1
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Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Santos-García I, García-Toscano L, Martín-Baquero R, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Wittwer MB, Dzygiel P, Grether U, de Lago E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Involvement of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in experimental TDP-43 related frontotemporal dementia using male mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116473. [PMID: 38522237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116473] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elevation of endocannabinoid levels through inhibiting their degradation afforded neuroprotection in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, a conditional transgenic model of frontotemporal dementia. However, which cannabinoid receptors are mediating these benefits is still pending to be elucidated. METHODS We have investigated the involvement of the CB1 and the CB2 receptor using chronic treatments with selective ligands in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, analysis of their cognitive deterioration with the Novel Object Recognition test, and immunostaining for neuronal and glial markers in two areas of interest in frontotemporal dementia. RESULTS Our results confirmed the therapeutic value of activating either the CB1 or the CB2 receptor, with improvements in the animal performance in the Novel Object Recognition test, preservation of pyramidal neurons, in particular in the medial prefrontal cortex, and attenuation of glial reactivity, in particular in the hippocampus. In addition, the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors reduced the elevated levels of TDP-43 in the medial prefrontal cortex of CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, an effect exerted by mechanisms that are currently under investigation. CONCLUSIONS These data reinforce the notion that the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may represent a promising therapy against TDP-43-induced neuropathology in frontotemporal dementia. Future studies will have to confirm these benefits, in particular with one of the selective CB2 agonists used here, which has been thoroughly characterized for clinical development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Male
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Frontotemporal Dementia/drug therapy
- Frontotemporal Dementia/metabolism
- Frontotemporal Dementia/pathology
- Mice
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/pathology
- Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Hippocampus/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Baquero
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias B Wittwer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Dzygiel
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Rodríguez-Carreiro S, Navarro E, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. The Cannabigerol Derivative VCE-003.2 Exerts Therapeutic Effects in 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Mice: Comparison with The Classic Dopaminergic Replacement Therapy. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1272. [PMID: 37759872 PMCID: PMC10527302 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091272] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A cannabigerol aminoquinone derivative, so-called VCE-003.2, has been found to behave as a neuroprotective agent (administered both i.p. and orally) in different experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. These effects were exerted through mechanisms that involved the activation of a regulatory site within the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). (2) Methods: We are now interested in comparing such neuroprotective potential of VCE-003.2, orally administered, with the effect of the classic dopaminergic replacement therapy with L-DOPA/benserazide in similar conditions, using 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mice. (3) Results: The oral administration of VCE-003.2 during 14 days at the dose of 20 mg/kg improved, as expected, the neurological status (measured in motor tests) in these mice. This correlated with a preservation of TH-labelled neurons in the substantia nigra. By contrast, the treatment with L-DOPA/benserazide (during 7 days at 2 mg/kg) was significantly less active in these experimental conditions, in concordance with their profile as a mere symptom-alleviating agent. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirmed again the therapeutic profile of VCE-003.2 in experimental PD and revealed a different and more relevant effect, as a disease modifier, compared to the classic symptom-alleviating L-DOPA treatment. This reinforces the interest in VCE-003.2 for a future clinical development in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rodríguez-Carreiro
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-C.); (E.N.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Navarro
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-C.); (E.N.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-C.); (E.N.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Alonso C, Satta V, Hernández-Fisac I, Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O. Disease-modifying effects of cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene and their combination in Syn1-Cre/Scn1a WT/A1783V mice, a preclinical model of Dravet syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2023:109602. [PMID: 37290534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109602] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been recently approved as an antiseizure agent in Dravet Syndrome (DS), a pediatric epileptic encephalopathy, but CBD could also be active against associated comorbidities. Such associated comorbidities were also attenuated by the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (BCP). Here, we have compared the efficacy of both compounds and further initiated the analysis of a possible additive effect between both compounds in relation with these comorbidities using two experimental approaches. The first experiment was aimed at comparing the benefits of CBD and BCP, including their combination in conditional knock-in Scn1a-A1783V mice, an experimental model of DS, treated since the postnatal day 10th to 24th. As expected, DS mice showed impairment in limb clasping, delay in the appearance of hindlimb grasp reflex and additional behavioural disturbances (e.g., hyperactivity, cognitive deterioration, social interaction deficits). This behavioural impairment was associated with marked astroglial and microglial reactivities in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. BCP and CBD administered alone were both able to partially attenuate the behavioural disturbances and the glial reactivities, with apparently greater efficacy against glial reactivities obtained with BCP, whereas superior effects in a few specific parameters were obtained when both compounds were combined. In the second experiment, we investigated this additive effect in cultured BV2 cells treated with BCP and/or CBD and stimulated with LPS. As expected, addition of LPS induced a marked increase in several inflammation-related markers (e.g., TLR4, COX-2, iNOS, catalase, TNF-α, IL-1β), as well as elevated Iba-1 immunostaining. Treatment with BCP or CBD attenuated these elevations, but, again and in general, superior results were obtained when both cannabinoids were combined. In conclusion, our results support the interest to continue investigating the combination of BCP and CBD to improve the therapeutic management of DS in relation with their disease-modifying properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Fisac
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Duan J, Huang Z, Nice EC, Xie N, Chen M, Huang C. Current advancements and future perspectives of long noncoding RNAs in lipid metabolism and signaling. J Adv Res 2023; 48:105-123. [PMID: 35973552 PMCID: PMC10248733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation of lncRNAs has provided a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms underlying diverse physiological and pathological processes. Compelling evidence has revealed an intrinsic link between lncRNAs and lipid metabolism, demonstrating that lncRNAs-induced disruption of lipid metabolism and signaling contribute to the development of multiple cancers and some other diseases, including obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. AIMOF REVIEW The current review summarizes the recent advances in basic research about lipid metabolism and lipid signaling-related lncRNAs. Meanwhile, the potential and challenges of targeting lncRNA for the therapy of cancers and other lipid metabolism-related diseases are also discussed. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT OF REVIEW Compared with the substantial number of lncRNA loci, we still know little about the role of lncRNAs in metabolism. A more comprehensive understanding of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs may provide a new standpoint for the study of lipid metabolism and signaling. Developing lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches is an effective strategy for lipid metabolism-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiufei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Na Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China.
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 430079 Wuhan, China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China.
