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Rakotoarivelo V, Mayer TZ, Simard M, Flamand N, Di Marzo V. The Impact of the CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptor in Inflammatory Diseases: An Update. Molecules 2024; 29:3381. [PMID: 39064959 PMCID: PMC11279428 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143381] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of inflammatory diseases is a heavy burden on modern societies. Cannabis has been used for several millennia to treat inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism or gout. Since the characterization of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, the potential of cannabinoid pharmacotherapy in inflammatory conditions has received great interest. Several studies have identified the importance of these receptors in immune cell migration and in the production of inflammatory mediators. As the presence of the CB2 receptor was documented to be more predominant in immune cells, several pharmacological agonists and antagonists have been designed to treat inflammation. To better define the potential of the CB2 receptor, three online databases, PubMed, Google Scholar and clinicaltrial.gov, were searched without language restriction. The full texts of articles presenting data on the endocannabinoid system, the CB2 receptor and its role in modulating inflammation in vitro, in animal models and in the context of clinical trials were reviewed. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of the latest cannabinoid-based therapies in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volatiana Rakotoarivelo
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire De Cardiologie Et De Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
| | - Thomas Z. Mayer
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire De Cardiologie Et De Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, and Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
| | - Mélissa Simard
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire De Cardiologie Et De Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire De Cardiologie Et De Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire De Cardiologie Et De Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, and Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
- Joint International Unit between the CNR of Italy and Université Laval on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and Its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Québec City, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
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Lafzi A, Yeşilyurt F, Demirci T, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Şişman T. Acute and subacute toxic effects of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA on male albino rats. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:125-141. [PMID: 38102417 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-023-00676-8] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is very little information about the toxicological and pathological effects of synthetic cannabinoids, which have cannabis-like properties. This study was carried out to histopathologically, hematologically, and biochemically determine the toxic effects of acute and subacute exposure to a novel synthetic cannabinoid 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)indazole-3-carboxamide in internal organs of adult male rats. METHODS The cannabinoid was injected intraperitoneally at three doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, body weight). The cannabinoid was administered to acute groups for 2 days and to subacute groups for 14 days. Observations were made for 14 days and various changes such as mortality, injury, and illness were recorded daily. Hematological and biochemical changes were evaluated and histopathological analyses in lung, liver, and kidney tissues were also performed. RESULTS No mortality was observed. It was observed that there were fluctuations in hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Among the oxidative stress parameters, significant decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase levels and significant increases in lipid peroxidation levels were determined. Serious pathological changes such as necrosis, vacuolation, congestion, and fibrosis were observed in the internal organs in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. It was also found that the synthetic cannabinoid triggered apoptosis in the organs. The results demonstrated that the most affected organ by the cannabinoid was the kidney. CONCLUSION This study showed for the first time that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA adversely affects healthy male albino rats. It can be estimated that the abuse of the cannabinoid may harm human health in the same way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Lafzi
- Department of Criminalistics, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fatma Yeşilyurt
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Tuba Demirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medicine Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Turgay Şişman
- Department of Criminalistics, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey.
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Flores-Cortez D, Villalobos-Pacheco E, Ignacio-Punin C, Gutierrez-Guerra G, Tovar-Brandan J, Rodriguez-Tafur J. Hepatoprotective Effect of Cannabidiol on the Progression of Experimental Hepatic Cirrhosis in Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38885158 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0285] [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: Liver cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the gradual replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, ultimately leading to liver failure. This slow and progressive disease begins with a chronic inflammatory process induced by a noxious agent. In its advanced stages, the disease lacks effective therapies. Research has demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in the progression of experimental hepatic cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Methods: A randomized experimental design was employed using Holtzman rats. Hepatic cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of TAA at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 6 weeks, with treatment initiated additionally. The groups were as follows: Group 1: TAA + vehicle; Group 2: TAA + CBD 2 mg/kg; Group 3: TAA + CBD 9 mg/kg; Group 4: TAA + CBD 18 mg/kg; Group 5: TAA + silymarin 50 mg/kg; and Group 6: Healthy control. Serum biochemical analysis (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin) and hepatic histopathological study were performed. The Knodell histological activity index (HAI) was determined, considering periportal necrosis, intralobular degeneration, portal inflammation, fibrosis, and focal necrosis. Results: All groups receiving TAA exhibited an elevation in AST levels; however, only those treated with CBD at doses of 2 mg/kg and 18 mg/kg did not experience significant changes compared to their baseline values (152.8 and 135.7 IU/L, respectively). Moreover, ALT levels in animals treated with CBD showed no significant variation compared to baseline. The HAI of hepatic tissue was notably lower in animals treated with CBD at doses of 9 and 18 mg/kg, scoring 3.0 and 3.25, respectively, in contrast to the TAA + vehicle group, which recorded a score of 7.00. Animals treated with CBD at 18 mg/kg showed a reduced degree of fibrosis and necrosis compared to those receiving TAA alone (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that cannabidiol exerts a hepatoprotective effect in the development of experimental hepatic cirrhosis induced in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Flores-Cortez
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Eduardo Villalobos-Pacheco
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Cecilia Ignacio-Punin
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | | | - Javier Tovar-Brandan
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Tafur
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
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More SA, Deore RS, Pawar HD, Sharma C, Nakhate KT, Rathod SS, Ojha S, Goyal SN. CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor as a Potential Target in Myocardial Infarction: Exploration of Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1683. [PMID: 38338960 PMCID: PMC10855244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The lipid endocannabinoid system has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic target for several inflammatory and tissue-damaging diseases, including those affecting the cardiovascular system. The primary targets of cannabinoids are cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors. The CB2 receptor is expressed in the cardiomyocytes. While the pathological changes in the myocardium upregulate the CB2 receptor, genetic deletion of the receptor aggravates the changes. The CB2 receptor plays a crucial role in attenuating the advancement of myocardial infarction (MI)-associated pathological changes in the myocardium. Activation of CB2 receptors exerts cardioprotection in MI via numerous molecular pathways. For instance, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuated the progression of MI via modulation of the CB2 receptor-dependent anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Through similar mechanisms, natural and synthetic CB2 receptor ligands repair myocardial tissue damage. This review aims to offer an in-depth discussion on the ameliorative potential of CB2 receptors in myocardial injuries induced by a variety of pathogenic mechanisms. Further, the modulation of autophagy, TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, MPTP opening, and ROS production are discussed. The molecular correlation of CB2 receptors with cardiac injury markers, such as troponin I, LDH1, and CK-MB, is explored. Special attention has been paid to novel insights into the potential therapeutic implications of CB2 receptor activation in MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar A. More
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Rucha S. Deore
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Harshal D. Pawar
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Kartik T. Nakhate
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Sumit S. Rathod
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India; (S.A.M.); (R.S.D.); (H.D.P.); (K.T.N.); (S.S.R.)
