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Dragon J, Obuchowicz E. How depression and antidepressant drugs affect endocannabinoid system?-review of clinical and preclinical studies. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4511-4536. [PMID: 38280009 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
As major depressive disorder is becoming a more and more common issue in modern society, it is crucial to discover new possible grip points for its diagnosis and antidepressive therapy. One of them is endocannabinoid system, which has been proposed as a manager of emotional homeostasis, and thus, endocannabinoid alterations have been found in animals undergoing various preclinical models of depression procedures as well as in humans suffering from depressive-like disorders. In this review article, studies regarding those alterations have been summed up and analyzed. Another important issue raised by the researchers is the impact of currently used antidepressive drugs on endocannabinoid system so that it would be possible to predict reversibility of endocannabinoid alterations following stress exposure and, in the future, to be able to design individually personalized therapies. Preclinical studies investigating this topic have been analyzed and described in this article. Unfortunately, too few clinical studies in this field exist, what indicates an urgent need for collecting such data, so that it would be possible to compare them with preclinical outcomes and draw reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Dragon
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Kumar R, Singh S, Maharshi V. Effect of cannabinoids in mild-to-moderate cases of Crohn's disease as compared to placebo: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 35:15-24. [PMID: 38409768 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2023-0137] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In view of limited treatment options (those too may fail) for Crohn's disease, cannabinoids have been tried as a therapeutic. However, their efficacy is not unequivocally established. This systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to pool data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating effect of cannabinoids in Crohn's disease with an intention to take this uncertainty away. CONTENT Following literature search in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, RCTs assessing the effect of cannabinoids on mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease in adults were included. Crohns' disease activity index (CDAI), QoL (Quality of life), number participants achieving full remission and serum CRP at eight weeks of treatment were the outcomes considered for meta-analysis. Quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane's RoB2 tool. Random effect model was applied for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochrane 'Q' statistics and I2 test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the major contributor(s) to heterogeneity and assess robustness of the results. SUMMARY Risk of bias for the four included studies varied from 'low' to 'some concern'. Overall effect estimate (SMD -0.92; 95 % CI -1.80, -0.03) indicated a statistically significant effect of cannabinoids as compared to control (p<0.05) on CDAI score. Effect of cannabinoids on rest of the outcome parameters was comparable to that of placebo. Magnitude of heterogeneity for different outcome parameters ranged from 'low' to 'substantial'. OUTLOOK Cannabinoids were superior to placebo for favourably affecting the disease severity in terms of CDAI score. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two for improving QoL, causing full disease-remission and reducing inflammatory markers. The results must be interpreted with caution in view of relatively high heterogeneity among the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Shruti Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Vikas Maharshi
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
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3
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Malek A, Ahmadi Badi S, Karimi G, Bizouarn T, Irian S, Siadat SD. The effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics on the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system and intestinal epithelial integrity in Caco-2 cells. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:1417-1424. [PMID: 37975078 PMCID: PMC10638345 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Gut microbiota and its derivatives by constantly interacting with the host, regulate the host function. Intestinal epithelium integrity is under the control of various factors including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics (i.e., heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatants (CFS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)) on the expression of genes involved in ECS (cnr1, faah, pparg) and the epithelial barrier permeability (ocln, tjp1) in a Caco-2 cell line. Methods Caco-2 cell line was treated with live or heat-inactivated B. fragilis at MOIs of 50 and 100, or stimulated with 7% V/V CFS and B. fragilis OMVs at a dose of 50 and 100 µg/ml overnight. RT-qPCR was applied for expression analysis. Results Heat-inactivated B. fragilis induced cnr1, pparg, tjp1, and suppressed faah expression, while live B. fragilis had the opposite effect. OMVs increased pparg, and tjp1 expression by reducing the activity of ECS through an increase in faah and a reduction in cnr1 expression. Finally, an increase in the expression of pparg and ocln, and a reduction in the expression of cnr1 was detected in Caco-2 cells treated with CFS. Conclusion The live and heat-inactivated B. fragilis inversely affected cnr1, faah, pparg, and tjp1 expression in Caco-2 cells. Increased tjp1 mRNA levels by affecting the expression of ECS related genes is taken as an indication of the potential beneficial effects of B. fragilis postbiotics and making them potential candidates for improving permeability in the leaky gut syndrome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Malek
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ahmadi Badi
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Centre of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilda Karimi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tania Bizouarn
- Universit´e Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique, UMR8000, Orsay, 91405 France
| | - Saeed Irian
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Wołyniak M, Małecka-Wojciesko E, Zielińska M, Fabisiak A. A Crosstalk between the Cannabinoid Receptors and Nociceptin Receptors in Colitis-Clinical Implications. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226675. [PMID: 36431153 PMCID: PMC9696262 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) refer to a group of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders with complex pathogenesis characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation with a variety of symptoms. Cannabinoid and nociceptin opioid receptors (NOPs) and their ligands are widely distributed in the GI tract. The nociceptin opioid receptor is a newly discovered member of the opioid receptor family with unique characteristics. Both cannabinoid and NOP systems exhibit antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity and contribute to maintaining proper motility, secretion and absorption in the GI tract. Furthermore, they influence high and low voltage calcium channels, which play a crucial role in the processing of pain, and share at least two kinases mediating their action. Among them there is NF-κB, a key factor in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Therefore, based on functional similarities between cannabinoid and nociceptin receptors and the anti-inflammatory effects exerted by their ligands, there is a high likelihood that there is an interaction between cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 and the nociceptin receptor in colitis. In this review, we discuss potential overlaps between these two systems on a molecular and functional level in intestinal inflammation to create the basis for novel treatments of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wołyniak
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Małecka-Wojciesko
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Zielińska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Adam Fabisiak
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-677-66-64
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5
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Diet-Induced Gut Barrier Dysfunction Is Exacerbated in Mice Lacking Cannabinoid 1 Receptors in the Intestinal Epithelium. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810549. [PMID: 36142461 PMCID: PMC9504303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut barrier provides protection from pathogens and its function is compromised in diet-induced obesity (DIO). The endocannabinoid system in the gut is dysregulated in DIO and participates in gut barrier function; however, whether its activity is protective or detrimental for gut barrier integrity is unclear. We used mice conditionally deficient in cannabinoid receptor subtype-1 (CB1R) in the intestinal epithelium (intCB1−/−) to test the hypothesis that CB1Rs in intestinal epithelial cells provide protection from diet-induced gut barrier dysfunction. Control and intCB1−/− mice were placed for eight weeks on a high-fat/sucrose Western-style diet (WD) or a low-fat/no-sucrose diet. Endocannabinoid levels and activity of their metabolic enzymes were measured in the large-intestinal epithelium (LI). Paracellular permeability was tested in vivo, and expression of genes for gut barrier components and inflammatory markers were analyzed. Mice fed WD had (i) reduced levels of endocannabinoids in the LI due to lower activity of their biosynthetic enzymes, and (ii) increased permeability that was exacerbated in intCB1−/− mice. Moreover, intCB1−/− mice fed WD had decreased expression of genes for tight junction proteins and increased expression of inflammatory markers in LI. These results suggest that CB1Rs in the intestinal epithelium serve a protective role in gut barrier function in DIO.
