
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Walther A, Kirschbaum C, Wehrli S, Rothe N, Penz M, Wekenborg M, Gao W. Depressive symptoms are negatively associated with hair N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) levels: A cross-lagged panel analysis of four annual assessment waves examining hair endocannabinoids and cortisol. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110658. [PMID: 36252885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is increasingly being recognized as key regulatory system coupled with the glucocorticoid system implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, prior studies examining the ECS in MDD have been inconclusive, of small sample size or of cross-sectional nature limiting interpretation of causal inferences or time-dependent effects. METHODS In a prospective community-based cohort study including 128 individuals (women: 108), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) as well as hair cortisol and endocannabinoids were measured annually over four years (T1-T4). Cortisol, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol/1-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG/1-AG) were extracted from 3 cm hair segments reflecting cumulative concentrations of the last three months prior sampling. RESULTS Cross-sectional group comparisons at baseline revealed reduced AEA and cortisol levels in the group with a positive MDD screening compared to individuals with low depressive symptomatology (both p < .05). Cross-lagged panel models showed that AEA levels at T2 were negatively associated with depressive symptoms at T3 (p < .05). Also, depressive symptoms at T3 were negatively associated with AEA levels at T4 (p < .01). The direction of association was reversed for 2-AG/1-AG, as 2-AG/1-AG levels at T1 were positively associated with depressive symptoms at T2 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS While cross-sectional analyses suggest higher depressive symptomatology to be associated with reduced AEA and cortisol release, longitudinal analyses reveal that primarily AEA levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms. These longitudinal associations elucidate time-dependent relationships between depressive symptomatology and the ECS and further highlight AEA as potential treatment target in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Walther
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Wehrli
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marlene Penz
- Institute for Education and Psychology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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17
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Inserra A, Giorgini G, Lacroix S, Bertazzo A, Choo J, Markopolous A, Grant E, Abolghasemi A, De Gregorio D, Flamand N, Rogers G, Comai S, Silvestri C, Gobbi G, Di Marzo V. Effects of repeated lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the mouse brain endocannabinoidome and gut microbiome. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:721-739. [PMID: 36316276 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Psychedelics elicit prosocial, antidepressant and anxiolytic effects via neuroplasticity, neurotransmission and neuro-immunomodulatory mechanisms. Whether psychedelics affect the brain endocannabinoid system and its extended version, the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) or the gut microbiome, remains unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Adult C57BL/6N male mice were administered lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or saline for 7 days. Sociability was assessed in the direct social interaction and three chambers tests. Prefrontal cortex and hippocampal endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid-like mediators and metabolites were quantified via high-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Neurotransmitter levels were assessed via HPLC-UV/fluorescence. Gut microbiome changes were investigated by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. KEY RESULTS LSD increased social preference and novelty and decreased hippocampal levels of the N-acylethanolamines N-linoleoylethanolamine (LEA), anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine) and N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA); the monoacylglycerol 1/2-docosahexaenoylglycerol (1/2-DHG); the prostaglandins D2 (PGD2 ) and F2α (PGF2α ); thromboxane 2 and kynurenine. Prefrontal eCBome mediator and metabolite levels were less affected by the treatment. LSD decreased Shannon alpha diversity of the gut microbiota, prevented the decrease in the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio observed in saline-treated mice and altered the relative abundance of the bacterial taxa Bifidobacterium, Ileibacterium, Dubosiella and Rikenellaceae RC9. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The prosocial effects elicited by repeated LSD administration are accompanied by alterations of hippocampal eCBome and kynurenine levels, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Modulation of the hippocampal eCBome and kynurenine pathway might represent a mechanism by which psychedelic compounds elicit prosocial effects and affect the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Giada Giorgini
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Joint International Unit between the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy and Université Laval on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Research Excellence Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sebastien Lacroix
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, Canada
| | - Antonella Bertazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jocelyn Choo
- Microbiome and Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Athanasios Markopolous
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily Grant
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Armita Abolghasemi
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Canada Research Excellence Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Geraint Rogers
- Microbiome and Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Canada Research Excellence Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, Canada.,Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Joint International Unit between the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy and Université Laval on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Research Excellence Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, Canada.,Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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18
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Nahvi RJ, Tanelian A, Nwokafor C, Godino A, Parise E, Estill M, Shen L, Nestler EJ, Sabban EL. Transcriptome profiles associated with resilience and susceptibility to single prolonged stress in the locus coeruleus and nucleus accumbens in male sprague-dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114162. [PMID: 36257560 PMCID: PMC9812303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although most people are subjected to traumatic stress at least once in their lifetime, only a subset develop long-lasting, stress-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders, such as PTSD. Here we examined different transcriptome profiles within the locus coeruleus (LC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) that may contribute to stress susceptibility. Sprague Dawley male rats were exposed to the single prolonged stress (SPS) model for PTSD. Two weeks later they were tested for their anxiety/avoidance behavior on the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and were divided into high and low anxiety-like subgroups. RNA (n = 5 per group) was subsequently isolated from LC and NAc and subjected to RNAseq. Transcriptome analysis was used to identify differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) which differed by at least 50 % with significance of 0.01. The LC had more than six times the number of DEGs than the NAc. Only one DEG was regulated similarly in both locations. Many of the DEGs in the LC were associated with morphological changes, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, growth factor activity, regulation of cell size, brain development and memory, with KEGG pathway of regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The DEGs in the NAc were primarily related to DNA repair and synthesis, and differential regulation of cytokine production. The analysis identified MTPN (myotrophin) and NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) as important upstream regulators of stress susceptibility in the LC. Overall the study provides new insight into molecular pathways in the LC and NAc that are associated with anxiety-like behavior triggered by stress susceptibility or resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna J Nahvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Arax Tanelian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Arthur Godino
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Eric Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States.
