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Barker H, Ferraro MJ. Exploring the versatile roles of the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in modulating bacterial infections. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0002024. [PMID: 38775488 PMCID: PMC11237442 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00020-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), initially identified for its role in maintaining homeostasis, particularly in regulating brain function, has evolved into a complex orchestrator influencing various physiological processes beyond its original association with the nervous system. Notably, an expanding body of evidence emphasizes the ECS's crucial involvement in regulating immune responses. While the specific role of the ECS in bacterial infections remains under ongoing investigation, compelling indications suggest its active participation in host-pathogen interactions. Incorporating the ECS into the framework of bacterial pathogen infections introduces a layer of complexity to our understanding of its functions. While some studies propose the potential of cannabinoids to modulate bacterial function and immune responses, the outcomes inherently hinge on the specific infection and cannabinoid under consideration. Moreover, the bidirectional relationship between the ECS and the gut microbiota underscores the intricate interplay among diverse physiological processes. The ECS extends its influence far beyond its initial discovery, emerging as a promising therapeutic target across a spectrum of medical conditions, encompassing bacterial infections, dysbiosis, and sepsis. This review comprehensively explores the complex roles of the ECS in the modulation of bacteria, the host's response to bacterial infections, and the dynamics of the microbiome. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2, whose signaling intricately influences immune cell function in microbe-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Barker
- Microbiology and Cell Science Department, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mariola J. Ferraro
- Microbiology and Cell Science Department, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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2
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Ashrafudoulla M, Ulrich MSI, Toushik SH, Nahar S, Roy PK, Mizan FR, Park SH, Ha SD. Challenges and opportunities of non-conventional technologies concerning food safety. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2023.2163044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ashrafudoulla
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Mevo S. I. Ulrich
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-Si, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Shamsun Nahar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Pantu Kumar Roy
- Department of Seafood Science and Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Furkanur Rahaman Mizan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hong Park
- Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Sang-Do Ha
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-Si, Republic of Korea
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Sionov RV, Steinberg D. Anti-Microbial Activity of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in the Light of Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030631. [PMID: 35327432 PMCID: PMC8945038 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become an increasing challenge in the treatment of various infectious diseases, especially those associated with biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic materials. There is an urgent need for new treatment protocols that can also target biofilm-embedded bacteria. Many secondary metabolites of plants possess anti-bacterial activities, and especially the phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa L. varieties have reached a renaissance and attracted much attention for their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities at concentrations below the cytotoxic threshold on normal mammalian cells. Accordingly, many synthetic cannabinoids have been designed with the intention to increase the specificity and selectivity of the compounds. The structurally unrelated endocannabinoids have also been found to have anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. Recent data suggest for a mutual communication between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiota. The present review focuses on the anti-microbial activities of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids integrated with some selected issues of their many physiological and pharmacological activities.
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Schofs L, Sparo MD, Sánchez Bruni SF. The antimicrobial effect behind Cannabis sativa. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00761. [PMID: 33822478 PMCID: PMC8023331 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of multidrug-resistant bacteria has revealed the need for new antimicrobial compounds. Cannabis sativa preparations have a long history of medical applications, including the treatment of infectious diseases. This review collects the information about the activity of C. sativa extracts and its main components (cannabinoids and terpenes) against pathogenic bacteria and fungus, to assess its potential using as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureano Schofs
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina.,Tandil Veterinary Research Center (CIVETAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Comisión de investigaciones científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Tandil, Argentina
| | - Mónica D Sparo
- Tandil Veterinary Research Center (CIVETAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Comisión de investigaciones científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Tandil, Argentina.,Clinical Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Sergio F Sánchez Bruni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina.,Tandil Veterinary Research Center (CIVETAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Comisión de investigaciones científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Tandil, Argentina
