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Warren WG, Osborn M, David-Pereira A, Tsantoulas C, Xue W, Yates A, OSullivan SE. ART26.12, a novel fatty acid-binding protein 5 inhibitor, shows efficacy in multiple preclinical neuropathy models. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 39188040 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Painful neuropathy is a pathological condition caused by numerous factors including diabetes, chemotherapy or cancer. ART26.12 is a novel fatty acid-binding protein 5 inhibitor, which our group showed could prevent and treat persistent pain in a preclinical model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. METHODS In the current study, the efficacy of orally dosed ART26.12 was tested in multiple neuropathy models of different aetiology. Paw withdrawal threshold to von Frey monofilaments and latency to escape a cold plate were used as measurements of mechanical and cold sensitivity. RESULTS ART26.12 (25 and 50 mg/kg BID), dosed prior to the induction of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN), reversed mechanical allodynia induced by paclitaxel in both male and female rats, and ART26.12 (50 mg/kg BID) prevented the induction of PIPN in female rats. ART26.12 (50 mg/kg BID) also had a protective effect on body weight in the PIPN model. ART26.12 (25 and 100 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia when treating established streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in male rats. In a model of breast cancer-induced bone pain in female rats, ART26.12 (100 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia within 1 h of dosing. In the same model, ART26.12 (25 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia from day 4 of treatment. CONCLUSION Overall, these preclinical data suggest that ART26.12 is a safe and efficacious therapeutic drug for continued development towards the prevention and treatment of peripheral neuropathy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work now shows that ART26.12, a novel and selective inhibitor of FABP5, can prevent and treat multiple preclinical models of peripheral neuropathy. Given its excellent safety profile, further work is warranted to develop ART26.12 as a potential therapeutic tool for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G Warren
- Artelo Biosciences Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, UK
| | - M Osborn
- Artelo Biosciences Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, UK
| | - A David-Pereira
- Transpharmation Ltd., The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - C Tsantoulas
- Transpharmation Ltd., The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Wenwen Xue
- Pharmaron Inc., Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - A Yates
- Artelo Biosciences Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, UK
| | - S E OSullivan
- Artelo Biosciences Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, UK
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Diester CM, Balint H, Gillespie JC, Lichtman AH, Sim-Selley LJ, Selley DE, Negus SS. Effects of Repeated Treatment with the Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor MJN110 on Pain-Related Depression of Nesting and Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Function in Male and Female Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 390:291-301. [PMID: 38262742 PMCID: PMC11338278 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
MJN110 inhibits the enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to increase levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol , an endogenous high-efficacy agonist of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1/2R). MAGL inhibitors are under consideration as candidate analgesics, and we reported previously that acute MJN110 produced partial antinociception in an assay of pain-related behavioral depression in mice. Given the need for repeated analgesic administration in many pain patients and the potential for analgesic tolerance during repeated treatment, this study examined antinociceptive effects of repeated MJN110 on pain-related behavioral depression and CB1R-mediated G-protein function. Male and female ICR mice were treated daily for 7 days in a 2 × 2 design with (a) 1.0 mg/kg/d MJN110 or its vehicle followed by (b) intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP acid) or its vehicle as a visceral noxious stimulus to depress nesting behavior. After behavioral testing, G-protein activity was assessed in lumbar spinal cord (LSC) and five brain regions using an assay of CP55,940-stimulated [35S]GTPɣS activation. As reported previously, acute MJN110 produced partial but significant relief of IP acid-induced nesting depression on day 1. After 7 days, MJN110 continued to produce significant but partial antinociception in males, while antinociceptive tolerance developed in females. Repeated MJN110 also produced modest decreases in maximum levels of CP55,940-induced [35S]GTPɣS binding in spinal cord and most brain regions. These results indicate that repeated treatment with a relatively low antinociceptive MJN110 dose produces only partial and sex-dependent transient antinociception associated with the emergence of CB1R desensitization in this model of IP acid-induced nesting depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The drug MJN110 inhibits monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to increase levels of the endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol and produce potentially useful therapeutic effects including analgesia. This study used an assay of pain-related behavioral depression in mice to show that repeated MJN110 treatment produced (1) weak but sustained antinociception in male mice, (2) antinociceptive tolerance in females, and (3) modest cannabinoid-receptor desensitization that varied by region and sex. Antinociceptive tolerance may limit the utility of MJN110 for treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Diester
