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Hosseinzadeh Anvar L, Ahmadalipour A. Fatty acid amide hydrolase C385A polymorphism affects susceptibility to various diseases. Biofactors 2023; 49:62-78. [PMID: 36300805 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important neuromodulatory system with its extensive network of receptors throughout the human body that has complex actions in the nervous system, immune system, and all of the body's other organs. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important membrane-bound homodimeric degrading enzyme that controls the biological activity of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) in the eCB system and other relevant bioactive lipids. It has been shown that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH are associated with various phenotypes and diseases including cardiovascular, endocrine, drug abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. A common functional and most studied polymorphism of this gene is C385A (rs324420), which results in the replacement of a conserved proline to threonine in the FAAH enzyme structure, leads to a reduction of the activity and expression of FAAH, compromises the inactivation of AEA and causes higher synaptic concentrations of AEA that can be associated with several various phenotypes. The focus of this review is on evidence-based studies on the associations of the FAAH C385A polymorphism and the various diseases or traits. Although there was variability in the results of these reports, the overall consensus is that the FAAH C385A genotype can affect susceptibility to some multifactorial disorders and can be considered a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseinzadeh Anvar
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadalipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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2
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Hryhorowicz S, Kaczmarek-Ryś M, Zielińska A, Scott RJ, Słomski R, Pławski A. Endocannabinoid System as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:790803. [PMID: 35003109 PMCID: PMC8727741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.790803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology, including two primary forms: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in modulating many physiological processes including intestinal homeostasis, modulation of gastrointestinal motility, visceral sensation, or immunomodulation of inflammation in IBD. It consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), transporters for cellular uptake of endocannabinoid ligands, endogenous bioactive lipids (Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), the manipulation of which through agonists and antagonists of the system, shows a potential therapeutic role for ECS in inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes the role of ECS components on intestinal inflammation, suggesting the advantages of cannabinoid-based therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/therapeutic use
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy
- Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology
- Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology
- Crohn Disease/drug therapy
- Crohn Disease/immunology
- Crohn Disease/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Endocannabinoids/agonists
- Endocannabinoids/antagonists & inhibitors
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects
- Humans
- Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects
- Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rodney J. Scott
- Discipline of Medical Genetics and Centre for Information-Based Medicine, The University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, New South Wales Health Pathology North, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pławski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Orrego-González E, Londoño-Tobón L, Ardila-González J, Polania-Tovar D, Valencia-Cárdenas A, Velez-Van Meerbeke A. Cannabinoid Effects on Experimental Colorectal Cancer Models Reduce Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) and Tumor Volume: A Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:2371527. [PMID: 32765628 PMCID: PMC7387981 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2371527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer represents a heavy burden for health systems worldwide, being the third most common cancer worldwide. Despite the breakthroughs in medicine, current chemotherapeutic options continue to have important side effects and may not be effective in preventing disease progression. Cannabinoids might be substances with possible therapeutic potential for cancer because they can attenuate the side effects of chemotherapy and have antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. We aim to determine, through a systematic review of experimental studies performed on animal CRC models, if cannabinoids can reduce the formation of preneoplastic lesions (aberrant crypt foci), number, and volume of neoplastic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic, qualitative review of the literature was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. We use the following Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms in PubMed: "colorectal neoplasms," "colonic neoplasms," "colorectal cancer," "polyps," "rimonabant," "cannabidiol," "cannabinoids," "azoxymethane," "xenograft," and "mice." Only studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. RESULTS Eight in vivo experimental studies were included in the analysis after the full-text evaluation. Seven studies were azoxymethane (AOM) colorectal cancer models, and four studies were xenograft models. Cannabidiol botanical substance (CBD BS) and rimonabant achieved high aberrant crypt foci (ACF) reduction (86% and 75.4%, respectively). Cannabigerol, O-1602, and URB-602 demonstrated a high capacity for tumor volume reduction. Induction of apoptosis, interaction with cell survival, growth pathways, and angiogenesis inhibition were the mechanisms extracted from the studies that explain cannabinoids' actions on CRC. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoids have incredible potential as antineoplastic agents as experimental models demonstrate that they can reduce tumor volume and ACF formation. It is crucial to conduct more experimental studies to understand the pharmacology of cannabinoids in CRC better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Orrego-González
- Research Group, Neurosciences (NEUROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Londoño-Tobón
- Research Group, Neurosciences (NEUROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José Ardila-González
- Research Group, Neurosciences (NEUROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego Polania-Tovar
- Research Group, Neurosciences (NEUROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Alberto Velez-Van Meerbeke
- Research Group, Neurosciences (NEUROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Medical Marijuana: Facts and Questions. Am J Ther 2019; 26:e502-e510. [PMID: 29324465 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Halbmeijer N, Groeneweg M, De Ridder L. Cannabis, a potential treatment option in pediatric IBD? Still a long way to go. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:355-361. [PMID: 30767696 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1582330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is rising. Current treatment options are based on immunomodulatory therapy. Alternative treatment options are upcoming since they appear to be effective in individual patients. Cannabis might relief IBD symptoms in these cases and improve quality of life. Recent evidence suggests a potential anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis. Areas covered: This review presents an overview of recent literature on the use of cannabis in IBD focussing on pediatric IBD patients. Background information on the role of the endocannabinoid system within the gastrointestinal tract is presented. Other modalities of cannabis and its purified ingredients will be discussed as well, with attention to its applicability in children with IBD. Expert opinion: More research is needed on the efficacy and safety of cannabis in pediatric IBD. Studies are well underway, but until then the use of cannabis in pediatric IBD cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Halbmeijer
- a Department of Pediatrics , Maasstad Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Michael Groeneweg
- a Department of Pediatrics , Maasstad Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Lissy De Ridder
- b Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology , Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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8
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Pharmacological inhibition of MAGL attenuates experimental colon carcinogenesis. Pharmacol Res 2017; 119:227-236. [PMID: 28193521 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem in Western countries. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) exerts antiproliferative actions in a number of tumoral cell lines, including CRC cells. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a serine hydrolase that inactivates 2-AG, is highly expressed in aggressive human cancer cells. Here, we investigated the role of MAGL in experimental colon carcinogenesis. The role of MAGL was assessed in vivo by using the xenograft and the azoxymethane models of colon carcinogenesis; MAGL expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry; 2-AG levels were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; angiogenesis was evaluated in tumor tissues [by microvessel counting and by investigating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) proteins] as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC); cyclin D1 was evaluated by RT-PCR. MAGL and 2-AG were strongly expressed in tumor tissues. The MAGL inhibitor URB602 reduced xenograft tumor volume, this effect being associated to down-regulation of VEGF and FGF-2, reduction in the number of vessels and down-regulation of cyclin D1. In HUVEC, URB602 exerted a direct antiangiogenic effect by inhibiting FGF-2 induced proliferation and migration, and by modulating pro/anti-angiogenic agents. In experiments aiming at investigating the role of MAGL in chemoprevention, URB602 attenuated azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic lesions, polyps and tumors. MAGL, possibly through modulation of angiogenesis, plays a pivotal role in experimental colon carcinogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of MAGL could represent an innovative therapeutic approach to reduce colorectal tumor progression.