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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Moreno-Lanceta A, Medrano-Bosch M, Fundora Y, Perramón M, Aspas J, Parra-Robert M, Baena S, Fondevila C, Edelman ER, Jiménez W, Melgar-Lesmes P. RNF41 orchestrates macrophage-driven fibrosis resolution and hepatic regeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6225. [PMID: 37437019 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic inflammation is a common trigger of chronic liver disease. Macrophage activation is a predictive parameter for survival in patients with cirrhosis. Ring finger protein 41 (RNF41) negatively regulates proinflammatory cytokines and receptors; however, the precise involvement of macrophage RNF41 in liver cirrhosis remains unknown. Here, we sought to understand how RNF41 dictates macrophage fate in hepatic fibrosis and repair within the inflammatory milieu. We found that RNF41 expression is down-regulated in CD11b+ macrophages recruited to mouse fibrotic liver and to patient cirrhotic liver regardless of cirrhosis etiology. Prolonged inflammation with TNF-α progressively reduced macrophage RNF41 expression. We designed a macrophage-selective gene therapy with dendrimer-graphite nanoparticles (DGNPs) to explore the influence of macrophage RNF41 restoration and depletion in liver fibrosis and regeneration. RNF41 expression induced in CD11b+ macrophages by DGNP-conjugated plasmids ameliorated liver fibrosis, reduced liver injury, and stimulated hepatic regeneration in fibrotic mice with or without hepatectomy. This therapeutic effect was mainly mediated by the induction of insulin-like growth factor 1. Conversely, depletion of macrophage RNF41 worsened inflammation, fibrosis, hepatic damage, and survival. Our data reveal implications of macrophage RNF41 in the control of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration and provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies in chronic liver disease and potentially other diseases characterized by inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Mireia Medrano-Bosch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Yilliam Fundora
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Meritxell Perramón
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Jessica Aspas
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Marina Parra-Robert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Sheila Baena
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Elazer R Edelman
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Moreno-Lanceta A, Medrano-Bosch M, Simón-Codina B, Barber-González M, Jiménez W, Melgar-Lesmes P. PPAR-γ Agonist GW1929 Targeted to Macrophages with Dendrimer-Graphene Nanostars Reduces Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051452. [PMID: 37242695 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play essential roles during the progression of chronic liver disease. They actively participate in the response to liver damage and in the balance between fibrogenesis and regression. The activation of the PPARγ nuclear receptor in macrophages has traditionally been associated with an anti-inflammatory phenotype. However, there are no PPARγ agonists with high selectivity for macrophages, and the use of full agonists is generally discouraged due to severe side effects. We designed dendrimer-graphene nanostars linked to a low dose of the GW1929 PPARγ agonist (DGNS-GW) for the selective activation of PPARγ in macrophages in fibrotic livers. DGNS-GW preferentially accumulated in inflammatory macrophages in vitro and attenuated macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype. The treatment with DGNS-GW in fibrotic mice efficiently activated liver PPARγ signaling and promoted a macrophage switch from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. The reduction of hepatic inflammation was associated with a significant reduction in hepatic fibrosis but did not alter liver function or hepatic stellate cell activation. The therapeutic antifibrotic utility of DGNS-GW was attributed to an increased expression of hepatic metalloproteinases that allowed extracellular matrix remodeling. In conclusion, the selective activation of PPARγ in hepatic macrophages with DGNS-GW significantly reduced hepatic inflammation and stimulated extracellular matrix remodeling in experimental liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Medrano-Bosch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Simón-Codina
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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El Tohamy M, Adel M, Rashad El-Menabawy F, Gad GEM, El-Gamal R, El Serougy H. Role of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Activation in Renal Fibrosis Induced by Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction in Rats. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:59-73. [PMID: 37724148 PMCID: PMC10505471 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.12.1.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) ends mostly with renal fibrosis. The effect of CB2 receptor on renal fibrosis has been unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CB2 receptor on renal fibrosis and the mechanisms behind it. Methods 50 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups; normal, sham; rats had their ureters only manipulated, UUO; rats had their left ureters ligated, and JWH post; rats had their left ureters ligated and they received JWH 133 for 14 days, JWH pre+post; rats received JWH 133 for 14 days before and after UUO procedure. Serum creatinine and BUN were assessed together with tissue MDA, GSH, and catalase. Histopathological evaluation of the renal tissue by H&E and Masson's trichrome was done. Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-β1, AQP1, Caspase-3, LC3B and p62 was performed. AQP1 and CB2 receptors genes expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Results UUO had caused severe damage in the renal tissue with reduction of the renal function parameter accompanied by increase in the collagen deposition with increase TGF-β1 and decrease AQP1 expression. Conclusions The improvement of these parameters with JWH-133 suggests an anti-fibrotic role of CB2 receptor activation through reduction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud El Tohamy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Adel
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | | | - Gad El Mawla Gad
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Randa El-Gamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Hanaa El Serougy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
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9
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Abdelmoneim WM, Bakr MH, Ghandour NM, Mohammed MK, Fawzy M, Ramadan AG, Abdellah NZ. Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-023-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years.
Aim
Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry.
Methods
Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations.
Results
The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group.
Conclusions
Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.
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10
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Swanson ML, Regner KR, Moore BM, Park F. Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Activation Reduces the Progression of Kidney Fibrosis Using a Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:790-803. [PMID: 35196117 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney fibrosis is a hallmark consequence of all forms of chronic kidney disease with few available treatment modalities. Material and Methods: In this study, we performed the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure to investigate the effects of a selective cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) agonist receptor, SMM-295, as a nephroprotective therapy. Results: SMM-295 was demonstrated to exhibit 50-fold selectivity over the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor with an EC50 ∼2 nM. Four other off-targets were identified in the safety panel, but only at the highest concentration (5 mM) tested in the assay demonstrating the relative selectivity and safety of our compound. Administration of SMM-295 (12 mg/kg IP daily) in UUO mice led to a significant decrease of 33% in tubular damage compared to the vehicle-treated UUO mice after 7 days. Consistent with these findings, there was a significant decrease in α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, which are markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as determined by Western blot analysis. DNA damage as detected by a classic marker, γ-H2AX, was significantly reduced by 50% in the SMM-295 treatment group compared to vehicle treatment. Genetic knockout of CB2 or administration of a CB2 inverse agonist did not exhibit any beneficial effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis or kidney tubule injury. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that SMM-295 can therapeutically target the CB2 receptor with few, if any, physiological off-target sites to reduce kidney tissue damage and slow the fibrotic progression in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L Swanson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin R Regner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Frank Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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11
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del Río C, Ruiz-Pino F, Prados ME, Fiebich BL, Tena-Sempere M, Muñoz E. Cannabidiol markedly alleviates skin and liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981817. [PMID: 36339540 PMCID: PMC9627610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested as a potential therapy for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Cannabidiol was demonstrated to reduce alcohol-induced liver inflammation and steatosis but its specific activity on the fibrotic process was not investigated. Herein, the antifibrotic effects of cannabidiol in the skin were analysed in vitro using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and human dermal fibroblasts and in vivo using the bleomycin-induced model of skin fibrosis. In a second model, non-alcoholic liver fibrosis was induced in mice by CCl4 exposure. Cannabidiol was administered daily, intraperitoneally in mice challenged with bleomycin and orally in CCl4 mice, and skin and liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by immunochemistry. Cannabidiol inhibited collagen gene transcription and synthesis and prevented TGFβ-and IL-4 induced fibroblast migration. In the bleomycin model, cannabidiol prevented skin fibrosis and collagen accumulation around skin blood vessels, and in the CCl4 model cannabidiol significantly attenuated liver fibrosis measured by picrosirius red and Tenascin C staining and reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration. Altogether, our data further support the rationale of the medicinal use of this cannabinoid, as well as cannabis preparations containing it, in the management of fibrotic diseases including Systemic Sclerosis and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen del Río
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
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12
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Golosova D, Levchenko V, Kravtsova O, Palygin O, Staruschenko A. Acute and long-term effects of cannabinoids on hypertension and kidney injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6080. [PMID: 35413977 PMCID: PMC9005691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and their endogenous and synthetic analogs impact blood pressure and contribute to the incidence of hypertension. It was previously reported that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in developing hypertension; however, it was also shown that cannabinoids elicit profound hypotension associated with hemorrhagic, cardiogenic, and endotoxic shock. This study aimed to test acute and chronic effects of an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptor anandamide (AEA) on blood pressure and kidney injury in vivo in conscious Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. We demonstrated that acute i.v. bolus administration of a low or a high doses (0.05 or 3 mg/kg) of AEA did not affect blood pressure for 2 h after the injection in Dahl SS rats fed a normal salt diet (0.4% NaCl). Neither low nor high doses of AEA had any beneficial effects on blood pressure or kidney function. Furthermore, hypertensive rats fed a HS diet (8% NaCl) and chronically treated with 3 mg/kg of AEA exhibited a significant increase in blood pressure accompanied by increased renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerular damage at the late stage of hypertension. Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of Smad3 protein levels in the kidney cortex in response to chronic treatment with a high AEA dose. Therefore, TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway may play a crucial role in kidney injury in SS hypertension during chronic treatment with AEA. Collectively, these data indicate that prolonged stimulation of cannabinoid receptors may result in aggravation of hypertension and kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Golosova
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Vladislav Levchenko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Olha Kravtsova
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Oleg Palygin
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA. .,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL, 33602, USA. .,Hypertension and Kidney Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA. .,Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA.
