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Maciocha F, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Chmielowiec J, Ciechanowicz A, Boroń A. Correlations of the CNR1 Gene with Personality Traits in Women with Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5174. [PMID: 38791212 PMCID: PMC11121729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105174] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant issue affecting women, with severe consequences for society, the economy, and most importantly, health. Both personality and alcohol use disorders are phenotypically very complex, and elucidating their shared heritability is a challenge for medical genetics. Therefore, our study investigated the correlations between the microsatellite polymorphism (AAT)n of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and personality traits in women with AUD. The study group included 187 female subjects. Of these, 93 were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, and 94 were controls. Repeat length polymorphism of microsatellite regions (AAT)n in the CNR1 gene was identified with PCR. All participants were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and completed the NEO Five-Factor and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories. In the group of AUD subjects, significantly fewer (AAT)n repeats were present when compared with controls (p = 0.0380). While comparing the alcohol use disorder subjects (AUD) and the controls, we observed significantly higher scores on the STAI trait (p < 0.00001) and state scales (p = 0.0001) and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Neuroticism (p < 0.00001) and Openness (p = 0.0237; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) scales. Significantly lower results were obtained on the NEO-FFI Extraversion (p = 0.00003), Agreeability (p < 0.00001) and Conscientiousness (p < 0.00001) scales by the AUD subjects when compared to controls. There was no statistically significant Pearson's linear correlation between the number of (AAT)n repeats in the CNR1 gene and the STAI and NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores in the group of AUD subjects. In contrast, Pearson's linear correlation analysis in controls showed a positive correlation between the number of the (AAT)n repeats and the STAI state scale (r = 0.184; p = 0.011; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) and a negative correlation with the NEO-FFI Openness scale (r = -0.241; p = 0.001). Interestingly, our study provided data on two separate complex issues, i.e., (1) the association of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with the AUD in females; (2) the correlation of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with anxiety as a state and Openness in non-alcohol dependent subjects. In conclusion, our study provided a plethora of valuable data for improving our understanding of alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Maciocha
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
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Lack of Association between (AAT)n Polymorphism of the CNR1 Gene Encoding the Cannabinoid Receptor (CB1) and Patient’s Quality of Life. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112046. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors may predispose persons to decreased pain excitability. One of the interesting modulators affecting pain perception may be polymorphisms of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CNR1) gene. In this study, we examined the association between three-nucleotide repeats (AAT) polymorphism located in the 3′UTR non-translational region of CNR1 and the patient’s quality of life after total hip arthroplasty. Our study examined the degree of pain sensation, hip function, and the patient’s performance at defined intervals after elective hip replacement due to degenerative changes. The study included 198 patients (128 women and 70 men). The average age was 67 years. PCR genotyping assay was used to identify the (AAT)n triplet repeat polymorphism in the CNR1 gene. The (AAT)n repeat number was determined by sequencing using a standard sequencing protocol. Our study found no statistically significant association between the degree of pain, hip function, and the change in the degree of disability and the (AAT)n polymorphism in the CNR1 gene, no statistically significant correlations between clinical symptoms, the patient’s age, and the number of AAT repeats, no association between the length of the allele and the degree of pain, hip function, and the change in disability.
