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Dobovišek L, Borštnar S, Debeljak N, Kranjc Brezar S. Cannabinoids and triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386548. [PMID: 39176080 PMCID: PMC11338791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-20% of all breast cancer cases and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Until recently, treatment options for TNBC were limited to chemotherapy. A new successful systemic treatment is immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, but new tumor-specific biomarkers are needed to improve patient outcomes. Cannabinoids show antitumor activity in most preclinical studies in TNBC models and do not appear to have adverse effects on chemotherapy. Clinical data are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety in humans. Importantly, the endocannabinoid system is linked to the immune system and immunosuppression. Therefore, cannabinoid receptors could be a potential biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or a novel mechanism to reverse resistance to immunotherapy. In this article, we provide an overview of the currently available information on how cannabinoids may influence standard therapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Dobovišek
- Division of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Borštnar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Debeljak
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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2
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Dalle S, Hiroux C, Koppo K. Endocannabinoid remodeling in murine cachexic muscle associates with catabolic and metabolic regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167179. [PMID: 38653357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167179] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Muscle degeneration is a common feature in cancer cachexia that cannot be reversed. Recent advances show that the endocannabinoid system, and more particularly cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), regulates muscle processes, including metabolism, anabolism and regenerative capacity. However, it is unclear whether muscle endocannabinoids, their receptors and enzymes are responsive to cachexia and exercise. Therefore, this study investigated whether cachexia and exercise affected muscle endocannabinoid signaling, and whether CB1 expression correlated with markers of muscle anabolism, catabolism and metabolism. Male BALB/c mice were injected with PBS (CON) or C26 colon carcinoma cells (C26) and had access to wheel running (VWR) or remained sedentary (n = 5-6/group). Mice were sacrificed 18 days upon PBS/tumor cell injection. Cachexic mice exhibited a lower muscle CB1 expression (-43 %; p < 0.001) and lower levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA; -22 %; p = 0.044), as well as a lower expression of the AEA-synthesizing enzyme NAPE-PLD (-37 %; p < 0.001), whereas the expression of the AEA degrading enzyme FAAH was higher (+160 %; p < 0.001). The 2-AG-degrading enzyme MAGL, was lower in cachexic muscle (-34 %; p = 0.007), but 2-AG and its synthetizing enzyme DAGLβ were not different between CON and C26. VWR increased muscle CB1 (+25 %; p = 0.005) and increased MAGL expression (+30 %; p = 0.035). CB1 expression correlated with muscle mass, markers of metabolism (e.g. p-AMPK, PGC1α) and of catabolism (e.g. p-FOXO, LC3b, Atg5). Our findings depict an emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in muscle physiology. Future studies should elaborate how this translates into potential therapies to combat cancer cachexia, and other degenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan Dalle
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Dept. of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Hiroux
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Dept. of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Dept. of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Aguiar AS. Cannabis Is Not Doping. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:949-954. [PMID: 37279460 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0012] [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] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classifies cannabis, all phytocannabinoids, and synthetics as doping, except for CBD. For agency, a method for doping substance must meet two criteria: performance enhancement (ergogenicity), health risk, or violation of the spirit of sports. Cannabis is neither ergogenic nor ergolytic (performance worsens), and the health risks for athletes are overestimated after 20 years of research. The significant problem remains in the complex (and difficult interpretation) definition of the spirit of sports, which transcends the objectives of sports excellence (performance and injury prevention) for moral policing. This perspective presents an evidence-based counterargument recommending the removal of cannabis and phytocannabinoids from the WADA Prohibited List.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderbal Silva Aguiar
- Laboratory of Exercise Biology, Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina-UFSC, Araranguá, Brazil
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4
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Bazyar H, Nasiri K, Ghanbari P, Mohammadi E, Yagin NL, Khazdouz M, Aghamohammadi V, Asgarzadeh SA. Circulating endocannabinoid levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:268. [PMID: 36329422 PMCID: PMC9632155 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the Endocannabinoids (ECs) in insulin resistance, and their association with visceral obesity and metabolic profile have been studied extensively. Since the association between ECs and metabolic factors in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are not clear, we aimed to evaluate the levels of N-Arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their association with C-reactive protein (CRP), glycemic indices, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in pregnant women with GDM. METHODS The present case-control study was conducted among 96 singleton pregnant women aged 18-40 years, including 48 healthy pregnant women (control group) and 48 women with a positive diagnosis of GDM (case group). Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for GDM were checked according to endocannabinoids and anthropometric indices using Multivariable Logistic Regression. RESULTS AEA was significantly associated with increased risk of GDM in models 1, 2 and 3 (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06-1.41; OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19-1.97; OR = 1.46, 95% CI:1.11-1.91). A positive but no significant association was found for AEA in model 4 (OR = 1.38,95% CI: 0.99-1.92). Similar to AEA, 2-AG was also positively associated with the likelihood of GDM in Models 1, 2, and 3 but the association attenuated to null in model 4 (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.94- 1.65). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that levels of ECs were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM compared to healthy ones. Also, ECs levels were associated with the likelihood of GDM, independent of BMI and weight gain.
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Grants
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
- IR-KH-198-07-015 Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, khalkhal, Iran
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Bazyar
- Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Nasiri
- Department of Nursing, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Parisa Ghanbari
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elahe Mohammadi
- Department of Nutrition, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Neda Lotfi Yagin
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Khazdouz
- Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shafagh Ali Asgarzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Dalle S, Schouten M, Meeus G, Slagmolen L, Koppo K. Molecular networks underlying cannabinoid signaling in skeletal muscle plasticity. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3517-3540. [PMID: 35862111 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid system is ubiquitously present and is classically considered to engage in neural and immunity processes. Yet, the role of the cannabinoid system in the whole body and tissue metabolism via central and peripheral mechanisms is increasingly recognized. The present review provides insights in (i) how cannabinoid signaling is regulated via receptor-independent and -dependent mechanisms and (ii) how these signaling cascades (might) affect skeletal muscle plasticity and physiology. Receptor-independent mechanisms include endocannabinoid metabolism to eicosanoids and the regulation of ion channels. Alternatively, endocannabinoids can act as ligands for different classic (cannabinoid receptor 1 [CB1 ], CB2 ) and/or alternative (e.g., TRPV1, GPR55) cannabinoid receptors with a unique affinity, specificity, and intracellular signaling cascade (often tissue-specific). Antagonism of CB1 might hold clues to improve oxidative (mitochondrial) metabolism, insulin sensitivity, satellite cell growth, and muscle anabolism, whereas CB2 agonism might be a promising way to stimulate muscle metabolism and muscle cell growth. Besides, CB2 ameliorates muscle regeneration via macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, induction of MyoD and myogenin expression and antifibrotic mechanisms. Also TRPV1 and GPR55 contribute to the regulation of muscle growth and metabolism. Future studies should reveal how the cannabinoid system can be targeted to improve muscle quantity and/or quality in conditions such as ageing, disease, disuse, and metabolic dysregulation, taking into account challenges that are inherent to modulation of the cannabinoid system, such as central and peripheral side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan Dalle
- Department of Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Moniek Schouten
- Department of Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gitte Meeus
- Department of Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Slagmolen
- Department of Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Department of Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Le Bacquer O, Salles J, Piscitelli F, Sanchez P, Martin V, Montaurier C, Di Marzo V, Walrand S. Alterations of the endocannabinoid system and circulating and peripheral tissue levels of endocannabinoids in sarcopenic rats. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:662-676. [PMID: 34854262 PMCID: PMC8818601 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with perturbed skeletal muscle development. Age-related sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder involving an accelerated loss of muscle mass and function, with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance. Hence, both obesity and sarcopenia share a common set of pathophysiological alterations leading to skeletal muscle impairment. The aim of this study was to characterize how sarcopenia impacts the ECS and if these modifications were related to the loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging in rats. METHODS Six-month-old and 24-month-old male rats were used to measure the contractile properties of the plantarflexors (isometric torque-frequency relationship & concentric power-velocity relationship) and to evaluate locomotor activity, motor coordination, and voluntary gait by open field, rotarod, and catwalk tests, respectively. Levels of endocannabinoids (AEA & 2-AG) and endocannabinoid-like molecules (OEA & PEA) were measured by LCF-MS/MS in plasma, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, while the expression of genes coding for the ECS were investigated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS Sarcopenia in old rats was exemplified by a 49% decrease in hindlimb muscle mass (P < 0.01), which was associated with severe impairment of isometric torque, power, voluntary locomotor activity, motor coordination, and gait quality. Sarcopenia was associated with (1) increased 2-AG (+32%, P = 0.07) and reduced PEA and OEA levels in the plasma (-25% and -40%, respectively, P < 0.01); (2) an increased content of AEA, PEA, and OEA in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P < 0.01); and (3) a four-fold increase of 2-AG content in the soleus (P < 0.01) and a reduced OEA content in EDL (-80%, P < 0.01). These alterations were associated with profound modifications in the expression of the ECS genes in the adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings demonstrate that circulating and peripheral tissue endocannabinoid tone are altered in sarcopenia. They also demonstrate that OEA plasma levels are associated with skeletal muscle function and loss of locomotor activity in rats, suggesting OEA could be used as a circulating biomarker for sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Le Bacquer
