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Adel Ali Youssef A, Hayder Abdelrahman M, Geweda MM, Varner C, Joshi PH, Ghonge M, Dudhipala N, Sulochana SP, Gadepalli RS, Majumdar S. Formulation and In Vitro-Ex vivo Evaluation of Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Valine-Hemisuccinate Loaded Lipid-Based Nanoformulations for Ocular Applications. Int J Pharm 2024; 657:124110. [PMID: 38604539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The goal of this investigation is to develop stable ophthalmic nanoformulations containing cannabidiol (CBD) and its analog cannabidiol-valine-hemisuccinate (CBD-VHS) for improved ocular delivery. Two nanoformulations, nanoemulsion (NE) and nanomicelles (NMC), were developed and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, drug-excipient compatibility, sterilization, thermal analysis, surface morphology, ex-vivo transcorneal permeation, corneal deposition, and stability. The saturation solubility studies revealed that among the surfactants tested, Cremophor EL had the highest solubilizing capacity for CBD (23.3 ± 0.1 mg/mL) and CBD-VHS (11.2 ± 0.2 mg/mL). The globule size for the lead CBD formulations (NE and NMC) ranged between 205 and 270 nm while CBD-VHS-NMC formulation had a particle size of about 78 nm. The sterilized formulations, except for CBD-VHS-NMC at 40 °C, were stable for three months of storage (last time point tested). Release, in terms of CBD, in the in-vitro release/diffusion studies over 18 h, were faster from the CBD-VHS nanomicelles (38 %) compared to that from the CBD nanoemulsion (16 %) and nanomicelles (33 %). Transcorneal permeation studies revealed improvement in CBD permeability and flux with both formulations; however, a greater improvement was observed with the NMC formulation compared to the NE formulation. In conclusion, the nanoformulations prepared could serve as efficient topical ocular drug delivery platforms for CBD and its analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Adel Ali Youssef
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Muna Hayder Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Mona M Geweda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Corinne Varner
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Poorva H Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Mihir Ghonge
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Narendar Dudhipala
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Suresh P Sulochana
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Rama S Gadepalli
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Soumyajit Majumdar
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA; Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
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AL-Eitan LN, Alahmad SZ, ElMotasem MFM, Alghamdi MA. The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:796-806. [PMID: 37915478 PMCID: PMC10615825 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad068] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing brain vasculature, has been previously associated with neural plasticity and addictive behaviors related to substances. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the effects of cannabis, offering high potency and easy accessibility. In the current study, we reveal that the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA, the most common SC in the United States in 2019, increases cell metabolic activity and promotes angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). First, we performed an MTT assay to evaluate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment at various concentrations (0.0001 μM, 0.001 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM) on HBMECs metabolic activity. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of the SC improved cell metabolic activity. Furthermore, 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment enhanced tube formation and migration of HBMECs in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the mRNA, secreted protein, and intracellular protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2, which are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, as well as the protein levels of cannabinoid receptor type-1, were all increased following treatment with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Notably, the phosphorylation levels at Serine 9 residue of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were also increased in the 5F-MDMB-PICA treated HBMECs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA can enhance angiogenesis in HBMECs, suggesting the significant role of angiogenesis in the response to SCs. Manipulating this interaction may pave the way for innovative treatments targeting SC addiction and angiogenesis-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Naser AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Saif Zuhair Alahmad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohd Fahmi Munib ElMotasem
