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Feng S, Pan Y, Lu P, Li N, Zhu W, Hao Z. From bench to bedside: the application of cannabidiol in glioma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:648. [PMID: 38987805 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in central nervous system, with significant health burdens to patients. Due to the intrinsic characteristics of glioma and the lack of breakthroughs in treatment modalities, the prognosis for most patients remains poor. This results in a heavy psychological and financial load worldwide. In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has garnered widespread attention and research due to its anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the preclinical and clinical research on the use of CBD in glioma therapy, as well as the current status of nanomedicine formulations of CBD, and discusses the potential and challenges of CBD in glioma therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Feng
- Department of Oncology, Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, 014040, China
- Central Clinical Medical School, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Yuanming Pan
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Tuberculosis & Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 101149, China
| | - Pu Lu
- Department of Oncology, Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Gynecology, Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, 014040, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, 014040, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Hao
- Department of Oncology, Baotou City Central Hospital, Baotou, 014040, China
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Duan J, Chen J, Lin Y, Lin SL, Wu J. Endocannabinoid Receptor 2 Function is Associated with Tumor-Associated Macrophage Accumulation and Increases in T Cell Number to Initiate a Potent Antitumor Response in a Syngeneic Murine Model of Glioblastoma. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38888628 DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma patients have a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and systemic immunosuppression that comprise a major barrier to immune checkpoint therapy. Based on the production of endocannabinoids by glioblastomas, we explored involvement of endocannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), encoded by the CNR2 gene, which is predominantly expressed by immune cells, in glioblastoma-related immunosuppression. Materials & Methods: Bioinformatics of human glioblastoma databases was used to correlate enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids, as well as CB2Rs, with patient overall survival. Intrastriatal administration of luciferase-expressing, murine GL261 glioblastoma cells was used to establish in in vivo glioblastoma model for characterization of tumor growth and intratumoral immune cell infiltration, as well as provide immune cells for in vitro co-culture experiments. Involvement of CB2Rs was determined by treatment with CB2R agonist (GW405833) or CB2R antagonist (AM630). ELISA, FACS, and immunocytochemistry were used to determine perforin, granzyme B, and surface marker levels. Results: Bioinformatics of human glioblastoma databases showed high expression of CB2R and elevated endocannabinoid production correlated with poorer prognosis, and involved immune-associated pathways. AM630treatment of GL261 glioblastoma-bearing mice induced a potent antitumor response, with survival plateauing at 50% on Day 40, when all control mice (median survival 28 days) and mice treated with GW405833 (median survival 21 days) had died. Luciferase tumor imaging revealed accelerated tumor growth by GW405833 treatment, but stable or regressing tumors in AM630-treated mice. Notably, in spleens, AM630 treatment caused an 83% decrease in monocytes/macrophages, and 1.8- and 1.6-fold increases in CD8+ and CD4+ cells, respectively. Within tumors, there was a corresponding decrease in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and increase in CD8+ T cells. In vitro, lymphocytes from AM630-treated mice showed greater cytotoxic function (increased percentage of perforin- and granzyme B-positive CD8+ T cells). Discussion: These results suggest that inhibition of CB2R enhances both immunosuppressive TAM infiltration and systemic T-cell suppression through CB2R activation, and that inhibition of CB2Rs can potently counter both the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, as well as systemic immunosuppression in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Duan
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jieling Chen
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Stanley L Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Division of Immunology, International Institute of Infection and Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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3
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Tang Y, Wang M, Yu J, Lv G, Wang Y, Yu B. The antitumor action of endocannabinoids in the tumor microenvironment of glioblastoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1395156. [PMID: 38720772 PMCID: PMC11076672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1395156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of all malignant brain tumors are gliomas, which are primary brain tumors. The most prevalent subtype of glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is also the most deadly. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and conventional pharmacotherapy are currently available therapeutic options for GBM; unfortunately, these approaches only prolong the patient's life by 5 years at most. Despite numerous intensive therapeutic options, GBM is considered incurable. Accumulating preclinical data indicate that overt antitumoral effects can be induced by pharmacologically activating endocannabinoid receptors on glioma cells by modifying important intracellular signaling cascades. The complex mechanism underlying the endocannabinoid receptor-evoked antitumoral activity in experimental models of glioma may inhibit the ability of cancer cells to invade, proliferate, and exhibit stem cell-like characteristics, along with altering other aspects of the complex tumor microenvironment. The exact biological function of the endocannabinoid system in the development and spread of gliomas, however, is remains unclear and appears to rely heavily on context. Previous studies have revealed that endocannabinoid receptors are present in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting that these receptors could be novel targets for the treatment of GBM. Additionally, endocannabinoids have demonstrated anticancer effects through signaling pathways linked to the classic features of cancer. Thus, the pharmacology of endocannabinoids in the glioblastoma microenvironment is the main topic of this review, which may promote the development of future GBM therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliate Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
| | - Maoru Wang
- Drug Dispensing Department, Sichuan Mental Health Center, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, China
| | - Jiangping Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Guangyao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
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Buchalska B, Kamińska K, Owe-Larsson M, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:223-234. [PMID: 38457018 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00580-x] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Buchalska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland.
| | - Maja Owe-Larsson
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
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5
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Dasram MH, Naidoo P, Walker RB, Khamanga SM. Targeting the Endocannabinoid System Present in the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment as a Potential Anti-Cancer Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1371. [PMID: 38338649 PMCID: PMC10855826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The highly aggressive and invasive glioblastoma (GBM) tumour is the most malignant lesion among adult-type diffuse gliomas, representing the most common primary brain tumour in the neuro-oncology practice of adults. With a poor overall prognosis and strong resistance to treatment, this nervous system tumour requires new innovative treatment. GBM is a polymorphic tumour consisting of an array of stromal cells and various malignant cells contributing to tumour initiation, progression, and treatment response. Cannabinoids possess anti-cancer potencies against glioma cell lines and in animal models. To improve existing treatment, cannabinoids as functionalised ligands on nanocarriers were investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The GBM tumour microenvironment is a multifaceted system consisting of resident or recruited immune cells, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cells, and soluble factors. The immune microenvironment accounts for a substantial volume of GBM tumours. The barriers to the treatment of glioblastoma with cannabinoids, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier and psychoactive and off-target side effects, can be alleviated with the use of nanocarrier drug delivery systems and functionalised ligands for improved specificity and targeting of pharmacological receptors and anti-cancer signalling pathways. This review has shown the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in the tumour microenvironment, which can be used as a potential unique target for specific drug delivery. Existing cannabinoid agents, studied previously, show anti-cancer potencies via signalling pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer. The results of the review can be used to provide guidance in the design of future drug therapy for glioblastoma tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandile M. Khamanga
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa (R.B.W.)
