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Mboumba Bouassa RS, Needham J, Nohynek D, Samarani S, Bobeuf F, Del Balso L, Paisible N, Vertzagias C, Sebastiani G, Margolese S, Mandarino E, Singer J, Klein M, Lebouché B, Cox J, Vulesevic B, Müller A, Lau E, Routy JP, Jenabian MA, Costiniuk CT. Feasibility of a Randomized, Interventional Pilot Clinical Study of Oral Cannabinoids in People with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: CTNPT 028. J Pers Med 2024; 14:745. [PMID: 39063999 PMCID: PMC11277849 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070745] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis-based medicines (CBMs) could help reduce systemic inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). In a prospective, randomized pilot study we enrolled participants from August 2021-April 2022 with HIV, aged ≥18 and on antiretroviral therapy and randomly assigned them to cannabidiol (CBD) ± Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) capsules for 12 weeks with the primary objective being to assess safety and tolerability. Here we report on timeliness to study initiation, enrolment, compliance and retention rates. The target sample size was not reached. Two hundred and five individuals were approached, and 10 consented and were randomized; the rest refused (reasons: cannabis-related stigma/discomfort; too many study visits/insufficient time; unwillingness to undergo a "washout period" for three weeks) or were not eligible. The age of those randomized was 58 years (IQR 55-62); 80% were male. Only three met all criteria (30% enrolment compliance); seven were enrolled with minor protocol deviations. Compliance was excellent (100%). Eight (80%) participants completed the study; two (20%) were withdrawn for safety reasons (transaminitis and aggravation of pre-existing anemia). Time to study initiation and recruitment were the most challenging aspects. Ongoing work is required to reduce stigma related to CBMs. Future studies should find a balance between the requirements for safety monitoring and frequency of study visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada; (R.-S.M.B.); (M.-A.J.)
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
| | - Judy Needham
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Dana Nohynek
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Suzanne Samarani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Florian Bobeuf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Lina Del Balso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Natalie Paisible
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Claude Vertzagias
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shari Margolese
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Enrico Mandarino
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Joel Singer
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research Mentorship Chair in Innovative Clinical Trials, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Branka Vulesevic
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Alison Müller
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Elisa Lau
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (J.N.); (D.N.); (S.M.); (E.M.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.L.)
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada; (R.-S.M.B.); (M.-A.J.)
| | - Cecilia T. Costiniuk
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.S.); (C.V.); (G.S.); (M.K.); (B.L.); (J.C.); (B.V.); (J.-P.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.B.); (L.D.B.); (N.P.)
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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Murray CH, Javanbakht M, Cho GD, Gorbach PM, Fulcher JA, Cooper ZD. Changes in Immune-Related Biomarkers and Endocannabinoids as a Function of Frequency of Cannabis Use in People Living With and Without HIV. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:e897-e906. [PMID: 37093248 PMCID: PMC11295663 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0287] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis use is common among people living with HIV (PLWH). Some observational studies of PLWH have linked cannabis use to lower immune markers; however, this is yet to be confirmed. In addition, whether HIV affects the endogenous cannabinoid system has not been studied. Our objective was to examine changes in immune-related biomarkers and endocannabinoids as a function of cannabis use frequency in people living with and without HIV. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of men who have sex with men living in Los Angeles with, or at risk for, HIV. By design, half were PLWH. Those eligible for the parent study were willing and able to return for follow-up every 6 months. Those eligible for inclusion in this study reported varying levels of current cannabis use at follow-up. Specifically, one visit corresponded to a period of daily use and another to a period of infrequent use (weekly, monthly, or less than monthly). Banked serum from all eligible participants was analyzed for immune-related biomarkers, endocannabinoids, and paracannabinoids. Results: The analysis included 36 men, 19 of whom were PLWH. PLWH reported greater lifetime methamphetamine or amphetamine use (68% vs. 0%) and current cigarette use (55% vs. 20%) than people without HIV. Serum levels of HIV-related immune biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2; p=0.013) and CD27 (p=0.004) were greater in PLWH, alongside lower anandamide (AEA) (F1,34=5.337, p=0.027) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) (F1,34=8.222, p=0.007) levels relative to people without HIV. Frequency of cannabis use did not impact the serum analytes in our study. Conclusions: Higher levels of TNFR2 and CD27 and lower levels of AEA and OEA in PLWH underscore the role of the TNF/TNFR superfamily in HIV, while highlighting a new role for the enzymatic activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (the enzyme that hydrolyzes AEA and OEA) in HIV. Findings that cannabis frequency did not impact the immune phenotype may not generalize to other populations of PLWH. Additional work is required to further clarify the relationship between immune markers and endocannabinoids as a function of cannabis use frequency in PLWH. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01201083.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor H. Murray
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Grace D. Cho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Fulcher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hassan Kalantar Neyestanaki M, Gholizadeh O, Hosseini Tabatabaie F, Akbarzadeh S, Yasamineh S, Afkhami H, Sedighi S. Immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids against viral infections: a review of its potential use in SARS-CoV2 infection. Virusdisease 2024; 35:342-356. [PMID: 39071880 PMCID: PMC11269557 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-024-00871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis affecting millions of people worldwide. Along with vaccine development, there is also a priority to discover new drugs and treatments. One approach involves modulating the immune system to manage inflammation and cytokine storms. Patients with a high severity of complications exhibit a high level of inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, in the airways and other infected tissues. Several studies have reported the function of the endocannabinoid system in regulating inflammation and different immune responses. Cannabinoids are a class of natural chemicals found in the Cannabis plant. Recently, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids and their mediatory immunosuppression mechanisms through the endocannabinoid system have engrossed scientists in the health field for infectious conditions. Research suggests that the immune system can regulate cytokine activation through cannabinoid receptors, particularly with Cannabidiol (CBD), the second most prevalent compound in cannabis. While CBD has been deemed safe by the World Health Organization and shows no signs of abuse potential, excessive CBD use may lead to respiratory depression. CBD shows promise in reducing immune cell recruitment and cytokine storms in organs affected by SARS-CoV2. However, before clinical use, it's crucial to evaluate cannabinoid-based medications' active ingredient concentrations and potential interactions with other drugs, along with associated side effects. Indication-based dosing, consistent formulations, and ensuring purity and potency are essential. This review highlights cannabinoids' effects on COVID-19 management and prognosis, drawing from preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatemeh Hosseini Tabatabaie
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sama Akbarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sedighi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Okafor CN, Somasunderam A, Lake JE, Gelfond J, Javanbakht M, Gorbach P, Shoptaw S, Schmitz J. Cannabis Use and Biomarkers of Inflammation, Immune Activation, and Microbial Translocation in Persons with HIV. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38335314 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0109] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between cannabis and inflammation among persons with HIV (PWH) remains unclear. We examined whether the cannabis metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy THC (THC-COOH) is associated with lower levels of plasma biomarkers of inflammation, immune activation, and microbial translocation in PWH. We hypothesized that cannabis use would be associated with lower levels of plasma inflammatory biomarkers than noncannabis use. Methods: We quantified THC-COOH in plasma, with THC-COOH levels between 5.1-69.9 μg/L and ≥70 μg/L being classified as moderate and heavy cannabis use, respectively, with noncannabis use defined as undetected THC-COOH. We measured a panel of plasma biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin [IL]-1-β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-18, IL-6, and C-reactive protein), immune activation (CD14 and CD163), and microbial translocation (iFABP2 and lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP]), with all biomarkers collected on the same day. We used a cross-sectional design and linear regression models to test whether cannabis use is associated with lower biomarker levels. Results: Participants were (N=107) sexual minority men with HIV (median age=32 years, IQR=28, 38), of whom 65% were virally suppressed; 36%, 44%, and 20% were classified as nonuse, moderate, and heavy cannabis, respectively. In linear regression models adjusted for viral suppression, stimulant use, and CD4 counts, heavy cannabis use was significantly associated with lower levels of log10 LBP (β=-0.14, 95% confidence interval: -0.24 to -0.04; false discovery rate=0.0029; partial eta squared=0.07) than noncannabis users. No precise associations were observed for other biomarkers (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cannabis use may be associated with lower plasma LBP. Further work is needed to clarify the relationship between cannabis use and biomarkers of microbial translocation in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Anoma Somasunderam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan Gelfond
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joy Schmitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic dysregulation and aging, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 1-aging and epigenomics. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182535. [PMID: 37732074 PMCID: PMC10507876 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Much recent attention has been directed toward the spatial organization of the cell nucleus and the manner in which three-dimensional topologically associated domains and transcription factories are epigenetically coordinated to precisely bring enhancers into close proximity with promoters to control gene expression. Twenty lines of evidence robustly implicate cannabinoid exposure with accelerated organismal and cellular aging. Aging has recently been shown to be caused by increased DNA breaks. These breaks rearrange and maldistribute the epigenomic machinery to weaken and reverse cellular differentiation, cause genome-wide DNA demethylation, reduce gene transcription, and lead to the inhibition of developmental pathways, which contribute to the progressive loss of function and chronic immune stimulation that characterize cellular aging. Both cell lineage-defining superenhancers and the superanchors that control them are weakened. Cannabis exposure phenocopies the elements of this process and reproduces DNA and chromatin breakages, reduces the DNA, RNA protein and histone synthesis, interferes with the epigenomic machinery controlling both DNA and histone modifications, induces general DNA hypomethylation, and epigenomically disrupts both the critical boundary elements and the cohesin motors that create chromatin loops. This pattern of widespread interference with developmental programs and relative cellular dedifferentiation (which is pro-oncogenic) is reinforced by cannabinoid impairment of intermediate metabolism (which locks in the stem cell-like hyper-replicative state) and cannabinoid immune stimulation (which perpetuates and increases aging and senescence programs, DNA damage, DNA hypomethylation, genomic instability, and oncogenesis), which together account for the diverse pattern of teratologic and carcinogenic outcomes reported in recent large epidemiologic studies in Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. It also accounts for the prominent aging phenotype observed clinically in long-term cannabis use disorder and the 20 characteristics of aging that it manifests. Increasing daily cannabis use, increasing use in pregnancy, and exponential dose-response effects heighten the epidemiologic and clinical urgency of these findings. Together, these findings indicate that cannabinoid genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity are prominent features of cannabis dependence and strongly indicate coordinated multiomics investigations of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture. Considering the well-established exponential dose-response relationships, the diversity of cannabinoids, and the multigenerational nature of the implications, great caution is warranted in community cannabinoid penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Reece AS, Bennett K, Hulse GK. Cannabis- and Substance-Related Carcinogenesis in Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:323-385. [PMID: 37489337 PMCID: PMC10366890 DOI: 10.3390/jox13030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis-cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000-2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere (β-estimate = 0.4165, p = 3.54 × 10-115). Eighteen of forty-one cancers (42,675 individual rates) were significantly associated with cannabis exposure at bivariate analysis. Twenty-five cancers were linked in inverse-probability-weighted multivariate models. Temporal lagging in panel models intensified these effects. In multivariable models, cannabis was a more powerful correlate of cancer incidence than tobacco or alcohol. Reproductive toxicity was evidenced by the involvement of testis, ovary, prostate and breast cancers and because some of the myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias implicated occur in childhood, indicating inherited intergenerational genotoxicity. Cannabis is a more important carcinogen than tobacco and alcohol and fulfills epidemiological qualitative and quantitative criteria for causality for 25/41 cancers. Reproductive and transgenerational effects are prominent. These findings confirm the clinical and epidemiological salience of cannabis as a major multigenerational community carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Kellie Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 208 Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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7