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérôme Salles
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Phelipe Sanchez
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Martin
- AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Christophe Montaurier
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Excellence Research Chair Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Agricutural and Food Sciences, IUCPQ, INAF and Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Walrand
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Nutrition Clinique, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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7
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Gish A, Wiart JF, Turpin E, Allorge D, Gaulier JM. État de l’art et intérêt des dosages plasmatiques des substances endocannabinoïdes et endocannabinoïdes-like. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Rahman SMK, Uyama T, Hussain Z, Ueda N. Roles of Endocannabinoids and Endocannabinoid-like Molecules in Energy Homeostasis and Metabolic Regulation: A Nutritional Perspective. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:177-202. [PMID: 34115519 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-090216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in signal transduction in mammals. It comprises principally G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous agonists, called endocannabinoids, as well as the enzymes and transporters responsible for the metabolism of endocannabinoids. Two arachidonic acid-containing lipid molecules, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, function as endocannabinoids. N-acylethanolamines and monoacylglycerols, in which the arachidonic acid chain is replaced with a saturated or monounsaturated fatty acid, are not directly involved in the endocannabinoid system but exhibit agonistic activities for other receptors. These endocannabinoid-like molecules include palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and 2-oleoylglycerol. Endocannabinoids stimulate feeding behavior and the anabolism of lipids and glucose, while OEA suppresses appetite. Both central and peripheral systems are included in these nutritional and metabolic contexts. Therefore, they have potential in the treatment and prevention of obesity. We outline the structure, metabolism, and biological activities of endocannabinoids and related molecules, and focus on their involvement in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Khaledur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , , .,Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore-7408, Bangladesh
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , ,
| | - Zahir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , , .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; , ,
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Functional Fine-Tuning of Metabolic Pathways by the Endocannabinoid System-Implications for Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073661. [PMID: 33915889 PMCID: PMC8036872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) employs a huge network of molecules (receptors, ligands, and enzymatic machinery molecules) whose interactions with other cellular networks have still not been fully elucidated. Endogenous cannabinoids are molecules with the primary function of control of multiple metabolic pathways. Maintenance of tissue and cellular homeostasis by functional fine-tuning of essential metabolic pathways is one of the key characteristics of the ECS. It is implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological states and an attractive pharmacological target yet to reach its full potential. This review will focus on the involvement of ECS in glucose and lipid metabolism, food intake regulation, immune homeostasis, respiratory health, inflammation, cancer and other physiological and pathological states will be substantiated using freely available data from open-access databases, experimental data and literature review. Future directions should envision capturing its diversity and exploiting pharmacological options beyond the classical ECS suspects (exogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor monomers) as signaling through cannabinoid receptor heteromers offers new possibilities for different biochemical outcomes in the cell.
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10
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Endocannabinoids and aging-Inflammation, neuroplasticity, mood and pain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:129-172. [PMID: 33706946 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with changes in hormones, slowing of metabolism, diminished physiological processes, chronic inflammation and high exposure to oxidative stress factors, generally described as the biological cost of living. Lifestyle interventions of diet and exercise can improve the quality of life during aging and lower diet-related chronic disease. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has important effects on systemic metabolism and physiological systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Exercise can reduce the loss of muscle mass and improve strength, and increase the levels of endocannabinoids (eCB) in brain and blood. Although the ECS exerts controls on multiple systems throughout life it affords benefits to natural aging. The eCB are synthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the primary ones are produced from arachidonic acid (n-6 PUFA) and others from the n-3 PUFA, namely eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The eCB ligands bind to their receptors, CB1 and CB2, with effects on appetite stimulation, metabolism, immune functions, and brain physiology and neuroplasticity. Dietary families of PUFA are a primary factor that can influence the types and levels of eCB and as a consequence, the downstream actions when the ligands bind to their receptors. Furthermore, the association of eCB with the synthesis of oxylipins (OxL) is a connection between the physiological actions of eCB and the lipid derived immunological OxL mediators of inflammation. OxL are ubiquitous and influence neuroinflammation and inflammatory processes. The emerging actions of eCB on neuroplasticity, well-being and pain are important to aging. Herein, we present information about the ECS and its components, how exercise and diet affects specific eCB, their role in neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, pain, mood, and relationship to OxL. Poor nutrition status and low nutrient intakes observed with many elderly are reasons to examine the role of dietary PUFA actions on the ECS to improve health.
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11
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Le Bacquer O, Lanchais K, Combe K, Van Den Berghe L, Walrand S. Acute rimonabant treatment promotes protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2669-2683. [PMID: 32885412 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30034] [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: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass associated with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance; changes that are also commonly described in obesity. Activation of the endocannabinoid system is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with the perturbed skeletal muscle development. Taken together this suggests that endocannabinoids could be regulators of skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. Here we report that rimonabant, an antagonist for the CB1 receptor, can prevent dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy without affecting the mRNA expression of atrogin-1/MAFbx (a marker of proteolysis), which suggests it is involved in the control of protein synthesis. Rimonabant alone stimulates protein synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner through mTOR- and intracellular calcium-dependent mechanisms. CB1 agonists are unable to modulate protein synthesis or prevent the effect of rimonabant. Using C2C12 cells stably expressing an shRNA directed against CB1, or HEK293 cells overexpressing HA-tagged CB1, we demonstrated that the effect of rimonabant is unaffected by CB1 expression level. In summary, rimonabant can stimulate protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. These results highlight the need to identify non-CB1 receptor(s) mediating the pro-anabolic effect of rimonabant as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia, and to design new side-effect-free molecules that consolidate the effect of rimonabant on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Le Bacquer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kassandra Lanchais
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kristell Combe
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Stéphane Walrand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France.,CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Nutrition Clinique, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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The Role of Atypical Cannabinoid Ligands O-1602 and O-1918 on Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis with a Focus on Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165922. [PMID: 32824681 PMCID: PMC7460607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
O-1602 and O-1918 are atypical cannabinoid ligands for GPR55 and GPR18, which may be novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of obesity by targeting energy homeostasis regulation in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine the effect of O-1602 or O-1918 on markers of oxidative capacity and fatty acid metabolism in the skeletal muscle. Diet-induced obese (DIO) male Sprague Dawley rats were administered a daily intraperitoneal injection of O-1602, O-1918 or vehicle for 6 weeks. C2C12 myotubes were treated with O-1602 or O-1918 and human primary myotubes were treated with O-1918. GPR18 mRNA was expressed in the skeletal muscle of DIO rats and was up-regulated in red gastrocnemius when compared with white gastrocnemius. O-1602 had no effect on mRNA expression on selected markers for oxidative capacity, fatty acid metabolism or adiponectin signalling in gastrocnemius from DIO rats or in C2C12 myotubes, while APPL2 mRNA was up-regulated in white gastrocnemius in DIO rats treated with O-1918. In C2C12 myotubes treated with O-1918, PGC1α, NFATc1 and PDK4 mRNA were up-regulated. There were no effects of O-1918 on mRNA expression in human primary myotubes derived from obese and obese T2DM individuals. In conclusion, O-1602 does not alter mRNA expression of key pathways important for skeletal muscle energy homeostasis in obesity. In contrast, O-1918 appears to alter markers of oxidative capacity and fatty acid metabolism in C2C12 myotubes only. GPR18 is expressed in DIO rat skeletal muscle and future work could focus on selectively modulating GPR18 in a tissue-specific manner, which may be beneficial for obesity-targeted therapies.