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Duncan RS, Riordan SM, Hall CW, Payne AJ, Chapman KD, Koulen P. N-acylethanolamide metabolizing enzymes are upregulated in human neural progenitor-derived neurons exposed to sub-lethal oxidative stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:902278. [PMID: 36003139 PMCID: PMC9393304 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.902278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acyl amides (NAAs) are a class of lipids that consist of an acyl group N-linked to an amino acid, neurotransmitter, taurine or ethanolamide group (N-acylethanolamines or NAEs) and include some endocannabinoids (eCB) such as anandamide. These lipids are synthesized in a wide variety of organisms and in multiple cell types, including neurons. NAEs are involved in numerous cellular and physiological processes and their concentrations are elevated in response to ischemia and physical trauma to play a role in neuroprotection. The neuroprotective properties of eCB NAEs make the protein targets of these compounds attractive targets for clinical intervention for a variety of conditions. The most promising of these targets include cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Further characterization of these targets in a more contemporary model system of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection will allow us to fully describe their role and mechanism of action in neuroprotection against oxidative stress leading to better utilization in the clinical setting. Human stem cell-derived or human neural progenitor cell-derived cells, such as ReN cells, have become more utilized for the study of human neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases. ReN cells can be easily differentiated thereby circumventing the need for using transformed cell lines and primary neurons as cell model systems. In this study, we determined whether ReN cells, a superior cell model system for studying neurodevelopment, differentiation, and neuroprotection, express proteins involved in canonical eCB NAE signaling and whether oxidative stress can induce their expression. We determined that sublethal oxidative stress upregulates the expression of all eCB proteins tested. In addition, we determined that oxidative stress increases the nuclear localization of FAAH, and to a lesser extent, NAAA and NAPE-PLD. This study is a first step toward determining how oxidative stress affects CB1, CB2, FAAH, NAAA, and NAPE-PLD expression and their potential defense against oxidative stress. As such, our data is important for further determining the role of eCB metabolizing proteins and eCB receptors against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Scott Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sean M. Riordan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Conner W. Hall
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Andrew J. Payne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Kent D. Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Peter Koulen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter Koulen,
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7
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Cuddihey H, MacNaughton WK, Sharkey KA. Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Regulation of Intestinal Homeostasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:947-963. [PMID: 35750314 PMCID: PMC9500439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of intestinal homeostasis is fundamentally important to health. Intestinal barrier function and immune regulation are key determinants of intestinal homeostasis and are therefore tightly regulated by a variety of signaling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a lipid mediator signaling system widely expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Accumulating evidence suggests the endocannabinoid system is a critical nexus involved in the physiological processes that underlie the control of intestinal homeostasis. In this review we will illustrate how the endocannabinoid system is involved in regulation of intestinal permeability, fluid secretion, and immune regulation. We will also demonstrate a reciprocal regulation between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiome. The role of the endocannabinoid system is complex and multifaceted, responding to both internal and external factors while also serving as an effector system for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Cuddihey
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wallace K. MacNaughton
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Keith Sharkey, PhD, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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8
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Simpson S, Mclellan R, Wellmeyer E, Matalon F, George O. Drugs and Bugs: The Gut-Brain Axis and Substance Use Disorders. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:33-61. [PMID: 34694571 PMCID: PMC9074906 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a significant public health crisis. Worldwide, 5.4% of the global disease burden is attributed to SUDs and alcohol use, and many more use psychoactive substances recreationally. Often associated with comorbidities, SUDs result in changes to both brain function and physiological responses. Mounting evidence calls for a precision approach for the treatment and diagnosis of SUDs, and the gut microbiome is emerging as a contributor to such disorders. Over the last few centuries, modern lifestyles, diets, and medical care have altered the health of the microbes that live in and on our bodies; as we develop, our diets and lifestyle dictate which microbes flourish and which microbes vanish. An increase in antibiotic treatments, with many antibiotic interventions occurring early in life during the microbiome's normal development, transforms developing microbial communities. Links have been made between the microbiome and SUDs, and the microbiome and conditions that are often comorbid with SUDs such as anxiety, depression, pain, and stress. A better understanding of the mechanisms influencing behavioral changes and drug use is critical in developing novel treatments for SUDSs. Targeting the microbiome as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool is a promising avenue of exploration. This review will provide an overview of the role of the gut-brain axis in a wide range of SUDs, discuss host and microbe pathways that mediate changes in the brain's response to drugs, and the microbes and related metabolites that impact behavior and health within the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, US.
| | - Rio Mclellan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, US
| | - Emma Wellmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, US
| | - Frederic Matalon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, US
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, US
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9
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Srivastava RK, Lutz B, Ruiz de Azua I. The Microbiome and Gut Endocannabinoid System in the Regulation of Stress Responses and Metabolism. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:867267. [PMID: 35634468 PMCID: PMC9130962 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.867267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, with its receptors and ligands, is present in the gut epithelium and enteroendocrine cells, and is able to modulate brain functions, both indirectly through circulating gut-derived factors and directly through the vagus nerve, finally acting on the brain’s mechanisms regarding metabolism and behavior. The gut endocannabinoid system also regulates gut motility, permeability, and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, microbiota composition has been shown to influence the activity of the endocannabinoid system. This review examines the interaction between microbiota, intestinal endocannabinoid system, metabolism, and stress responses. We hypothesize that the crosstalk between microbiota and intestinal endocannabinoid system has a prominent role in stress-induced changes in the gut-brain axis affecting metabolic and mental health. Inter-individual differences are commonly observed in stress responses, but mechanisms underlying resilience and vulnerability to stress are far from understood. Both gut microbiota and the endocannabinoid system have been implicated in stress resilience. We also discuss interventions targeting the microbiota and the endocannabinoid system to mitigate metabolic and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kamal Srivastava
- Department of Zoology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Anuppur, India
- *Correspondence: Raj Kamal Srivastava,
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Inigo Ruiz de Azua
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Inigo Ruiz de Azua,
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10
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Bogale K, Raup-Konsavage W, Dalessio S, Vrana K, Coates MD. Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2022; 4:97-106. [PMID: 35224429 DOI: 10.1159/000517425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, cannabis and its components have been used to manage a wide variety of symptoms associated with many illnesses. Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are no exception in this regard. Individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are among those who have sought out the ameliorating properties of this plant. As legal limitations of its use have eased, interest has grown from both patients and their providers regarding the potential of cannabis to be used in the clinical setting. Similarly, a growing number of animal and human studies have been undertaken to evaluate the impact of cannabis and cannabinoid signaling elements on the natural history of IBD and its associated complications. There is little clinical evidence supporting the ability of cannabis or related products to treat the GI inflammation underlying these disorders. However, 1 recurring theme from both animal and human studies is that these agents have a significant impact on several IBD-related symptoms, including abdominal pain. In this review, we discuss the role of cannabis and cannabinoid signaling in visceral pain perception, what is currently known regarding the efficacy of cannabis and its derivatives for managing pain, related symptoms and inflammation in IBD, and what work remains to effectively utilize cannabis and its derivatives in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleb Bogale
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wesley Raup-Konsavage
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shannon Dalessio
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kent Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew D Coates
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Khan RN, Maner-Smith K, A. Owens J, Barbian ME, Jones RM, R. Naudin C. At the heart of microbial conversations: endocannabinoids and the microbiome in cardiometabolic risk. Gut Microbes 2022; 13:1-21. [PMID: 33896380 PMCID: PMC8078674 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1911572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic syndrome encompasses intertwined risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and other maladaptive metabolic and inflammatory aberrations. As the molecular mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders are investigated, endocannabinoids have emerged as molecules of interest. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of biologically active lipids has been implicated in several conditions, including chronic liver disease, osteoporosis, and more recently in cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiome is a major regulator of inflammatory and metabolic signaling in the host, and if disrupted, has the potential to drive metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Extensive studies have unraveled the impact of the gut microbiome on host physiology, with recent reports showing that gut microbes exquisitely control the ECS, with significant influences on host metabolic and cardiac health. In this review, we outline how modulation of the gut microbiome affects host metabolism and cardiovascular health via the ECS, and how these findings could be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for various metabolic and cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Nabihah Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristal Maner-Smith
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joshua A. Owens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Estefania Barbian
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rheinallt M. Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Crystal R. Naudin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,CONTACT Crystal R. Naudin Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA30322, United States of America
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12
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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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13
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Vecchiarelli HA, Aukema RJ, Hume C, Chiang V, Morena M, Keenan CM, Nastase AS, Lee FS, Pittman QJ, Sharkey KA, Hill MN. Genetic Variants of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Modulate Acute Inflammatory Responses to Colitis in Adult Male Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764706. [PMID: 34916909 PMCID: PMC8670533 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, including cannabis derived phytocannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), are typically considered anti-inflammatory. One such endocannabinoid is N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), which is metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In humans, there is a loss of function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FAAH gene (C385A, rs324420), that leads to increases in the levels of AEA. Using a mouse model with this SNP, we investigated how this SNP affects inflammation in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. We administered 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intracolonically, to adult male FAAH SNP mice and examined colonic macroscopic tissue damage and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as levels of plasma and amygdalar cytokines and chemokines 3 days after administration, at the peak of colitis. We found that mice possessing the loss of function alleles (AC and AA), displayed no differences in colonic damage or myeloperoxidase activity compared to mice with wild type alleles (CC). In contrast, in plasma, colitis-induced increases in interleukin (IL)-2, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were reduced in animals with an A allele. A similar pattern was observed in the amygdala for granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and MCP-1. In the amygdala, the mutant A allele led to lower levels of IL-1α, IL-9, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and MIP-2 independent of colitis-providing additional understanding of how FAAH may serve as a regulator of inflammatory responses in the brain. Together, these data provide insights into how FAAH regulates inflammatory processes in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vincent Chiang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine M Keenan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quentin J Pittman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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14
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Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Bryant J, Ngwa W. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9472. [PMID: 34502379 PMCID: PMC8430969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems. In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development. The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development. The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases. This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as "C. sativa L." or "medical cannabis"), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lowe
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Ngeh Toyang
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Blair Steele
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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15
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Cherkasova V, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoid System Changes in Intestinal Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4353. [PMID: 34503163 PMCID: PMC8430689 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the multiple preventive measures and treatment options, colorectal cancer holds a significant place in the world's disease and mortality rates. The development of novel therapy is in critical need, and based on recent experimental data, cannabinoids could become excellent candidates. This review covered known experimental studies regarding the effects of cannabinoids on intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer. In our opinion, because colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different genomic landscapes, the choice of cannabinoids for tumor prevention and treatment depends on the type of the disease, its etiology, driver mutations, and the expression levels of cannabinoid receptors. In this review, we describe the molecular changes of the endocannabinoid system in the pathologies of the large intestine, focusing on inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 7X8, Canada;