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19
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Hasbi A, Madras BK, George SR. Endocannabinoid System and Exogenous Cannabinoids in Depression and Anxiety: A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020325. [PMID: 36831868 PMCID: PMC9953886 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a growing liberalization of cannabis-based preparations for medical and recreational use. In multiple instances, anxiety and depression are cited as either a primary or a secondary reason for the use of cannabinoids. Aim: The purpose of this review is to explore the association between depression or anxiety and the dysregulation of the endogenous endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as the use of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids in the remediation of depression/anxiety symptoms. After a brief description of the constituents of cannabis, cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system, the most important evidence is presented for the involvement of cannabinoids in depression and anxiety both in human and from animal models of depression and anxiety. Finally, evidence is presented for the clinical use of cannabinoids to treat depression and anxiety. Conclusions: Although the common belief that cannabinoids, including cannabis, its main studied components-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)-or other synthetic derivatives have been suggested to have a therapeutic role for certain mental health conditions, all recent systematic reviews that we report have concluded that the evidence that cannabinoids improve depressive and anxiety disorders is weak, of very-low-quality, and offers no guidance on the use of cannabinoids for mental health conditions within a regulatory framework. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies examining the effects of cannabinoids on mental disorders in general and depression/anxiety in particular, as well as the consequences of long-term use of these preparations due to possible risks such as addiction and even reversal of improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hasbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Bertha K. Madras
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susan R. George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.R.G.)
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20
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Mangiatordi GF, Cavalluzzi MM, Delre P, Lamanna G, Lumuscio MC, Saviano M, Majoral JP, Mignani S, Duranti A, Lentini G. Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzyme Inhibitors as Potential Antipsychotics: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020469. [PMID: 36831006 PMCID: PMC9953700 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020469] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important role in numerous physiological and pharmacological processes, such as those related to the central nervous system (CNS), including learning, memory, emotional processing, as well pain control, inflammatory and immune response, and as a biomarker in certain psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, the half-life of the natural ligands responsible for these effects is very short. This perspective describes the potential role of the inhibitors of the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), which are mainly responsible for the degradation of endogenous ligands in psychic disorders and related pathologies. The examination was carried out considering both the impact that the classical exogenous ligands such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and (-)-trans-cannabidiol (CBD) have on the ECS and through an analysis focused on the possibility of predicting the potential toxicity of the inhibitors before they are subjected to clinical studies. In particular, cardiotoxicity (hERG liability), probably the worst early adverse reaction studied during clinical studies focused on acute toxicity, was predicted, and some of the most used and robust metrics available were considered to select which of the analyzed compounds could be repositioned as possible oral antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamanna
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lumuscio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre Majoral
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Serge Mignani
- CERMN (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie), Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG (Molecular Materials Research Group), Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0722-303501
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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21
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Fang G, Wang Y. Hippocampal CB1 receptor mediates antidepressant-like effect of synthetic cannabinoid-HU210 in acute despair reaction model in mice. Neurosci Lett 2023; 792:136953. [PMID: 36372093 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that stress may contribute to the pathophysiology of depression. The alleviation of depressive symptoms is one of the most attractive medical applications of cannabis. Here, we investigated the antidepressant-like actions of synthetic cannabinoid-HU210 in acute despair response and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. Acute stress, induced by forced-swimming, induced depression-like behavior in the sucrose preference test (SPT). HU-210 (50 μg/kg) displayed anti-depressant like effect in the forced swim test in naïve mice and decreased depression-like behavior in the SPT, induced by forced swim stress. Pretreatment with AM251, an inhibitor of CB1R or inhibition of long-term depression (LTD) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses by Tat-GluR2 attenuated the antidepressant like action of HU-210. These results indicate that HU210 produces antidepressant-like effects in acute stress and its underlying mechanism may be related to CB1R activation and hence hippocampal LTD production invivo. Synthetic cannabis or cannabis-related drugs may be used as an early intervention after acute stress exposure to prevent or at least reduce depression-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxiang Fang
- Department of Emergency, Third Hospital of Xi'an, 10(#) Fengcheng Three Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
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22
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Khara LS, Ali DW. The endocannabinoid system's involvement in motor development relies on cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15565. [PMID: 36636759 PMCID: PMC9837476 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) plays critical roles in locomotor function and motor development; however, the roles of non-canonical cannabinoid receptor systems such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in conjunction with the eCS in sensorimotor development remains enigmatic. To investigate the involvement of canonical and non-canonical cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and the SHH pathway in the development of sensorimotor function in zebrafish, we treated developing animals with pharmacological inhibitors of the CB1R, CB2R, TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8, and a smoothened (SMO) agonist, along with inhibitors of the eCS catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) during the first ~24 h of zebrafish embryogenesis. Locomotor function was examined by assessing touch-evoked escape swimming at 2 days post-fertilization. We report that FAAH inhibition had no effect on swimming while MAGL inhibition using JZL 184 reduced swimming distance and the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL 195 impaired swimming distance and mean swimming velocity. The CB1R antagonist AM 251 prevented locomotor deficits caused by eCS perturbation but the CB2R antagonist AM 630 did not. Inhibition of TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8 using AMG 9090 rescued the locomotor reductions caused by FAAH/MAGL inhibition, but not by MAGL inhibition alone. The SMO agonist purmorphamine attenuated the effects of JZL 184 and JZL 195 on swimming distance, but not mean velocity. Together, these findings provide one of the first investigations examining the interactions between the eCS and its non-canonical receptor systems in vertebrate motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhan S. Khara
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- The Neuroscience and Mental Health InstituteUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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23
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Mock ED, Gagestein B, van der Stelt M. Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 89:101194. [PMID: 36150527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
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Duranti A, Beldarrain G, Álvarez A, Sbriscia M, Carloni S, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010028. [PMID: 36672536 PMCID: PMC9855621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
| | - Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Matilde Sbriscia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
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25