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Habib G, Steinberg D, Jabbour A. The impact of medical cannabis consumption on the oral flora and saliva. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247044. [PMID: 33577600 PMCID: PMC7880425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of medical cannabis consumption on oral flora and saliva. DESIGN A clinical prospective study, at the rheumatology clinic of the Nazareth Hospital in Nazareth, recruiting consecutively patients approved for medical cannabis, evaluating their saliva flow, pH and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, prior to and under medical cannabis treatment. METHODS Patients recently licensed for medical cannabis treatment, were recruited just prior to starting medical cannabis consumption (week 0), 1 and 4 weeks later, patients provided 5-minute time saliva samples, which were measured for their volume and pH, and cultured on a special microbial kit, evaluating the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. RESULTS Out of 16 patients enrolled, 14 were female and had fibromyalgia. The mean age of the patients was 52.8±12.9 years. The mean saliva flow at week 0, week 1 and week 4 were 5.38±3.36 ml/5-minutes, 6 (p = 0.769) and 5.45 (p = 0.391), respectively, and for saliva pH were 6.28, 5.94 (p = 0.51) and 5.5 (p = 0.07) respectively also. The mean Streptococcus mutans growth score at weeks 0, 1 and 4 was1.8±0.75, 1.6±0.83 (p = 0.234), and 2.4±0.84 (p = 0.058), respectively. The mean Lactobacilli growth score at weeks 0, 1 and 4 was 2.59±0.88, 3.1±0.69 (p = 0.033) and 3.3±0.67 (p = 0.025), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that medical cannabis consumption has no significant effect on saliva volume or pH, but it may be associated with changes in salivary levels of oral microbes such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Habib
- Nazareth, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine C and Rheumatology Unit, Laniado Hospital, Netanya, and Rheumatology Clinic Nazareth Hospital, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Doron Steinberg
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Biofilm Research Laboratory, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adel Jabbour
- Nazareth, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Medical Laboratory, Nazareth Hospital E.M.M.S, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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Bux K, Hofer TS, Moin ST. Exploring interfacial dynamics in homodimeric S-ribosylhomocysteine lyase (LuxS) from Vibrio cholerae through molecular dynamics simulations. RSC Adv 2021; 11:1700-1714. [PMID: 35424088 PMCID: PMC8693604 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08809a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular dynamics simulation study on the dimeric form of the LuxS enzyme from Vibrio cholerae to evaluate its structural and dynamical properties including the dynamics of the interface formed by the two monomeric chains of the enzyme. The dynamics of the interfacial region were investigated in terms of inter-residual contacts and the associated interface area of the enzyme in its ligand-free and ligand–bound states which produced characteristics contrast in the interfacial dynamics. Moreover, the binding patterns of the two inhibitors (RHC and KRI) to the enzyme forming two different enzyme–ligand complexes were analyzed which pointed towards a varying inhibition potential of the inhibitors as also revealed by the free energies of ligand binding. It is shown that KRI is a more potent inhibitor than RHC – a substrate analogue, showing correlation with experimental data. Moreover, the role of a loop in chain B of the enzyme was found to facilitate the binding of RHC similar to that of the substrate, while KRI demonstrates a differing binding pattern. The computation of the free energy of binding for the two ligands was also carried out via thermodynamic integration which ultimately served to correlate the dynamical properties with the inhibition potential of two different ligands against the enzyme. Furthermore, this successful study provides a rational to suggest novel LuxS inhibitors which could become promising candidates to treat the diseases caused by a broad variety of bacterial species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular dynamics simulation study on the dimeric form of the LuxS enzyme from Vibrio cholerae to evaluate its structural and dynamical properties including the dynamics of the interface formed by the two monomeric chains of the enzyme.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Khair Bux
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry
- International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences
- University of Karachi
- Karachi-75270
- Pakistan
| | - Thomas S. Hofer
- Theoretical Chemistry Division
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
- University of Innsbruck
- A-6020 Innsbruck
- Austria
| | - Syed Tarique Moin
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry
- International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences
- University of Karachi
- Karachi-75270
- Pakistan