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6
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Darwish A, Pammer M, Gallyas F, Vígh L, Balogi Z, Juhász K. Emerging Lipid Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:397. [PMID: 38254886 PMCID: PMC10814456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
GBM accounts for most of the fatal brain cancer cases, making it one of the deadliest tumor types. GBM is characterized by severe progression and poor prognosis with a short survival upon conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. In order to improve therapeutic efficiency, considerable efforts have been made to target various features of GBM. One of the targetable features of GBM is the rewired lipid metabolism that contributes to the tumor's aggressive growth and penetration into the surrounding brain tissue. Lipid reprogramming allows GBM to acquire survival, proliferation, and invasion benefits as well as supportive modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Several attempts have been made to find novel therapeutic approaches by exploiting the lipid metabolic reprogramming in GBM. In recent studies, various components of de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, lipid uptake, and prostaglandin synthesis have been considered promising targets in GBM. Emerging data also suggest a significant role hence therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid metabolic pathway in GBM. Here we review the lipid-related GBM characteristics in detail and highlight specific targets with their potential therapeutic use in novel antitumor approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Darwish
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Milán Pammer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Gallyas
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Vígh
- Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Balogi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kata Juhász
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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7
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Yan YC, Meng GX, Yang CC, Yang YF, Tan SY, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Ma YL, Dong ZR, Li T. Diacylglycerol lipase alpha promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and induces lenvatinib resistance by enhancing YAP activity. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:404. [PMID: 37414748 PMCID: PMC10325985 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
As an important hydrolytic enzyme that yields 2-AG and free fatty acids, diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) is involved in exacerbating malignant phenotypes and cancer progression, but the role of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC progression remains unclear. Here, we found that the upregulation of components of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC samples is correlated with tumour stage and patient prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the DAGLA/2-AG axis promoted HCC progression by regulating cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, the DAGLA/2AG axis significantly inhibited LATS1 and YAP phosphorylation, promoted YAP nuclear translocation and activity, and ultimately led to TEAD2 upregulation and increased PHLDA2 expression, which could be enhanced by DAGLA/2AG-induced activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. More importantly, DAGLA induced resistance to lenvatinib therapy during HCC treatment. Our study demonstrates that inhibiting the DAGLA/2-AG axis could be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit HCC progression and enhance the therapeutic effects of TKIs, which warrant further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Long Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
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Antitumor Potential of Antiepileptic Drugs in Human Glioblastoma: Pharmacological Targets and Clinical Benefits. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020582. [PMID: 36831117 PMCID: PMC9953000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by fast-growing cells, genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, and radio-chemo-therapy resistance, contributing to its dismal prognosis. Various medical comorbidities are associated with the natural history of GBM. The most disabling and greatly affecting patients' quality of life are neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and GBM-related epilepsy (GRE). Hallmarks of GBM include molecular intrinsic mediators and pathways, but emerging evidence supports the key role of non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment in GBM aggressive behavior. In this context, hyper-excitability of neurons, mediated by glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance, contributing to GBM growth strengthens the cancer-nervous system crosstalk. Pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, and pharmacological management of GRE with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their interactions are poorly explored, yet it is a potentially promising field of research in cancer neuroscience. The present review summarizes emerging cooperative mechanisms in oncogenesis and epileptogenesis, focusing on the neuron-to-glioma interface. The main effects and efficacy of selected AEDs used in the management of GRE are discussed in this paper, as well as their potential beneficial activity as antitumor treatment. Overall, although still many unclear processes overlapping in GBM growth and seizure onset need to be elucidated, this review focuses on the intriguing targeting of GBM-neuron mutual interactions to improve the outcome of the so challenging to treat GBM.
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Costas‐Insua C, Guzmán M. Endocannabinoid signaling in glioma. Glia 2023; 71:127-138. [PMID: 35322459 PMCID: PMC9790654 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
High-grade gliomas constitute the most frequent and aggressive form of primary brain cancer in adults. These tumors express cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as other elements of the endocannabinoid system. Accruing preclinical evidence supports that pharmacological activation of cannabinoid receptors located on glioma cells exerts overt anti-tumoral effects by modulating key intracellular signaling pathways. The mechanism of this cannabinoid receptor-evoked anti-tumoral activity in experimental models of glioma is intricate and may involve an inhibition not only of cancer cell survival/proliferation, but also of invasiveness, angiogenesis, and the stem cell-like properties of cancer cells, thereby affecting the complex tumor microenvironment. However, the precise biological role of the endocannabinoid system in the generation and progression of glioma seems very context-dependent and remains largely unknown. Increasing our basic knowledge on how (endo)cannabinoids act on glioma cells could help to optimize experimental cannabinoid-based anti-tumoral therapies, as well as the preliminary clinical testing that is currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Costas‐Insua
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyInstituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense UniversityMadridSpain,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyInstituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense UniversityMadridSpain,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
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Boyacıoğlu Ö, Korkusuz P. Cannabinoids as Prospective Anti-Cancer Drugs: Mechanism of Action in Healthy and Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:145-169. [PMID: 36396926 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids modulate many physiological and pathological processes by binding classical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) or 2 (CB2) or non-cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are known to exert antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effect on cancer cells by inducing or inhibiting various signaling cascades. In this chapter, we specifically emphasize the latest research works about the alterations in endocannabinoid system (ECS) components in malignancies and cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy, and death by cannabinoid administration, emphasizing their mechanism of action, and give a future perspective for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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11
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Abdul Rashid K, Ibrahim K, Wong JHD, Mohd Ramli N. Lipid Alterations in Glioma: A Systematic Review. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121280. [PMID: 36557318 PMCID: PMC9783089 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly lethal tumours characterised by heterogeneous molecular features, producing various metabolic phenotypes leading to therapeutic resistance. Lipid metabolism reprogramming is predominant and has contributed to the metabolic plasticity in glioma. This systematic review aims to discover lipids alteration and their biological roles in glioma and the identification of potential lipids biomarker. This systematic review was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Extensive research articles search for the last 10 years, from 2011 to 2021, were conducted using four electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and ScienceDirect. A total of 158 research articles were included in this study. All studies reported significant lipid alteration between glioma and control groups, impacting glioma cell growth, proliferation, drug resistance, patients' survival and metastasis. Different lipids demonstrated different biological roles, either beneficial or detrimental effects on glioma. Notably, prostaglandin (PGE2), triacylglycerol (TG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingosine-1-phosphate play significant roles in glioma development. Conversely, the most prominent anti-carcinogenic lipids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and vitamin D3 have been reported to have detrimental effects on glioma cells. Furthermore, high lipid signals were detected at 0.9 and 1.3 ppm in high-grade glioma relative to low-grade glioma. This evidence shows that lipid metabolisms were significantly dysregulated in glioma. Concurrent with this knowledge, the discovery of specific lipid classes altered in glioma will accelerate the development of potential lipid biomarkers and enhance future glioma therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairunnisa Abdul Rashid
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kamariah Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Jeannie Hsiu Ding Wong
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Norlisah Mohd Ramli
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-379673238
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12
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Cherkasova V, Wang B, Gerasymchuk M, Fiselier A, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Treatment of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5142. [PMID: 36291926 PMCID: PMC9600568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an ancient homeostasis mechanism operating from embryonic stages to adulthood. It controls the growth and development of many cells and cell lineages. Dysregulation of the components of the ECS may result in uncontrolled proliferation, adhesion, invasion, inhibition of apoptosis and increased vascularization, leading to the development of various malignancies. Cancer is the disease of uncontrolled cell division. In this review, we will discuss whether the changes to the ECS are a cause or a consequence of malignization and whether different tissues react differently to changes in the ECS. We will discuss the potential use of cannabinoids for treatment of cancer, focusing on primary outcome/care-tumor shrinkage and eradication, as well as secondary outcome/palliative care-improvement of life quality, including pain, appetite, sleep, and many more factors. Finally, we will complete this review with the chapter on sex- and gender-specific differences in ECS and response to cannabinoids, and equality of the access to treatments with cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Cherkasova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Anna Fiselier