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5
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Santos-García I, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Villegas P, Piscitelli F, Lauritano A, Shen CKJ, Di Marzo V, Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E. Preclinical investigation in FAAH inhibition as a neuroprotective therapy for frontotemporal dementia using TDP-43 transgenic male mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:108. [PMID: 37149645 PMCID: PMC10163746 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous group of early onset and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes, which causes deterioration in cognition, personality, social behavior and language. Around 45% of the cases are characterized by the presence of aggregates of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. METHODS In this study, we have used a murine model of FTD that overexpresses this protein exclusively in the forebrain (under the control of the CaMKIIα promoter) for several biochemical, histological and pharmacological studies focused on the endocannabinoid system. RESULTS These mice exhibited at postnatal day 90 (PND90) important cognitive deficits, signs of emotional impairment and disinhibited social behaviour, which were, in most of cases, maintained during the first year of life of these animals. Motor activity was apparently normal, but FTD mice exhibited higher mortality. Their MRI imaging analysis and their ex-vivo histopathological evaluation proved changes compatible with atrophy (loss of specific groups of pyramidal neurons: Ctip2- and NeuN-positive cells) and inflammatory events (astroglial and microglial reactivities) in both cortical (medial prefrontal cortex) and subcortical (hippocampus) structures at PND90 and also at PND365. The analysis of the endocannabinoid system in these mice proved a decrease in the hydrolysing enzyme FAAH in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, with an increase in the synthesizing enzyme NAPE-PLD only in the hippocampus, responses that were accompanied by modest elevations in anandamide and related N-acylethanolamines. The potentiation of these elevated levels of anandamide after the pharmacological inactivation of FAAH with URB597 resulted in a general improvement in behaviour, in particular in cognitive deterioration, associated with the preservation of pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex and the CA1 layer of the hippocampus, and with the reduction of gliosis in both structures. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirmed the potential of elevating the endocannabinoid tone as a therapy against TDP-43-induced neuropathology in FTD, limiting glial reactivity, preserving neuronal integrity and improving cognitive, emotional and social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Santos-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Villegas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lauritano
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Che-Kun J Shen
- The PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Centre NUTRISS, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva de Lago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Molina-Holgado E, Esteban PF, Arevalo-Martin Á, Moreno-Luna R, Molina-Holgado F, Garcia-Ovejero D. Endocannabinoid signaling in oligodendroglia. Glia 2022; 71:91-102. [PMID: 35411970 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes synthesize the myelin, a specialized membrane to wrap axons in a discontinuous way allowing a rapid saltatory nerve impulse conduction. Oligodendrocytes express a number of growth factors and neurotransmitters receptors that allow them to sense the environment and interact with neurons and other glial cells. Depending on the cell cycle stage, oligodendrocytes may respond to these signals by regulating their survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Among these signals are the endocannabinoids, lipidic molecules synthesized from phospholipids in the plasma membrane in response to cell activation. Here, we discuss the evidence showing that oligodendrocytes express a full endocannabinoid signaling machinery involved in physiological oligodendrocyte functions that can be therapeutically exploited to promote remyelination in central nervous system pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Molina-Holgado
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Pedro F Esteban
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Ángel Arevalo-Martin
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Rafael Moreno-Luna
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Garcia-Ovejero
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
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7
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Liang Z, Soriano-Castell D, Kepchia D, Duggan BM, Currais A, Schubert D, Maher P. Cannabinol inhibits oxytosis/ferroptosis by directly targeting mitochondria independently of cannabinoid receptors. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 180:33-51. [PMID: 34999187 PMCID: PMC8840979 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The oxytosis/ferroptosis regulated cell death pathway recapitulates many features of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the aging brain and has emerged as a potential key mediator of neurodegeneration. It has thus been proposed that the oxytosis/ferroptosis pathway can be used to identify novel drug candidates for the treatment of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases that act by preserving mitochondrial function. Previously, we identified cannabinol (CBN) as a potent neuroprotector. Here, we demonstrate that not only does CBN protect nerve cells from oxytosis/ferroptosis in a manner that is dependent on mitochondria and it does so independently of cannabinoid receptors. Specifically, CBN directly targets mitochondria and preserves key mitochondrial functions including redox regulation, calcium uptake, membrane potential, bioenergetics, biogenesis, and modulation of fusion/fission dynamics that are disrupted following induction of oxytosis/ferroptosis. These protective effects of CBN are at least partly mediated by the promotion of endogenous antioxidant defenses and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. Together, our data highlight the potential of mitochondrially-targeted compounds such as CBN as novel oxytotic/ferroptotic inhibitors to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction as well as opportunities for the discovery and development of future neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Liang
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States; The Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
| | - David Soriano-Castell
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Devin Kepchia
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Brendan M Duggan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States; The Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
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8
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Nhu NT, Xiao SY, Liu Y, Kumar VB, Cui ZY, Lee SD. Neuroprotective Effects of a Small Mitochondrially-Targeted Tetrapeptide Elamipretide in Neurodegeneration. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 15:747901. [PMID: 35111001 PMCID: PMC8801496 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.747901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural mitochondrial dysfunction, neural oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, toxic protein accumulation, and neural apoptosis are common causes of neurodegeneration. Elamipretide, a small mitochondrially-targeted tetrapeptide, exhibits therapeutic effects and safety in several mitochondria-related diseases. In neurodegeneration, extensive studies have shown that elamipretide enhanced mitochondrial respiration, activated neural mitochondrial biogenesis via mitochondrial biogenesis regulators (PCG-1α and TFAM) and the translocate factors (TOM-20), enhanced mitochondrial fusion (MNF-1, MNF-2, and OPA1), inhibited mitochondrial fission (Fis-1 and Drp-1), as well as increased mitophagy (autophagy of mitochondria). In addition, elamipretide has been shown to attenuate neural oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and ROS), neuroinflammation (TNF, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and toxic protein accumulation (Aβ). Consequently, elamipretide could prevent neural apoptosis (cytochrome c, Bax, caspase 9, and caspase 3) and enhance neural pro-survival (Bcl2, BDNF, and TrkB) in neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that elamipretide may prevent the progressive development of neurodegenerative diseases via enhancing mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fusion, and neural pro-survival pathway, as well as inhibiting mitochondrial fission, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, toxic protein accumulation, and neural apoptosis. Elamipretide or mitochondrially-targeted peptide might be a targeted agent to attenuate neurodegenerative progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thanh Nhu
- Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
| | - Shu-Yun Xiao
- Department of Brain and Mental Disease, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - V. Bharath Kumar
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Zhen-Yang Cui
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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9
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Cannabinoids induce functional Tregs by promoting tolerogenic DCs via autophagy and metabolic reprograming. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:96-108. [PMID: 34548620 PMCID: PMC8732281 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The generation of functional regulatory T cells (Tregs) is essential to keep tissue homeostasis and restore healthy immune responses in many biological and inflammatory contexts. Cannabinoids have been pointed out as potential therapeutic tools for several diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) express the endocannabinoid system, including the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. However, how cannabinoids might regulate functional properties of DCs is not completely understood. We uncover that the triggering of cannabinoid receptors promote human tolerogenic DCs that are able to prime functional FOXP3+ Tregs in the context of different inflammatory diseases. Mechanistically, cannabinoids imprint tolerogenicity in human DCs by inhibiting NF-κB, MAPK and mTOR signalling pathways while inducing AMPK and functional autophagy flux via CB1- and PPARα-mediated activation, which drives metabolic rewiring towards increased mitochondrial activity and oxidative phosphorylation. Cannabinoids exhibit in vivo protective and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced sepsis and also promote the generation of FOXP3+ Tregs. In addition, immediate anaphylactic reactions are decreased in peanut allergic mice and the generation of allergen-specific FOXP3+ Tregs are promoted, demonstrating that these immunomodulatory effects take place in both type 1- and type 2-mediated inflammatory diseases. Our findings might open new avenues for novel cannabinoid-based interventions in different inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.