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de Paula Rodrigues BM, Coimbra NC. CB 1 receptor signalling mediates cannabidiol-induced panicolytic-like effects and defensive antinociception impairment in mice threatened by Bothrops jararaca lancehead pit vipers. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1384-1396. [PMID: 35946605 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221115755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis sativa-derived substances such as cannabidiol (CBD) have attracted increasing clinical interest and consist in a new perspective for treating some neurological and psychiatric diseases. AIMS The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of acute treatment with CBD on panic-like defensive responses displayed by mice threatened by the venomous snake Bothrops jararaca. METHODS Mice were habituated in the enriched polygonal arena for snake panic test. After recording the baseline responses of the tail-flick test, the prey were pretreated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administrations of the endocannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) antagonist AM251 (selective cannabinoid 1 receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 8 nM) at different doses, which were followed after 10 min by i.p. treatment with CBD (3 mg/kg). Thirty minutes after treatment with CBD, mice were subjected to confrontations by B. jararaca for 5 min, and the following defensive responses were recorded: risk assessment, oriented escape behaviour, inhibitory avoidance and prey-versus-snake interactions. Immediately after the escape behaviour was exhibited, the tail-flick latencies were recorded every 5 min for 30 min. OUTCOMES Mice threatened by snakes displayed several anti-predatory defensive and innate fear-induced antinociception responses in comparison to the control. CBD significantly decreased the risk assessment and escape responses, with a consequent decrease in defensive antinociception. The CBD panicolytic effect was reversed by i.p. treatment with AM251. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the anti-aversive effect of CBD depends at least in part on the recruitment of CB1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mangili de Paula Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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de Camargo RW, de Novais Júnior LR, da Silva LM, Meneguzzo V, Daros GC, da Silva MG, de Bitencourt RM. Implications of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic action of cannabinoids in autism spectrum disorder: A literature review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173492. [PMID: 36379443 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, onset in early childhood and associated with cognitive, social, behavioral, and sensory impairments. The pathophysiology is still unclear, and it is believed that genetic and environmental factors are fully capable of influencing ASD, especially cell signaling and microglial functions. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in the modulation of various brain processes and is also involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition. Due to the health and quality of life impacts of autism for the patient and his/her family and the lack of effective medications, the literature has elucidated the possibility that Cannabis phytocannabinoids act favorably on ASD symptoms, probably through the modulation of neurotransmitters, in addition to endogenous ligands derived from arachidonic acid, metabolizing enzymes and even transporters of the membrane. These findings support the notion that there are links between key features of ASD and ECS due to the favorable actions of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids on symptoms related to behavioral and cognitive disorders, as well as deficits in communication and social interaction, hyperactivity, anxiety and sleep disorders. Thus, phytocannabinoids emerge as therapeutic alternatives for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Wilhiam de Camargo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | | | - Larissa Mendes da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Vicente Meneguzzo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Cabreira Daros
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marina Goulart da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Kondev V, Morgan A, Najeed M, Winters ND, Kingsley PJ, Marnett L, Patel S. The Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Bidirectionally Modulates Acute and Protracted Effects of Predator Odor Exposure. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:739-749. [PMID: 35961791 PMCID: PMC9827751 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress-related disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, characterized by excess fear and enhanced avoidance of trauma triggers. Elucidating the mechanisms regulating temporally distinct aspects of innate and conditioned fear responses could facilitate novel therapeutic development for stress-related disorders. One potential target that has recently emerged is the endocannabinoid system, which has been reported to mediate the physiological response to stress and represents an important substrate underlying individual differences in stress susceptibility. METHODS Here, we exposed male and female CD-1 mice to an innate predator stressor, 2MT (2-methyl-2-thiazoline), to investigate the ability of endocannabinoid signaling to modulate temporally distinct innate and conditioned fear behaviors. RESULTS We found that 2MT exposure increased amygdala 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) content and selectively increased excitability in central, but not basolateral, amygdala neurons. We also found that pharmacological 2-AG augmentation during stress exposure exacerbated both acute freezing responses and central amygdala hyperexcitability via cannabinoid receptor type 1- and type 2-dependent mechanisms. Finally, 2-AG augmentation during stress exposure reduced long-term contextual conditioned freezing, and 2-AG augmentation 24 hours after stress exposure reduced conditioned avoidance behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a bidirectional effect of 2-AG augmentation on innate and conditioned fear behavior, with enhancement of 2-AG levels during stress promoting innate fear responses but ultimately resulting in long-term conditioned fear reduction. These data could reconcile contradictory data on the role of 2-AG in the regulation of innate and conditioned fear-related behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kondev
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Amanda Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mustafa Najeed
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nathan D Winters
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Philip J Kingsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lawrence Marnett
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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28
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Shade RD, Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the cannabinoid system to counteract the deleterious effects of stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:949361. [PMID: 36268196 PMCID: PMC9577232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.949361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically in postmortem human brains by the presence of dense protein accumulations known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plaques and tangles develop over decades of aberrant protein processing, post-translational modification, and misfolding throughout an individual’s lifetime. We present a foundation of evidence from the literature that suggests chronic stress is associated with increased disease severity in Alzheimer’s patient populations. Taken together with preclinical evidence that chronic stress signaling can precipitate cellular distress, we argue that chronic psychological stress renders select circuits more vulnerable to amyloid- and tau- related abnormalities. We discuss the ongoing investigation of systemic and cellular processes that maintain the integrity of protein homeostasis in health and in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed multiple potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the endogenous cannabinoid system traverses the central and peripheral neural systems while simultaneously exerting anti-inflammatory influence over the immune response in the brain and throughout the body. Moreover, the cannabinoid system converges on several stress-integrative neuronal circuits and critical regions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with the capacity to dampen responses to psychological and cellular stress. Targeting the cannabinoid system by influencing endogenous processes or exogenously stimulating cannabinoid receptors with natural or synthetic cannabis compounds has been identified as a promising route for Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. We build on our foundational framework focusing on the significance of chronic psychological and cellular stress on the development of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by integrating literature on cannabinoid function and dysfunction within Alzheimer’s Disease and conclude with remarks on optimal strategies for treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D. Shade
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer A. Ross,
| | - Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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29