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mansour Abdullah Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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Eski MT, Teberik K, Taha S, Büken B, Turan Sönmez F. Compare of optic coherence tomography parameters in recreational synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol use and healthy control. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2023; 42:179-183. [PMID: 37417942 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2023.2234042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate retinal thickness (RT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and choroidal thickness (CT) changes in synthetic cannabinoid (SC) users. METHODS This prospective study evaluated the RT, RNFLT, and CT values of 56 SC users and 58 healthy controls. The individuals using SCs were referred to us by our hospital's forensic medicine department. Retinal and choroidal images were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Measurements (one subfoveal, three temporals, three nasal) were taken at 500 μm intervals up to 1500 μm using the caliper system. Only the right eye was used for subsequent analysis. RESULTS Mean ages were 27.7 ± 5.7 years in the SC-user group and 25.4 ± 6.7 in the control group. Subfoveal Global RNFLT was in the SCs group 102.3 ± 10.5 μm and 105.6 ± 20.2 μm in the control group (p = 0.271). Subfoveal CT was in the SC group mean of 316.1 ± 100.2 μm and in the control group mean 346.4 ± 81.8 μm (p = 0.065). RT, T500 (283.3 ± 36.7 μm, 296.6 ± 20.5 μm, p = 0.011) and N1500 (355.1 ± 14.3 μm, 349.3 ± 18.1 μm, p = 0.049) were significantly higher in the SC group than in the control group, respectively. CONCLUSION Analysis of OCT findings of individuals who had been using SC for more than one year revealed no statistically significant difference between RNFLT and CT, although N1500 was significantly higher in RT. Further studies in the field of OCT are important to explore the pathology of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Tahir Eski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erzincan Private Neon Hospital, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Kuddusi Teberik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duzce University School of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Sezer Taha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duzce University School of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Bora Büken
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Duzce University
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Naser Al-Eitan L, Zuhair Alahmad S. The Expression Analyses of GSK3B, VEGF, ANG1, and ANG2 in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Treated with the Synthetic Cannabinoid XLR-11. Gene 2023:147585. [PMID: 37355149 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system receptors, cannabinoid receptors type-1 (CBR-1) and -2 (CBR-2), are implicated in several behavioral and cognitive processes. Many studies have indicated a correlation between cannabinoid receptors and angiogenesis. The current study aims to reveal the possible molecular signaling involved in brain angiogenesis induced by the activation of CBR-1 and CBR-2. We investigated whether the synthetic cannabinoid XLR-11, an agonist of CBR-1 and CBR-2, influences the mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (ANG1) and -2 (ANG2) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMVEs). Furthermore, we determined the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) expression. Treatment of hBMVEs cells with XLR-11 elevated the mRNA levels of VEGF, ANG1, and ANG2. The secretion of these proangiogenic factors was increased in the media. Furthermore, the intracellular expression of VEGF, ANG1, ANG2, and GSK3B was significantly increased. This current research provides a new possible approach by targeting the cannabinoid receptors to control and regulate brain angiogenesis for treating a variety of angiogenesis-related diseases. This could be achived by using different agonists or antagonists of the cannabinoid receptors based on the nature of the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Naser Al-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
| | - Saif Zuhair Alahmad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
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Risk Factors for Retinal Ganglion Cell Distress in Glaucoma and Neuroprotective Potential Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157994. [PMID: 34360760 PMCID: PMC8346985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are a population of neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) extending with their soma to the inner retina and with their axons to the optic nerve. Glaucoma represents a group of neurodegenerative diseases where the slow progressive death of RGCs results in a permanent loss of vision. To date, although Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) is considered the main therapeutic target, the precise mechanisms by which RGCs die in glaucoma have not yet been clarified. In fact, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common glaucoma form, also occurs without elevated IOP. This present review provides a summary of some pathological conditions, i.e., axonal transport blockade, glutamate excitotoxicity and changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines along the RGC projection, all involved in the glaucoma cascade. Moreover, neuro-protective therapeutic approaches, which aim to improve RGC degeneration, have also been taken into consideration.