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Choucair N, Saker Z, Kheir Eddine H, Bahmad HF, Fares Y, Zaarour M, Harati H, Nabha S. Immunohistochemical assessment of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in glioma. Pathologica 2022; 114:128-137. [PMID: 35481563 PMCID: PMC9248256 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma is the most frequent primary brain tumor and one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Recently, numerous studies have focused on cannabinoids as a new therapeutic approach due to their antineoplastic effects through activation of the cannabinoid receptors. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression level of cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1R) in human glioma samples and evaluate its clinicopathologic significance. Materials and methods We analyzed the expression of CB1R in 61 paraffin-embedded glioma and 4 normal brain tissues using automated immunohistochemical assay. CB1R expression was categorized into high versus low expression levels. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the association between CB1R and phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK) expression levels and the clinicopathologic features of glioma. Results Our results showed that CB1R immunopositivity was seen in 59 of 61 cases (96.7%). CB1R was down-expressed in glioma compared to normal brain tissues. However, CB1R expression was not correlated with clinicopathological parameters except for p-ERK. Conclusion Our findings indicate the down-expression of CB1R in glioma tissues when compared to non-cancerous brain tissues. This change in CB1R expression in gliomas should be further tested regardless of the clinicopathological findings to provide a therapeutic advantage in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Choucair
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassane Kheir Eddine
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariana Zaarour
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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O’Brien K. Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040885. [PMID: 35205633 PMCID: PMC8869992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. Surveys suggest that medicinal cannabis is popular amongst people diagnosed with cancer. CBD is one of the key constituents of cannabis, and does not have the potentially intoxicating effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other key phytocannabinoid has. Research indicates the CBD may have potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment. Preclinical research suggests CBD may address many of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Preclinical and clinical research also suggests some evidence of efficacy, alone or in some cases in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the other key phytocannabinoid in cannabis), in treating cancer-associated pain, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, and oral mucositis that are associated with cancer and/or its treatment. Studies also suggest that CBD may enhance orthodox treatments with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy and protect against neural and organ damage. CBD shows promise as part of an integrative approach to the management of cancer. Abstract The plant Cannabis sativa has been in use medicinally for several thousand years. It has over 540 metabolites thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Two of the key phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have potentially intoxicating effects. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and many of them are relevant to the management of cancer. In this article, we explore some of the potential mechanisms of action of CBD in cancer, and evidence of its efficacy in the integrative management of cancer including the side effects associated with its treatment, demonstrating its potential for integration with orthodox cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie O’Brien
- Adelaide Campus, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Releaf Group Ltd., St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
- International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, iccm.co, London N1 7GU, UK
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Iozzo M, Sgrignani G, Comito G, Chiarugi P, Giannoni E. Endocannabinoid System and Tumour Microenvironment: New Intertwined Connections for Anticancer Approaches. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123396. [PMID: 34943903 PMCID: PMC8699381 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is now recognised as a hallmark of cancer, since tumour:stroma crosstalk supports the key steps of tumour growth and progression. The dynamic co-evolution of the tumour and stromal compartments may alter the surrounding microenvironment, including the composition in metabolites and signalling mediators. A growing number of evidence reports the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in cancer. ECS is composed by a complex network of ligands, receptors, and enzymes, which act in synergy and contribute to several physiological but also pathological processes. Several in vitro and in vivo evidence show that ECS deregulation in cancer cells affects proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and metastatic potential. Although it is still an evolving research, recent experimental evidence also suggests that ECS can modulate the functional behaviour of several components of the TME, above all the immune cells, endothelial cells and stromal components. However, the role of ECS in the tumour:stroma interplay remains unclear and research in this area is particularly intriguing. This review aims to shed light on the latest relevant findings of the tumour response to ECS modulation, encouraging a more in-depth analysis in this field. Novel discoveries could be promising for novel anti-tumour approaches, targeting the microenvironmental components and the supportive tumour:stroma crosstalk, thereby hindering tumour development.
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Ramer R, Wittig F, Hinz B. The Endocannabinoid System as a Pharmacological Target for New Cancer Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225701. [PMID: 34830856 PMCID: PMC8616499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabinoids have been shown to suppress tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and to induce tumour cell apoptosis, autophagy and immune response. This review focuses on the current status of investigations on the impact of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes on tumour growth and spread in preclinical oncology research. Abstract Despite the long history of cannabinoid use for medicinal and ritual purposes, an endogenous system of cannabinoid-controlled receptors, as well as their ligands and the enzymes that synthesise and degrade them, was only discovered in the 1990s. Since then, the endocannabinoid system has attracted widespread scientific interest regarding new pharmacological targets in cancer treatment among other reasons. Meanwhile, extensive preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an inhibitory effect on tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induce tumour cell apoptosis and autophagy as well as immune response. Appropriate cannabinoid compounds could moreover be useful for cancer patients as potential combination partners with other chemotherapeutic agents to increase their efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. In addition to the direct activation of cannabinoid receptors through the exogenous application of corresponding agonists, another strategy is to activate these receptors by increasing the endocannabinoid levels at the corresponding pathological hotspots. Indeed, a number of studies accordingly showed an inhibitory effect of blockers of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) on tumour development and spread. This review summarises the relevant preclinical studies with FAAH and MAGL inhibitors compared to studies with cannabinoids and provides an overview of the regulation of the endocannabinoid system in cancer.
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Kyriakou I, Yarandi N, Polycarpou E. Efficacy of cannabinoids against glioblastoma multiforme: A systematic review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 88:153533. [PMID: 33812759 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increased incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive and most common primary brain tumour, is evident worldwide. Survival rates are reaching only 15 months due to its high recurrence and resistance to current combination therapies including oncotomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Light has been shed in the recent years on the anticancer properties of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa. OBJECTIVE To determine whether cannabinoids alone or in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy inhibit tumour progression, induce cancer cell death, inhibit metastasis and invasiveness and the mechanisms that underlie these actions. METHOD PubMed and Web of Science were used for a systemic search to find studies on the anticancer effects of natural cannabinoids on glioma cancer cells in vitro and/or in vivo. RESULTS A total of 302 papers were identified, of which 14 studies were found to fit the inclusion criteria. 5 studies were conducted in vitro, 2 in vivo and 7 were both in vivo and in vitro. 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and TMZ, 1 study examined CBD and radiation, 2 studies examined efficacy of THC only and 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD only. 1 study examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and radiotherapy, 2 studies examined the combination of CBD and THC and 2 more studies examined the efficacy of CBD and TMZ. CONCLUSION The evidence in this systematic review leads to the conclusion that cannabinoids possess anticancer potencies against glioma cells, however this effect varies with the combinations and dosages used. Studies so far were conducted on cells in culture and on mice as well as a small number of studies that were conducted on humans. Hence in order to have more accurate results, higher quality studies mainly including human clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessitated urgently for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismini Kyriakou
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Niousha Yarandi
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
| | - Elena Polycarpou
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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Molecular Mechanism of Cannabinoids in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073680. [PMID: 33916164 PMCID: PMC8037087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are a family of heterogeneous compounds that mostly interact with receptors eliciting several physiological effects both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in peripheral organs. They exert anticancer action by modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer progression; furthermore, the effects induced by their use depend on both the type of tumor and their action on the components of the endocannabinoid system. This review will explore the mechanism of action of the cannabinoids in signaling pathways involved in cancer proliferation, neovascularisation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis.