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Burgaz S, García C, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Gómez-Almería M, Ruiz-Pino F, Unciti JD, Gómez-Cañas M, Alcalde J, Morales P, Jagerovic N, Rodríguez-Cueto C, de Lago E, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Preclinical Investigation in Neuroprotective Effects of the GPR55 Ligand VCE-006.1 in Experimental Models of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247643. [PMID: 34946726 PMCID: PMC8708356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids act as pleiotropic compounds exerting, among others, a broad-spectrum of neuroprotective effects. These effects have been investigated in the last years in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, with the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2) receptors concentrating an important part of this research. However, the issue has also been extended to additional targets that are also active for cannabinoids, such as the orphan G-protein receptor 55 (GPR55). In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of VCE-006.1, a chromenopyrazole derivative with biased orthosteric and positive allosteric modulator activity at GPR55, in murine models of two neurodegenerative diseases. First, we proved that VCE-006.1 alone could induce ERK1/2 activation and calcium mobilization, as well as increase cAMP response but only in the presence of lysophosphatidyl inositol. Next, we investigated this compound administered chronically in two neurotoxin-based models of Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as in some cell-based models. VCE-006.1 was active in reversing the motor defects caused by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the pole and the cylinder rearing tests, as well as the losses in tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons and the elevated glial reactivity detected in the substantia nigra. Similar cytoprotective effects were found in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We also investigated VCE-006.1 in LPS-lesioned mice with similar beneficial effects, except against glial reactivity and associated inflammatory events, which remained unaltered, a fact confirmed in BV2 cells treated with LPS and VCE-006.1. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models with no changes in its gene expression, although GPR55 was down-regulated in BV2 cells treated with LPS, which may explain the lack of efficacy of VCE-006.1 in such an assay. Furthermore, we investigated VCE-006.1 in two genetic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mutant SOD1, or TDP-43 transgenic mice. Neither the neurological decline nor the deteriorated rotarod performance were prevented with this compound, and the same happened with the elevated microglial and astroglial reactivities, albeit modest spinal motor neuron preservation was achieved in both models. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models and found no changes in both TDP-43 transgenic and mSOD1 mice. Therefore, our findings support the view that targeting the GPR55 may afford neuroprotection in experimental PD, but not in ALS, thus stressing the specificities for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies in the different neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Burgaz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Pino
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - Juan Diego Unciti
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Alcalde
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34–913941450
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11
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BiP Heterozigosity Aggravates Pathological Deterioration in Experimental Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212533. [PMID: 34830414 PMCID: PMC8621319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212533] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the chaperone protein BiP (also known as GRP78 or Hspa5), a master regulator of intracellular proteostasis, in two mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). To this end, we used mice bearing partial genetic deletion of the BiP gene (BiP+/− mice), which, for the ALS model, were crossed with mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) transgenic mice to generate mSOD1/BiP+/− double mutant mice. Our data revealed a more intense neurological decline in the double mutants, reflected in a greater deterioration of the neurological score and rotarod performance, with also a reduced animal survival, compared to mSOD1 transgenic mice. Such worsening was associated with higher microglial (labelled with Iba-1 immunostaining) and, to a lesser extent, astroglial (labelled with GFAP immunostaining) immunoreactivities found in the double mutants, but not with a higher loss of spinal motor neurons (labelled with Nissl staining) in the spinal cord. The morphological analysis of Iba-1 and GFAP-positive cells revealed a higher presence of activated cells, characterized by elevated cell body size and shorter processes, in double mutants compared to mSOD1 mice with normal BiP expression. In the case of the PD model, BiP+/− mice were unilaterally lesioned with the parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In this case, however, we did not detect a greater susceptibility to damage in mutant mice, as the motor defects caused by 6-OHDA in the pole test and the cylinder rearing test, as well as the losses in tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons and the elevated glial reactivity (labelled with CD68 and GFAP immunostaining) detected in the substantia nigra were of similar magnitude in BiP+/− mice compared with wildtype animals. Therefore, our findings support the view that a dysregulation of the protein BiP may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. As BiP has been recently related to cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor function, our work also opens the door to future studies on a possible link between BiP and the neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids that have been widely reported in this neuropathological context. In support of this possibility, preliminary data indicate that CB1 receptor levels are significantly reduced in mSOD1 mice having partial deletion of BiP gene.
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Lipson Feder C, Cohen O, Shapira A, Katzir I, Peer R, Guberman O, Procaccia S, Berman P, Flaishman M, Meiri D. Fertilization Following Pollination Predominantly Decreases Phytocannabinoids Accumulation and Alters the Accumulation of Terpenoids in Cannabis Inflorescences. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:753847. [PMID: 34804093 PMCID: PMC8602813 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.753847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, growing evidence showed the therapeutic capabilities of Cannabis plants. These capabilities were attributed to the specialized secondary metabolites stored in the glandular trichomes of female inflorescences, mainly phytocannabinoids and terpenoids. The accumulation of the metabolites in the flower is versatile and influenced by a largely unknown regulation system, attributed to genetic, developmental and environmental factors. As Cannabis is a dioecious plant, one main factor is fertilization after successful pollination. Fertilized flowers are considerably less potent, likely due to changes in the contents of phytocannabinoids and terpenoids; therefore, this study examined the effect of fertilization on metabolite composition by crossbreeding (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- or cannabidiol (CBD)-rich female plants with different male plants: THC-rich, CBD-rich, or the original female plant induced to develop male pollen sacs. We used advanced analytical methods to assess the phytocannabinoids and terpenoids content, including a newly developed semi-quantitative analysis for terpenoids without analytical standards. We found that fertilization significantly decreased phytocannabinoids content. For terpenoids, the subgroup of monoterpenoids had similar trends to the phytocannabinoids, proposing both are commonly regulated in the plant. The sesquiterpenoids remained unchanged in the THC-rich female and had a trend of decrease in the CBD-rich female. Additionally, specific phytocannabinoids and terpenoids showed an uncommon increase in concentration followed by fertilization with particular male plants. Our results demonstrate that although the profile of phytocannabinoids and their relative ratios were kept, fertilization substantially decreased the concentration of nearly all phytocannabinoids in the plant regardless of the type of fertilizing male. Our findings may point to the functional roles of secondary metabolites in Cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carni Lipson Feder