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Veilleux A, Di Marzo V, Silvestri C. The Expanded Endocannabinoid System/Endocannabinoidome as a Potential Target for Treating Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Diab Rep 2019; 19:117. [PMID: 31686231 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-019-1248-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, i.e. the receptors that respond to the psychoactive component of cannabis, their endogenous ligands and the ligand metabolic enzymes, is part of a larger family of lipid signals termed the endocannabinoidome (eCBome). We summarize recent discoveries of the roles that the eCBome plays within peripheral tissues in diabetes, and how it is being targeted, in an effort to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of this increasingly prevalent disease. RECENT FINDINGS As with the eCB system, many eCBome members regulate several physiological processes, including energy intake and storage, glucose and lipid metabolism and pancreatic health, which contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Preclinical studies increasingly support the notion that targeting the eCBome may beneficially affect T2D. The eCBome is implicated in T2D at several levels and in a variety of tissues, making this complex lipid signaling system a potential source of many potential therapeutics for the treatments for T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Veilleux
- École de nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Canadian Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Québec, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- École de nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Canadian Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Québec, Canada
- Institut de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Canadian Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Québec, Canada.
- Institut de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Department de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Page AJ, Hatzinikolas G, Vincent AD, Cavuoto P, Wittert GA. The TRPV1 channel regulates glucose metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E667-E676. [PMID: 31408376 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00102.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (ECs) mediate effects via cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 (CB1 and 2) and transient receptor potential channel-vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) channels. In high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice overactivity of the EC system and inhibition of CB1 increase skeletal muscle glucose uptake. We explored the role of TRPV1. Male TRPV1+/+(WT) and TRPV1-/-(KO)-mice were fed (20 wk) a standard laboratory diet (SLD) or HFD. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed. RT-PCR was performed to measure mRNA of genes involved in glucose/lipid metabolism and the EC system in soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. Cultured L6 cells were used to measure glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. HFD mice weighed more and had higher insulin levels than SLD mice, with no genotype differences. Basal and peak glucose were higher in HFD mice irrespective of genotype, but glucose cleared faster in HFD WT vs. HFD KO-mice. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol augmented insulin-induced glucose uptake in skeletal L6-cells, an effect blocked by the TRPV1 antagonist SB-366791. In EDL, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) mRNA was increased in KO vs. WT mice, irrespective of diet. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) were elevated and FA desaturase 2 (FADS2) mRNA lower in HFD mice, irrespective of genotype. CB1 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) were lower in HFD WT mice only. In SOL, PDK4, UCP3, hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE), fatty acid translocase (CD36), and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2) were elevated and SCD1, FAAH, FADS2, and Troponin 1 (TNNC1) mRNA lower in HFD mice, irrespective of genotype. In conclusion, TRPV1 regulates glucose disposal in HFD mice. We propose that TRPV1 plays a role in coordinating glucose metabolism in EDL under conditions of metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Page
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - George Hatzinikolas
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew D Vincent
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Cavuoto
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gary A Wittert
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Ruiz de Azua I, Lutz B. Multiple endocannabinoid-mediated mechanisms in the regulation of energy homeostasis in brain and peripheral tissues. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1341-1363. [PMID: 30599065 PMCID: PMC11105297 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is widely expressed in many central and peripheral tissues, and is involved in a plethora of physiological processes. Among these, activity of the eCB system promotes energy intake and storage, which, however, under pathophysiological conditions, can favour the development of obesity and obesity-related disorders. It is proposed that eCB signalling is evolutionary beneficial for survival under periods of scarce food resources. Remarkably, eCB signalling is increased both in hunger and in overnutrition conditions, such as obesity and type-2 diabetes. This apparent paradox suggests a role of the eCB system both at initiation and at clinical endpoint of obesity. This review will focus on recent findings about the role of the eCB system controlling whole-body metabolism in mice that are genetically modified selectively in different cell types. The current data in fact support the notion that eCB signalling is not only engaged in the development but also in the maintenance of obesity, whereby specific cell types in central and peripheral tissues are key sites in regulating the entire body's energy homeostasis.
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MESH Headings
- Adipose Tissue/metabolism
- Animals
- Brain/metabolism
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Energy Metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Inigo Ruiz de Azua
- German Resilience Center (DRZ) and Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Beat Lutz
- German Resilience Center (DRZ) and Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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16
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Heinitz S, Basolo A, Piomelli D, Krakoff J, Piaggi P. Endocannabinoid Anandamide Mediates the Effect of Skeletal Muscle Sphingomyelins on Human Energy Expenditure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:3757-3766. [PMID: 30113648 PMCID: PMC6179180 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Skeletal muscle endocannabinoids and sphingolipids (particularly sphingomyelins) are inversely associated with sleeping energy expenditure (SLEEP) in humans. The endocannabinoid system may increase sphingolipid synthesis via cannabinoid receptor-1. OBJECTIVE To investigate in human skeletal muscle whether endocannabinoids are responsible for the effect of sphingomyelins on SLEEP. DESIGN Muscle endocannabinoid [anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)], endocannabinoid congeners [oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)], and sphingomyelin content were measured with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. SLEEP was assessed in a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Mediation analyses tested whether the inverse associations between sphingomyelins and SLEEP depended on endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related OEA and PEA. SETTING Inpatient study. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-three Native Americans who are overweight. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE SLEEP. RESULTS AEA (r = 0.45, P = 0.001), 2-AG (r = 0.47, P = 0.0004), OEA (r = 0.27, P = 0.05), and PEA (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001) concentrations were associated with the total sphingomyelin content. AEA, OEA, and PEA correlated with specific sphingomyelins (SM18:1/23:0, SM18:1/23:1, and SM18:1/26:1) previously reported to be determinants of SLEEP in Native Americans (all r > 0.31, all P < 0.03). Up to half of the negative effect of these specific sphingomyelins on SLEEP was accounted for by AEA (all P < 0.04), rendering the direct effect by sphingomyelins per se on SLEEP negligible (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In skeletal muscle, AEA is responsible for the sphingomyelin effect on SLEEP, indicating that endocannabinoids and sphingomyelins may jointly reduce human whole-body energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Heinitz
- Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, Arizona
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alessio Basolo
- Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jonathan Krakoff
- Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Paolo Piaggi
- Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, Arizona
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Paolo Piaggi, PhD, Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 4212 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016. E-mail: or
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17
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Peripheral modulation of the endocannabinoid system in metabolic disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:592-604. [PMID: 29331500 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been identified in metabolic disease. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is abundantly expressed in the brain but also expressed in the periphery. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is more abundant in the periphery, including the immune cells. In obesity, global antagonism of overexpressed CB1 reduces bodyweight but leads to centrally mediated adverse psychological outcomes. Emerging research in isolated cultured cells or tissues has demonstrated that targeting the endocannabinoid system in the periphery alleviates the pathologies associated with metabolic disease. Further, peripheral specific cannabinoid ligands can reverse aspects of the metabolic phenotype. This Keynote review will focus on current research on the functionality of peripheral modulation of the ECS for the treatment of obesity.