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13
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Pagano C, Navarra G, Coppola L, Avilia G, Bifulco M, Laezza C. Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Use in Clinical Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063344. [PMID: 35328765 PMCID: PMC8952215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical case reports suggest that cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa have therapeutic effects; however, the therapeutic employment is limited due to the psychotropic effect of its major component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The new scientific discoveries related to the endocannabinoid system, including new receptors, ligands, and mediators, allowed the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of several pathological disorders minimizing the undesirable psychotropic effects of some constituents of this plant. Today, FDA-approved drugs, such as nabiximols (a mixture of THC and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD)), are employed in alleviating pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Dronabinol and nabilone are used for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Dronabinol was approved for the treatment of anorexia in patients with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). In this review, we highlighted the potential therapeutic efficacy of natural and synthetic cannabinoids and their clinical relevance in cancer, neurodegenerative and dermatological diseases, and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy or (C.P.); (G.N.); (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy or (C.P.); (G.N.); (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Laura Coppola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy or (C.P.); (G.N.); (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Giorgio Avilia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy or (C.P.); (G.N.); (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy or (C.P.); (G.N.); (L.C.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
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14
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Pryimak N, Zaiachuk M, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. The Potential Use of Cannabis in Tissue Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:715380. [PMID: 34708034 PMCID: PMC8542845 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.715380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a condition characterized by thickening or/and scarring of various tissues. Fibrosis may develop in almost all tissues and organs, and it may be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It provokes excessive scarring that excels the usual wound healing response to trauma in numerous organs. Currently, very little can be done to prevent tissue fibrosis, and it is almost impossible to reverse it. Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs are among the few treatments that may be efficient in preventing fibrosis. Numerous publications suggest that cannabinoids and extracts of Cannabis sativa have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties. In this review, we describe the types and mechanisms of fibrosis in various tissues and discuss various strategies for prevention and dealing with tissue fibrosis. We further introduce cannabinoids and their potential for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis, and therefore for extending healthy lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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15
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Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptor Agonist, JWH133 May Be a Possible Candidate for Targeting Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity in COVID-19. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a deadly disease affecting millions due to the non-availability of drugs and vaccines. The majority of COVID-19 drugs have been repurposed based on antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antibiotic potential. The pathogenesis and advanced complications with infection involve the immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, a therapeutic strategy could reduce infectivity, inflammation, and immune modulation. In recent years, modulating the endocannabinoid system, particularly activation of the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor is a promising therapeutic target for modulation of immune-inflammatory responses. JWH133, a selective, full functional agonist of the CB2 receptor, has been extensively studied for its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. JWH133 modulates numerous signaling pathways and inhibits inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, prostanoids, and eicosanoids. In this study, we propose that JWH133 could be a promising candidate for targeting infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19, due to its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms in numerous preclinical efficacy and safety studies, along with its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, organoprotective, and antiviral properties. Thus, JWH133 should be investigated in preclinical and clinical studies for its potential as an agent or adjuvant with other agents for its effect on viremia, infectivity, immune modulation, resolution of inflammation, reduction in severity, and progression of complications in COVID-19. JWH133 is devoid of psychotropic effects due to CB2 receptor selectivity, has negligible toxicity, good bioavailability and druggable properties, including pharmacokinetic and physicochemical effects. We believe that JWH133 could be a promising drug and may inspire further studies for an evidence-based approach against COVID-19.
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16
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Hashiesh HM, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Jha NK, Ojha S. Pharmacological Properties, Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms of JWH133, a CB2 Receptor-Selective Agonist. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:702675. [PMID: 34393784 PMCID: PMC8363263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.702675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has attracted attention as a pharmacological target for several pathological conditions. Cannabinoid (CB2)-selective agonists have been the focus of pharmacological studies because modulation of the CB2 receptor (CB2R) can be useful in the treatment of pain, inflammation, arthritis, addiction, and cancer among other possible therapeutic applications while circumventing CNS-related adverse effects. Increasing number of evidences from different independent preclinical studies have suggested new perspectives on the involvement of CB2R signaling in inflammation, infection and immunity, thus play important role in cancer, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and metabolic diseases. JWH133 is a synthetic agonist with high CB2R selectivity and showed to exert CB2R mediated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. Cumulative evidences suggest that JWH133 protects against hepatic injury, renal injury, cardiotoxicity, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer as well as against oxidative damage and inflammation, inhibits fibrosis and apoptosis, and acts as an immunosuppressant. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the polypharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of JWH133. This review also presents molecular mechanism and signaling pathways of JWH133 under various pathological conditions except neurological diseases. Based on the available data, this review proposes the possibilities of developing JWH133 as a promising therapeutic agent; however, further safety and toxicity studies in preclinical studies and clinical trials in humans are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Yuan CY, Zhou V, Sauber G, Stollenwerk T, Komorowski R, López A, Tolón RM, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Drobyski WR. Signaling through the type 2 cannabinoid receptor regulates the severity of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Blood 2021; 137:1241-1255. [PMID: 33027805 PMCID: PMC7933769 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020004871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) pathophysiology is a complex interplay between cells that comprise the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system. Effective prophylactic strategies are therefore contingent upon approaches that address contributions from both immune cell compartments. In the current study, we examined the role of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R), which is expressed on nearly all immune cells, and demonstrated that absence of the CB2R on donor CD4+ or CD8+ T cells or administration of a selective CB2R pharmacological antagonist exacerbated acute GVHD lethality. This was accompanied primarily by the expansion of proinflammatory CD8+ T cells, indicating that constitutive CB2R expression on T cells preferentially regulated CD8+ T-cell alloreactivity. Using a novel CB2ReGFP reporter mouse, we observed significant loss of CB2R expression on T cells, but not macrophages, during acute GVHD, indicative of differential alterations in receptor expression under inflammatory conditions. Therapeutic targeting of the CB2R with the agonists Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and JWH-133 revealed that only THC mitigated lethal T cell-mediated acute GVHD. Conversely, only JWH-133 was effective in a sclerodermatous chronic GVHD model where macrophages contributed to disease biology. In vitro, both THC and JWH-133 induced arrestin recruitment and extracellular regulated kinase phosphorylation via CB2R, but THC had no effect on CB2R-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This study shows that the CB2R plays a critical role in the regulation of GVHD and suggests that effective therapeutic targeting is dependent upon agonist signaling characteristics and receptor selectivity in conjunction with the composition of pathogenic immune effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Richard Komorowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; and
| | - Alicia López
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa María Tolón
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Berk K, Bzdega W, Konstantynowicz-Nowicka K, Charytoniuk T, Zywno H, Chabowski A. Phytocannabinoids-A Green Approach toward Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:393. [PMID: 33498537 PMCID: PMC7864168 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030393] [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: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent chronic liver disease in adults in developed countries, with a global prevalence as high as one billion. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is a multifactorial and multi-step process. Nowadays, a growing body of research suggests the considerable role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a complex cell-signaling system in NAFLD development. Although increased endocannabinoid tone in the liver highly contributes to NAFLD development, the complex effects and impacts of plant-derived cannabinoids in the aspect of NAFLD pathophysiology are yet not fully understood, and effective medications are still in demand. In our review, we present the latest reports describing the role of ECS in NAFLD, focusing primarily on two types of cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, we sum up the recent literature on the clinical use of natural cannabinoids in NAFLD treatment. This review is useful for understanding the importance of ECS in NAFLD development, and it also provides the basis for more extensive clinical phytocannabinoids testing in patients suffering from NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Berk
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (W.B.); (K.K.-N.); (T.C.); (H.Z.); (A.C.)
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19
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Śledziński P, Nowak-Terpiłowska A, Zeyland J. Cannabinoids in Medicine: Cancer, Immunity, and Microbial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E263. [PMID: 33383838 PMCID: PMC7795897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the medical applications of Cannabis plants. They owe their unique properties to a group of secondary metabolites known as phytocannabinoids, which are specific for this genus. Phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoids generally, can interact with cannabinoid receptors being part of the endocannabinoid system present in animals. Over the years a growing body of scientific evidence has been gathered, suggesting that these compounds have therapeutic potential. In this article, we review the classification of cannabinoids, the molecular mechanisms of their interaction with animal cells as well as their potential application in the treatment of human diseases. Specifically, we focus on the research concerning the anticancer potential of cannabinoids in preclinical studies, their possible use in cancer treatment and palliative medicine, as well as their influence on the immune system. We also discuss their potential as therapeutic agents in infectious, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. We postulate that the currently ongoing and future clinical trials should be accompanied by research focused on the cellular and molecular response to cannabinoids and Cannabis extracts, which will ultimately allow us to fully understand the mechanism, potency, and safety profile of cannabinoids as single agents and as complementary drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Śledziński
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-032 Poznan, Poland;
| | | | - Joanna Zeyland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-632 Poznan, Poland;
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20
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Interplay of cardiovascular mediators, oxidative stress and inflammation in liver disease and its complications. Nat Rev Cardiol 2020; 18:117-135. [PMID: 32999450 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-020-0433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a crucial metabolic organ that has a key role in maintaining immune and endocrine homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic liver disease might promote the development of various cardiac disorders (such as arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy) and circulatory complications (including systemic, splanchnic and pulmonary complications), which can eventually culminate in clinical conditions ranging from portal and pulmonary hypertension to pulmonary, cardiac and renal failure, ascites and encephalopathy. Liver diseases can affect cardiovascular function during the early stages of disease progression. The development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic liver failure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and cardiovascular complications can in turn affect liver function and liver disease progression. Furthermore, numerous infectious, inflammatory, metabolic and genetic diseases, as well as alcohol abuse can also influence both hepatic and cardiovascular outcomes. In this Review, we highlight how chronic liver diseases and associated cardiovascular effects can influence different organ pathologies. Furthermore, we explore the potential roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, vasoactive mediator imbalance, dysregulated endocannabinoid and autonomic nervous systems and endothelial dysfunction in mediating the complex interplay between the liver and the systemic vasculature that results in the development of the extrahepatic complications of chronic liver disease. The roles of ageing, sex, the gut microbiome and organ transplantation in this complex interplay are also discussed.