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Vasudevan K, Stahl V. CBD-supplemented Polishing Powder Enhances Tooth Polishing by Inhibiting Dental Plaque Bacteria. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2020; 10:766-770. [PMID: 33437711 PMCID: PMC7791591 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_351_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Air polishing is a safe tooth polishing technique used by dental professionals for stain and plaque removal and as a preventive procedure for dental health. We previously reported the antibacterial properties of cannabinoids against dental plaque bacteria. The objective of this study was to analyze the possibilities to improvise the existing air-polishing technique by supplementing cannabinoid powder into the classic polishing powder for effective removal of supragingival and subgingival plaque and for inhibition of plaque-forming bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cannabidiol (CBD) powder was added to the tooth polishing powder (AIR-N-GO, classic) at a 1% (wt/wt) ratio. The study was conducted on 12 patients, of whom six received regular polishing treatment and six received CBD-supplemented polishing treatment. The dental plaque samples were collected before and after each treatment and subjected to in vitro microbiological analysis, and the colony forming units (CFU) were analyzed by using an automated colony counter. RESULTS Based on in vitro microbiological analysis, the average CFU of interdental space samples collected from post-CBD-supplemented polishing treatment was significantly reduced (linear fold change between 3.9 and 18.4) compared with that of postregular polishing (linear fold change between 1.0 and 2.6) treatment. CONCLUSIONS The CBD-supplemented polishing powder can help in effective removal and killing of dental plaque bacteria during the polishing treatment; it can also be added as an enhancing supplement to the existing polishing powders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica Stahl
- CannIBite bvba, Prins Leopoldlei 12, Mortsel 2640, Belgium
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Chen J, Lu Y, Ye X, Emam M, Zhang H, Wang H. Current advances in Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing as drug discovery targets. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112741. [PMID: 32871343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi is a marine bacterial pathogen which infects a wide range of marine organisms and results in severe loss. Antibiotics have been used for prophylaxis and treatment of V. harveyi infection. However, antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat to both human and animals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents with new modes of action. In V. harveyi, many virulence factors production and bioluminescence formation depend on its quorum sensing (QS) network. Therefore, the QS system has been widely investigated as an effective potential target for the treatment of V. harveyi infection. This perspective focuses on the quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) of V. harveyi QS systems (LuxM/N, LuxS/PQ, and CqsA/S) and evaluates medicinal chemistry strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yaojia Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xinyi Ye
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Mahmoud Emam
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Huawei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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Vasudevan K, Stahl V. Cannabinoids infused mouthwash products are as effective as chlorhexidine on inhibition of total-culturable bacterial content in dental plaque samples. J Cannabis Res 2020; 2:20. [PMID: 33526124 PMCID: PMC7819473 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-020-00027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental plaque is a global health problem affecting people of various age groups. Cannabinoids are gaining enormous research attention due to its beneficial properties for various applications. A preliminary observation on antimicrobial property of cannabinoids against dental plaque bacteria has been reported recently. As a follow-up research, here we report the in vitro evaluation of cannabinoids infused mouthwash products against total culturable (aerobic) bacterial content from dental plaque samples. METHODS We tested two cannabinoid-infused mouthwash products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) respectively (each mouthwash containing < 1% cannabinoid by weight) in vitro against total-culturable bacteria from dental plaque samples collected from 72 adults aged between 18 and 83 years. The participants were grouped on the basis of Dutch periodontal screening index (DPSI) score. To compare the efficacy of our products, we included two most commonly available products over the counter (Product A and Product B) to represent commercially available mouthwash products and the gold standard chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% as a positive control. The product A represents mouthwash containing essential oils and alcohol, and Product B represents alcohol-free mouthwash that contains fluoride. All the mouthwash products were evaluated directly as such without any dilution through disc diffusion and agar well diffusion approaches and the diameter of zone of inhibition was measured. The limitation in methodology was that, the samples were open-label and the person who performed the manual measurements was unblind to test and control products used. RESULTS On average, the cannabinoids infused mouthwash products showed the similar bactericidal efficacy as that of chlorhexidine 0.2%. Both chlorhexidine 0.2% and cannabinoids infused mouthwash products were effective against all the samples tested. Product A did not show any significant antimicrobial activity in any of the samples tested, except that a very marginal inhibition with a zone of 7-8 mm was observed only in 9 samples. Product B did not show any detectable inhibition zone at all in any of the samples tested. The ranges of zones of inhibition (and their average) were 8-25 mm (18.1 mm) for CBD-mouthwash, 8-25 mm (17.7 mm) for CBG-mouthwash; 12-25 mm (16.8 mm) for chlorhexidine 0.2%; 0-8 mm (0.1 mm) for Product A; and 0 mm for Product B. Although the difference in performance was slightly higher than chlorhexidine in both the cases, the difference was statistically significant for CBD-mouthwash and near significant for CBG-mouthwash. No significant difference was observed between CBD- and CBG-mouthwash. No significant difference in performance was found between DPSI score groups for any of the product tested. To our knowledge this is the first report on such efficient mouthwash product with natural key ingredients including cannabinoids and without any kind of fluoride or alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results demonstrate the potential of cannabinoids in developing efficient and safer mouthwash products and next generation oral care products without fluoride and alcohol.