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 7X8, Canada;
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16
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Graczyk M, Lewandowska AA, Dzierżanowski T. The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154551. [PMID: 34361704 PMCID: PMC8347461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant growth of interest in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), especially its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, has been observed recently. This narrative review aimed to present the state of the art of research concerning the anti-inflammatory activity of all classes of cannabinoids published in the last five years. Multimodal properties of cannabinoids include their involvement in immunological processes, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. Cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid compounds of cannabis proved their anti-inflammatory effects in numerous animal models. The research in humans is missing, and the results are unconvincing. Although preclinical evidence suggests cannabinoids are of value in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, the clinical evidence is scarce, and further well-designed clinical trials are essential to determine the prospects for using cannabinoids in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Graczyk
- Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | | | - Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Laboratory of Palliative Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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17
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Giorgi V, Marotto D, Batticciotto A, Atzeni F, Bongiovanni S, Sarzi-Puttini P. Cannabis and Autoimmunity: Possible Mechanisms of Action. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:261-271. [PMID: 34322454 PMCID: PMC8313508 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s267905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical cannabis (MC) describes the usually inhaled or ingested use of a cannabis plant or cannabis extract for medicinal purposes. The action of whole cannabis plants is extremely complex because their large number of active compounds not only bind to a plethora of different receptors but also interact with each other both synergistically and otherwise. Renewed interest in the medicinal properties of cannabis has led to increasing research into the practical uses of cannabis derivatives, and it has been found that the endocannabinoid system (particularly CB2 receptor activation) is a possible target for the treatment of inflammatory and the autoimmune diseases related to immune cell activation. However, in vivo findings still lack, creating difficulties in applying translational cannabinoid research to human immune functions. In this review, we summarized the main mechanisms of action of medical cannabis plant especially regarding the immune system and the endocannabinoid system, looking at preliminary clinical data in three most important autoimmune diseases of three different specialities: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Giorgi
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan University School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Marotto
- Rheumatology Unit, ATS Sardegna, P. Dettori Hospital, Tempio Pausania, Italy
| | - Alberto Batticciotto
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Settelaghi, Ospedale Di Circolo - Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Bongiovanni
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan University School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan University School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
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18
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Febo E, Crisi PE, Oddi S, Pietra M, Galiazzo G, Piscitelli F, Gramenzi A, Prinzio RD, Di Tommaso M, Bernabò N, Bisogno T, Maccarrone M, Boari A. Circulating Endocannabinoids as Diagnostic Markers of Canine Chronic Enteropathies: A Pilot Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:655311. [PMID: 34124221 PMCID: PMC8187750 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.655311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic enteropathies (CEs) in dogs, according to the treatment response to consecutive trials, are classified as food-responsive (FRE), antibiotic-responsive (ARE), and immunosuppressive-responsive (IRE) enteropathy. In addition to this classification, dogs with loss of protein across the gut are grouped as protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). At present, the diagnosis of CEs is time-consuming, costly and sometimes invasive, also because non-invasive biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are not yet available. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the levels of circulating endocannabinoids in plasma as potential diagnostic markers of canine CEs. Thirty-three dogs with primary chronic gastrointestinal signs presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of Teramo and Bologna (Italy) were prospectively enrolled in the study, and 30 healthy dogs were included as a control group. Plasma levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) were measured at the time of the first visit in dogs with different CEs, as well as in healthy subjects. Plasma levels of 2-AG (p = 0.001) and PEA (p = 0.008) were increased in canine CEs compared to healthy dogs. In particular, PEA levels were increased in the FRE group compared to healthy dogs (p = 0.04), while 2-AG was higher in IRE than in healthy dogs (p = 0.0001). Dogs affected by FRE also showed decreased 2-AG (p = 0.0001) and increased OEA levels (p = 0.0018) compared to IRE dogs. Moreover, dogs with PLE showed increased 2-AG (p = 0.033) and decreased AEA (p = 0.035), OEA (p = 0.016) and PEA (p = 0.023) levels, when compared to dogs affected by CEs without loss of proteins. The areas under ROC curves for circulating 2-AG (0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.03) and OEA (0.81; 95% CI, 0.65–0.97) showed a good accuracy in distinguishing the different forms of CEs under study (FRE, ARE and IRE), at the time of the first visit. The present study demonstrated that endocannabinoid signaling is altered in canine CEs, and that CE subtypes showed distinct profiles of 2-AG, PEA and OEA plasma levels, suggesting that these circulating bioactive lipids might have the potential to become candidate biomarkers for canine CEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Febo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pietra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Galiazzo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Bioscience, and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Boari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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19
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Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Adipose Tissue with Focus on Energy Metabolism. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061279. [PMID: 34064024 PMCID: PMC8224009 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide range of processes including the control of energy acquisition and expenditure. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are present in the central nervous system but also in peripheral tissues, notably the adipose tissues. The endocannabinoid system interacts with two main hormones regulating appetite, namely leptin and ghrelin. The inhibitory effect of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist rimonabant on fat mass suggested that the endocannabinoid system can also have a peripheral action in addition to its effect on appetite reduction. Thus, several investigations have focused on the peripheral role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of metabolism. The white adipose tissue stores energy as triglycerides while the brown adipose tissue helps to dissipate energy as heat. The endocannabinoid system regulates several functions of the adipose tissues to favor energy accumulation. In this review we will describe the presence of the endocannabinoid system in the adipose tissue. We will survey the role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of white and brown adipose tissue metabolism and how the eCB system participates in obesity and metabolic diseases.
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20
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Osafo N, Yeboah OK, Antwi AO. Endocannabinoid system and its modulation of brain, gut, joint and skin inflammation. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3665-3680. [PMID: 33909195 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of endogenous cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and their endogenous ligands has generated interest in the endocannabinoid system and has contributed to the understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system. Its role in the normal physiology of the body and its implication in pathological states such as cardiovascular diseases, neoplasm, depression and pain have been subjects of scientific interest. In this review the authors focus on the endogenous cannabinoids, and the critical role of cannabinoid receptor signaling in neurodegeneration and other inflammatory responses such as gut, joint and skin inflammation. This review also discusses the potential of endocannabinoid pathways as drug targets in the amelioration of some inflammatory conditions. Though the exact role of the endocannabinoid system is not fully understood, the evidence found much clearly points to a great potential in exploiting both its central and peripheral pathways in disease management. Cannabinoid therapy has proven promising in several preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newman Osafo
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Oduro K Yeboah
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aaron O Antwi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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21
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Vecchiarelli HA, Morena M, Keenan CM, Chiang V, Tan K, Qiao M, Leitl K, Santori A, Pittman QJ, Sharkey KA, Hill MN. Comorbid anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of colitis is mediated by an upregulation of corticolimbic fatty acid amide hydrolase. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:992-1003. [PMID: 33452437 PMCID: PMC8115350 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral inflammatory conditions, including those localized to the gastrointestinal tract, are highly comorbid with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. These behavioral symptoms are poorly managed by conventional treatments for inflammatory diseases and contribute to quality of life impairments. Peripheral inflammation is associated with sustained elevations in circulating glucocorticoid hormones, which can modulate central processes, including those involved in the regulation of emotional behavior. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is exquisitely sensitive to these hormonal changes and is a significant regulator of emotional behavior. The impact of peripheral inflammation on central eCB function, and whether this is related to the development of these behavioral comorbidities remains to be determined. To examine this, we employed the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced model of colonic inflammation (colitis) in adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats to produce sustained peripheral inflammation. Colitis produced increases in behavioral measures of anxiety and elevations in circulating corticosterone. These alterations were accompanied by elevated hydrolytic activity of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes the eCB anandamide (AEA), throughout multiple corticolimbic brain regions. This elevation of FAAH activity was associated with broad reductions in the content of AEA, whose decline was driven by central corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor signaling. Colitis-induced anxiety was reversed following acute central inhibition of FAAH, suggesting that the reductions in AEA produced by colitis contributed to the generation of anxiety. These data provide a novel perspective for the pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of chronic inflammatory conditions through modulation of eCB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A. Vecchiarelli
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Catherine M. Keenan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Vincent Chiang
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Tan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Min Qiao
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Kira Leitl
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Alessia Santori
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Quentin J. Pittman
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
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22
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Cannabinoid Receptors Overexpression in a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after Treatment with a Ketogenic Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062880. [PMID: 33809047 PMCID: PMC7999285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of a ketogenic diet (KD) has been considered therapeutic in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which a low-carbohydrate diet, such as KD, can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and functions in an animal model of IBS by evaluating possible changes in intestinal tissue expression of endocannabinoid receptors. In rats fed a KD, we detected a significant restoration of cell damage to the intestinal crypt base, a histological feature of IBS condition, and upregulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors. The diet also affected glucose metabolism and intestinal membrane permeability, with an overexpression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and tight junction proteins in treated rats. The present data suggest that CB receptors represent one of the molecular pathways through which the KD works and support possible cannabinoid-mediated protection at the intestinal level in the IBS rats after dietary treatment.
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23
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Manzo E, Schiano Moriello A, Tinto F, Verde R, Allarà M, De Petrocellis L, Pagano E, Izzo AA, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. A Glucuronic Acid-Palmitoylethanolamide Conjugate (GLUPEA) Is an Innovative Drug Delivery System and a Potential Bioregulator. Cells 2021; 10:450. [PMID: 33672574 PMCID: PMC7924038 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediator and a widely used nutraceutical. In this study, we designed, realized, and tested a drug-carrier conjugate between PEA (the active drug) and glucuronic acid (the carrier). The conjugate, named GLUPEA, was characterized for its capability of increasing PEA levels and exerting anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. GLUPEA treatment, compared to the same concentration of PEA, resulted in higher cellular amounts of PEA and the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), and increased 2-AG-induced transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel desensitization to capsaicin. GLUPEA inhibited pro-inflammatory monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP-2) release from stimulated keratinocytes, and it was almost as efficacious as ultra-micronized PEA at reducing colitis in dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-injected mice when using the same dose. GLUPEA is a novel pro-drug able to efficiently mimic the anti-inflammatory and endocannabinoid enhancing actions of PEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Manzo
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Epitech Group S.p.A., 35030 Saccolongo, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Tinto
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Roberta Verde
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
| | - Marco Allarà
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Epitech Group S.p.A., 35030 Saccolongo, Padova, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
| | - Ester Pagano
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo A. Izzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF-Centre NUTRISS, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stefania Petrosino
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (A.S.M.); (F.T.); (R.V.); (M.A.); (L.D.P.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; (E.P.); (A.A.I.)