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Vera G, López-Pérez AE, Uranga JA, Girón R, Martín-Fontelles MI, Abalo R. Involvement of Cannabinoid Signaling in Vincristine-Induced Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in the Rat. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:37. [PMID: 28220074 PMCID: PMC5292571 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In different models of paralytic ileus, cannabinoid receptors are overexpressed and endogenous cannabinoids are massively released, contributing to gastrointestinal dysmotility. The antitumoral drug vincristine depresses gastrointestinal motility and a similar mechanism could participate in this effect. Therefore, our aim was to determine, using CB1 and CB2 antagonists, whether an increased endocannabinoid tone is involved in vincristine-induced gastrointestinal ileus. Methods: First, we confirmed the effects of vincristine on the gut mucosa, by conventional histological techniques, and characterized its effects on motility, by radiographic means. Conscious male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of vincristine (0.1–0.5 mg/kg), and barium sulfate (2.5 ml; 2 g/ml) was intragastrically administered 0, 24, or 48 h later. Serial X-rays were obtained at different time-points (0–8 h) after contrast. X-rays were used to build motility curves for each gastrointestinal region and determine the size of stomach and caecum. Tissue samples were taken for histology 48 h after saline or vincristine (0.5 mg/kg). Second, AM251 (a CB1 receptor antagonist) and AM630 (a CB2 receptor antagonist) were used to determine if CB1 and/or CB2 receptors are involved in vincristine-induced gastrointestinal dysmotility. Key results: Vincristine induced damage to the mucosa of ileum and colon and reduced gastrointestinal motor function at 0.5 mg/kg. The effect on motor function was particularly evident when the study started 24 h after administration. AM251, but not AM630, significantly prevented vincristine effect, particularly in the small intestine, when administered thrice. AM251 alone did not significantly alter gastrointestinal motility. Conclusions: The fact that AM251, but not AM630, is capable of reducing the effect of vincristine suggests that, like in other experimental models of paralytic ileus, an increased cannabinoid tone develops and is at least partially responsible for the alterations induced by the antitumoral drug on gastrointestinal motor function. Thus, CB1 antagonists might be useful to prevent/treat ileus induced by vincristine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Vera
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosAlcorcón, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ana E López-Pérez
- Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain; Unidad del Dolor, Servicio de Anestesia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónMadrid, Spain
| | - José A Uranga
- Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain; Área de Histología Humana y Anatomía Patológica, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosAlcorcón, Spain
| | - Rocío Girón
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosAlcorcón, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ma Isabel Martín-Fontelles
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosAlcorcón, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Raquel Abalo
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosAlcorcón, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL)Alcorcón, Spain
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Lee Y, Jo J, Chung HY, Pothoulakis C, Im E. Endocannabinoids in the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G655-G666. [PMID: 27538961 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system mainly consists of endogenously produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). This system also includes enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids and molecules required for the uptake and transport of endocannabinoids. In addition, endocannabinoid-related lipid mediators and other putative endocannabinoid receptors, such as transient receptor potential channels and other GPCRs, have been identified. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is a key modulator of gastrointestinal physiology, influencing satiety, emesis, immune function, mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, and visceral sensation. In light of therapeutic benefits of herbal and synthetic cannabinoids, the vast potential of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been demonstrated. This review focuses on the role of the endocannabinoid system in gut homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders associated with intestinal motility, inflammation, and cancer. Finally, links between gut microorganisms and the endocannabinoid system are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunna Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Jeongbin Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Hae Young Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Charalabos Pothoulakis
- Section of Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eunok Im
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
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Ortega A, García-Hernández VM, Ruiz-García E, Meneses-García A, Herrera-Gómez A, Aguilar-Ponce JL, Montes-Servín E, Prospero-García O, Del Angel SA. Comparing the effects of endogenous and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists on survival of gastric cancer cells. Life Sci 2016; 165:56-62. [PMID: 27640887 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Anti-neoplastic activity induced by cannabinoids has been extensively documented for a number of cancer cell types; however, this topic has been explored in gastric cancer cells only in a limited number of approaches. Thus, the need of integrative and comparative studies still persists. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study we tested and compared the effects of three different cannabinoid receptor agonists-anandamide (AEA), (R)-(+)-methanandamide (Meth-AEA) and CP 55,940 (CP)- on gastric cancer cell morphology, viability and death events in order to provide new insights to the use of these agents for therapeutic purposes. KEY FINDINGS The three agents tested exhibited similar concentration-dependent effects in the induction of changes in cell morphology and cell loss, as well as in the decrease of cell viability and DNA laddering in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Differences among the cannabinoids tested were mostly observed in the density of cells found in early and late apoptosis and necrosis, favoring AEA and CP as the more effective inducers of apoptotic mechanisms, and Meth-AEA as a more effective inducer of necrosis through transient and rapid apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE Through a comparative approach, our results support and confirm the therapeutic potential that cannabinoid receptor agonists exert in gastric cancer cells and open possibilities to use cannabinoids as part of a new gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ortega
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - V M García-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - E Ruiz-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - A Meneses-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - A Herrera-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - J L Aguilar-Ponce
- Laboratorio de Medicina Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - E Montes-Servín
- Unidad de Oncología Torácica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA. Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - O Prospero-García
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - S A Del Angel
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, SSA. Mexico City 14269, Mexico.