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Lee XC, Werner E, Falasca M. Molecular Mechanism of Autophagy and Its Regulation by Cannabinoids in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061211. [PMID: 33802014 PMCID: PMC7999886 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review examines the complex function of autophagy in malignancy and explores its regulation by cannabinoids in different cancers. Autophagy is an important process in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, through the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic constituents. The action of autophagy is highly dependent on tumour stage and type and the receptors with which ligands interact. Cannabinoids are growingly being acknowledged for their anticancer activities and are known to stimulate several mechanisms such as apoptosis and autophagy. Better understanding the mechanism of action behind autophagy and its regulation by cannabinoids will allow the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Abstract Autophagy is a “self-degradation” process whereby malfunctioned cytoplasmic constituents and protein aggregates are engulfed by a vesicle called the autophagosome, and subsequently degraded by the lysosome. Autophagy plays a crucial role in sustaining protein homeostasis and can be an alternative source of energy under detrimental circumstances. Studies have demonstrated a paradoxical function for autophagy in cancer, displaying both tumour suppressive and tumour promotive roles. In early phases of tumour development autophagy promotes cancer cell death. In later phases, autophagy enables cancer cells to survive and withstand therapy. Cannabinoids, which are derivatives of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, have shown to be associated with autophagy induction in cells. There is an emerging interest in studying the signalling pathways involved in cannabinoid-induced autophagy and their potential application in anticancer therapies. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the autophagy degradation process will be discussed. This review also highlights a role for autophagy in cancer progression, with cannabinoid-induced autophagy presenting a novel strategy for anticancer therapy.
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Synthetic Cannabinoids Induce Autophagy and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways in Human Glioblastoma Cells Independently of Deficiency in TP53 or PTEN Tumor Suppressors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030419. [PMID: 33499365 PMCID: PMC7865605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastomas (GBMs) are aggressive brain tumors with frequent genetic defects in TP53 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes, which render tumors refractory to standard chemotherapeutics. Natural and synthetic cannabinoids showed antitumor activity in glioma cells and animal glioma models. Due to differences in the expression of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2), which are abundant in GBMs but absent from a healthy brain, we tested synthetic cannabinoids for their ability to kill numerous glioma cells. We performed multiple biochemical analyses to determine which cell death pathways are activated in human glioma cells. We demonstrate high susceptibility of human glioblastoma cells to synthetic cannabinoids, despite genetic defects contributing to apoptosis resistance, which makes cannabinoids promising anti-glioma therapeutics. Abstract Glioblastomas (GBMs) are aggressive brain tumors with frequent genetic alterations in TP53 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes rendering resistance to standard chemotherapeutics. Cannabinoid type 1 and 2 (CB1/CB2) receptor expression in GBMs and antitumor activity of cannabinoids in glioma cells and animal models, raised promises for a targeted treatment of these tumors. The susceptibility of human glioma cells to CB2-agonists and their mechanism of action are not fully elucidated. We determined CB1 and CB2 expression in 14 low-grade and 21 high-grade tumor biopsies, GBM-derived primary cultures and established cell lines. The non-selective CB receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (but not its inactive enantiomer) or the CB2-selective agonist JWH133 induced apoptosis in patient-derived glioma cultures and five established glioma cell lines despite p53 and/or PTEN deficiency. Growth inhibitory efficacy of cannabinoids correlated with CB1/CB2 expression (EC50 WIN55,212-2: 7.36–15.70 µM, JWH133: 12.15–143.20 µM). Treatment with WIN55,212-2 or JWH133 led to activation of the apoptotic mitochondrial pathway and DNA fragmentation. Synthetic cannabinoid action was associated with the induction of autophagy and knockdown of autophagy genes augmented cannabinoid-induced apoptotic cell death. The high susceptibility of human glioblastoma cells to synthetic cannabinoids, despite genetic defects contributing to apoptosis resistance, makes cannabinoids promising anti-glioma therapeutics.
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21
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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22
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Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in combination cancer therapy. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 79:100774. [PMID: 33422460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa have been used for centuries for both medical and recreational purposes, as well as industrial. The first proof of its medicinal use comes from ancient China, although there is evidence of its earlier utilization in Europe and Asia. In the 19th century, European practitioners started to employ cannabis extracts to treat tetanus, convulsions, and mental diseases and, in 1851, cannabis made its appearance in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States as an analgesic, hypnotic and anticonvulsant. It was only in 1937 that the Marijuana Tax Act prohibited the use of this drug in the USA. The general term Cannabis is commonly used by the scientific and scholar community to indicate derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa. The word cannabinoid is a term describing chemical compounds that are either derivate of Cannabis (phytocannabinoids) or artificial analogues (synthetic) or are produced endogenously by the body (endocannabinoids). A more casual term "marijuana" or "weed", a compound derived from dried Cannabis flower tops and leaves, has progressively superseded the term cannabis when referred to its recreational use. The 2018 World health organisation (WHO) data suggest that nearly 2.5% of the global population (147 million) uses marijuana and some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, have already legalised it. Due to its controversial history, the medicinal use of cannabinoids has always been a centre of debate. The isolation and characterisation of Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis and the detection of two human cannabinoid receptor (CBRs) molecules renewed interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, boosting research and commercial heed in this sector. Some cannabinoid-based drugs have been approved as medications, mainly as antiemetic, antianorexic, anti-seizure remedies and in cancer and multiple sclerosis patients' palliative care. Nevertheless, due to the stigma commonly associated with these compounds, cannabinoids' potential in the treatment of conditions such as cancer is still largely unknown and therefore underestimated.
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The Role of Cannabinoids as Anticancer Agents in Pediatric Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010157. [PMID: 33466435 PMCID: PMC7796497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signaling pathway system involved in the regulation of multiple functions in both normal tissues and cancer. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are plant-derived cannabinoids that possess some efficacy against adult cancer, in part via modulation of the ECS, and may be less toxic agents compared to other treatments used in oncology. To date, there are minimal studies that have investigated these drugs in the pediatric cancer setting. Indeed, there are currently no preclinical or clinical studies examining the effects of cannabinoids in pediatric brain cancer, although there is some evidence that they can alleviate symptoms associated with childhood cancer therapy, such as vomiting and nausea. Given there is accumulating evidence that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with poor mental and cognitive health, there is a present and urgent need to investigate the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in pediatric oncology to provide guidance to families and physicians. Abstract Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that bind to receptors in the human body and, in turn, modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They can be endogenously produced, synthetic, or derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. Research over the past several decades has shown that the ECS is a cellular communication network essential to maintain multiple biological functions and the homeostasis of the body. Indeed, cannabinoids have been shown to influence a wide variety of biological effects, including memory, pain, reproduction, bone remodeling or immunity, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, given these broad physiological effects, alterations of the ECS have been found in different diseases, including cancer. In recent years, the medical use of cannabis has been approved in different countries for a variety of human conditions. However, the use of these compounds, specifically as anticancer agents, remains controversial. Studies have shown that cannabinoids do have anticancer activity in different tumor types such as breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and adult brain cancer. Specifically, phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of adult cancer cells, as well as modulate angiogenesis and metastasis. Despite increasing evidence that cannabinoids elicit antitumor effects in adult cancers, there is minimal data available on their effects in children or in pediatric cancers despite public and clinical demand for information. Here we describe a comprehensive and critical review of what is known about the effects of cannabinoids on pediatric cancers, highlight current gaps in knowledge and identify the critical issues that need addressing before considering these promising but controversial drugs for use in pediatric oncology.