- Epitech Group S.p.A., 35030 Saccolongo, Padova, Italy
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24
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Cannabis is associated with clinical but not endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246871. [PMID: 33571293 PMCID: PMC7877751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabis is often used by patients with ulcerative colitis, but controlled studies are few. We aimed to assess the effect of cannabis in improving clinical and inflammatory outcomes in ulcerative colitis patients. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients received either cigarettes containing 0.5 g of dried cannabis flowers with80mgTetrahydrocannabinol (THC)or placebo cigarettes for 8 weeks. Parameters of disease including Lichtiger disease activity index, C reactive protein (CRP), calprotectin, Mayo endoscopic score and quality of life (QOL) were assessed before, during and after treatment. Results The study included 32 patients. Mean age was 30 years, 14 (43%) females. Lichtiger index improved in the cannabis group from 10.9 (IQR 9–14) to5 (IQR 1–7), (p<0.000), and in the placebo group from 11 (IQR 9–13) to 8 (IQR 7–10)(p = 0.15, p between groups 0.001). QOL improved in the cannabis group from 77±4 to 98±20 (p = 0.000) but not in the placebo group (78±3 at week 0 and 78±17 at week 8;p = 0.459; p between groups 0.007). Mayo endoscopic score changed in the cannabis group from 2.13±1 to 1.25±2 (p = 0.015) and in the placebo group from 2.15±1to 1.69±1 (p = 0.367, p between groups 0.17). Conclusion Short term treatment with THC rich cannabis induced clinical remission and improved quality of life in patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. However, these beneficial clinical effects were not associated with significant anti-inflammatory improvement in the Mayo endoscopic score or laboratory markers for inflammation.(clinicaltrials.gov NCT01040910).
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25
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Śledziński P, Nowak-Terpiłowska A, Zeyland J. Cannabinoids in Medicine: Cancer, Immunity, and Microbial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E263. [PMID: 33383838 PMCID: PMC7795897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the medical applications of Cannabis plants. They owe their unique properties to a group of secondary metabolites known as phytocannabinoids, which are specific for this genus. Phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoids generally, can interact with cannabinoid receptors being part of the endocannabinoid system present in animals. Over the years a growing body of scientific evidence has been gathered, suggesting that these compounds have therapeutic potential. In this article, we review the classification of cannabinoids, the molecular mechanisms of their interaction with animal cells as well as their potential application in the treatment of human diseases. Specifically, we focus on the research concerning the anticancer potential of cannabinoids in preclinical studies, their possible use in cancer treatment and palliative medicine, as well as their influence on the immune system. We also discuss their potential as therapeutic agents in infectious, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. We postulate that the currently ongoing and future clinical trials should be accompanied by research focused on the cellular and molecular response to cannabinoids and Cannabis extracts, which will ultimately allow us to fully understand the mechanism, potency, and safety profile of cannabinoids as single agents and as complementary drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Śledziński
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-032 Poznan, Poland;
| | | | - Joanna Zeyland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-632 Poznan, Poland;
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26
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Becker W, Alrafas HR, Busbee PB, Walla MD, Wilson K, Miranda K, Cai G, Putluri V, Putluri N, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Cannabinoid Receptor Activation on Haematopoietic Cells and Enterocytes Protects against Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2020; 15:1032-1048. [PMID: 33331878 PMCID: PMC8218712 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabinoid receptor [CB] activation can attenuate inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] in experimental models and human cohorts. However, the roles of the microbiome, metabolome, and the respective contributions of haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic cells in the anti-colitic effects of cannabinoids have yet to be determined. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were treated with either cannabidiol [CBD], Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], a combination of CBD and THC, or vehicle, in several models of chemically induced colitis. Clinical parameters of colitis were assessed by colonoscopy, histology, flow cytometry, and detection of serum biomarkers; single-cell RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the effects of cannabinoids on enterocytes. Immune cell transfer from CB2 knockout mice was used to evaluate the contribution of haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic cells to colitis protection. RESULTS We found that THC prevented colitis and that CBD, at the dose tested, provided little benefit to the amelioration of colitis, nor when added synergistically with THC. THC increased colonic barrier integrity by stimulating mucus and tight junction and antimicrobial peptide production, and these effects were specific to the large intestine. THC increased colonic Gram-negative bacteria, but the anti-colitic effects of THC were independent of the microbiome. THC acted both on immune cells via CB2 and on enterocytes, to attenuate colitis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate how cannabinoid receptor activation on both immune cells and colonocytes is critical to prevent colonic inflammation. These studies also suggest how cannabinoid receptor activation can be used as a preventive and therapeutic modality against colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Becker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Haider Rasheed Alrafas
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Philip B Busbee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Walla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kathryn Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Guoshuai Cai
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Vasanta Putluri
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Advanced Technology Core, Alkek Center for Molecular Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Advanced Technology Core, Alkek Center for Molecular Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA,Corresponding author: Prakash S. Nagarkatti, PhD, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. Tel.: [803] 777–5458; fax: [803] 777–5457;
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27
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Ellermann M, Pacheco AR, Jimenez AG, Russell RM, Cuesta S, Kumar A, Zhu W, Vale G, Martin SA, Raj P, McDonald JG, Winter SE, Sperandio V. Endocannabinoids Inhibit the Induction of Virulence in Enteric Pathogens. Cell 2020; 183:650-665.e15. [PMID: 33031742 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are host-derived lipid hormones that fundamentally impact gastrointestinal (GI) biology. The use of cannabis and other exocannabinoids as anecdotal treatments for various GI disorders inspired the search for mechanisms by which these compounds mediate their effects, which led to the discovery of the mammalian endocannabinoid system. Dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling was linked to inflammation and the gut microbiota. However, the effects of endocannabinoids on host susceptibility to infection has not been explored. Here, we show that mice with elevated levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are protected from enteric infection by Enterobacteriaceae pathogens. 2-AG directly modulates pathogen function by inhibiting virulence programs essential for successful infection. Furthermore, 2-AG antagonizes the bacterial receptor QseC, a histidine kinase encoded within the core Enterobacteriaceae genome that promotes the activation of pathogen-associated type three secretion systems. Taken together, our findings establish that endocannabinoids are directly sensed by bacteria and can modulate bacterial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Ellermann
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alline R Pacheco
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Angel G Jimenez
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Regan M Russell
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Santiago Cuesta
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Aman Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wenhan Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gonçalo Vale
- Center for Human Nutrition, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sarah A Martin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Microbiome Research Lab, Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jeffrey G McDonald
- Center for Human Nutrition, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sebastian E Winter
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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28
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Gusmão JNFM, Fonseca KM, Ferreira BSP, de Freitas Alves BW, Ribeiro Júnior HL, Lisboa MRP, Pereira KMA, Vale ML, Gondim DV. Electroacupuncture Reduces Inflammation but Not Bone Loss on Periodontitis in Arthritic Rats. Inflammation 2020; 44:116-128. [PMID: 32789781 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are inflammatory diseases characterized by chronic inflammation and bone erosion. Electroacupuncture (EA) shows anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive effects in experimental periodontitis (EP) and in RA. It is important to investigate whether EA shows these effects in periodontal tissues in the presence of these two inflammatory diseases or not. For this, Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control (C); experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA; bovine type II collagen-induced (CII)); experimental periodontitis (EP); RA/EP (RA + EP); EP/EA (EP treated with EA); RA/EP/EA (RA + EP treated with EA). EP was induced 21 days after RA induction and EA was performed previously and during the EP induction period, every 3 days until the 36th experimental day. The rats were euthanized on day 39. RA was evaluated by edema and the withdrawal threshold of hind paws. The maxillae were removed, and alveolar bone loss (ABL) and bone radiographic density (BRD) were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analyses for interleukins (IL)-6 and -17 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were performed. Our results showed that EA reduced only the pain intensity in arthritic rats. Histomorphometric, macroscopic, and radiographic analyses did not show differences between the control and EP/EA groups. EA caused a reduction in ABL and BRD only in the presence of EP. EA caused a reduction in IL-6 and -17 in all groups, but NF-κB was only reduced in the arthritic rats with EP. In conclusion, EA reduced the inflammation related to periodontitis in arthritic rats but did not prevent ABL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Nogueira Ferreira Maciel Gusmão
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Khetyma Moreira Fonseca
- Post Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Bruno Sousa Pinto Ferreira
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Bruno Wesley de Freitas Alves
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Howard Lopes Ribeiro Júnior
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Mario Roberto Pontes Lisboa
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Karuza Maria Alves Pereira
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima Vale
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil.,Post Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Delane Viana Gondim
- Post Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Delmiro de Farias, S/N, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP: 60.416-030, Brazil.
