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Guenther KG, Lin X, Xu Z, Makriyannis A, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors in primary sensory neurons are implicated in CB 2 agonist-mediated suppression of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception and sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116879. [PMID: 38850666 PMCID: PMC11209786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116879] [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] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 agonists show therapeutic efficacy without unwanted CB1-mediated side effects. The G protein-biased CB2 receptor agonist LY2828360 attenuates the maintenance of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception in male mice and blocks development of morphine tolerance in this model. However, the cell types involved in this phenomenon are unknown and whether this therapeutic profile is observed in female mice has never been investigated. We used conditional deletion of CB2 receptors to determine the cell population(s) mediating the anti-allodynic and morphine-sparing effects of CB2 agonists. Anti-allodynic effects of structurally distinct CB2 agonists (LY2828360 and AM1710) were present in paclitaxel-treated CB2f/f mice and in mice lacking CB2 receptors in CX3CR1 expressing microglia/macrophages (CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f), but were absent in mice lacking CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f). The morphine-sparing effect of LY28282360 occurred in a sexually-dimorphic manner, being present in male, but not female, mice. LY2828360 treatment (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 12 days) blocked the development of morphine tolerance in male CB2f/f and CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f mice with established paclitaxel-induced neuropathy but was absent in male (or female) AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice. Co-administration of morphine with a low dose of LY2828360 (0.1 mg/kg per day i.p. x 6 days) reversed morphine tolerance in paclitaxel-treated male CB2f/f mice, but not AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice of either sex. LY2828360 (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 8 days) delayed, but did not prevent, the development of paclitaxel-induced mechanical or cold allodynia in either CB2f/f or CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f mice of either sex. Our findings have potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey G Guenther
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Zhili Xu
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
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Rodrigues FDS, Newton WR, Tassinari ID, da Cunha Xavier FH, Marx A, de Fraga LS, Wright K, Guedes RP, Bambini-Jr V. Cannabidiol prevents LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and iNOS activity in BV2 microglia cells via CB2 receptors and PPARγ. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105769. [PMID: 38761855 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105769] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation stands as a critical player in the pathogenesis of diverse neurological disorders, with microglial cells playing a central role in orchestrating the inflammatory landscape within the central nervous system. Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained attention for its potential to elicit anti-inflammatory responses in microglia, offering promising perspectives for conditions associated with neuroinflammation. Here we investigated whether the NLRP3 inflammasome and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are involved in the protective effects of CBD, and if their modulation is dependent on cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and PPARγ signalling pathways. We found that treatment with CBD attenuated pro-inflammatory markers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BV2 microglia in a CB2- and PPARγ-dependent manner. At a molecular level, CBD inhibited the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses by suppressing iNOS and NLRP3/Caspase-1-dependent signalling cascades, resulting in reduced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations. Notably, the protective effects of CBD on NLRP3 expression, Caspase-1 activity, and IL-1β concentration were partially hindered by the antagonism of both CB2 receptors and PPARγ, while iNOS expression and NO secretion were dependent exclusively on PPARγ activation, with no CB2 involvement. Interestingly, CBD exhibited a protective effect against TNF-α increase, regardless of CB2 or PPARγ activation. Altogether, these findings indicate that CB2 receptors and PPARγ mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, iNOS activity and, ultimately, on microglial phenotype. Our results highlight the specific components responsible for the potential therapeutic applications of CBD on neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda da Silva Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - William Robert Newton
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Exeter University, Exeter, United Kingdom.
| | - Isadora D'Ávila Tassinari
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom; Graduate Program in Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Adél Marx
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - Luciano Stürmer de Fraga
- Graduate Program in Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Karen Wright
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Victorio Bambini-Jr
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
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3
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Sharon N, Yarmolinsky L, Khalfin B, Fleisher-Berkovich S, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabinoids' Role in Modulating Central and Peripheral Immunity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6402. [PMID: 38928109 PMCID: PMC11204381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids, the synthetic cannabinoids, and the phytocannabinoids) are well known for their various pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory features, which are fundamentally important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aging of the global population is causing an increase in these diseases that require the development of effective drugs to be even more urgent. Taking into account the unavailability of effective drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, it seems appropriate to consider the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of these diseases. To our knowledge, few reviews are devoted to cannabinoids' impact on modulating central and peripheral immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to provide the best possible information about the cannabinoid receptors and immuno-modulation features, peripheral immune modulation by cannabinoids, cannabinoid-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, and the future development prospects of making cannabinoids versatile tools in the pursuit of effective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (N.S.); (L.Y.); (B.K.); (S.F.-B.)
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4
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Bodke S, Joshi N, Alavala RR, Suares D. In silico exploration of CB2 receptor agonist in the management of neuroinflammatory conditions by pharmacophore modeling. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 110:108049. [PMID: 38507844 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108049] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system plays a pivotal role in controlling neuroinflammation, and modulating this system may not only aid in managing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Central and Peripheral neuropathic pain, but also, have the potential to target these diseases at an early-stage. In the present study, six different pharmacophore hypotheses were generated from Cannabidiol (CBD)-Cannabinoid Receptor subtype-2 (CB2) and then Zinc database was screened for identification of hit molecules. Identified 215 hit molecules were subjected to preliminary screening with ADMET and drug likeness properties, and about 48 molecules were found with no violations and toxicity properties. In molecular docking studies, six compounds showed better binding energy than CBD and β-caryophyllene (known inhibitor of CB2). These six molecules were designated as leads and subjected to re-docking with glide tool and Lead1 (ZINC000078815430) showed docking score of -9.877 kcal/mol, whereas CBD and β-caryophyllene showed score of -9.664 and -8.499 kcal/mol, respectively. Lead1 and CBD were evaluated for stability studies with Desmond tool by molecular dynamic simulation studies. Lead1 showed better stability than CBD in all studied parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, SSE, Rg, SASA, etc. In MM-GBSA free energy calculations, ΔGbinding energy of CB2-CBD complex and CB2-Lead1 were found to be -103.13±11.19 and -107.94±5.42 kcal/mol, respectively. Six lead molecules stated in the study hold promise with respect to CBD agonistic activity for treating and/or managing chronic conditions and can be explored as an alternative for early-stage cure, which has not yet been experimentally explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlok Bodke
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Nachiket Joshi
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Rajasekhar Reddy Alavala
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai 400056, India.
| | - Divya Suares
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai 400056, India.
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Moe A, Rayasam A, Sauber G, Shah RK, Doherty A, Yuan CY, Szabo A, Moore BM, Colonna M, Cui W, Romero J, Zamora AE, Hillard CJ, Drobyski WR. Type 2 cannabinoid receptor expression on microglial cells regulates neuroinflammation during graft-versus-host disease. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175205. [PMID: 38662453 PMCID: PMC11142740 DOI: 10.1172/jci175205] [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] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a recognized complication of immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, chimeric antigen receptor therapy, and graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While T cells and inflammatory cytokines play a role in this process, the precise interplay between the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system that propagates inflammation in the central nervous system remains incompletely understood. Using a murine model of GVHD, we demonstrate that type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) signaling plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. In these studies, we identify that CB2R expression on microglial cells induces an activated inflammatory phenotype that potentiates the accumulation of donor-derived proinflammatory T cells, regulates chemokine gene regulatory networks, and promotes neuronal cell death. Pharmacological targeting of this receptor with a brain penetrant CB2R inverse agonist/antagonist selectively reduces neuroinflammation without deleteriously affecting systemic GVHD severity. Thus, these findings delineate a therapeutically targetable neuroinflammatory pathway and have implications for the attenuation of neurotoxicity after GVHD and potentially other T cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aniko Szabo
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M. Moore
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Stanciu GD, Ababei DC, Solcan C, Uritu CM, Craciun VC, Pricope CV, Szilagyi A, Tamba BI. Exploring Cannabinoids with Enhanced Binding Affinity for Targeting the Expanded Endocannabinoid System: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:530. [PMID: 38675490 PMCID: PMC11053678 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of rigorous research and numerous clinical trials, Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a notable healthcare challenge of this century, with effective therapeutic solutions remaining elusive. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as an essential therapeutic target due to its regulatory role in different physiological processes, such as neuroprotection, modulation of inflammation, and synaptic plasticity. This aligns with previous research showing that cannabinoid receptor ligands have the potential to trigger the functional structure of neuronal and brain networks, potentially impacting memory processing. Therefore, our study aims to assess the effects of prolonged, intermittent exposure (over 90 days) to JWH-133 (0.2 mg/kg) and an EU-GMP certified Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabixir® Medium Flos, 2.5 mg/kg) on recognition memory, as well as their influence on brain metabolism and modulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system in APP/PS1 mice. Chronic therapy with cannabinoid receptor ligands resulted in reduced anxiety-like behavior and partially reversed the cognitive deficits. Additionally, a reduction was observed in both the number and size of Aβ plaque deposits, along with decreased cerebral glucose metabolism, as well as a decline in the expression of mTOR and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, the study revealed enlarged astrocytes and enhanced expression of M1 mAChR in mice subjected to cannabinoid treatment. Our findings highlight the pivotal involvement of the extended endocannabinoid system in cognitive decline and pathological aspects associated with AD, presenting essential preclinical evidence to support the continued exploration and assessment of cannabinoid receptor ligands for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
- Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cristina-Mariana Uritu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Vlad-Constantin Craciun
- Department of Computer Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cosmin-Vasilica Pricope
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrei Szilagyi
