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Miranda-Cortés A, Mota-Rojas D, Crosignani-Outeda N, Casas-Alvarado A, Martínez-Burnes J, Olmos-Hernández A, Mora-Medina P, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Hernández-Ávalos I. The role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in companion animals. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1050884. [PMID: 36686189 PMCID: PMC9848446 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1050884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabinoids in both veterinary and human medicine is controversial for legal and ethical reasons. Nonetheless, the availability and therapeutic use of naturally occurring or synthetic phytocannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabidiol and cannabidiol, have been the focus of attention in studies regarding their medical uses. This review aims to examine the role of cannabinoids in pain modulation by analyzing scientific findings regarding the signaling pathways of the endocannabinoid system and discussing the analgesic effects of synthetic cannabinoids compared to cannabinoid extracts and the extent and involvement of their receptors. In animals, studies have shown the analgesic properties of these substances and the role of the cannabinoid binding -1 (CB1) and cannabinoid binding -2 (CB2) receptors in the endocannabinoid system to modulate acute, chronic and neuropathic pain. This system consists of three main components: endogenous ligands (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), G protein-coupled receptors and enzymes that degrade and recycle the ligands. Evidence suggests that their interaction with CB1 receptors inhibits signaling in pain pathways and causes psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic reactions and effects on the immune system. Cannabis extracts and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic tool that contributes to compassionate pain care and participates in its multimodal management. However, the endocannabinoid system interacts with different endogenous ligands and neurotransmitters, thus offering other therapeutic possibilities in dogs and cats, such is the case of those patients who suffer from seizures or epilepsy, contact and atopic dermatitis, degenerative myelopathies, asthma, diabetes and glaucoma, among other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, these compounds have been shown to possess antineoplastic, appetite-stimulating, and antiemetic properties. Ultimately, the study of the endocannabinoid system, its ligands, receptors, mechanism of action, and signaling, has contributed to the development of research that shows that hemp-derived and their synthetic derivatives are an effective therapeutic alternative in the multimodal management of pain in dogs and cats due to their ability to prevent peripheral and central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Miranda-Cortés
- Department of Biological Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico,*Correspondence: Daniel Mota-Rojas ✉
| | - Nadia Crosignani-Outeda
- Department of Clinics and Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary, University of Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Department Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Calzada México Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Livestock Science Department, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Department Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Calzada México Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Department of Biological Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Mexico City, Mexico,Ismael Hernández-Ávalos ✉
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Cannabinoid Compounds as a Pharmacotherapeutic Option for the Treatment of Non-Cancer Skin Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244102. [PMID: 36552866 PMCID: PMC9777118 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244102] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in various skin functions, such as melanogenesis and the maintenance of redox balance in skin cells exposed to UV radiation, as well as barrier functions, sebaceous gland activity, wound healing and the skin's immune response. In addition to the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer, cannabinoid compounds and derivatives are of interest as potential systemic and topical applications for the treatment of various inflammatory, fibrotic and pruritic skin conditions. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a therapeutic option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, asteatotic and atopic eczema, uraemic pruritis, scalp psoriasis, systemic sclerosis and venous leg ulcers. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential medicines for the treatment of skin diseases.