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29
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Decara J, Rivera P, López-Gambero AJ, Serrano A, Pavón FJ, Baixeras E, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Suárez J. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors: Experimental Targeting for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:730. [PMID: 32536865 PMCID: PMC7266982 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that promote ligand-dependent transcription of target genes that regulate energy production, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The PPAR superfamily comprises three subtypes, PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, with differential tissue distributions. In addition to their different roles in the regulation of energy balance and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, an emerging function of PPARs includes normal homeostasis of intestinal tissue. PPARα activation represses NF-κB signaling, which decreases the inflammatory cytokine production by different cell types, while PPARγ ligands can inhibit activation of macrophages and the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and Il-1β. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory responses induced by PPAR activation might restore physiopathological imbalances associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Thus, PPARs and their ligands have important therapeutic potential. This review briefly discusses the roles of PPARs in the physiopathology and therapies of the most important IBDs, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD), as well some new experimental compounds with PPAR activity as promising drugs for IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Decara
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Fundación Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús López-Gambero
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV) and UGC del Corazón, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Baixeras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, IBIMA, Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Cannabis and Canabidinoids on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Going Beyond Misuse. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082940. [PMID: 32331305 PMCID: PMC7215817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal condition, including mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Cannabis sativa (CS) is widely used for medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes. The most studied compound of CS is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Besides many relevant therapeutic roles such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there is still much controversy about the consumption of this plant since the misuse can lead to serious health problems. Because of these reasons, the aim of this review is to investigate the effects of CS on the treatment of UC and CD. The literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, PMC, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The use of CS leads to the improvement of UC and CD scores and quality of life. The medical use of CS is on the rise. Although the literature shows relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could improve UC and CD scores, it is still not possible to establish a treatment criterion since the studies have no standardization regarding the variety and part of the plant that is used, route of administration and doses. Therefore, we suggest caution in the use of CS in the therapeutic approach of IBD until clinical trials with standardization and a relevant number of patients are performed.
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Brugnatelli V, Turco F, Freo U, Zanette G. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:371. [PMID: 32372912 PMCID: PMC7186328 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Turco
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab, Department of Neurogastroentherology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ulderico Freo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gastone Zanette
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Zeng Z, Mukherjee A, Varghese AP, Yang XL, Chen S, Zhang H. Roles of G protein-coupled receptors in inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1242-1261. [PMID: 32256014 PMCID: PMC7109274 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i12.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex disease with multiple pathogenic factors. Although the pathogenesis of IBD is still unclear, a current hypothesis suggests that genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, a dysfunctional immune system, the microbiome, and the interactions of these factors substantially contribute to the occurrence and development of IBD. Although existing and emerging drugs have been proven to be effective in treating IBD, none can cure IBD permanently. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critical signaling molecules implicated in the immune response, cell proliferation, inflammation regulation and intestinal barrier maintenance. Breakthroughs in the understanding of the structures and functions of GPCRs have provided a driving force for exploring the roles of GPCRs in the pathogenesis of diseases, thereby leading to the development of GPCR-targeted medication. To date, a number of GPCRs have been shown to be associated with IBD, significantly advancing the drug discovery process for IBD. The associations between GPCRs and disease activity, disease severity, and disease phenotypes have also paved new avenues for the precise management of patients with IBD. In this review, we mainly focus on the roles of the most studied proton-sensing GPCRs, cannabinoid receptors, and estrogen-related GPCRs in the pathogenesis of IBD and their potential clinical values in IBD and some other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 410061, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Arjudeb Mukherjee
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 410061, Sichuan Province, China
| | | | - Xiao-Li Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 410061, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 410061, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 410061, Sichuan Province, China
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Perisetti A, Rimu AH, Khan SA, Bansal P, Goyal H. Role of cannabis in inflammatory bowel diseases. Ann Gastroenterol 2020; 33:134-144. [PMID: 32127734 PMCID: PMC7049239 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2020.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For many centuries, cannabis (marijuana) has been used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Currently, there are about 192 million cannabis users worldwide, constituting approximately 3.9% of the global population. Cannabis comprises more than 70 aromatic hydrocarbon compounds known as cannabinoids. Endogenous circulating cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, their metabolizing enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase) and 2 G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, together represent the endocannabinoid system and are present throughout the human body. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the activated endocannabinoid system reduces gut motility, intestinal secretion and epithelial permeability, and induces inflammatory leukocyte recruitment and immune modulation through the cannabinoid receptors present in the enteric nervous and immune systems. Because of the effects of cannabinoids on the GI tract, attempts have been made to investigate their medicinal properties, particularly for GI disorders such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The effects of cannabis on IBD have been elucidated in several small observational and placebo-controlled studies, but with varied results. The small sample size and short follow-up duration in these studies make it difficult to show the clear benefits of cannabis in IBD. However, cannabis is now being considered as a potential drug for inflammatory GI conditions, particularly IBD, because of its spreading legalization in the United States and other countries and the growing trend in its use. More high-quality controlled studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanism and benefits of cannabis use as a possible option in IBD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Perisetti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Abhilash Perisetti)
| | - Afrina Hossain Rimu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (Afrina Hossain Rimu)
| | - Salman Ali Khan
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR (Salman Ali Khan)
| | - Pardeep Bansal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital, PA (Pardeep Bansal)
| | - Hemant Goyal
- Department of Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (Hemant Goyal), USA
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The Endocannabinoid System in Pediatric Inflammatory and Immune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235875. [PMID: 31771129 PMCID: PMC6928713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, their endogenous ligands, and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. CB2, to a great extent, and CB1, to a lesser extent, are involved in regulating the immune response. They also regulate the inflammatory processes by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator release and immune cell proliferation. This review provides an overview on the role of the endocannabinoid system with a major focus on cannabinoid receptors in the pathogenesis and onset of inflammatory and autoimmune pediatric diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, obesity, neuroinflammatory diseases, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. These disorders have a high social impact and represent a burden for the healthcare system, hence the importance of individuating more innovative and effective treatments. The endocannabinoid system could address this need, representing a possible new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Picardo S, Kaplan GG, Sharkey KA, Seow CH. Insights into the role of cannabis in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2019; 12:1756284819870977. [PMID: 31523278 PMCID: PMC6727090 DOI: 10.1177/1756284819870977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its constituents (e.g. cannabidiol) in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has escalated. Cannabis has been increasingly approved for a variety of medical conditions in several jurisdictions around the world. In animal models, cannabinoids have been shown to improve intestinal inflammation in experimental models of IBD through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. However, the few randomized controlled trials of cannabis or cannabidiol in patients with IBD have not demonstrated efficacy in modulating inflammatory disease activity. Cannabis may be effective in the symptomatic management of IBD. Given the increasing utilization and cultural acceptance of cannabis, physicians need to be aware of its safety and efficacy in order to better counsel patients. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role of cannabis in the management of patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherman Picardo
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gilaad G. Kaplan
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Stressed "Gut/Feeling". Cells 2019; 8:cells8070659. [PMID: 31262067 PMCID: PMC6678997 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing intestinal inflammatory condition, hallmarked by a disturbance in the bidirectional interaction between gut and brain. In general, the gut/brain axis involves direct and/or indirect communication via the central and enteric nervous system, host innate immune system, and particularly the gut microbiota. This complex interaction implies that IBD is a complex multifactorial disease. There is increasing evidence that stress adversely affects the gut/microbiota/brain axis by altering intestinal mucosa permeability and cytokine secretion, thereby influencing the relapse risk and disease severity of IBD. Given the recurrent nature, therapeutic strategies particularly aim at achieving and maintaining remission of the disease. Alternatively, these strategies focus on preventing permanent bowel damage and concomitant long-term complications. In this review, we discuss the gut/microbiota/brain interplay with respect to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and particularly shed light on the role of stress. Hence, we evaluated the therapeutic impact of stress management in IBD.