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21
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Trojnar E, Erdelyi K, Matyas C, Zhao S, Paloczi J, Mukhopadhyay P, Varga ZV, Hasko G, Pacher P. Cannabinoid-2 receptor activation ameliorates hepatorenal syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:540-550. [PMID: 31770583 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY RATIONALE Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life-threatening complication of end-stage liver disease characterized by the rapid decline of kidney function. Herein, we explored the therapeutic potential of targeting the cannabinoid-2 receptor (CB2-R) utilizing a commonly used mouse model of liver fibrosis and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). METHODS Gene expression analysis, histological evaluation, determination of serum levels of renal injury-biomarkers were used to characterize the BDL-induced organ injury; laser speckle analysis to measure microcirculation in the kidneys. KEY RESULTS We found that liver injury triggered marked inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys of BDL-operated mice. We detected pronounced histopathological alterations with tubular injury paralleled with increased inflammation, oxidative/nitrative stress and fibrotic remodeling both in hepatic and renal tissues as well as endothelial activation and markedly impaired renal microcirculation. This was accompanied by increased CB2-R expression in both the liver and the kidney tissues of diseased animals. A selective CB2-R agonist, HU-910, markedly decreased numerous markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis both in the liver and in the kidneys. HU-910 also attenuated markers of kidney injury and improved the impaired renal microcirculation in BDL-operated mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that oxidative stress, inflammation and microvascular dysfunction are key events in the pathogenesis of BDL-associated renal failure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that targeting the CB2-R by selective agonists may represent a promising new avenue to treat HRS by attenuating tissue and vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and consequent microcirculatory dysfunction in the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Trojnar
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Katalin Erdelyi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Csaba Matyas
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Suxian Zhao
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Janos Paloczi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Partha Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Zoltan V Varga
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Gyorgy Hasko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
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22
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Rivera P, Vargas A, Pastor A, Boronat A, López-Gambero AJ, Sánchez-Marín L, Medina-Vera D, Serrano A, Pavón FJ, de la Torre R, Agirregoitia E, Lucena MI, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Decara J, Suárez J. Differential hepatoprotective role of the cannabinoid CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in paracetamol-induced liver injury. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3309-3326. [PMID: 32167157 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Protective mechanisms of the endogenous cannabinoid system against drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are actively being investigated regarding the differential regulatory role of the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in liver fibrogenesis and inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)-related signalling receptors and enzymatic machinery, and inflammatory/fibrogenic factors were investigated in the liver of a mouse model of hepatotoxicity induced by acute and repeated overdoses (750 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) of paracetamol (acetaminophen), previously treated with selective CB1 (ACEA) and CB2 (JWH015) agonists (10 mg·kg-1 ), or lacking CB1 and CB2 receptors. KEY RESULTS Acute paracetamol increased the expression of CB2 , ABHD6 and COX-2, while repeated paracetamol increased that of CB1 and COX-2 and decreased that of DAGLβ. Both acute paracetamol and repeated paracetamol decreased the liver content of acylglycerols (2-AG, 2-LG and 2-OG). Human liver samples from a patient suffering APAP hepatotoxicity confirmed CB1 and CB2 increments. Acute paracetamol-exposed CB2 KO mice had higher expression of the fibrogenic αSMA and the cytokine IL-6 and lower apoptotic cleaved caspase 3. CB1 deficiency enhanced the repeated APAP-induced increases in αSMA and cleaved caspase 3 and blocked those of CYP2E1, TNF-α, the chemokine CCL2 and the circulating γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT). Although JWH015 reduced the expression of αSMA and TNF-α in acute paracetamol, ACEA increased the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and CCL2 in repeated paracetamol. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The differential role of CB1 versus CB2 receptors on inflammatory/fibrogenic factors related to paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity should be considered for designing alternative therapies against DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rivera
- Department of Endocrinology, Fundación Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Vargas
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Farmacología Integrada y Neurociencia de Sistemas, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Boronat
- Farmacología Integrada y Neurociencia de Sistemas, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús López-Gambero
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Marín
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Dina Medina-Vera
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,UGC Corazón, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Farmacología Integrada y Neurociencia de Sistemas, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ekaitz Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - María Isabel Lucena
- Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030652. [PMID: 32033005 PMCID: PMC7037408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are increasingly-used substances in the treatment of chronic pain, some neuropsychiatric disorders and more recently, skin disorders with an inflammatory component. However, various studies cite conflicting results concerning the cellular mechanisms involved, while others suggest that cannabinoids may even exert pro-inflammatory behaviors. This paper aims to detail and clarify the complex workings of cannabinoids in the molecular setting of the main dermatological inflammatory diseases, and their interactions with other substances with emerging applications in the treatment of these conditions. Also, the potential role of cannabinoids as antitumoral drugs is explored in relation to the inflammatory component of skin cancer. In vivo and in vitro studies that employed either phyto-, endo-, or synthetic cannabinoids were considered in this paper. Cannabinoids are regarded with growing interest as eligible drugs in the treatment of skin inflammatory conditions, with potential anticancer effects, and the readiness in monitoring of effects and the facility of topical application may contribute to the growing support of the use of these substances. Despite the promising early results, further controlled human studies are required to establish the definitive role of these products in the pathophysiology of skin inflammation and their usefulness in the clinical setting.
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24
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Wu Q, Zhang M, Liu X, Zhang J, Wang H. CB2R orchestrates neuronal autophagy through regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of developing rats with status epilepticus. Int J Mol Med 2019; 45:475-484. [PMID: 31894322 PMCID: PMC6984801 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal loss and gliosis are the major pathological changes after status epilepticus (SE). The authors' previous study revealed the time-dependent changes of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) in hippocampal neurons of developing rats after SE, which were accompanied by a decrease in the number of neurons. Meanwhile, growing evidence indicates that CB2R stimulation exerts anti-convulsant properties in seizure models. However, the activation of CB2R in neuronal repair in response to the damage after SE is still unclear. In this experiment, a highly-selective CB2R agonist JWH133 and antagonist AM630 were administered to determine the activity of CB2R in neuronal autophagy and apoptosis of the post-SE repair in developing rats. The present results revealed that activation of CB2R by JWH133, not only obviously lowered the success rate, 24-h death rate and the Racine stage in the model, but also extended the latency period to SE. In addition, compared with the vehicle control group, CB2R activation increased neuronal autophagy and the expression of phosphorylated-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mTOR, Beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I while decreasing the expression of p-Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK-1)/ULK1, p62, and cleaved caspase-3. These results were dose-dependent and were especially evident in the high-dose group, and interestingly the opposite results were obtained in the AM630 group. Thus, CB2R orchestrates neuronal autophagy through regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of developing rats with SE. These findings might provide an important basis for further investigation of the therapeutic role of CB2R in ameliorating epilepsy-related neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Xueyan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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25
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Roles of the Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Apelin Systems in the Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111311. [PMID: 31653030 PMCID: PMC6912778 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the consequence of an unresolved wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury and involves multiple cell types and molecular mechanisms. The hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two signalling pathways with a substantial role in the liver fibrosis pathophysiology-both are upregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules derived from arachidonic acid involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction, portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and other processes associated with hepatic disease through their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apelin is a peptide that participates in cardiovascular and renal functions, inflammation, angiogenesis, and hepatic fibrosis through its interaction with the APJ receptor. The endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two of the multiple cell-signalling pathways involved in the transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, the main matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the control of hepatic stellate cell activity are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the endocannabinoid and apelin signalling pathways. This review discusses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems play a significant role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
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26
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Porter RF, Szczesniak AM, Toguri JT, Gebremeskel S, Johnston B, Lehmann C, Fingerle J, Rothenhäusler B, Perret C, Rogers-Evans M, Kimbara A, Nettekoven M, Guba W, Grether U, Ullmer C, Kelly MEM. Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists as Potential Therapeutic Drugs for the Treatment of Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24183338. [PMID: 31540271 PMCID: PMC6767236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24183338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) is a promising anti-inflammatory drug target and development of selective CB2R ligands may be useful for treating sight-threatening ocular inflammation. (2) Methods: This study examined the pharmacology of three novel chemically-diverse selective CB2R ligands: CB2R agonists, RO6871304, and RO6871085, as well as a CB2R inverse agonist, RO6851228. In silico molecular modelling and in vitro cell-based receptor assays were used to verify CB2R interactions, binding, cell signaling (ß-arrestin and cAMP) and early absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology (ADMET) profiling of these receptor ligands. All ligands were evaluated for their efficacy to modulate leukocyte-neutrophil activity, in comparison to the reported CB2R ligand, HU910, using an in vivo mouse model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in wild-type (WT) and CB2R-/- mice. The actions of RO6871304 on neutrophil migration and adhesion were examined in vitro using isolated neutrophils from WT and CB2R-/- mice, and in vivo in WT mice with EIU using adoptive transfer of WT and CB2R-/- neutrophils, respectively. (3) Results: Molecular docking studies indicated that RO6871304 and RO6871085 bind to the orthosteric site of CB2R. Binding studies and cell signaling assays for RO6871304 and RO6871085 confirmed high-affinity binding to CB2R and selectivity for CB2R > CB1R, with both ligands acting as full agonists in cAMP and ß-arrestin assays (EC50s in low nM range). When tested in EIU, topical application of RO6871304 and RO6871085 decreased leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and this effect was antagonized by the inverse agonist, RO6851228. The CB2R agonist, RO6871304, decreased in vitro neutrophil migration of WT neutrophils but not neutrophils from CB2R-/-, and attenuated adhesion of adoptively-transferred leukocytes in EIU. (4) Conclusions: These unique ligands are potent and selective for CB2R and have good immunomodulating actions in the eye. RO6871304 and RO6871085, as well as HU910, decreased leukocyte adhesion in EIU through inhibition of resident ocular immune cells. The data generated with these three structurally-diverse and highly-selective CB2R agonists support selective targeting of CB2R for treating ocular inflammatory diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/chemistry
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cell Adhesion/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endotoxins/adverse effects
- Leukocytes/drug effects
- Leukocytes/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Molecular Structure
- Neutrophils/drug effects
- Neutrophils/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/chemistry
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- Uveitis/chemically induced
- Uveitis/drug therapy
- Uveitis/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Thomas Toguri
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Simon Gebremeskel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Brent Johnston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Care, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Benno Rothenhäusler
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Camille Perret
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Mark Rogers-Evans
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Atsushi Kimbara
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Nettekoven
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Melanie E M Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Care, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9, Canada.