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Kasai S, Nishizawa D, Hasegawa J, Fukuda KI, Ichinohe T, Nagashima M, Hayashida M, Ikeda K. Short Tandem Repeat Variation in the CNR1 Gene Associated With Analgesic Requirements of Opioids in Postoperative Pain Management. Front Genet 2022; 13:815089. [PMID: 35360861 PMCID: PMC8963810 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.815089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) that have been identified at approximately 0.7 and 0.5 million loci in the human genome, respectively, are highly multi-allelic variations rather than single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The number of repeats of more than a few thousand STRs was associated with the expression of nearby genes, indicating that STRs are influential genetic variations in human traits. Analgesics act on the central nervous system via their intrinsic receptors to produce analgesic effects. In the present study, we focused on STRs and VNTRs in the CNR1, GRIN2A, PENK, and PDYN genes and analyzed two peripheral pain sensation-related traits and seven analgesia-related traits in postoperative pain management. A total of 192 volunteers who underwent the peripheral pain sensation tests and 139 and 252 patients who underwent open abdominal and orthognathic cosmetic surgeries, respectively, were included in the study. None of the four STRs or VNTRs were associated with peripheral pain sensation. Short tandem repeats in the CNR1, GRIN2A, and PENK genes were associated with the frequency of fentanyl use, fentanyl dose, and visual analog scale pain scores 3 h after orthognathic cosmetic surgery (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.199, p = 0.002, ρ = 0.174, p = 0.006, and ρ = 0.135, p = 0.033, respectively), analgesic dose, including epidural analgesics after open abdominal surgery (ρ = −0.200, p = 0.018), and visual analog scale pain scores 24 h after orthognathic cosmetic surgery (ρ = 0.143, p = 0.023), respectively. The associations between STRs in the CNR1 gene and the frequency of fentanyl use and fentanyl dose after orthognathic cosmetic surgery were confirmed by Holm’s multiple-testing correction. These findings indicate that STRs in the CNR1 gene influence analgesia in the orofacial region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Kasai
- Addictive Substance Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishizawa
- Addictive Substance Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Hasegawa
- Addictive Substance Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Fukuda
- Department of Oral Health Science, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ichinohe
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nagashima
- Department of Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Sakura, Japan
| | - Masakazu Hayashida
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazutaka Ikeda,
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Kaminski NE, Kaplan BLF. Immunomodulation by cannabinoids: Current uses, mechanisms, and identification of data gaps to be addressed for additional therapeutic application. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 91:1-59. [PMID: 34099105 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in immunity and therefore its components, including cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), are putative druggable targets for immune-mediated diseases. Whether modulating endogenous cannabinoid levels or interacting with CB1 or CB2 receptors directly, cannabinoids or cannabinoid-based therapeutics (CBTs) show promise as anti-inflammatory or immune suppressive agents. Herein we provide an overview of cannabinoid effects in animals and humans that provide support for the use of CBTs in immune-mediated disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, arthritis, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). This is not an exhaustive review of cannabinoid effects on immune responses, but rather provides: (1) key studies in which initial and/or novel observations were made in animal studies; (2) critical human studies including meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which CBTs have been assessed; and (3) evidence for the role of CB1 or CB2 receptors in immune-mediated diseases through genetic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CNR1 and CNR2 genes that encode CB1 or CB2 receptors, respectively. Perhaps most importantly, we provide our view of data gaps that exist, which if addressed, would allow for more rigorous evaluation of the efficacy and risk to benefit ratio of the use of cannabinoids and/or CBTs for immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert E Kaminski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States.
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Chiurchiù V, van der Stelt M, Centonze D, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation in multiple sclerosis: Clues for other neuroinflammatory diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 160:82-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gentile A, Fresegna D, Musella A, Sepman H, Bullitta S, De Vito F, Fantozzi R, Usiello A, Maccarrone M, Mercuri NB, Lutz B, Mandolesi G, Centonze D. Interaction between interleukin-1β and type-1 cannabinoid receptor is involved in anxiety-like behavior in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:231. [PMID: 27589957 PMCID: PMC5009553 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, are frequently diagnosed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, even independently of the disabling symptoms associated with the disease. Anatomical, biochemical, and pharmacological evidence indicates that type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) is implicated in the control of emotional behavior and is modulated during inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases such as MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods We investigated whether CB1R could exert a role in anxiety-like behavior in mice with EAE. We performed behavioral, pharmacological, and electrophysiological experiments to explore the link between central inflammation, mood, and CB1R function in EAE. Results We observed that EAE-induced anxiety was associated with the downregulation of CB1R-mediated control of striatal GABA synaptic transmission and was exacerbated in mice lacking CB1R (CB1R-KO mice). Central blockade of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) reversed the anxiety-like phenotype of EAE mice, an effect associated with the concomitant rescue of dopamine (DA)-regulated spontaneous behavior, and DA-CB1R neurotransmission, leading to the rescue of striatal CB1R sensitivity. Conclusions Overall, results of the present investigation indicate that synaptic dysfunction linked to CB1R is involved in EAE-related anxiety and motivation-based behavior and contribute to clarify the complex neurobiological mechanisms underlying mood disorders associated to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Gentile
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Fresegna
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Musella
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Helena Sepman
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bullitta
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Vito
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Fantozzi
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), Caserta, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Integrata, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Georgia Mandolesi
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Transmission, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
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Neural Plasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: The Functional and Molecular Background. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:307175. [PMID: 26229689 PMCID: PMC4503575 DOI: 10.1155/2015/307175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder resulting in motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. The inflammatory and neurodegenerative changes seen in the brains of MS patients lead to progressive disability and increasing brain atrophy. The most common type of MS is characterized by episodes of clinical exacerbations and remissions. This suggests the presence of compensating mechanisms for accumulating damage. Apart from the widely known repair mechanisms like remyelination, another important phenomenon is neuronal plasticity. Initially, neuroplasticity was connected with the developmental stages of life; however, there is now growing evidence confirming that structural and functional reorganization occurs throughout our lifetime. Several functional studies, utilizing such techniques as fMRI, TBS, or MRS, have provided valuable data about the presence of neuronal plasticity in MS patients. CNS ability to compensate for neuronal damage is most evident in RR-MS; however it has been shown that brain plasticity is also preserved in patients with substantial brain damage. Regardless of the numerous studies, the molecular background of neuronal plasticity in MS is still not well understood. Several factors, like IL-1β, BDNF, PDGF, or CB1Rs, have been implicated in functional recovery from the acute phase of MS and are thus considered as potential therapeutic targets.