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Cannabinoid Receptors in Regulating the GI Tract: Experimental Evidence and Therapeutic Relevance. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2016; 239:343-362. [PMID: 28161834 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors are fundamentally involved in all aspects of intestinal physiology, such as motility, secretion, and epithelial barrier function. They are part of a broader entity, the so-called endocannabinoid system which also includes their endocannabinoid ligands and the ligands' synthesizing/degrading enzymes. The system has a strong impact on the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract and is believed to maintain homeostasis in the gut by controlling hypercontractility and by promoting regeneration after injury. For instance, genetic knockout of cannabinoid receptor 1 leads to inflammation and cancer of the intestines. Derivatives of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, such as nabilone and dronabinol, activate cannabinoid receptors and have been introduced into the clinic to treat chemotherapy-induced emesis and loss of appetite; however, they may cause many psychotropic side effects. New drugs that interfere with endocannabinoid degradation to raise endocannabinoid levels circumvent this obstacle and could be used in the future to treat emesis, intestinal inflammation, and functional disorders associated with visceral hyperalgesia.
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Abalo R, Chen C, Vera G, Fichna J, Thakur GA, López-Pérez AE, Makriyannis A, Martín-Fontelles MI, Storr M. In vitro and non-invasive in vivo effects of the cannabinoid-1 receptor agonist AM841 on gastrointestinal motor function in the rat. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1721-35. [PMID: 26387676 PMCID: PMC4918633 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the associated central effects, through cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1R), constitute an important drawback. Our aims were to characterize the effects of the recently developed highly potent long-acting megagonist AM841 on GI motor function and to determine its central effects in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. The effect of AM841 was tested on electrically induced twitch contractions of GI preparations (in vitro) and on GI motility measured radiographically after contrast administration (in vivo). Central effects of AM841 were evaluated using the cannabinoid tetrad. The non-selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) was used for comparison. The CB1R (AM251) and CB2R (AM630) antagonists were used to characterize cannabinoid receptor-mediated effects of AM841. KEY RESULTS AM841 dose-dependently reduced in vitro contractile activity of rat GI preparations via CB1R, but not CB2R or opioid receptors. In vivo, AM841 acutely and potently reduced gastric emptying and intestinal transit in a dose-dependent and AM251-sensitive manner. The in vivo GI effects of AM841 at 0.1 mg/kg were comparable to those induced by WIN at 5 mg/kg. However, at this dose, AM841 did not induce any sign of the cannabinoid tetrad, whereas WIN induced significant central effects. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The CB1R megagonist AM841 may potently depress GI motor function in the absence of central effects. This effect may be mediated peripherally and may be useful in the treatment of GI motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abalo
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL),Corresponding author: Abalo R, Área de Farmacología y Nutrición. Dpto. Ciencias Básicas de la Salud. Fac. Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. de Atenas s/n. 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain, Telf: +34 91 488 88 54, Fax: +34 91 488 89 55,
| | - C Chen
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany,Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - G Vera
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL)
| | - J Fichna
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - GA Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston MA
| | - AE López-Pérez
- Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL),Unidad del Dolor, Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeaster Universtiy, Boston, MA
| | - MI Martín-Fontelles
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL)
| | - M Storr
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Bokic T, Storr M, Schicho R. Potential Causes and Present Pharmacotherapy of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Overview. Pharmacology 2015; 96:76-85. [PMID: 26139425 DOI: 10.1159/000435816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently one of the most common disorders of the digestive system in the Western society. Almost 2 out of 10 people suffer from IBS with women being more affected than men. IBS is associated with abdominal pain, bloating and altered stool consistency and imposes a heavy burden for the affected patients. SUMMARY The pathophysiology of IBS remains elusive although potential causes have been suggested, such as a deranged brain-gut signaling, hypersensitivity of visceral sensory afferent fibers, bacterial gastroenteritis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), genetic alterations and food sensitivity. Targets for the pharmacotherapy of IBS include the serotonergic and opioidergic system, and the microbial population of the gut. Alternative therapies like traditional Chinese medicine have shown some success in the combat against IBS. Key Messages: Many therapeutics for the treatment of IBS have emerged in the past; however, only a few have met up with the expectations in larger clinical trials. Additionally, the multifactorial etiology of IBS and its variety of cardinal symptoms requires an individual set of therapeutics. This review provides a short overview of potential causes and current pharmacological therapeutics and of additional and alternative therapies for IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodor Bokic