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Mboumba Bouassa RS, Comeau E, Alexandrova Y, Pagliuzza A, Yero A, Samarani S, Needham J, Singer J, Lee T, Bobeuf F, Vertzagias C, Sebastiani G, Margolese S, Mandarino E, Klein MB, Lebouché B, Routy JP, Chomont N, Costiniuk CT, Jenabian MA. Effects of Oral Cannabinoids on Systemic Inflammation and Viral Reservoir Markers in People with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: Results of the CTN PT028 Pilot Clinical Trial. Cells 2023; 12:1811. [PMID: 37508476 PMCID: PMC10378564 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141811] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic HIV infection is characterized by persistent inflammation despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cannabinoids may help reduce systemic inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). To assess the effects of oral cannabinoids during HIV, ten PWH on ART were randomized (n = 5/group) to increasing doses of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (2.5:2.5-15:15 mg/day) capsules or CBD-only (200-800 mg/day) capsules for 12 weeks. Blood specimens were collected prospectively 7-21 days prior to treatment initiation and at weeks 0 to 14. Plasma cytokine levels were determined via Luminex and ELISA. Immune cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry. HIV DNA/RNA were measured in circulating CD4 T-cells and sperm by ultra-sensitive qPCR. Results from both arms were combined for statistical analysis. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, sTNFRII, and REG-3α were significantly reduced at the end of treatment (p ˂ 0.05). A significant decrease in frequencies of PD1+ memory CD4 T-cells, CD73+ regulatory CD4 T-cells, and M-DC8+ intermediate monocytes was also observed (p ˂ 0.05), along with a transient decrease in CD28-CD57+ senescent CD4 and CD8 T-cells. Ki-67+ CD4 T-cells, CCR2+ non-classical monocytes, and myeloid dendritic cells increased over time (p ˂ 0.05). There were no significant changes in other inflammatory markers or HIV DNA/RNA levels. These findings can guide future large clinical trials investigating cannabinoid anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Eve Comeau
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Yulia Alexandrova
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Amélie Pagliuzza
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Alexis Yero
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Suzanne Samarani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Judy Needham
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Joel Singer
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Terry Lee
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Florian Bobeuf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Claude Vertzagias
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shari Margolese
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | | | - Marina B Klein
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chomont
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Cecilia T Costiniuk
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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van Breemen RB, Simchuk D. Antiviral activities of hemp cannabinoids. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:633-643. [PMID: 37083031 PMCID: PMC10133872 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Hemp is an understudied source of pharmacologically active compounds and many unique plant secondary metabolites including more than 100 cannabinoids. After years of legal restriction, research on hemp has recently demonstrated antiviral activities in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and several other cannabinoids against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and γ-herpes viruses. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of viral cell entry, inhibition of viral proteases, and stimulation of cellular innate immune responses. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids are also under investigation for mitigating the cytokine storm of COVID-19 and controlling chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. Retrospective clinical studies support antiviral activities of CBD, Δ9-THC, and cannabinoid mixtures as do some prospective clinical trials, but appropriately designed clinical trials of safety and efficacy of antiviral cannabinoids are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Linus Pauling Institute, Global Hemp Innovation Center, Oregon State University, 2900 SW Campus Drive, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Daniel Simchuk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Linus Pauling Institute, Global Hemp Innovation Center, Oregon State University, 2900 SW Campus Drive, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
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Premadasa LS, Lee E, McDew-White M, Alvarez X, Jayakumar S, Ling B, Okeoma CM, Byrareddy SN, Kulkarni S, Mohan M. Cannabinoid enhancement of lncRNA MMP25-AS1/MMP25 interaction reduces neutrophil infiltration and intestinal epithelial injury in HIV/SIV infection. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167903. [PMID: 37036007 PMCID: PMC10132162 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167903] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, a hallmark of HIV/SIV infection, persists despite viral suppression by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Emerging evidence suggests a critical role for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in maintaining epithelial homeostasis. We simultaneously profiled lncRNA/mRNA expression exclusively in colonic epithelium (CE) of SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) administered vehicle (VEH) or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Relative to controls, fewer lncRNAs were up- or downregulated in CE of THC/SIV compared with VEH/SIV RMs. Importantly, reciprocal expression of the natural antisense lncRNA MMP25-AS1 (up 2.3-fold) and its associated protein-coding gene MMP25 (attracts neutrophils by inactivating alpha-1 anti-trypsin/SERPINA1) (down 2.2-fold) was detected in CE of THC/SIV RMs. Computational analysis verified 2 perfectly matched complementary regions and an energetically stable (normalized binding free energy = -0.2626) MMP25-AS1/MMP25 duplex structure. MMP25-AS1 overexpression blocked IFN-γ-induced MMP25 mRNA and protein expression in vitro. Elevated MMP25 protein expression in CE of VEH/SIV but not THC/SIV RMs was associated with increased infiltration by myeloperoxidase/CD11b++ neutrophils (transendothelial migration) and epithelial CD47 (transepithelial migration) expression. Interestingly, THC administered in combination with cART increased MMP25-AS1 and reduced MMP25 mRNA/protein expression in jejunal epithelium of SIV-infected RMs. Our findings demonstrate that MMP25-AS1 is a potentially unique epigenetic regulator of MMP25 and that low-dose THC can reduce neutrophil infiltration and intestinal epithelial injury potentially by downregulating MMP25 expression through modulation of MMP25-AS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakmini S. Premadasa
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eunhee Lee
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marina McDew-White
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Sahana Jayakumar
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Binhua Ling
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Kitdumrongthum S, Trachootham D. An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062791. [PMID: 36985763 PMCID: PMC10058560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since legalization, cannabis/marijuana has been gaining considerable attention as a functional ingredient in food. ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids are key bioactive compounds with health benefits. The oral consumption of cannabis transports much less hazardous chemicals than smoking. Nevertheless, the response to cannabis is biphasically dose-dependent (hormesis; a low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition) with wide individuality in responses. Thus, the exact same dose and preparation of cannabis may be beneficial for some but toxic to others. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of individual variations in response to cannabinoids, which leads to the challenge of establishing standard safe doses of cannabis products for the general population. The mechanisms of actions, acute and chronic toxicities, and factors affecting responses to cannabis products are updated. Based on the literature review, we found that the response to cannabis products depends on exposure factors (delivery route, duration, frequency, and interactions with food and drugs), individual factors (age, sex), and susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor gene, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzymes, THC-metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic regulations). Owing to the individuality of responses, the safest way to use cannabis-containing food products is to start low, go slow, and stay low.
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11
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McDew-White M, Lee E, Premadasa LS, Alvarez X, Okeoma CM, Mohan M. Cannabinoids modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis in HIV/SIV infection by reducing neuroinflammation and dysbiosis while concurrently elevating endocannabinoid and indole-3-propionate levels. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:62. [PMID: 36890518 PMCID: PMC9993397 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the advent of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic disease, an estimated 30-50% of people living with HIV (PLWH) exhibit cognitive and motor deficits collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). A key driver of HAND neuropathology is chronic neuroinflammation, where proinflammatory mediators produced by activated microglia and macrophages are thought to inflict neuronal injury and loss. Moreover, the dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in PLWH, consequent to gastrointestinal dysfunction and dysbiosis, can lead to neuroinflammation and persistent cognitive impairment, which underscores the need for new interventions. METHODS We performed RNA-seq and microRNA profiling in basal ganglia (BG), metabolomics (plasma) and shotgun metagenomic sequencing (colon contents) in uninfected and SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) administered vehicle (VEH/SIV) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (THC/SIV). RESULTS Long-term, low-dose THC reduced neuroinflammation and dysbiosis and significantly increased plasma endocannabinoid, endocannabinoid-like, glycerophospholipid and indole-3-propionate levels in chronically SIV-infected RMs. Chronic THC potently blocked the upregulation of genes associated with type-I interferon responses (NLRC5, CCL2, CXCL10, IRF1, IRF7, STAT2, BST2), excitotoxicity (SLC7A11), and enhanced protein expression of WFS1 (endoplasmic reticulum stress) and CRYM (oxidative stress) in BG. Additionally, THC successfully countered miR-142-3p-mediated suppression of WFS1 protein expression via a cannabinoid receptor-1-mediated mechanism in HCN2 neuronal cells. Most importantly, THC significantly increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridia including indole-3-propionate (C. botulinum, C. paraputrificum, and C. cadaveris) and butyrate (C. butyricum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum) producers in colonic contents. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of long-term, low-dose THC to positively modulate the MGBA by reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing endocannabinoid levels and promoting the growth of gut bacterial species that produce neuroprotective metabolites, like indole-3-propionate. The findings from this study may benefit not only PLWH on cART, but also those with no access to cART and more importantly, those who fail to suppress the virus under cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina McDew-White
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Eunhee Lee
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Lakmini S Premadasa
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595-1524, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA.