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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7
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Di Micco S, Ciaglia T, Salviati E, Michela P, Kostrzewa M, Musella S, Schiano Moriello A, Di Sarno V, Smaldone G, Di Matteo F, Capolupo I, Infantino R, Bifulco G, Pepe G, Sommella EM, Kumar P, Basilicata MG, Allarà M, Sánchez-Fernández N, Aso E, Gomez-Monterrey IM, Campiglia P, Ostacolo C, Maione S, Ligresti A, Bertamino A. Novel pyrrole based CB2 agonists: New insights on CB2 receptor role in regulating neurotransmitters' tone. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116298. [PMID: 38493727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116298] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid system is one of the most investigated neuromodulatory systems because of its involvement in multiple pathologies such as cancer, inflammation, and psychiatric diseases. Recently, the CB2 receptor has gained increased attention considering its crucial role in modulating neuroinflammation in several pathological conditions like neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe the rational design of pyrrole-based analogues, which led to a potent and pharmacokinetically suitable CB2 full agonist particularly effective in improving cognitive functions in a scopolamine-induced amnesia murine model. Therefore, we extended our study by investigating the interconnection between CB2 activation and neurotransmission in this experimental paradigm. To this purpose, we performed a MALDI imaging analysis on mice brains, observing that the administration of our lead compound was able to revert the effect of scopolamine on different neurotransmitter tones, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA, shedding light on important networks not fully explored, so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Micco
- European Biomedical Research Institute (EBRIS), Via S. De Renzi 50, 84125, Salerno, Italy
| | - Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Perrone Michela
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gerardina Smaldone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Matteo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capolupo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Eduardo M Sommella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nuria Sánchez-Fernández
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy; Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ester Aso
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy; Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Isabel M Gomez-Monterrey
- Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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Joers V, Murray BC, McLaughlin C, Oliver D, Staley H, Coronado J, Achat-Mendes C, Golshani S, Kelly SD, Goodson M, Lee D, Manfredsson FP, Moore BM, Tansey MG. Modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 alters neuroinflammation and reduces formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates in a rat model of nigral synucleinopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.25.554814. [PMID: 38562842 PMCID: PMC10983852 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.25.554814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Research into the disequilibrium of microglial phenotypes has become an area of intense focus in neurodegenerative disease as a potential mechanism that contributes to chronic neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is growing evidence that neuroinflammation accompanies and may promote progression of alpha-synuclein (Asyn)-induced nigral dopaminergic (DA) degeneration. From a therapeutic perspective, development of immunomodulatory strategies that dampen overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines from chronically activated immune cells and induce a pro-phagocytic phenotype is expected to promote Asyn removal and protect vulnerable neurons. Cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) is highly expressed on activated microglia and peripheral immune cells, is upregulated in the substantia nigra of individuals with PD and in mouse models of nigral degeneration. Furthermore, modulation of CB2 protects against rotenone-induced nigral degeneration; however, CB2 has not been pharmacologically and selectively targeted in an Asyn model of PD. Here, we report that 7 weeks of peripheral administration of CB2 inverse agonist SMM-189 reduced phosphorylated (pSer129) alpha-synuclein in the substantia nigra compared to vehicle treatment. Additionally, SMM-189 delayed Asyn-induced immune cell infiltration into the brain as determined by flow cytometry, increased CD68 protein expression, and elevated wound-healing-immune-mediator gene expression. Additionally, peripheral immune cells increased wound-healing non-classical monocytes and decreased pro-inflammatory classical monocytes. In vitro analysis of RAW264.7 macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and SMM-189 revealed increased phagocytosis as measured by the uptake of fluorescence of pHrodo E. coli bioparticles. Together, results suggest that targeting CB2 with SMM-189 skews immune cell function toward a phagocytic phenotype and reduces toxic aggregated species of Asyn. Our novel findings demonstrate that CB2 may be a target to modulate inflammatory and immune responses in proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Joers
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | | | - Danielle Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hannah Staley
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jazmyn Coronado
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Sanam Golshani
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sean D Kelly
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew Goodson
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Danica Lee
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Malú Gámez Tansey
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, Florida
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9
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Kouchaeknejad A, Van Der Walt G, De Donato MH, Puighermanal E. Imaging and Genetic Tools for the Investigation of the Endocannabinoid System in the CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15829. [PMID: 37958825 PMCID: PMC10648052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115829] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders present an increasing cause of global morbidity, mortality, and high pressure on our healthcare system, there is an urgent need for new insights and treatment options. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a critical network of endogenous compounds, receptors, and enzymes that contribute to CNS development and regulation. Given its multifaceted involvement in neurobiology and its significance in various CNS disorders, the ECS as a whole is considered a promising therapeutic target. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the ECS's role in the CNS, its complex architecture and extensive crosstalk with other biological systems present challenges for research and clinical advancements. To bridge these knowledge gaps and unlock the full therapeutic potential of ECS interventions in CNS-related disorders, a plethora of molecular-genetic tools have been developed in recent years. Here, we review some of the most impactful tools for investigating the neurological aspects of the ECS. We first provide a brief introduction to the ECS components, including cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes, emphasizing their complexity. This is followed by an exploration of cutting-edge imaging tools and genetic models aimed at elucidating the roles of these principal ECS components. Special emphasis is placed on their relevance in the context of CNS and its associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emma Puighermanal
- Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.K.); (G.V.D.W.); (M.H.D.D.)
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10
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Papadogkonaki S, Spyridakos D, Lapokonstantaki E, Chaniotakis N, Makriyannis A, Malamas MS, Thermos K. Investigating the Effects of Exogenous and Endogenous 2-Arachidonoylglycerol on Retinal CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors and Reactive Microglia in Naive and Diseased Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15689. [PMID: 37958673 PMCID: PMC10650178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115689] [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] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a new target for the development of retinal disease therapeutics, whose pathophysiology involves neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) affects neurons and microglia by activating CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors (Rs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2-AG on the CB1R expression/downregulation and retinal neurons/reactive microglia, when administered repeatedly (4 d), in three different paradigms. These involved the 2-AG exogenous administration (a) intraperitoneally (i.p.) and (b) topically and (c) by enhancing the 2-AG endogenous levels via the inhibition (AM11920, i.p.) of its metabolic enzymes (MAGL/ABHD6). Sprague Dawley rats were treated as mentioned above in the presence or absence of CB1/CB2R antagonists and the excitatory amino acid, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and a 2-AG level analyses were performed. The 2-AG repeated treatment (i.p.) induced the CB1R downregulation, abolishing its neuroprotective actions. However, 2-AG attenuated the AMPA-induced activation of microglia via the CB2R, as concurred by the AM630 antagonist effect. Topically administered 2-AG was efficacious as a neuroprotectant/antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent. AM11920 increased the 2-AG levels providing neuroprotection against excitotoxicity and reduced microglial activation without affecting the CB1R expression. Our findings show that 2-AG, in the three paradigms studied, displays differential pharmacological profiles in terms of the downregulation of the CB1R and neuroprotection. All treatments, however, attenuated the activation of microglia via the CB2R activation, supporting the anti-inflammatory role of 2-AG in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | - Dimitris Spyridakos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | | | - Nikos Chaniotakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Michael S. Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
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11
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Haider A, Wang L, Gobbi L, Li Y, Chaudhary A, Zhou X, Chen J, Zhao C, Rong J, Xiao Z, Hou L, Elghazawy NH, Sippl W, Davenport AT, Daunais JB, Ahmed H, Crowe R, Honer M, Rominger A, Grether U, Liang SH, Ametamey SM. Evaluation of [ 18F]RoSMA-18-d 6 as a CB2 PET Radioligand in Nonhuman Primates. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3752-3760. [PMID: 37788055 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00222] [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] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) has been implicated in a variety of central and peripheral inflammatory diseases, prompting significant interest in the development of CB2-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic agents. A validated positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging CB2 in the living human brain as well as in peripheral tissues is currently lacking. As part of our research program, we have recently identified the trisubstituted pyridine, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, which proved to be highly suitable for in vitro and in vivo mapping of CB2 in rodents. The aim of this study was to assess the performance characteristics of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in nonhuman primates (NHPs) to pave the way for clinical translation. [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was synthesized from the respective tosylate precursor according to previously reported procedures. In vitro autoradiograms with NHP spleen tissue sections revealed a high binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 to the CB2-rich NHP spleen, which was significantly blocked by coincubation with the commercially available CB2 ligand, GW405833 (10 μM). In contrast, no specific binding was observed by in vitro autoradiography with NHP brain sections, which was in agreement with the notion of a CB2-deficient healthy mammalian brain. In vitro findings were corroborated by PET imaging experiments in NHPs, where [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 uptake in the spleen was dose-dependently attenuated with 1 and 5 mg/kg GW405833, while no specific brain signal was observed. Remarkably, we observed tracer uptake and retention in the NHP spinal cord, which was reduced by GW405833 blockade, pointing toward a potential utility of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in probing CB2-expressing cells in the bone marrow. If these observations are substantiated in NHP models of enhanced leukocyte proliferation in the bone marrow, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 may serve as a valuable marker for hematopoietic activity in various pathologies. In conclusion, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 proved to be a suitable PET radioligand for imaging CB2 in NHPs, supporting its translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Haider
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Luca Gobbi
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yinlong Li
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jian Rong
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Hou
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Nehal H Elghazawy
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - April T Davenport
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - James B Daunais
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - Hazem Ahmed