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Oded Cohen
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Anna Shapira
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Itay Katzir
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Reut Peer
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ohad Guberman
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shiri Procaccia
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Paula Berman
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moshe Flaishman
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - David Meiri
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Magham SV, Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy P, Shaji N, Mani L, Balasubramanian S. Cannabinoid receptor 2 selective agonists and Alzheimer's disease: An insight into the therapeutic potentials. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2888-2905. [PMID: 34486749 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system has been extensively studied in recent decades, particularly the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, due to their important role in neuroinflammation. Among these, CB2 has gained prominence due to its selective overexpression in glial cells during neuroinflammation. In contrast to CB1 agonists, CB2 agonists have no side effects such as ataxia, hypothermia, euphoria, psychological, or addiction liabilities. CB2 and its selective agonists' above-mentioned unique properties have become a research focus in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The review discusses the neuroprotective role of CB receptors, particularly CB2, in AD, as well as the significance and limitations of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Varshini Magham
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | | | - Neenu Shaji
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | - Lalithkumar Mani
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
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14
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Arituluk ZC, Horne J, Adhikari B, Steltzner J, Mansur S, Ahirwar P, Velu SE, Gray NE, Ciesla LM, Bao Y. Identification of TrkB Binders from Complex Matrices Using a Magnetic Drug Screening Nanoplatform. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6244-6255. [PMID: 35006910 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) have been shown to play an important role in numerous neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The identification of biologically active compounds interacting with TrkB serves as a drug discovery strategy to identify drug leads for neurological disorders. Here, we report effective immobilization of functional TrkB on magnetic iron oxide nanoclusters, where TrkB receptors behave as "smart baits" to bind compounds from mixtures and magnetic nanoclusters enable rapid isolation through magnetic separation. The presence of the immobilized TrkB was confirmed by specific antibody labeling. Subsequently, the activity of the TrkB on iron oxide nanoclusters was evaluated with ATP/ADP conversion experiments using a known TrkB agonist. The immobilized TrkB receptors can effectively identify binders from mixtures containing known binders, synthetic small molecule mixtures, and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) plant extracts. The identified compounds were analyzed by an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Importantly, some of the identified TrkB binders from Gotu Kola plant extracts matched with compounds previously linked to neuroprotective effects observed for a Gotu Kola extract approved for use in a clinical trial. Our studies suggest that the possible therapeutic effects of the Gotu Kola plant extract in dementia treatment, at least partially, might be associated with compounds interacting with TrkB. The unique feature of this approach is its ability to fast screen potential drug leads using less explored transmembrane targets. This platform works as a drug-screening funnel at early stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Therefore, our approach will not only greatly benefit drug discovery processes using transmembrane proteins as targets but also allow for evaluation and validation of cellular pathways targeted by drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Ceren Arituluk
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Jesse Horne
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Bishnu Adhikari
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Jeffrey Steltzner
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Shomit Mansur
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Parmanand Ahirwar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Sadanandan E Velu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Nora E Gray
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Lukasz M Ciesla
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Yuping Bao
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
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15
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Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Moro MA. Recent advances in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1253-1256. [PMID: 33638898 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Moro
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, IUIN and I+12, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Burgaz S, García C, Gómez-Cañas M, Rolland A, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Neuroprotection with the Cannabidiol Quinone Derivative VCE-004.8 (EHP-101) against 6-Hydroxydopamine in Cell and Murine Models of Parkinson's Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113245. [PMID: 34071302 PMCID: PMC8198479 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3-hydroxyquinone derivative of the non-psychotrophic phytocannabinoid cannabigerol, so-called VCE-003.2, and some other derivatives have been recently investigated for neuroprotective properties in experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. The pharmacological effects in those models were related to the activity on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and possibly other pathways. In the present study, we investigated VCE-004.8 (formulated as EHP-101 for oral administration), the 3-hydroxyquinone derivative of cannabidiol (CBD), with agonist activity at the cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) receptor in addition to its activity at the PPAR-γ receptor. Studies were conducted in both in vivo (lesioned-mice) and in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) models using the classic parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Our data confirmed that the treatment with VCE-004.8 partially reduced the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons measured in the substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, in parallel with an almost complete reversal of the astroglial (GFAP) and microglial (CD68) reactivity occurring in this structure. Such neuroprotective effects attenuated the motor deficiencies shown by 6-OHDA-lesioned mice in the cylinder rearing test, but not in the pole test. Next, we explored the mechanism involved in the beneficial effect of VCE-004.8 in vivo, by analyzing cell survival in cultured SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We found an important cytoprotective effect of VCE-004.8 at a concentration of 10 µM, which was completely reversed by the addition of antagonists, T0070907 and SR144528, aimed at blocking PPAR-γ and CB2 receptors, respectively. The treatment with T0070907 alone only caused a partial reversal, whereas SR144528 alone had no effect, indicating a major contribution of PPAR-γ receptors in the cytoprotective effect of VCE-004.8 at 10 µM. In summary, our data confirmed the neuroprotective potential of VCE-004.8 in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, and in vitro studies confirmed a greater relevance for PPAR-γ receptors rather than CB2 receptors in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Burgaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute on Neurochemistry Research, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute on Neurochemistry Research, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute on Neurochemistry Research, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alain Rolland
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (A.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (A.R.); (E.M.)