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Fallahi S, Bobak Ł, Opaliński S. Hemp in Animal Diets—Cannabidiol. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192541. [PMID: 36230282 PMCID: PMC9559627 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, interest in hemp use has grown owing to its chemical and medicinal properties. Several parts of this plant, such as seeds, leaves, flowers, and stems are used in medicine, industry, and environmental preservation. Although there were legal restrictions on hemp exploitation in some countries due to the trace presence of THC as a psychoactive element, many countries have legalized it in recent years. Cannabidiol or CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that can activate the endocannabinoid system and its receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system in bodies of different species. Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, analgesic, and anti-depressant effects. This review investigates various aspects of cannabidiol use and its potential in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Fallahi
- Department of Environmental Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Łukasz Bobak
- Department of Functional Food Products Development, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sebastian Opaliński
- Department of Environmental Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
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della Rocca G, Re G. Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides for Small Animal Health: State of the Art. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091186. [PMID: 36139024 PMCID: PMC9496254 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ALIAmides are a family of fatty acid amides whose name comes from their mechanism of action, i.e., the Autacoid Local Injury Antagonism (ALIA). Actually, the ALIAmide parent molecule, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), is locally produced on demand from a cell membrane precursor in order to control immune-inflammatory cell responses, avert chronic non-resolving inflammation, and limit the resulting clinical signs. ALIAmide sister compounds, such as Adelmidrol and palmitoylglucosamine, share mechanisms of action with PEA and may also increase endogenous levels of PEA. Provided that their respective bioavailability is properly addressed (e.g., through decreasing the particle size through micronization), exogenously administered ALIAmides thus mimic or sustain the prohomeostatic functions of endogenous PEA. The aim of the present paper is to review the main findings on the use of ALIAmides in small animals as a tribute to the man of vision who first believed in this “according-to-nature” approach, namely Francesco della Valle. After briefly presenting some key issues on the molecular targets, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of PEA and related ALIAmides, here we will focus on the preclinical and clinical studies performed in dogs and cats. Although more data are still needed, ALIAmides may represent a novel and promising approach to small animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia della Rocca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giovanni Re
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
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Kupczyk P, Rykala M, Serek P, Pawlak A, Slowikowski B, Holysz M, Chodaczek G, Madej JP, Ziolkowski P, Niedzwiedz A. The cannabinoid receptors system in horses: Tissue distribution and cellular identification in skin. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1508-1524. [PMID: 35801813 PMCID: PMC9308437 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CBR1) and type 2 (CBR2), cannabinoid-based ligands (endogenous chemically synthesized phytocannabinoids), and endogenous enzymes controlling their concentrations. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been identified in invertebrates and in almost all vertebrate species in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in immune cells, where they control neuroimmune homeostasis. In humans, rodents, dogs, and cats, CBRs expression has been confirmed in the skin, and their expression and tissue distribution become disordered in pathological conditions. Cannabinoid receptors may be a possible therapeutic target in skin diseases. OBJECTIVES To characterize the distribution and cellular expression of CBRs in the skin of horses under normal conditions. ANIMALS Fifteen healthy horses. METHODS Using full-thickness skin punch biopsy samples, skin-derived primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal-derived cells, we performed analysis of Cnr1 and Cnr2 genes using real-time PCR and CBR1 and CBR2 protein expression by confocal microscopy and Western blotting. RESULTS Normal equine skin, including equine epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast-like cells, all exhibited constant gene and protein expression of CBRs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our results represent a starting point for developing and translating new veterinary medicine-based pharmacotherapies using ECS as a possible target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kupczyk
- Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Rykala
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Serek
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Slowikowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Holysz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Chodaczek
- Bioimaging Laboratory, Lukasiewicz Research Network - PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jan P Madej
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Ziolkowski
- Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Artur Niedzwiedz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Polidoro G, Galiazzo G, Giancola F, Papadimitriou S, Kouki M, Sabattini S, Rigillo A, Chiocchetti R. Expression of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in the oral mucosa of healthy cats and cats with chronic gingivostomatitis. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:679-691. [PMID: 33174485 PMCID: PMC10812186 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20970510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is an oral disease. Cats with FCGS experience intense oral pain. Some cats remain refractory to current therapies based on dental extraction and adjuvant medical treatment; it is therefore necessary to investigate alternative therapeutic targets involved in inflammatory mechanisms and pain, namely the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The present study investigated the expression of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), and cannabinoid-related receptors G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and serotonin 1a receptor (5-HT1aR), in the oral mucosa of healthy cats to determine whether there was altered expression and distribution in cats with FCGS. METHODS Samples of caudal oral mucosa were collected from eight control cats (CTRL cats) and from eight cats with FCGS (FCGS cats). Tissue samples were processed using an immunofluorescence assay with cat-specific antibodies, and the immunolabelling of the receptors studied was semiquantitatively evaluated. RESULTS The mucosal epithelium of the CTRL cats showed CB1R, TRPA1 and 5-HT1aR immunoreactivity (IR), while CB2R and GPR55 IR were generally not expressed. In the CTRL cats, the subepithelial inflammatory cells expressed CB2R, GPR55 and 5-HT1aR IR. In the FCGS cats, all the receptors studied were markedly upregulated in the epithelium and inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors are widely expressed in the oral mucosa of healthy cats and are upregulated during the course of FCGS. The presence of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in healthy tissues suggests the possible role of the ECS in the homeostasis of the feline oral mucosa, while their overexpression in the inflamed tissues of FCGS cats suggests the involvement of the ECS in the pathogenesis of this disease, with a possible role in the related inflammation and pain. Based on the present findings, ECS could be considered a potential therapeutic target for patients with FCGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Polidoro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgia Galiazzo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorella Giancola