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ron Crowe
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Michael Honer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven H Liang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Guenther KG, Xu Z, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Conditional deletion of CB2 cannabinoid receptors from peripheral sensory neurons eliminates CB2-mediated antinociceptive efficacy in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2023; 237:109601. [PMID: 37286073 PMCID: PMC10409300 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109601] [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] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonists suppress pathological pain in animal models and lack unwanted side effects commonly associated with direct activation of CB1 receptors. However, the types of pain most responsive to CB2 agonists are incompletely understood and cell types which underlie CB2-mediated therapeutic efficacy remain largely unknown. We previously reported that the CB2 receptor agonist LY2828360 reduced neuropathic nociception induced by toxic challenge with chemotherapeutic and anti-retroviral agents in mice. Whether these findings generalize to models of inflammatory pain is not known. Here we show that LY2828360 (10 mg/kg i.p.) reversed the maintenance of carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia in female mice. Anti-allodynic efficacy was fully preserved in global CB1 knock out (KO) mice but absent in CB2 KO mice. The anti-allodynic efficacy of LY2828360 was absent in conditional KO (cKO) mice lacking CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f) and preserved in cKO mice lacking CB2 receptors in microglia/macrophages expressing C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 (CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f). Intraplantar administration of LY2828360 (30 μg i.pl.) reversed carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia in CB2f/f but not AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice of both sexes. Thus, CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons likely underlie the therapeutic effects of LY2828360 injection in the paw. Lastly, qRT-PCR analyses revealed that LY2828360 reduced carrageenan-induced increases in IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA in paw skin. Our results suggest that LY2828360 suppresses inflammatory nociception in mice through a neuronal CB2-dependent mechanism that requires peripheral sensory neuron CB2 receptors and suggest that the clinical applications of LY2828360 as an anti-hyperalgesic agent should be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey G Guenther
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Zhili Xu
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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13
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Bhattacharjee P, Iyer MR. Rational Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Fluorescent CB 2 Receptor Ligands for Live-Cell Imaging: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1235. [PMID: 37765043 PMCID: PMC10534640 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated via endogenous lipids called endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a critical role in the regulation of several physiological states and a wide range of diseases. In recent years, drug discovery approaches targeting the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) have gained prominence. Particular attention has been given to selective agonists targeting the CB2 receptors to circumvent the neuropsychotropic side effects associated with CB1 receptors. The pharmacological modulation of CB2R holds therapeutic promise for various diseases, such as inflammatory disorders and immunological conditions, as well as pain management and cancer treatment. Recently, the utilization of fluorescent probes has emerged as a valuable technique for investigating the interactions between ligands and proteins at an exceptional level of spatial and temporal precision. In this review, we aim to examine the progress made in the development of fluorescent probes targeting CB2 receptors and highlight their significance in facilitating the successful clinical translation of CB2R-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malliga R. Iyer
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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14
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Moe A, Rayasam A, Sauber G, Shah RK, Yuan CY, Szabo A, Moore BM, Colonna M, Cui W, Romero J, Zamora AE, Hillard CJ, Drobyski WR. MICROGLIAL CELL EXPRESSION OF THE TYPE 2 CANNABINOID RECEPTOR REGULATES IMMUNE-MEDIATED NEUROINFLAMMATION. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552854. [PMID: 37645843 PMCID: PMC10462026 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a recognized complication of immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, chimeric antigen receptor therapy, and graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While T cells and inflammatory cytokines play a role in this process, the precise interplay between the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system that propagates inflammation in the central nervous system remains incompletely understood. Using a murine model of GVHD, we demonstrate that type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) signaling plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. In these studies, we identify that CB2R expression on microglial cells induces an activated inflammatory phenotype which potentiates the accumulation of donor-derived proinflammatory T cells, regulates chemokine gene regulatory networks, and promotes neuronal cell death. Pharmacological targeting of this receptor with a brain penetrant CB2R inverse agonist/antagonist selectively reduces neuroinflammation without deleteriously affecting systemic GVHD severity. Thus, these findings delineate a therapeutically targetable neuroinflammatory pathway and has implications for the attenuation of neurotoxicity after GVHD and potentially other T cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
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15
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Avendaño-Lopez SS, Ariza-Salamanca DF, Rodriguez-Giraldo M, Calderon-Ospina CA, González-Reyes RE, Nava-Mesa MO. Role of Calcium Modulation in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109067. [PMID: 37240413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease and the most frequent cause of progressive dementia in senior adults. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment secondary to cholinergic dysfunction and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated neurotoxicity. Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ), and selective neurodegeneration are the anatomopathological hallmarks of this disease. The dysregulation of calcium may be present in all the stages of AD, and it is associated with other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. Although the cytosolic calcium alterations in AD are not completely elucidated, some calcium-permeable channels, transporters, pumps, and receptors have been shown to be involved at the neuronal and glial levels. In particular, the relationship between glutamatergic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity and amyloidosis has been widely documented. Other pathophysiological mechanisms involved in calcium dyshomeostasis include the activation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, transient receptor potential channels, and ryanodine receptors, among many others. This review aims to update the calcium-dysregulation mechanisms in AD and discuss targets and molecules with therapeutic potential based on their modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Avendaño-Lopez
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
- Medical and Health Sciences Education Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mateo Rodriguez-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas Aplicadas (UR Biomed), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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16
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Grabon W, Rheims S, Smith J, Bodennec J, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L. CB2 receptor in the CNS: from immune and neuronal modulation to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105226. [PMID: 37164044 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite low levels of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) expression in the central nervous system in human and rodents, a growing body of evidence shows CB2R involvement in many processes at the behavioral level, through both immune and neuronal modulations. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence have highlighted the complex role of CB2R under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Under neuroinflammatory states, its activation seems to protect the brain and its functions, making it a promising target in a wide range of neurological disorders. Here, we provide a complete and updated overview of CB2R function in the central nervous system of rodents, spanning from modulation of immune function in microglia but also in other cell types, to behavior and neuronal activity, in both physiological and neuroinflammatory contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Grabon
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France.
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France; Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon - France
| | - Jonathon Smith
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Jacques Bodennec
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Amor Belmeguenai
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France.
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17
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Santos-García I, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Villegas P, Piscitelli F, Lauritano A, Shen CKJ, Di Marzo V, Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E. Preclinical investigation in FAAH inhibition as a neuroprotective therapy for frontotemporal dementia using TDP-43 transgenic male mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:108. [PMID: 37149645 PMCID: PMC10163746 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous group of early onset and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes, which causes deterioration in cognition, personality, social behavior and language. Around 45% of the cases are characterized by the presence of aggregates of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. METHODS In this study, we have used a murine model of FTD that overexpresses this protein exclusively in the forebrain (under the control of the CaMKIIα promoter) for several biochemical, histological and pharmacological studies focused on the endocannabinoid system. RESULTS These mice exhibited at postnatal day 90 (PND90) important cognitive deficits, signs of emotional impairment and disinhibited social behaviour, which were, in most of cases, maintained during the first year of life of these animals. Motor activity was apparently normal, but FTD mice exhibited higher mortality. Their MRI imaging analysis and their ex-vivo histopathological evaluation proved changes compatible with atrophy (loss of specific groups of pyramidal neurons: Ctip2- and NeuN-positive cells) and inflammatory events (astroglial and microglial reactivities) in both cortical (medial prefrontal cortex) and subcortical (hippocampus) structures at PND90 and also at PND365. The analysis of the endocannabinoid system in these mice proved a decrease in the hydrolysing enzyme FAAH in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, with an increase in the synthesizing enzyme NAPE-PLD only in the hippocampus, responses that were accompanied by modest elevations in anandamide and related N-acylethanolamines. The potentiation of these elevated levels of anandamide after the pharmacological inactivation of FAAH with URB597 resulted in a general improvement in behaviour, in particular in cognitive deterioration, associated with the preservation of pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex and the CA1 layer of the hippocampus, and with the reduction of gliosis in both structures. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirmed the potential of elevating the endocannabinoid tone as a therapy against TDP-43-induced neuropathology in FTD, limiting glial reactivity, preserving neuronal integrity and improving cognitive, emotional and social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Santos-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Villegas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lauritano
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Che-Kun J Shen
- The PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Centre NUTRISS, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva de Lago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Scipioni L, Tortolani D, Ciaramellano F, Fanti F, Gazzi T, Sergi M, Nazaré M, Oddi S, Maccarrone M. Aβ Chronic Exposure Promotes an Activation State of Microglia through Endocannabinoid Signalling Imbalance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076684. [PMID: 37047663 PMCID: PMC10095368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional phenotype of microglia, the primary brain immune cells, may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis by releasing proinflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO). The endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are bioactive lipids increasingly recognised for their essential roles in regulating microglial activity both under normal and AD-driven pathological conditions. To investigate the possible impact of chronic exposure to β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) on the microglial endocannabinoid signalling, we characterised the functional expression of the endocannabinoid system on neonatal microglia isolated from wild-type and Tg2576 mice, an AD-like model, which overexpresses Aβ peptides in the developing brain. We found that Aβ-exposed microglia produced 2-fold more 2-AG than normal microglia. Accordingly, the expression levels of diacylglycerol lipase-α (DAGLα) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the main enzymes responsible for synthesising and hydrolysing 2-AG, respectively, were consistently modified in Tg2576 microglia. Furthermore, compared to wild-type cells, transgenic microglia basally showed increased expression of the cannabinoid 2 receptor, typically upregulated in an activated proinflammatory phenotype. Indeed, following inflammatory stimulus, Aβ-exposed microglia displayed an enhanced production of NO, which was abolished by pharmacological inhibition of DAGLα. These findings suggested that exposure to Aβ polarises microglial cells towards a pro-AD phenotype, possibly by enhancing 2-AG signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Scipioni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research-IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation (FSL), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Tortolani