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Kopcho S, McDew-White M, Naushad W, Mohan M, Okeoma CM. Alterations in Abundance and Compartmentalization of miRNAs in Blood Plasma Extracellular Vesicles and Extracellular Condensates during HIV/SIV Infection and Its Modulation by Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC). Viruses 2023; 15:623. [PMID: 36992332 PMCID: PMC10053514 DOI: 10.3390/v15030623] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this follow-up study, we investigated the abundance and compartmentalization of blood plasma extracellular miRNA (exmiRNA) into lipid-based carriers-blood plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) and non-lipid-based carriers-extracellular condensates (ECs) during SIV infection. We also assessed how combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), administered in conjunction with phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), altered the abundance and compartmentalization of exmiRNAs in the EVs and ECs of SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs). Unlike cellular miRNAs, exmiRNAs in blood plasma may serve as minimally invasive disease indicators because they are readily detected in stable forms. The stability of exmiRNAs in cell culture fluids and body fluids (urine, saliva, tears, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), semen, blood) is based on their association with different carriers (lipoproteins, EVs, and ECs) that protect them from the activities of endogenous RNases. Here, we showed that in the blood plasma of uninfected control RMs, significantly less exmiRNAs were associated with EVs compared to the level (30% higher) associated with ECs, and that SIV infection altered the profile of EVs and ECs miRNAome (Manuscript 1). In people living with HIV (PLWH), host-encoded miRNAs regulate both host and viral gene expression, which may serve as indicators of disease or treatment biomarkers. The profile of miRNAs in blood plasma of PLWH (elite controllers versus viremic patients) are different, indicating that HIV may alter host miRNAome. However, there are no studies assessing the effect of cART or other substances used by PLWH, such as THC, on the abundance of exmiRNA and their association with EVs and ECs. Moreover, longitudinal exmiRNA profiles following SIV infection, treatment with THC, cART, or THC+cART remains unclear. Here, we serially analyzed miRNAs associated with blood plasma derived EVs and ECs. Methods: Paired EVs and ECs were separated from EDTA blood plasma of male Indian rhesus macaques (RMs) in five treatment groups, including VEH/SIV, VEH/SIV/cART, THC/SIV, THC/SIV/cART, or THC alone. Separation of EVs and ECs was achieved with the unparalleled nano-particle purification tool ─PPLC, a state-of-the-art, innovative technology equipped with gradient agarose bead sizes and a fast fraction collector that allows high resolution separation and retrieval of preparative quantities of sub-populations of extracellular structures. Global miRNA profiles of the paired EVs and ECs were determined with RealSeq Biosciences (Santa Cruz, CA) custom sequencing platform by conducting small RNA (sRNA)-seq. The sRNA-seq data were analyzed using various bioinformatic tools. Validation of key exmiRNA was performed using specific TaqMan microRNA stem-loop RT-qPCR assays. Results: We investigated the effect of cART, THC, or both cART and THC together on the abundance and compartmentalization of blood plasma exmiRNA in EVs and ECs in SIV-infected RMs. As shown in Manuscript 1 of this series, were in uninfected RMs, ~30% of exmiRNAs were associated with ECs, we confirmed in this follow up manuscript that exmiRNAs were present in both lipid-based carriers-EVs and non-lipid-based carriers-ECs, with 29.5 to 35.6% and 64.2 to 70.5 % being associated with EVs and ECs, respectively. Remarkably, the different treatments (cART, THC) have distinct effects on the enrichment and compartmentalization pattern of exmiRNAs. In the VEH/SIV/cART group, 12 EV-associated and 15 EC-associated miRNAs were significantly downregulated. EV-associated miR-206, a muscle-specific miRNA that is present in blood, was higher in the VEH/SIV/ART compared to the VEH/SIV group. ExmiR-139-5p that was implicated in endocrine resistance, focal adhesion, lipid and atherosclerosis, apoptosis, and breast cancer by miRNA-target enrichment analysis was significantly lower in VEH/SIV/cART compared to VEH/SIV, irrespective of the compartment. With respect to THC treatment, 5 EV-associated and 21 EC-associated miRNAs were significantly lower in the VEH/THC/SIV. EV-associated miR-99a-5p was higher in VEH/THC/SIV compared to VEH/SIV, while miR-335-5p counts were significantly lower in both EVs and ECs of THC/SIV compared to VEH/SIV. EVs from SIV/cART/THC combined treatment group have significant increases in the count of eight (miR-186-5p, miR-382-5p, miR-139-5p and miR-652, miR-10a-5p, miR-657, miR-140-5p, miR-29c-3p) miRNAs, all of which were lower in VEH/SIV/cART group. Analysis of miRNA-target enrichment showed that this set of eight miRNAs were implicated in endocrine resistance, focal adhesions, lipid and atherosclerosis, apoptosis, and breast cancer as well as cocaine and amphetamine addiction. In ECs and EVs, combined THC and cART treatment significantly increased miR-139-5p counts compared to VEH/SIV group. Significant alterations in these host miRNAs in both EVs and ECs in the untreated and treated (cART, THC, or both) RMs indicate the persistence of host responses to infection or treatments, and this is despite cART suppression of viral load and THC suppression of inflammation. To gain further insight into the pattern of miRNA alterations in EVs and ECs and to assess potential cause-and-effect relationships, we performed longitudinal miRNA profile analysis, measured in terms of months (1 and 5) post-infection (MPI). We uncovered miRNA signatures associated with THC or cART treatment of SIV-infected macaques in both EVs and ECs. While the number of miRNAs was significantly higher in ECs relative to EVs for all groups (VEH/SIV, SIV/cART, THC/SIV, THC/SIV/cART, and THC) longitudinally from 1 MPI to 5 MPI, treatment with cART and THC have longitudinal effects on the abundance and compartmentalization pattern of exmiRNAs in the two carriers. As shown in Manuscript 1 where SIV infection led to longitudinal suppression of EV-associated miRNA-128-3p, administration of cART to SIV-infected RMs did not increase miR-128-3p but resulted in longitudinal increases in six EV-associated miRNAs (miR-484, miR-107, miR-206, miR-184, miR-1260b, miR-6132). Furthermore, administration of cART to THC treated SIV-infected RMs resulted in a longitudinal decrease in three EV-associated miRNAs (miR-342-3p, miR-100-5p, miR181b-5p) and a longitudinal increase in three EC-associated miRNAs (miR-676-3p, miR-574-3p, miR-505-5p). The longitudinally altered miRNAs in SIV-infected RMs may indicate disease progression, while in the cART Group and the THC Group, the longitudinally altered miRNAs may serve as biomarkers of response to treatment. Conclusions: This paired EVs and ECs miRNAome analyses provided a comprehensive cross-sectional and longitudinal summary of the host exmiRNA responses to SIV infection and the impact of THC, cART, or THC and cART together on the miRNAome during SIV infection. Overall, our data point to previously unrecognized alterations in the exmiRNA profile in blood plasma following SIV infection. Our data also indicate that cART and THC treatment independently and in combination may alter both the abundance and the compartmentalization of several exmiRNA related to various disease and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kopcho
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA
| | - Marina McDew-White
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, USA
| | - Wasifa Naushad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524, USA
- Lovelace Biomedical Institute, Albuquerque, NM 87108-5127, USA
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Kopcho S, McDew-White M, Naushad W, Mohan M, Okeoma CM. SIV Infection Regulates Compartmentalization of Circulating Blood Plasma miRNAs within Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and Extracellular Condensates (ECs) and Decreases EV-Associated miRNA-128. Viruses 2023; 15:622. [PMID: 36992331 PMCID: PMC10059597 DOI: 10.3390/v15030622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This is Manuscript 1 of a two-part Manuscript of the same series. Here, we present findings from our first set of studies on the abundance and compartmentalization of blood plasma extracellular microRNAs (exmiRNAs) into extracellular particles, including blood plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) and extracellular condensates (ECs) in the setting of untreated HIV/SIV infection. The goals of the study presented in this Manuscript 1 are to (i) assess the abundance and compartmentalization of exmiRNAs in EVs versus ECs in the healthy uninfected state, and (ii) evaluate how SIV infection may affect exmiRNA abundance and compartmentalization in these particles. Considerable effort has been devoted to studying the epigenetic control of viral infection, particularly in understanding the role of exmiRNAs as key regulators of viral pathogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small (~20-22 nts) non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular processes through targeted mRNA degradation and/or repression of protein translation. Originally associated with the cellular microenvironment, circulating miRNAs are now known to be present in various extracellular environments, including blood serum and plasma. While in circulation, miRNAs are protected from degradation by ribonucleases through their association with lipid and protein carriers, such as lipoproteins and other extracellular particles-EVs and ECs. Functionally, miRNAs play important roles in diverse biological processes and diseases (cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress responses, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, aging, neurological diseases, and HIV/SIV pathogenesis). While lipoproteins and EV-associated exmiRNAs have been characterized and linked to various disease processes, the association of exmiRNAs with ECs is yet to be made. Likewise, the effect of SIV infection on the abundance and compartmentalization of exmiRNAs within extracellular particles is unclear. Literature in the EV field has suggested that most circulating miRNAs may not be associated with EVs. However, a systematic analysis of the carriers of exmiRNAs has not been conducted due to the inefficient separation of EVs from other extracellular particles, including ECs. Methods: Paired EVs and ECs were separated from EDTA blood plasma of SIV-uninfected male Indian rhesus macaques (RMs, n = 15). Additionally, paired EVs and ECs were isolated from EDTA blood plasma of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) naïve SIV-infected (SIV+, n = 3) RMs at two time points (1- and 5-months post infection, 1 MPI and 5 MPI). Separation of EVs and ECs was achieved with PPLC, a state-of-the-art, innovative technology equipped with gradient agarose bead sizes and a fast fraction collector that allows high-resolution separation and retrieval of preparative quantities of sub-populations of extracellular particles. Global miRNA profiles of the paired EVs and ECs were determined with RealSeq Biosciences (Santa Cruz, CA) custom sequencing platform by conducting small RNA (sRNA)-seq. The sRNA-seq data were analyzed using various bioinformatic tools. Validation of key exmiRNAs was performed using specific TaqMan microRNA stem-loop RT-qPCR assays. Results: We showed that exmiRNAs in blood plasma are not restricted to any type of extracellular particles but are associated with lipid-based carriers-EVs and non-lipid-based carriers-ECs, with a significant (~30%) proportion of the exmiRNAs being associated with ECs. In the blood plasma of uninfected RMs, a total of 315 miRNAs were associated with EVs, while 410 miRNAs were associated with ECs. A comparison of detectable miRNAs within paired EVs and ECs revealed 19 and 114 common miRNAs, respectively, detected in all 15 RMs. Let-7a-5p, Let-7c-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-191-5p, and let-7f-5p were among the top 5 detectable miRNAs associated with EVs in that order. In ECs, miR-16-5p, miR-451, miR-191-5p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-27b-3p, in that order, were the top detectable miRNAs in ECs. miRNA-target enrichment analysis of the top 10 detected common EV and EC miRNAs identified MYC and TNPO1 as top target genes, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of top EV- and EC-associated miRNAs identified common and distinct gene-network signatures associated with various biological and disease processes. Top EV-associated miRNAs were implicated in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 signaling, inflammatory bowel disease, and glioma. On the other hand, top EC-associated miRNAs were implicated in lipid and atherosclerosis, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, Th17 cell differentiation, and glioma. Interestingly, infection of RMs with SIV revealed that the brain-enriched miR-128-3p was longitudinally and significantly downregulated in EVs, but not ECs. This SIV-mediated decrease in miR-128-3p counts was validated by specific TaqMan microRNA stem-loop RT-qPCR assay. Remarkably, the observed SIV-mediated decrease in miR-128-3p levels in EVs from RMs agrees with publicly available EV miRNAome data by Kaddour et al., 2021, which showed that miR-128-3p levels were significantly lower in semen-derived EVs from HIV-infected men who used or did not use cocaine compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. These findings confirmed our previously reported finding and suggested that miR-128 may be a target of HIV/SIV. Conclusions: In the present study, we used sRNA sequencing to provide a holistic understanding of the repertoire of circulating exmiRNAs and their association with extracellular particles, such as EVs and ECs. Our data also showed that SIV infection altered the profile of the miRNAome of EVs and revealed that miR-128-3p may be a potential target of HIV/SIV. The significant decrease in miR-128-3p in HIV-infected humans and in SIV-infected RMs may indicate disease progression. Our study has important implications for the development of biomarker approaches for various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, organ injury, and HIV based on the capture and analysis of circulating exmiRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kopcho
- Department of Pharmacology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA
| | - Marina McDew-White
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, USA
| | - Wasifa Naushad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524, USA
- Lovelace Biomedical Institute, Albuquerque, NM 87108-5127, USA
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14