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hallie Balint
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Laura J Sim-Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., H.B., J.C.G., A.H.L., L.J.S.-S., D.E.S., S.S.N.) and School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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3
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Zeng F, Wade A, Harbert K, Patel S, Holley JS, Dehghanpuor CK, Hopwood T, Marino S, Sophocleous A, Idris AI. Classical cannabinoid receptors as target in cancer-induced bone pain: a systematic review, meta-analysis and bioinformatics validation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5782. [PMID: 38461339 PMCID: PMC10924854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56220-0] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological modulation of the classical cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors attenuate cancer-induced bone pain, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant skeletal and non-skeletal cancer studies from inception to July 28, 2022. We identified 29 animal and 35 human studies. In mice, a meta-analysis of pooled studies showed that treatment of osteolysis-bearing males with the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG (mean difference [MD] - 24.83, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] - 34.89, - 14.76, p < 0.00001) or the synthetic cannabinoid (CB) agonists ACPA, WIN55,212-2, CP55,940 (CB1/2-non-selective) and AM1241 (CB2-selective) (MD - 28.73, 95%CI - 45.43, - 12.02, p = 0.0008) are associated with significant reduction in paw withdrawal frequency. Consistently, the synthetic agonists AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal threshold (MD 0.89, 95%CI 0.79, 0.99, p < 0.00001), and ACEA (CB1-selective), AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) reduced spontaneous flinches (MD - 4.85, 95%CI - 6.74, - 2.96, p < 0. 00001) in osteolysis-bearing male mice. In rats, significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold is associated with the administration of ACEA and WIN55,212-2 (CB1/2-non-selective), JWH015 and AM1241 (CB2-selective) in osteolysis-bearing females (MD 8.18, 95%CI 6.14, 10.21, p < 0.00001), and treatment with AM1241 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal thermal latency in males (mean difference [MD]: 3.94, 95%CI 2.13, 5.75, p < 0.0001), confirming the analgesic capabilities of CB1/2 ligands in rodents. In human, treatment of cancer patients with medical cannabis (standardized MD - 0.19, 95%CI - 0.35, - 0.02, p = 0.03) and the plant-derived delta-9-THC (20 mg) (MD 3.29, CI 2.24, 4.33, p < 0.00001) or its synthetic derivative NIB (4 mg) (MD 2.55, 95%CI 1.58, 3.51, p < 0.00001) are associated with reduction in pain intensity. Bioinformatics validation of KEGG, GO and MPO pathway, function and process enrichment analysis of mouse, rat and human data revealed that CB1 and CB2 receptors are enriched in a cocktail of nociceptive and sensory perception, inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and cancer pathways. Thus, we cautiously conclude that pharmacological modulators of CB1/2 receptors show promise in the treatment of cancer-induced bone pain, however further assessment of their effects on bone pain in genetically engineered animal models and cancer patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Zeng
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Abbie Wade
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Kade Harbert
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Shrina Patel
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Joshua S Holley
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Cornelia K Dehghanpuor
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Thomas Hopwood
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), BioMed II, 238-2, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Antonia Sophocleous
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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4
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Thompson AL, Grenald SA, Ciccone HA, Mohty D, Smith AF, Coleman DL, Bahramnejad E, De Leon E, Kasper-Conella L, Uhrlab JL, Margolis DS, Salvemini D, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW. Morphine-induced osteolysis and hypersensitivity is mediated through toll-like receptor-4 in a murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Pain 2023; 164:2463-2476. [PMID: 37326644 PMCID: PMC10578422 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The propensity for breast cancer to metastasize to bone is coupled to the most common complaint among breast cancer patients: bone pain. Classically, this type of pain is treated using escalating doses of opioids, which lack long-term efficacy due to analgesic tolerance, opioid-induced hypersensitivity, and have recently been linked to enhanced bone loss. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying these adverse effects have not been fully explored. Using an immunocompetent murine model of metastatic breast cancer, we demonstrated that sustained morphine infusion induced a significant increase in osteolysis and hypersensitivity within the ipsilateral femur through the activation of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Pharmacological blockade with TAK242 (resatorvid) as well as the use of a TLR4 genetic knockout ameliorated the chronic morphine-induced osteolysis and hypersensitivity. Genetic MOR knockout did not mitigate chronic morphine hypersensitivity or bone loss. In vitro studies using RAW264.7 murine macrophages precursor cells demonstrated morphine-enhanced osteoclastogenesis that was inhibited by the TLR4 antagonist. Together, these data indicate that morphine induces osteolysis and hypersensitivity that are mediated, in part, through a TLR4 receptor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austen L. Thompson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shaness A. Grenald