- European Center for Brain Research-IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation (FSL), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciaramellano
- European Center for Brain Research-IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation (FSL), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Thais Gazzi
- Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marc Nazaré
- Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sergio Oddi
- European Center for Brain Research-IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation (FSL), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research-IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation (FSL), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
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19
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Terradillos I, Bonilla-Del Río I, Puente N, Serrano M, Mimenza A, Lekunberri L, Anaut-Lusar I, Reguero L, Gerrikagoitia I, Ruiz de Martín Esteban S, Hillard CJ, Grande MT, Romero J, Elezgarai I, Grandes P. Altered glial expression of the cannabinoid 1 receptor in the subiculum of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Glia 2023; 71:866-879. [PMID: 36437738 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The alteration of the endocannabinoid tone usually associates with changes in the expression and/or function of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid beta (Aβ)-containing aggregates induce a chronic inflammatory response leading to reactivity of both microglia and astrocytes. However, how this glial response impacts on the glial CB1 receptor expression in the subiculum of a mouse model of AD, a brain region particularly affected by large accumulation of plaques and concomitant subcellular changes in microglia and astrocytes, is unknown. The CB1 receptor localization in both glial cells was investigated in the subiculum of male 5xFAD/CB2 EGFP/f/f (AD model) and CB2 EGFP/f/f mice by immuno-electron microscopy. The findings revealed that glial CB1 receptors suffer remarkable changes in the AD mouse. Thus, CB1 receptor expression increases in reactive microglia in 5xFAD/CB2 EGFP/f/f , but remains constant in astrocytes with CB1 receptor labeling rising proportionally to the perimeter of the reactive astrocytes. Not least, the CB1 receptor localization in microglial processes in the subiculum of controls and closely surrounding amyloid plaques and dystrophic neurites of the AD model, supports previous suggestions of the presence of the CB1 receptor in microglia. These findings on the correlation between glial reactivity and the CB1 receptor expression in microglial cells and astrocytes, contribute to the understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Terradillos
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Itziar Bonilla-Del Río
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Nagore Puente
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Maitane Serrano
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Amaia Mimenza
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Leire Lekunberri
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ilazki Anaut-Lusar
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Leire Reguero
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - María T Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Izaskun Elezgarai
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
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20
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Grabon W, Bodennec J, Rheims S, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L. Update on the controversial identity of cells expressing cnr2 gene in the nervous system. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:760-770. [PMID: 36604187 PMCID: PMC9928557 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R), mainly expressed by leukocytes, has long been limited to its peripheral immunomodulatory role. However, the use of CB2R-specific ligands and the availability of CB2R-Knock Out mice revealed that it could play a functional role in the CNS not only under physiological but also under pathological conditions. A direct effect on the nervous system emerged when CB2R mRNA was detected in neural tissues. However, accurate mapping of CB2R protein expression in the nervous system is still lacking, partly because of the lack of specificity of antibodies available. This review examines the regions and cells of the nervous system where CB2R protein is most likely present by cross-referencing mRNA and protein data published to date. Of the many antibodies developed to target CB2R, only a few have partially passed specificity tests and detected CB2R in the CNS. Efforts must be continued to support the development of more specific and better validated antibodies in each of the species in which CB2R protein is sought or needs to be quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Grabon
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Jacques Bodennec
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Amor Belmeguenai
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
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21
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Bernal‐Chico A, Tepavcevic V, Manterola A, Utrilla C, Matute C, Mato S. Endocannabinoid signaling in brain diseases: Emerging relevance of glial cells. Glia 2023; 71:103-126. [PMID: 35353392 PMCID: PMC9790551 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors as the primary molecular targets of psychotropic cannabinoid Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) in late 1980s paved the way for investigations on the effects of cannabis-based therapeutics in brain pathology. Ever since, a wealth of results obtained from studies on human tissue samples and animal models have highlighted a promising therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in a variety of neurological disorders. However, clinical success has been limited and major questions concerning endocannabinoid signaling need to be satisfactorily addressed, particularly with regard to their role as modulators of glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, recent studies have brought into the limelight diverse, often unexpected functions of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in brain injury and disease, thus providing scientific basis for targeting glial cells to treat brain disorders. This Review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular hallmarks of endocannabinoid signaling in glial cells and its clinical relevance in neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bernal‐Chico
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHULeioaSpain,Achucarro Basque Center for NeuroscienceLeioaSpain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain,Neuroimmunology UnitBiocruces BizkaiaBarakaldoSpain
| | | | - Andrea Manterola
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHULeioaSpain,Achucarro Basque Center for NeuroscienceLeioaSpain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain,Present address:
Parque Científico y Tecnológico de GuipuzkoaViralgenSan SebastianSpain
| | | | - Carlos Matute
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHULeioaSpain,Achucarro Basque Center for NeuroscienceLeioaSpain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Susana Mato
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHULeioaSpain,Achucarro Basque Center for NeuroscienceLeioaSpain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)MadridSpain,Neuroimmunology UnitBiocruces BizkaiaBarakaldoSpain
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22
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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [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] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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23
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Carey LM, Xu Z, Rajic G, Makriyannis A, Romero J, Hillard C, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Peripheral sensory neuron CB2 cannabinoid receptors are necessary for both CB2-mediated antinociceptive efficacy and sparing of morphine tolerance in a mouse model of anti-retroviral toxic neuropathy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106560. [PMID: 36417942 PMCID: PMC9845180 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological complication associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and anti-retroviral therapy. We characterized the impact of two CB2 cannabinoid agonists (AM1710 and LY2828360 - ligands differing in signaling bias and CNS penetration) on neuropathic nociception induced by the antiretroviral agent Zalcitabine (2',3'-dideoxycytidine; ddC). We also used a conditional knockout approach to identify cell types mediating CB2 agonist-induced antinociceptive efficacy and sparing of morphine tolerance. AM1710 and LY2828360 alleviated ddC-induced neuropathic nociception in mice of both sexes. These benefits were absent in global CB2 knockout mice, which exhibited robust morphine antinociception. Like morphine, AM1710 blunted ddC-induced increases in proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α) and chemokine (CCL2) mRNA expression levels. We generated advillinCre/+;CB2f/f conditional knockout mice to ascertain the role of CB2 localized to primary sensory neurons in CB2-mediated therapeutic effects. Antinociceptive efficacy of both AM1710 and LY2828360, but not reference analgesics, were absent in advillinCre/+;CB2f/f mice, which exhibited robust ddC-induced neuropathy. In ddC-treated CB2f/f mice, LY2828360 suppressed development of morphine tolerance and reversed established morphine tolerance, albeit with greater efficacy in male compared to female mice. LY2828360 failed to block or reverse morphine tolerance in advillinCre/+;CB2f/f mice. The present studies indicate that CB2 activation may alleviate HIV-associated antiretroviral neuropathy and identify a previously unreported mechanism through which CB2 activation produces antinociceptive efficacy. Our results also provide the first evidence that a CB2 agonist can reverse established morphine tolerance and demonstrate that CB2 localized to peripheral sensory neurons mediates the opioid tolerance sparing efficacy of CB2 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Carey
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Zhili Xu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Gabriela Rajic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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24
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Cammarota M, Ferlenghi F, Vacondio F, Vincenzi F, Varani K, Bedini A, Rivara S, Mor M, Boscia F. Combined targeting of fatty acid amide hydrolase and melatonin receptors promotes neuroprotection and stimulates inflammation resolution in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 180:1316-1338. [PMID: 36526591 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Devising novel strategies to therapeutically favour inflammation resolution and provide neuroprotection is an unmet clinical need. Enhancing endocannabinoid tone by inhibiting the catabolic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), or stimulating melatonin receptors has therapeutic potential to treat neuropathological states in which neuroinflammation plays a central role. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A rodent hippocampal explant model of inflammatory injury was used to assess the effects of UCM1341, a dual-acting compound with FAAH inhibitory action and agonist activity at melatonin receptors, against neuroinflammatory damage. FAAH activity was measured by a radiometric assay, and N-acylethanolamine levels were assessed by HPLC-MS/MS methods. FAAH distribution, evolution of inflammation and the contribution of UCM1341 to the expression of proteins controlling macrophage behaviour were investigated by biochemical and confocal analyses. KEY RESULTS UCM1341 exhibited greater neuroprotection against neuroinflammatory degeneration, compared with the reference compounds URB597 (FAAH inhibitor) and melatonin. During neuroinflammation, UCM1341 augmented the levels of anandamide and N-oleoylethanolamine, but not N-palmitoylethanolamine, up-regulated PPAR-α levels, attenuated demyelination and prevented the release of TNF-α. UCM1341 modulated inflammatory responses by contributing to microglia/macrophage polarization, stimulating formation of lipid-laden macrophages and regulating expression of proteins controlling cholesterol metabolism and efflux. The neuroprotective effects of UCM1341 were prevented by PPARα, TRPV1 and melatonin receptor antagonists. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS UCM1341, by enhancing endocannabinoid and melatoninergic signalling, benefits neuroprotection and stimulates inflammation resolution pathways. Our findings provide an encouraging prospect of therapeutically targeting endocannabinoid and melatoninergic systems in inflammatory demyelinating states in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Cammarota