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Desai R, Patel U, Goyal H, Rimu AH, Zalavadia D, Bansal P, Shah N. In-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease in cannabis users: a nationwide propensity-matched analysis in the United States. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:252. [PMID: 31355219 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.04.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Literature suggests the role of cannabis (marijuana) as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, the impact of recreational marijuana usage on in-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains indistinct. We assessed the outcomes of Crohn's disease (CD) as well as ulcerative colitis (UC) with vs. without recreational marijuana usage using a nationally illustrative propensity-matched sample. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample datasets (2010-2014) were queried to identify adults with CD and UC hospitalizations with cannabis use and linked complications using ICD-9 CM codes. Categorical and continuous variables were compared between propensity-matched cohorts using Chi-square and Student's t-test, respectively. Primary endpoints were in-hospital complications, whereas secondary endpoints were the discharge disposition, mean length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges. Results Propensity-matched cohorts included 6,002 CD (2,999 cannabis users & 3,003 non-users) and 1,481 UC (742 cannabis users & 739 non-users) hospitalizations. In CD patients, prevalence of colorectal cancer (0.3% vs. 1.2%, P<0.001), need for parenteral nutrition (3.0% vs. 4.7%, P=0.001) and anemia (25.6% vs. 30.1%, P<0.001) were lower in cannabis users. However, active fistulizing disease or intraabdominal abscess formation (8.6% vs. 5.9%, P<0.001), unspecific lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage (4.0% vs. 2.7%, P=0.004) and hypovolemia (1.2% vs. 0.5%, P=0.004) were higher with recreational cannabis use. The mean hospital stay was shorter (4.2 vs. 5.0 days) with less hospital charges ($28,956 vs. $35,180, P<0.001) in cannabis users. In patients with UC, cannabis users faced the higher frequency of fluid and electrolyte disorders (45.1% vs. 29.6%, P<0.001), and hypovolemia (2.7% vs. <11) with relatively lower frequency of postoperative infections (<11 vs. 3.4%, P=0.010). No other complications were significant enough for comparison between the cannabis users and non-users in this group. Like CD, UC-cannabis patients had shorter mean hospital stay (LOS) (4.3 vs. 5.7 days, P<0.001) and faced less financial burden ($30,393 vs. $41,308, P<0.001). Conclusions We found a lower frequency of colorectal cancer, parenteral nutrition, anemia but a higher occurrences of active fistulizing disease or intraabdominal abscess formation, lower GI hemorrhage and hypovolemia in the CD cohort with cannabis usage. In patients with UC, frequency of complications could not be compared between the two cohorts, except a higher frequency of fluid and electrolyte disorders and hypovolemia, and a lower frequency of postoperative infections with cannabis use. A shorter LOS and lesser hospital charges were observed in both groups with recreational marijuana usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupak Desai
- Research Fellow, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Upenkumar Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, USA
| | - Hemant Goyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | | | - Dipen Zalavadia
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Pardeep Bansal
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA, USA
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Tutino V, Caruso MG, De Nunzio V, Lorusso D, Veronese N, Gigante I, Notarnicola M, Giannelli G. Down-Regulation of Cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1) Receptor and its Downstream Signaling Pathways in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050708. [PMID: 31121931 PMCID: PMC6562552 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the regulation of endocannabinoid production, together with an altered expression of their receptors are hallmarks of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Although several studies have been conducted to understand the biological role of the CB1 receptor in cancer, little is known about its involvement in the metastatic process of CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible link between CB1 receptor expression and the presence of metastasis in patients with CRC, investigating the main signaling pathways elicited downstream of CB1 receptor in colon cancer. Fifty-nine consecutive patients, with histologically proven colorectal cancer, were enrolled in the study, of which 30 patients with synchronous metastasis, at first diagnosis and 29 without metastasis. A low expression of CB1 receptor were detected in primary tumor tissue of CRC patients with metastasis and consequently, we observed an alteration of CB1 receptor downstream signaling. These signaling routes were also altered in intestinal normal mucosa, suggesting that, normal mucosa surrounding the tumor provides a realistic picture of the molecules involved in tissue malignant transformation. These observations contribute to the idea that drugs able to induce CB1 receptor expression can be helpful in order to set new anticancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Tutino
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Caruso
- Ambulatory of Clinical Nutrition, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Valentina De Nunzio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Dionigi Lorusso
- Surgery Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Ambulatory of Clinical Nutrition, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabella Gigante
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
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Role of pannexin-1 in the cellular uptake, release and hydrolysis of anandamide by T84 colon cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7622. [PMID: 31110238 PMCID: PMC6527687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The large pore ion channel pannexin-1 (Panx1) has been reported to play a role in the cellular uptake and release of anandamide (AEA) in the hippocampus. It is not known whether this is a general mechanism or limited to the hippocampus. We have investigated this pharmacologically using T84 colon cancer cells. The cells expressed Panx1 at the mRNA level, and released ATP in a manner that could be reduced by treatment with the Panx1 inhibitors carbenoxolone and mefloquine and the Panx1 substrate SR101. However, no significant effects of these compounds upon the uptake or hydrolysis of exogenously applied AEA was seen. Uptake by T84 cells of the other main endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol and the AEA homologue palmitoylethanolamide was similarly not affected by carbenoxolone or mefloquine. Total release of tritium from [3H]AEA-prelabelled T84 cells over 10 min was increased, rather than inhibited by carbenoxolone and mefloquine. Finally, AEA uptake by PC3 prostate cancer and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which express functional Panx1 channels, was not inhibited by carbenoxolone. Thus, in contrast to the hippocampus, Panx1 does not appear to play a role in AEA uptake and release from the cells studied under the conditions used.
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Ambrose T, Simmons A. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and the Endocannabinoid System-Is there Therapeutic Potential for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? J Crohns Colitis 2019; 13:525-535. [PMID: 30418525 PMCID: PMC6441301 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa and its extracts have been used for centuries, both medicinally and recreationally. There is accumulating evidence that exogenous cannabis and related cannabinoids improve symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], such as pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea. In vivo, exocannabinoids have been demonstrated to improve colitis, mainly in chemical models. Exocannabinoids signal through the endocannabinoid system, an increasingly understood network of endogenous lipid ligands and their receptors, together with a number of synthetic and degradative enzymes and the resulting products. Modulating the endocannabinoid system using pharmacological receptor agonists, genetic knockout models, or inhibition of degradative enzymes have largely shown improvements in colitis in vivo. Despite these promising experimental results, this has not translated into meaningful benefits for human IBD in the few clinical trials which have been conducted to date, the largest study being limited by poor medication tolerance due to the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol component. This review article synthesises the current literature surrounding the modulation of the endocannabinoid system and administration of exocannabinoids in experimental and human IBD. Findings of clinical surveys and studies of cannabis use in IBD are summarised. Discrepancies in the literature are highlighted together with identifying novel areas of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Ambrose
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK,MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK,Corresponding author: Dr Tim Ambrose, BSc (Hons), MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Gastroenterology), c/o Prof. Alison Simmons, MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK. Tel.: 01865 222628;
| | - Alison Simmons
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK,MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Members of the endocannabinoid system are distinctly regulated in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2358. [PMID: 30787385 PMCID: PMC6382821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the protection against intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC); however, human data are scarce. We determined members of the ECS and related components of the ‘endocannabinoidome’ in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and CRC, and compared them to control subjects. Anandamide (AEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) were increased in plasma of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients while 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was elevated in patients with CD, but not UC. 2-AG, but not AEA, PEA and OEA, was elevated in CRC patients. Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) 18:0 showed higher levels in patients with IBD than in control subjects whereas LPI 20:4 was elevated in both CRC and IBD. Gene expression in intestinal mucosal biopsies revealed different profiles in CD and UC. CD, but not UC patients, showed increased gene expression for the 2-AG synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol lipase alpha. Transcripts of CNR1 and GPR119 were predominantly decreased in CD. Our data show altered plasma levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like lipids in IBD and CRC and distinct transcript profiles in UC and CD. We also report alterations for less known components in intestinal inflammation, such as GPR119, OEA and LPI.