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute on Neurochemistry Research, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-913941450
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17
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Franco R, Lillo A, Rivas-Santisteban R, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Microglial Adenosine Receptors: From Preconditioning to Modulating the M1/M2 Balance in Activated Cells. Cells 2021; 10:1124. [PMID: 34066933 PMCID: PMC8148598 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal survival depends on the glia, that is, on the astroglial and microglial support. Neurons die and microglia are activated not only in neurodegenerative diseases but also in physiological aging. Activated microglia, once considered harmful, express two main phenotypes: the pro-inflammatory or M1, and the neuroprotective or M2. When neuroinflammation, i.e., microglial activation occurs, it is important to achieve a good M1/M2 balance, i.e., at some point M1 microglia must be skewed into M2 cells to impede chronic inflammation and to afford neuronal survival. G protein-coupled receptors in general and adenosine receptors in particular are potential targets for increasing the number of M2 cells. This article describes the mechanisms underlying microglial activation and analyzes whether these cells exposed to a first damaging event may be ready to be preconditioned to better react to exposure to more damaging events. Adenosine receptors are relevant due to their participation in preconditioning. They can also be overexpressed in activated microglial cells. The potential of adenosine receptors and complexes formed by adenosine receptors and cannabinoids as therapeutic targets to provide microglia-mediated neuroprotection is here discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
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18
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Olianas MC, Dedoni S, Onali P. Cannabinoid CB 1 and CB 2 receptors differentially regulate TNF-α-induced apoptosis and LPA 1-mediated pro-survival signaling in HT22 hippocampal cells. Life Sci 2021; 276:119407. [PMID: 33794254 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between cannabinoid CB1/CB2 and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors in controlling neuronal signaling and fate. METHODS HT22 hippocampal cells were treated with different cannabinoid and LPA receptor agonists and antagonists. Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to study intracellular signaling and the expression of apoptotic markers. Cell viability was determined by a luminescence assay. KEY FINDINGS Cannabinoid agonists induced activation of both ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. The effects of the CB1/CB2 receptor agonist HU210 were antagonized by the CB1 antagonist rimonabant, whereas the responses to the CB2 agonist JWH133 were blocked by the CB2 antagonist SR144528. HU210 reduced the apoptotic cell death induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, whereas JWH133 enhanced the cytokine cytotoxicity. Blockade of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation abrogated the HU210 pro-survival and the JWH133 pro-apoptotic effects, respectively. HU210 and the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not JWH133, potentiated ERK1/2 stimulation by LPA and the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline acting through the LPA1 receptor. HU210 enhanced amitriptyline-stimulated CREB phosphorylation and protection against TNF-α-induced apoptosis, whereas JWH133 had no effect. ERK1/2 stimulation by either HU210 or amitriptyline was dependent on fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) kinase activity and the combination of the two stimulants induced FGF-R phosphorylation. Moreover, the CB1 receptor was found to co-immunoprecipitate with the LPA1 receptor. CONCLUSIONS In HT22 hippocampal cells CB1 and CB2 receptors differentially regulate TNF-α-induced apoptosis and CB1 receptors positively interact with amitriptyline-stimulated LPA1 in promoting FGF-R-mediated ERK1/2 signaling and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Olianas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Section of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Dedoni
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Section of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Onali
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Section of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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19
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, García-Toscano L, Santos-García I, Gómez-Almería M, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Espejo-Porras F, Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E. Targeting the CB 2 receptor and other endocannabinoid elements to delay disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1373-1387. [PMID: 33486755 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids form a singular group of plant-derived compounds, endogenous lipids and synthetic derivatives with multiple therapeutic effects exerted by targeting different elements of the endocannabinoid system. One of their therapeutic applications is the preservation of neuronal integrity exerted by attenuating the multiple neurotoxic events that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will address the potential of cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle denervation, atrophy and paralysis, and progressive deterioration in upper and/or lower motor neurons. The emphasis will be paid on the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2 ) receptor, whose activation limits glial reactivity, but the potential of additional endocannabinoid-related targets will be also addressed. The evidence accumulated so far at the preclinical level supports the need to soon move towards the patients and initiate clinical trials to confirm the potential of cannabinoid-based medicines as disease modifiers in ALS. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Scarante FF, Ribeiro MA, Almeida-Santos AF, Guimarães FS, Campos AC. Glial Cells and Their Contribution to the Mechanisms of Action of Cannabidiol in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:618065. [PMID: 33613284 PMCID: PMC7890128 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.618065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid with a broad-range of therapeutic potential in several conditions, including neurological (epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic and ischemic brain injuries) and psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, addiction, major depressive disorder, and anxiety). The pharmacological mechanisms responsible for these effects are still unclear, and more than 60 potential molecular targets have been described. Regarding neuropsychiatric disorders, most studies investigating these mechanisms have focused on neuronal cells. However, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia) also play a crucial role in keeping the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Changes in glial functions have been associated with neuropathological conditions, including those for which CBD is proposed to be useful. Mostly in vitro studies have indicated that CBD modulate the activation of proinflammatory pathways, energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and the proliferative rate of glial cells. Likewise, some of the molecular targets proposed for CBD actions are f expressed in glial cells, including pharmacological receptors such as CB1, CB2, PPAR-γ, and 5-HT1A. In the present review, we discuss the currently available evidence suggesting that part of the CBD effects are mediated by interference with glial cell function. We also propose additional studies that need to be performed to unveil the contribution of glial cells to CBD effects in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele F. Scarante
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Melissa A. Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana F. Almeida-Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Francisco S. Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alline C. Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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21
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Satta V, Alonso C, Díez P, Martín-Suárez S, Rubio M, Encinas JM, Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O. Neuropathological Characterization of a Dravet Syndrome Knock-In Mouse Model Useful for Investigating Cannabinoid Treatments. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:602801. [PMID: 33584198 PMCID: PMC7879984 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.602801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is an epileptic syndrome caused by mutations in the Scn1a gene encoding the α1 subunit of the sodium channel Nav1.1, which is associated with febrile seizures that progress to severe tonic-clonic seizures and associated comorbidities. Treatment with cannabidiol has been approved to reduce seizures in DS, but it may also be active against these comorbidities. The aim of this study was to validate a new mouse model of DS having lower mortality than previous models, which may serve to further evaluate therapies for the long-term comorbidities. This new model consists of heterozygous conditional knock-in mice carrying a missense mutation (A1783V) in Scn1a gene expressed exclusively in neurons of the CNS (Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V). These mice have been used here to determine the extent and persistence of the behavioral deterioration in different postnatal days (PND), as well as to investigate the alterations that the disease produces in the endocannabinoid system and the contribution of inflammatory events and impaired neurogenesis in the pathology. Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice showed a strong reduction in hindlimb grasp reflex at PND10, whereas at PND25, they presented spontaneous convulsions and a greater susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, marked hyperactivity, deficient spatial working memory, lower levels of anxiety, and altered social interaction behavior. These differences disappeared at PND40 and PND60, except the changes in social interaction and anxiety. The analysis of CNS structures associated with these behavioral alterations revealed an elevated glial reactivity in the prefrontal cortex and the dentate gyrus. This was associated in the dentate gyrus with a greater cell proliferation detected with Ki67 immunostaining, whereas double-labeling analyses identified that proliferating cells were GFAP-positive suggesting failed neurogenesis but astrocyte proliferation. The analysis of the endocannabinoid system of Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice confirmed reductions in CB1 receptors and MAGL and FAAH enzymes, mainly in the cerebellum but also in other areas, whereas CB2 receptors became upregulated in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice showed seizuring susceptibility and several comorbidities (hyperactivity, memory impairment, less anxiety, and altered social behavior), which exhibited a pattern of age expression similar to DS patients. Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice also exhibited greater glial reactivity and a reactive response in the neurogenic niche, and regional changes in the status of the endocannabinoid signaling, events that could contribute in behavioral impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Díez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Soraya Martín-Suárez