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Aebersold A, Duff M, Sloan L, Song ZH. Cannabidiol Signaling in the Eye and Its Potential as an Ocular Therapeutic Agent. Cell Physiol Biochem 2021; 55:1-14. [PMID: 33984199 PMCID: PMC8807061 DOI: 10.33594/000000371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-intoxicating constituent of Cannabis sativa, has gained recent attention due to its putative therapeutic uses for a wide variety of diseases. CBD was discovered in the 1940s and its structure fully characterized in the 1960s. However, for many years most research efforts related to cannabis derived chemicals have focused on D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In contrast to THC, the lack of intoxicating psychoactivity associated with CBD highlights the potential of this cannabinoid for clinical drug development. This review details in vitro and in vivo studies of CBD related to the eye, the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol for various ocular conditions, and molecular targets and mechanisms for CBD-induced ocular effects. In addition, challenges of CBD applications for clinical ocular therapeutics and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Aebersold
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Max Duff
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lucy Sloan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Zhao-Hui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA,
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Pereira-Figueiredo D, Nascimento AA, Cunha-Rodrigues MC, Brito R, Calaza KC. Caffeine and Its Neuroprotective Role in Ischemic Events: A Mechanism Dependent on Adenosine Receptors. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1693-1725. [PMID: 33730305 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia is characterized by a transient, insufficient, or permanent interruption of blood flow to a tissue, which leads to an inadequate glucose and oxygen supply. The nervous tissue is highly active, and it closely depends on glucose and oxygen to satisfy its metabolic demand. Therefore, ischemic conditions promote cell death and lead to a secondary wave of cell damage that progressively spreads to the neighborhood areas, called penumbra. Brain ischemia is one of the main causes of deaths and summed with retinal ischemia comprises one of the principal reasons of disability. Although several studies have been performed to investigate the mechanisms of damage to find protective/preventive interventions, an effective treatment does not exist yet. Adenosine is a well-described neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS), and acts through four subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors. Adenosine receptors, especially A1 and A2A receptors, are the main targets of caffeine in daily consumption doses. Accordingly, caffeine has been greatly studied in the context of CNS pathologies. In fact, adenosine system, as well as caffeine, is involved in neuroprotection effects in different pathological situations. Therefore, the present review focuses on the role of adenosine/caffeine in CNS, brain and retina, ischemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pereira-Figueiredo
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Program, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - A A Nascimento
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - M C Cunha-Rodrigues
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - R Brito
- Laboratory of Neuronal Physiology and Pathology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - K C Calaza
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Program, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. .,Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. .,Neurobiology Department, Biology Institute of Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil.
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Kokona D, Spyridakos D, Tzatzarakis M, Papadogkonaki S, Filidou E, Arvanitidis KI, Kolios G, Lamani M, Makriyannis A, Malamas MS, Thermos K. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol and dual ABHD6/MAGL enzyme inhibitors display neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions in the in vivo retinal model of AMPA excitotoxicity. Neuropharmacology 2021; 185:108450. [PMID: 33450278 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be a putative therapeutic target for retinal disease. Here, we aimed to investigate the ability of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and novel inhibitors of its metabolic enzymes, α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a) to protect the retina against excitotoxicity and b) the mechanisms involved in the neuroprotection. Sprague-Dawley rats, wild type and Akt2-/- C57BL/6 mice were intravitreally administered with phosphate-buffered saline or (RS)-α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid hydrobromide (AMPA). 2-AG was intravitreally co-administered with AMPA in the absence and presence of AM251 or AM630 (cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptor antagonists, respectively) or Wortmannin [Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/Akt inhibitor]. Inhibitors of ABHD6 and dual ABHD6/MAGL (AM12100 and AM11920, respectively) were co-administered with AMPA intravitreally in rats. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies raised against retinal neuronal markers (bNOS), microglia (Iba1) and macroglia (GFAP). TUNEL assay and real-time PCR were also employed. The CB2 receptor was expressed in rat retina (approx. 62% of CB1 expression). 2-AG attenuated the AMPA-induced increase in TUNEL+ cells. 2-AG activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors and the PI3K/Akt downstream signaling pathway, as substantiated by the use of Akt2-/- mice, afforded neuroprotection against AMPA excitotoxicity. AM12100 and AM11920 attenuated the AMPA-induced glia activation and produced a dose-dependent partial neuroprotection, with the dual inhibitor AM11920 being more efficacious. These results show that 2-AG has the pharmacological profile of a putative therapeutic for retinal diseases characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, when administered exogenously or by the inhibition of its metabolic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Kokona
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Dimitris Spyridakos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Eirini Filidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos I Arvanitidis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece.