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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25
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Swanson ML, Regner KR, Moore BM, Park F. Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Activation Reduces the Progression of Kidney Fibrosis Using a Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:790-803. [PMID: 35196117 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney fibrosis is a hallmark consequence of all forms of chronic kidney disease with few available treatment modalities. Material and Methods: In this study, we performed the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure to investigate the effects of a selective cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) agonist receptor, SMM-295, as a nephroprotective therapy. Results: SMM-295 was demonstrated to exhibit 50-fold selectivity over the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor with an EC50 ∼2 nM. Four other off-targets were identified in the safety panel, but only at the highest concentration (5 mM) tested in the assay demonstrating the relative selectivity and safety of our compound. Administration of SMM-295 (12 mg/kg IP daily) in UUO mice led to a significant decrease of 33% in tubular damage compared to the vehicle-treated UUO mice after 7 days. Consistent with these findings, there was a significant decrease in α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, which are markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as determined by Western blot analysis. DNA damage as detected by a classic marker, γ-H2AX, was significantly reduced by 50% in the SMM-295 treatment group compared to vehicle treatment. Genetic knockout of CB2 or administration of a CB2 inverse agonist did not exhibit any beneficial effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis or kidney tubule injury. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that SMM-295 can therapeutically target the CB2 receptor with few, if any, physiological off-target sites to reduce kidney tissue damage and slow the fibrotic progression in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L Swanson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin R Regner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Frank Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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26
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Rodríguez-Giraldo M, González-Reyes RE, Ramírez-Guerrero S, Bonilla-Trilleras CE, Guardo-Maya S, Nava-Mesa MO. Astrocytes as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-Comprehensive Review and Recent Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13630. [PMID: 36362415 PMCID: PMC9654484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a frequent and disabling neurodegenerative disorder, in which astrocytes participate in several pathophysiological processes including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism (along with a critical role in apolipoprotein E function). Current evidence shows that astrocytes have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on the disease stage and microenvironmental factors. Furthermore, astrocytes appear to be affected by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ), with alterations in calcium levels, gliotransmission and proinflammatory activity via RAGE-NF-κB pathway. In addition, astrocytes play an important role in the metabolism of tau and clearance of Aβ through the glymphatic system. In this review, we will discuss novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments focused on astrocytes as therapeutic targets for AD. These interventions include effects on anti-inflammatory/antioxidant systems, glutamate activity, lipid metabolism, neurovascular coupling and glymphatic system, calcium dysregulation, and in the release of peptides which affects glial and neuronal function. According to the AD stage, these therapies may be of benefit in either preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauricio O. Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Raïch I, Rebassa JB, Lillo J, Cordomi A, Rivas-Santisteban R, Lillo A, Reyes-Resina I, Franco R, Navarro G. Antagonization of OX 1 Receptor Potentiates CB 2 Receptor Function in Microglia from APP Sw/Ind Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12801. [PMID: 36361598 PMCID: PMC9656664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microdialysis assays demonstrated a possible role of orexin in the regulation of amyloid beta peptide (Aß) levels in the hippocampal interstitial fluid in the APP transgenic model. CB2R is overexpressed in activated microglia, showing a neuroprotective effect. These two receptors may interact, forming CB2-OX1-Hets and becoming a new target to combat Alzheimer's disease. Aims: Demonstrate the potential role of CB2-OX1-Hets expression and function in microglia from animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Receptor heteromer expression was detected by immunocytochemistry, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and proximity ligation assay (PLA) in transfected HEK-293T cells and microglia primary cultures. Quantitation of signal transduction events in a heterologous system and in microglia cells was performed using the AlphaScreen® SureFire® kit, western blot, the GCaMP6 calcium sensor and the Lance Ultra cAMP kit (PerkinElmer). The formation of CB2-OX1 receptor complexes in transfected HEK-293T cells has been demonstrated. The tetrameric complex is constituted by one CB2R homodimer, one OX1R homodimer and two G proteins, a Gi and a Gq. The use of TAT interfering peptides showed that the CB2-OX1 receptor complex interface is TM4-TM5. At the functional level it has been observed that the OX1R antagonist, SB334867, potentiates the action induced by CB2R agonist JWH133. This effect is observed in transfected HEK-293T cells and microglia, and it is stronger in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal model APPSw/Ind where the expression of the complex assessed by the proximity ligation assay indicates an increase in the number of complexes compared to resting microglia. The CB2-OX1 receptor complex is overexpressed in microglia from AD animal models where OX1R antagonists potentiate the neuroprotective actions of CB2R activation. Taken together, these results point to OX1R antagonists as drugs with therapeutic potential to combat AD. Data access statement: Raw data will be provided by the corresponding author upon reasonable requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iu Raïch
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Marinelli S, Marrone MC, Di Domenico M, Marinelli S. Endocannabinoid signaling in microglia. Glia 2022; 71:71-90. [PMID: 36222019 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), execute their sentinel, housekeeping and defense functions through a panoply of genes, receptors and released cytokines, chemokines and neurotrophic factors. Moreover, microglia functions are closely linked to the constant communication with other cell types, among them neurons. Depending on the signaling pathway and type of stimuli involved, the outcome of microglia operation can be neuroprotective or neurodegenerative. Accordingly, microglia are increasingly becoming considered cellular targets for therapeutic intervention. Among signals controlling microglia activity, the endocannabinoid (EC) system has been shown to exert a neuroprotective role in many neurological diseases. Like neurons, microglia express functional EC receptors and can produce and degrade ECs. Interestingly, boosting EC signaling leads to an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective microglia phenotype. Nonetheless, little evidence is available on the microglia-mediated therapeutic effects of EC compounds. This review focuses on the EC signals acting on the CNS microglia in physiological and pathological conditions, namely on the CB1R, CB2R and TRPV1-mediated regulation of microglia properties. It also provides new evidence, which strengthens the understanding of mechanisms underlying the control of microglia functions by ECs. Given the broad expression of the EC system in glial and neuronal cells, the resulting picture is the need for in vivo studies in transgenic mouse models to dissect the contribution of EC microglia signaling in the neuroprotective effects of EC-derived compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marinelli
- CNR-National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Marrone
- EBRI-Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,Ministry of University and Research, Mission Unity for Recovery and Resilience Plan, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Di Domenico
- EBRI-Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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Shade RD, Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the cannabinoid system to counteract the deleterious effects of stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:949361. [PMID: 36268196 PMCID: PMC9577232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.949361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically in postmortem human brains by the presence of dense protein accumulations known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plaques and tangles develop over decades of aberrant protein processing, post-translational modification, and misfolding throughout an individual’s lifetime. We present a foundation of evidence from the literature that suggests chronic stress is associated with increased disease severity in Alzheimer’s patient populations. Taken together with preclinical evidence that chronic stress signaling can precipitate cellular distress, we argue that chronic psychological stress renders select circuits more vulnerable to amyloid- and tau- related abnormalities. We discuss the ongoing investigation of systemic and cellular processes that maintain the integrity of protein homeostasis in health and in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed multiple potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the endogenous cannabinoid system traverses the central and peripheral neural systems while simultaneously exerting anti-inflammatory influence over the immune response in the brain and throughout the body. Moreover, the cannabinoid system converges on several stress-integrative neuronal circuits and critical regions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with the capacity to dampen responses to psychological and cellular stress. Targeting the cannabinoid system by influencing endogenous processes or exogenously stimulating cannabinoid receptors with natural or synthetic cannabis compounds has been identified as a promising route for Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. We build on our foundational framework focusing on the significance of chronic psychological and cellular stress on the development of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by integrating literature on cannabinoid function and dysfunction within Alzheimer’s Disease and conclude with remarks on optimal strategies for treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D. Shade
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer A. Ross,
| | - Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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30
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Ni R, Müller Herde A, Haider A, Keller C, Louloudis G, Vaas M, Schibli R, Ametamey SM, Klohs J, Mu L. In vivo Imaging of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors: Functional and Structural Alterations in Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia by PET and MRI. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:700-709. [PMID: 34642898 PMCID: PMC9581861 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Stroke is one of the most prevalent vascular diseases. Non-invasive molecular imaging methods have the potential to provide critical insights into the temporal dynamics and follow alterations of receptor expression and metabolism in ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) levels in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse models at subacute stage using positron emission tomography (PET) with our novel tracer [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 and structural imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PROCEDURES Our recently developed CB2R PET tracer [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was used for imaging neuroinflammation at 24 h after reperfusion in tMCAO mice. The RNA expression levels of CB2R and other inflammatory markers were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using brain tissues from tMCAO (1 h occlusion) and sham-operated mice. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was included for evaluation of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc). In addition, diffusion-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging were performed for anatomical reference and delineating the lesion in tMCAO mice. RESULTS mRNA expressions of inflammatory markers TNF-α, Iba1, MMP9 and GFAP, CNR2 were increased to 1.3-2.5 fold at 24 h after reperfusion in the ipsilateral compared to contralateral hemisphere of tMCAO mice, while mRNA expression of the neuronal marker MAP-2 was markedly reduced to ca. 50 %. Reduced [18F]FDG uptake was observed in the ischemic striatum of tMCAO mouse brain at 24 h after reperfusion. Although higher activity of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in ex vivo biodistribution studies and higher standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) were detected in the ischemic ipsilateral compared to contralateral striatum in tMCAO mice, the in vivo specificity of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was confirmed only in the CB2R-rich spleen. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed an increased [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 measure of CB2R and a reduced [18F]FDG measure of CMRglc in the ischemic striatum of tMCAO mice at subacute stage. [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 might be a promising PET tracer for detecting CB2R alterations in animal models of neuroinflammation without neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrienne Müller Herde