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Clinical Epigenomic Explanation of the Epidemiology of Cannabinoid Genotoxicity Manifesting as Transgenerational Teratogenesis, Cancerogenesis and Aging Acceleration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3360. [PMID: 36834053 PMCID: PMC9967951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As global interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its' derivatives for the management of selected diseases increases, it is increasingly imperative that the toxic profile of cannabinoids be thoroughly understood in order to correctly assess the balance between the therapeutic risks and benefits. Modern studies across a number of jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, the US and Europe have confirmed that some of the most worrying and severe historical reports of both congenital anomalies and cancer induction following cannabis exposure actually underestimate the multisystem thousand megabase-scale transgenerational genetic damage. These findings from teratogenic and carcinogenic literature are supported by recent data showing the accelerated patterns of chronic disease and the advanced DNA methylation epigenomic clock age in cannabis exposed patients. Together, the increased multisystem carcinogenesis, teratogenesis and accelerated aging point strongly to cannabinoid-related genotoxicity being much more clinically significant than it is widely supposed and, thus, of very considerable public health and multigenerational impact. Recently reported longitudinal epigenome-wide association studies elegantly explain many of these observed effects with considerable methodological sophistication, including multiple pathways for the inhibition of the normal chromosomal segregation and DNA repair, the inhibition of the basic epigenetic machinery for DNA methylation and the demethylation and telomerase acceleration of the epigenomic promoter hypermethylation characterizing aging. For cancer, 810 hits were also noted. The types of malignancy which were observed have all been documented epidemiologically. Detailed epigenomic explications of the brain, heart, face, uronephrological, gastrointestinal and limb development were provided, which amply explained the observed teratological patterns, including the inhibition of the key morphogenic gradients. Hence, these major epigenomic insights constituted a powerful new series of arguments which advanced both our understanding of the downstream sequalae of multisystem multigenerational cannabinoid genotoxicity and also, since mechanisms are key to the causal argument, inveighed strongly in favor of the causal nature of the relationship. In this introductory conceptual overview, we present the various aspects of this novel synthetic paradigmatic framework. Such concepts suggest and, indeed, indicate numerous fields for further investigation and basic science research to advance the exploration of many important issues in biology, clinical medicine and population health. Given this, it is imperative we correctly appraise the risk-benefit ratio for each potential cannabis application, considering the potency, severity of disease, stage of human development and duration of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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15
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Mboumba Bouassa RS, Needham J, Nohynek D, Singer J, Lee T, Bobeuf F, Samarani S, Del Balso L, Paisible N, Vertzagias C, Sebastiani G, Margolese S, Mandarino E, Klein M, Lebouché B, Cox J, Brouillette MJ, Routy JP, Szabo J, Thomas R, Huchet E, Vigano A, Jenabian MA, Costiniuk CT. Safety and Tolerability of Oral Cannabinoids in People Living with HIV on Long-Term ART: A Randomized, Open-Label, Interventional Pilot Clinical Trial (CTNPT 028). Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123168. [PMID: 36551926 PMCID: PMC9775551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids may be a potential strategy to reduce immune activation in people living with HIV (PLWH) but more information on their safety and tolerability is needed. METHODS We conducted an open-label interventional pilot study at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. PLWH were randomized to oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (THC 2.5 mg/CBD 2.5 mg) or CBD-only capsules (CBD 200 mg). Individuals titrated doses as tolerated to a maximum daily dose THC 15 mg/CBD 15 mg or 800 mg CBD, respectively, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants without any significant toxicity based on the WHO toxicity scale (Grades 0-2 scores). RESULTS Out of ten individuals, eight completed the study. Two from the CBD-only arm were withdrawn for safety concerns: phlebotomy aggravating pre-existing anemia and severe hepatitis on 800 mg CBD with newly discovered pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively. Seven did not have any significant toxicity. Cannabinoids did not alter hematology/biochemistry profiles. CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV suppression remained stable. Most adverse effects were mild-moderate. CONCLUSIONS In PLWH, cannabinoids seem generally safe and well-tolerated, though larger studies are needed. Screening for occult liver pathology should be performed and hepatic enzymes monitored, especially with high CBD doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Judy Needham
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Dana Nohynek
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Joel Singer
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Terry Lee
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Florian Bobeuf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Suzanne Samarani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Lina Del Balso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Natalie Paisible
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Claude Vertzagias
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shari Margolese
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | | | - Marina Klein
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research Mentorship Chair in Innovative Clinical Trials, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Brouillette
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jason Szabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Clinique Médical L’Actuel, Montreal, QC H2L 4P9, Canada
| | - Réjean Thomas
- Clinique Médical L’Actuel, Montreal, QC H2L 4P9, Canada
| | | | - Antonio Vigano
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre for Cannabis Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Cecilia T Costiniuk
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre for Cannabis Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-934-1934 (ext. 76195); Fax: +1-514-843-2209
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1560. [PMID: 36358910 PMCID: PMC9687363 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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17
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Kaddour H, McDew-White M, Madeira MM, Tranquille MA, Tsirka SE, Mohan M, Okeoma CM. Chronic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) treatment counteracts SIV-induced modulation of proinflammatory microRNA cargo in basal ganglia-derived extracellular vesicles. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:225. [PMID: 36096938 PMCID: PMC9469539 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Gray et al. in Brain Pathol 6:1-15, 1996; An et al. in Ann Neurol 40:611-6172, 1996), results in neuroinflammation, potentially through extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their micro RNAs (miRNA) cargoes (Sharma et al. in FASEB J 32:5174-5185, 2018; Hu et al. in Cell Death Dis 3:e381, 2012). Although the basal ganglia (BG) is a major target and reservoir of HIV in the CNS (Chaganti et al. in Aids 33:1843-1852, 2019; Mintzopoulos et al. in Magn Reson Med 81:2896-2904, 2019), whether BG produces EVs and the effect of HIV and/or the phytocannabinoid-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on BG-EVs and HIV neuropathogenesis remain unknown. METHODS We used the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model of HIV and THC treatment in rhesus macaques (Molina et al. in AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 27:585-592, 2011) to demonstrate for the first time that BG contains EVs (BG-EVs), and that BG-EVs cargo and function are modulated by SIV and THC. We also used primary astrocytes from the brains of wild type (WT) and CX3CR1+/GFP mice to investigate the significance of BG-EVs in CNS cells. RESULTS Significant changes in BG-EV-associated miRNA specific to SIV infection and THC treatment were observed. BG-EVs from SIV-infected rhesus macaques (SIV EVs) contained 11 significantly downregulated miRNAs. Remarkably, intervention with THC led to significant upregulation of 37 miRNAs in BG-EVs (SIV-THC EVs). Most of these miRNAs are predicted to regulate pathways related to inflammation/immune regulation, TLR signaling, Neurotrophin TRK receptor signaling, and cell death/response. BG-EVs activated WT and CX3CR1+/GFP astrocytes and altered the expression of CD40, TNFα, MMP-2, and MMP-2 gene products in primary mouse astrocytes in an EV and CX3CR1 dependent manners. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a role for BG-EVs as a vehicle with potential to disseminate HIV- and THC-induced changes within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Kaddour
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651 USA
- Present Address: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 USA
| | - Marina McDew-White
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302 USA
| | - Miguel M. Madeira
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651 USA
| | - Malik A. Tranquille
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651 USA
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651 USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Host Pathogen Interaction Program, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302 USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651 USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524 USA
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18
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Martínez-Peña AA, Lee K, Pereira M, Ayyash A, Petrik JJ, Hardy DB, Holloway AC. Prenatal Exposure to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Alters the Expression of miR-122-5p and Its Target Igf1r in the Adult Rat Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148000. [PMID: 35887347 PMCID: PMC9323798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As cannabis use during pregnancy increases, it is important to understand its effects on the developing fetus. Particularly, the long-term effects of its psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on the offspring’s reproductive health are not fully understood. This study examined the impact of gestational THC exposure on the miRNA profile in adult rat ovaries and the possible consequences on ovarian health. Prenatal THC exposure resulted in the differential expression of 12 out of 420 evaluated miRNAs. From the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-122-5p, which is highly conserved among species, was the only upregulated target and had the greatest fold change. The upregulation of miR-122-5p and the downregulation of its target insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Prenatally THC-exposed ovaries had decreased IGF-1R-positive follicular cells and increased follicular apoptosis. Furthermore, THC decreased Igf1r expression in ovarian explants and granulosa cells after 48 h. As decreased IGF-1R has been associated with diminished ovarian health and fertility, we propose that these THC-induced changes may partially explain the altered ovarian follicle dynamics observed in THC-exposed offspring. Taken together, our data suggests that prenatal THC exposure may impact key pathways in the developing ovary, which could lead to subfertility or premature reproductive senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annia A. Martínez-Peña
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - Kendrick Lee
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.L.); (D.B.H.)
| | - Madison Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.P.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Ahmed Ayyash
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - James J. Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.P.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.L.); (D.B.H.)
| | - Alison C. Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(905)-525-9140 (ext. 22130)
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19
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Sahoo DK, Borcherding DC, Chandra L, Jergens AE, Atherly T, Bourgois-Mochel A, Ellinwood NM, Snella E, Severin AJ, Martin M, Allenspach K, Mochel JP. Differential Transcriptomic Profiles Following Stimulation with Lipopolysaccharide in Intestinal Organoids from Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Mast Cell Tumor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3525. [PMID: 35884586 PMCID: PMC9322748 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation and promotes intestinal cancer progression in the gut. While the interplay between LPS and intestinal immune cells has been well-characterized, little is known about LPS and the intestinal epithelium interactions. In this study, we explored the differential effects of LPS on proliferation and the transcriptome in 3D enteroids/colonoids obtained from dogs with naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal mast cell tumor. The study objective was to analyze the LPS-induced modulation of signaling pathways involving the intestinal epithelia and contributing to colorectal cancer development in the context of an inflammatory (IBD) or a tumor microenvironment. While LPS incubation resulted in a pro-cancer gene expression pattern and stimulated proliferation of IBD enteroids and colonoids, downregulation of several cancer-associated genes such as Gpatch4, SLC7A1, ATP13A2, and TEX45 was also observed in tumor enteroids. Genes participating in porphyrin metabolism (CP), nucleocytoplasmic transport (EEF1A1), arachidonic acid, and glutathione metabolism (GPX1) exhibited a similar pattern of altered expression between IBD enteroids and IBD colonoids following LPS stimulation. In contrast, genes involved in anion transport, transcription and translation, apoptotic processes, and regulation of adaptive immune responses showed the opposite expression patterns between IBD enteroids and colonoids following LPS treatment. In brief, the crosstalk between LPS/TLR4 signal transduction pathway and several metabolic pathways such as primary bile acid biosynthesis and secretion, peroxisome, renin-angiotensin system, glutathione metabolism, and arachidonic acid pathways may be important in driving chronic intestinal inflammation and intestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Dana C. Borcherding
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - Lawrance Chandra
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - Albert E. Jergens
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - Todd Atherly
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - Agnes Bourgois-Mochel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - N. Matthew Ellinwood
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (N.M.E.); (E.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Snella
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (N.M.E.); (E.S.)
| | - Andrew J. Severin
- Office of Biotechnology’s Genome Informatics Facility, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | | | - Karin Allenspach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.C.B.); (L.C.); (A.E.J.); (T.A.); (A.B.-M.); (K.A.)