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Johnston JR, Freeman KG, Edwards GL. Activity in nodose ganglia neurons after treatment with CP 55,940 and cholecystokinin. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13927. [PMID: 30512249 PMCID: PMC6278814 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has shown that cannabinoids increase feeding, while cholecystokinin (CCK) has an anorexigenic effect on food intake. Receptors for these hormones are located on cell bodies of vagal afferent nerves in the nodose ganglia. An interaction between CCK and endocannabinoid receptors has been suggested. The purpose of these studies is to explore the effect of pretreatment with a cannabinoid agonist, CP 55,940, on nodose neuron activation by CCK. To determine the effect of CP 55,940 and CCK on neuron activation, rats were anesthetized and nodose ganglia were excised. The neurons were dissociated and placed in culture on coverslips. The cells were treated with media; CP 55,940; CCK; CP 55,940 followed by CCK; or AM 251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, and CP 55,940 followed by CCK. Immunohistochemistry was performed to stain the cells for cFos as a measure of cell activation. Neurons were identified using neurofilament immunoreactivity. The neurons on each slip were counted using fluorescence imaging, and the number of neurons that were cFos positive was counted in order to calculate the percentage of activated neurons per coverslip. Pretreatment with CP 55,940 decreased the percentage of neurons expressing cFos-immunoreactivity in response to CCK. This observation suggests that cannabinoids inhibit CCK activation of nodose ganglion neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane R. Johnston
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineThe University of GeorgiaAthensGeorgia
| | - Kimberly G. Freeman
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineThe University of GeorgiaAthensGeorgia
| | - Gaylen L. Edwards
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineThe University of GeorgiaAthensGeorgia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition of transmural inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. The endocannabinoid system provides a potential therapeutic target for cannabis and cannabinoids and animal models have shown benefit in decreasing inflammation. However, there is also evidence to suggest transient adverse events such as weakness, dizziness and diarrhea, and an increased risk of surgery in people with CD who use cannabis. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabinoids for induction and maintenance of remission in people with CD. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and the European Clinical Trials Register up to 17 October 2018. We searched conference abstracts, references and we also contacted researchers in this field for upcoming publications. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing any form of cannabis or its cannabinoid derivatives (natural or synthetic) to placebo or an active therapy for adults with Crohn's disease were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data and assessed bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcomes were clinical remission and relapse. Remission is commonly defined as a Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) of < 150. Relapse is defined as a CDAI > 150. Secondary outcomes included clinical response, endoscopic remission, endoscopic improvement, histological improvement, quality of life, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin measurements, adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, withdrawal due to AEs, and cannabis dependence and withdrawal effects. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI. Data were combined for analysis when the interventions, patient groups and outcomes were sufficiently similar (determined by consensus). Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis and the overall certainty of the evidence supporting the outcomes was evaluated using the GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS Three studies (93 participants) that assessed cannabis in people with active CD met the inclusion criteria. One ongoing study was also identified. Participants in two of the studies were adults with active Crohn's disease who had failed at least one medical treatment. The inclusion criteria for the third study were unclear. No studies that assessed cannabis therapy in quiescent CD were identified. The studies were not pooled due to differences in the interventional drug.One small study (N = 21) compared eight weeks of treatment with cannabis cigarettes containing 115 mg of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to placebo cigarettes containing cannabis with the THC removed in participants with active CD. This study was rated as high risk of bias for blinding and other bias (cannabis participants were older than placebo). The effects of cannabis on clinical remission were unclear. Forty-five per cent (5/11) of the cannabis group achieved clinical remission compared with 10% (1/10) of the placebo group (RR 4.55, 95% CI 0.63 to 32.56; very low certainty evidence). A difference was observed in clinical response (decrease in CDAI score of >100 points) rates. Ninety-one per cent (10/11) of the cannabis group achieved a clinical response compared to 40% (4/10) of the placebo group (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.97; very low certainty evidence). More AEs were observed in the cannabis cigarette group compared to placebo (RR 4.09, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.57; very low certainty evidence). These AEs were considered to be mild in nature and included sleepiness, nausea, difficulty with concentration, memory loss, confusion and dizziness. This study did not report on serious AEs or withdrawal due to AEs.One small study (N = 22) compared cannabis oil (5% cannabidiol) to placebo oil in people with active CD. This study was rated as high risk of bias for other bias (cannabis participants were more likely than placebo participants to be smokers). There was no difference in clinical remission rates. Forty per cent (4/10) of cannabis oil participants achieved remission at 8 weeks compared to 33% (3/9) of the placebo participants (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.97; very low certainty evidence). There was no difference in the proportion of participants who had a serious adverse event. Ten per cent (1/10) of participants in the cannabis oil group had a serious adverse event compared to 11% (1/9) of placebo participants (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.07 to 12.38, very low certainty evidence). Both serious AEs were worsening Crohn's disease that required rescue intervention. This study did not report on clinical response, CRP, quality of life or withdrawal due to AEs.One small study (N= 50) compared cannabis oil (15% cannabidiol and 4% THC) to placebo in participants with active CD. This study was rated as low risk of bias. Differences in CDAI and quality of life scores measured by the SF-36 instrument were observed. The mean quality of life score after 8 weeks of treatment was 96.3 in the cannabis oil group compared to 79.9 in the placebo group (MD 16.40, 95% CI 5.72 to 27.08, low certainty evidence). After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean CDAI score was118.6 in the cannabis oil group compared to 212.6 in the placebo group (MD -94.00, 95%CI -148.86 to -39.14, low certainty evidence). This study did not report on clinical remission, clinical response, CRP or AEs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of cannabis and cannabis oil on Crohn's disease are uncertain. Thus no firm conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabis oil in adults with active Crohn's disease can be drawn. The effects of cannabis or cannabis oil in quiescent Crohn's disease have not been investigated. Further studies with larger numbers of participants are required to assess the potential benefits and harms of cannabis in Crohn's disease. Future studies should assess the effects of cannabis in people with active and quiescent Crohn's disease. Different doses of cannabis and delivery modalities should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir S Kafil
- University of Western OntarioDepartment of MedicineLondonONCanada
| | - Tran M Nguyen
- Robarts Clinical TrialsCochrane IBD Group100 Dundas Street, Suite 200LondonONCanada
| | - John K MacDonald
- University of Western OntarioDepartment of MedicineLondonONCanada
- Robarts Clinical TrialsCochrane IBD Group100 Dundas Street, Suite 200LondonONCanada
| | - Nilesh Chande
- London Health Sciences Centre ‐ Victoria HospitalRoom E6‐321A800 Commissioners Road EastLondonONCanadaN6A 5W9
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis and cannabinoids are often promoted as treatment for many illnesses and are widely used among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Few studies have evaluated the use of these agents in UC. Further, cannabis has potential for adverse events and the long-term consequences of cannabis and cannabinoid use in UC are unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of patients with UC. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, WHO ICTRP, AMED, PsychINFO, the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.Gov and the European Clinical Trials Register from inception to 2 January 2018. Conference abstracts and references were searched to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any form or dose of cannabis or its cannabinoid derivatives (natural or synthetic) to placebo or an active therapy for adults (> 18 years) with UC were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data and assessed bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcomes were clinical remission and relapse (as defined by the primary studies). Secondary outcomes included clinical response, endoscopic remission, endoscopic response, histological response, quality of life, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin measurements, symptom improvement, adverse events, serious adverse events, withdrawal due to adverse events, psychotropic adverse events, and cannabis dependence and withdrawal effects. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95% CI. Data were pooled for analysis when the interventions, patient groups and outcomes were sufficiently similar (determined by consensus). Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. GRADE was used to evaluate the overall certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS Two RCTs (92 participants) met the inclusion criteria. One study (N = 60) compared 10 weeks of cannabidiol capsules with up to 4.7% D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with placebo capsules in participants with mild to moderate UC. The starting dose of cannabidiol was 50 mg twice daily increasing to 250 mg twice daily if tolerated. Another study (N = 32) compared 8 weeks of therapy with two cannabis cigarettes per day containing 0.5 g of cannabis, corresponding to 23 mg THC/day to placebo cigarettes in participants with UC who did not respond to conventional medical treatment. No studies were identified that assessed cannabis therapy in quiescent UC. The first study was rated as low risk of bias and the second study (published as an abstract) was rated as high risk of bias for blinding of participants and personnel. The studies were not pooled due to differences in the interventional drug.The effect of cannabidiol capsules (100 mg to 500 mg daily) compared to placebo on clinical remission and response is uncertain. Clinical remission at 10 weeks was achieved by 24% (7/29) of the cannabidiol group compared to 26% (8/31) in the placebo group (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.25; low certainty evidence). Clinical response at 10 weeks was achieved in 31% (9/29) of cannabidiol participants compared to 22% (7/31) of placebo patients (RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.59 to 3.21; low certainty evidence). Serum CRP levels were similar in both groups after 10 weeks of therapy. The mean CRP in the cannabidiol group was 9.428 mg/L compared to 7.638 mg/L in the placebo group (MD 1.79, 95% CI -5.67 to 9.25; moderate certainty evidence). There may be a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life at 10 weeks, measured with the IBDQ scale (MD 17.4, 95% CI -3.45 to 38.25; moderate certainty evidence). Adverse events were more frequent in cannabidiol participants compared to placebo. One hundred per cent (29/29) of cannabidiol participants had an adverse event, compared to 77% (24/31) of placebo participants (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05 to1.56; moderate certainty evidence). However, these adverse events were considered to be mild or moderate in severity. Common adverse events included dizziness, disturbance in attention, headache, nausea and fatigue. None (0/29) of the cannabidiol participants had a serious adverse event compared to 13% (4/31) of placebo participants (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.11; low certainty evidence). Serious adverse events in the placebo group included worsening of UC and one complicated pregnancy. These serious adverse events were thought to be unrelated to the study drug. More participants in the cannabidiol group withdrew due to an adverse event than placebo participants. Thirty-four per cent (10/29) of cannabidiol participants withdrew due to an adverse event compared to 16% (5/31) of placebo participants (RR 2.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 5.51; low certainty evidence). Withdrawls in the cannabidiol group were mostly due to dizziness. Withdrawals in the placebo group were due to worsening UC.The effect of cannabis cigarettes (23 mg THC/day) compared to placebo on mean disease activity, CRP levels and mean fecal calprotectin levels is uncertain. After 8 weeks, the mean disease activity index score in cannabis participants was 4 compared with 8 in placebo participants (MD -4.00, 95% CI -5.98 to -2.02). After 8 weeks, the mean change in CRP levels was similar in both groups (MD -0.30, 95% CI -1.35 to 0.75; low certainty evidence). The mean fecal calprotectin level in cannabis participants was 115 mg/dl compared to 229 mg/dl in placebo participants (MD -114.00, 95% CI -246.01 to 18.01). No serious adverse events were observed. This study did not report on clinical remission, clinical response, quality of life, adverse events or withdrawal due to adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of cannabis and cannabidiol on UC are uncertain, thus no firm conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis or cannabidiol in adults with active UC can be drawn.There is no evidence for cannabis or cannabinoid use for maintenance of remission in UC. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to assess the effects of cannabis in UC patients with active and quiescent disease. Different doses of cannabis and routes of administration should be investigated. Lastly, follow-up is needed to assess the long term safety outcomes of frequent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir S Kafil