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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15
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Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signaling and its regulation by nutrients. Biofactors 2014; 40:373-80. [PMID: 24753395 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Diet plays a central role in maintaining health throughout life and a controlled food intake is associated to a reduced risk of certain diseases. A proper diet should include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that have to be optimally balanced in order to exert their physiological functions. The endogenous ligands of type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors, N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are arachidonic acid (AA) derivatives whose levels are regulated by the activity of metabolic enzymes, as well as by AA availability. Since the only sources of AA in mammals are diet and the enzymatic production in the liver from shorter-chain essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, it is realistic to hypothesize that endocannabinoid levels might be modulated by fatty acid composition of food. Therefore, in this review we summarize literature data indicating that endocannabinoid levels, and hence their activity at cannabinoid receptors, might be modulated by food composition. We focused our attention on dietary fatty acid content, and on type and esterified form of fatty acids in the different diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy; Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128, Rome, Italy
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16
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Nasser Y, Bashashati M, Andrews CN. Toward modulation of the endocannabinoid system for treatment of gastrointestinal disease: FAAHster but not "higher". Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:447-54. [PMID: 24641009 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to treat various afflictions throughout the centuries, including nausea, vomiting, and pain. It has also been used recreationally for its psychotropic properties, which can include a pleasurable 'high' feeling and a decrease in anxiety and tension; however, other may experience dysphoria. Changes in cognition and psychomotor performance are also well-known with cannabis use. In recent years, our understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has progressed dramatically; the objective of identifying agents which may allow modulation of the ECS without significant psychotropic side effects may be possible. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an important enzyme for the degradation of anandamide and other endogenous cannabinoids, is a promising target to achieve this goal. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Fichna and colleagues report on a novel selective FAAH inhibitor, PF-3845, with potent antinociceptive and antidiarrheal effects in a mouse model. In this context, we briefly review the components of the ECS, discuss pharmacologic targets for indirect cannabinoid receptor stimulation, and describe recent research with cannabinoids for gut disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nasser
- Division of Gastroenterology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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17
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Sibaev A, Yuece B, Allescher HD, Saur D, Storr M, Kurjak M. The endocannabinoid anandamide regulates the peristaltic reflex by reducing neuro-neuronal and neuro-muscular neurotransmission in ascending myenteric reflex pathways in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:256-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Fichna J, Sibaev A, Sałaga M, Sobczak M, Storr M. The cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonist taranabant reduces abdominal pain and increases intestinal transit in mice. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:e550-9. [PMID: 23692073 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with abdominal pain and decreased motility. Current treatments of IBS-C are insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of taranabant, a cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) inverse agonist using mouse models mimicking the symptoms of IBS-C. METHODS Changes in intestinal contractile activity were studied in vitro, using isolated mouse ileum and colon and intracellular recordings. In vivo, whole gastrointestinal transit (WGT) and fecal pellet output (FPO) were measured under standard conditions and with pharmacologically delayed GI transit. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated in mustard oil- and acetic acid-induced models of visceral pain. Forced swimming and tail suspension tests were performed and locomotor activity was measured to evaluate potential central side effects. KEY RESULTS In vitro, taranabant (10(-10) -10(-7) mol L(-1)) increased contractile responses in mouse ileum and blocked the effect of the CB agonist WIN 55,212-2. Taranabant had no effect on the amplitude of electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked junction potentials. In vivo, taranabant (0.1-3 mg kg(-1), i.p. and 3 mg kg(-1), p.o.) increased WGT and FPO in mice and reversed experimental constipation. The effect of taranabant was absent in CB1(-/-) mice. Taranabant significantly decreased the number of pain-related behaviors in animal models. At the doses tested, taranabant did not display mood-related adverse side effects typical for CB1 receptor inverse agonists. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Taranabant improved symptoms related to slow GI motility and abdominal pain and may become an attractive template in the development of novel therapeutics targeting IBS-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fichna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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19