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serafeim Papadimitriou
- Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Kouki
- Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Silvia Sabattini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Rigillo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiocchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (UNI EN ISO 9001:2008), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Mercer MA, Davis JL. Cannabinoids in veterinary medicine: Is there evidence to support the trend? EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Mercer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Blacksburg Virginia USA
| | - J. L. Davis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Blacksburg Virginia USA
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della Rocca G, Gamba D. Chronic Pain in Dogs and Cats: Is There Place for Dietary Intervention with Micro-Palmitoylethanolamide? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:952. [PMID: 33805489 PMCID: PMC8065429 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040952] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic pain is an integral challenge of small animal veterinary practitioners. Multiple pharmacological agents are usually employed to treat maladaptive pain including opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others. In order to limit adverse effects and tolerance development, they are often combined with non-pharmacologic measures such as acupuncture and dietary interventions. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-neuronal cells such as mast cells and microglia play active roles in the pathogenesis of maladaptive pain. Accordingly, these cells are currently viewed as potential new targets for managing chronic pain. Palmitoylethanolamide is an endocannabinoid-like compound found in several food sources and considered a body's own analgesic. The receptor-dependent control of non-neuronal cells mediates the pain-relieving effect of palmitoylethanolamide. Accumulating evidence shows the anti-hyperalgesic effect of supplemented palmitoylethanolamide, especially in the micronized and co-micronized formulations (i.e., micro-palmitoylethanolamide), which allow for higher bioavailability. In the present paper, the role of non-neuronal cells in pain signaling is discussed and a large number of studies on the effect of palmitoylethanolamide in inflammatory and neuropathic chronic pain are reviewed. Overall, available evidence suggests that there is place for micro-palmitoylethanolamide in the dietary management of chronic pain in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia della Rocca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Gamba
- Operational Unit of Anesthesia, Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Roma, Italy;
- Freelance, DG Vet Pain Therapy, 24124 Bergamo, Italy
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Della Rocca G, Di Salvo A. Hemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:387. [PMID: 32850997 PMCID: PMC7399642 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is an angiosperm plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. Its cultivation dates back to centuries. It has always been cultivated due to the possibility of exploiting almost all the parts of the plant: paper, fabrics, ropes, bio-compounds with excellent insulating capacity, fuel, biodegradable plastic, antibacterial detergents, and food products, such as flour, oils, seeds, herbal teas, and beer, are indeed obtained from hemp. Hemp flowers have also always been used for their curative effects, as well as for recreational purposes due to their psychotropic effects. Cannabis contains almost 500 chemical compounds, such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and macro-, and micro-elements, among others. When utilized as a food source, hemp shows excellent nutritional and health-promoting (nutraceutical) properties, mainly due to the high content in polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially those belonging to the ω-3 series), as well as in phenolic compounds, which seem effective in the prevention of common diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and others. Moreover, hemp oil and other oils (i.e., olive oil and medium-chain triglyceride–MCT–oil) enriched in CBD, as well as extracts from hemp dried flowers (Cannabis extracts), are authorized in some countries for therapeutic purposes as a second-choice approach (when conventional therapies have failed) for a certain number of clinical conditions such as pain and inflammation, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, nausea, emesis, and anorexia, among others. The present review will synthetize the beneficial properties of hemp and hemp derivatives in animal nutrition and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Della Rocca
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Salvo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides: Prohomeostatic Lipid Compounds for Animal Health and Wellbeing. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7020078. [PMID: 32560159 PMCID: PMC7355440 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtually every cellular process is affected by diet and this represents the foundation of dietary management to a variety of small animal disorders. Special attention is currently being paid to a family of naturally occurring lipid amides acting through the so-called autacoid local injury antagonism, i.e., the ALIA mechanism. The parent molecule of ALIAmides, palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA), has being known since the 1950s as a nutritional factor with protective properties. Since then, PEA has been isolated from a variety of plant and animal food sources and its proresolving function in the mammalian body has been increasingly investigated. The discovery of the close interconnection between ALIAmides and the endocannabinoid system has greatly stimulated research efforts in this field. The multitarget and highly redundant mechanisms through which PEA exerts prohomeostatic functions fully breaks with the classical pharmacology view of “one drug, one target, one disease”, opening a new era in the management of animals’ health, i.e., an according-to-nature biomodulation of body responses to different stimuli and injury. The present review focuses on the direct and indirect endocannabinoid receptor agonism by PEA and its analogues and also targets the main findings from experimental and clinical studies on ALIAmides in animal health and wellbeing.