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Mendiguren A, Aostri E, Alberdi E, Pérez-Samartín A, Pineda J. Functional characterization of cannabidiol effect on the serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus in rat brain slices. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:956886. [PMID: 36147343 PMCID: PMC9485894 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.956886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, elicits several pharmacological effects via the 5-HT1A receptor. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is the main serotonergic cluster in the brain that expresses the 5-HT1A receptor. To date, the effect of CBD on the neuronal activity of DRN 5-HT cells and its interaction with somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors have not been characterized. Our aim was to study the effect of CBD on the firing activity of DRN 5-HT cells and the 5-HT1A autoreceptor activation by electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques in male Sprague–Dawley rat brain slices. Perfusion with CBD (30 μM, 10 min) did not significantly change the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells or the inhibitory effect of 5-HT (50–100 μM, 1 min). However, in the presence of CBD (30 μM, 10 min), the inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT (10 nM) and ipsapirone (100 nM) were reduced by 66% and 53%, respectively. CBD failed to reverse ipsapirone-induced inhibition, whereas perfusion with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (30 nM) completely restored by 97.05 ± 14.63% the firing activity of 5-HT cells. Administration of AM251 (1 µM), MDL100907 (30 nM), or picrotoxin (20 μM) did not change the blockade produced by CBD (30 μM) on ipsapirone-induced inhibition. Our study also shows that CBD failed to modify the KCl (15 mM, 4 min)-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i or the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone (1 μM, 4 min) on KCl-evoked [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, CBD does not activate 5-HT1A autoreceptors, but it hindered the inhibitory effect produced by selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the firing activity of DRN 5-HT cells through a mechanism that does not involve CB1, 5-HT2A, or GABAA receptors. Our data support a negative allosteric modulation of DRN somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptor by CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitziber Mendiguren
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- *Correspondence: Aitziber Mendiguren,
| | - Erik Aostri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Elena Alberdi
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alberto Pérez-Samartín
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Joseba Pineda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Greco R, Demartini C, Zanaboni AM, Francavilla M, Reggiani A, Realini N, Scarpelli R, Piomelli D, Tassorelli C. Potentiation of endocannabinoids and other lipid amides prevents hyperalgesia and inflammation in a pre-clinical model of migraine. J Headache Pain 2022; 23:79. [PMID: 35799128 PMCID: PMC9264488 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-022-01449-1] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a promising therapeutic strategy to combat certain forms of pain, including migraine headache. FAAH inhibitors, such as the O-biphenyl-3-yl carbamate URB597, have been shown to produce anti-hyperalgesic effects in animal models of migraine. The objective of this study was to investigate the behavioral and biochemical effects of compounds ARN14633 and ARN14280, two URB597 analogs with improved solubility and bioavailability, in a migraine-specific rat model in which trigeminal hyperalgesia is induced by nitroglycerin (NTG) administration. ARN14633 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and ARN14280 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats 3 hours after NTG injection. One hour after the administration of either compound, rats were subjected to the orofacial formalin test. ARN14633 and ARN14280 attenuated NTG-induced nocifensive behavior and reduced transcription of genes encoding neuronal nitric oxide synthase, pain mediators peptides (calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and 6) in the trigeminal ganglion, cervical spinal cord and medulla. Finally, both compounds strongly elevated levels of endocannabinoids and/or other FAAH substrates in cervical spinal cord and medulla, and, to a lesser extent, in the trigeminal ganglia. The results indicate that the novel global FAAH inhibitors ARN14633 and ARN14280 elicit significant anti-hyperalgesic effects in a migraine-specific animal model and inhibit the associated peptidergic-inflammatory response. Although the precise mechanism underlying these effects remains to be elucidated, our results support further investigational studies of FAAH blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat migraine conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Greco
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Demartini
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zanaboni
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Miriam Francavilla
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Reggiani
- Drug Discovery and Development (D3)-Validation, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Natalia Realini
- Drug Discovery and Development (D3)-Validation, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rita Scarpelli
- Drug Discovery and Development (D3)-Validation, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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De Deurwaerdère P, Casarrubea M, Cassar D, Radic M, Puginier E, Chagraoui A, Crescimanno G, Crunelli V, Di Giovanni G. Cannabinoid 1/2 Receptor Activation Induces Strain-Dependent Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg and Non-epileptic Control Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:886033. [PMID: 35677756 PMCID: PMC9169225 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.886033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is characterized by absence seizures, which are episodes of lack of consciousness accompanied by electrographic spike-wave discharges. About 60% of children and adolescents with absence seizures are affected by major neuropsychological comorbidities, including anxiety. Endocannabinoids and monoamines are likely involved in the pathophysiology of these CAE psychiatric comorbidities. Here, we show that the synthetic cannabinoid receptor type 1/2 (CB1/2R) agonist WIN 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg) has a strain-dependent effect on anxiety-like and motor behavior when assess in the hole board test and cerebral monoaminergic levels in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and their non-epileptic control (NEC) rat strain. Using quantitative and Temporal pattern (T-pattern) analyses, we found that WIN 55,212-2 did not affect the emotional status of GAERS, but it was anxiolytic in NEC. Conversely, WIN 55,212-2 had a sedative effect in GAERS but was ineffective in NEC. Moreover, vehicle-treated GAERS more motivated to explore by implementing more complex and articulated strategies. These behavioral changes correlate with the reduction of 5-HT in the hippocampus and substantia nigra (SN) and noradrenaline (NA) in the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) in vehicle-treated GAERS compared to NEC rats, which could contribute to their low anxiety status and hypermotility, respectively. On the other hand, the increased level of NA in the EPN and 5-HT in the SN is consistent with an activation of the basal ganglia output-mediated motor suppression observed in WIN 55,212-2-treated GAERS rats. These data support the view of a strain-dependent alteration of the endocannabinoid system in absence epilepsy by adding evidence of a lower emotional responsiveness and a basal ganglia hypersensitivity to cannabinoids in GAERS compared to NEC rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maurizio Casarrubea,
| | - Daniel Cassar
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Manuela Radic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Emilie Puginier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5287, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, CHU Rouen, Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), Rouen, France
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Giuseppe Di Giovanni,
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Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105526. [PMID: 35628337 PMCID: PMC9146799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by continuous low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities. First-line medications for mood disorders mostly target the monoaminergic system; however, many patients do not find relief with these medications, and those who do suffer from negative side effects and a discouragingly low rate of remission. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options. In this article, we discuss the literature on the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components of specific depression-like behaviors and phenotypes in rodents and then describe the findings in depressed patients. A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