| | - Jonathan P. Mochel
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Wang J, Wu X, Zhang L, Wang Q, Qu J, Wang Y, Ji D, Li Y. MiR-149-5p promotes β-catenin-induced goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2022; 58:325-334. [PMID: 35426064 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00667-w] [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: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior-quality brush hair. The formation of superior-quality brush hair cannot occur without goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation. However, knowledge regarding the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell differentiation is limited. Here, we found that miR-149-5p is widely expressed in the tissues of Yangtze River Delta white goats, but its expression in the skin tissue of superior-quality brush hair goats is high compared to normal- quality goats. The functional studies showed that miR-149-5p overexpression markedly facilitated hair follicle stem cell differentiation, whereas inhibiting miR-149-5p inhibited hair follicle stem cell differentiation. These results more clearly elucidate the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liuming Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanhu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dejun Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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21
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Peng Z, Tang J. Intestinal Infection of Candida albicans: Preventing the Formation of Biofilm by C. albicans and Protecting the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783010. [PMID: 35185813 PMCID: PMC8847744 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The large mortality and morbidity rate of C. albicans infections is a crucial problem in medical mycology. Because the generation of biofilms and drug resistance are growing concerns, the growth of novel antifungal agents and the looking for newer objectives are necessary. In this review, inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm generation and molecular mechanisms of intestinal epithelial barrier protection are elucidated. Recent studies on various transcription elements; quorum-sensing molecules; host responses to adherence; and changes in efflux pumps, enzymes, bud to hyphal transition, and lipid profiles have increased the knowledge of the intricate mechanisms underlying biofilm resistance. In addition, the growth of novel biomaterials with anti-adhesive nature, natural products, drugs, bioactive compounds, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are being researched. Recently, more and more attention has been given to various metal nanoparticles that have also appeared as antibiofilm agents in C. albicans. The intestinal epithelial obstacle exerts an crucial effect on keeping intestinal homeostasis and is increasingly associated with various disorders associated with the intestine such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, allergies, hepatic inflammation, septic shock, etc. However, whether their involvement in the prevention of other intestinal disorders like IBD are useful in C. albicans remains unknown. Further studies must be carried out in order to validate their inhibition functions in intestinal C. albicans. This provides innovates ideas for intestinal C. albicans treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Peng
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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McDew-White M, Lee E, Alvarez X, Sestak K, Ling BJ, Byrareddy SN, Okeoma CM, Mohan M. Cannabinoid control of gingival immune activation in chronically SIV-infected rhesus macaques involves modulation of the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 pathway and salivary microbiome. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103769. [PMID: 34954656 PMCID: PMC8715300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/SIV-associated periodontal disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) (PD) represents a major comorbidity affecting people living with HIV (PLWH) on combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART). PD is characterized by chronic inflammation and dysbiosis. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms and use of feasible therapeutic strategies to reduce/reverse inflammation and dysbiosis remain understudied and unaddressed. METHODS Employing a systems biology approach, we report molecular, metabolome and microbiome changes underlying PD and its modulation by phytocannabinoids [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)] in uninfected and SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) untreated (VEH-untreated/SIV) or treated with vehicle (VEH/SIV) or Δ9-THC (THC/SIV). FINDINGS VEH- untreated/SIV but not THC/SIV RMs showed significant enrichment of genes linked to anti-viral defense, interferon-β, NFκB, RIG-1, and JAK-STAT signaling. We focused on the anti-microbial DUOX1 and immune activation marker IDO1 that were reciprocally regulated in the gingiva of VEH-untreated/SIV RMs. Both proteins localized to the gingival epithelium and CD163+ macrophages, and showed differential expression in the gingiva of THC/SIV and VEH/SIV RMs. Additionally, inflammation-associated miR-21, miR-142-3p, miR-223, and miR-125a-5p showed significantly higher expression in the gingiva of VEH/SIV RMs. In human primary gingival epithelial cells, miR-125a-5p post-transcriptionally downregulated DUOX1 and THC inhibited IDO1 protein expression through a cannabinoid receptor-2 mediated mechanism. Interestingly, THC/SIV RMs showed relatively reduced plasma levels of kynurenine, kynurenate, and the neurotoxic quinolinate compared to VEH/SIV RMs at 5 months post SIV infection (MPI). Most importantly, THC blocked HIV/SIV-induced depletion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and reduced Gammaproteobacteria abundance in saliva. Reduced IDO1 protein expression was associated with significantly (p<0.05) higher abundance of Prevotella, Lactobacillus (L. salivarius, L. buchneri, L. fermentum, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, L. johnsonii) and Bifidobacteria and reduced abundance of the pathogenic Porphyromonas cangingivalis and Porphyromonas macacae at 5MPI. INTERPRETATION The data provides deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV/SIV-induced PD and more importantly, the anti-inflammatory and anti-dysbiotic properties of THC in the oral cavity. Overall, these translational findings suggest that phytocannabinoids may help reduce gingival/systemic inflammation, salivary dysbiosis and potentially metabolic disease/syndrome in PLWH on cART and those with no access to cART or do not suppress the virus under cART. FUNDING Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health Award Numbers R01DA052845 (MM and SNB), R01DA050169 (MM and CO), R01DA042524 and R56DE026930 (MM), and P51OD011104 and P51OD011133. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina McDew-White
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, 8715 West Military Road, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States
| | - Eunhee Lee
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, 8715 West Military Road, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, 8715 West Military Road, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States
| | - Karol Sestak
- PreCliniTria, LLC., Mandeville, LA 70471, United States; Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington LA 70433, United States
| | - Binhua J Ling
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, 8715 West Military Road, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, United States
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, 8715 West Military Road, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States.
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23
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Kaddour H, Kopcho S, Lyu Y, Shouman N, Paromov V, Pratap S, Dash C, Kim EY, Martinson J, McKay H, Epeldegui M, Margolick JB, Stapleton JT, Okeoma CM. HIV-infection and cocaine use regulate semen extracellular vesicles proteome and miRNAome in a manner that mediates strategic monocyte haptotaxis governed by miR-128 network. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:5. [PMID: 34936021 PMCID: PMC9134786 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are regulators of cell-cell interactions and mediators of horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules between cells. EV-mediated cell-cell interactions play roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes, which maybe modulated by exposure to pathogens and cocaine use. However, the effect of pathogens and cocaine use on EV composition and function are not fully understood. RESULTS Here, we used systems biology and multi-omics analysis to show that HIV infection (HIV +) and cocaine (COC) use (COC +) promote the release of semen-derived EVs (SEV) with dysregulated extracellular proteome (exProtein), miRNAome (exmiR), and exmiR networks. Integrating SEV proteome and miRNAome revealed a significant decrease in the enrichment of disease-associated, brain-enriched, and HIV-associated miR-128-3p (miR-128) in HIV + COC + SEV with a concomitant increase in miR-128 targets-PEAK1 and RND3/RhoE. Using two-dimensional-substrate single cell haptotaxis, we observed that in the presence of HIV + COC + SEV, contact guidance provided by the extracellular matrix (ECM, collagen type 1) network facilitated far-ranging haptotactic cues that guided monocytes over longer distances. Functionalizing SEV with a miR-128 mimic revealed that the strategic changes in monocyte haptotaxis are in large part the result of SEV-associated miR-128. CONCLUSIONS We propose that compositionally and functionally distinct HIV + COC + and HIV-COC- SEVs and their exmiR networks may provide cells relevant but divergent haptotactic guidance in the absence of chemotactic cues, under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Kaddour
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Steven Kopcho
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Yuan Lyu
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Nadia Shouman
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Victor Paromov
- CRISALIS, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Proteomics Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- CRISALIS, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Chandravanu Dash
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Heather McKay
- Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marta Epeldegui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA AIDS Institute and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA AIDS Institute, Los Angeles, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Joseph B Margolick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21207, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa and Iowa City Veterans Administration Healthcare, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1081, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA.
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24
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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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25
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Cannabinoid exposure as a major driver of pediatric acute lymphoid Leukaemia rates across the USA: combined geospatial, multiple imputation and causal inference study. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:984. [PMID: 34479489 PMCID: PMC8414697 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL) is the commonest childhood cancer whose incidence is rising in many nations. In the USA, between 1975 and 2016, ALL rates (ALLRs) rose 93.51% from 1.91 to 3.70/100,000 < 20 years. ALL is more common in Caucasian-Americans than amongst minorities. The cause of both the rise and the ethnic differential is unclear, however, prenatal cannabis exposure was previously linked with elevated childhood leukaemia rates. We investigated epidemiologically if cannabis use impacted nationally on ALLRs, its ethnic effects, and if the relationship was causal. METHODS State data on overall, and ethnic ALLR from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results databank of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) were combined with drug (cigarettes, alcoholism, cannabis, analgesics, cocaine) use data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health; 74.1% response rate. Income and ethnicity data was from the US Census bureau. Cannabinoid concentration was from the Drug Enforcement Agency Data. Data was analyzed in R by robust and spatiotemporal regression. RESULTS In bivariate analyses a dose-response relationship was demonstrated between ALLR and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), cocaine and cannabis exposure, with the effect of cannabis being strongest (β-estimate = 3.33(95%C.I. 1.97, 4.68), P = 1.92 × 10- 6). A strong effect of cannabis use quintile on ALLR was noted (Chi.Sq. = 613.79, P = 3.04 × 10- 70). In inverse probability weighted robust regression adjusted for other substances, income and ethnicity, cannabis was independently significant (β-estimate = 4.75(0.48, 9.02), P = 0.0389). In a spatiotemporal model adjusted for all drugs, income, and ethnicity, cannabigerol exposure was significant (β-estimate = 0.26(0.01, 0.52), P = 0.0444), an effect increased by spatial lagging (THC: β-estimate = 0.47(0.12, 0.82), P = 0.0083). After missing data imputation ethnic cannabis exposure was significant (β-estimate = 0.64(0.55, 0.72), P = 3.1 × 10- 40). 33/35 minimum e-Values ranged from 1.25 to 3.94 × 1036 indicative of a causal relationship. Relaxation of cannabis legal paradigms had higher ALLR (Chi.Squ.Trend = 775.12, P = 2.14 × 10- 112). Cannabis legal states had higher ALLR (2.395 ± 0.039 v. 2.127 ± 0.008 / 100,000, P = 5.05 × 10- 10). CONCLUSIONS Data show that ALLR is associated with cannabis consumption across space-time, is associated with the cannabinoids, THC, cannabigerol, cannabinol, cannabichromene, and cannabidiol, contributes to ethnic differentials, demonstrates prominent quintile effects, satisfies criteria for causality and is exacerbated by cannabis legalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia. .,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia.
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia
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26
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Holloman BL, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Epigenetic Regulation of Cannabinoid-Mediated Attenuation of Inflammation and Its Impact on the Use of Cannabinoids to Treat Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147302. [PMID: 34298921 PMCID: PMC8307988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is considered to be a silent killer because it is the underlying cause of a wide range of clinical disorders, from cardiovascular to neurological diseases, and from cancer to obesity. In addition, there are over 80 different types of debilitating autoimmune diseases for which there are no cure. Currently, the drugs that are available to suppress chronic inflammation are either ineffective or overtly suppress the inflammation, thereby causing increased susceptibility to infections and cancer. Thus, the development of a new class of drugs that can suppress chronic inflammation is imperative. Cannabinoids are a group of compounds produced in the body (endocannabinoids) or found in cannabis (phytocannabinoids) that act through cannabinoid receptors and various other receptors expressed widely in the brain and immune system. In the last decade, cannabinoids have been well established experimentally to mediate anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that they suppress inflammation through multiple pathways, including apoptosis and inducing immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Interestingly, cannabinoids also mediate epigenetic alterations in genes that regulate inflammation. In the current review, we highlight how the epigenetic modulations caused by cannabinoids lead to the suppression of inflammation and help identify novel pathways that can be used to target autoimmune diseases.