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Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis by Cannabis-Based Cannabinoids. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2014; 10:281-92. [PMID: 25537576 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-014-9575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the major immune-mediated, demyelinating, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Compounds within cannabis, notably Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) can limit the inappropriate neurotransmissions that cause MS-related problems and medicinal cannabis is now licenced for the treatment of MS symptoms. However, the biology indicates that the endocannabinoid system may offer the potential to control other aspects of disease. Although there is limited evidence that the cannabinoids from cannabis are having significant immunosuppressive activities that will influence relapsing autoimmunity, we and others can experimentally demonstrate that they may limit neurodegeneration that drives progressive disability. Here we show that synthetic cannabidiol can slow down the accumulation of disability from the inflammatory penumbra during relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in ABH mice, possibly via blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels. In addition, whilst non-sedating doses of Δ9-THC do not inhibit relapsing autoimmunity, they dose-dependently inhibit the accumulation of disability during EAE. They also appear to slow down clinical progression during MS in humans. Although a 3 year, phase III clinical trial did not detect a beneficial effect of oral Δ9-THC in progressive MS, a planned subgroup analysis of people with less disability who progressed more rapidly, demonstrated a significant slowing of progression by oral Δ9-THC compared to placebo. Whilst this may support the experimental and biological evidence for a neuroprotective effect by the endocannabinoid system in MS, it remains to be established whether this will be formally demonstrated in further trials of Δ9-THC/cannabis in progressive MS.
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Zajkowska ZE, Englund A, Zunszain PA. Towards a personalized treatment in depression: endocannabinoids, inflammation and stress response. Pharmacogenomics 2014; 15:687-98. [PMID: 24798725 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.14.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex nature of depression is mirrored by difficulties in tailoring its treatment. Key underlying mechanisms of this mental disorder include elevated inflammation and a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. More recently, the endocannabinoid system has been proposed as another important component in the pathogenesis of depression, and strong evidence suggests that all three systems communicate with each other. A growing number of genetic studies have investigated polymorphisms in depression in each of these systems separately. However, no study to date has looked at these genes in conjunction. In this article we will review the crosstalk between the endocannabinoid system, immune system and HPA axis; and discuss the evidence of gene polymorphisms and their relation to the risk of depression and its treatment. We propose future directions where genes of these three systems are considered from a joint perspective to improve prediction of treatment response, taking into account potentially overlooked genetic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna E Zajkowska
- Section of Stress, Psychiatry & Immunology, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
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Mori F, Ljoka C, Nicoletti CG, Kusayanagi H, Buttari F, Giordani L, Rossi S, Foti C, Centonze D. CB1 receptor affects cortical plasticity and response to physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2014; 1:e48. [PMID: 25520956 PMCID: PMC4268035 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Therapeutic effects of physical therapy in neurologic disorders mostly rely on the promotion of use-dependent synaptic plasticity in damaged neuronal circuits. Genetic differences affecting the efficiency of synaptic plasticity mechanisms could explain why some patients do not respond adequately to the treatment. It is known that physical exercise activates the endocannabinoid system and that stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) promotes synaptic plasticity in both rodents and humans. We thus tested whether CB1R genetic variants affect responsiveness to exercise therapy. METHODS We evaluated the effect of a genetic variant of the CB1R associated with reduced receptor expression (patients with long AAT trinucleotide short tandem repeats in the CNR1 gene) on long-term potentiation (LTP)-like cortical plasticity induced by transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation (TBS) of the motor cortex and, in parallel, on clinical response to exercise therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. RESULTS We found that patients with long AAT CNR1 repeats do not express TBS-induced LTP-like cortical plasticity and show poor clinical benefit after exercise therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first evidence that genetic differences within the CB1R may influence clinical responses to exercise therapy, and they strengthen the hypothesis that CB1Rs are involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and in the control of spasticity in humans. This information might be of great relevance for patient stratification and personalized rehabilitation treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mori
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Ljoka