- The NSC Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Marta Rubio
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Encinas
- The NSC Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Sánchez Montero JM, Agis-Torres A, Solano D, Söllhuber M, Fernandez M, Villaro W, Gómez-Cañas M, García-Arencibia M, Fernández-Ruiz J, Egea J, Martín MI, Girón R. Analogues of cannabinoids as multitarget drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173875. [PMID: 33460612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Given that neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by the combination of multiple neurotoxic insults, current directions in the research of novel therapies to treat this disease attempts to design multitarget strategies that could be more effective than the simply use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; currently, the most used therapy for AD. One option, explored recently, is the synthesis of new analogues of cannabinoids that could competitively inhibit the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and showing the classic neuroprotective profile of cannabinoid compounds. In this work, molecular docking has been used to design some cannabinoid analogues with such multitarget properties, based on the similarities of donepezil and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The analogues synthesized, compounds 1 and 2, demonstrated to have two interesting characteristics in different in vitro assays: competitive inhibition of AChE and competitive antagonism at the CB1/CB2 receptors. They are highly lipophilic, highlighting that they could easily reach the CNS, and apparently presented a low toxicity. These results open the door to the synthesis of new compounds for a more effective treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Sánchez Montero
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia. Grupo de Biotransformaciones. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Angel Agis-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Solano
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia. Grupo de Biotransformaciones. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Söllhuber
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia. Grupo de Biotransformaciones. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Fernandez
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia. Grupo de Biotransformaciones. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wilma Villaro
- Departamento de Fisiología. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Campus de Excelencia Internacional (CEI-Moncloa), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Moisés García-Arencibia
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Campus de Excelencia Internacional (CEI-Moncloa), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Egea
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Del Hospital Universitario La Princesa. Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Martín
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de La Salud, Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Unidad Asociada de I+D+i Al CSIC, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas S/N, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Girón
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de La Salud, Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Unidad Asociada de I+D+i Al CSIC, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas S/N, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Burgaz S, García C, Gómez-Cañas M, Navarrete C, García-Martín A, Rolland A, Del Río C, Casarejos MJ, Muñoz E, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Neuroprotection with the cannabigerol quinone derivative VCE-003.2 and its analogs CBGA-Q and CBGA-Q-Salt in Parkinson's disease using 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mice. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 110:103583. [PMID: 33338634 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quinone derivative of the non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG), so-called VCE-003.2, has been recently investigated for its neuroprotective properties in inflammatory models of Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. Such potential derives from its activity at the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective properties of VCE-003.2 against the parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in comparison with two new CBG-related derivatives, the cannabigerolic acid quinone (CBGA-Q) and its sodium salt CBGA-Q-Salt, which, similarly to VCE-003.2, were found to be active at the PPAR-γ receptor, but not at the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. First, we investigated their cytoprotective properties in vitro by analyzing cell survival in cultured SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We found an important cytoprotective effect of VCE-003.2 at a concentration of 20 μM, which was not reversed by the blockade of PPAR-γ receptors with GW9662, supporting its activity at an alternative site (non-sensitive to classic antagonists) in this receptor. We also found CBGA-Q and CBGA-Q-Salt being cytoprotective in this cell assay, but their effects were completely eliminated by GW9662, thus indicating that they are active at the canonical site in the PPAR-γ receptor. Then, we moved to in vivo testing using mice unilaterally lesioned with 6-OHDA. Our data confirmed that VCE-003.2 administered orally (20 mg/kg) preserved tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive nigral neurons against 6-OHDA-induced damage, whereas it completely attenuated the astroglial (GFAP) and microglial (CD68) reactivity found in the substantia nigra of lesioned mice. Such neuroprotective effects caused an important recovery in the motor deficiencies displayed by 6-OHDA-lesioned mice in the pole test and the cylinder rearing test. We also investigated CBGA-Q, given orally (20 mg/kg) or intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg, i.p.), having similar benefits compared to VCE-003.2 against the loss of TH-positive nigral neurons, glial reactivity and motor defects caused by 6-OHDA. Lastly, the sodium salt of CBGA-Q, given orally (40 mg/kg) to 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, also showed benefits at behavioral and histopathological levels, but to a lower extent compared to the other two compounds. In contrast, when given i.p., CBGA-Q-Salt (10 mg/kg) was poorly active. We also analyzed the concentrations of dopamine and its metabolite DOPAC in the striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice after the treatment with the different compounds, but recovery in the contents of both dopamine and DOPAC was only found after the treatment with VCE-003.2. In summary, our data confirmed the neuroprotective potential of VCE-003.2 in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, which adds to its previous activity found in an inflammatory model of PD (LPS-lesioned mice). Additional phytocannabinoid derivatives, CBGA-Q and CBGA-Q-Salt, also afforded neuroprotection in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, but their effects were lower compared to VCE-003.2, in particular in the case of CBGA-Q-Salt. In vitro studies confirmed the relevance of PPAR-γ receptors for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Burgaz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Del Río
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María J Casarejos
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Muñoz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, USA; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Rodrigues MS, Ferreira C, Dias C, Pliássova A, Souza L, Ledo A, Laranjinha J, Cunha RA, Köfalvi A. An optimized spectrophotometric assay reveals increased activity of enzymes involved in 2-arachidonoyl glycerol turnover in the cerebral cortex of a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 55:1051-1062. [PMID: 32813905 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is technically challenging to assess the turnover of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), the principal endocannabinoid molecule in the brain. Two recent studies showed that diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), an enzyme chiefly responsible for the cerebral production of 2-AG, also accepts the surrogate chromogenic substrate 4-nitrophenyl butyrate (4-NPB). Here, we aimed to optimize this spectrophotometric assay for ex vivo brain tissue, in particular, rat cerebrocortical homogenates, to measure the activity of the major enzymes responsible for the production and degradation of 2-AG. The initial velocity of 4-NPB hydrolysis was dependent on protein, substrate, and Ca2+ concentrations, and was sensitive to the non-selective serine hydrolase inhibitor, methoxy arachidonyl fluorophosphonate, the DAGLα inhibitors, OMDM188, tetrahydrolipstatin, and RHC80267, as well as the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184, respectively. Next, we tested the usefulness of this assay in ex vivo brain tissue of rat models of human health conditions known to affect cerebrocortical 2-AG production, i.e. pathological stress and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). In rats submitted to chronic restraint stress, cortical CB1 R density was significantly decreased, as assessed with radioligand binding. Nevertheless, 4-NPB hydrolysis remained at control levels. However, in rats 4 weeks after intracerebroventricular injection with streptozotocin - an established model of sporadic AD -, both CB1 R levels and 4-NPB hydrolysis and its DAGL- and MAGL-dependent fractions were significantly increased. Altogether, we optimized a simple complementary ex vivo technique for the quantification of DAGL and MAGL activity in brain samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde S Rodrigues
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ferreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cândida Dias
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anna Pliássova
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisiane Souza