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27
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Gowen AM, Odegaard KE, Hernandez J, Chand S, Koul S, Pendyala G, Yelamanchili SV. Role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of addiction. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1637. [PMID: 33336550 PMCID: PMC8026578 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive seeking despite adverse consequences. There are both heritable and epigenetic mechanisms underlying drug addiction. Emerging evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs regulate synaptic plasticity and related behaviors caused by substances of abuse. These ncRNAs modify gene expression and may contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of addiction. Among the ncRNAs, the most widely researched and impactful are miRNAs. The goal in this systematic review is to provide a detailed account of recent research involving the role of miRNAs in addiction. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Gowen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katherine E Odegaard
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jordan Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Subhash Chand
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sneh Koul
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sowmya V Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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28
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Fitting S. Mini-review: The therapeutic role of cannabinoids in neuroHIV. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135717. [PMID: 33587986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is considered a chronic disease with an inflammatory component that specifically targets the brain and causes a high prevalence of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has attracted interest as a target for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, due to the potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids, including its potential therapeutic use in HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the structural and functional changes of the eCB system under conditions of HAND. This will be followed by summarizing the current clinical and preclinical findings on the effects of cannabis use and cannabinoids in the context of HIV-1 infection, with specifically focusing on viral load, cognition, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Lastly, we present some potential future directions to better understand the involvement of the eCB system and the role that cannabis use and cannabinoids play in neuroHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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29
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Lyu Y, Kopcho S, Mohan M, Okeoma CM. Long-Term Low-Dose Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) Administration to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Infected Rhesus Macaques Stimulates the Release of Bioactive Blood Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) that Induce Divergent Structural Adaptations and Signaling Cues. Cells 2020; 9:E2243. [PMID: 33036231 PMCID: PMC7599525 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood extracellular vesicles (BEVs) carry bioactive cargo (proteins, genetic materials, lipids, licit, and illicit drugs) that regulate diverse functions in target cells. The cannabinoid drug delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is FDA approved for the treatment of anorexia and weight loss in people living with HIV. However, the effect of THC on BEV characteristics in the setting of HIV/SIV infection needs to be determined. Here, we used the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model of AIDS to evaluate the longitudinal effects of THC (THC/SIV) or vehicle (VEH/SIV) treatment in HIV/SIV infection on the properties of BEVs. While BEV concentrations increased longitudinally (pre-SIV (0), 30, and 150 days post-SIV infection (DPI)) in VEH/SIV macaques, the opposite trend was observed with THC/SIV macaques. SIV infection altered BEV membrane properties and cargo composition late in infection, since i) the electrostatic surface properties (zeta potential, ζ potential) showed that RM BEVs carried negative surface charge, but at 150 DPI, SIV infection significantly changed BEV ζ potential; ii) BEVs from the VEH/SIV group altered tetraspanin CD9 and CD81 levels compared to the THC/SIV group. Furthermore, VEH/SIV and THC/SIV BEVs mediated divergent changes in monocyte gene expression, morphometrics, signaling, and function. These include altered tetraspanin and integrin β1 expression; altered levels and distribution of polymerized actin, FAK/pY397 FAK, pERK1/2, cleaved caspase 3, proapoptotic Bid and truncated tBid; and altered adhesion of monocytes to collagen I. These data indicate that HIV/SIV infection and THC treatment result in the release of bioactive BEVs with potential to induce distinct structural adaptations and signaling cues to instruct divergent cellular responses to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lyu
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA; (Y.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Steven Kopcho
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA; (Y.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Host Pathogen Interaction, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA; (Y.L.); (S.K.)
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Azzoni L, Metzger D, Montaner LJ. Effect of Opioid Use on Immune Activation and HIV Persistence on ART. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:643-657. [PMID: 32974750 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While there is an emerging consensus that engagement of the Mu opioid receptor by opioids may modulate various stages the HIV life cycle (e.g.: increasing cell susceptibility to infection, promoting viral transcription, and depressing immune responses to virally-infected cells), the overall effect on latency and viral reservoirs remains unclear. Importantly, the hypothesis that the increase in immune activation observed in chronic opioid users by direct or indirect mechanisms (i.e., microbial translocation) would lead to a larger HIV reservoir after ART-suppression has not been supported to date. The potential for a subsequent decrease in reservoirs after ART-suppression has been postulated and is supported by early reports of opioid users having lower latent HIV burden. Here, we review experimental data supporting the link between opioid use and HIV modulation, as well as the scientific premise for expecting differential changes in immune activation and HIV reservoir between different medications for opioid use disorder. A better understanding of potential changes in HIV reservoirs relative to the engagement of the Mu opioid receptor and ART-mediated immune reconstitution will help guide future cure-directed studies in persons living with HIV and opioid use disorder. Graphical Abstract Review. HIV replication, immune activation and dysbiosis: opioids may affect immune reconstitution outcomes despite viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Azzoni
- HIV Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Metzger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Suite 4100, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Luis J Montaner
- HIV Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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31
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Pathomthongtaweechai N, Chutipongtanate S. AGE/RAGE signaling-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and future prospects in non-coding RNA therapeutics for diabetic nephropathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110655. [PMID: 32853909 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis triggered by the accumulation of unfolded proteins and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) plays a major role in pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. Activation of receptor for AGEs (RAGE) stimulates NADPH oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to ER stress, inflammation, glomerular hypertrophy, podocyte injury, and renal fibrosis. A growing body of evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could rescue ER stress and renal inflammation by the epigenetic modification. This review summarizes ncRNA regulation in AGE/RAGE signaling-mediated ER stress, and discusses the opportunities and challenges of ncRNA-loaded extracellular vesicle therapy in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutthapoom Pathomthongtaweechai
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand.
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Cannabinoid-Induced Immunomodulation during Viral Infections: A Focus on Mitochondria. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080875. [PMID: 32796517 PMCID: PMC7472050 DOI: 10.3390/v12080875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review examines the impact of cannabinoids on viral infections, as well as its effects on the mitochondria of the nervous and immune system. The paper conveys information about the beneficial and negative impacts of cannabinoids on viral infections, especially HIV-1. These include effects on the inflammatory response as well as neuroprotective effects. We also explore non-apoptotic mitochondrial pathways modulated by the activity of cannabinoids, resulting in modifications to cellular functions. As a large part of the literature derives from studies of the nervous system, we first compile the information related to mitochondrial functions in this system, particularly through the CB1 receptor. Finally, we reflect on how this knowledge could complement what has been demonstrated in the immune system, especially in the context of the CB2 receptor and Ca2+ uptake. The overall conclusion of the review is that cannabinoids have the potential to affect a broad range of cell types through mitochondrial modulation, be it through receptor-specific action or not, and that this pathway has a potential implication in cases of viral infection.
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Okafor CN, Li M, Paltzer J. Self-reported cannabis use and biomarkers of inflammation among adults in the United States. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 7:100109. [PMID: 33615280 PMCID: PMC7894624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is among the most frequently used substance in United States (U.S.). Studies evaluating the association between cannabis use and inflammation in humans have been few and have not explored potential sex-dependent effects. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between self-reported cannabis use and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen. METHODS We used Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) - a nationally representative sample of adults in the U.S. Weighted linear regression models were used to determine associations of self-reported cannabis use with natural log-transformed hs-CRP, IL-6 and fibrinogen adjusting for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors. RESULTS Self-reported cannabis use, particularly cannabis use within the past 30 days, was associated with lower levels of each biomarker of systemic inflammation, although findings were imprecise. Specifically, in multivariable models, the associations between respondents who self-reported cannabis use in the past 30 days compared to never use was imprecise for hs-CRP (β= -0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.32, 0.00), IL-6 (β= - 0.02, 95% CI: -0.10, 0.05) and fibrinogen (β= - 0.01, 95% CI: -0.04, 0.02). We did not find that these associations differed significantly by sex. DISCUSSIONS Data from this nationally representative study suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects of recent cannabis use. Additional studies that biologically measure the THC and CBD concentrations of the cannabis used and employ prospective and or experimental study designs investigate cannabis and inflammation associations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N. Okafor
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97343, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Michael Li
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jason Paltzer
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97343, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
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Dietary Gluten and Neurodegeneration: A Case for Preclinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155407. [PMID: 32751379 PMCID: PMC7432597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that primarily involves the intestinal tract, mounting evidence suggests that a sizeable number of patients exhibit neurological deficits. About 40% of the celiac patients with neurological manifestations have circulating antibodies against neural tissue transglutaminase-6 (tTG6). While early diagnosis and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) have been recommended to prevent neurological dysfunction, better therapeutic strategies are needed to improve the overall quality of life. Dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, presence of anti-tTG6 antibodies, and epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis. It is also possible that circulating or gut-derived extracellular structures and including biomolecular condensates and extracellular vesicles contribute to disease pathogenesis. There are several avenues for shaping the dysregulated gut homeostasis in individuals with CD, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and/or neurodegeneration. In addition to GFD and probiotics, nutraceuticals, such as phyto and synthetic cannabinoids, represent a new approach that could shape the host microbiome towards better prognostic outcomes. Finally, we provide a data-driven rationale for potential future pre-clinical research involving non-human primates (NHPs) to investigate the effect of nutraceuticals, such as phyto and synthetic cannabinoids, either alone or in combination with GFD to prevent/mitigate dietary gluten-induced neurodegeneration.
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Alvarez X, Sestak K, Byrareddy SN, Mohan M. Long Term Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Administration Inhibits Proinflammatory Responses in Minor Salivary Glands of Chronically Simian Immunodeficieny Virus Infected Rhesus Macaques. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070713. [PMID: 32630206 PMCID: PMC7412369 DOI: 10.3390/v12070713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV/SIV-associated oral mucosal disease/dysfunction (HAOMD) (gingivitis/periodontitis/salivary adenitis) represents a major comorbidity affecting HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy. Using a systems biology approach, we investigated molecular changes (mRNA/microRNA) underlying HAOMD and its modulation by phytocannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC)) in uninfected (n = 5) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques untreated (VEH-untreated/SIV; n = 7) or treated with vehicle (VEH/SIV; n = 3) or ∆9-THC (THC/SIV; n = 3). Relative to controls, fewer mRNAs were upregulated in THC/SIV compared to VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. Gene enrichment analysis showed differential enrichment of biological functions involved in anti-viral defense, Type-I interferon, Toll-like receptor, RIG-1 and IL1R signaling in VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. We focused on the anti-ER-stress anterior gradient-2 (AGR2), epithelial barrier protecting and anti-dysbiotic WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain-2 (WFDC2) and glucocorticoid-induced anti-inflammatory TSC22D3 (TSC22-domain family member-3) that were significantly downregulated in oropharyngeal mucosa (OPM) of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. All three proteins localized to minor salivary gland acini and secretory ducts and showed enhanced and reduced expression in OPM of THC/SIV and VEH/SIV macaques, respectively. Additionally, inflammation associated miR-21, miR-142-3p and miR-29b showed significantly higher expression in OPM of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. TSC22D3 was validated as a target of miR-29b. These preliminary translational findings suggest that phytocannabinoids may safely and effectively reduce oral inflammatory responses in HIV/SIV and other (autoimmune) diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Alvarez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
| | - Karol Sestak
- PreCliniTria, LLC., Mandeville, LA 70471, USA;
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence: (S.N.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.N.B.); (M.M.)
