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Wainwright CL, Walsh SK. Pharmacology of Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoids and Their Potential for Treatment of Cardiometabolic Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39235486 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The use of Cannabis sativa by humans dates back to the third millennium BC, and it has been utilized in many forms for multiple purposes, including production of fibre and rope, as food and medicine, and (perhaps most notably) for its psychoactive properties for recreational use. The discovery of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid contained in cannabis by Gaoni and Mechoulam in 1964 (J Am Chem Soc 86, 1646-1647), was the first major step in cannabis research; since then the identification of the chemicals (phytocannabinoids) present in cannabis, the classification of the pharmacological targets of these compounds and the discovery that the body has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS) have highlighted the potential value of cannabis-derived compounds in the treatment of many diseases, such as neurological disorders and cancers. Although the use of Δ9-THC as a therapeutic agent is constrained by its psychoactive properties, there is growing evidence that non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, derived from both Cannabis sativa and other plant species, as well as non-cannabinoid compounds found in Cannabis sativa, have real potential as therapeutics. This chapter will focus on the possibilities for using these compounds in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and related metabolic disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry L Wainwright
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Health Research, School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Sarah K Walsh
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Health Research, School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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2
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Zhang M, Tian Q, Liu J. Cannabinoid Receptor-2 agonist AM1241 Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway. Med Princ Pract 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39134017 DOI: 10.1159/000540751] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cannabinoid receptor-2 agonist AM1241 exhibits notable cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for cardiovascular disease. This study explores AM1241's protective role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and its association with the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. METHODS In an established Sprague-Dawley rat IR model, AM1241's impact on cardiac injury was assessed through echocardiography, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, and histological analysis. H9c2 cells underwent hypoxia-reoxygenation, with AM1241's influence on cell viability determined by the CCK-8 assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the DCFH-DA assay, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions were evaluated through immunofluorescence and Western blot. RESULTS Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) increased infarct size, inflammatory cell presence, oxidative and nitrosative stress, impaired cardiac function, and elevated apoptosis rates. AM1241 mitigated these effects, enhancing cell viability, reducing ROS production, and upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. The antioxidant effect of AM1241 was inhibited by ML385 intervention. CONCLUSIONS AM1241 attenuates oxidative stress, alleviates MIRI, and activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic strategy for MIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qingxin Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianlong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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3
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More SA, Deore RS, Pawar HD, Sharma C, Nakhate KT, Rathod SS, Ojha S, Goyal SN. CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor as a Potential Target in Myocardial Infarction: Exploration of Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1683. [PMID: 38338960 PMCID: PMC10855244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The lipid endocannabinoid system has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic target for several inflammatory and tissue-damaging diseases, including those affecting the cardiovascular system. The primary targets of cannabinoids are cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors. The CB2 receptor is expressed in the cardiomyocytes. While the pathological changes in the myocardium upregulate the CB2 receptor, genetic deletion of the receptor aggravates the changes. The CB2 receptor plays a crucial role in attenuating the advancement of myocardial infarction (MI)-associated pathological changes in the myocardium. Activation of CB2 receptors exerts cardioprotection in MI via numerous molecular pathways. For instance, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuated the progression of MI via modulation of the CB2 receptor-dependent anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Through similar mechanisms, natural and synthetic CB2 receptor ligands repair myocardial tissue damage. This review aims to offer an in-depth discussion on the ameliorative potential of CB2 receptors in myocardial injuries induced by a variety of pathogenic mechanisms. Further, the modulation of autophagy, TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, MPTP opening, and ROS production are discussed. The molecular correlation of CB2 receptors with cardiac injury markers, such as troponin I, LDH1, and CK-MB, is explored. Special attention has been paid to novel insights into the potential therapeutic implications of CB2 receptor activation in MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar A. More
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Rucha S. Deore
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Harshal D. Pawar
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Kartik T. Nakhate
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Sumit S. Rathod
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
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4
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CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114387. [PMID: 36780785 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Data concerning the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on blood pressure (BP) is controversial. HYPER-H21-4 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial which sought to elucidate if 5-week administration of CBD will reduce BP in hypertensive patients. In the substudy of this trial, we aimed to establish the mechanistic background of CBD-induced BP reduction. Specifically, we explored the dynamic of catestatin, a sympathoinhibitory peptide implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. In the present analysis, 54 patients with Grade 1 hypertension were included. 5-week administration of CBD but not placebo reduced serum catestatin concentration in comparison to baseline (13.50 [10.85-19.05] vs. 9.65 [6.37-12.26] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum catestatin levels at the start of the treatment period demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of reduction in mean arterial pressure (r = -0.474, p < 0.001). Moreover, the extent of change in catestatin serum levels showed a strong correlation with the extent of mean arterial pressure reduction (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Overall, the results of the present study imply that the antihypertensive effects of CBD may be explained by its interaction with the sympatho-chromaffin system, although further research is warranted.