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Haley A. Ciccone
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Dieter Mohty
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Angela F. Smith
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Deziree L. Coleman
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Erfan Bahramnejad
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Erick De Leon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Logan Kasper-Conella
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - David S. Margolis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Daniela Salvemini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Tally M. Largent-Milnes
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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5
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Creanga-Murariu I, Filipiuc LE, Cuciureanu M, Tamba BI, Alexa-Stratulat T. Should oncologists trust cannabinoids? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211506. [PMID: 37521486 PMCID: PMC10373070 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis enjoyed a "golden age" as a medicinal product in the late 19th, early 20th century, but the increased risk of overdose and abuse led to its criminalization. However, the 21st century have witnessed a resurgence of interest and a large body of literature regarding the benefits of cannabinoids have emerged. As legalization and decriminalization have spread around the world, cancer patients are increasingly interested in the potential utility of cannabinoids. Although eager to discuss cannabis use with their oncologist, patients often find them to be reluctant, mainly because clinicians are still not convinced by the existing evidence-based data to guide their treatment plans. Physicians should prescribe cannabis only if a careful explanation can be provided and follow up response evaluation ensured, making it mandatory for them to be up to date with the positive and also negative aspects of the cannabis in the case of cancer patients. Consequently, this article aims to bring some clarifications to clinicians regarding the sometimes-confusing various nomenclature under which this plant is mentioned, current legislation and the existing evidence (both preclinical and clinical) for the utility of cannabinoids in cancer patients, for either palliation of the associated symptoms or even the potential antitumor effects that cannabinoids may have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Creanga-Murariu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Leontina Elena Filipiuc
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Magda Cuciureanu
- Pharmacology Department, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
- Pharmacology Department, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
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6
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Zhao X, Amevor FK, Cui Z, Wan Y, Xue X, Peng C, Li Y. Steatosis in metabolic diseases: A focus on lipolysis and lipophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114311. [PMID: 36764133 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs), as part of lipids, are involved in cell membrane composition, cellular energy storage, and cell signaling. FAs can also be toxic when their concentrations inside and/or outside the cell exceed physiological levels, which is called "lipotoxicity", and steatosis is a form of lipotoxity. To facilitate the storage of large quantities of FAs in cells, they undergo a process called lipolysis or lipophagy. This review focuses on the effects of lipolytic enzymes including cytoplasmic "neutral" lipolysis, lysosomal "acid" lipolysis, and lipophagy. Moreover, the impact of related lipolytic enzymes on lipid metabolism homeostasis and energy conservation, as well as their role in lipid-related metabolic diseases. In addition, we describe how they affect lipid metabolism homeostasis and energy conservation in lipid-related metabolic diseases with a focus on hepatic steatosis and cancer and the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of AMPK/SIRTs/FOXOs, PI3K/Akt, PPARs/PGC-1α, MAPK/ERK1/2, TLR4/NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR/TFEB, Wnt/β-catenin through immune inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy-related pathways. As well as the current application of lipolytic enzyme inhibitors (especially Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) inhibitors) to provide new strategies for future exploration of metabolic programming in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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7
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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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8
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Ottria R, Casati S, Rota P, Ciuffreda P. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Synthesis: Facile and Handy Enzymatic Method That Allows to Avoid Isomerization. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165190. [PMID: 36014430 PMCID: PMC9416359 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple and practical synthesis of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), an endogenous agonist for cannabinoid receptors, based on a two-step enzymatic process and a chemical coupling, was achieved with a good yield and negligible amount of the isomerization product 1-AG. Commercial preparation of immobilized lipase from Mucor miehei (MML) was selected as the most suitable enzyme to catalyze the efficient protection of glycerol using vinyl benzoate as an acyl transfer reagent in tetrahydrofuran. The same enzyme was used to remove the protective groups in positions 1 and 3. Owing to the mild neutral conditions and easy suitability of the method, 2-AG was obtained without any isomerization to the more stable 1-AG and air oxidation of acid chain. The synthetic method proposed here allows us to easily obtain 2-AG from the protected precursor in a one-step reaction without purification requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ottria