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Keller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Louloudis
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Vaas
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linjing Mu
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, HCI H427 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Kecheliev V, Spinelli F, Herde A, Haider A, Mu L, Klohs J, Ametamey SM, Ni R. Evaluation of cannabinoid type 2 receptor expression and pyridine-based radiotracers in brains from a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1018610. [PMID: 36248003 PMCID: PMC9561934 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1018610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is an emerging target for neuroinflammation and therapeutics of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we aim to assess the alterations in brain CB2R levels and evaluate novel CB2R imaging tracers in the arcAß mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical staining for amyloid-ß deposits (6E10), microgliosis (anti-Iba1 and anti-CD68 antibodies), astrocytes (GFAP) and the anti-CB2R antibody was performed on brain slices from 17-month-old arcAß mice. Autoradiography using the CB2R imaging probes [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, [11C]RSR-056, and [11C]RS-028 and mRNA analysis were performed in brain tissue from arcAß and non-transgenic littermate (NTL) mice at 6, 17, and 24 months of age. Specific increased CB2R immunofluorescence intensities on the increased number of GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-positive microglia were detected in the hippocampus and cortex of 17-month-old arcAß mice compared to NTL mice. CB2R immunofluorescence was higher in glial cells inside 6E10-positive amyloid-ß deposits than peri-plaque glial cells, which showed low background immunofluorescence in the hippocampus and cortex of 17-month-old arcAß mice. Ex vivo autoradiography showed that the specific binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 and [11C]RSR-056 was comparable in arcAß and NTL mice at 6, 17, and 24 months of age. The level of Cnr2 mRNA expression in the brain was not significantly different between arcAß and NTL mice at 6, 17, or 24 months of age. In conclusion, we demonstrated pronounced specific increases in microglial and astroglial CB2R expression levels in a mouse model of AD-related cerebral amyloidosis, emphasizing CB2R as a suitable target for imaging neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasil Kecheliev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Spinelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrienne Herde
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linjing Mu
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon M. Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Simon M. Ametamey,
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ruiqing Ni,
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Llorente-Ovejero A, Bengoetxea de Tena I, Martínez-Gardeazabal J, Moreno-Rodríguez M, Lombardero L, Manuel I, Rodríguez-Puertas R. Cannabinoid Receptors and Glial Response Following a Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Lesion. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:791-802. [PMID: 36110372 PMCID: PMC9469185 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system modulates learning, memory, and neuroinflammatory processes, playing a key role in neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous results in a rat lesion model of AD showed modulation of endocannabinoid receptor activity in the basalo-cortical pathway following a specific lesion of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), indicating that the glial neuroinflammatory response accompanying the lesion is related to endocannabinoid signaling. In this study, 7 days after the lesion, decreased astrocyte and increased microglia immunoreactivities (GFAP and Iba-1) were observed, indicating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Using autoradiographic studies, the density and functional coupling to G-proteins of endocannabinoid receptor subtypes were studied in tissue sections from different brain areas where microglia density increased, using CB1 and CB2 selective agonists and antagonists. In the presence of the specific CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716A, [3H]CP55,940 binding (receptor density) was completely blocked in a dose-dependent manner, while the selective CB2 receptor antagonist, SR144528, inhibited binding to 25%, at best. [35S]GTPγS autoradiography (receptor coupling to Gi/0-proteins) evoked by CP55,940 (CB1/CB2 agonist) and HU308 (more selective for CB2) was abolished by SR141716A in all areas, while SR144528 blocked up to 51.8% of the coupling to Gi/0-proteins evoked by CP55,940 restricted to the nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Together, these results demonstrate that there are increased microglia and decreased astrocyte immunoreactivities 1 week after a specific deletion of BFCNs, which projects to cortical areas, where the CB1 receptor coupling to Gi/0-proteins is upregulated. However, at the lesion site, the area with the highest neuroinflammatory response, there is also a limited contribution of CB2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonatan Martínez-Gardeazabal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Marta Moreno-Rodríguez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Laura Lombardero
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Iván Manuel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Rafael Rodríguez-Puertas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
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Activating cannabinoid receptor 2 preserves axonal health through GSK-3β/NRF2 axis in adrenoleukodystrophy. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:241-258. [PMID: 35778568 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant endocannabinoid signaling accompanies several neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Here, we report altered endocannabinoid signaling in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare neurometabolic demyelinating syndrome caused by malfunction of the peroxisomal ABCD1 transporter, resulting in the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). We found abnormal levels of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) and related endocannabinoid enzymes in the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of X-ALD patients and in the spinal cord of a murine model of X-ALD. Preclinical treatment with a selective agonist of CB2r (JWH133) halted axonal degeneration and associated locomotor deficits, along with normalization of microgliosis. Moreover, the drug improved the main metabolic disturbances underlying this model, particularly in redox and lipid homeostatic pathways, including increased lipid droplets in motor neurons, through the modulation of the GSK-3β/NRF2 axis. JWH133 inhibited Reactive Oxygen Species elicited by excess VLCFAs in primary microglial cultures of Abcd1-null mice. Furthermore, we uncovered intertwined redox and CB2r signaling in the murine spinal cords and in patient PBMC samples obtained from a phase II clinical trial with antioxidants (NCT01495260). These findings highlight CB2r signaling as a potential therapeutic target for X-ALD and perhaps other neurodegenerative disorders that present with dysregulated redox and lipid homeostasis.
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Vicente-Acosta A, Ceprian M, Sobrino P, Pazos MR, Loría F. Cannabinoids as Glial Cell Modulators in Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Neuroprotection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888222. [PMID: 35721207 PMCID: PMC9199389 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide following coronary heart disease. Despite significant efforts to find effective treatments to reduce neurological damage, many patients suffer from sequelae that impair their quality of life. For this reason, the search for new therapeutic options for the treatment of these patients is a priority. Glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, participate in crucial processes that allow the correct functioning of the neural tissue, being actively involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke. Although the exact mechanisms by which glial cells contribute in the pathophysiological context of stroke are not yet completely understood, they have emerged as potentially therapeutic targets to improve brain recovery. The endocannabinoid system has interesting immunomodulatory and protective effects in glial cells, and the pharmacological modulation of this signaling pathway has revealed potential neuroprotective effects in different neurological diseases. Therefore, here we recapitulate current findings on the potential promising contribution of the endocannabinoid system pharmacological manipulation in glial cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vicente-Acosta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ceprian
- ERC Team, PGNM, INSERM U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pilar Sobrino
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Maria Ruth Pazos
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Frida Loría
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
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35
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Ruiz de Martín Esteban S, Benito-Cuesta I, Terradillos I, Martínez-Relimpio AM, Arnanz MA, Ruiz-Pérez G, Korn C, Raposo C, Sarott RC, Westphal MV, Elezgarai I, Carreira EM, Hillard CJ, Grether U, Grandes P, Grande MT, Romero J. Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptors Modulate Microglia Function and Amyloid Dynamics in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841766. [PMID: 35645832 PMCID: PMC9136843 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution and roles of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in the CNS are still a matter of debate. Recent data suggest that, in addition to its presence in microglial cells, the CB2 receptor may be also expressed at low levels, yet biologically relevant, in other cell types such as neurons. It is accepted that the expression of CB2 receptors in the CNS is low under physiological conditions and is significantly elevated in chronic neuroinflammatory states associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. By using a novel mouse model (CB2 EGFP/f/f), we studied the distribution of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (by generating 5xFAD/CB2 EGFP/f/f mice) and explored the roles of CB2 receptors in microglial function. We used a novel selective and brain penetrant CB2 receptor agonist (RO6866945) as well as mice lacking the CB2 receptor (5xFAD/CB2 -/-) for these studies. We found that CB2 receptors are expressed in dystrophic neurite-associated microglia and that their modulation modifies the number and activity of microglial cells as well as the metabolism of the insoluble form of the amyloid peptide. These results support microglial CB2 receptors as potential targets for the development of amyloid-modulating therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Benito-Cuesta
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Itziar Terradillos
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana M Martínez-Relimpio
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - M Andrea Arnanz
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Claudia Korn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Catarina Raposo
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman C Sarott
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias V Westphal
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Izaskun Elezgarai
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - M Teresa Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
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Role of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor in Alcohol Use Disorders: From Animal to Human Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115908. [PMID: 35682586 PMCID: PMC9180470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence has pointed out cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2r) as a potential therapeutic key target for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). This review provides the most relevant results obtained from rodent and human studies, including an integrative section focused on the involvement of CB2r in the neurobiology of alcohol addiction. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases Medline and Scopus for articles. The search strategy was as follows: “Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2” AND “Alcohol-Related Disorders” AND “human/or patients”; “Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2” AND “Alcohol” OR “Ethanol” AND “rodents/or mice/or rats”. Pharmacological approaches demonstrated that the activation or blockade of CB2r modulated different alcohol-addictive behaviors. Rodent models of alcoholism revealed significant alterations of CB2r in brain areas of the reward system. In addition, mice lacking CB2r (CB2KO) show increased alcohol consumption, motivation, and relapse alterations. It has been stressed that the potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying their behavioral effects involve critical elements of the alcohol reward system. Interestingly, recent postmortem studies showed CNR2 alterations in brain areas of alcoholic patients. Moreover, although the number of studies is limited, the results revealed an association between some genetic alterations of the CNR2 and an increased risk for developing AUD. This review provides evidence that CB2r may play a role in alcohol addiction. Clinical studies are necessary to figure out whether CB2r ligands may prove useful for the treatment of AUD in humans.