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18
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Balsevich G, Petrie GN, Hill MN. Endocannabinoids: Effectors of glucocorticoid signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:86-108. [PMID: 28739508 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
For decades, there has been speculation regarding the interaction of cannabinoids with glucocorticoid systems. Given the functional redundancy between many of the physiological effects of glucocorticoids and cannabinoids, it was originally speculated that the biological mechanisms of cannabinoids were mediated by direct interactions with glucocorticoid systems. With the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, additional research demonstrated that it was actually the opposite; glucocorticoids recruit endocannabinoid signaling, and that the engagement of endocannabinoid signaling mediated many of the neurobiological and physiological effects of glucocorticoids. With the development of advances in pharmacology and genetics, significant advances in this area have been made, and it is now clear that functional interactions between these systems are critical for a wide array of physiological processes. The current review acts a comprehensive summary of the contemporary state of knowledge regarding the biological interactions between glucocorticoids and endocannabinoids, and their potential role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Balsevich
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gavin N Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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19
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Piazza PV, Cota D, Marsicano G. The CB1 Receptor as the Cornerstone of Exostasis. Neuron 2017; 93:1252-1274. [PMID: 28334603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is the main effector of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in most brain and body functions. In this Perspective, we provide evidence indicating that CB1 receptor functions are key determinants of bodily coordinated exostatic processes. First, we will introduce the concepts of endostasis and exostasis as compensation or accumulation for immediate or future energy needs and discuss how exostasis has been necessary for the survival of species during evolution. Then, we will argue how different specific biological functions of the CB1 receptor in the body converge to provide physiological exostatic processes. Finally, we will introduce the concept of proactive evolution-induced diseases (PEIDs), which helps explain the seeming paradox that an evolutionary-selected physiological function can become the cause of epidemic pathological conditions, such as obesity. We propose here a possible unifying theory of CB1 receptor functions that can be tested by future experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Vincenzo Piazza
- INSERM, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Daniela Cota
- INSERM, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, F-33077 Bordeaux, France.
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20
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Simon V, Cota D. MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Endocannabinoids and metabolism: past, present and future. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:R309-R324. [PMID: 28246151 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), including cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R), endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids and their related enzymatic machinery, is known to have a role in the regulation of energy balance. Past information generated on the ECS, mainly focused on the involvement of this system in the central nervous system regulation of food intake, while at the same time clinical studies pointed out the therapeutic efficacy of brain penetrant CB1R antagonists like rimonabant for obesity and metabolic disorders. Rimonabant was removed from the market in 2009 and its obituary written due to its psychiatric side effects. However, in the meanwhile a number of investigations had started to highlight the roles of the peripheral ECS in the regulation of metabolism, bringing up new hope that the ECS might still represent target for treatment. Accordingly, peripherally restricted CB1R antagonists or inverse agonists have shown to effectively reduce body weight, adiposity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in obese animal models. Very recent investigations have further expanded the possible toolbox for the modulation of the ECS, by demonstrating the existence of endogenous allosteric inhibitors of CB1R, the characterization of the structure of the human CB1R, and the likely involvement of CB2R in metabolic disorders. Here we give an overview of these findings, discussing what the future may hold in the context of strategies targeting the ECS in metabolic disease.
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MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation/drug effects
- Animals
- Anti-Obesity Agents/adverse effects
- Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Obesity Agents/therapeutic use
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/adverse effects
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Drug Inverse Agonism
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Energy Intake/drug effects
- Energy Metabolism/drug effects
- Humans
- Models, Biological
- Obesity/drug therapy
- Obesity/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Simon
- INSERM and University of BordeauxNeurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- INSERM and University of BordeauxNeurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, Bordeaux, France
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21
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Chen B, Hu N. Rimonabant improves metabolic parameters partially attributed to restoration of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 50:e6141. [PMID: 28492810 PMCID: PMC5441279 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20176141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) inhibition tends to be one of the promising strategies for the treatment of obesity and other related metabolic disorders. Although CB1R inhibition may cause adverse psychiatric effects including depression and anxiety, the investigation of the role of peripheral CB1R on weight loss and related metabolic parameters are urgently needed. We first explored the effect of rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, on some metabolic parameters in high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Then, real-time PCR and electrophysiology were used to explore the contribution of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVACCs), especially Cav1.1, on rimonabant's effect in skeletal muscle (SM) in HFD-induced obesity. Five-week HFD feeding caused body weight gain, and decreased glucose/insulin tolerance in mice compared to those in the regular diet group (P<0.05), which was restored by rimonabant treatment compared to the HFD group (P<0.05). Interestingly, HVACCs and Cav1.1 were decreased in soleus muscle cells in the HFD group compared to the control group. Daily treatment with rimonabant for 5 weeks was shown to counter such decrease (P<0.05). Collectively, our findings provided a novel understanding for peripheral CB1R's role in the modulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis and highlight peripheral CB1R as well as Cav1.1 in the SM as potential targets for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - N Hu
- Department of Concurrent Chemoradiation Lymphatic Hematopoietic Comprehensive Ward, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Oláh T, Bodnár D, Tóth A, Vincze J, Fodor J, Reischl B, Kovács A, Ruzsnavszky O, Dienes B, Szentesi P, Friedrich O, Csernoch L. Cannabinoid signalling inhibits sarcoplasmic Ca 2+ release and regulates excitation-contraction coupling in mammalian skeletal muscle. J Physiol 2016; 594:7381-7398. [PMID: 27641745 DOI: 10.1113/jp272449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Marijuana was found to cause muscle weakness, although the exact regulatory role of its receptors (CB1 cannabinoid receptor; CB1R) in the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) of mammalian skeletal muscle remains unknown. We found that CB1R activation or its knockout did not affect muscle force directly, whereas its activation decreased the Ca2+ -sensitivity of the contractile apparatus and made the muscle fibres more prone to fatigue. We demonstrate that CB1Rs are not connected to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway either in myotubes or in adult muscle fibres. By contrast, CB1Rs constitutively inhibit sarcoplasmic Ca2+ release and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase during ECC in a Gi/o protein-mediated way in adult skeletal muscle fibres but not in myotubes. These results help with our understanding of the physiological effects and pathological consequences of CB1R activation in skeletal muscle and may be useful in the development of new cannabinoid drugs. ABSTRACT Marijuana was found to cause muscle weakness, although it is unknown whether it affects the muscles directly or modulates only the motor control of the central nervous system. Although the presence of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R), which are responsible for the psychoactive effects of the drug in the brain, have recently been demonstrated in skeletal muscle, it is unclear how CB1R-mediated signalling affects the contraction and Ca²⁺ homeostasis of mammalian skeletal muscle. In the present study, we demonstrate that in vitro CB1R activation increased muscle fatigability and decreased the Ca2+ -sensitivity of the contractile apparatus, whereas it did not alter the amplitude of single twitch contractions. In myotubes, CB1R agonists neither evoked, nor influenced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3 )-mediated Ca2+ transients, nor did they alter excitation-contraction coupling. By contrast, in isolated muscle fibres of wild-type mice, although CB1R agonists did not evoke IP3 -mediated Ca2+ transients too, they significantly reduced the amplitude of the depolarization-evoked transients in a pertussis-toxin sensitive manner, indicating a Gi/o protein-dependent mechanism. Concurrently, on skeletal muscle fibres isolated from CB1R-knockout animals, depolarization-evoked Ca2+ transients, as well qas Ca2+ release flux via ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and the total amount of released Ca2+ was significantly greater than that from wild-type mice. Our results show that CB1R-mediated signalling exerts both a constitutive and an agonist-mediated inhibition on the Ca2+ transients via RyR, regulates the activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase and enhances muscle fatigability, which might decrease exercise performance, thus playing a role in myopathies, and therefore should be considered during the development of new cannabinoid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dóra Bodnár
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Vincze
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Fodor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Barbara Reischl
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adrienn Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Olga Ruzsnavszky
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Beatrix Dienes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Szentesi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - László Csernoch
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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23
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Effects of chronic exercise on the endocannabinoid system in Wistar rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity. J Physiol Biochem 2016; 72:183-99. [PMID: 26880264 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-016-0469-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is dysregulated during obesity in tissues involved in the control of food intake and energy metabolism. We examined the effect of chronic exercise on the tissue levels of endocannabinoids (eCBs) and on the expression of genes coding for cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) (Cnr1 and Cnr2, respectively) in the subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissues and in the soleus and extensor digitorim longus (EDL) muscles, in rats fed with standard or high-fat diet. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were placed on high-fat diet or standard diet (HFD and Ctl groups, respectively) during 12 weeks whereafter half of each group was submitted to an exercise training period of 12 weeks (HFD + training and Ctl + training). Tissue levels of eCBs were measured by LC-MS while expressions of genes coding for CB1 and CB2 receptors were investigated by qPCR. High-fat diet induced an increase in anandamide (AEA) levels in soleus and EDL (p < 0.02). In soleus of the HFD group, these changes were accompanied by elevated Cnr1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels (p < 0.05). In EDL, exercise training allowed to reduce significantly this diet-induced AEA increase (p < 0.005). 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels were decreased and increased by high-fat diet in SAT and EDL, respectively (p < 0.04), but not affected by exercise training. Unlike the HFD + training group, 2-AG levels in soleus were also decreased in the HFD group compared to Ctl (p < 0.04). The levels of eCBs and Cnr1 expression are altered in a tissue-specific manner following a high-fat diet, and chronic exercise reverses some of these alterations.