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvana Casati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rota
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via della Commenda 10, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Pierangela Ciuffreda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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9
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Detection of Cannabinoid Receptor Expression by Endometriotic Lesions in Women with Endometriosis as an Alternative to Opioid-Based Pain Medication. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4323259. [PMID: 35692500 PMCID: PMC9184153 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4323259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging information suggests a potential role of medicinal cannabis in pain medication in addition to enhancing immune functions. Endometriosis is a disease of women of reproductive age associated with infertility and reproductive failure as well as chronic pain of varying degrees depending on the stage of the disease. Currently, opioids are being preferred over nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) due to the latter’s side effects. However, as the opioids are becoming a source of addiction, additional pain medication is urgently needed. Cannabis offers an alternative therapy for treating the pain associated with endometriosis. Information on the use and effectiveness of cannabis against endometriotic pain is lacking. Moreover, expression of receptors for endocannabinoids by the ovarian endometriotic lesions is not known. The goal of this study was to examine whether cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) are expressed by ovarian endometriotic lesions. Archived normal ovarian tissues, ovaries with endometriotic lesions, and normal endometrial tissues were examined for the presence of endometrial stromal cells using CD10 (a marker of endometrial stromal cells). Expression of CB1 and CB2 were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and gene expression studies. Intense expression for CB1 and CB2 was detected in the epithelial cells in ovarian endometriotic lesions. Compared with stroma in ovaries with endometriotic lesions, the expression of CB1 and CB2 was significantly higher in the epithelial cells in endometriotic lesions in the ovary (
and
, respectively). Immunoblotting and gene expression assays showed similar patterns for CB1 and CB2 protein and CNR1 (gene encoding CB1) and CNR2 (gene encoding CB2) gene expression. These results suggest that ovarian endometriotic lesions express CB1 and CB2 receptors, and these lesions may respond to cannabinoids as pain medication. These results will form a foundation for a clinical study with larger cohorts.
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Association of cannabinoid receptor modulation with normal and abnormal skeletal remodelling: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro, in vivo and human studies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105928. [PMID: 34800625 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To address the inconsistent findings from studies that used different models to explore the role of classical cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors in skeletal remodelling, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Embase for relevant studies from inception to June 23, 2020. We identified 38 in vitro, 34 in vivo and 9 human studies. A meta-analysis of in vitro studies showed that exposure to the inverse-agonists AM251 (mean difference [MD]:-26.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]:-45.36,-8.14, p = 0.005), AM630 (standardised[std.] MD:-3.11, CI:-5.26,-0.97, p = 0.004; SR144528, std.MD:-4.88, CI -7.58,-2.18, p = 0.0004) and CBD (std.MD:-1.39, CI -2.64,-0.14, p = 0.03) is associated with reduced osteoclastogenesis, whereas the endocannabinoid 2-AG (std.MD:2.00, CI:0.11-3.89, p = 0.04) and CB2-selective agonist HU308 (MD:19.38, CI:11.75-27.01, p < 0.00001) were stimulatory. HU308 also enhanced osteoblast differentiation (std.MD:2.22, CI:0.95-3.50, p = 0.0006) and activity (std.MD:2.97, CI:1.22-4.71, p = 0.0008). In models of bone loss, CB1/2 deficiency enhanced peak bone volume (std.MD:3.70, CI:1.77-5.63, p = 0.0002) but reduced bone formation (std.MD:-0.54, CI:-0.90,-0.17, p = 0.004) in female mice. In male rats, CB1/2 deficiency (std.MD:2.31, CI:0.30-4.33, p = 0.02) and AM251 or CBD treatments (std.MD:2.19, CI:0.46-3.93, p = 0.01) enhanced bone volume. CB1/2 deficiency (std.MD:9.78, CI:4.96-14.61, p < 0.0001) and AM251 or AM630 treatments (std.MD:28.19, CI:19.13-37.25, p < 0.0001) were associated with osteoprotection. The CB2-selective agonists JWH133 and 4Q3C enhanced bone volume in arthritic rodents (std.MD:14.45, CI:2.08-26.81, p = 0.02). In human, CB2 SNPs (AA:rs2501431, MD:-0.28, CI:-0.55,-0.01, p = 0.04; CC:rs2501432, MD:-0.29, CI:-0.56,-0.02, p = 0.03) were associated with reduced bone mineral density, however the association of Marijuana use remains unclear. Thus, CB1/2 modulation is associated with altered bone metabolism, however findings are confounded by low study number and heterogenicity of models.