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Ten-Blanco M, Flores Á, Pereda-Pérez I, Piscitelli F, Izquierdo-Luengo C, Cristino L, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Maldonado R, Di Marzo V, Berrendero F. Amygdalar CB2 cannabinoid receptor mediates fear extinction deficits promoted by orexin-A/hypocretin-1. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112925. [PMID: 35477218 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and stress disorders are often characterized by an inability to extinguish learned fear responses. Orexins/hypocretins are involved in the modulation of aversive memories, and dysregulation of this system may contribute to the aetiology of anxiety disorders characterized by pathological fear. The mechanisms by which orexins regulate fear are unknown. Here we investigated the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the impaired fear extinction induced by orexin-A (OXA) in male mice. The selective inhibitor of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) biosynthesis O7460 abolished the fear extinction deficits induced by OXA. Accordingly, increased 2-AG levels were observed in the amygdala and hippocampus of mice treated with OXA that do not extinguish fear, suggesting that high levels of this endocannabinoid are related to poor extinction. Impairment of fear extinction induced by OXA was associated with increased expression of CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) in microglial cells of the basolateral amygdala. Consistently, the intra-amygdala infusion of the CB2R antagonist AM630 completely blocked the impaired extinction promoted by OXA. Microglial and CB2R expression depletion in the amygdala with PLX5622 chow also prevented these extinction deficits. These results show that overactivation of the orexin system leads to impaired fear extinction through 2-AG and amygdalar CB2R. This novel mechanism could be of relevance for the development of novel potential approaches to treat diseases associated with inappropriate retention of fear, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic anxiety and phobias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ten-Blanco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - África Flores
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Pereda-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Cristina Izquierdo-Luengo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luigia Cristino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Julián Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Hearth and Lung Research Institute (IUCPQ), Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) and NUTRISS Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain.
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Lin X, Xu Z, Carey L, Romero J, Makriyannis A, Hillard CJ, Ruggiero E, Dockum M, Houk G, Mackie K, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, Hohmann AG. A peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptor mechanism suppresses chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: evidence from a CB2 reporter mouse. Pain 2022; 163:834-851. [PMID: 35001054 PMCID: PMC8942871 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT CB2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2) are a promising therapeutic target that lacks unwanted side effects of CB1 activation. However, the cell types expressing CB2 that mediate these effects remain poorly understood. We used transgenic mice with CB2 promoter-driven expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to study cell types that express CB2 and suppress neuropathic nociception in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Structurally distinct CB2 agonists (AM1710 and LY2828360) suppressed paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in CB2EGFP reporter mice with established neuropathy. Antiallodynic effects of AM1710 were blocked by SR144528, a CB2 antagonist with limited CNS penetration. Intraplantar AM1710 administration suppressed paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception in CB2EGFP but not CB2 knockout mice, consistent with a local site of antiallodynic action. mRNA expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 were elevated in the lumbar spinal cord after intraplantar AM1710 injection along with the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha and chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. CB2EGFP, but not wildtype mice, exhibited anti-GFP immunoreactivity in the spleen. However, the anti-GFP signal was below the threshold for detection in the spinal cord and brain of either vehicle-treated or paclitaxel-treated CB2EGFP mice. EGFP fluorescence was coexpressed with CB2 immunolabeling in stratified patterns among epidermal keratinocytes. EGFP fluorescence was also expressed in dendritic cells in the dermis, Langerhans cells in the epidermis, and Merkel cells. Quantification of the EGFP signal revealed that Langerhans cells were dynamically increased in the epidermis after paclitaxel treatment. Our studies implicate CB2 expressed in previously unrecognized populations of skin cells as a potential target for suppressing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lin
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Zhili Xu
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lawrence Carey
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, College of Science, Health Sciences Entrepreneurs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | | | - Marilyn Dockum
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - George Houk
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Scipioni L, Ciaramellano F, Carnicelli V, Leuti A, Lizzi AR, De Dominicis N, Oddi S, Maccarrone M. Microglial Endocannabinoid Signalling in AD. Cells 2022; 11:1237. [PMID: 35406803 PMCID: PMC8997504 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recently identified as a major contributor to disease pathogenesis. Once activated, microglial cells, which are brain-resident immune cells, exert several key actions, including phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and the release of pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators, which could have opposite effects on brain homeostasis, depending on the stage of disease and the particular phenotype of microglial cells. The endocannabinoids (eCBs) are pleiotropic bioactive lipids increasingly recognized for their essential roles in regulating microglial activity both under normal and AD-driven pathological conditions. Here, we review the current literature regarding the involvement of this signalling system in modulating microglial phenotypes and activity in the context of homeostasis and AD-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Scipioni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesca Ciaramellano
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Veronica Carnicelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Lizzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Oddi
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
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Zhang HY, De Biase L, Chandra R, Shen H, Liu QR, Gardner E, Lobo MK, Xi ZX. Repeated cocaine administration upregulates CB 2 receptor expression in striatal medium-spiny neurons that express dopamine D 1 receptors in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:876-888. [PMID: 34316031 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2R) are importantly involved in drug reward and addiction. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying CB2R action remain unclear. We have previously reported that cocaine self-administration upregulates CB2R expression in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether cocaine or heroin also alters CB2R expression in striatal medium-spiny neurons that express dopamine D1 or D2 receptors (D1-MSNs, D2-MSNs) and microglia. Due to the concern of CB2R antibody specificity, we developed three mouse CB2-specific probes to detect CB2R mRNA using quantitative RT-PCR and RNAscope in situ hybridization (ISH) assays. We found that a single injection of cocaine failed to alter, while repeated cocaine injections or self-administration dose-dependently upregulated CB2R gene expression in both brain (cortex and striatum) and periphery (spleen). In contrast, repeated administration of heroin produced a dose-dependent reduction in striatal CB2 mRNA expression. RNAscope ISH assays detected CB2R mRNA in striatal D1- and D2-MSNs, not in microglia. We then used transgenic CX3CR1eGFP/+ microglia reporter mice and D1- or D2-Cre-RiboTag mice to purify striatal microglia or ribosome-associated mRNAs from CX3CR1eGFP/+, D1-MSNs, or D2-MSNs, respectively. We found that CB2R upregulation occurred mainly in D1-MSNs, not in D2-MSNs or microglia, in the nucleus accumbens rather than the dorsal striatum. These findings indicate that repeated cocaine exposure may upregulate CB2R expression in both brain and spleen, with regional and cell type-specific profiles. In the striatum, CB2R upregulation occurs mainly in D1-MSNs in the nucleus accumbens. Given the important role of D1-MSNs in brain reward function, the present findings provide new insight into mechanisms by which brain CB2Rs modulate cocaine action.
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Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo Using the Activation of the Endogenous Cannabinoid Signaling System in Mammalian Eyes. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210038. [PMID: 35233292 PMCID: PMC8850705 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid and glutamatergic signaling systems in the human retina coexist and greatly influence one another. Under glaucomatous conditions, excess levels of glutamate accrete in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer. The present study tests the putative neuroprotective effect mediated by cannabinoids at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. In the first experiment, mice were given intravitreal injections of 160 nmol N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) in one eye and saline in the paired eye. In the second experiment, both eyes were given NMDA, while one of the two was additionally given the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2. Ten days later, animals were perfused and the retinae were dissected as wholemounts and stained with Cresyl Violet. Quantitative analysis revealed that 70% of the neurons in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer exposed to NMDA underwent cell death. The addition of the cannabinoid CB1/CB2 agonist doubled the number of neurons surviving the NMDA treatment. These data provide evidence that cannabinoids, either exogenous or endogenous, may be harnessed to provide protection from neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma, and from glutamate-induced, and potentially other forms of neurotoxicity, under chronic or acute conditions.