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Zubrzycki M, Zubrzycka M, Wysiadecki G, Szemraj J, Jerczynska H, Stasiolek M. Effect of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor URB597 on Orofacial Pain Perception in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4665. [PMID: 35563056 PMCID: PMC9100922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids act as analgesic agents in a number of headache models. However, their effectiveness varies with the route of administration and the type of pain. In this study, we assessed the role of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 in an animal model of orofacial pain based on tooth pulp stimulation. More specifically, we assessed the effects of intracerbroventricular (i.c.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of URB597 on the amplitude of evoked tongue jerks (ETJ) in rats. The levels of the investigated mediators anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG), Substance P (SP), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), endomorphin-2 (EM-2) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor by URB597 and receptors cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1R), cannabinoid type-2 receptors (CB2R) and µ-opioid receptors (MOR) were determined in the mesencephalon, thalamus and hypothalamus tissues. We have shown that increasing endocannabinoid AEA levels by both central and peripheral inhibition of FAAH inhibitor by URB597 has an antinociceptive effect on the trigemino-hypoglossal reflex mediated by CB1R and influences the activation of the brain areas studied. On the other hand, URB597 had no effect on the concentration of 2-AG in the examined brain structures and caused a significant decrease in CB2R mRNA expression in the hypothalamus only. Tooth pulp stimulation caused in a significant increase in SP, CGRP and EM-2 gene expression in the midbrain, thalamus and hypothalamus. In contrast, URB597 administered peripherally one hour before stimulation decreased the mRNA level of these endogenous neuropeptides in comparison with the control and stimulation in all examined brain structures. Our results show that centrally and peripherally administered URB597 is effective at preventing orofacial pain by inhibiting AEA catabolism and reducing the level of CGRP, SP and EM-2 gene expression and that AEA and 2-AG have different species and model-specific regulatory mechanisms. The data presented in this study may represent a new promising therapeutic target in the treatment of orofacial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Zubrzycki
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, The Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Institute of Cardiology, Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Zubrzycka
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Wysiadecki
- Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Hanna Jerczynska
- Central Scientific Laboratory (CoreLab), Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Mariusz Stasiolek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, 90-153 Lodz, Poland;
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Asth L, Santos AC, Moreira FA. The endocannabinoid system and drug-associated contextual memories. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:90-104. [PMID: 33491992 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Drug abuse and addiction can be initiated and reinstated by contextual stimuli previously paired with the drug use. The influence exerted by the context on drug-seeking behaviour can be modelled in experimental animals with place-conditioning protocols. Here, we review the effects of cannabinoids in place conditioning and the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for interfering with drug-related memories. The phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tends to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) at low doses and conditioned place aversion at high doses; cannabidiol is devoid of any effect, yet it inhibits CPP induced by some drugs. Synthetic CB1 receptor agonists tend to recapitulate the biphasic profile observed with THC, whereas selective antagonists/inverse agonists inhibit CPP induced by cocaine, nicotine, alcohol and opioids. However, their therapeutic use is limited by potential psychiatric side effects. The CB2 receptor has also attracted attention, because selective CB2 receptor agonists inhibit cocaine-induced CPP. Inhibitors of endocannabinoid membrane transport and hydrolysis yield mixed results. In targeting the endocannabinoid system for developing new treatments for drug addiction, future research should focus on 'neutral' CB1 receptor antagonists and CB2 receptor agonists. Such compounds may offer a well-tolerated pharmacological profile and curb addiction by preventing drug-seeking triggered by conditioned contextual cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Asth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibition Plays a Key Role in Counteracting Acute Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052781. [PMID: 35269926 PMCID: PMC8910911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052781] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a group of lung illnesses characterized by severe inflammation, with no treatment. The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme is an integral membrane protein responsible for the hydrolysis of the main endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (AEA). In pre-clinical pain and inflammation models, increasing the endogenous levels of AEA and other bioactive fatty acid amides (FAAs) via genetic deletion or the pharmacological inhibition of FAAH produces many analgesic benefits in several different experimental models. To date, nobody has investigated the role of FAAH inhibition on an ALI mouse model. Mice were subjected to a carrageenan injection and treated orally 1 h after with the FAAH inhibitor URB878 dissolved in a vehicle consisting of 10% PEG-400, 10% Tween-80 and 80% saline at different doses: The inhibition of FAAH activity was able to counteract not only the CAR-induced histological alteration, but also the cascade of related inflammatory events. URB878 clears the way for further studies based on FAAH inhibition in acute lung pathologies.
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DeVuono MV, La Caprara O, Petrie GN, Limebeer CL, Rock EM, Hill MN, Parker LA. Cannabidiol Interferes with Establishment of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Nausea Through a 5-HT 1A Mechanism. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:58-64. [PMID: 33998876 PMCID: PMC8864431 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by intense nausea and vomiting brought on by the use of high-dose Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychotropic compound found in cannabis, has been shown to interfere with some acute aversive effects of THC. In this study, we evaluated if CBD would interfere with THC-induced nausea through a 5-HT1A receptor mechanism as it has been shown to interfere with nausea produced by lithium chloride (LiCl). Since CHS has been attributed to a dysregulated stress response, we also evaluated if CBD would interfere with THC-induced increase in corticosterone (CORT). Materials and Methods: The potential of CBD (5 mg/kg, ip) to suppress THC-induced conditioned gaping (a measure of nausea) was evaluated in rats, as well as the potential of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY-100635 (WAY; 0.1 mg/kg, ip), to reverse the suppression of THC-induced conditioned gaping by CBD. Last, the effect of CBD (5 mg/kg, ip) on THC-induced increase in serum CORT concentration was evaluated. Results: Pretreatment with CBD (5 mg/kg, ip) interfered with the establishment of THC-induced conditioned gaping (p=0.007, relative to vehicle [VEH] pretreatment), and this was reversed by pretreatment with 0.1 mg/kg WAY. This dose of WAY had no effect on gaping on its own. THC (10 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased serum CORT compared with VEH-treated rats (p=0.04). CBD (5 mg/kg, ip) pretreatment reversed the THC-induced increase in CORT. Conclusions: CBD attenuated THC-induced nausea as well as THC-induced elevation in CORT. The attenuation of THC-induced conditioned gaping by CBD was mediated by its action on 5-HT1A receptors, similar to that of LiCl-induced nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V. DeVuono
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Olivia La Caprara
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Gavin N. Petrie
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Cheryl L. Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Erin M. Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Linda A. Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.,*Address correspondence to: Linda A. Parker, PhD, Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada,
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Young AP, Denovan-Wright EM. The Dynamic Role of Microglia and the Endocannabinoid System in Neuroinflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806417. [PMID: 35185547 PMCID: PMC8854262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, can take on a range of pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes to maintain homeostasis. However, the sustained activation of pro-inflammatory microglia can lead to a state of chronic neuroinflammation characterized by high concentrations of neurotoxic soluble factors throughout the brain. In healthy brains, the inflammatory processes cease and microglia transition to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, but failure to halt the pro-inflammatory processes is a characteristic of many neurological disorders. The endocannabinoid system has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for chronic neuroinflammation as there is evidence that synthetic and endogenously produced cannabinoids temper the pro-inflammatory response of microglia and may encourage a switch to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Activation of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors has been proposed as the mechanism of action responsible for these effects. The abundance of components of the endocannabinoid system in microglia also change dynamically in response to several brain pathologies. This can impact the ability of microglia to synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids or react to endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptors also participate in the formation of receptor heteromers which influences their function specifically in cells that express both receptors, such as microglia. This creates opportunities for drug-drug interactions between CB2 receptor-targeted therapies and other classes of drugs. In this article, we review the roles of pro- and anti-inflammatory microglia in the development and resolution of neuroinflammation. We also discuss the fluctuations observed in the components of the endocannabinoid in microglia and examine the potential of CB2 receptors as a therapeutic target in this context.