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Gadepalli A, Akhilesh, Uniyal A, Modi A, Chouhan D, Ummadisetty O, Khanna S, Solanki S, Allani M, Tiwari V. Multifarious Targets and Recent Developments in the Therapeutics for the Management of Bone Cancer Pain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4195-4208. [PMID: 34723483 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a distinct pain state showing characteristics of both neuropathic and inflammatory pain. On average, almost 46% of cancer patients exhibit BCP with numbers flaring up to as high as 76% for terminally ill patients. Patients suffering from BCP experience a compromised quality of life, and the unavailability of effective therapeutics makes this a more devastating condition. In every individual cancer patient, the pain is driven by different mechanisms at different sites. The mechanisms behind the manifestation of BCP are very complex and poorly understood, which creates a substantial barrier to drug development. Nevertheless, some of the key mechanisms involved have been identified and are being explored further to develop targeted molecules. Developing a multitarget approach might be beneficial in this case as the underlying mechanism is not fixed and usually a number of these pathways are simultaneously dysregulated. In this review, we have discussed the role of recently identified novel modulators and mechanisms involved in the development of BCP. They include ion channels and receptors involved in sensing alteration of temperature and acidic microenvironment, immune system activation, sodium channels, endothelins, protease-activated receptors, neurotrophins, motor proteins mediated trafficking of glutamate receptor, and some bone-specific mechanisms. Apart from this, we have also discussed some of the novel approaches under preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of bone cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Gadepalli
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Akhilesh
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Ankit Uniyal
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Ajay Modi
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Deepak Chouhan
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Obulapathi Ummadisetty
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Shreya Khanna
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Shreya Solanki
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Meghana Allani
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh India
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Levine A, Liktor-Busa E, Lipinski AA, Couture S, Balasubramanian S, Aicher SA, Langlais PR, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. Sex differences in the expression of the endocannabinoid system within V1M cortex and PAG of Sprague Dawley rats. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:60. [PMID: 34749819 PMCID: PMC8577021 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several chronic pain disorders, such as migraine and fibromyalgia, have an increased prevalence in the female population. The underlying mechanisms of this sex-biased prevalence have yet to be thoroughly documented, but could be related to endogenous differences in neuromodulators in pain networks, including the endocannabinoid system. The cellular endocannabinoid system comprises the endogenous lipid signals 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and AEA (anandamide); the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them; and the cannabinoid receptors. The relative prevalence of different components of the endocannabinoid system in specific brain regions may alter responses to endogenous and exogenous ligands. METHODS Brain tissue from naïve male and estrous staged female Sprague Dawley rats was harvested from V1M cortex, periaqueductal gray, trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Tissue was analyzed for relative levels of endocannabinoid enzymes, ligands, and receptors via mass spectrometry, unlabeled quantitative proteomic analysis, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in 2-AG and AEA concentrations between males and females, as well as between female estrous cycle stages. Specifically, 2-AG concentration was lower within female PAG as compared to male PAG (*p = 0.0077); female 2-AG concentration within the PAG did not demonstrate estrous stage dependence. Immunohistochemistry followed by proteomics confirmed the prevalence of 2-AG-endocannabinoid system enzymes in the female PAG. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system in two CNS regions relevant to cortical spreading depression (V1M cortex) and descending modulatory networks in pain/anxiety (PAG). These basal differences in endogenous endocannabinoid mechanisms may facilitate the development of chronic pain conditions and may also underlie sex differences in response to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Levine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Austin A Lipinski
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sarah Couture
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Shreya Balasubramanian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sue A Aicher
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Paul R Langlais