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Afrin F, Chi M, Eamens AL, Duchatel RJ, Douglas AM, Schneider J, Gedye C, Woldu AS, Dun MD. Can Hemp Help? Low-THC Cannabis and Non-THC Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12041033. [PMID: 32340151 PMCID: PMC7226605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12041033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of disease for thousands of years. However, social and political biases have limited effective interrogation of the potential benefits of cannabis and polarised public opinion. Further, the medicinal and clinical utility of cannabis is limited by the psychotropic side effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC). Evidence is emerging for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, with potential efficacy as an analgesic and antiemetic for the management of cancer-related pain and treatment-related nausea and vomiting, respectively. An increasing number of preclinical studies have established that ∆9-THC can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells through the modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), but clinical confirmation remains lacking. In parallel, the anti-cancer properties of non-THC cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are linked to the modulation of non-CB1R/CB2R G-protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptors, and ligand-regulated transcription factors, which together modulate oncogenic signalling and redox homeostasis. Additional evidence has also demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, and this may prove relevant in the context of peritumoural oedema and the tumour immune microenvironment. This review aims to document the emerging mechanisms of anti-cancer actions of non-THC cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Afrin
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Mengna Chi
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Ryan J. Duchatel
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Alicia M. Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Jennifer Schneider
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Craig Gedye
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Ameha S. Woldu
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Correspondence: (A.S.W.); (M.D.D.); Tel.: +61-02-4921-7807 (A.S.W.); +61-02-4921-5693 (M.D.D.)
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Medical Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (F.A.); (M.C.); (R.J.D.); (A.M.D.); (C.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation & Translation, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Correspondence: (A.S.W.); (M.D.D.); Tel.: +61-02-4921-7807 (A.S.W.); +61-02-4921-5693 (M.D.D.)
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Brief Report: Hazardous Cannabis Use and Monocyte Activation Among Methamphetamine Users With Treated HIV Infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 81:361-364. [PMID: 30958388 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of stimulants, such as methamphetamine, has been associated with greater immune activation in treated HIV infection. However, relatively little is known about whether concomitant cannabis use is associated with lower immune activation among HIV-positive stimulant users. SETTING HIV-positive, sexual minority men with biologically confirmed, recent methamphetamine use were enrolled in San Francisco, CA. METHODS In total, 78 methamphetamine-using sexual minority men with an undetectable HIV viral load (<40 copies/mL) completed self-report measures of cannabis use and substance use disorder severity. Plasma biomarkers of monocyte activation (ie, sCD14 and sCD163) and intestinal barrier integrity (iFABP) were measured. The associations of hazardous cannabis use with these measurements were examined after adjusting for substance use disorder severity, age, antiretroviral therapy regimen, CD4 T-cell count, and interleukin-6. RESULTS Hazardous cannabis users had the highest mean sCD14 levels (2181 ng/mL) compared with nonhazardous users (1991 ng/mL) and nonusers (1859 ng/mL; P = 0.05). In adjusted analyses, greater cannabis use severity was associated with higher sCD14 compared with nonusers (unstandardized beta = 133.6 ng/mL, P = 0.03). Cannabis use severity was not significantly associated with sCD163 or iFABP. CONCLUSIONS Hazardous cannabis use is independently associated with elevations in a clinically relevant marker of immune activation in methamphetamine users with treated HIV.
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The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031113. [PMID: 32046164 PMCID: PMC7037698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is a cell-signalling system widely distributed in biological tissues that includes endogenous ligands, receptors, and biosynthetic and hydrolysing machineries. The impairment of the ES has been associated to several pathological conditions like behavioural, neurological, or metabolic disorders and infertility, suggesting that the modulation of this system may be critical for the maintenance of health status and disease treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exert long-term effects on gene expression without any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, affecting health maintenance and influencing both disease load and resistance. This potentially reversible "epigenetic" modulation of gene expression occurs through the chemical modification of DNA and histone protein tails or the specific production of regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Recent findings demonstrate the epigenetic modulation of the ES in biological tissues; in the same way, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists induce widespread or gene-specific epigenetic changes with the possibility of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the offspring explained by the transmission of deregulated epigenetic marks in the gametes. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epigenetics of the ES, with particular attention on the emerging role in reproduction and fertility.
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Barchi M, Innocenzi E, Giannattasio T, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Cannabinoid Receptors Signaling in the Development, Epigenetics, and Tumours of Male Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010025. [PMID: 31861494 PMCID: PMC6981618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two main cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes form the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). In the last years, the relevance of endocannabinoids (eCBs) as critical modulators in various aspects of male reproduction has been pointed out. Mammalian male germ cells, from mitotic to haploid stage, have a complete ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis. Compelling evidence indicate that in the testis an appropriate “eCBs tone”, associated to a balanced CB receptors signaling, is critical for spermatogenesis and for the formation of mature and fertilizing spermatozoa. Any alteration of this system negatively affects male reproduction, from germ cell differentiation to sperm functions, and might have also an impact on testicular tumours. Indeed, most of testicular tumours develop during early germ-cell development in which a maturation arrest is thought to be the first key event leading to malignant transformation. Considering the ever-growing number and complexity of the data on ECS, this review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in male germ cells development from gonocyte up to mature spermatozoa and in the induction of epigenetic alterations in these cells which might be transmitted to the progeny. Furthermore, we present new evidence on their relevance in testicular cancer.
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Abstract
: Thanks to the success of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) have life expectancies which approach that of persons in the general population. However, despite the ability of ART to suppress viral replication, PLWH have high levels of chronic systemic inflammation which drives the development of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and non-AIDS associated malignancies. Historically, cannabis has played an important role in alleviating many symptoms experienced by persons with advanced HIV infection in the pre-ART era and continues to be used by many PLWH in the ART era, though for different reasons. Δ-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the phytocannabinoids, which have received most attention for their medicinal properties. Due to their ability to suppress lymphocyte proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production, there is interest in examining their therapeutic potential as immunomodulators. CB2 receptor activation has been shown in vitro to reduce CD4 T-cell infection by CXCR4-tropic HIV and to reduce HIV replication. Studies involving SIV-infected macaques have shown that Δ-THC can reduce morbidity and mortality and has favourable effects on gut mucosal immunity. Furthermore, ΔTHC administration was associated with reduced lymph node fibrosis and diminished levels of SIV proviral DNA in spleens of rhesus macaques compared with placebo-treated macaques. In humans, cannabis use does not induce a reduction in peripheral CD4 T-cell count or loss of HIV virological control in cross-sectional studies. Rather, cannabis use in ART-treated PLWH was associated with decreased levels of T-cell activation, inflammatory monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, all of which are related to HIV disease progression and comorbidities. Randomized clinical trials should provide further insights into the ability of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicines to attenuate HIV-associated inflammation. In turn, these findings may provide a novel means to reduce morbidity and mortality in PLWH as adjunctive agents to ART.
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Hicks SD, Jacob P, Perez O, Baffuto M, Gagnon Z, Middleton FA. The Transcriptional Signature of a Runner's High. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 51:970-978. [PMID: 30557194 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endorphins, endocannabinoids, monoamines, and neurotrophins have all been implicated in the euphoric response to endurance running, known as a runner's high (RH). The epitranscriptional mechanisms regulating this effect have not been defined. Here, we investigate peripheral micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) changes unique to athletes experiencing postrun euphoria, yielding insights into gene networks that control an RH. METHODS A cohort study involving 25 collegiate runners (48% females, age = 20 ± 1 yr) examined salivary RNA levels before and after a long-distance run. Participants were divided into RH and nonrunner's high (NRH) groups based on surveys of four criteria (mood, lost sense of time, run quality, and euphoria). Physiological measures were also recorded (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, pupillary dilatation, and salivary serotonin). Levels of miRNAs and their messenger RNA targets were compared across pre- and postrun samples from RH and NRH groups with two-way ANOVA. Representation of opioid, gamma-aminobutyic acid (GABA), endocannabinoid, neurotrophin, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways was assessed in DIANA miRPath. Pearson's correlation analyses examined relationships between miRNAs and RH indices. RESULTS RH participants (n = 13) demonstrated postrun mydriasis (P = 0.046) and hypothermia (P = 0.043) relative to NRH participants (n = 12) but had no difference in serotonin dynamics (P = 0.88). Six miRNAs (miR-194-5p, miR-4676-3p, miR-4254, miR-4425, miR-1273-3p, miR-6743-5p) exhibited significant effects (false discovery rate P value < 0.05) across pre- or postrun and RH/NRH groups. These miRNAs displayed target enrichment for opioid (P = 2.74E-06) and GABA (P = 0.00016) pathways. miR-1237-3p levels were related with lost sense of time (R = 0.40). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK11), an endocannabinoid target of miR-1273-3p, was nominally elevated in RH participants (false discovery rate P value = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Unique dynamics in miRNA concentration occur in athletes with subjective/objective evidence of RH, targeting genes implicated endorphin, endocannabinoid, and GABAergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Paige Jacob
- Department of Biology, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
| | - Omar Perez
- Department of Biology, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
| | | | - Zofia Gagnon
- Department of Biology, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
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Identification of novel rhesus macaque microRNAs from naïve whole blood. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:5511-5516. [PMID: 31154603 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as novel molecular tools for diagnosing and treating diseases. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are the most widely used nonhuman primate species for biomedical studies, yet only 912 mature miRNAs have been identified in this species compared to 2654 in humans and 1978 in mice. The aim of this project was to help bridge that gap in knowledge by evaluating circulating miRNA in naïve rhesus monkeys and comparing results with currently available databases in different species in order to identify novel, mature miRNAs. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood of ten healthy, adult rhesus macaques. After performing next generation sequencing (NGS), 475 novel, mature miRNAs were identified in rhesus macaques for the first time; of those, 423 were identified for the first time in any species. The most abundantly expressed novel rhesus macaque miRNA, hsa-miR-744-5p, has previously been described in humans. Database assessment of hsa-miR-744-5p potential gene targets showed that while the gene targets showed > 90% sequence similarity between rhesus and humans, many did not share the same consensus sequences. The identification of 475 novel miRNAs in the blood of rhesus macaque reflects the complexity and variety of miRNAs across species. Further NGS studies are needed to reveal novel miRNA that will inform on species-, tissue-, and condition-specific miRNAs.