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Dziemitko S, Harasim-Symbor E, Chabowski A. How do phytocannabinoids affect cardiovascular health? An update on the most common cardiovascular diseases. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223221143239. [PMID: 36636553 PMCID: PMC9830002 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221143239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes millions of deaths worldwide each year. Despite the great progress in therapies available for patients with CVD, some limitations, including drug complications, still exist. Hence, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was proposed as a new avenue for CVDs treatment. The ECS components are widely distributed through the body, including the heart and blood vessels, thus the action of its endogenous and exogenous ligands, in particular, phytocannabinoids play a key role in various pathological states. The cardiovascular action of cannabinoids is complex as they affect vasculature and myocardium directly via specific receptors and exert indirect effects through the central and peripheral nervous system. The growing interest in phytocannabinoid studies, however, has extended the knowledge about their molecular targets as well as therapeutical properties; nonetheless, some areas of their actions are not yet fully recognized. Researchers have reported various cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol, as a promising approach to CVDs; hence, the purpose of this review is to summarize and update the cardiovascular actions of the most potent phytocannabinoids and the potential therapeutic role of ECS in CVDs, including ischemic reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, heart failure as well as hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Dziemitko
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of
Bialystok, Bialystok 15-222, Poland
| | - Ewa Harasim-Symbor
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of
Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of
Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Viczjan G, Szilagyi A, Takacs B, Ovari I, Szekeres R, Tarjanyi V, Erdei T, Teleki V, Zsuga J, Szilvassy Z, Juhasz B, Varga B, Gesztelyi R. The effect of a long-term treatment with cannabidiol-rich hemp extract oil on the adenosinergic system of the zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat atrium. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1043275. [PMID: 36588715 PMCID: PMC9797669 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1043275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the most extensively studied non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, has been attracting a lot of interest worldwide owing to its numerous beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect that CBD exerts on the adenosinergic system of paced left atria isolated from obese type Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, maintained on diabetogenic rat chow, received 60 mg/kg/day CBD or vehicle via gavage for 4 weeks. We found that N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a relatively stable and poorly transported A1 adenosine receptor agonist, elicited a significantly weaker response in the CBD-treated group than in the vehicle-treated one. In contrast, adenosine, a quickly metabolized and transported adenosine receptor agonist, evoked a significantly stronger response in the CBD-treated group than in the vehicle-treated counterpart (excepting its highest concentrations). These results can be explained only with the adenosine transport inhibitory property of CBD (and not with its adenosine receptor agonist activity). If all the effects of CBD are attributed to the interstitial adenosine accumulation caused by CBD in the myocardium, then a significantly increased adenosinergic activation can be assumed during the long-term oral CBD treatment, suggesting a considerably enhanced adenosinergic protection in the heart. Considering that our results may have been influenced by A1 adenosine receptor downregulation due to the chronic interstitial adenosine accumulation, an adenosinergic activation smaller than it seemed cannot be excluded, but it was above the CBD-naïve level in every case. Additionally, this is the first study offering functional evidence about the adenosine transport inhibitory action of CBD in the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Viczjan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anna Szilagyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Barbara Takacs
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ignac Ovari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Reka Szekeres
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vera Tarjanyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamas Erdei
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vanda Teleki
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Zsuga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Szilvassy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Bela Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balazs Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,*Correspondence: Rudolf Gesztelyi,
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7