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Wu HM, Kim TH, Kim A, Koo JH, Joo MS, Kim SG. Liver X Receptor α-Induced Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Inhibits Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 4 Through miR-27b, Protecting Hepatocytes From TGF-β. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1373-1387. [PMID: 31592043 PMCID: PMC6771303 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver X receptor‐alpha (LXRα) acts as a double‐edged sword in different biological situations. Given the elusive role of LXRα in hepatocyte viability, this study investigated whether LXRα protects hepatocytes from injurious stimuli and the underlying basis. LXRα activation prevented hepatocyte apoptosis from CCl4 challenges in mice. Consistently, LXRα protected hepatocytes specifically from transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), whereas LXRα deficiency aggravated TGF‐β‐induced hepatocyte injury. In the Gene Expression Omnibus database analysis for LXR−/− mice, TGF‐β receptors were placed in the core network. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analyses enabled us to find cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) as a gene relevant to LXRα. In human fibrotic liver samples, both LXRα and CB2 were lower in patients with septal fibrosis and cirrhosis than those with portal fibrosis. LXRα transcriptionally induced CB2; CB2 then defended hepatocytes from TGF‐β. In a macrophage depletion model, JWH133 (a CB2 agonist) treatment prevented toxicant‐induced liver injury. MicroRNA 27b (miR‐27b) was identified as an inhibitor of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 4 (USP4), deubiquitylating TGF‐β receptor 1 (TβRI), downstream from CB2. Liver‐specific overexpression of LXRα protected hepatocytes from injurious stimuli and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusion: LXRα exerts a cytoprotective effect against TGF‐β by transcriptionally regulating the CB2 gene in hepatocytes, and CB2 then inhibits USP4‐stabilizing TβRI through miR‐27b. Our data provide targets for the treatment of acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Min Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Ayoung Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Ja Hyun Koo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Min Sung Joo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Sang Geon Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Korea
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28
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Endocannabinoid System in Hepatic Glucose Metabolism, Fatty Liver Disease, and Cirrhosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102516. [PMID: 31121839 PMCID: PMC6566399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that glucose metabolism in the liver is in part under the control of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is also supported by its presence in this organ. The ECS consists of its cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and enzymes that are responsible for endocannabinoid production and metabolism. ECS is known to be differentially influenced by the hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, e.g., cannabinoid receptor type 1(CB1) antagonist can improve the glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Interestingly, our own study shows that expression patterns of CBRs are influenced by the light/dark cycle, which is of significant physiological and clinical interest. The ECS system is highly upregulated during chronic liver disease and a growing number of studies suggest a mechanistic and therapeutic impact of ECS on the development of liver fibrosis, especially putting its receptors into focus. An opposing effect of the CBRs was exerted via the CB1 or CB2 receptor stimulation. An activation of CB1 promoted fibrogenesis, while CB2 activation improved antifibrogenic responses. However, underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the context of liver diseases, the ECS is considered as a possible mediator, which seems to be involved in the synthesis of fibrotic tissue, increase of intrahepatic vascular resistance and subsequently development of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is the main event that leads to complications of the disease. The main complication is the development of variceal bleeding and ascites, which have prognostic relevance for the patients. The present review summarizes the current understanding and impact of the ECS on glucose metabolism in the liver, in association with the development of liver cirrhosis and hemodynamics in cirrhosis and its complication, to give perspectives for development of new therapeutic strategies.
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29
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Mahmoud HM, Osman M, Elshabrawy O, Abdallah HMI, Khairallah A. AM-1241 CB2 Receptor Agonist Attenuates Inflammation, Apoptosis and Stimulate Progenitor Cells in Bile Duct Ligated Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:925-936. [PMID: 30976335 PMCID: PMC6454175 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) plays a pleiotropic role in the innate immunity and is considered a crucial mediator of liver disease. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis in CCl4 exposed mice and also plays a potential role in liver regeneration in a mouse model of I/R and protection against alcohol-induced liver injury. AIM: In this study, we investigated the impact of CB2 receptors on the antifibrotic and regenerative process associated with cholestatic liver injury. METHODS: Twenty-six rats had bile duct ligation co-treated with silymarin and AM1241 for 3 consecutive weeks. Serum hepatotoxicity markers were determined, and histopathological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Following bile duct ligation (BDL) for 3 weeks, there was increased aminotransferase levels, marked inflammatory infiltration and hepatocyte apoptosis with induced oxidative stress, as reflected by increased lipid peroxidation. Conversely, following treatment with the CB2 agonist, AM-1241, BDL rats displayed a reduction in liver injury and attenuation of fibrosis as reflected by expression of hydroxyproline and α-smooth muscle actin. AM1241 treatment also significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation end-products, p53-dependent apoptosis and also attenuated inflammatory process by stimulating IL-10 production. Moreover, AM1241 treated rats were associated with significant expression of hepatic progenitor/oval cell markers. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study points out that CB2 receptors reduce liver injury and promote liver regeneration via distinct mechanisms including IL-10 dependent inhibition of inflammation, reduction of p53-reliant apoptosis and through stimulation of oval/progenitor cells. These results suggest that CB2 agonists display potent hepatoregenrative properties, in addition to their antifibrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M Mahmoud
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Osman
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed Khairallah
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 11211, Egypt
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Costiniuk CT, Saneei Z, Routy JP, Margolese S, Mandarino E, Singer J, Lebouché B, Cox J, Szabo J, Brouillette MJ, Klein MB, Chomont N, Jenabian MA. Oral cannabinoids in people living with HIV on effective antiretroviral therapy: CTN PT028-study protocol for a pilot randomised trial to assess safety, tolerability and effect on immune activation. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024793. [PMID: 30659041 PMCID: PMC6340429 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV have higher rates of non-infectious chronic diseases. These conditions are driven by relatively high levels of inflammation persisting on ART compared with uninfected individuals. Chronic inflammation also contributes to HIV persistence during ART. Cannabis when taken orally may represent a way to reduce inflammation and strengthen immune responses. Before planning large interventional studies, it is important to ensure that cannabis taken orally is safe and well tolerated in people living with HIV. We propose to conduct a pilot randomised trial to examine the safety and tolerability of cannabis oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) consumed orally in people living with HIV. We will also measure inflammatory markers, markers of HIV persistence in peripheral blood cells and changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Twenty-six people living with HIV having undetectable viral load for at least 3 years will be randomised to receive TN-TC11LM (THC:CBD in 1:1 ratio) or TN-TC19LM (THC:CBD in 1:9 ratio) capsules daily for 12 weeks. Safety and tolerability of these capsules will be assessed through haematological, hepatic and renal blood tests, face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Proportions of participants without any signs of significant toxicity (grades 0-2 scores on the WHO toxicity scale) and who complete the study, as well as scores on quality of life and mood will be examined using descriptive statistics. The effects on inflammatory markers, markers of peripheral blood reservoir size and effect on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome will be assessed before and after study completion. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. A Data Safety Monitor will review safety information at regular intervals. The final manuscript will be submitted to an open-access journal within 6 months of study completion. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03550352.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia T Costiniuk
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Zahra Saneei
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shari Margolese
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Enrico Mandarino
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- WILLL Cannabis Group, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joel Singer
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jason Szabo
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Brouillette
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chomont