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Examining the Use of Antidepressants for Adolescents with Depression/Anxiety Who Regularly Use Cannabis: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010523. [PMID: 35010782 PMCID: PMC8744706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are two of the most common and growing mental health concerns in adolescents. Consequently, antidepressant medication (AD) use has increased widely during the last decades. Several classes of antidepressants are used mainly to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders by targeting relevant brain neurochemical pathways. Almost all randomized clinical trials of antidepressants examined patients with no concomitant medications or drugs. This does not address the expected course of therapy and outcome in cannabis users. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance globally. Substantial changes in its regulation are recently taking place. Many countries and US states are becoming more permissive towards its medical and recreational use. The psychological and physiological effects of cannabis (mainly of its major components, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) have been extensively characterized. Cannabis use can be a risk factor for depressive and anxiety symptoms, but some constituents or mixtures may have antidepressant and/or anxiolytic potential. The aim of this literature review is to explore whether simultaneous use of AD and cannabis in adolescence can affect AD treatment outcomes. Based on the current literature, it is reasonable to assume that antidepressants are less effective for adolescents with depression/anxiety who frequently use cannabis. The mechanisms of action of antidepressants and cannabis point to several similarities and conjunctions that merit future investigation regarding the potential effectiveness of antidepressants among adolescents who consume cannabis regularly.
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Kumar D, Sharma A, Taliyan R, Urmera MT, Herrera Calderon O, Heinbockel T, Rahman S, Goyal R. Orchestration of the circadian clock and its association with Alzheimer's disease: Role of endocannabinoid signaling. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 73:101533. [PMID: 34844016 PMCID: PMC8729113 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are 24-hour natural rhythms regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, also known as the "master clock". The retino-hypothalamic tract entrains suprachiasmatic nucleus with photic information to synchronise endogenous circadian rhythms with the Earth's light-dark cycle. However, despite the robustness of circadian rhythms, an unhealthy lifestyle and chronic photic disturbances cause circadian rhythm disruption in the suprachiasmatic nucleus's TTFL loops via affecting glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated neurotransmission in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Recently, considerable evidence has been shown correlating CRd with the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. The present review aims to identify the existence and signalling of endocannabinoids in CRd induced Alzheimer's disease through retino-hypothalamic tract- suprachiasmatic nucleus-cortex. Immunohistochemistry has confirmed the expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to modulate the circadian phases of the master clock. Literature also suggests that cannabinoids may alter activity of suprachiasmatic nucleus by influencing the activity of their major neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid or by interacting indirectly with the suprachiasmatic nucleus's two other major inputs i.e., the geniculo-hypothalamic tract-mediated release of neuropeptide Y and serotonergic inputs from the dorsal raphe nuclei. Besides, the expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 ameliorates cognitive deficits via reduction of tauopathy and microglial activation. In conclusion, endocannabinoids may be identified as a putative target for correcting CRd and decelerating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, H.P., 173229, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333301, India
| | - Maiko T. Urmera
- Institute on Aging and Centre for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oscar Herrera Calderon
- Department of Pharmacology, Bromatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Thomas Heinbockel
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, H.P., 173229, India.,Corresponding author: Dr Rohit Goyal, Professor, Department of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, H.P., 173229, India, ; Mob. +91 98160 62679
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40
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Kumar D, Sharma A, Taliyan R, Urmera MT, Herrera-Calderon O, Heinbockel T, Rahman S, Goyal R. Orchestration of the circadian clock and its association with Alzheimer's disease: Role of endocannabinoid signaling. Ageing Res Rev 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Warren WG, Hale E, Papagianni EP, Cassaday HJ, Stevenson CW, Stubbendorff C. URB597 induces subtle changes to aggression in adult Lister Hooded rats. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:885146. [PMID: 36032247 PMCID: PMC9412954 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.885146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in both social and cognitive processing. The endocannabinoid metabolism inhibitor, URB597, dose-dependently improves non-social memory in adult Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats, whereas its effect on social interaction (SI) is affected by both rat strain and drug dose. Lister Hooded rats consistently respond differently to drug treatment in general compared with albino strains. This study sought to investigate the effects of different doses of URB597 on social and non-social memory in Lister Hooded rats, as well as analyzing the behavioral composition of the SI. Males were tested for novel object recognition (NOR), social preference (between an object and an unfamiliar rat), social novelty recognition (for a familiar vs. unfamiliar rat) and SI with an unfamiliar rat. URB597 (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle was given 30 min before testing. During SI testing, total interaction time was assessed along with time spent on aggressive and explorative behaviors. Lister Hooded rats displayed expected non-social and social memory and social preference, which was not affected by URB597. During SI, URB597 did not affect total interaction time. However, the high dose increased aggression, compared to vehicle, and decreased anogenital sniffing, compared to the low dose of URB597. In summary, URB597 did not affect NOR, social preference or social recognition memory but did have subtle behavioral effects during SI in Lister hooded rats. Based on our findings we argue for the importance of considering strain as well as the detailed composition of behavior when investigating drug effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ed Hale
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni P Papagianni
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J Cassaday
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carl W Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Stubbendorff
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Batista LA, Cabral LM, Moreira TS, Takakura AC. Inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis does not rescue respiratory abnormalities observed in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Exp Physiol 2021; 107:161-174. [PMID: 34907627 DOI: 10.1113/ep089249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The respiratory frequency to hypercapnia is attenuated in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD): what is the therapeutic potential of inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis for this respiratory deficit? What is the main finding and its importance? In an animal model of PD there is an increased variability in resting respiratory frequency and an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia, which is accompanied by diminished expression of Phox2b immunoreactivity in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis also impaired the response to hypercapnia and decreased the number of Phox2b immunoreactive cells in the RTN. This strategy does not reverse the respiratory deficits observed in an animal model of PD. ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by severe classic motor symptoms along with various non-classic symptoms. Among the non-classic symptoms, respiratory dysfunctions are increasingly recognized as contributory factors to complications in PD. The endocannabinoid system has been proposed as a target to treat PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Since symptom management of PD is mainly focused on the classic motor symptoms, in this work we aimed to test the hypothesis that increasing the actions of the endocannabinoid anandamide by inhibiting its hydrolysis with URB597 reverses the respiratory deficits observed in an animal model of PD. Results show that bilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine hydrochloride (6-OHDA) in the dorsal striatum leads to neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra, accompanied by reduced expression of Phox2b in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), an increase in resting respiratory frequency variability and an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia. URB597 treatment in control animals was associated with an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia and a reduced expression of Phox2b in the RTN, whereas treatment of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals with URB597 was not able to reverse the deficits observed. These results suggest that targeting anandamide may not be a suitable strategy to treat PD since this treatment mimics the respiratory deficits observed in the 6-OHDA model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luara A Batista
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís M Cabral
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
The endocannabinoids are lipid-derived messengers that play a diversity of regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. Dysfunctions in their activity have been implicated in various disease conditions, attracting attention to the endocannabinoid system as a possible source of therapeutic drugs. This signaling complex has three components: the endogenous ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG); a set of enzymes and transporters that generate, eliminate, or modify such ligands; and selective cell surface receptors that mediate their biological actions. We provide an overview of endocannabinoid formation, deactivation, and biotransformation and outline the properties and therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents that interfere with those processes. We describe small-molecule inhibitors that target endocannabinoid-producing enzymes, carrier proteins that transport the endocannabinoids into cells, and intracellular endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes. We briefly discuss selected agents that simultaneously interfere with components of the endocannabinoid system and with other functionally related signaling pathways. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA; .,Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA;
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Alexander C, Vasefi M. Cannabidiol and the corticoraphe circuit in post-traumatic stress disorder. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 11:88-102. [PMID: 34485973 PMCID: PMC8408530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.08.001] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative affect, and impaired memory processing, may develop after traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by impaired plasticity and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, hyperactivity of the amygdala, and impaired fear extinction. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising candidate for treatment due to its multimodal action that enhances plasticity and calms hyperexcitability. CBD’s mechanism in the mPFC of PTSD patients has been explored extensively, but literature on the mechanism in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is lacking. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we examined current literature regarding CBD in PTSD and overlapping symptomologies to propose a mechanism by which CBD treats PTSD via corticoraphe circuit. Acute CBD inhibits excess 5-HT release from DRN to amygdala and releases anandamide (AEA) onto amygdala inputs. By first reducing amygdala and DRN hyperactivity, CBD begins to ameliorate activity disparity between mPFC and amygdala. Chronic CBD recruits the mPFC, creating harmonious corticoraphe signaling. DRN releases enough 5-HT to ameliorate mPFC hypoactivity, while the mPFC continuously excites DRN 5-HT neurons via glutamate. Meanwhile, AEA regulates corticoraphe activity to stabilize signaling. AEA prevents DRN GABAergic interneurons from inhibiting 5-HT release so the DRN can assist the mPFC in overcoming its hypoactivity. DRN-mediated restoration of mPFC activity underlies CBD’s mechanism on fear extinction and learning of stress coping. CBD reduces PTSD symptoms via the DRN and corticoraphe circuit. Acute effects of CBD reduce DRN-amygdala excitatory signaling to lessen the activity disparity between amygdala and mPFC. Chronic CBD officially resolves mPFC hypoactivity by facilitating 5-HT release from DRN to mPFC. CBD-facilitated endocannabinoid signaling stabilizes DRN activity and restores mPFC inhibitory control. Chronically administered CBD acts via the corticoraphe circuit to favor fear extinction over fear memory reconsolidation.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- 5-HT, Serotonin
- 5-HT1AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 1A
- 5-HT2AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 2 A
- AEA, Anandamide
- CB1R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1
- CB2R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2
- CBD, Cannabidiol
- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
- Cannabidiol
- DRN, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
- ERK1/2, Extracellular Signal-Related Kinases Type 1 or Type 2
- FAAH, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
- GABA, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
- GPCRs, G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- NMDAR, N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptors
- PET, Positron Emission Tomography
- PFC, DRN and Raphe
- PFC, Prefrontal Cortex
- PTSD
- PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- SSNRI, Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
- SSRI, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
- Serotonin
- TRPV1, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Channels
- Traumatic Stress
- fMRI, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- mPFC, Medial Prefrontal Cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Alexander
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
| | - Maryam Vasefi
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
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Ahmed M, Boileau I, Le Foll B, Carvalho AF, Kloiber S. The endocannabinoid system in social anxiety disorder: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:81-93. [PMID: 34468550 PMCID: PMC8827369 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2021-1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that presents with an early age of onset, chronic disease course, and increased risk of psychiatric comorbidity. Current treatment options for SAD are associated with low response rates, suboptimal efficacy, and possible risk of adverse effects. Investigation of new neurobiological mechanisms may aid in the identification of more specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. Emerging evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system, also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), could play a potential role in the pathophysiology of SAD. This review discusses the known pathophysiological mechanisms of SAD, the potential role of the ECS in this disorder, current drugs targeting the ECS, and the potential of these novel compounds to enhance the therapeutic armamentarium for SAD. Further investigational efforts, specifically in human populations, are warranted to improve our knowledge of the ECS in SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Ahmed
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia, 3216