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Mensah E, Tabrizchi R, Daneshtalab N. Pharmacognosy and Effects of Cannabinoids in the Vascular System. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1034-1049. [PMID: 36407955 PMCID: PMC9667477 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00141] [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] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids is an essential subject due to the recent increasing global acceptance of cannabis and its derivation for recreational and therapeutic purposes. Elucidating the interaction between cannabinoids and the vascular system is critical to exploring cannabinoids as a prospective therapeutic agent for treating vascular-associated clinical conditions. This review aims to examine the effect of cannabinoids on the vascular system and further discuss the fundamental pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action of cannabinoids in the vascular system. Data from literature revealed a substantial interaction between endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids within the vasculature of both humans and animal models. However, the mechanisms and the ensuing functional response is blood vessels and species-dependent. The current understanding of classical cannabinoid receptor subtypes and the recently discovered atypical cannabinoid receptors and the development of new synthetic analogs have further enhanced the pharmacological characterization of the vascular cannabinoid receptors. Compelling evidence also suggest that cannabinoids represent a formidable therapeutic candidate for vascular-associated conditions. Nonetheless, explanations of the mechanisms underlining these processes are complex and paradoxical based on the heterogeneity of receptors and signaling pathways. Further insight from studies that uncover the mechanisms underlining the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids in the treatment of vascular-associated conditions is required to determine whether the known benefits of cannabinoids thus currently outweigh the known/unknown risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mensah
- Faculty
of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Reza Tabrizchi
- Faculty
of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Noriko Daneshtalab
- School
of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
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8
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Xu D, Xu C, Xue X, Xu Y, Zhao J, Huang T, Wang Z, Zhao Q, Zhou Z, Huang Y, Yu L, Wang H. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 attenuates Angiotensin II-induced atrial fibrillation via a potential NOX/CaMKII mechanism. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:968014. [PMID: 36312282 PMCID: PMC9616165 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.968014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrythmia managed in clinical practice. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the occurrence and persistence of AF, in which oxidative stress plays a non-negligible role. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in a variety physiological and pathological processes. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) are expressed in the heart, and studies have shown that activating CB2R has a protective effect on the myocardium. However, the role of CB2R in AF is unknown. Materials and methods Angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused mice were treated with the CB2R agonist AM1241 intraperitoneally for 21 days. Atrial structural remodeling, AF inducibility, electrical transmission, oxidative stress and fibrosis were measured in mice. Results The susceptibility to AF and the level of oxidative stress were increased significantly in Ang II-infused mice. In addition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4, and oxidized Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (ox-CaMKII) were highly expressed. More importantly, treatment with AM1241 activated CB2R, resulting in a protective effect. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that pharmacological activation of CB2R exerts a protective effect against AF via a potential NOX/CaMKII mechanism. CB2R is a potential therapeutic target for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyue Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China,Postgraduate College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chennian Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaodong Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yinli Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jikai Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhishang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qiusheng Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China,Liming Yu,
| | - Huishan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China,*Correspondence: Huishan Wang,
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9
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Rabino M, Mallia S, Castiglioni E, Rovina D, Pompilio G, Gowran A. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol: Past, Present, and Prospective for Cardiovascular Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090936. [PMID: 34577636 PMCID: PMC8472406 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, cannabis was commonly associated with mysticism and illegality. Fortunately, in recent years perspectives and discourses have changed. More prominence has been given to the rigorous scientific effort that led to the discovery of cannabis' many physiological actions and endogenous signalling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a complex and heterogeneous pro-homeostatic network comprising different receptors with several endogenous ligands, numerous metabolic enzymes and regulatory proteins. Therefore, it is not surprising that alterations and dysfunctions of the endocannabinoid system are observed in almost every category of disease. Such high degree of pathophysiological involvement suggests the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target and prompted the translation of resurgent scientific findings into clinical therapies. Shifting attitudes toward cannabis also raised other matters such as increased patient awareness, prescription requests, self-medication, recreational use, recognition of new knowledge gaps, renewed scientific activity, and seemingly exponential growth of the cannabis industry. This review, following a general overview of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, assiduously describes its role within the context of cardiovascular diseases, paying particular attention to the Janus influence that endocannabinoid system modulators can have on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rabino