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM and Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Centre, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Beydogan AB, Coskun ZM, Bolkent S. The protective effects of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol against inflammation and oxidative stress in rat liver with fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia. J Pharm Pharmacol 2018; 71:408-416. [PMID: 30427077 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A large amount of fructose is metabolized in the liver and causes hepatic functional damage. Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as a therapeutic agent for clinical and experimental applications. The study aims to investigate the effects of THC treatment on inflammation, lipid profiles and oxidative stress in rat liver with hyperinsulinemia. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups: control, fructose (10% fructose in drinking water for 12 weeks), THC (1.5 mg/kg/day for the last 4 weeks, intraperitoneally) and fructose+THC groups. Biochemical parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. ELISA method was used for insulin measurement. Apoptosis and inflammation markers were detected by the streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method. KEY FINDINGS The consumptions of food and fluid are inversely proportional to fructose and non-fructose groups. Insulin levels were the highest in fructose group. The reduced glutathione-S-transferase level significantly increased in fructose + THC group compared with fructose group. Total cholesterol level in the fructose + THC group was higher than the fructose group. Caspase-3 and NF-κβ immunopositive cell numbers increased in fructose + THC rats compared with fructose group. The number of IL-6 immunopositive cell decreased in fructose + THC group compared with fructose group. CONCLUSIONS According to the result, long-term and low-dose THC administration may reduce hyperinsulinemia and inflammation in rats to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Bahar Beydogan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Cerrahpasa Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Mine Coskun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istanbul Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Bolkent
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Cerrahpasa Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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García-Martín A, Garrido-Rodríguez M, Navarrete C, del Río C, Bellido ML, Appendino G, Calzado MA, Muñoz E. EHP-101, an oral formulation of the cannabidiol aminoquinone VCE-004.8, alleviates bleomycin-induced skin and lung fibrosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:304-313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Reduced Incidence and Better Liver Disease Outcomes among Chronic HCV Infected Patients Who Consume Cannabis. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:9430953. [PMID: 30345261 PMCID: PMC6174743 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9430953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The effect of cannabis use on chronic liver disease (CLD) from Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, the most common cause of CLD, has been controversial. Here, we investigated the impact of cannabis use on the prevalence of CLD among HCV infected individuals. METHODS We analyzed hospital discharge records of adults (age ≥ 18 years) with a positive HCV diagnosis. We evaluated records from 2007 to 2014 of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We excluded records with other causes of chronic liver diseases (alcohol, hemochromatosis, NAFLD, PBC, HBV, etc.). Of the 188,333 records, we matched cannabis users to nonusers on 1:1 ratio (4,728:4,728), using a propensity-based matching system, with a stringent algorithm. We then used conditional regression models with generalized estimating equations to measure the adjusted prevalence rate ratio (aPRR) for having liver cirrhosis (and its complications), carcinoma, mortality, discharge disposition, and the adjusted mean ratio (aMR) of total hospital cost and length of stay (LOS) [SAS 9.4]. RESULTS Our study revealed that cannabis users (CUs) had decreased prevalence of liver cirrhosis (aPRR: 0.81[0.72-0.91]), unfavorable discharge disposition (0.87[0.78-0.96]), and lower total health care cost ($39,642[36,220-43,387] versus $45,566[$42,244-$49,150]), compared to noncannabis users (NCUs). However, there was no difference among CUs and NCUs on the incidence of liver carcinoma (0.79[0.55-1.13]), in-hospital mortality (0.84[0.60-1.17]), and LOS (5.58[5.10-6.09] versus 5.66[5.25-6.01]). Among CUs, dependent cannabis use was associated with lower prevalence of liver cirrhosis, compared to nondependent use (0.62[0.41-0.93]). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that cannabis use is associated with decreased incidence of liver cirrhosis, but no change in mortality nor LOS among HCV patients. These novel observations warrant further molecular mechanistic studies.
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Melgar-Lesmes P, Luquero A, Parra-Robert M, Mora A, Ribera J, Edelman ER, Jiménez W. Graphene-Dendrimer Nanostars for Targeted Macrophage Overexpression of Metalloproteinase 9 and Hepatic Fibrosis Precision Therapy. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:5839-5845. [PMID: 30096241 PMCID: PMC6377857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to ∼45% of all deaths in industrialized nations, but no direct antifibrotic therapeutic interventions exist to date. Graphene-based nanomaterials exhibit excellent versatility in electronics, and emerging trends exploit their properties for biomedical applications, especially for drug and gene delivery. We designed constructs of graphene nanostars linked to PAMAM-G5 dendrimer for the selective targeting and delivery of a plasmid expressing the collagenase metalloproteinase 9 under the CD11b promoter into inflammatory macrophages in cirrhotic livers. Graphene nanostars preferentially accumulated in inflammatory macrophages M1 in less than 3 h in a manner unaffected by covalent linkage to dendrimers. Dendrimer-graphene nanostars efficiently delivered the plasmid encoding for metalloproteinase 9 into macrophages, allowing the synthesis and secretion of the metalloproteinase to digest adjacent collagen fibers. In turn, metalloproteinase 9 overexpression promoted the macrophage switch from inflammatory M1 to pro-regenerative M2 in 3 days. This targeted gene therapy reduced selectively and locally the presence of collagen fibers in fibrotic tracts where inflammatory macrophages accumulated in cirrhotic mice without affecting the activation state of hepatic stellate cells. Overall, this treatment significantly reduced hepatic injury and improved liver restoration in mice with liver cirrhosis treated for 10 days. Graphene-dendrimer nanostars targeted the macrophage overexpression of metalloproteinase 9, selectively reducing hepatic fibrosis, and might be a good treatment for diseases associated with fibrosis and inflammatory macrophage accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, 149 Rosselló, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aureli Luquero
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Parra-Robert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Mora
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elazer R. Edelman
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:122-133. [PMID: 30138623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the body and has a complex and very active structure that contributes to homeostasis and provides the first line defense against injury and infection. In the past few years it has become evident that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a relevant role in healthy and diseased skin. Specifically, we review how the dysregulation of ECS has been associated to dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma and skin cancer. Therefore, the druggability of the ECS could open new research avenues for the treatment of the pathologies mentioned. Numerous studies have reported that phytocannabinoids and their biological analogues modulate a complex network pharmacology involved in the modulation of ECS, focusing on classical cannabinoid receptors, transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The combined targeting of several end-points seems critical to provide better chances of therapeutically success, in sharp contrast to the one-disease-one-target dogma that permeates current drug discovery campaigns.
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Adejumo AC, Ajayi TO, Adegbala OM, Adejumo KL, Alliu S, Akinjero AM, Onyeakusi NE, Ojelabi O, Bukong TN. Cannabis use is associated with reduced prevalence of progressive stages of alcoholic liver disease. Liver Int 2018; 38:1475-1486. [PMID: 29341392 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive alcohol use has well-established health risks including causing liver disease (ALD) characterized by alcoholic steatosis (AS), steatohepatitis (AH), fibrosis, cirrhosis (AC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Strikingly, a significant number of individuals who abuse alcohol also use Cannabis, which has seen increased legalization globally. While cannabis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, its combined use with alcohol and the development of liver disease remain unclear. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cannabis use on the incidence of liver disease in individuals who abuse alcohol. METHODS We analysed the 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) discharge records of patients 18 years and older, who had a past or current history of abusive alcohol use (n = 319 514). Using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition codes, we studied the four distinct phases of progressive ALD with respect to three cannabis exposure groups: non-cannabis users (90.39%), non-dependent cannabis users (8.26%) and dependent cannabis users (1.36%). We accounted for the complex survey sampling methodology and estimated the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for developing AS, AH, AC and HCC with respect to cannabis use (SAS 9.4). RESULTS Our study revealed that among alcohol users, individuals who additionally use cannabis (dependent and non-dependent cannabis use) showed significantly lower odds of developing AS, AH, AC and HCC (AOR: 0.55 [0.48-0.64], 0.57 [0.53-0.61], 0.45 [0.43-0.48] and 0.62 [0.51-0.76]). Furthermore, dependent users had significantly lower odds than non-dependent users for developing liver disease. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that cannabis use is associated with a reduced incidence of liver disease in alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka C Adejumo
- North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tokunbo O Ajayi
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Howard County General Hospital, Columbia, MD, USA
| | - Oluwole M Adegbala
- Department of Medicine, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Kelechi L Adejumo
- School of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Samson Alliu
- Department of Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Akintunde M Akinjero
- Department of Medicine, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | | | - Ogooluwa Ojelabi
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Terence N Bukong
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, QC, Canada
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Ebrahimi H, Naderian M, Sohrabpour AA. New Concepts on Reversibility and Targeting of Liver Fibrosis; A Review Article. Middle East J Dig Dis 2018; 10:133-148. [PMID: 30186577 PMCID: PMC6119836 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2018.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, liver fibrosis and its complications are regarded as critical health problems.