- University of Western OntarioDepartment of MedicineLondonONCanada
| | - Tran M Nguyen
- Robarts Clinical TrialsCochrane IBD Group100 Dundas Street, Suite 200LondonONCanada
| | - John K MacDonald
- University of Western OntarioDepartment of MedicineLondonONCanada
- Robarts Clinical TrialsCochrane IBD Group100 Dundas Street, Suite 200LondonONCanada
| | - Nilesh Chande
- London Health Sciences Centre ‐ Victoria HospitalRoom E6‐321A800 Commissioners Road EastLondonONCanadaN6A 5W9
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Ghosh S, Sheth S, Sheehan K, Mukherjea D, Dhukhwa A, Borse V, Rybak LP, Ramkumar V. The Endocannabinoid/Cannabinoid Receptor 2 System Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:271. [PMID: 30186120 PMCID: PMC6110918 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) in the rat cochlea which was induced by cisplatin. In an organ of Corti-derived cell culture model, it was also shown that an agonist of the CB2R protected these cells against cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In the current study, we determined the distribution of CB2R in the mouse and rat cochleae and examined whether these receptors provide protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss. In a knock-in mouse model expressing the CB2R tagged with green fluorescent protein, we show distribution of CB2R in the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament and spiral ganglion cells. A similar distribution of CB2R was observed in the rat cochlea using a polyclonal antibody against CB2R. Trans-tympanic administration of (2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-naphthalenylmethanone (JWH015), a selective agonist of the CB2R, protected against cisplatin-induced hearing loss which was reversed by blockade of this receptor with 6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (AM630), an antagonist of CB2R. JWH015 also reduced the loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) in the organ of Corti, loss of inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses and loss of Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity in the stria vascularis. Administration of AM630 alone produced significant hearing loss (measured by auditory brainstem responses) which was not associated with loss of OHCs, but led to reductions in the levels of IHC ribbon synapses and strial Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity. Furthermore, knock-down of CB2R by trans-tympanic administration of siRNA sensitized the cochlea to cisplatin-induced hearing loss at the low and middle frequencies. Hearing loss induced by cisplatin and AM630 in the rat was associated with increased expression of genes for oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins in the rat cochlea. In vitro studies indicate that JWH015 did not alter cisplatin-induced killing of cancer cells suggesting this agent could be safely used during cisplatin chemotherapy. These data unmask a protective role of the cochlear endocannabinoid/CB2R system which appears tonically active under normal conditions to preserve normal hearing. However, an exogenous agonist is needed to boost the activity of endocannabinoid/CB2R system for protection against a more traumatic cochlear insult, as observed with cisplatin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Sandeep Sheth
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Kelly Sheehan
- Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Debashree Mukherjea
- Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Asmita Dhukhwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Vikrant Borse
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Leonard P Rybak
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Vickram Ramkumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
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Grill M, Hasenoehrl C, Storr M, Schicho R. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids: An Option for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cancer of the Colon? Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2018; 1:28-35. [PMID: 34676319 DOI: 10.1159/000489036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, we have witnessed a surge of new reports dealing with the role of cannabinoids, synthetic as well as herbal, in the mechanisms of inflammation and carcinogenesis. However, despite the wealth of in vitro data and anecdotal reports, evidence that cannabinoids could act as beneficial drugs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or in neoplastic development of the human gastrointestinal tract is lacking. Some insight into the effects of medical Cannabis (usually meaning dried flowers) and cannabinoids in IBD has been gained through questionnaires and small pilot studies. As to colorectal cancer, only preclinical data are available. Currently, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its synthetic forms, dronabinol and nabilone, are used as an add-on treatment to alleviate chronic pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea. The use of medical Cannabis is authorized only in a limited number of countries. None of the mentioned substances are currently indicated for IBD. This review is an update of our knowledge on the role of cannabinoids in intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis and a discussion on their potential therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Grill
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Pharmacology Section, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Carina Hasenoehrl
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Pharmacology Section, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Storr
- Department of Medicine 2, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Zentrum für Endoskopie, Starnberg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Schicho
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Pharmacology Section, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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Alhouayek M, Rankin L, Gouveia-Figueira S, Fowler CJ. Interferon γ treatment increases endocannabinoid and related N-acylethanolamine levels in T84 human colon carcinoma cells. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1470-1480. [PMID: 29313885 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoids and related N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are involved in regulation of gut function, but relatively little is known as to whether inflammatory cytokines such as IFNγ affect their levels. We have investigated this in vitro using cultures of T84 colon cancer cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH T84 cells, when cultured in monolayers, differentiate to form adult colonic crypt-like cells with excellent permeability barrier properties. The integrity of the permeability barrier in these monolayers was measured using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). NAE levels were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Expression of the enzymes involved in NAE and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) turnover were assessed with qPCR. KEY RESULTS IFNγ treatment for 8 or 24 h increased levels of both endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) and the related NAEs. The treatment did not affect the rate of hydrolysis of either anandamide or palmitoylethanolamide by intact cells, and in both cases, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) rather than NAE-hydrolysing acid amidase (NAAA) was mainly responsible for the hydrolysis of these NAEs. IFNγ treatment reduced the TEER of the cells in a manner that was not prevented by inhibition of either FAAH or NAAA but was partially reversed by apical administration of the NAE palmitoylethanolamide. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS IFNγ treatment mobilized endocannabinoid and related NAE levels in T84 cells. However, blockade of anandamide or NAE hydrolysis was insufficient to negate the deleterious effects of this cytokine upon the permeability barrier of the cell monolayers. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Alhouayek
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Linda Rankin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Basson AR, Lam M, Cominelli F. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Strategies for Therapeutic Gut Microbiota Modulation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and their Next-Generation Approaches. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2017; 46:689-729. [PMID: 29173517 PMCID: PMC5909826 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome exerts a major impact on human health and disease, and therapeutic gut microbiota modulation is now a well-advocated strategy in the management of many diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Scientific and clinical evidence in support of complementary and alternative medicine, in targeting intestinal dysbiosis among patients with IBD, or other disorders, has increased dramatically over the past years. Delivery of "artificial" stool replacements for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could provide an effective, safer alternative to that of human donor stool. Nevertheless, optimum timing of FMT administration in IBD remains unexplored, and future investigations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Basson
- Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Minh Lam
- Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fabio Cominelli
- Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Pesce M, D'Alessandro A, Borrelli O, Gigli S, Seguella L, Cuomo R, Esposito G, Sarnelli G. Endocannabinoid-related compounds in gastrointestinal diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:706-715. [PMID: 28990365 PMCID: PMC5783846 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling pathway involved in the control of several gastrointestinal (GI) functions at both peripheral and central levels. In recent years, it has become apparent that the ECS is pivotal in the regulation of GI motility, secretion and sensitivity, but endocannabinoids (ECs) are also involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier permeability, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of both functional and organic GI disorders. Genetic studies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease have indeed shown significant associations with polymorphisms or mutation in genes encoding for cannabinoid receptor or enzyme responsible for their catabolism, respectively. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are testing EC agonists/antagonists in the achievement of symptomatic relief from a number of GI symptoms. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of supportive RCTs and relevant data in human beings, and hence, the possible therapeutic application of these compounds is raising ethical, political and economic concerns. More recently, the identification of several EC-like compounds able to modulate ECS function without the typical central side effects of cannabino-mimetics has paved the way for emerging peripherally acting drugs. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms linking the ECS to GI disorders and describes the most recent advances in the manipulation of the ECS in the treatment of GI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Alessandra D'Alessandro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Stefano Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Cuomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Leinwand KL, Jones AA, Huang RH, Jedlicka P, Kao DJ, de Zoeten EF, Ghosh S, Moaddel R, Wehkamp J, Ostaff MJ, Bader J, Aherne CM, Collins CB. Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Ameliorates Inflammation in Murine Model of Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2017; 11:1369-1380. [PMID: 28981653 PMCID: PMC5881726 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjx096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabinoid receptor stimulation may have positive symptomatic effects on inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients through analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The cannabinoid 2 receptor [CB2R] is expressed primarily on immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, and is induced by active inflammation in both humans and mice. We therefore investigated the effect of targeting CB2R in a preclinical IBD model. METHODS Employing a chronic ileitis model [TNFΔARE/+ mice], we assessed expression of the CB2R receptor in ileal tissue and on CD4+ T cells and evaluated the effect of stimulation with CB2R-selective ligand GP-1a both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we compared cannabinoid receptor expression in the ilea and colons of healthy human controls with that of Crohn's disease patients. RESULTS Ileal expression of CB2R and the endocannabinoid anandamide [AEA] was increased in actively inflamed TNF∆ARE/+ mice compared with controls. CB2R mRNA was preferentially induced on regulatory T cells [Tregs] compared with T effector cells, approximately 2.4-fold in wild-type [WT] and 11-fold in TNF∆ARE/+ mice. Furthermore, GP-1a enhanced Treg suppressive function with a concomitant increase in IL-10 secretion. GP-1a attenuated murine ileitis, as demonstrated by improved histological scoring and decreased inflammatory cytokine expression. Lastly, CB2R is downregulated in both chronically inflamed TNF∆ARE/+ mice and in IBD patients. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the endocannabinoid system is induced in murine ileitis but is downregulated in chronic murine and human intestinal inflammation, and CB2R activation attenuates murine ileitis, establishing an anti-inflammatory role of the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina L Leinwand
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Digestive Health Institute, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ashleigh A Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rick H Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul Jedlicka
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Department of Pathology, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daniel J Kao
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Edwin F de Zoeten
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Digestive Health Institute, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maureen J Ostaff
- Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jutta Bader
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carol M Aherne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Colm B Collins
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Digestive Health Institute, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA,Corresponding author: Colm B. Collins, PhD, 12700 E 19th Ave B146 Rm10440, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Tel.: [303]724-7242; fax: [303] 724-7241;
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