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mallia
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Castiglioni
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rovina
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Aoife Gowran
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
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10
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Flannery LE, Kerr DM, Hughes EM, Kelly C, Costello J, Thornton AM, Humphrey RM, Finn DP, Roche M. N-acylethanolamine regulation of TLR3-induced hyperthermia and neuroinflammatory gene expression: A role for PPARα. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 358:577654. [PMID: 34265624 PMCID: PMC8243641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is associated with increased risk of developing neurological or psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety or dementia. While the precise mechanism underlying this association is unknown, aberrant activation of toll-like receptor (TLR)3, a viral recognizing pattern recognition receptor, may play a key role. Synthetic cannabinoids and enhancing cannabinoid tone via inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has been demonstrated to modulate TLR3-induced neuroimmune responses and associated sickness behaviour. However, the role of individual FAAH substrates, and the receptor mechanisms mediating these effects, are unknown. The present study examined the effects of intracerebral or systemic administration of the FAAH substrates N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA), N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) or the anandamide (AEA) analogue meth-AEA on hyperthermia and hypothalamic inflammatory gene expression following administration of the TLR3 agonist, and viral mimetic, poly I:C. The data demonstrate that meth-AEA does not alter TLR3-induced hyperthermia or hypothalamic inflammatory gene expression. In comparison, OEA and PEA attenuated the TLR3-induced hyperthermia, although only OEA attenuated the expression of hyperthermia-related genes (IL-1β, iNOS, COX2 and m-PGES) in the hypothalamus. OEA, but not PEA, attenuated TLR3-induced increases in the expression of all IRF- and NFκB-related genes examined in the hypothalamus, but not in the spleen. Antagonism of PPARα prevented the OEA-induced attenuation of IRF- and NFκB-related genes in the hypothalamus following TLR3 activation but did not significantly alter temperature. PPARα agonism did not alter TLR3-induced hyperthermia or hypothalamic inflammatory gene expression. These data indicate that OEA may be the primary FAAH substrate that modulates TLR3-induced neuroinflammation and hyperthermia, effects partially mediated by PPARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Flannery
- Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniel M Kerr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Edel M Hughes
- Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Colm Kelly
- Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Rachel M Humphrey
- Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P Finn
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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11
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Koturbash I, MacKay D. Cannabidiol and Other Cannabinoids: From Toxicology and Pharmacology to the Development of a Regulatory Pathway. J Diet Suppl 2020; 17:487-492. [PMID: 32715797 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1796886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic constituent of Cannabis sativa that has grown in popularity during the last decade. CBD is the active component of EPIDIOLEX®, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug designed for the treatment of drug-resistant pediatric epileptic seizures associated with several rare syndromes. Furthermore, CBD has been proposed as a treatment for a number of other diseases for which clinical trials are now ongoing. Accumulating evidence indicates that the number of "CBD-containing" products, available mostly online, is growing exponentially. However, the U.S. FDA currently prohibits sales of CBD as a dietary supplement (DS) or ingredient in conventional food. Further, clear federal regulatory and quality oversight does not exist, which has led to an uncontrolled CBD market that, in turn, threatens to result in negative health effects experienced by a trusting public. Thus, there are open questions demanding answers in the very near future: For which medical purposes is CBD provably effective? Can it be used safely as a non-prescription product? At what level? Is a hemp extract that contains CBD a different ingredient than isolated CBD? Is CBD safe for everyone? What is a future path for hemp products with CBD as well as for other cannabinoids? Should CBD be allowed as a drug only, or is there a way for hemp extracts to be listed as a dietary supplement and food ingredient? This Special Issue, the first of its kind on CBD and other phytocannabinoids, is devoted to answering those and other questions by publishing articles in the fields of pharmacology, toxicology, and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Koturbash
- Center for Dietary Supplements Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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