With the studies showing the reversible nature of liver fibrogenesis, scientists have focused
on understanding the underlying mechanism of this condition in order to develop new
therapeutic strategies. Although hepatic stellate cells are known as the primary cells
responsible for liver fibrogenesis, studies have shown contributing roles for other cells,
pathways, and molecules in the development of fibrosis depending on the etiology of
liver fibrosis. Hence, interventions could be directed in the proper way for each type of
liver diseases to better address this complication. There are two main approaches in clinical
reversion of liver fibrosis; eliminating the underlying insult and targeting the fibrosis
process, which have variable clinical importance in the treatment of this disease. In this
review, we present recent concepts in molecular pathways of liver fibrosis reversibility
and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedyeh Ebrahimi
- The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Naderian
- The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Sohrabpour
- Associate Professor, The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dibba P, Li AA, Cholankeril G, Iqbal U, Gadiparthi C, Khan MA, Kim D, Ahmed A. The Role of Cannabinoids in the Setting of Cirrhosis. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E52. [PMID: 29890719 PMCID: PMC6023500 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the mortality rates of cirrhosis are underestimated, its socioeconomic burden has demonstrated a significant global impact. Cirrhosis is defined by the disruption of normal liver architecture after years of chronic insult by different etiologies. Treatment modalities are recommended primarily in decompensated cirrhosis and specifically tailored to the different manifestations of hepatic decompensation. Antifibrogenic therapies are within an active area of investigation. The endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a role in liver disease, and cirrhosis specifically, with intriguing possible therapeutic benefits. The endocannabinoid system comprises cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and their ligands, endocannabinoids and exocannabinoids. CB1 activation enhances fibrogenesis, whereas CB2 activation counteracts progression to fibrosis. Conversely, deletion of CB1 is associated with an improvement of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, and deletion of CB2 results in increased collagen deposition, steatosis, and enhanced inflammation. CB1 antagonism has also demonstrated vascular effects in patients with cirrhosis, causing an increase in arterial pressure and vascular resistance as well as a decrease in mesenteric blood flow and portal pressure, thereby preventing ascites. In mice with hepatic encephalopathy, CB1 blockade and activation of CB2 demonstrated improved neurologic score and cognitive function. Endocannabinoids, themselves also have mechanistic roles in cirrhosis. Arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) exhibits antifibrogenic properties by inhibition of HSC proliferation and induction of necrotic death. AEA induces mesenteric vasodilation and hypotension via CB1 induction. 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) is a fibrogenic mediator independent of CB receptors, but in higher doses induces apoptosis of HSCs, which may actually show antifibrotic properties. 2-AG has also demonstrated growth-inhibitory and cytotoxic effects. The exocannabinoid, THC, suppresses proliferation of hepatic myofibroblasts and stellate cells and induces apoptosis, which may reveal antifibrotic and hepatoprotective mechanisms. Thus, several components of the endocannabinoid system have therapeutic potential in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Dibba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Women and Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Andrew A Li
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - George Cholankeril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Umair Iqbal
- Department of Medicine, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA.
| | - Chiranjeevi Gadiparthi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Muhammad Ali Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Donghee Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
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Pesce M, D'Alessandro A, Borrelli O, Gigli S, Seguella L, Cuomo R, Esposito G, Sarnelli G. Endocannabinoid-related compounds in gastrointestinal diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:706-715. [PMID: 28990365 PMCID: PMC5783846 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling pathway involved in the control of several gastrointestinal (GI) functions at both peripheral and central levels. In recent years, it has become apparent that the ECS is pivotal in the regulation of GI motility, secretion and sensitivity, but endocannabinoids (ECs) are also involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier permeability, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of both functional and organic GI disorders. Genetic studies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease have indeed shown significant associations with polymorphisms or mutation in genes encoding for cannabinoid receptor or enzyme responsible for their catabolism, respectively. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are testing EC agonists/antagonists in the achievement of symptomatic relief from a number of GI symptoms. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of supportive RCTs and relevant data in human beings, and hence, the possible therapeutic application of these compounds is raising ethical, political and economic concerns. More recently, the identification of several EC-like compounds able to modulate ECS function without the typical central side effects of cannabino-mimetics has paved the way for emerging peripherally acting drugs. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms linking the ECS to GI disorders and describes the most recent advances in the manipulation of the ECS in the treatment of GI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Alessandra D'Alessandro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Stefano Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Cuomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix resulting from chronic liver injury of any aetiology, including viral infection, alcoholic liver disease and NASH. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) - transdifferentiation of quiescent, vitamin-A-storing cells into proliferative, fibrogenic myofibroblasts - is now well established as a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. Yet, the continued discovery of novel pathways and mediators, including autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, retinol and cholesterol metabolism, epigenetics and receptor-mediated signals, reveals the complexity of HSC activation. Extracellular signals from resident and inflammatory cells including macrophages, hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, platelets and B cells further modulate HSC activation. Finally, pathways of HSC clearance have been greatly clarified, and include apoptosis, senescence and reversion to an inactivated state. Collectively, these findings reinforce the remarkable complexity and plasticity of HSC activation, and underscore the value of clarifying its regulation in hopes of advancing the development of novel diagnostics and therapies for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Tsuchida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA.,Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-2-50, Kawagishi, Toda-shi, Saitama 335-8505, Japan
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA
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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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Dai E, Zhang L, Ye L, Wan S, Feng L, Qi Q, Yao F, Li Z. Hepatic expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 correlate with fibrogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 59:124-130. [PMID: 28315398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, most of the findings in this area have come from experimental studies in animal models or clinical trials on chronic hepatitis C. The roles of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have not been studied fully. This study aimed to explore the relationship between liver fibrosis and the expression of CB1 and CB2 in patients with CHB. METHODS Eighty liver biopsy specimens from patients with CHB (52 male, 28 female) were analyzed in this study. Fibrosis was staged on a scale of 1 to 4 (F1 to F4, with F4 defining cirrhosis). There were 20 samples for each fibrosis stage. The expression of hepatic alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CB1, and CB2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Hepatic CB1 and CB2 were expressed in all patients with CHB. The degree of fibrosis was significantly associated with the increased expression of CB1 and CB2 in CHB. Furthermore a significant increase in cells positive for both CB1 and CB2 was detected in stage 3 and stage 4 disease compared to stage 1 and stage 2 disease. There was a strong positive association between CB1 expression and α-SMA expression. Moreover, double immunofluorescence staining for CB1 and α-SMA demonstrated that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) express CB1. CONCLUSIONS The hepatic expression of CB1 and CB2 plays an important role during the progression of fibrosis induced by CHB. Endogenous activation of CB1 receptors in patients with CHB enhances fibrogenesis by direct effect on activated HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhei Dai
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Lihong Ye
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shiqing Wan
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Lulu Feng
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Fang Yao
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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Wesolowski SR, El Kasmi KC, Jonscher KR, Friedman JE. Developmental origins of NAFLD: a womb with a clue. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 14:81-96. [PMID: 27780972 PMCID: PMC5725959 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the maternal environment leading to an altered intrauterine milieu can result in subtle insults to the fetus, promoting increased lifetime disease risk and/or disease acceleration in childhood and later in life. Particularly worrisome is that the prevalence of NAFLD is rapidly increasing among children and adults, and is being diagnosed at increasingly younger ages, pointing towards an early-life origin. A wealth of evidence, in humans and non-human primates, suggests that maternal nutrition affects the placenta and fetal tissues, leading to persistent changes in hepatic metabolism, mitochondrial function, the intestinal microbiota, liver macrophage activation and susceptibility to NASH postnatally. Deleterious exposures in utero include fetal hypoxia, increased nutrient supply, inflammation and altered gut microbiota that might produce metabolic clues, including fatty acids, metabolites, endotoxins, bile acids and cytokines, which prime the infant liver for NAFLD in a persistent manner and increase susceptibility to NASH. Mechanistic links to early disease pathways might involve shifts in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, pioneering gut microorganisms, macrophage programming and epigenetic changes that alter the liver microenvironment, favouring liver injury. In this Review, we discuss how maternal, fetal, neonatal and infant exposures provide developmental clues and mechanisms to help explain NAFLD acceleration and increased disease prevalence. Mechanisms identified in clinical and preclinical models suggest important opportunities for prevention and intervention that could slow down the growing epidemic of NAFLD in the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karim C. El Kasmi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Colorado
| | | | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 East 17th Avenue, MS 8106, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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44
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Cannabinoid receptor 2 activation restricts fibrosis and alleviates hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage. Brain Res 2017; 1654:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1593-659. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from having been used and misused for at least four millennia for, among others, recreational and medicinal purposes, the cannabis plant and its most peculiar chemical components, the plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), have the merit to have led humanity to discover one of the most intriguing and pleiotropic endogenous signaling systems, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This review article aims to describe and critically discuss, in the most comprehensive possible manner, the multifaceted aspects of 1) the pharmacology and potential impact on mammalian physiology of all major phytocannabinoids, and not only of the most famous one Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 2) the adaptive pro-homeostatic physiological, or maladaptive pathological, roles of the ECS in mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In doing so, we have respected the chronological order of the milestones of the millennial route from medicinal/recreational cannabis to the ECS and beyond, as it is now clear that some of the early steps in this long path, which were originally neglected, are becoming important again. The emerging picture is rather complex, but still supports the belief that more important discoveries on human physiology, and new therapies, might come in the future from new knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
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Cannabinoid 2 receptor is a novel anti-inflammatory target in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Neuropharmacology 2016; 113:627-638. [PMID: 27569993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) can develop after ocular trauma or inflammation and is a common complication of surgery to correct retinal detachment. Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments for PVR. Cannabinoids acting at cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) can decrease inflammation and fibrosis. The objective of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory actions of CB2R as a candidate novel therapeutic target in experimental PVR. PVR was induced by intravitreal injection of dispase in wild-type (WT) and CB2R genetic knockout (CB2R-/-) mice. Ocular pathology was studied at 24 h or one week after dispase injection. CB2R modulation was examined in WT mice, using the CB2R agonist, HU308, and the CB2R antagonist, AM630. Histopathological scoring and quantification of microglia was used to evaluate tissue pathology. Quantitative PCR and multiplex assays were used to assess changes in proinflammatory cytokines. Intravital microscopy (IVM) was used to visualize and quantify leukocyte-endothelial adhesion to the iridial microcirculation. Activation of CB2R with HU308 in WT mice with PVR decreased mean histopathological scores, the number of microglia, and leukocyte adhesion compared to vehicle-treated animals. Conversely, an increase in histopathological scores and activated microglia was observed in PVR animals after treatment with AM630. CB2R-/- mice with PVR exhibited exacerbated ocular histopathology, increased microglia numbers, and elevated protein levels of cytokines as compared to WT mice. In conclusion, our results indicate that intervention at early stage PVR with CB2R agonists reduces ocular inflammation and disease severity. CB2R may represent a therapeutic target to prevent PVR progression and vision loss. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Lipid Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the CNS'.