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Wang X, Yu Q, Yue H, Zeng S, Cui F. Effect of Intermittent Hypoxia and Rimonabant on Glucose Metabolism in Rats: Involvement of Expression of GLUT4 in Skeletal Muscle. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:3252-60. [PMID: 26503060 PMCID: PMC4629628 DOI: 10.12659/msm.896039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its main feature, chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep, is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. Rimonabant can regulate glucose metabolism and improve IR. The present study aimed to assess the effect of IH and rimonabant on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and to explore the possible mechanisms. Material/Methods Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: Control group, subjected to intermittent air only; IH group, subjected to IH only; IH+NS group, subjected to IH and treated with normal saline; and IH+Rim group, subjected to IH and treated with 10 mg/kg/day of rimonabant. All rats were killed after 28 days of exposure. Then, the blood and skeletal muscle were collected. We measured fasting blood glucose levels, fasting blood insulin levels, and the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in both mRNA and protein levels in skeletal muscle. Results IH can slow weight gain, increase serum insulin level, and reduce insulin sensitivity in rats. The expressions of GLUT4 mRNA, total GLUT4, and plasma membrane protein of GLUT4 (PM GLUT4) in skeletal muscle were decreased. Rimonabant treatment was demonstrated to improve weight gain and insulin sensitivity of the rats induced by IH. Rimonabant significantly upregulated the expression of GLUT4 mRNA, PM GLUT4, and total GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that IH can cause IR and reduced expression of GLUT4 in both mRNA and protein levels in skeletal muscle of rats. Rimonabant treatment can improve IH – induced IR, and the upregulation of GLUT4 expression may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China (mainland)
| | - Qin Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China (mainland)
| | - Hongmei Yue
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China (mainland)
| | - Shuang Zeng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China (mainland)
| | - Fenfen Cui
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China (mainland)
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Pekkala S, Wiklund P, Hulmi JJ, Pöllänen E, Marjomäki V, Munukka E, Pierre P, Mouly V, Mero A, Alén M, Cheng S. Cannabinoid receptor 1 and acute resistance exercise--In vivo and in vitro studies in human skeletal muscle. Peptides 2015; 67:55-63. [PMID: 25796352 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine whether Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is involved in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and skeletal muscle protein synthesis. METHODS This study used human vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies obtained before and after a resistance exercise (RE) bout in young men (n=18). The signaling mechanisms were studied in vitro in human myotubes. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and confocal microscopy, and gene expression by quantitative PCR. Protein synthesis was measured in vitro using puromycin-based SuNSET technique. RESULTS In human skeletal muscle, an anabolic stimulus in the form of RE down-regulated CB1 expression. The negative change in CB1 expression was associated with increased phosphorylation of mTOR signaling proteins. In vitro, CB1 antagonist AM251 induced phosphorylation of mTOR downstream targets, ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1), S6 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein (4E-BP1) in human myotubes. These effects were ERK1/2-dependent and insensitive to mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. Compared to AM251 treatment alone, inhibition of ERK1/2 by UO126 in the presence of AM251 decreased phosphorylation of S6K1, S6 and and 4E-BP1 at Thr(37/46). AM251 increased protein synthesis in cultured human myotubes, which was not rapamycin-sensitive but was ERK1/2-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that RE down-regulates CB1 expression. Inhibition of CB1 signaling increases skeletal muscle anabolic signaling down-stream of mTOR and protein synthesis through ERK1/2. Our study may provide base for the development of CB1-blocking drugs to treat or prevent muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Pekkala
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Petri Wiklund
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha J Hulmi
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eija Pöllänen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Varpu Marjomäki
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences/Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eveliina Munukka
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Philippe Pierre
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, UM2, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France; INSERM, U1104, 13288 Marseille, France; CNRS, UMR 7280, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Thérapie des maladies du muscle strié, Institut de Myologie, UM76-Université Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France; INSERM U974, CNRS UMR 7215, G.H. Pitié-Salpétrière, 47 bd de l'hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Antti Mero
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Markku Alén
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Oulu University Hospital, and Institute of Health Sciences - University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sulin Cheng
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Maccarrone M, Bab I, Bíró T, Cabral GA, Dey SK, Di Marzo V, Konje JC, Kunos G, Mechoulam R, Pacher P, Sharkey KA, Zimmer A. Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years after THC. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:277-96. [PMID: 25796370 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 434] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 1964, the psychoactive ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was isolated. Nearly 30 years later the endogenous counterparts of THC, collectively termed endocannabinoids (eCBs), were discovered: N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) (AEA) in 1992 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in 1995. Since then, considerable research has shed light on the impact of eCBs on human health and disease, identifying an ensemble of proteins that bind, synthesize, and degrade them and that together form the eCB system (ECS). eCBs control basic biological processes including cell choice between survival and death and progenitor/stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Unsurprisingly, in the past two decades eCBs have been recognized as key mediators of several aspects of human pathophysiology and thus have emerged to be among the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules ever discovered. Here some of the pioneers of this research field review the state of the art of critical eCB functions in peripheral organs. Our community effort is aimed at establishing consensus views on the relevance of the peripheral ECS for human health and disease pathogenesis, as well as highlighting emerging challenges and therapeutic hopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy; Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Itai Bab
- Bone Laboratory, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel; Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamás Bíró
- DE-MTA 'Lendület' Cellular Physiology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Guy A Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Council of Research, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Justin C Konje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - George Kunos
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pal Pacher
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known to exert regulatory control on essentially every aspect related to the search for, and the intake, metabolism and storage of calories, and consequently it represents a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for obesity, diabetes and eating disorders. While the clinical use of the first generation of cannabinoid type 1 (CB(1)) receptor blockers has been halted due to the psychiatric side effects that their use occasioned, recent research in animals and humans has provided new knowledge on the mechanisms of actions of the ECS in the regulation of eating behavior, energy balance, and metabolism. In this review, we discuss these recent advances and how they may allow targeting the ECS in a more specific and selective manner for the future development of therapies against obesity, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Gatta-Cherifi
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- Endocrinology Department, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, 33607, Pessac, France.