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Moreno E, Cavic M, Krivokuca A, Canela EI. The Interplay between Cancer Biology and the Endocannabinoid System-Significance for Cancer Risk, Prognosis and Response to Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113275. [PMID: 33167409 PMCID: PMC7694406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The various components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), such as the cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), cannabinoid ligands, and the signalling network behind it, are implicated in several tumour-related states, both as favourable and unfavourable factors. This review analyses the ECS's complex involvement in the susceptibility to cancer, prognosis, and response to treatment, focusing on its relationship with cancer biology in selected solid cancers (breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, prostate cancer, thoracic, thyroid, CNS tumours, and melanoma). Changes in the expression and activation of CBRs, as well as their ability to form distinct functional heteromers affect the cell's tumourigenic potential and their signalling properties, leading to pharmacologically different outcomes. Thus, the same ECS component can exert both protective and pathogenic effects in different tumour subtypes, which are often pathologically driven by different biological factors. The use of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents, and the range of effects they might induce (cell death, regulation of angiogenesis, and invasion or anticancer immunity), depend in great deal on the tumour type and the specific ECS component that they target. Although an attractive target, the use of ECS components in anti-cancer treatment is still interlinked with many legal and ethical issues that need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (E.I.C.)
| | - Milena Cavic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.C.); (A.K.)
| | - Ana Krivokuca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.C.); (A.K.)
| | - Enric I. Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (E.I.C.)
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Hashemi M, Bashi S, Zali A. The expression level of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 in the different types of astrocytomas. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5461-5467. [PMID: 32623617 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05636-8] [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: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytomas, the most prevalent primary brain tumors, can be divided by histology and malignancy levels into four following types: pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I), diffuse fibrillary astrocytoma (grade II), anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III), and glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV). For high grade astrocytomas (grade III and grade IV), blood vessels formation is considered as the most important property. The distribution of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) in blood vessels and tumor tissue of astrocytoma is still controversial. Asrocytoma tissues were collected from 45 patients under the condition of tumor-related neurosurgical operation. The expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors was assessed using immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. The results indicated an increased expression of CB1 receptors in tumor tissue. There was a significant difference in the mount of CB2 receptors in blood vessels. More was observed in the grade III and glioblastoma (grade IV) than astrocytoma of grade II and control. This study suggested that, the expression increase of cannabinoid receptors is an index for astrocytoma malignancy and can be targeted as a therapeutic approach for the inhibition of astrocytoma growth among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoureh Hashemi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Hospital, Shahrdari St, Tajrish Square, Tehran, 1989934148, Iran.
| | - Senada Bashi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alireza Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Afrin F, Chi M, Eamens AL, Duchatel RJ, Douglas AM, Schneider J, Gedye C, Woldu AS, Dun MD. Can Hemp Help? Low-THC Cannabis and Non-THC Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12041033. [PMID: 32340151 PMCID: PMC7226605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12041033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of disease for thousands of years. However, social and political biases have limited effective interrogation of the potential benefits of cannabis and polarised public opinion. Further, the medicinal and clinical utility of cannabis is limited by the psychotropic side effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC). Evidence is emerging for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, with potential efficacy as an analgesic and antiemetic for the management of cancer-related pain and treatment-related nausea and vomiting, respectively. An increasing number of preclinical studies have established that ∆9-THC can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells through the modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), but clinical confirmation remains lacking. In parallel, the anti-cancer properties of non-THC cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are linked to the modulation of non-CB1R/CB2R G-protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptors, and ligand-regulated transcription factors, which together modulate oncogenic signalling and redox homeostasis. Additional evidence has also demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, and this may prove relevant in the context of peritumoural oedema and the tumour immune microenvironment. This review aims to document the emerging mechanisms of anti-cancer actions of non-THC cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Afrin
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Mengna Chi
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Ryan J. Duchatel
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Alicia M. Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Jennifer Schneider
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Craig Gedye
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Ameha S. Woldu
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Correspondence: (A.S.W.); (M.D.D.); Tel.: +61-02-4921-7807 (A.S.W.); +61-02-4921-5693 (M.D.D.)
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Correspondence: (A.S.W.); (M.D.D.); Tel.: +61-02-4921-7807 (A.S.W.); +61-02-4921-5693 (M.D.D.)
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Ellert-Miklaszewska A, Ciechomska IA, Kaminska B. Cannabinoid Signaling in Glioma Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1202:223-241. [PMID: 32034716 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30651-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are a group of structurally heterogeneous but pharmacologically related compounds, including plant-derived cannabinoids, synthetic substances and endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Cannabinoids elicit a wide range of central and peripheral effects mostly mediated through cannabinoid receptors. There are two types of specific Gi/o-protein-coupled receptors cloned so far, called CB1 and CB2, although an existence of additional cannabinoid-binding receptors has been suggested. CB1 and CB2 differ in their predicted amino acid sequence, tissue distribution, physiological role and signaling mechanisms. Significant alterations of a balance in the cannabinoid system between the levels of endogenous ligands and their receptors occur during malignant transformation in various types of cancer, including gliomas. Cannabinoids exert anti-proliferative action in tumor cells. Induction of cell death by cannabinoid treatment relies on the generation of a pro-apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide and disruption of signaling pathways crucial for regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. Increased ceramide levels lead also to ER-stress and autophagy in drug-treated glioblastoma cells. Beyond blocking of tumor cells proliferation cannabinoids inhibit invasiveness, angiogenesis and the stem cell-like properties of glioma cells, showing profound activity in the complex tumor microenvironment. Advances in translational research on cannabinoid signaling led to clinical investigations on the use of cannabinoids in treatments of glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ellert-Miklaszewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Iwona A Ciechomska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Cannabinoids and the expanded endocannabinoid system in neurological disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 16:9-29. [DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and the enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis and degradation constitute the endocannabinoid system. In recent decades, the endocannabinoid system has attracted considerable interest as a potential therapeutic target in numerous pathological conditions. Its involvement in several physiological processes is well known, such as in energy balance, appetite stimulation, blood pressure, pain modulation, embryogenesis, nausea and vomiting control, memory, learning and immune response, among others, as well as in pathological conditions where it exerts a protective role in the development of certain disorders. As a result, it has been reported that changes in endocannabinoid levels may be related to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as anorexia and irritable bowel syndrome. Alterations in the endocannabinoid system have also been associated with cancer, affecting the growth, migration and invasion of some tumours. Cannabinoids have been tested in several cancer types, including brain, breast and prostate cancers. Cannabinoids have shown promise as analgesics for the treatment of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. There is also evidence for a role of the endocannabinoid system in the control of emotional states, and cannabinoids could prove useful in decreasing and palliating post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and anxiolytic disorders. The role of the endocannabinoid system in addictions has also been examined, and cannabinoids have been postulated as alternative and co-adjuvant treatments in some abuse syndromes, mainly in ethanol and opioid abuses. The expression of the endocannabinoid system in the eye suggests that it could be a potential therapeutic target for eye diseases. Considering the importance of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in this vast number of medical conditions, several clinical studies with cannabinoid-based medications are ongoing. In addition, some cannabinoid-based medications have already been approved in various countries, including nabilone and dronabinol capsules for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, dronabinol capsules for anorexia, an oral solution of dronabinol for both vomiting associated with chemotherapy and anorexia, a Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol oromucosal spray for pain related to cancer and for spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis, and an oral solution of cannabidiol for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Here, we review the available efficacy, safety and tolerability data for cannabinoids in a range of medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Fraguas-Sánchez
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 , Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Torres-Suárez
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 , Madrid, Spain. .,Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 , Madrid, Spain.