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina G Nicoletti
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Hajime Kusayanagi
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Giordani
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Calogero Foti
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Clinica Neurologica (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, and Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (C.L., L.G., C.F.), Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; and Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia (F.M., C.G.N., H.K., F.B., S.R., D.C.), Rome, Italy
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Rossi S, Motta C, Musella A, Centonze D. The interplay between inflammatory cytokines and the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of synaptic transmission. Neuropharmacology 2014; 96:105-12. [PMID: 25268960 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Excessive glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission and secondary excitotoxicity have been proposed as key determinants of neurodegeneration in many neurological diseases. Soluble mediators of inflammation have recently gained attention owing to their ability to enhance glutamate transmission and affect synaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitters. In the complex crosstalk between soluble immunoactive molecules and synapses, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role, exerting an indirect neuroprotective action by inhibiting cytokine-dependent synaptic alterations, and a direct neuroprotective effect by limiting glutamate transmission and excitotoxic damage. On the other hand, the endocannabinoid (eCB)-mediated control of synaptic transmission is altered by proinflammatory cytokines with consequent effects in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In this review, we summarize the interactions, at the pre- and postsynaptic level, between major inflammatory cytokines and the ECS. In addition, the behavioral and clinical consequences of the modulation of synaptic transmission during neuroinflammation are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rossi
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia/Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia/Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Musella
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia/Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia/Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), 00143 Rome, Italy.
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12
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Abstract
The last 20 years have seen major progress in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using a variety of drugs targeting immune dysfunction. In contrast, all clinical trials of such agents in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) have failed and there is limited evidence of their efficacy in secondary progressive disease. Evolving concepts of the complex interplay between inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes across the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) may explain this discrepancy. This paper will provide an up-to-date overview of the rationale and results of the published clinical trials that have sought to alter the trajectory of both primary and secondary MS, considering studies involving drugs with a primary immune target and also those aiming for neuroprotection. Future areas of study will be discussed, building on these results combined with the experience of treating RRMS and new concepts emerging from laboratory science and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Italy
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13
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Musella A, Sepman H, Mandolesi G, Gentile A, Fresegna D, Haji N, Conrad A, Lutz B, Maccarrone M, Centonze D. Pre- and postsynaptic type-1 cannabinoid receptors control the alterations of glutamate transmission in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:567-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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14
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Rossi S, Bozzali M, Bari M, Mori F, Studer V, Motta C, Buttari F, Cercignani M, Gravina P, Mastrangelo N, Castelli M, Mancino R, Nucci C, Sottile F, Bernardini S, Maccarrone M, Centonze D. Association between a genetic variant of type-1 cannabinoid receptor and inflammatory neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82848. [PMID: 24391723 PMCID: PMC3877004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic ablation of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) exacerbates the neurodegenerative damage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the rodent model of multiple sclerosis (MS). To address the role on CB1Rs in the pathophysiology of human MS, we first investigated the impact of AAT trinucleotide short tandem repeat polymorphism of CNR1 gene on CB1R cell expression, and secondly on the inflammatory neurodegeneration process responsible for irreversible disability in MS patients. We found that MS patients with long AAT repeats within the CNR1 gene (≥12 in both alleles) had more pronounced neuronal degeneration in response to inflammatory white matter damage both in the optic nerve and in the cortex. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), in fact, showed more severe alterations of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and of the macular volume (MV) after an episode of optic neuritis in MS patients carrying the long AAT genotype of CNR1. MS patients with long AAT repeats also had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of increased gray matter damage in response to inflammatory lesions of the white matter, especially in areas with a major role in cognition. In parallel, visual abilities evaluated at the low contrast acuity test, and cognitive performances were negatively influenced by the long AAT CNR1 genotype in our sample of MS patients. Our results demonstrate the biological relevance of the (AAT)n CNR1 repeats in the inflammatory neurodegenerative damage of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rossi