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Ashrafudoulla M, Mizan MFR, Park SH, Ha SD. Current and future perspectives for controlling Vibrio biofilms in the seafood industry: a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:1827-1851. [PMID: 32436440 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1767031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The contamination of seafood with Vibrio species can have severe repercussions in the seafood industry. Vibrio species can form mature biofilms and persist on the surface of several seafoods such as crabs, oysters, mussels, and shrimp, for extended duration. Several conventional approaches have been employed to inhibit the growth of planktonic cells and prevent the formation of Vibrio biofilms. Since Vibrio biofilms are mostly resistant to these control measures, novel alternative methods need to be urgently developed. In this review, we propose environmentally friendly approaches to suppress Vibrio biofilm formation using a hypothesized mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashrafudoulla
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Advanced Food Safety Research Group, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyunggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Furkanur Rahaman Mizan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Advanced Food Safety Research Group, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyunggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hong Park
- Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Sang-Do Ha
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Advanced Food Safety Research Group, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyunggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Aqawi M, Gallily R, Sionov RV, Zaks B, Friedman M, Steinberg D. Cannabigerol Prevents Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation of Vibrio harveyi. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:858. [PMID: 32457724 PMCID: PMC7221000 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid naturally present in trace amounts in the Cannabis plant. So far, CBG has been shown to exert diverse activities in eukaryotes. However, much less is known about its effects on prokaryotes. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CBG as an anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing agent against Vibrio harveyi. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system among bacteria that involves small signaling molecules called autoinducers, enabling bacteria to sense the surrounding environment. The autoinducers cause alterations in gene expression and induce bioluminescence, pigment production, motility and biofilm formation. The effect of CBG was tested on V. harveyi grown under planktonic and biofilm conditions. CBG reduced the QS-regulated bioluminescence and biofilm formation of V. harveyi at concentrations not affecting the planktonic bacterial growth. CBG also reduced the motility of V. harveyi in a dose-dependent manner. We further observed that CBG increased LuxO expression and activity, with a concomitant 80% downregulation of the LuxR gene. Exogenous addition of autoinducers could not overcome the QS-inhibitory effect of CBG, suggesting that CBG interferes with the transmission of the autoinducer signals. In conclusion, our study shows that CBG is a potential anti-biofilm agent via inhibition of the QS cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Aqawi
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Gallily
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Vogt Sionov
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Batya Zaks
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Friedman
- The Department of Pharmaceutics, The Faculty of Medicine, The Institute of Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Doron Steinberg
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Stahl V, Vasudevan K. Comparison of Efficacy of Cannabinoids versus Commercial Oral Care Products in Reducing Bacterial Content from Dental Plaque: A Preliminary Observation. Cureus 2020; 12:e6809. [PMID: 32038896 PMCID: PMC6991146 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6809] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dental plaque is a complex biofilm that gets formed on the teeth and acts as a reservoir of different microbes. It is the root cause for the occurrence of several dental problems and diseases, including cavities, bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Therefore, it should be regularly removed using suitable oral care aids. Objectives The present study compared the efficacy of oral care products and cannabinoids in reducing the bacterial content of dental plaques. Methods Sixty adults aged 18 to 45 years were categorized into six groups based on the Dutch periodontal screening index. Dental plaques of the adults were collected using paro-toothpick sticks and spread on two Petri dishes, each with four divisions. On Petri dish-A, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) were used, and on Petri dish-B, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Oral B, Colgate, and Cannabite F (a toothpaste formulation of pomegranate and algae) were used. The Petri dishes were sealed and incubated, followed by counting the number of colonies. Results By evaluating the colony count of the dental bacteria isolated from six groups, it was found that cannabinoids were more effective in reducing the bacterial colony count in dental plaques as compared to the well-established synthetic oral care products such as Oral B and Colgate. Conclusion Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as an effective antibacterial agent against dental plaque-associated bacteria. Moreover, it provides a safer alternative for synthetic antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance.