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Ramer R, Schwarz R, Hinz B. Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Anticancer Strategy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:430. [PMID: 31143113 PMCID: PMC6520667 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in cancer development and possible options for a cancer-regressive effect of cannabinoids are controversially discussed. In recent decades, a number of preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an anticarcinogenic potential. Therefore, especially against the background of several legal simplifications with regard to the clinical application of cannabinoid-based drugs, an extended basic knowledge about the complex network of the individual components of the endocannabinoid system is required. The canonical endocannabinoid system consists of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol as well as the Gi/o protein-coupled transmembrane cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. As a result of extensive studies on the broader effect of these factors, other fatty acid derivatives, transmembrane and intracellular receptors, enzymes and lipid transporters have been identified that contribute to the effect of endocannabinoids when defined in the broad sense as “extended endocannabinoid system.” Among these additional components, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid-binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors such as GPR55, members of the transient receptor family, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors were identified as targets for possible strategies to combat cancer progression. Other endocannabinoid-related fatty acids such as 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether, O-arachidonoylethanolamine, N-arachidonoyldopamine and oleic acid amide showed an effect via cannabinoid receptors, while other compounds such as endocannabinoid-like substances exert a permissive action on endocannabinoid effects and act via alternative intracellular target structures. This review gives an overview of the modulation of the extended endocannabinoid system using the example of anticancer cannabinoid effects, which have been described in detail in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Hohmann T, Feese K, Ghadban C, Dehghani F, Grabiec U. On the influence of cannabinoids on cell morphology and motility of glioblastoma cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212037. [PMID: 30753211 PMCID: PMC6372232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms behind the anti-tumoral effects of cannabinoids by impacting the migratory activity of tumor cells are only partially understood. Previous studies demonstrated that cannabinoids altered the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in various cell types. As actin is one of the main contributors to cell motility and is postulated to be linked to tumor invasion, we tested the following hypothesizes: 1) Can cannabinoids alter cell motility in a cannabinoid receptor dependent manner? 2) Are these alterations associated with reorganizations in the actin cytoskeleton? 3) If so, what are the underlying molecular mechanisms? Three different glioblastoma cell lines were treated with specific cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 agonists and antagonists. Afterwards, we measured changes in cell motility using live cell imaging and alterations of the actin structure in fixed cells. Additionally, the protein amount of phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), focal adhesion kinases (FAK) and phosphorylated FAK (pFAK) over time were measured. Cannabinoids induced changes in cell motility, morphology and actin organization in a receptor and cell line dependent manner. No significant changes were observed in the analyzed signaling molecules. Cannabinoids can principally induce changes in the actin cytoskeleton and motility of glioblastoma cell lines. Additionally, single cell motility of glioblastoma is independent of their morphology. Furthermore, the observed effects seem to be independent of p44/42 MAPK and pFAK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hohmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Feese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Aparicio-Blanco J, Sebastián V, Benoit JP, Torres-Suárez AI. Lipid nanocapsules decorated and loaded with cannabidiol as targeted prolonged release carriers for glioma therapy: In vitro screening of critical parameters. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 134:126-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Hinz B, Ramer R. Anti-tumour actions of cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1384-1394. [PMID: 30019449 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has emerged as an important target for the treatment of many diverse diseases. In addition to the well-established palliative effects of cannabinoids in cancer therapy, phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid compounds and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation have attracted attention as possible systemic anticancer drugs. Results emerging from preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids elicit effects at different levels of cancer progression, including inhibition of proliferation, neovascularization, invasion and chemoresistance, induction of apoptosis and autophagy as well as enhancement of tumour immune surveillance. Although the clinical use of cannabinoid receptor ligands is limited by their psychoactivity, non-psychoactive compounds, such as cannabidiol, have gained attention due to preclinically established anticancer properties and a favourable risk-to-benefit profile. Thus, cannabinoids may complement the currently used collection of chemotherapeutic agents, as a broadly diversified option for cancer treatment, while counteracting some of their severe side effects. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Fraguas‐Sánchez AI, Martín‐Sabroso C, Torres‐Suárez AI. Insights into the effects of the endocannabinoid system in cancer: a review. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2566-2580. [PMID: 29663308 PMCID: PMC6003657 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the endocannabinoid system has attracted a great deal of interest in terms of its applications to clinical medicine. In particular, its applications in cancer probably represent one of the therapeutic areas with most promise. On the one hand, expression of the endocannabinoid system is altered in numerous types of tumours, compared to healthy tissue, and this aberrant expression has been related to cancer prognosis and disease outcome, suggesting a role of this system in tumour growth and progression that depends on cancer type. On the other hand, cannabinoids exert an anticancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation, migration and/or invasion of cancer cells and also tumour angiogenesis. However, some cannabinoids, at lower concentrations, may increase tumour proliferation, inducing cancer growth. Enough data has been provided to consider the endocannabinoid system as a new therapeutic target in cancer, although further studies to fully establish the effect of cannabinoids on tumour progression are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Fraguas‐Sánchez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
| | - Cristina Martín‐Sabroso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Torres‐Suárez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
- Institute of Industrial PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
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Dumitru CA, Sandalcioglu IE, Karsak M. Cannabinoids in Glioblastoma Therapy: New Applications for Old Drugs. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:159. [PMID: 29867351 PMCID: PMC5964193 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and one of the deadliest types of solid cancer overall. Despite aggressive therapeutic approaches consisting of maximum safe surgical resection and radio-chemotherapy, more than 95% of GBM patients die within 5 years after diagnosis. Thus, there is still an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies against this disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that cannabinoids have potent anti-tumor functions and might be used successfully in the treatment of GBM. This review article summarizes the latest findings on the molecular effects of cannabinoids on GBM, both in vitro and in (pre-) clinical studies in animal models and patients. The therapeutic effect of cannabinoids is based on reduction of tumor growth via inhibition of tumor proliferation and angiogenesis but also via induction of tumor cell death. Additionally, cannabinoids were shown to inhibit the invasiveness and the stem cell-like properties of GBM tumors. Recent phase II clinical trials indicated positive results regarding the survival of GBM patients upon cannabinoid treatment. Taken together these findings underline the importance of elucidating the full pharmacological effectiveness and the molecular mechanisms of the cannabinoid system in GBM pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Dumitru
- Department of Neurosurgery, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Nordstadt Hospital Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - I Erol Sandalcioglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Nordstadt Hospital Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meliha Karsak
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Schwarz R, Ramer R, Hinz B. Targeting the endocannabinoid system as a potential anticancer approach. Drug Metab Rev 2018; 50:26-53. [PMID: 29390896 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1428344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is currently under intense investigation due to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as treatment options for a broad variety of diseases including cancer. Besides the canonical endocannabinoid system that includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, recent investigations suggest that other fatty acid derivatives, receptors, enzymes, and lipid transporters likewise orchestrate this system as components of the endocannabinoid system when defined as an extended signaling network. As such, fatty acids acting at cannabinoid receptors (e.g. 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether [noladin ether], N-arachidonoyldopamine) as well as endocannabinoid-like substances that do not elicit cannabinoid receptor activation (e.g. N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine) have raised interest as anticancerogenic substances. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors, members of the transient receptor potential family as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been considered as targets of antitumoral cannabinoid activity. Therefore, this review focused on the antitumorigenic effects induced upon modulation of this extended endocannabinoid network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schwarz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