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mori
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Studer
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Gravina
- Dipartimento Medicina di Laboratorio, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolina Mastrangelo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Castelli
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mancino
- Clinica Oculistica, Dipartimento di Biopatologia, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Clinica Oculistica, Dipartimento di Biopatologia, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Bernardini
- Dipartimento Medicina di Laboratorio, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Center of Integrated Research, School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC)/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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15
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Vasileiou I, Fotopoulou G, Matzourani M, Patsouris E, Theocharis S. Evidence for the involvement of cannabinoid receptors' polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of human diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:363-77. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.754426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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Kaplan BLF. The role of CB1 in immune modulation by cannabinoids. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 137:365-74. [PMID: 23261520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence that CB(2), historically referred to as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, mediates many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids. However, cannabinoid receptors cannot be classified simply as central or peripheral since CB(2) has been shown to play a role in the central nervous system (CNS) and CB(1) mediates many immune system effects. Although Cnr1 mRNA and CB(1) protein expression is lower than Cnr2 mRNA or CB(2) protein expression in cells of the immune system, several studies have shown direct modulation of immune function via CB(1) by endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids in T cells, innate cells, and to a lesser extent, B cells. In addition, indirect, but CB(1)-dependent, mechanisms of immune modulation exist. In fact, the mechanism by which cannabinoids attenuate neuroinflammation via CB(1) is likely a combination of immune suppression and neuroprotection. Although many studies demonstrate that agonists for CB(1) are immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory, CB(1) antagonists also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the data demonstrate that many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids are mediated via CB(1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Room 313, East Lansing, MI 48824-1630, United States.
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17
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Varadé J, Comabella M, Ortiz MA, Arroyo R, Fernández O, Pinto-Medel MJ, Fedetz M, Izquierdo G, Lucas M, Gómez CL, Rabasa AC, Alcina A, Matesanz F, Alloza I, Antigüedad A, García-Barcina M, Otaegui D, Olascoaga J, Saiz A, Blanco Y, Montalbán X, Vandenbroeck K, Urcelay E. Replication study of 10 genes showing evidence for association with multiple sclerosis: validation of TMEM39A, IL12B and CBLB [correction of CLBL] genes. Mult Scler 2011; 18:959-65. [PMID: 22194214 DOI: 10.1177/1352458511432741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ten genes previously showing different evidence of association with multiple sclerosis have been selected to validate. METHODS Eleven polymorphisms were genotyped with the iPLEX™ Sequenom in a well-powered collection of Spanish origin including 2863 multiple sclerosis cases and 2930 controls. RESULTS Replication extended to the following polymorphisms: PKN2 (rs305217), GTF2B (rs7538427), EPHA4 (rs1517440), YTHDF3 (rs12115114), ANKFN1 (rs17758761) and PTPRM (rs4798571), which did not reach the threshold of significance in a follow-up of the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted in multiple sclerosis; TMEM39A (rs1132200), which appeared as a newly identified susceptibility gene in the same study; a gene previously reaching GWAS significance in Italy, CBLB (rs9657904); IL12B (rs6887695, rs10045431), a susceptibility gene shared by diverse autoimmune diseases and, finally, another gene showing inconclusive association with multiple sclerosis, CNR1 (rs1049353). CONCLUSIONS Pooled analysis corroborated the effect on MS predisposition of three genes: TMEM39A [rs1132200: p(M-H)=0.001; OR(M-H) (95% CI)= 0.84 (0.75-0.93)], IL12B [rs6887695: p(M-H)=0.03; OR(M-H) (95% CI)= 1.09 (1.01-1.17)] and CBLB [rs9657904: p(M-H)=0.01; OR(M-H) (95% CI)= 0.89 (0.81-0.97)].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezabel Varadé
- Immunology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain
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18