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Battista N, Di Sabatino A, Di Tommaso M, Biancheri P, Rapino C, Giuffrida P, Papadia C, Montana C, Pasini A, Vanoli A, Lanzarotto F, Villanacci V, Corazza GR, Maccarrone M. Altered expression of type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors in celiac disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62078. [PMID: 23620805 PMCID: PMC3631143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is the prominent member of the endocannabinoid family and its biological action is mediated through the binding to both type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors (CBR). The presence of AEA and CBR in the gastrointestinal tract highlighted their pathophysiological role in several gut diseases, including celiac disease. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of CBR at transcriptional and translational levels in the duodenal mucosa of untreated celiac patients, celiac patients on a gluten-free diet for at least 12 months and control subjects. Also biopsies from treated celiac patients cultured ex vivo with peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin were investigated. Our data show higher levels of both CB1 and CB2 receptors during active disease and normal CBR levels in treated celiac patients. In conclusion, we demonstrate an up-regulation of CB1 and CB2 mRNA and protein expression, that points to the therapeutic potential of targeting CBR in patients with celiac disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Celiac Disease/drug therapy
- Celiac Disease/genetics
- Celiac Disease/metabolism
- Celiac Disease/pathology
- Female
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gliadin/pharmacology
- Humans
- Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects
- Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Male
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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20
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Li K, Fichna J, Schicho R, Saur D, Bashashati M, Mackie K, Li Y, Zimmer A, Göke B, Sharkey KA, Storr M. A role for O-1602 and G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 in the control of colonic motility in mice. Neuropharmacology 2013; 71:255-63. [PMID: 23603203 PMCID: PMC3677091 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective The G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a novel cannabinoid (CB) receptor, whose role in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains unknown. Here we studied the significance of GPR55 in the regulation of GI motility. Design GPR55 mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The effects of the GPR55 agonist O-1602 and a selective antagonist cannabidiol (CBD) were studied in vitro and in vivo and compared to a non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2. CB1/2−/− and GPR55−/− mice were employed to identify the receptors involved. Results GPR55 was localized on myenteric neurons in mouse and human colon. O-1602 concentration-dependently reduced evoked contractions in muscle strips from the colon (∼60%) and weakly (∼25%) from the ileum. These effects were reversed by CBD, but not by CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists. I.p. and i.c.v. injections of O-1602 slowed whole gut transit and colonic bead expulsion; these effects were absent in GPR55−/− mice. WIN55,212-2 slowed whole gut transit effects, which were counteracted in the presence of a CB1 antagonist AM251. WIN55,212-2, but not O-1602 delayed gastric emptying and small intestinal transit. Locomotion, as a marker for central sedation, was reduced following WIN55,212-2, but not O-1602 treatment. Conclusion GPR55 is strongly expressed on myenteric neurons of the colon and it is selectively involved in the regulation of colonic motility. Since activation of GPR55 receptors is not associated with central sedation, the GPR55 receptor may serve as a future target for the treatment of colonic motility disorders. G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a binding site for cannabinoids. No conclusive information was available on function of GPR55 in the GI tract. We found that targeting GPR55 at peripheral or central sites slows GI motility. Slowing effect of GPR55 activation on GI motility is primarily observed in colon. Targeting GPR55 may be a future tool for treatment of colonic motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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21
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Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. Latest advances in the discovery of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:509-22. [PMID: 23488865 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.780021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the major catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) that, with different degrees of efficiency, also hydrolyzes other endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides. FAAH is increasingly being considered a relevant therapeutic target, especially in models of inflammatory pain. The opportunity to selectively increase the endocannabinoid tone only in those tissues where such an enhancement can be beneficial might result in a therapeutic benefit with more limited side effects, compared to the use of direct agonists of anandamide-binding receptors. Thus the research for selective FAAH inhibitors has become a hot topic in current drug discovery. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the advances in the development of different compounds belonging to different chemical families that have been proposed as FAAH inhibitors. Several classes of inhibitors have been reported so far, and they may be classified into two major classes: reversible and irreversible compounds. These inhibitors are reviewed herein with an emphasis on their potency and selectivity. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to develop the FAAH inhibitors, and consequently many novel chemical templates have been discovered. It is still a major challenge to identify the first inhibitor of FAAH suitable for clinical exploitation that satisfies the requirements of potency, selectivity versus proteins related to anandamide activity as well as other potential off-targets, reversibility versus irreversibility, and efficacy toward rat versus human FAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry/Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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22