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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Wang K, Donnelly CR, Jiang C, Liao Y, Luo X, Tao X, Bang S, McGinnis A, Lee M, Hilton MJ, Ji RR. STING suppresses bone cancer pain via immune and neuronal modulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4558. [PMID: 34315904 PMCID: PMC8316360 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced stage cancers frequently suffer from severe pain as a result of bone metastasis and bone destruction, for which there is no efficacious treatment. Here, using multiple mouse models of bone cancer, we report that agonists of the immune regulator STING (stimulator of interferon genes) confer remarkable protection against cancer pain, bone destruction, and local tumor burden. Repeated systemic administration of STING agonists robustly attenuates bone cancer-induced pain and improves locomotor function. Interestingly, STING agonists produce acute pain relief through direct neuronal modulation. Additionally, STING agonists protect against local bone destruction and reduce local tumor burden through modulation of osteoclast and immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, providing long-term cancer pain relief. Finally, these in vivo effects are dependent on host-intrinsic STING and IFN-I signaling. Overall, STING activation provides unique advantages in controlling bone cancer pain through distinct and synergistic actions on nociceptors, immune cells, and osteoclasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Wang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Christopher R Donnelly
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yihan Liao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xin Luo
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xueshu Tao
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sangsu Bang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aidan McGinnis
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Lee
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew J Hilton
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Diester CM, Lichtman AH, Negus SS. Behavioral Battery for Testing Candidate Analgesics in Mice. II. Effects of Endocannabinoid Catabolic Enzyme Inhibitors and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:242-253. [PMID: 33622769 PMCID: PMC8058502 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced signaling of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system through inhibition of the catabolic enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has received increasing interest for development of candidate analgesics. This study compared effects of MAGL and FAAH inhibitors with effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a battery of pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors in male and female mice. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP acid) served as an acute visceral noxious stimulus to stimulate two behaviors (stretching, facial grimace) and depress two behaviors (rearing, nesting). Nesting and locomotion were also assessed in the absence of IP acid as pain-independent behaviors. THC and a spectrum of six eCB catabolic enzyme inhibitors ranging from MAGL- to FAAH-selective were assessed for effectiveness to alleviate pain-related behaviors at doses that did not alter pain-independent behaviors. The MAGL-selective inhibitor MJN110 produced the most effective antinociceptive profile, with 1.0 mg/kg alleviating IP acid effects on stretching, grimace, and nesting without altering pain-independent behaviors. MJN110 effects on IP acid-depressed nesting had a slow onset and long duration (40 minutes to 6 hours), were blocked by rimonabant, and tended to be greater in females. As inhibitors increased in FAAH selectivity, antinociceptive effectiveness decreased. PF3845, the most FAAH-selective inhibitor, produced no antinociception up to doses that disrupted locomotion. THC decreased IP acid-stimulated stretching and grimace at doses that did not alter pain-independent behaviors; however, it did not alleviate IP acid-induced depression of rearing or nesting. These results support further consideration of MAGL-selective inhibitors as candidate analgesics for acute inflammatory pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study characterized a spectrum of endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme inhibitors ranging in selectivity from monoacylglycerol lipase-selective to fatty acid amide hydrolase-selective in a battery of pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors previously pharmacologically characterized in a companion paper. This battery provides a method for prioritizing candidate analgesics by effectiveness to alleviate pain-related behaviors at doses that do not alter pain-independent behaviors, with inclusion of pain-depressed behaviors increasing translational validity and decreasing susceptibility to motor-depressant false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Diester
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., A.H.L., S.S.N.), School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - A H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., A.H.L., S.S.N.), School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - S S Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.M.D., A.H.L., S.S.N.), School of Pharmacy (A.H.L.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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15