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Ramer R, Hinz B. Cannabinoids as Anticancer Drugs. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:397-436. [PMID: 28826542 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system encompassing cannabinoid receptors, endogenous receptor ligands (endocannabinoids), as well as enzymes conferring the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids has emerged as a considerable target for pharmacotherapeutical approaches of numerous diseases. Besides palliative effects of cannabinoids used in cancer treatment, phytocannabinoids, synthetic agonists, as well as substances that increase endogenous endocannabinoid levels have gained interest as potential agents for systemic cancer treatment. Accordingly, cannabinoid compounds have been reported to inhibit tumor growth and spreading in numerous rodent models. The underlying mechanisms include induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest in tumor cells as well as inhibition of tumor cell invasion and angiogenic features of endothelial cells. In addition, cannabinoids have been shown to suppress epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, to enhance tumor immune surveillance, and to support chemotherapeutics' effects on drug-resistant cancer cells. However, unwanted side effects include psychoactivity and possibly pathogenic effects on liver health. Other cannabinoids such as the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol exert a comparatively good safety profile while exhibiting considerable anticancer properties. So far experience with anticarcinogenic effects of cannabinoids is confined to in vitro studies and animal models. Although a bench-to-bedside conversion remains to be established, the current knowledge suggests cannabinoid compounds to serve as a group of drugs that may offer significant advantages for patients suffering from cancer diseases. The present review summarizes the role of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid compounds in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
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Hohmann T, Grabiec U, Ghadban C, Feese K, Dehghani F. The influence of biomechanical properties and cannabinoids on tumor invasion. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11:54-67. [PMID: 27149140 PMCID: PMC5308229 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1183867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids are known to have an anti-tumorous effect, but the underlying mechanisms are only sparsely understood. Mechanical characteristics of tumor cells represent a promising marker to distinguish between tumor cells and the healthy tissue. We tested the hypothesis whether cannabinoids influence the tumor cell specific mechanical and migratory properties and if these factors are a prognostic marker for the invasiveness of tumor cells. METHODS 3 different glioblastoma cell lines were treated with cannabinoids and changes of mechanical and migratory properties of single cells were measured using atomic force microscopy and time lapse imaging. The invasiveness of cell lines was determined using a co-culture model with organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. RESULTS We found that cannabinoids are capable of influencing migratory and mechanical properties in a cell line specific manner. A network analysis revealed a correlation between a "generalized stiffness" and the invasiveness for all tumor cell lines after 3 and 4 d of invasion time: r3d = -0.88 [-0.52;-0.97]; r4d = -0.90 [-0.59;-0.98]. CONCLUSIONS Here we could show that a "generalized stiffness" is a profound marker for the invasiveness of a tumor cell population in our model and thus might be of high clinical relevance for drug testing. Additionally cannabinoids were shown to be of potential use for therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Feese
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Vijayakumar S, Manogar P, Prabhu S. Potential therapeutic targets and the role of technology in developing novel cannabinoid drugs from cyanobacteria. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:362-371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Pyszniak M, Tabarkiewicz J, Łuszczki JJ. Endocannabinoid system as a regulator of tumor cell malignancy - biological pathways and clinical significance. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:4323-36. [PMID: 27486335 PMCID: PMC4958360 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises cannabinoid receptors (CBs), endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes responsible for their synthesis, transport, and degradation of (endo)cannabinoids. To date, two CBs, CB1 and CB2, have been characterized; however, orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR55 has been suggested to be the third putative CB. Several different types of cancer present abnormal expression of CBs, as well as other components of ECS, and this has been shown to correlate with the clinical outcome. Although most effects of (endo)cannabinoids are mediated through stimulation of classical CBs, they also interact with several molecules, either prosurvival or proapoptotic molecules. It should be noted that the mode of action of exogenous cannabinoids differs significantly from that of endocannabinoid and results from the studies on their activity both in vivo and in vitro could not be easily compared. This review highlights the main signaling pathways involved in the antitumor activity of cannabinoids and the influence of their activation on cancer cell biology. We also discuss changes in the expression pattern of the ECS in various cancer types that have an impact on disease progression and patient survival. A growing amount of experimental data imply possible exploitation of cannabinoids in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyszniak
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów; Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa
| | - Jacek Tabarkiewicz
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów
| | - Jarogniew J Łuszczki
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin; Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland
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Ciaglia E, Torelli G, Pisanti S, Picardi P, D'Alessandro A, Laezza C, Malfitano AM, Fiore D, Pagano Zottola AC, Proto MC, Catapano G, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 regulates STAT3 activity and its expression dictates the responsiveness to SR141716 treatment in human glioma patients' cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:15464-81. [PMID: 26008966 PMCID: PMC4558164 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we show that a majority of human brain tumor samples and cell lines over-expressed cannabinoid receptor CB1 as compared to normal human astrocytes (NHA), while uniformly expressed low levels of CB2. This finding prompted us to investigate the therapeutic exploitation of CB1 inactivation by SR141716 treatment, with regard to its direct and indirect cell-mediated effects against gliomas. Functional studies, using U251MG glioma cells and primary tumor cell lines derived from glioma patients expressing different levels of CB1, highlighted SR141716 efficacy in inducing apoptosis via G1 phase stasis and block of TGF-β1 secretion through a mechanism that involves STAT3 inhibition. According to the multivariate role of STAT3 in the immune escape too, interestingly SR141716 lead also to the functional and selective expression of MICA/B on the surface of responsive malignant glioma cells, but not on NHA. This makes SR141716 treated-glioma cells potent targets for allogeneic NK cell-mediated recognition through a NKG2D restricted mechanism, thus priming them for NK cell antitumor reactivity. These results indicate that CB1 and STAT3 participate in a new oncogenic network in the complex biology of glioma and their expression levels in patients dictate the efficacy of the CB1 antagonist SR141716 in multimodal glioma destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy.,Neurosurgery Unit A.O. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d' Aragona - Salerno's School of Medicine, Largo Città di Ippocrate, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alba D'Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Catapano
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 mediated cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer by promoting ceramide synthesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19665. [PMID: 26813308 PMCID: PMC4728559 DOI: 10.1038/srep19665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) has been found to effectively suppress tumor cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in numerous neoplastic lesions. However, mechanism underlying SCD1-mediated anti-tumor effect has maintained unclear. Herein, we reported endo-lipid messenger ceramides played a critical role in tumor fate modulated by SCD1 inhibition. In vitro study in colorectal cancer cells demonstrated inhibition of SCD1 activity promoted apoptosis attributed to mitochondria dysfunctions, upregulation of reaction oxygen species (ROS), alteration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and translocation of mitochondrial protein cytochrome C. While these effects were mediated by intracellular ceramide signals through induction of ceramide biosynthesis, rather than exclusive SFA accumulation. In vivo study in xenograft colorectal cancer mice showed pharmacologic administration of SCD1 inhibitor A939 significantly delayed tumor growth, which was reversed by L-cycloserine, an inhibitor of ceramide biosynthesis. These results depicted the cross-talk of SCD1-mediated lipid pathway and endo-ceramide biosynthesis pathway, indicating roles of ceramide signals in SCD1-mediated anti-tumor property.