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De Ponti F. Drug development for the irritable bowel syndrome: current challenges and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:7. [PMID: 23378837 PMCID: PMC3561631 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medications are frequently used for the treatment of patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although their actual benefit is often debated. In fact, the recent progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology of IBS, accompanied by a large number of preclinical and clinical studies of new drugs, has not been matched by a significant improvement of the armamentarium of medications available to treat IBS. The aim of this review is to outline the current challenges in drug development for IBS, taking advantage of what we have learnt through the Rome process (Rome I, Rome II, and Rome III). The key questions that will be addressed are: (a) do we still believe in the "magic bullet," i.e., a very selective drug displaying a single receptor mechanism capable of controlling IBS symptoms? (b) IBS is a "functional disorder" where complex neuroimmune and brain-gut interactions occur and minimal inflammation is often documented: do we need to target gut motility, visceral sensitivity, or minimal inflammation? (c) are there validated biomarkers (accepted by regulatory agencies) for studies of sensation and motility with experimental medications in humans? (d) do animal models have predictive and translational value? (e) in the era of personalized medicine, does pharmacogenomics applied to these medications already play a role? Finally, this review will briefly outline medications currently used or in development for IBS. It is anticipated that a more focused interaction between basic science investigators, pharmacologists, and clinicians will lead to better treatment of IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio De Ponti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
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23
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Schicho R, Storr M. A potential role for GPR55 in gastrointestinal functions. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2012; 12:653-8. [PMID: 23063456 PMCID: PMC3660623 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite sharing little homology (10–15%) with cannabinoid-1 (CB1) and cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors, the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) was initially thought to be a new member of the cannabinoid receptor family. Apart from being activated by various exogenous cannabinoids, GPR55 is also activated by endocannabinoids like anandamide, which is found in organs with high GPR55 expression such as the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The phylogenetic distance to the classical CB receptors and its pharmacological responsiveness to certain cannabinoids suggests that GPR55 may constitute a novel class of cannabinoid receptors. GPR55 influences mechanisms in the nervous system, vasculature, kidney and bone. Recent research revealed that GPR55 is also involved in cancer development and inflammatory pain. Because of its presence in the GI tract, several studies have started to focus on the involvement of GPR55 in the physiology and pathophysiology of the gut. The following article intends to discuss the potential role of GPR55 in GI functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Schicho
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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Abalo R, Vera G, López-Pérez AE, Martínez-Villaluenga M, Martín-Fontelles MI. The Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Cannabinoids: Focus on Motility. Pharmacology 2012; 90:1-10. [DOI: 10.1159/000339072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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25
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Tsianos EV, Katsanos KH, Tsianos VE. Role of genetics in the diagnosis and prognosis of Crohn's disease. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:5246-59. [PMID: 22219593 PMCID: PMC3247688 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i48.5246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the epidemiological, genetic and immunological data, we can conclude that the inflammatory bowel diseases are heterogeneous disorders of multifactorial etiology in which hereditability and environment interact to produce the disease. It is probable that patients have a genetic predisposition for the development of the disease coupled with disturbances in immunoregulation. Several genes have so far been related to the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. These genes are related to innate pattern recognition receptors, to epithelial barrier homeostasis and maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity, to autophagy and to lymphocyte differentiation. So far, the strongest and most replicated associations with Crohn's disease have been demonstrated with NOD2, IL23R and ATG16L1 genes. Many genes have so far been implicated in the prognosis of Crohn's disease and many attempts have been made for classification of genetic profiles in Crohn's disease. CARD15 seems to be not only a susceptibility gene, but also a disease-modifier gene for Crohn's disease. Enriching our understanding of Crohn's disease genetics is of value, but when combining genetic data with functional data the outcome could be of major importance to clinicians.
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