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Ledo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Laranjinha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Attila Köfalvi
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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25
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Monteiro KL, Alcântara MGDS, de Aquino TM, da Silva-Júnior EF. Tau Protein Aggregation in Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Advances in the Development of Novel Therapeutic Agents. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1682-1692. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200414164038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
:
Major research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related to disease-modifying agents is concentrated on
pharmacological approaches related to diagnostic markers, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Although
most studies focus on anti-amyloid strategies, investigations on tau protein have produced significant advances in
the modulation of the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Since the discovery of phenothiazines
as tau protein aggregation inhibitors (TAGIs), many additional small molecule inhibitors have been discovered
and characterized in biological model systems, which exert their interaction effects by covalent and noncovalent
means. In this paper, we summarize the latest advances in the discovery and development of tau aggregation
inhibitors using a specialized approach in their chemical classes. The design of new TAGIs and their encouraging
use in in vivo and clinical trials support their potential therapeutic use in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadja L.C. Monteiro
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Marcone G. dos S. Alcântara
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. de Aquino
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
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26
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Pedro JR, Moura LIF, Valério-Fernandes Â, Baptista FI, Gaspar JM, Pinheiro BS, Lemos C, Kaufmann FN, Morgado C, Silva-Santos CSD, Tavares I, Ferreira SG, Carvalho E, Ambrósio AF, Cunha RA, Duarte JMN, Köfalvi A. Transient gain of function of cannabinoid CB 1 receptors in the control of frontocortical glucose consumption in a rat model of Type-1 diabetes. Brain Res Bull 2020; 161:106-115. [PMID: 32428627 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Here we aimed to unify some previous controversial reports on changes in both cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) expression and glucose metabolism in the forebrain of rodent models of diabetes. We determined how glucose metabolism and its modulation by CB1R ligands evolve in the frontal cortex of young adult male Wistar rats, in the first 8 weeks of streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes (T1D). We report that frontocortical CB1R protein density was biphasically altered in the first month of T1D, which was accompanied with a reduction of resting glucose uptake ex vivo in acute frontocortical slices that was normalized after eight weeks in T1D. This early reduction of glucose uptake in slices was also restored by ex vivo treatment with both the non-selective CB1R agonists, WIN55212-2 (500 nM) and the CB1R-selective agonist, ACEA (3 μM) while it was exacerbated by the CB1R-selective antagonist, O-2050 (500 nM). These results suggest a gain-of-function for the cerebrocortical CB1Rs in the control of glucose uptake in diabetes. Although insulin and IGF-1 receptor protein densities remained unaffected, phosphorylated GSKα and GSKβ levels showed different profiles 2 and 8 weeks after T1D induction in the frontal cortex. Altogether, the biphasic response in frontocortical CB1R density within a month after T1D induction resolves previous controversial reports on forebrain CB1R levels in T1D rodent models. Furthermore, this study also hints that cannabinoids may be useful to alleviate impaired glucoregulation in the diabetic cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Reis Pedro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liane I F Moura
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângela Valério-Fernandes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa I Baptista
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana M Gaspar
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara S Pinheiro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Morgado
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla S da Silva-Santos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isaura Tavares
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; I3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Carvalho
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; The Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), Lisbon, Portugal; Arkansas Children's Research Institute, and Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas 72205, United States
| | - António F Ambrósio
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João M N Duarte
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Attila Köfalvi
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.
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27
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Esteban PF, Garcia-Ovejero D, Paniagua-Torija B, Moreno-Luna R, Arredondo LF, Zimmer A, Arevalo-Martin A, Molina-Holgado E. Revisiting CB1 cannabinoid receptor detection and the exploration of its interacting partners. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 337:108680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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28
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Bhuvanendran S, Hanapi NA, Ahemad N, Othman I, Yusof SR, Shaikh MF. Embelin, a Potent Molecule for Alzheimer's Disease: A Proof of Concept From Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and Molecular Docking Studies. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:495. [PMID: 31156375 PMCID: PMC6532548 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Embelin is well-known in ethnomedicine and reported to have central nervous system activities. However, there is no report on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of embelin. Here the BBB permeability of embelin was evaluated using in vitro primary porcine brain endothelial cell (PBEC) model of the BBB. Embelin was also evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and docking prediction for interaction with AChE and amyloid beta (Aβ) binding sites. Embelin was found to be non-toxic to the PBECs and did not disturb the PBEC barrier function. The PBECs showed restrictive tight junctions with average transendothelial electrical resistance of 365.37 ± 113.00 Ω.cm2, for monolayers used for permeability assays. Permeability assays were conducted from apical-to-basolateral direction (blood-to-brain side). Embelin showed apparent permeability (Papp) value of 35.46 ± 20.33 × 10−6 cm/s with 85.53% recovery. In vitro AChE inhibitory assay demonstrated that embelin could inhibit the enzyme. Molecular docking study showed that embelin binds well to active site of AChE with CDOCKER interaction energy of −65.75 kcal/mol which correlates with the in vitro results. Docking of embelin with Aβ peptides also revealed the promising binding with low CDOCKER interaction energy. Thus, findings from this study indicate that embelin could be a suitable molecule to be further developed as therapeutic molecule to treat neurological disorders particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saatheeyavaane Bhuvanendran
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aziah Hanapi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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29
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Abstract
LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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30
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Gómez-Ruiz M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Luna-Piñel E, Hernández-Gálvez M, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid System in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type-3 and Other Autosomal-Dominant Cerebellar Ataxias: Potential Role in Pathogenesis and Expected Relevance as Neuroprotective Targets. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:94. [PMID: 31068788 PMCID: PMC6491810 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of hereditary and progressive neurological disorders characterized by a loss of balance and motor coordination typically associated with cerebellar atrophy. The most prevalent SCA types are all polyQ disorders like Huntington’s disease, sharing the most relevant events in pathogenesis with this basal ganglia disorder, but with most of the damage concentrated in cerebellar neurons, and in their afferent and efferent connections (e.g., brainstem nuclei). SCAs have no cure and effective symptom-alleviating and disease-modifying therapies are not currently available. However, based on results obtained in studies conducted in murine models and information derived from analyses in post-mortem tissue samples from patients, which show notably higher levels of CB1 receptors found in different cerebellar neuronal subpopulations, the blockade of these receptors has been proposed for acutely modulating motor incoordination in cerebellar ataxias, whereas their chronic activation has been proposed for preserving specific neuronal losses. Additional studies in post-mortem tissues from SCA patients have also demonstrated elevated levels of CB2 receptors in Purkinje neurons as well as in glial elements in the granular layer and in the cerebellar white matter, with a similar profile found for endocannabinoid hydrolyzing enzymes, then suggesting that activating CB2 receptors and/or inhibiting these enzymes may also serve to develop cannabinoid-based neuroprotective therapies. The present review will address both aspects. On one hand, the endocannabinoid system becomes dysregulated in the cerebellum and also in other CNS structures (e.g., brainstem, basal ganglia) in SCAs, which may contribute to the progression of pathogenic events in these diseases. On the other hand, these endocannabinoid alterations may be pharmacologically corrected or enhanced, and this may have therapeutic consequences, either alleviating specific symptoms or eliciting neuroprotective effects, an objective presently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Luna-Piñel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández-Gálvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Rodrigues RS, Lourenço DM, Paulo SL, Mateus JM, Ferreira MF, Mouro FM, Moreira JB, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Xapelli S. Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology. Molecules 2019; 24:E1350. [PMID: 30959794 PMCID: PMC6480122 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increase of life expectancy, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming not only a health but also a social burden worldwide. However, due to the multitude of pathophysiological disease states, current treatments fail to meet the desired outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on more integrated, personalized and effective approaches. The prospect of using neural stem cells (NSC) as regenerative therapies is very promising, however several issues still need to be addressed. In particular, the potential actions of pharmacological agents used to modulate NSC activity are highly relevant. With the ongoing discussion of cannabinoid usage for medical purposes and reports drawing attention to the effects of cannabinoids on NSC regulation, there is an enormous, and yet, uncovered potential for cannabinoids as treatment options for several neurological disorders, specifically when combined with stem cell therapy. In this manuscript, we review in detail how cannabinoids act as potent regulators of NSC biology and their potential to modulate several neurogenic features in the context of pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui S Rodrigues