| | - Daniela Cota
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
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D’Addario C, Micioni Di Bonaventura M, Pucci M, Romano A, Gaetani S, Ciccocioppo R, Cifani C, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signaling and food addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 47:203-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tantimonaco M, Ceci R, Sabatini S, Catani MV, Rossi A, Gasperi V, Maccarrone M. Physical activity and the endocannabinoid system: an overview. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:2681-98. [PMID: 24526057 PMCID: PMC11113821 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recognized as a "disease modifier", physical activity (PA) is increasingly viewed as a more holistic, cost-saving method for prevention, treatment and management of human disease conditions. The traditional view that PA engages the monoaminergic and endorphinergic systems has been challenged by the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), composed of endogenous lipids, their target receptors, and metabolic enzymes. Indeed, direct and indirect evidence suggests that the ECS might mediate some of the PA-triggered effects throughout the body. Moreover, it is now emerging that PA itself is able to modulate ECS in different ways. Against this background, in the present review we shall discuss evidence of the cross-talk between PA and the ECS, ranging from brain to peripheral districts and highlighting how ECS must be tightly regulated during PA, in order to maintain its beneficial effects on cognition, mood, and nociception, while avoiding impaired energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Tantimonaco
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Ceci
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Sabatini
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Catani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Rossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Cristino L, Becker T, Di Marzo V. Endocannabinoids and energy homeostasis: an update. Biofactors 2014; 40:389-97. [PMID: 24752980 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widespread intercellular signaling system that plays a critical role in energy homeostasis, meant as the precise matching of caloric intake with energy expenditure which normally keeps body weight stable over time. Complex interactions between environmental and neurohormonal systems directly contribute to the balance of energy homeostasis. This review highlights established and more recent data on the brain circuits in which the ECS plays an important regulatory role, with focus on the hypothalamus, a region where numerous interacting systems regulating feeding, satiety, stress, and other motivational states coexist. Although not meant as an exhaustive review of the field, this article will discuss how endocannabinoid tone, in addition to reinforcing reward circuitries and modulating food intake and the salience of food, controls lipid and glucose metabolism in several peripheral organs, particularly the liver and adipose tissue. Direct actions in the skeletal muscle and pancreas are also emerging and are briefly discussed. This review provides new perspectives into endocannabinoid control of the neurochemical causes and consequences of energy homeostasis imbalance, a knowledge that might lead to new potential treatments for obesity and related morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia Cristino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
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31
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O'Keefe L, Simcocks AC, Hryciw DH, Mathai ML, McAinch AJ. The cannabinoid receptor 1 and its role in influencing peripheral metabolism. Diabetes Obes Metab 2014; 16:294-304. [PMID: 23782485 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated the deleterious pathological effects of a dysregulated endocannabinoid system. Increased stimulation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 ) and subsequent downstream cellular signalling are both causative in the deleterious pathological effects observed in a number of diseases. When the CB1 cell signalling cascade is blocked, this results in whole body weight-loss, leading to a reduction in obesity and associated co-morbidities. In the central nervous system; however, CB1 antagonism results in adverse psychological side effects. Blockade of CB1 via peripheral acting compounds that do not cross the blood-brain barrier have been determined to have beneficial effects in metabolic tissues such as the liver and skeletal muscle. These results support the notion that peripheral blockade of CB1 using pharmacological antagonists is a viable target for the treatment of the current epidemic of obesity and its associated co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O'Keefe
- Biomedical and Lifestyle Disease Unit, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
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Hruba L, McMahon LR. The cannabinoid agonist HU-210: pseudo-irreversible discriminative stimulus effects in rhesus monkeys. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 727:35-42. [PMID: 24486701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid abuse and case reports of adverse effects have raised concerns about the pharmacologic mechanisms underlying in vivo effects. Here, a synthetic cannabinoid identified in abused products (HU-210) was compared to the effects of Δ(9)-THC and two other synthetic cannabinoid agonists used extensively in pre-clinical studies (CP 55,940 and WIN 55,212-2). One group of monkeys discriminated ∆(9)-THC (0.1mg/kg i.v.); a separate group received chronic ∆(9)-THC (1mg/kg/12h s.c.) and discriminated rimonabant (1mg/kg i.v.). CP 55,940, HU-210, ∆(9)-THC, and WIN 55,212-2 produced ∆(9)-THC lever responding. HU-210 had a long duration (i.e., 1-2 days), whereas that of the other cannabinoids was 5h or less. Rimonabant (1mg/kg) produced surmountable antagonism; single dose-apparent affinity estimates determined in the presence of ∆(9)-THC, CP 55,940, and WIN 55,212-2 did not differ from each other. In contrast, rimonabant (1mg/kg) produced a smaller rightward shift in the HU-210 dose-effect function. In ∆(9)-THC treated monkeys, the relative potency of CP 55,940, ∆(9)-THC, and WIN 55,212-2 to attenuate the discriminative stimulus effects of rimonabant was the same as that evidenced in the ∆(9)-THC discrimination, whereas HU-210 was unexpectedly more potent in attenuating the effects of rimonabant. In conclusion, the same receptor subtype mediates the discriminative stimulus effects of ∆(9)-THC, CP 55,940 and WIN 55,212-2. The limited effectiveness of rimonabant to either prevent or reverse the effects of HU-210 appears to be due to very slow dissociation or pseudo-irreversible binding of HU-210 at cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hruba
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States.
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Abdulnour J, Yasari S, Rabasa-Lhoret R, Faraj M, Petrosino S, Piscitelli F, Prud' Homme D, Di Marzo V. Circulating endocannabinoids in insulin sensitive vs. insulin resistant obese postmenopausal women. A MONET group study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2014; 22:211-6. [PMID: 23616305 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the circulating levels of endocannabinoids and related molecules at fasting, after acute hyperinsulinemia and after weight loss in insulin sensitive vs. insulin resistant obese postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND METHODS The sample consisted of 30 obese postmenopausal women (age: 58.9 ± 5.2 yrs; BMI: 32.9 ± 3.6 kg/m(2) ). Subjects underwent a 3-hour hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp (HEC) (glucose disposal rate (M-value): 10.7 ± 3.3 mg min(-1) kg(-1) FFM) and 6-month weight loss intervention. Participants were classified as insulin sensitive obese (ISO) or insulin resistant obese (IRO) based on a predefined cutoff. Plasma levels of the endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and of the AEA-related compounds, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS IRO presented higher levels of 2-AG (P < 0.05) independently of the HEC and weight loss, whereas the HEC had an independent inhibitory effect on AEA, PEA, and OEA levels (P < 0.05) in both groups. Furthermore, there was an independent stimulatory effect of weight loss only on PEA levels in both groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to show that higher circulating levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG are found in IRO compared to ISO postmenopausal women, and that weight loss is associated with an increase in PEA, a PPAR-α ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Abdulnour
- School of Human Kinetics Faculty of Health Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Romero-Zerbo SY, Bermúdez-Silva FJ. Cannabinoids, eating behaviour, and energy homeostasis. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:52-8. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Y. Romero-Zerbo
- Laboratorio de Investigación; Hospital Regional de Málaga-IBIMA, Plaza del Hospital Civil s/n; 29009 Málaga Spain
- Unidad de Gestion Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Civil, Pabellón 1, sótano; 29009 Málaga Spain
| | - Francisco J. Bermúdez-Silva
- Laboratorio de Investigación; Hospital Regional de Málaga-IBIMA, Plaza del Hospital Civil s/n; 29009 Málaga Spain
- Unidad de Gestion Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Civil, Pabellón 1, sótano; 29009 Málaga Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM); Málaga Spain
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Abstract
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid CB1 receptors are known to play a generalized role in energy homeostasis. However, clinical trials with the first generation of CB1 blockers, now discontinued due to psychiatric side effects, were originally designed to reduce food intake and body weight rather than the metabolic risk factors associated with obesity. In this review, we discuss how, in addition to promoting energy intake, endocannabinoids control lipid and glucose metabolism in several peripheral organs, particularly the liver and adipose tissue. Direct actions in skeletal muscle and pancreas are also emerging. This knowledge may help in the design of future therapies for the metabolic syndrome.