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Torres-Cerna CE, Morales JA, Hernandez-Vargas EA. Modeling Quorum Sensing Dynamics and Interference on Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1835. [PMID: 31481938 PMCID: PMC6710385 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria control the expression of specific genes by Quorum Sensing (QS). This works using small signaling molecules called Autoinducers (AIs), for example, the Autoinducer-2 (AI-2). In this work, we present a mathematical model that represents the AI-2 dynamics on Escherichia coli, which is linked to the cell growth and the lsr operon expression. The model is adjusted using experimental data. Our results suggest that the extracellular AI-2 activity level depends on the cell growth rate, and this activity depends on the cell exponential growth phase. The model was adapted to simulate the interference of QS mechanisms in a co-culture of two E. coli strains: a wild type strain and a knock out strain that detects AI-2 but does not produce it. Co-culture simulations unveiled two conditions to avoid the QS on the wild strain: when the knock out takes control of the growth medium and overcomes the wild strain, or when is pre-cultured to its mid-exponential phase and then added to the wild strain culture. Model simulations unveiled new insights about the interference of bacterial communication and offer new tools for QS control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Alejandro Morales
- Computer Science Department, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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Feldman M, Smoum R, Mechoulam R, Steinberg D. Antimicrobial potential of endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17696. [PMID: 30523307 PMCID: PMC6283871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus have reached epidemic proportions globally. Staphylococcal biofilms are associated with increased antimicrobial resistance and are generally less affected by host immune factors. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel agents that not only aim at multidrug-resistant pathogens, but also ones that will act as anti biofilms. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the endocannabinoid (EC) anandamide (AEA) and the endocannabinoid-like (EC-like), arachidonoyl serine (AraS) against methicillin resistant S. aureus strains (MRSA). We observed a strong inhibition of biofilm formation of all tested MRSA strains as well as a notable reduction of metabolic activity of pre-formed MRSA biofilms by both agents. Moreover, staphylococcal biofilm-associated virulence determinants such as hydrophobicity, cell aggregation and spreading ability were altered by AEA and AraS. In addition, the agents were able to modify bacterial membrane potential. Importantly, both compounds prevent biofilm formation by altering the surface of the cell without killing the bacteria. Therefore, we propose that EC and EC-like compounds may act as a natural line of defence against MRSA or other antibiotic resistant bacteria. Due to their anti biofilm action these agents could also be a promising alternative to antibiotic therapeutics against biofilm-associated MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Feldman
- Biofilm Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reem Smoum
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Doron Steinberg
- Biofilm Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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15
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Russo EB. Cannabis Therapeutics and the Future of Neurology. Front Integr Neurosci 2018; 12:51. [PMID: 30405366 PMCID: PMC6200872 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological therapeutics have been hampered by its inability to advance beyond symptomatic treatment of neurodegenerative disorders into the realm of actual palliation, arrest or reversal of the attendant pathological processes. While cannabis-based medicines have demonstrated safety, efficacy and consistency sufficient for regulatory approval in spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut Syndromes (LGS), many therapeutic challenges remain. This review will examine the intriguing promise that recent discoveries regarding cannabis-based medicines offer to neurological therapeutics by incorporating the neutral phytocannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), their acidic precursors, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabis terpenoids in the putative treatment of five syndromes, currently labeled recalcitrant to therapeutic success, and wherein improved pharmacological intervention is required: intractable epilepsy, brain tumors, Parkinson disease (PD), Alzheimer disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Current basic science and clinical investigations support the safety and efficacy of such interventions in treatment of these currently intractable conditions, that in some cases share pathological processes, and the plausibility of interventions that harness endocannabinoid mechanisms, whether mediated via direct activity on CB1 and CB2 (tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, caryophyllene), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ; THCA), 5-HT1A (CBD, CBDA) or even nutritional approaches utilizing prebiotics and probiotics. The inherent polypharmaceutical properties of cannabis botanicals offer distinct advantages over the current single-target pharmaceutical model and portend to revolutionize neurological treatment into a new reality of effective interventional and even preventative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan B Russo
- International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), Prague, Czechia
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16
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Syed N, Ahmed A, Moin ST. Understanding LuxS-based quorum sensing and its inhibition – molecular dynamics simulation study. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2017.1408957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naima Syed
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayaz Ahmed
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Tarique Moin
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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17