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Kumar V, Torben W, Mansfield J, Alvarez X, Vande Stouwe C, Li J, Byrareddy SN, Didier PJ, Pahar B, Molina PE, Mohan M. Cannabinoid Attenuation of Intestinal Inflammation in Chronic SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques Involves T Cell Modulation and Differential Expression of Micro-RNAs and Pro-inflammatory Genes. Front Immunol 2019; 10:914. [PMID: 31114576 PMCID: PMC6503054 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use is frequent in HIV-infected individuals for its appetite stimulation and anti-inflammatory effects. To identify the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with these effects, we simultaneously profiled micro-RNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression in the colon of chronically simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques administered either vehicle (VEH/SIV; n = 9) or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; THC/SIV; n = 8). Pro-inflammatory miR-130a, miR-222, and miR-29b, lipopolysaccharide-responsive miR-146b-5p and SIV-induced miR-190b were significantly upregulated in VEH/SIV rhesus macaques. Compared to VEH/SIV rhesus macaques, 10 miRNAs were significantly upregulated in THC/SIV rhesus macaques, among which miR-204 was confirmed to directly target MMP8, an extracellular matrix-degrading collagenase that was significantly downregulated in THC/SIV rhesus macaques. Moreover, THC/SIV rhesus macaques failed to upregulate pro-inflammatory miR-21, miR-141 and miR-222, and alpha/beta-defensins, suggesting attenuated intestinal inflammation. Further, THC/SIV rhesus macaques showed higher expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-3), anti-inflammatory MUC13, keratin-8 (stress protection), PROM1 (epithelial proliferation), and anti-HIV CCL5. Gomori one-step trichrome staining detected significant collagen deposition (fibrosis) in the paracortex and B cell follicular zones of axillary lymph nodes from all VEH/SIV but not in THC/SIV rhesus macaques, thus demonstrating the ability of Δ9-THC to prevent lymph node fibrosis, a serious irreversible consequence of HIV induced chronic inflammation. Furthermore, using flow cytometry, we showed that Δ9-THC suppressed intestinal T cell proliferation/activation (Ki67/HLA-DR) and PD-1 expression and increased the percentages of anti-inflammatory CD163+ macrophages. Finally, while Δ9-THC did not affect the levels of CD4+ T cells, it significantly reduced absolute CD8+ T cell numbers in peripheral blood at 14 and 150 days post-SIV infection. These translational findings strongly support a role for differential miRNA/gene induction and T cell activation in Δ9-THC-mediated suppression of intestinal inflammation in HIV/SIV and potentially other chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Nektar Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Workineh Torben
- Department of Biological Sciences, LSU, Alexandria, LA, United States
| | - Joshua Mansfield
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | | | - Jian Li
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Peter J Didier
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Bapi Pahar
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Patricia E Molina
- Department of Physiology, LSUHSC, New Orleans, LA, United States.,LSUHSC Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
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Juknat A, Gao F, Coppola G, Vogel Z, Kozela E. miRNA expression profiles and molecular networks in resting and LPS-activated BV-2 microglia-Effect of cannabinoids. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212039. [PMID: 30742662 PMCID: PMC6370221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in modulating the response of immune cells to stimuli. Cannabinoids are known to exert beneficial actions such as neuroprotection and immunosuppressive activities. However, the underlying mechanisms which contribute to these effects are not fully understood. We previously reported that the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) differ in their anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate BV-2 microglial cells, we examined the role of cannabinoids on the expression of miRNAs. Expression was analyzed by performing deep sequencing, followed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to describe networks and intracellular pathways. miRNA sequencing analysis revealed that 31 miRNAs were differentially modulated by LPS and by cannabinoids treatments. In addition, we found that at the concentration tested, CBD has a greater effect than THC on the expression of most of the studied miRNAs. The results clearly link the effects of both LPS and cannabinoids to inflammatory signaling pathways. LPS upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory miRNAs associated to Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NF-κB signaling, including miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155, whereas CBD inhibited LPS-stimulated expression of miR-146a and miR-155. In addition, CBD upregulated miR-34a, known to be involved in several pathways including Rb/E2f cell cycle and Notch-Dll1 signaling. Our results show that both CBD and THC reduced the LPS-upregulated Notch ligand Dll1 expression. MiR-155 and miR-34a are considered to be redox sensitive miRNAs, which regulate Nrf2-driven gene expression. Accordingly, we found that Nrf2-mediated expression of redox-dependent genes defines a Mox-like phenotype in CBD treated BV-2 cells. In summary, we have identified a specific repertoire of miRNAs that are regulated by cannabinoids, in resting (surveillant) and in LPS-activated microglia. The modulated miRNAs and their target genes are controlled by TLR, Nrf2 and Notch cross-talk signaling and are involved in immune response, cell cycle regulation as well as cellular stress and redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Juknat
- The Dr Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Fuying Gao
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Zvi Vogel
- The Dr Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- The Dr Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Dong C, Chen J, Harrington A, Vinod KY, Hegde ML, Hegde VL. Cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy and its impact on immune function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:729-743. [PMID: 30374520 PMCID: PMC6632091 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are the most commonly abused illicit drugs worldwide. While cannabis can be beneficial for certain heath conditions, abuse of potent synthetic cannabinoids has been on the rise. Exposure to cannabinoids is also prevalent in women of child-bearing age and pregnant women. These compounds can cross the placental barrier and directly affect the fetus. They mediate their effects primarily through G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. In addition to significant neurological effects, cannabinoids can trigger robust immunomodulation by altering cytokine levels, causing apoptosis of lymphoid cells and inducing suppressor cells of the immune system. Profound effects of cannabinoids on the immune system as discussed in this review, suggest that maternal exposure during pregnancy could lead to dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune system of developing fetus and offspring potentially leading to weakening of immune defenses against infections and cancer later in life. Emerging evidence also indicates the underlying role of epigenetic mechanisms causing long-lasting impact following cannabinoid exposure in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Dong
- School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Amy Harrington
- School of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - K Yaragudri Vinod
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Emotional Brain Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Venkatesh L Hegde
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Liu Y, Wang L, Li X, Han W, Yang K, Wang H, Zhang Y, Su R, Liu Z, Wang R, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Li J. High-throughput sequencing of hair follicle development-related micrornas in cashmere goat at various fetal periods. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 25:1494-1508. [PMID: 30505201 PMCID: PMC6251998 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner Mongolia cashmere goat marks a precious gerplasm genetic resource due to its excellent cashmere traits. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to investigate the cashmere development mechanism of cashmere goat and to search for the important cashmere growth-related candidate genes. Fetal skin samples at 10 different periods of cashmere goat were collected in this research. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing was conducted on RNA samples from side skin of cashmere goat fetuses collected at three critical periods of skin hair follicle initiation, growth and development (namely, 45, 55 and 65 days) after balanced mix in line with the previous research results. Meanwhile, 3 samples at corresponding periods were used as the biological duplications. Data regarding microRNA and mRNA expression in skin and hair follicles of cashmere goats at various fetal periods were obtained using the high-throughput sequencing method. The results indicated that microRNAs in the oar-let-7 and oar-miR-200 families in 55 days and 66 days of pregnancy samples had been notably up-regulated relative to those in 45 days of pregnancy samples. This revealed that they might be the critical microRNAs in hair follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical College, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010031, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Wenjing Han
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Kun Yang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Honghao Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Rui Su
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Ruijun Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Jinquan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
- Key Laboratory of Mutton Sheep Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot 010018, China
- Engineering Research Center for Goat Genetics and Breeding, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot 010018, China
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE RNA is a heterogeneous class of molecules with the minority being protein coding. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in translation and epigenetic control mechanisms of gene expression. Recent Advances: In recent years, the number of identified ncRNAs has dramatically increased and it is now clear that ncRNAs provide a complex layer of differential gene expression control. CRITICAL ISSUES NcRNAs exhibit interplay with redox regulation. Redox regulation alters the expression of ncRNAs; conversely, ncRNAs alter the expression of generator and effector systems of redox regulation in a complex manner, which will be the focus of this review article. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Understanding the role of ncRNA in redox control will lead to the development of new strategies to alter redox programs. Given that many ncRNAs (particularly microRNAs [miRNAs]) change large gene sets, these molecules are attractive drug candidates; already, now miRNAs can be targeted in patients. Therefore, the development of ncRNA therapies focusing on these molecules is an attractive future strategy. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 793-812.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias S Leisegang
- 1 Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe-University , Frankfurt, Germany .,2 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katrin Schröder
- 1 Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe-University , Frankfurt, Germany .,2 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ralf P Brandes
- 1 Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe-University , Frankfurt, Germany .,2 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany
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Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidative, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Trans Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol/Sesame Oil on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:9365464. [PMID: 30046349 PMCID: PMC6036806 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9365464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints. Its first-line therapy, Methotrexate (MTX), although effective in ameliorating the progress of the disease, induces hepatotoxicity over long-term usage. Thus, seeking natural compounds with fewer side effects could be an alternative therapeutic approach. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antioxidative effects of synthetic trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) dissolved in sesame oil (Dronabinol) against MTX in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Daily oral administration of Δ9-THC/sesame oil, over a period of 21 days, was well tolerated in arthritic rats with no particular psychoactive side effects. It markedly attenuated the severity of clinical manifestations, recovered the histopathological changes in tibiotarsal joints, and repressed the splenomegaly in arthritic rats. Δ9-THC/sesame oil therapy showed similar effects to MTX in neutralizing the inflammatory process of AIA, through attenuating erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) scores and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, to normal values. As opposed to MTX, this natural combination markedly protected the liver of arthritic rats and downregulated the induced oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant defense system such as activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of glutathione (GSH). These results suggest promising effects for the clinical use of Δ9-THC/sesame oil therapy in alleviating arthritic clinical signs as well as arthritis-induced liver injury.
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Kumar V, Mansfield J, Fan R, MacLean A, Li J, Mohan M. miR-130a and miR-212 Disrupt the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier through Modulation of PPARγ and Occludin Expression in Chronic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29514950 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction is a well-known sequela of HIV/SIV infection that persists despite antiretroviral therapy. Although inflammation is a triggering factor, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial barrier function is epigenetically regulated by inflammation-induced microRNAs (miRNAs). Accordingly, we profiled and characterized miRNA/mRNA expression exclusively in colonic epithelium and identified 46 differentially expressed miRNAs (20 upregulated and 26 downregulated) in chronically SIV-infected rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We bioinformatically crossed the predicted miRNA targets to transcriptomic data and characterized miR-130a and miR-212 as both were predicted to interact with critical epithelial barrier-associated genes. Next, we characterized peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and occludin (OCLN), predicted targets of miR-130a and miR-212, respectively, as their downregulation has been strongly linked to epithelial barrier disruption and dysbiosis. Immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter, and overexpression studies confirmed the ability of miR-130a and miR-212 to decrease protein expression of PPARγ and OCLN, respectively, and reduce transepithelial electrical resistance. Because Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exerted protective effects in the intestine in our previous studies, we successfully used it to reverse miR-130a- and miR-212-mediated reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance. Finally, ex vivo Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment of colon tissue from chronically SIV-infected rhesus macaques significantly increased PPARγ expression. Our findings suggest that dysregulated miR-130a and miR-212 expression in colonic epithelium during chronic HIV/SIV infection can facilitate epithelial barrier disruption by downregulating OCLN and PPARγ expression. Most importantly, our results highlight the beneficial effects of cannabinoids on epithelial barrier function in not just HIV/SIV but potentially other chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Eurofins Bioanalytics USA, Saint Charles, MO 63304
| | - Joshua Mansfield
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433; and
| | - Rong Fan
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433; and
| | - Andrew MacLean
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433; and
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433; and
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Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. High times for cannabis: Epigenetic imprint and its legacy on brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:93-101. [PMID: 28506926 PMCID: PMC5682234 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive debates continue regarding marijuana (Cannabis spp), the most commonly used illicit substance in many countries worldwide. There has been an exponential increase of cannabis studies over the past two decades but the drug's long-term effects still lack in-depth scientific data. The epigenome is a critical molecular machinery with the capacity to maintain persistent alterations of gene expression and behaviors induced by cannabinoids that have been observed across the individual's lifespan and even into the subsequent generation. Though mechanistic investigations regarding the consequences of developmental cannabis exposure remain sparse, human and animal studies have begun to reveal specific epigenetic disruptions in the brain and the periphery. In this article, we focus attention on long-term disturbances in epigenetic regulation in relation to prenatal, adolescent and parental germline cannabinoid exposure. Expanding knowledge about the protracted molecular memory could help to identify novel targets to develop preventive strategies and treatments for behaviors relevant to neuropsychiatric risks associated with developmental cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Szutorisz
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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