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Romero-Parra J, Mella-Raipán J, Palmieri V, Allarà M, Torres MJ, Pessoa-Mahana H, Iturriaga-Vásquez P, Escobar R, Faúndez M, Di Marzo V, Pessoa-Mahana CD. Synthesis, binding assays, cytotoxic activity and docking studies of benzimidazole and benzothiophene derivatives with selective affinity for the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 124:17-35. [PMID: 27560280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report the design, synthesis, bioinformatic and biological studies of benzimidazole and benzothiophene derivatives as new cannabinoid receptor ligands. To test the hypothesis that the lack of a hydrogen bond interaction between benzimidazole and benzothiophene derivatives with Lys192 reduces their affinity for CB1 receptors (as we previously reported) and leads to CB2 selectivity, most of the tested compounds do not exhibit hydrogen bond acceptors. All compounds displayed mostly CB2 selectivity, although this was more pronounced in the benzimidazoles derivatives. Furthermore, docking assays revealed a ∏-cation interaction with Lys109 which could play a key role for the CB2 selectivity index. The series displayed low toxicity on five different cell lines. Derivative 8f presented the best binding profile (Ki = 0.08 μM), high selectivity index (KiCB1/KiCB2) and a low citoxicity. Interestingly, in cell viability experiments, using HL-60 cells (expressing exclusively CB2 receptors), all synthesised compounds were shown to be cytotoxic, suggesting that a CB2 agonist response may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Romero-Parra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Mella-Raipán
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña, 1111, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Vittoria Palmieri
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 034, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 034, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Jose Torres
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hernán Pessoa-Mahana
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone, 1007, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rossy Escobar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Faúndez
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 034, Napoli, Italy
| | - C David Pessoa-Mahana
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile.
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Wang LL, Zhao R, Li JY, Li SS, Liu M, Wang M, Zhang MZ, Dong WW, Jiang SK, Zhang M, Tian ZL, Liu CS, Guan DW. Pharmacological activation of cannabinoid 2 receptor attenuates inflammation, fibrogenesis, and promotes re-epithelialization during skin wound healing. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 786:128-136. [PMID: 27268717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor is expressed in multiple effector cells during skin wound healing. Meanwhile, its functional involvement in inflammation, fibrosis, and cell proliferation in other organs and skin diseases implied CB2 receptor might also regulate skin wound healing. To verify this hypothesis, mice excisional wounds were created and treated with highly selective CB2 receptor agonist GP1a (1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl- N-piperidin-1-yl-4H-indeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide) and antagonist AM630 ([6-iodo-2- methyl-1-(2-morpholin-4-ylethyl)indol-3-yl]-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone) respectively. The inflammatory infiltration, cytokine expression, fibrogenesis, and wound re-epithelialization were analyzed. After CB2 receptor activation, neutrophil and macrophage infiltrations were reduced, and expressions of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A were decreased. Keratinocyte proliferation and migration were enhanced. Wound re-epithelialization was accelerated. Fibroblast accumulation and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation were attenuated, and expression of pro-collagen I was decreased. Furthermore, HaCaT cells in vitro were treated with GP1a or AM630, which revealed that CB2 receptor activation promoted keratinocyte migration by inducing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These results, taken together, indicate that activating CB2 receptor could ameliorate wound healing by reducing inflammation, accelerating re-epithelialization, and attenuating scar formation. Thus, CB2 receptor agonist might be a novel perspective for skin wound therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiao-Yong Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng-Zhou Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Wen-Wen Dong
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Shu-Kun Jiang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Tian
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang-Sheng Liu
- Institute of Forensic Science, Anshan Municipal People's Procuratorate, Anshan, China
| | - Da-Wei Guan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China.
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Kelly EM, Dodge JL, Sarkar M, French AL, Tien PC, Glesby MJ, Golub ET, Augenbraun M, Plankey M, Peters MG. Marijuana Use Is Not Associated With Progression to Advanced Liver Fibrosis in HIV/Hepatitis C Virus-coinfected Women. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:512-8. [PMID: 27225241 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana (hereafter "tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]") use has been associated with liver fibrosis progression in retrospective analyses of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). We studied long-term effects of THC on fibrosis progression in women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). METHODS Liver fibrosis was categorized according to FIB-4 scores as none, moderate, or significant. THC and alcohol use were quantified as average exposure per week. Associations between THC use and progression to significant fibrosis were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Among 575 HIV/HCV-coinfected women followed for a median of 11 (interquartile range, 6-17) years, 324 (56%) reported no THC use, 141 (25%) less than weekly use, 70 (12%) weekly use, and 40 (7%) daily use at WIHS entry. In univariable analysis, entry FIB-4 score (hazard ratio [HR], 2.26 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.88-2.73], P < .001), log HCV RNA (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02-1.38], P = .02), tobacco use (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.02-1.85], P = .04), CD4(+) count (risk per 100-cell increase: HR, 0.90 [95% CI, .86-.95], P < .001), and log HIV RNA (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.05-1.32], P = .005) were associated with progression to significant fibrosis, as was cumulative alcohol use in follow-up (HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.04], P < .001). In multivariable analysis, entry FIB-4, entry CD4(+) count, and cumulative alcohol use remained significant. Cumulative THC use was not associated with fibrosis progression (HR, 1.01 [95% CI, .92-1.10], P = .83). CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected women, THC was not associated with progression to significant liver fibrosis. Alcohol use was independently associated with liver fibrosis, and may better predict fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV-coinfected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Monika Sarkar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Audrey L French
- Infectious Diseases, CORE Center/Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Phyllis C Tien
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Marshall J Glesby
- Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth T Golub
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Augenbraun
- Infectious Diseases, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn
| | - Michael Plankey
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D.C
| | - Marion G Peters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Ramer R, Hinz B. Antitumorigenic targets of cannabinoids - current status and implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1219-35. [PMID: 27070944 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1177512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Molecular structures of the endocannabinoid system have gained interest as potential pharmacotherapeutical targets for systemic cancer treatment. AREAS COVERED The present review covers the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to cancer progression. Particular focus will be set on the accumulating preclinical data concerning antimetastatic, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic mechanisms induced by cannabinoids. EXPERT OPINION The main goal of targeting endocannabinoid structures for systemic anticancer treatment is the comparatively good safety profile of cannabinoid compounds. In addition, antitumorigenic mechanisms of cannabinoids are not restricted to a single molecular cascade but involve multiple effects on various levels of cancer progression such as angiogenesis and metastasis. Particularly the latter effect has gained interest for pharmacological interventions. Thus, drugs aiming at the endocannabinoid system may represent potential 'antimetastatics' for an upgrade of a future armamentarium against cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- a Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- a Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
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