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Naughton SS, Mathai ML, Hryciw DH, McAinch AJ. Fatty Acid modulation of the endocannabinoid system and the effect on food intake and metabolism. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:361895. [PMID: 23762050 PMCID: PMC3677644 DOI: 10.1155/2013/361895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are a current research focus in the area of obesity due to the system's role in food intake and glucose and lipid metabolism. Importantly, overweight and obese individuals often have higher circulating levels of the arachidonic acid-derived endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and an altered pattern of receptor expression. Consequently, this leads to an increase in orexigenic stimuli, changes in fatty acid synthesis, insulin sensitivity, and glucose utilisation, with preferential energy storage in adipose tissue. As endocannabinoids are products of dietary fats, modification of dietary intake may modulate their levels, with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid based endocannabinoids being able to displace arachidonic acid from cell membranes, reducing AEA and 2-AG production. Similarly, oleoyl ethanolamide, a product of oleic acid, induces satiety, decreases circulating fatty acid concentrations, increases the capacity for β -oxidation, and is capable of inhibiting the action of AEA and 2-AG in adipose tissue. Thus, understanding how dietary fats alter endocannabinoid system activity is a pertinent area of research due to public health messages promoting a shift towards plant-derived fats, which are rich sources of AEA and 2-AG precursor fatty acids, possibly encouraging excessive energy intake and weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaan S. Naughton
- Biomedical and Lifestyle Diseases Unit, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
| | - Michael L. Mathai
- Biomedical and Lifestyle Diseases Unit, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Deanne H. Hryciw
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J. McAinch
- Biomedical and Lifestyle Diseases Unit, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- *Andrew J. McAinch:
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Heyman E, Gamelin FX, Aucouturier J, Di Marzo V. The role of the endocannabinoid system in skeletal muscle and metabolic adaptations to exercise: potential implications for the treatment of obesity. Obes Rev 2012; 13:1110-24. [PMID: 22943701 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2012.01026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The results of recent studies add the endocannabinoid system, and more specifically CB1 receptor signalling, to the complex mechanisms that negatively modulate insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation in skeletal muscle. CB1 receptors might become overactive in the skeletal muscle during obesity due to increased levels of endocannabinoids. However, quite surprisingly, one of the most studied endocannabinoids, anandamide, when administered in a sufficient dose, was shown to improve muscle glucose uptake and activate some key molecules of insulin signalling and mitochondrial biogenesis. This is probably because anandamide is only a partial agonist at CB1 receptors and interacts with other receptors (PPARγ, TRPV1), which may trigger positive metabolic effects. This putative beneficial role of anandamide is worth considering because increased plasma anandamide levels were recently reported after intense exercise. Whether the endocannabinoid system is involved in the positive exercise effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose fatty acid oxidation remains to be confirmed. Noteworthy, when exercise becomes chronic, a decrease in CB1 receptor expression in obese metabolically deregulated tissues occurs. It is then tempting to hypothesize that physical activity would represent a complementary alternative approach for the clinical management of endocannabinoid system deregulation in obesity, without the side effects occurring with CB1 receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Heyman
- Univ Lille Nord de France, EA4488 'Activité Physique, Muscle, Santé', Lille, France.
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Lipina C, Rastedt W, Irving AJ, Hundal HS. New vistas for treatment of obesity and diabetes? Endocannabinoid signalling and metabolism in the modulation of energy balance. Bioessays 2012; 34:681-91. [PMID: 22674489 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that pathological overactivation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is associated with dyslipidemia, obesity and diabetes. Indeed, this signalling system acting through cannabinoid receptors has been shown to function both centrally and peripherally to regulate feeding behaviour as well as energy expenditure and metabolism. Consequently, modulation of these receptors can promote significant alterations in body weight and associated metabolic profile. Importantly, blocking cannabinoid receptor type 1 function has been found to prevent obesity and metabolic dysfunction in various murine models and in humans. Here we provide a detailed account of the known physiological role of the ECS in energy balance, and explore how recent studies have delivered novel insights into the potential targeting of this system as a therapeutic means for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lipina
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
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Silvestri C, Di Marzo V. Second generation CB1 receptor blockers and other inhibitors of peripheral endocannabinoid overactivity and the rationale of their use against metabolic disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:1309-22. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.704019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry – CNR, Endocannabinoid Research Group,
Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy ;
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry – CNR, Endocannabinoid Research Group,
Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy ;
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Hruba L, Ginsburg BC, McMahon LR. Apparent inverse relationship between cannabinoid agonist efficacy and tolerance/cross-tolerance produced by Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment in rhesus monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 342:843-9. [PMID: 22718500 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.196444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) [naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-018) and naphthalen-1-yl-(1-butylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-073)] are marketed, sold, and used as alternatives to cannabis. Synthetic CBs appear to have effects similar to those of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the drug primarily responsible for the behavioral effects of cannabis. However, synthetic CB products produce atypical effects (e.g., hypertension, seizures, and panic attacks). One potential explanation for atypical effects is CB₁ receptor agonist efficacy, which is reportedly higher for JWH-018 and JWH-073 compared with Δ⁹-THC. The goal of this study was to test a prediction from receptor theory that tolerance/cross-tolerance (i.e., resulting from daily Δ⁹-THC treatment) is greater for a low-efficacy agonist compared with a high-efficacy agonist. Rhesus monkeys discriminated 0.1 mg/kg Δ⁹-THC i.v. from vehicle, and sensitivity to CB(1) agonists was determined before and after 3 and 14 days of Δ⁹-THC treatment (1 mg/kg per day s.c.). (1R,3R,4R)-3-[2-Hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl) phenyl]-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexan-1-ol (CP-55,940), a prototype high-efficacy CB₁ receptor agonist, JWH-018, and JWH-073 substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ⁹-THC. Three days of Δ⁹-THC treatment produced less tolerance/cross-tolerance than 14 days of Δ⁹-THC treatment. Three days of Δ⁹-THC did not result in cross-tolerance to CP-55,940, JWH-073, and JWH-018; in contrast, as reported previously, 3 days of Δ⁹-THC treatment decreased sensitivity to Δ⁹-THC 3-fold. Fourteen days of Δ⁹-THC decreased sensitivity to Δ⁹-THC, CP-55,940, JWH-018, and JWH-073 9.2-fold, 3.6-fold, 4.3-fold, and 5.6-fold, respectively. The greater loss of sensitivity to Δ⁹-THC relative to CP-55,940 and JWH-018 suggests that differences in CB₁ receptor agonist efficacy are important in vivo and might underlie differences in the dependence liability and adverse effects of synthetic CBs versus cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hruba
- Department of Pharmacology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Brents LK, Gallus-Zawada A, Radominska-Pandya A, Vasiljevik T, Prisinzano TE, Fantegrossi WE, Moran JH, Prather PL. Monohydroxylated metabolites of the K2 synthetic cannabinoid JWH-073 retain intermediate to high cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) affinity and exhibit neutral antagonist to partial agonist activity. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 83:952-61. [PMID: 22266354 PMCID: PMC3288656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