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Tian M, Tian Z, Yao D, Ning J, Deng S, Feng L, Huo X, Tian X, Zhang B, Wang C, Yu Z, Ma X. A NIR fluorescent probe for fatty acid amide hydrolase bioimaging and its application in development of inhibitors. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:6460-6465. [PMID: 34364309 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01054a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is primarily responsible for the inactivation of fatty acid ethanolamide (FAE) and is involved in a variety of biological functions related to diseases of the nervous system. Herein, we developed a highly selective and sensitive FAAH-activated near-infrared fluorescent probe named DAND and achieved the real-time detection and imaging of FAAH activity in complex biosystems. Moreover, a visual high-throughput screening method was established using DAND, piperine was identified as a novel inhibitor of FAAH. Based on the interaction of piperine with FAAH, a more potent FAAH inhibitor (11f) was designed and synthesized which possessed an IC50 value of 0.65 μM. Furthermore, 11f could attenuate the liposaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of BV2 cells, exhibiting an excellent anti-inflammatory activity. These results indicated that DAND could be used as a promising molecular tool for exploring FAAH activity and for rapidly screening potential FAAH inhibitors. In addition, piperine and its derivatives could serve as potential candidate drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Tian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Khakpai F, Zarrindast MR. URB597 abrogates anxiogenic and depressive behaviors in the methamphetamine-withdrawal mice: Role of the cannabinoid receptor type 1, cannabinoid receptor type 2, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channels. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:875-884. [PMID: 33155516 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120965934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that possesses toxicity in the brain when taken repeatedly or at higher doses. Methamphetamine neurotoxicity is associated with numerous forms of mental impairment, including depression and anxiety. Evidence has also demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of anxiety and depression. AIMS This study was designed to determine the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in anxiety- and depression-related behaviors in methamphetamine-withdrawal male NMRI mice. METHODS The elevated plus maze and forced swim test were used to assess the level of anxiety and depression. RESULTS We found that methamphetamine (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) evoked depressive- and anxiogenic-like effects at 3 days post-administration. Injection of URB597 (5-10 ng/mouse, intracerebroventricular), 10 min before the test, prevented the emotional deficits induced by methamphetamine withdrawal. Moreover, the cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist AM251 (1 μg/mouse) or cannabinoid receptor type 2 antagonist AM630 (5 and 10 μg/mouse) suppressed the antidepressant activity in the methamphetamine-withdrawal mice treated with URB597. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonist capsazepine (25 μg/mouse) prevented while capsazepine (100 μg/mouse) potentiated the antidepressant efficacy in the methamphetamine-withdrawal mice treated with URB597. The higher dose of AM630 and two higher doses of capsazepine had antidepressant efficacy, by themselves. Furthermore, capsazepine (50 μg/mouse) increased locomotion in the methamphetamine-withdrawal mice treated with URB597. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that URB597 has a potential for preventing methamphetamine withdrawal-evoked anxiety and depression. Cannabinoid type 1 receptors, cannabinoid type 2 receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 differently affect depression-related behaviors in methamphetamine-withdrawal mice treated with URB597.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Vaseghi S, Arjmandi-Rad S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. Cannabinoids and sleep-wake cycle: The potential role of serotonin. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113440. [PMID: 34216647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) has a long history as a medicinal plant and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the most active component in this plant. Cannabinoids are interesting compounds with various modulatory effects on physiological processes and cognitive functions. The use of cannabinoids is a double-edged sword, because they induce both adverse and therapeutic properties. One of the most important roles of cannabinoids is modulating sleep-wake cycle. Sleep, its cycle, and its mechanism are highly unknown. Also, the effects of cannabinoids on sleep-wake cycle are so inconsistent. Thus, understanding the role of cannabinoids in modulating sleep-wake cycle is a critical scientific goal. Cannabinoids interact with many neurotransmitter systems. In this review article, we chose serotonin due to its important role in regulating sleep-wake cycle. We found that the interaction between cannabinoids and serotonergic signaling especially in the dorsal raphe is extensive, unknown, and controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shirin Arjmandi-Rad
- Institute for Cognitive & Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Petrie GN, Nastase AS, Aukema RJ, Hill MN. Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108626. [PMID: 34116110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for hundreds of years, with its ability to dampen feelings of anxiety often reported as a primary reason for use. Only recently has the specific role cannabinoids play in anxiety been thoroughly investigated. Here we discuss the body of evidence describing how endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids are capable of regulating the generation and termination of anxiety states. Disruption of the endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system following genetic manipulation, pharmacological intervention or stress exposure reliably leads to the generation of an anxiety state. On the other hand, upregulation of eCB signaling is capable of alleviating anxiety-like behaviors in multiple paradigms. When considering exogenous cannabinoid administration, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonists have a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on anxiety such that low doses are anxiolytic while high doses are anxiogenic, a phenomenon that is evident in both rodent models and humans. Translational studies investigating a loss of function mutation in the gene for fatty acid amide hydrolase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing AEA, have also shown that AEA signaling regulates anxiety in humans. Taken together, evidence reviewed here has outlined a convincing argument for cannabinoids being powerful regulators of both the manifestation and amelioration of anxiety symptoms, and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the eCB system for the development of novel classes of anxiolytics. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin N Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Anandamide alters the membrane properties, halts the cell division and prevents drug efflux in multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8690. [PMID: 33888802 PMCID: PMC8062478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88099-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem throughout the world. Overcoming methicillin and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MDRSA) infections has become a challenge and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. We have previously demonstrated that the endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) can sensitize MRSA to antibiotics. Here we have studied the mechanism of action using a MDRSA clinical isolate that are sensitized by AEA to methicillin and norfloxacin. We found that AEA treatment halts the growth of both antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus. The AEA-treated bacteria become elongated and the membranes become ruffled with many protrusions. AEA treatment also leads to an increase in the percentage of bacteria having a complete septum, suggesting that the cell division is halted at this stage. The latter is supported by cell cycle analysis that shows an accumulation of bacteria in the G2/M phase after AEA treatment. We further observed that AEA causes a dose-dependent membrane depolarization that is partly relieved upon time. Nile red staining of the bacterial membranes indicates that AEA alters the membrane structures. Importantly, 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) accumulation assay and ethidium bromide efflux (EtBr) assay unveiled that AEA leads to a dose-dependent drug accumulation by inhibiting drug efflux. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that AEA interferes with cell division, alters the membrane properties of MDRSA, and leads to increased intracellular drug retention, which can contribute to the sensitization of MDRSA to antibiotics.
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