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Velasco G, Hernández-Tiedra S, Dávila D, Lorente M. The use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 64:259-66. [PMID: 26071989 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is well-established that cannabinoids exert palliative effects on some cancer-associated symptoms. In addition evidences obtained during the last fifteen years support that these compounds can reduce tumor growth in animal models of cancer. Cannabinoids have been shown to activate an ER-stress related pathway that leads to the stimulation of autophagy-mediated cancer cell death. In addition, cannabinoids inhibit tumor angiogenesis and decrease cancer cell migration. The mechanisms of resistance to cannabinoid anticancer action as well as the possible strategies to develop cannabinoid-based combinational therapies to fight cancer have also started to be explored. In this review we will summarize these observations (that have already helped to set the bases for the development of the first clinical studies to investigate the potential clinical benefit of using cannabinoids in anticancer therapies) and will discuss the possible future avenues of research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain.
| | - Sonia Hernández-Tiedra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain
| | - David Dávila
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain
| | - Mar Lorente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain
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Potential analgesic effects of a novel N-acylethanolamine acid amidase inhibitor F96 through PPAR-α. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13565. [PMID: 26310614 PMCID: PMC4550851 DOI: 10.1038/srep13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological blockade of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) activity is an available approach for inflammation and pain control through restoring the ability of endogenous PEA. But the recently reported NAAA inhibitors suffer from the chemical and biological unstable properties, which restrict functions of NAAA inhibition in vivo. It is still unrevealed whether systematic inhibition of NAAA could modulate PEA-mediated pain signalings. Here we reported an oxazolidinone imide compound 3-(6-phenylhexanoyl) oxazolidin-2-one (F96), which potently and selectively inhibited NAAA activity (IC50 = 270 nM). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of F96 (3–30 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced ear edema and restored PEA levels of ear tissues in 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced ear edema models. Furthermore, F96 inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing and increased spared nerve injury induced tactile allodynia thresholds in a dose-dependent manner. Pharmacological effects of F96 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on various animal models were abolished in PPAR-α−/− mice, and were prevented by PPAR-α antagonist MK886 but not by canabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist Rimonabant nor canabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) antagonist SR144528. Zebrafish embryos experiments showed better security and lower toxicity for F96 than ibuprofen. These results revealed that F96 might be useful in treating inflammatory and neuropathic pain by NAAA inhibition depending on PPAR-α receptors.
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Chen L, Chen H, Li Y, Li L, Qiu Y, Ren J. Endocannabinoid and ceramide levels are altered in patients with colorectal cancer. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:447-54. [PMID: 25975960 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids and ceramides have demonstrated growth inhibition, cell death induction and pro-apoptotic activity in cancer research. In the present study, we describe the profiles of two major endocannabinoids, ceramides, free fatty acids and relevant metabolic enzymes in 47 pairs of human colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Among them, anandamide (AEA) and its metabolite, arachidonic acid (AA), were markedly upregulated in cancer tissues particularly in those with lymphatic metastasis. The levels of C16 and C24 ceramides were significantly elevated in the colorectal tumor tissues, while levels of C18 and C20 ceramides showed opposite trends. Levels of two enzymes participating in the biosynthesis and degradation of AEA, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NPLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), together with the most abundant ceramide synthases (CerS1, CerS2, CerS5 and CerS6) in the colon were also determined. Quantitative-PCR analysis indicated that the mRNA levels of these enzymes were overexpressed in the tumor tissues. The activities of NPLD and FAAH were also upregulated. In addition, both gene and protein expression levels of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) were elevated but not of CB2. Elevation of AEA and alteration of ceramides (C16, C24, C18, C20) may qualify as potential endogenous biomarkers and novel drug targets for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
| | - Huixia Chen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
| | - Yanting Li
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P.R. China
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Shao W, Gu J, Huang C, Liu D, Huang H, Huang Z, Lin Z, Yang W, Liu K, Lin D, Ji T. Malignancy-associated metabolic profiling of human glioma cell lines using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:197. [PMID: 25163530 PMCID: PMC4158044 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambiguity in malignant transformation of glioma has made prognostic diagnosis very challenging. Tumor malignant transformation is closely correlated with specific alterations of the metabolic profile. Exploration of the underlying metabolic alterations in glioma cells of different malignant degree is therefore vital to develop metabolic biomarkers for prognosis monitoring. METHODS We conducted (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic analysis on cell lines (CHG5, SHG44, U87, U118, U251) developed from gliomas of different malignant grades (WHO II and WHO IV). Several methods were applied to analyze the (1)H-NMR spectral data of polar extracts of cell lines and to identify characteristic metabolites, including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structure with discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The expression analyses of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and matrix metal proteinases (MMP-9) were used to assess malignant behaviors of cell lines. GeneGo pathway analysis was used to associate characteristic metabolites with malignant behavior protein markers GFAP and MMP-9. RESULTS Stable and distinct metabolic profiles of the five cell lines were obtained. The metabolic profiles of the low malignancy grade group (CHG5, SHG44) were clearly distinguished from those of the high malignancy grade group (U87, U118, U251). Seventeen characteristic metabolites were identified that could distinguish the metabolic profiles of the two groups, nine of which were mapped to processes related to GFAP and MMP-9. Furthermore, the results from both quantitative comparison and metabolic correlation analysis indicated that the significantly altered metabolites were primarily involved in perturbation of metabolic pathways of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle anaplerotic flux, amino acid metabolism, anti-oxidant mechanism and choline metabolism, which could be correlated with the changes in the glioma cells' malignant behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the metabolic heterogeneity of glioma cell lines with different degrees of malignancy. The obtained metabolic profiles and characteristic metabolites are closely associated with the malignant features of glioma cells, which may lay the basis for both determining the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma malignant transformation and exploiting non-invasive biomarkers for prognosis monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donghai Lin
- Chenggong Hospital and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
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Fève M, Saliou JM, Zeniou M, Lennon S, Carapito C, Dong J, Van Dorsselaer A, Junier MP, Chneiweiss H, Cianférani S, Haiech J, Kilhoffer MC. Comparative expression study of the endo-G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) repertoire in human glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells, U87-MG cells and non malignant cells of neural origin unveils new potential therapeutic targets. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91519. [PMID: 24662753 PMCID: PMC3963860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive, invasive brain tumors with bad prognosis and unmet medical need. These tumors are heterogeneous being constituted by a variety of cells in different states of differentiation. Among these, cells endowed with stem properties, tumor initiating/propagating properties and particularly resistant to chemo- and radiotherapies are designed as the real culprits for tumor maintenance and relapse after treatment. These cells, termed cancer stem-like cells, have been designed as prominent targets for new and more efficient cancer therapies. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a family of membrane receptors, play a prominent role in cell signaling, cell communication and crosstalk with the microenvironment. Their role in cancer has been highlighted but remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a descriptive study of the differential expression of the endo-GPCR repertoire in human glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells (GSCs), U-87 MG cells, human astrocytes and fetal neural stem cells (f-NSCs). The endo-GPCR transcriptome has been studied using Taqman Low Density Arrays. Of the 356 GPCRs investigated, 138 were retained for comparative studies between the different cell types. At the transcriptomic level, eight GPCRs were specifically expressed/overexpressed in GSCs. Seventeen GPCRs appeared specifically expressed in cells with stem properties (GSCs and f-NSCs). Results of GPCR expression at the protein level using mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis are also presented. The comparative GPCR expression study presented here gives clues for new pathways specifically used by GSCs and unveils novel potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fève
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Michel Saliou
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, UMR7178, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Maria Zeniou
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Sarah Lennon
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, UMR7178, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, UMR7178, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jihu Dong
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Alain Van Dorsselaer
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, UMR7178, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Junier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Chneiweiss
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, UMR7178, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacques Haiech
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Claude Kilhoffer
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
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