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Russo EB, Marcu J. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 80:67-134. [PMID: 28826544 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The golden age of cannabis pharmacology began in the 1960s as Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues in Israel isolated and synthesized cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other phytocannabinoids. Initially, THC garnered most research interest with sporadic attention to cannabidiol, which has only rekindled in the last 15 years through a demonstration of its remarkably versatile pharmacology and synergy with THC. Gradually a cognizance of the potential of other phytocannabinoids has developed. Contemporaneous assessment of cannabis pharmacology must be even far more inclusive. Medical and recreational consumers alike have long believed in unique attributes of certain cannabis chemovars despite their similarity in cannabinoid profiles. This has focused additional research on the pharmacological contributions of mono- and sesquiterpenoids to the effects of cannabis flower preparations. Investigation reveals these aromatic compounds to contribute modulatory and therapeutic roles in the cannabis entourage far beyond expectations considering their modest concentrations in the plant. Synergistic relationships of the terpenoids to cannabinoids will be highlighted and include many complementary roles to boost therapeutic efficacy in treatment of pain, psychiatric disorders, cancer, and numerous other areas. Additional parts of the cannabis plant provide a wide and distinct variety of other compounds of pharmacological interest, including the triterpenoid friedelin from the roots, canniprene from the fan leaves, cannabisin from seed coats, and cannflavin A from seed sprouts. This chapter will explore the unique attributes of these agents and demonstrate how cannabis may yet fulfil its potential as Mechoulam's professed "pharmacological treasure trove."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jahan Marcu
- Americans for Safe Access, Patient Focused Certification, Washington, DC, United States
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18
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Redenski I, Sahar-Helft S, Stabholz A, Steinberg D. Er:YAG Laser Irradiation Induces Behavioral Changes in V. harveyi. Photomed Laser Surg 2017; 35:164-170. [PMID: 28068190 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2016.4155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Laser technologies have many different applications in medical, agricultural, and industrial fields. Studies have shown several effects of laser energy on different bacterial species, in a wide variety of settings. Recent reports have found that one of the unique features of bacteria is their ability to communicate among themselves (quorum sensing). We sought to investigate whether low-energy laser irradiation affects bacterial behavior, which is regulated by quorum sensing. METHODS Laser irradiations were performed using Er:YAG laser (2940 nm wavelength) at output powers of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4 W on wild-type Vibrio harveyi. Bioluminescence, motility, and biofilm forming capability were assessed on the bacteria after irradiation. RESULTS After irradiation of bacteria, positive dose/output power dependencies were found in the bioluminescence omitted from tested experimental groups. Motility of colonies on semi-solid media was inhibited as irradiation output power was increased. However, after irradiation, biomass analysis of biofilm samples showed negligible differences between the irradiated samples and controls. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate the impact of low-energy laser irradiation on bacterial behavior such as quorum sensing and motility, without affecting bacterial growth patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Redenski
- 1 Biofilm Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .,2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharonit Sahar-Helft
- 2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adam Stabholz
- 2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Doron Steinberg
- 1 Biofilm Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel
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19
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Nana A, Nelson SB, McLaren A, Chen AF. What's New in Musculoskeletal Infection: Update on Biofilms. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2016; 98:1226-34. [PMID: 27440572 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.16.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Nana
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Sandra B Nelson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex McLaren
- Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Antonia F Chen
- Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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Duanis-Assaf D, Steinberg D, Chai Y, Shemesh M. The LuxS Based Quorum Sensing Governs Lactose Induced Biofilm Formation by Bacillus subtilis. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1517. [PMID: 26779171 PMCID: PMC4705240 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus species present a major concern in the dairy industry as they can form biofilms in pipelines and on surfaces of equipment and machinery used in the entire line of production. These biofilms represent a continuous hygienic problem and can lead to serious economic losses due to food spoilage and equipment impairment. Biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis is apparently dependent on LuxS quorum sensing (QS) by Autoinducer-2 (AI-2). However, the link between sensing environmental cues and AI-2 induced biofilm formation remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of lactose, the primary sugar in milk, on biofilm formation by B. subtilis and its possible link to QS processes. Our phenotypic analysis shows that lactose induces formation of biofilm bundles as well as formation of colony type biofilm. Furthermore, using reporter strain assays, we observed an increase in AI-2 production by B. subtilis in response to lactose in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, we found that expression of eps and tapA operons, responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis in B. subtilis, were notably up-regulated in response to lactose. Importantly, we also observed that LuxS is essential for B. subtilis biofilm formation in the presence of lactose. Overall, our results suggest that lactose may induce biofilm formation by B. subtilis through the LuxS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Duanis-Assaf
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute for Postharvest Technology and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center Bet-Dagan, Israel; Biofilm Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalem, Israel
| | - Doron Steinberg
- Biofilm Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yunrong Chai
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston MA, USA
| | - Moshe Shemesh
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute for Postharvest Technology and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center Bet- Dagan, Israel
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