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece.
| | - Manjunath Lamani
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Michael S Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
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Carullo G, Federico S, Relitti N, Gemma S, Butini S, Campiani G. Retinitis Pigmentosa and Retinal Degenerations: Deciphering Pathways and Targets for Drug Discovery and Development. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2173-2191. [PMID: 32589402 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of retinopathies generally caused by genetic mutations. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) represents one of the most studied IRDs. RP leads to intense vision loss or blindness resulting from the degeneration of photoreceptor cells. To date, RP is mainly treated with palliative supplementation of vitamin A and retinoids, gene therapies, or surgical interventions. Therefore, a pharmacologically based therapy is an urgent need requiring a medicinal chemistry approach, to validate molecular targets able to deal with retinal degeneration. This Review aims at outlining the recent research efforts in identifying new drug targets for RP, especially focusing on the neuroprotective role of the Wnt/β-catenin/GSK3β pathway and apoptosis modulators (in particular PARP-1) but also on growth factors such as VEGF and BDNF. Furthermore, the role of spatiotemporally expressed G protein-coupled receptors (GPR124) in the retina and the emerging function of histone deacetylase inhibitors in promoting retinal neuroprotection will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Signaling lipids as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular surface cicatrizing conjunctivitis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:751-760. [PMID: 32313985 PMCID: PMC7220886 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01907-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Metabolomics has been applied to diagnose diseases, predict disease progression, and design therapeutic strategies in various areas of medicine. However, it remains to be applied to the ocular surface diseases, where biological samples are often of limited quantities. We successfully performed proof-of-concept metabolomics assessment of volume-limited cytology samples from a clinical form of chronic inflammatory cicatrizing conjunctivitis, i.e., ocular MMP and discovered metabolic changes of signaling lipid mediators upon disease onset and progression. The metabolomics assessment revealed active oxylipins, lysophospholipids, fatty acids, and endocannabinoids alterations, from which potential biomarkers linked to inflammatory processes were identified. Possible underlying mechanisms such as dysregulated enzyme activities (e.g., lipoxygenases, cytochrome P450, and phospholipases) were suggested which may be considered as potential therapeutic targets in future studies. Key messages Metabolic profile of the ocular surface can be measured using impression cytology samples. Metabolomics analysis of ocular pemphigoid is presented for the first time. The metabolomics assessment of OCP patients revealed active oxylipins, lysophospholipids, fatty acids, and endocannabinoids alterations. Several oxylipins are identified as diagnostic biomarkers for OCP.
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Freitas HR, Reis RAM, Ventura ALM, França GR. Interaction between cannabinoid and nucleotide systems as a new mechanism of signaling in retinal cell death. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:2093-2094. [PMID: 31397346 PMCID: PMC6788250 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.262585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hércules R Freitas
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; School of Health Sciences, Centro Universitário IBMR, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana L M Ventura
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R França
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói; Biomedical Institute, Departament of Physiological Sciences/Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Zhang ZM, Wu XL, Zhang GY, Ma X, He DX. Functional food development: Insights from TRP channels. J Funct Foods 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Amadio M, Govoni S, Lewin-Kowalik J, Smedowski A. The Role of Endogenous Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the Prevention of Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:834. [PMID: 30524222 PMCID: PMC6262299 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons are not able to undergo spontaneous regeneration in response to damage. A variety of stressors, i.e., UV radiation, high temperature, ischemia, allergens, and others, induce reactive oxygen species production, resulting in consecutive alteration of stress-response gene expression and finally can lead to cell apoptosis. Neurons have developed their own endogenous cellular protective systems. Some of them are preventing cell death and others are allowing functional recovery after injury. The high efficiency of these mechanisms is crucial for cell survival. In this review we focus on the contribution of the most recently studied endogenous neuroprotective factors involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, among which, neurotrophic factors and their signaling pathways, processes regulating the redox status, and different pathways regulating cell death are the most important. Additionally, we summarize currently ongoing clinical trials for therapies for RGC degeneration and optic neuropathies, including glaucoma. Knowledge of the endogenous cellular protective mechanisms may help in the development of effective therapies and potential novel therapeutic targets in order to achieve progress in the treatment of retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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15