K2 and several similar purported "incense products" spiked with synthetic cannabinoids are abused as cannabis substitutes. We hypothesized that metabolism of JWH-073, a prevalent cannabinoid found in K2, contributes to toxicity associated with K2 use. Competition receptor binding studies and G-protein activation assays, both performed by employing mouse brain homogenates, were used to determine the affinity and intrinsic activity, respectively, of potential monohydroxylated (M1, M3-M5) and monocarboxylated (M6) metabolites at cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs). Surprisingly, M1, M4 and M5 retain nanomolar affinity for CB1Rs, while M3 displays micromolar affinity and M6 does not bind to CB1Rs. JWH-073 displays equivalent efficacy to that of the CB1R full agonist CP-55,940, while M1, M3, and M5 act as CB1R partial agonists, and M4 shows little or no intrinsic activity. Further in vitro investigation by Schild analysis revealed that M4 acts as a competitive neutral CB1R antagonist (K(b)∼40nM). In agreement with in vitro studies, M4 also demonstrates CB1R antagonism in vivo by blunting cannabinoid-induced hypothermia in mice. Interestingly, M4 does not block agonist-mediated responses of other measures in the cannabinoid tetrad (e.g., locomotor suppression, catalepsy or analgesia). Finally, also as predicted by in vitro results, M1 exhibits agonist activity in vivo by inducing significant hypothermia and suppression of locomotor activity in mice. In conclusion, the present study indicates that further work examining the physiological effects of synthetic cannabinoid metabolism is warranted. Such a complex mix of metabolically produced CB1R ligands may contribute to the adverse effect profile of JWH-073-containing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Brents
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Anna Gallus-Zawada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Anna Radominska-Pandya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Tamara Vasiljevik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7582, USA
| | - Thomas E. Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7582, USA
| | - William E. Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Jeffery H. Moran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Public Health Laboratory, Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Paul L. Prather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
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Bermudez-Silva FJ, Cardinal P, Cota D. The role of the endocannabinoid system in the neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:114-24. [PMID: 21824982 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111408458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal and human studies carried out so far have established a role for the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the regulation of energy balance. Here we critically discuss the role of the endocannabinoid signalling in brain structures, such as the hypothalamus and reward-related areas, and its interaction with neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems involved in the regulation of food intake and body weight. The ECS has been found to interact with peripheral signals, like leptin, insulin, ghrelin and satiety hormones and the resulting effects on both central and peripheral mechanisms affecting energy balance and adiposity will be described. Furthermore, ECS dysregulation has been associated with the development of dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and obesity; phenomena that are often accompanied by a plethora of neuroendocrine alterations which might play a causal role in determining ECS dysregulation. Despite the withdrawal of the first generation of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) antagonists from the pharmaceutical market due to the occurrence of psychiatric adverse events, new evidence suggests that peripherally restricted CB1 antagonists might be efficacious for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Thus, a perspective on new promising strategies to selectively target the ECS in the context of energy balance regulation is given.
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Silvestri C, Ligresti A, Di Marzo V. Peripheral effects of the endocannabinoid system in energy homeostasis: adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscle. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2011; 12:153-62. [PMID: 21336842 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-011-9167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of lipid signalling ligands, their G-protein coupled receptors and the enzymes involved in ligand generation and metabolism. Increasingly, the ECS is emerging as a critical agent of energy metabolism regulation through its ability to modulate caloric intake centrally as well as nutrient transport, cellular metabolism and energy storage peripherally. Visceral obesity has been associated with an upregulation of ECS activity in several systems and inhibition of the ECS, either pharmacologically or genetically, results in decreased energy intake and increased metabolic output. This review aims to summarize the recent advances that have been made regarding our understanding of the role the ECS plays in crucial peripheral systems pertaining to energy homeostasis: adipose tissues, the liver and skeletal muscle.
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Quarta C, Mazza R, Obici S, Pasquali R, Pagotto U. Energy balance regulation by endocannabinoids at central and peripheral levels. Trends Mol Med 2011; 17:518-26. [PMID: 21816675 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Revised: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a universal and, perhaps, causative feature of obesity. Central nervous system (CNS) circuits that regulate food intake were initially believed to be the targets for dysregulation. However, it is increasingly evident that endocannabinoids affect food intake, energy expenditure and substrate metabolism by acting on peripheral sites. Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1r) antagonists can effectively treat obesity and associated metabolic alterations but, unfortunately, cause and exacerbate mood disorders. Drugs restricted to act on peripheral CB1rs might be safer and more effective, retaining the anti-obesity effects but lacking the adverse neurodepressive reactions. This review summarizes the emerging roles of the ECS in energy balance and discusses future pharmacological approaches for developing peripherally restricted CB1r antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Quarta
- Endocrinology Unit and Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata, Department of Clinical Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Alma Mater University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized on demand in situ by catabolism of phospholipid precursors in the cell membrane. Here we discuss the emerging role of the endocannabinoids in the function of the pancreatic islet of Langerhans in particular on the secretion of insulin from the islet beta cell. RECENT FINDINGS It is now established that there is a functional endocannabinoid system in the pancreatic islet of Langerhans and that endocannabinoids are released concurrently with glucose-induced insulin secretion. The majority of the published papers show evidence of negative effects of the endocannabinoids on insulin secretion with antagonism of the cannabinoid 1 receptor improving beta cell function. This indicates that there is a tonic inhibition of insulin secretion by endocannabinoids. Here we examine these reports and recent papers showing that endocannabinoids increase insulin secretion and discuss the discrepancies in these observations. SUMMARY Conclusions on the exact nature of the effects of endocannabinoids on insulin secretion require rigorous study examining both acute and long-term effects at physiologically relevant doses employing both whole animal and clinically relevant models such as human islets in vitro and explanted in vivo, in rodent models of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máire E Doyle
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
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Lindborg KA, Jacob S, Henriksen EJ. Effects of Chronic Antagonism of Endocannabinoid-1 Receptors on Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Action in Skeletal Muscles of Lean and Obese Zucker Rats. Cardiorenal Med 2011; 1:31-44. [PMID: 22258464 DOI: 10.1159/000322826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Antagonism of the endocannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R) directly improves whole-body metabolic parameters of insulin resistance. The present investigation determined the effects of chronic CB1R antagonism on whole-body and skeletal-muscle insulin action in insulin-sensitive lean and insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats. METHODS Animals were either fed ad libitum or in pairs, or treated with SR141716 (10 mg/kg i.p. for 14 days). RESULTS Food intake was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after initial SR141716 treatment and remained decreased in both lean and obese animals until day 13. Fasting plasma glucose decreased (24%) and insulin increased (43%) in lean SR141716-treated (24%) rats compared to lean ad libitum-fed controls, but not in the corresponding obese groups. Fasting plasma free fatty acids were reduced by CB1R antagonism in lean (21%) and obese (42%) animals. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was increased (36%) in obese SR141716-treated rats compared to obese ad libitum-fed controls, which was associated with reduced insulin secretion during an oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in the soleus was greatest in the respective SR141716-treated lean and obese groups compared to the corresponding ad libitum- and pair-fed controls. Chronic SR141716 treatment did not induce alterations in signaling factors associated with the regulation of glucose transport [protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β, 5'-AMP-dependent protein kinase, or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase] in the soleus. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that, while the chronic treatment with CB1R antagonism markedly diminished food intake in lean and obese Zucker rats, there are also significant metabolic improvements in whole-body and skeletal-muscle insulin action mediated by CB1R antagonism through mechanisms independent of reduced caloric intake.
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