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Wilkerson JL, Bilbrey JA, Felix JS, Makriyannis A, McMahon LR. Untapped endocannabinoid pharmacological targets: Pipe dream or pipeline? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 206:173192. [PMID: 33932409 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been established that the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system plays key modulatory roles in a wide variety of pathological conditions. The endocannabinoid system comprises both cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), and enzymes that regulate the synthesis and degradation of endogenous ligands which include diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGL-α), diacylglycerol lipase beta (DAGL-β), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), α/β hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6). As the endocannabinoid system exerts considerable involvement in the regulation of homeostasis and disease, much effort has been made towards understanding endocannabinoid-related mechanisms of action at cellular, physiological, and pathological levels as well as harnessing the various components of the endocannabinoid system to produce novel therapeutics. However, drug discovery efforts within the cannabinoid field have been slower than anticipated to reach satisfactory clinical endpoints and raises an important question into the validity of developing novel ligands that therapeutically target the endocannabinoid system. To answer this, we will first examine evidence that supports the existence of an endocannabinoid system role within inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, pain, substance use disorders, mood disorders, as well as metabolic diseases. Next, this review will discuss recent clinical studies, within the last 5 years, of cannabinoid compounds in context to these diseases. We will also address some of the challenges and considerations within the cannabinoid field that may be important in the advancement of therapeutics into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Joshua A Bilbrey
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jasmine S Felix
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Zhang H, Lipinski AA, Liktor-Busa E, Smith AF, Moutal A, Khanna R, Langlais PR, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW. The Effects of Repeated Morphine Treatment on the Endogenous Cannabinoid System in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:632757. [PMID: 33953672 PMCID: PMC8090348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.632757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic utility of opioids is diminished by their ability to induce rewarding behaviors that may lead to opioid use disorder. Recently, the endogenous cannabinoid system has emerged as a hot topic in the study of opioid reward but relatively little is known about how repeated opioid exposure may affect the endogenous cannabinoid system in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. In the present study, we investigated how sustained morphine may modulate the endogenous cannabinoid system in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of Sprague Dawley rats, a critical region in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. Studies here using proteomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) found that the VTA expresses 32 different proteins or genes related to the endogenous cannabinoid system; three of these proteins or genes (PLCγ2, ABHD6, and CB2R) were significantly affected after repeated morphine exposure (CB2R was only detected by qRT-PCR but not proteomics). We also identified that repeated morphine treatment does not alter either anandamide (AEA) or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels in the VTA compared to saline treatment; however, there may be diminished levels of anandamide (AEA) production in the VTA 4 h after a single morphine injection in both chronic saline and morphine pretreated cohorts. Treating the animals with an inhibitor of 2-AG degradation significantly decreased repeated opioid rewarding behavior. Taken together, our studies reveal a potential influence of sustained opioids on the endocannabinoid system in the VTA, suggesting that the endogenous cannabinoid system may participate in the opioid-induced reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Austin A. Lipinski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Angela F. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paul R. Langlais
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Tally M. Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Bononi G, Poli G, Rizzolio F, Tuccinardi T, Macchia M, Minutolo F, Granchi C. An updated patent review of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors (2018-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 31:153-168. [PMID: 33085920 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1841166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) belongs to the endocannabinoid system and is responsible for the inactivation of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Importantly, it was found that MAGL degradation of lipids in cancer cells enhances the availability of free fatty acids for new cellular membrane formation and pro-oncogenic lipid modulators. The multifaceted role of MAGL has greatly stimulated the search for MAGL inhibitors, which could be effective to treat diseases, such as inflammation, neurodegeneration and cancer. AREAS COVERED This review covers patents published since 2018 up to now, concerning new MAGL inhibitors and their potential therapeutic applications. EXPERT OPINION In the years 2018-2020, several well-known chemical scaffolds of MAGL inhibitors have been further optimized and developed and some new chemical classes have also been identified as MAGL inhibitors. Moreover, an increasing number of scientific publications covering MAGL inhibitors is focused on MAGL-specific positron emission tomography (PET) ligands. The numerous efforts of pharmaceutical companies and academic research groups finalized to find new potent MAGL inhibitors confirm that this research area is rapidly growing. Nevertheless, most of the patented compounds still belong to the large group of irreversible MAGL inhibitors, highlighting that the development of reversible MAGL inhibitors is still an unmet pharmaceutical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico Di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS , Aviano, Italy.,Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University , Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
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