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Maurya N, Velmurugan BK. Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 293:77-88. [PMID: 30040916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The psychoactive property of cannabinoids is well known and there has been a continuous controversy regarding the usage of these compounds for therapeutic purposes all over the world. Their use for medical and research purposes are restricted in various countries. However, their utility as medications should not be overshadowed by its negative physiological activities. This review article is focused on the therapeutic potential and applications of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. We further highlights their mode of action, overall effects on physiology, various in vitro and in vivo studies that have been done so far and the extent to which these compounds can be useful in different disease conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, pain, inflammation, glaucoma and many others. Thus, this work is an attempt to make the readers understand the positive implications of these compounds and indicates the significant developments of utilizing cannabinoids as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Maurya
- School of Biotechnology, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, India
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16
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Rapino C, Tortolani D, Scipioni L, Maccarrone M. Neuroprotection by (endo)Cannabinoids in Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:959-970. [PMID: 28738764 PMCID: PMC6120105 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170724104305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging neuroprotective strategies are being explored to preserve the retina from degeneration, that occurs in eye pathologies like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa. Incidentally, neuroprotection of retina is a defending mechanism designed to prevent or delay neuronal cell death, and to maintain neural function following an initial insult, thus avoiding loss of vision. METHODS Numerous studies have investigated potential neuroprotective properties of plant-derived phytocannabinoids, as well as of their endogenous counterparts collectively termed endocannabinoids (eCBs), in several degenerative diseases of the retina. eCBs are a group of neuromodulators that, mainly by activating G protein-coupled type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors, trigger multiple signal transduction cascades that modulate central and peripheral cell functions. A fine balance between biosynthetic and degrading enzymes that control the right concentration of eCBs has been shown to provide neuroprotection in traumatic, ischemic, inflammatory and neurotoxic damage of the brain. RESULTS Since the existence of eCBs and their binding receptors was documented in the retina of numerous species (from fishes to primates), their involvement in the visual processing has been demonstrated, more recently with a focus on retinal neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. CONCLUSION The aim of this review is to present a modern view of the endocannabinoid system, in order to discuss in a better perspective available data from preclinical studies on the use of eCBs as new neuroprotective agents, potentially useful to prevent glaucoma and retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Rapino
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; Tel: +39 0861 266842;, E-mail: and the Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; Tel: +39 06 225419169;, E-mail:
| | | | | | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; Tel: +39 0861 266842;, E-mail: and the Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; Tel: +39 06 225419169;, E-mail:
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17
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Coppola M, Mondola R. JWH-122 Consumption Adverse Effects: A Case of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Five-Year Follow-Up. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:262-265. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1316431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaella Mondola
- Medical Manager, Department of Mental Health, ASL CN1, Saluzzo, Italy
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18
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Toguri JT, Caldwell M, Kelly MEM. Turning Down the Thermostat: Modulating the Endocannabinoid System in Ocular Inflammation and Pain. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:304. [PMID: 27695415 PMCID: PMC5024674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as an important regulator of both physiological and pathological processes. Notably, this endogenous system plays a key role in the modulation of pain and inflammation in a number of tissues. The components of the ECS, including endocannabinoids, their cognate enzymes and cannabinoid receptors, are localized in the eye, and evidence indicates that ECS modulation plays a role in ocular disease states. Of these diseases, ocular inflammation presents a significant medical problem, given that current clinical treatments can be ineffective or are associated with intolerable side-effects. Furthermore, a prominent comorbidity of ocular inflammation is pain, including neuropathic pain, for which therapeutic options remain limited. Recent evidence supports the use of drugs targeting the ECS for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain in animal models; however, the potential for therapeutic use of cannabinoid drugs in the eye has not been thoroughly investigated at this time. This review will highlight evidence from experimental studies identifying components of the ocular ECS and discuss the functional role of the ECS during different ocular inflammatory disease states, including uveitis and corneal keratitis. Candidate ECS targeted therapies will be discussed, drawing on experimental results obtained from both ocular and non-ocular tissue(s), together with their potential application for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T. Toguri
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, HalifaxNS, Canada
| | - Meggie Caldwell
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, HalifaxNS, Canada
| | - Melanie E. M. Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, HalifaxNS, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, HalifaxNS, Canada
- Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, HalifaxNS, Canada
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