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Mestre L, Iñigo PM, Mecha M, Correa FG, Hernangómez-Herrero M, Loría F, Docagne F, Borrell J, Guaza C. Anandamide inhibits Theiler's virus induced VCAM-1 in brain endothelial cells and reduces leukocyte transmigration in a model of blood brain barrier by activation of CB(1) receptors. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:102. [PMID: 21851608 PMCID: PMC3173342 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background VCAM-1 represents one of the most important adhesion molecule involved in the transmigration of blood leukocytes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that is an essential step in the pathogenesis of MS. Several evidences have suggested the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoids (CBs) in the treatment of MS and their experimental models. However, the effects of endocannabinoids on VCAM-1 regulation are poorly understood. In the present study we investigated the effects of anandamide (AEA) in the regulation of VCAM-1 expression induced by Theiler's virus (TMEV) infection of brain endothelial cells using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Methods i) in vitro: VCAM-1 was measured by ELISA in supernatants of brain endothelial cells infected with TMEV and subjected to AEA and/or cannabinoid receptors antagonist treatment. To evaluate the functional effect of VCAM-1 modulation we developed a blood brain barrier model based on a system of astrocytes and brain endothelial cells co-culture. ii) in vivo: CB1 receptor deficient mice (Cnr1-/-) infected with TMEV were treated with the AEA uptake inhibitor UCM-707 for three days. VCAM-1 expression and microglial reactivity were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Anandamide-induced inhibition of VCAM-1 expression in brain endothelial cell cultures was mediated by activation of CB1 receptors. The study of leukocyte transmigration confirmed the functional relevance of VCAM-1 inhibition by AEA. In vivo approaches also showed that the inhibition of AEA uptake reduced the expression of brain VCAM-1 in response to TMEV infection. Although a decreased expression of VCAM-1 by UCM-707 was observed in both, wild type and CB1 receptor deficient mice (Cnr1-/-), the magnitude of VCAM-1 inhibition was significantly higher in the wild type mice. Interestingly, Cnr1-/- mice showed enhanced microglial reactivity and VCAM-1 expression following TMEV infection, indicating that the lack of CB1 receptor exacerbated neuroinflammation. Conclusions Our results suggest that CB1 receptor dependent VCAM-1 inhibition is a novel mechanism for AEA-reduced leukocyte transmigration and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial role of endocannabinoid system in the Theiler's virus model of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyre Mestre
- Neuroimmunology Group, Functional and Systems Neurobiology Department, Cajal Institute, CSIC, 28002 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Rossi S, Furlan R, De Chiara V, Muzio L, Musella A, Motta C, Studer V, Cavasinni F, Bernardi G, Martino G, Cravatt BF, Lutz B, Maccarrone M, Centonze D. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors regulate neuronal TNF-α effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1242-8. [PMID: 21473912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) regulate the neurodegenerative damage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanism by which CB1R stimulation exerts protective effects is still unclear. Here we show that pharmacological activation of CB1Rs dampens the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-mediated potentiation of striatal spontaneous glutamate-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), which is believed to cogently contribute to the inflammation-induced neurodegenerative damage observed in EAE mice. Furthermore, mice lacking CB1Rs showed a more severe clinical course and, in parallel, exacerbated alterations of sEPSC duration after induction of EAE, indicating that endogenous cannabinoids activate CB1Rs and mitigate the synaptotoxic action of TNFα in EAE. Consistently, we found that mice lacking the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and thus expressing abnormally high brain levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, developed a less severe EAE associated with preserved TNFα-induced sEPSC alterations. CB1Rs are important modulators of EAE pathophysiology, and might play a mechanistic role in the neurodegenerative damage of MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rossi
- Neurologic Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
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20
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Giovannoni G. Cannabinoids and B cells: emerging targets for treating progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2011; 17:259-61. [PMID: 21362756 DOI: 10.1177/1352458511399799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
MESH Headings
- Animals
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Chemokine CXCL13/cerebrospinal fluid
- Disability Evaluation
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin M/biosynthesis
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/diagnosis
- Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/drug therapy
- Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/genetics
- Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/immunology
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/diagnosis
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/drug therapy
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/immunology
- Oligoclonal Bands/cerebrospinal fluid
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Prognosis
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Severity of Illness Index
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