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Localization of cannabinoid and cannabinoid related receptors in the cat gastrointestinal tract. Histochem Cell Biol 2020; 153:339-356. [PMID: 32095931 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of literature indicates that activation of cannabinoid receptors may exert beneficial effects on gastrointestinal inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity. The present study aimed to immunohistochemically investigate the distribution of the canonical cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CB1R) and CB2 (CB2R) and the putative cannabinoid receptors G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and serotonin receptor 5-HT1a 5-HT1aR) in tissue samples of the gastrointestinal tract of the cat. CB1R-immunoreactivity (CB1R-IR) was observed in gastric epithelial cells, intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and goblet cells, lamina propria mast cells (MCs), and enteric neurons. CB2R-IR was expressed by EECs, enterocytes, and macrophages. GPR55-IR was expressed by EECs, macrophages, immunocytes, and MP neurons. PPARα-IR was expressed by immunocytes, smooth muscle cells, and enteroglial cells. TRPA1-IR was expressed by enteric neurons and intestinal goblet cells. 5-HT1a receptor-IR was expressed by gastrointestinal epithelial cells and gastric smooth muscle cells. Cannabinoid receptors showed a wide distribution in the feline gastrointestinal tract layers. Although not yet confirmed/supported by functional evidences, the present research might represent an anatomical substrate potentially useful to support, in feline species, the therapeutic use of cannabinoids during gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.
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Noli C, Della Valle MF, Miolo A, Medori C, Schievano C. Effect of dietary supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in maintaining remission in cats with nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis: a double-blind, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Vet Dermatol 2019; 30:387-e117. [PMID: 31237065 PMCID: PMC6852539 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Feline nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFHD) is a frequent cause of over‐grooming, scratching and skin lesions. Multimodal therapy often is necessary. Hypothesis/Objectives To investigate the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA‐um) in maintaining methylprednisolone‐induced remission in NFHD cats. Animals Fifty‐seven NFHD cats with nonseasonal pruritus were enrolled originally, of which 25 completed all study requirements to be eligible for analysis. Methods and materials Cats were randomly assigned to PEA‐um (15 mg/kg per os, once daily; n = 29) or placebo (n = 28) while receiving a 28 day tapering methylprednisolone course. Cats responding favourably to methylprednisolone were then administered only PEA‐um (n = 21) or placebo (n = 23) for another eight weeks, followed by a four week long treatment‐free period. Cats were maintained in the study until relapse or study end, whichever came first. Primary outcome was time to relapse. Secondary outcomes were pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS), SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis scale (SCORFAD) and owner Global Assessment Score (GAS). Results Mean relapse time was 40.5 days (±7.8 SE) in PEA‐um treated cats (n = 13) and 22.2 days (±3.7 SE) for placebo (n = 12; P = 0.04). On Day 28, the severity of pruritus was lower in the PEA‐um treated cats compared to placebo (P = 0.03). Mean worsening of pruritus at the final study day was lower in the PEA‐um group compared to placebo (P = 0.04), whereas SCORFAD was not different between groups. Mean owner GAS at the final study day was better in the PEA‐um than the placebo‐treated group (P = 0.05). Conclusion and clinical importance Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide could represent an effective and safe option to delay relapse in NFHD cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Noli
- Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, Strada Bedale della Ressia 2, 12016, Peveragno, CN, Italy
| | | | - Alda Miolo
- Science Information and Documentation Centre, Innovet Italia Srl, Via Egadi 7, 20144, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Medori
- Science Information and Documentation Centre, Innovet Italia Srl, Via Egadi 7, 20144, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Schievano
- Innovative Statistical Research SRL, Prato della Valle 24, 35123, Padova, Italy
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