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Diogo M Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sara L Paulo
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Joana M Mateus
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Miguel F Ferreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Francisco M Mouro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Moreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Filipa F Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Bonini SA, Premoli M, Tambaro S, Kumar A, Maccarinelli G, Memo M, Mastinu A. Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 227:300-315. [PMID: 30205181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) is an annual dioecious plant, which shares its origins with the inception of the first agricultural human societies in Asia. Over the course of time different parts of the plant have been utilized for therapeutic and recreational purposes, for instance, extraction of healing oils from seed, or the use of inflorescences for their psychoactive effects. The key psychoactive constituent in C. sativa is called Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC). The endocannabinoid system seems to be phylogenetically ancient, as it was present in the most primitive vertebrates with a neuronal network. N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids ligands present in the animal kingdom, and the main endocannabinoid receptors are cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor and cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor. AIM OF THE STUDY The review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation, from the ancient times to our days, of the ethnological, botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of C. sativa, with a vision for promoting further pharmaceutical research to explore its complete potential as a therapeutic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed by reviewing in extensive details the studies on historical significance and ethnopharmacological applications of C. sativa by using international scientific databases, books, Master's and Ph.D. dissertations and government reports. In addition, we also try to gather relevant information from large regional as well as global unpublished resources. In addition, the plant taxonomy was validated using certified databases such as Medicinal Plant Names Services (MPNS) and The Plant List. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A detailed comparative analysis of the available resources for C. sativa confirmed its origin and traditional spiritual, household and therapeutic uses and most importantly its popularity as a recreational drug. The result of several studies suggested a deeper involvement of phytocannabinoids (the key compounds in C. sativa) in several others central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms such as food intake, inflammation, pain, colitis, sleep disorders, neurological and psychiatric illness. However, despite their numerous medicinal benefits, they are still considered as a menace to the society and banned throughout the world, except for few countries. We believe that this review will help lay the foundation for promoting exhaustive pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies in order to better understand the clinical relevance and applications of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases and help to improve the legal status of C. sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Aymerich MS, Aso E, Abellanas MA, Tolon RM, Ramos JA, Ferrer I, Romero J, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid pharmacology/therapeutics in chronic degenerative disorders affecting the central nervous system. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:67-84. [PMID: 30121249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exerts a modulatory effect of important functions such as neurotransmission, glial activation, oxidative stress, or protein homeostasis. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a common neuropathological hallmark in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The broad spectrum of actions of cannabinoids allows targeting different aspects of these multifactorial diseases. In this review, we examine the therapeutic potential of the ECS for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First, we describe the localization of the molecular components of the ECS and how they are altered under neurodegenerative conditions, either contributing to or protecting cells from degeneration. Second, we address recent advances in the modulation of the ECS using experimental models through different strategies including the direct targeting of cannabinoid receptors with agonists or antagonists, increasing the endocannabinoid tone by the inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and activation of cannabinoid receptor-independent effects. Preclinical evidence indicates that cannabinoid pharmacology is complex but supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS. Third, we review the clinical evidence and discuss the future perspectives on how to bridge human and animal studies to develop cannabinoid-based therapies for each neurodegenerative disorder. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to each disease and the multiple unexplored pathways in cannabinoid pharmacology that could be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Aymerich
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Spain.
| | - Ester Aso
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miguel A Abellanas
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Tolon
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Jose A Ramos
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, Santos-García I, García-Toscano L, Espejo-Porras F, Bellido ML, Fernández-Ruiz J, Muñoz E, de Lago E. Neuroprotective effects of the cannabigerol quinone derivative VCE-003.2 in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice, an experimental model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:217-226. [PMID: 30076846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antioxidant phytocannabinoids, synthetic compounds targeting the CB2 receptor, and inhibitors of the endocannabinoid inactivation afforded neuroprotection in SOD1G93A mutant mice, a model of ALS. These effects may involve the activation of PPAR-γ too. Here, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects in SOD1G93A mutant mice of the cannabigerol derivative VCE-003.2, which works as neuroprotectant by activating PPAR-γ. Mice were treated with VCE-003.2 from 60 days up to an advanced stage in disease progression (18 weeks), when they were euthanized and used for analysis of neuropathological signs. As expected, SOD1G93A transgenic mice experienced a progressive weight loss and neurological deterioration, which was associated with a marked loss of spinal cholinergic motor neurons, glial reactivity, and elevations in several biochemical markers (cytokines, glutamate transporters) that indirectly reflect the glial proliferation and activation in the spinal cord. The treatment with VCE-003.2 improved most of these neuropathological signs. It attenuated the weight loss and the anomalies in neurological parameters, preserved spinal cholinergic motor neurons, and reduced astroglial reactivity. VCE-003.2 also reduced the elevations in IL-1β and glial glutamate transporters. Lastly, VCE-003.2 attenuated the LPS-induced generation of TNF-α and IL-1β in cultured astrocytes obtained from SOD1G93A transgenic newborns, an effect also produced by rosiglitazone, then indicating a probable PPAR-γ activation as responsible of its neuroprotective effects. In summary, our results showed benefits with VCE-003.2 in SOD1G93A transgenic mice supporting PPAR-γ as an additional neuroprotective target available for cannabinoids in ALS. Such benefits would need to be validated in other ALS models prior to be translated to the clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain
| | | | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Spain.
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Fernández-Ruiz J. The biomedical challenge of neurodegenerative disorders: an opportunity for cannabinoid-based therapies to improve on the poor current therapeutic outcomes. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1370-1383. [PMID: 29856067 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At the beginning of the 21st century, the therapeutic management of neurodegenerative disorders remains a major biomedical challenge, particularly given the worldwide ageing of the population over the past 50 years that is expected to continue in the forthcoming years. This review will focus on the promise of cannabinoid-based therapies to address this challenge. This promise is based on the broad neuroprotective profile of cannabinoids, which may cooperate to combat excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glia-driven inflammation and protein aggregation. Such effects may be produced by the activity of cannabinoids through their canonical targets (e.g. cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid enzymes) and also via non-canonical elements and activities in distinct cell types critical for cell survival or neuronal replacement (e.g. neurons, glia and neural precursor cells). Ultimately, the therapeutic events driven by endocannabinoid signalling reflect the activity of an endogenous system that regulates the preservation, rescue, repair and replacement of neurons and glia. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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