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Liu QR, Aseer KR, Yao Q, Zhong X, Ghosh P, O’Connell JF, Egan JM. Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Autophagy Effects of the Cannabinoid Receptor CB2R: Possibility of Modulation in Type 1 Diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:809965. [PMID: 35115945 PMCID: PMC8804091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease resulting from loss of insulin-secreting β-cells in islets of Langerhans. The loss of β-cells is initiated when self-tolerance to β-cell-derived contents breaks down, which leads to T cell-mediated β-cell damage and, ultimately, β-cell apoptosis. Many investigations have demonstrated the positive effects of antagonizing cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, but the role of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) in such diseases is relatively unknown. Activation of CB2R is known for its immunosuppressive roles in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, celiac, and lupus diseases, and since autoimmune diseases can share common environmental and genetic factors, we propose CB2R specific agonists may also serve as disease modifiers in diabetes mellitus. The CNR2 gene, which encodes CB2R protein, is the result of a gene duplication of CNR1, which encodes CB1R protein. This ortholog evolved rapidly after transitioning from invertebrates to vertebrate hundreds of million years ago. Human specific CNR2 isoforms are induced by inflammation in pancreatic islets, and a CNR2 nonsynonymous SNP (Q63R) is associated with autoimmune diseases. We collected evidence from the literature and from our own studies demonstrating that CB2R is involved in regulating the inflammasome and especially release of the cytokine interleukin 1B (IL-1β). Furthermore, CB2R activation controls intracellular autophagy and may regulate secretion of extracellular vesicles from adipocytes that participate in recycling of lipid droplets, dysregulation of which induces chronic inflammation and obesity. CB2R activation may play a similar role in islets of Langerhans. Here, we will discuss future strategies to unravel what roles, if any, CB2R modifiers potentially play in T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Rong Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Qing-Rong Liu, ; Josephine M. Egan,
| | - Kanikkai Raja Aseer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Qin Yao
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xiaoming Zhong
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Paritosh Ghosh
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer F. O’Connell
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Josephine M. Egan
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Qing-Rong Liu, ; Josephine M. Egan,
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Chen Z, Haider A, Chen J, Xiao Z, Gobbi L, Honer M, Grether U, Arnold SE, Josephson L, Liang SH. The Repertoire of Small-Molecule PET Probes for Neuroinflammation Imaging: Challenges and Opportunities beyond TSPO. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17656-17689. [PMID: 34905377 PMCID: PMC9094091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an adaptive response of the central nervous system to diverse potentially injurious stimuli, which is closely associated with neurodegeneration and typically characterized by activation of microglia and astrocytes. As a noninvasive and translational molecular imaging tool, positron emission tomography (PET) could provide a better understanding of neuroinflammation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. Ligands to translator protein (TSPO), a putative marker of neuroinflammation, have been the most commonly studied in this context, but they suffer from serious limitations. Herein we present a repertoire of different structural chemotypes and novel PET ligand design for classical and emerging neuroinflammatory targets beyond TSPO. We believe that this Perspective will support multidisciplinary collaborations in academic and industrial institutions working on neuroinflammation and facilitate the progress of neuroinflammation PET probe development for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Luca Gobbi
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Honer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven E. Arnold
- Department of Neurology and the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Lee Josephson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Steven H. Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
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Burgaz S, García C, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Gómez-Almería M, Ruiz-Pino F, Unciti JD, Gómez-Cañas M, Alcalde J, Morales P, Jagerovic N, Rodríguez-Cueto C, de Lago E, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Preclinical Investigation in Neuroprotective Effects of the GPR55 Ligand VCE-006.1 in Experimental Models of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247643. [PMID: 34946726 PMCID: PMC8708356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids act as pleiotropic compounds exerting, among others, a broad-spectrum of neuroprotective effects. These effects have been investigated in the last years in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, with the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2) receptors concentrating an important part of this research. However, the issue has also been extended to additional targets that are also active for cannabinoids, such as the orphan G-protein receptor 55 (GPR55). In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of VCE-006.1, a chromenopyrazole derivative with biased orthosteric and positive allosteric modulator activity at GPR55, in murine models of two neurodegenerative diseases. First, we proved that VCE-006.1 alone could induce ERK1/2 activation and calcium mobilization, as well as increase cAMP response but only in the presence of lysophosphatidyl inositol. Next, we investigated this compound administered chronically in two neurotoxin-based models of Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as in some cell-based models. VCE-006.1 was active in reversing the motor defects caused by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the pole and the cylinder rearing tests, as well as the losses in tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons and the elevated glial reactivity detected in the substantia nigra. Similar cytoprotective effects were found in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We also investigated VCE-006.1 in LPS-lesioned mice with similar beneficial effects, except against glial reactivity and associated inflammatory events, which remained unaltered, a fact confirmed in BV2 cells treated with LPS and VCE-006.1. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models with no changes in its gene expression, although GPR55 was down-regulated in BV2 cells treated with LPS, which may explain the lack of efficacy of VCE-006.1 in such an assay. Furthermore, we investigated VCE-006.1 in two genetic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mutant SOD1, or TDP-43 transgenic mice. Neither the neurological decline nor the deteriorated rotarod performance were prevented with this compound, and the same happened with the elevated microglial and astroglial reactivities, albeit modest spinal motor neuron preservation was achieved in both models. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models and found no changes in both TDP-43 transgenic and mSOD1 mice. Therefore, our findings support the view that targeting the GPR55 may afford neuroprotection in experimental PD, but not in ALS, thus stressing the specificities for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies in the different neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Burgaz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Pino
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - Juan Diego Unciti
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Alcalde
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34–913941450
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Visvanathar R, Papanikolaou M, Nôga DA, Pádua-Reis M, Tort ABL, Blunder M. Hippocampal Cb 2 receptors: an untold story. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:413-426. [PMID: 34717053 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The field of cannabinoid research has been receiving ever-growing interest. Ongoing debates worldwide about the legislation of medical cannabis further motivates research into cannabinoid function within the central nervous system (CNS). To date, two well-characterized cannabinoid receptors exist. While most research has investigated Cb1 receptors (Cb1Rs), Cb2 receptors (Cb2Rs) in the brain have started to attract considerable interest in recent years. With indisputable evidence showing the wide-distribution of Cb2Rs in the brain of different species, they are no longer considered just peripheral receptors. However, in contrast to Cb1Rs, the functionality of central Cb2Rs remains largely unexplored. Here we review recent studies on hippocampal Cb2Rs. While conflicting results about their function have been reported, we have made significant progress in understanding the involvement of Cb2Rs in modulating cellular properties and network excitability. Moreover, Cb2Rs have been shown to be expressed in different subregions of the hippocampus, challenging our prior understanding of the endocannabinoid system. Although more insight into their functional roles is necessary, we propose that targeting hippocampal Cb2Rs may offer novel therapies for diseases related to memory and adult neurogenesis deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Visvanathar
- Behavioral Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Papanikolaou
- Behavioral Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Diana Aline Nôga
- Behavioral Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marina Pádua-Reis
- Behavioral Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Martina Blunder
- Behavioral Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
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Komorowska-Müller JA, Rana T, Olabiyi BF, Zimmer A, Schmöle AC. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Alters Social Memory and Microglial Activity in an Age-Dependent Manner. Molecules 2021; 26:5984. [PMID: 34641528 PMCID: PMC8513097 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological brain aging is characterized by gradual, substantial changes in cognitive ability, accompanied by chronic activation of the neural immune system. This form of inflammation, termed inflammaging, in the central nervous system is primarily enacted through microglia, the resident immune cells. The endocannabinoid system, and particularly the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), is a major regulator of the activity of microglia and is upregulated under inflammatory conditions. Here, we elucidated the role of the CB2R in physiological brain aging. We used CB2R-/- mice of progressive ages in a behavioral test battery to assess social and spatial learning and memory. This was followed by detailed immunohistochemical analysis of microglial activity and morphology, and of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus. CB2R deletion decreased social memory in young mice, but did not affect spatial memory. In fact, old CB2R-/- mice had a slightly improved social memory, whereas in WT mice we detected an age-related cognitive decline. On a cellular level, CB2R deletion increased lipofuscin accumulation in microglia, but not in neurons. CB2R-/- microglia showed an increase of activity markers Iba1 and CD68, and minor upregulation in tnfa and il6 expression and downregulation of ccl2 with age. This was accompanied by a change in morphology as CB2R-/- microglia had smaller somas and lower polarity, with increased branching, cell volume, and tree length. We present that CB2Rs are involved in cognition and age-induced microglial activity, but may also be important for microglial activation itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (J.A.K.-M.); (T.R.); (B.F.O.); (A.-C.S.)
- International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tanushka Rana
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (J.A.K.-M.); (T.R.); (B.F.O.); (A.-C.S.)
| | - Bolanle Fatimat Olabiyi
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (J.A.K.-M.); (T.R.); (B.F.O.); (A.-C.S.)
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (J.A.K.-M.); (T.R.); (B.F.O.); (A.-C.S.)
| | - Anne-Caroline Schmöle
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (J.A.K.-M.); (T.R.); (B.F.O.); (A.-C.S.)
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He XH, Galaj E, Bi GH, He Y, Hempel B, Wang YL, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. β-caryophyllene, an FDA-Approved Food Additive, Inhibits Methamphetamine-Taking and Methamphetamine-Seeking Behaviors Possibly via CB2 and Non-CB2 Receptor Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722476. [PMID: 34566647 PMCID: PMC8458938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research indicates that brain cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in drug reward and addiction. However, it is unclear whether β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural product with a CB2 receptor agonist profile, has therapeutic effects on methamphetamine (METH) abuse and dependence. In this study, we used animal models of self-administration, electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) and in vivo microdialysis to explore the effects of BCP on METH-taking and METH-seeking behavior. We found that systemic administration of BCP dose-dependently inhibited METH self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules in rats, indicating that BCP reduces METH reward, METH intake, and incentive motivation to seek and take METH. The attenuating effects of BCP were partially blocked by AM 630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist. Genetic deletion of CB2 receptors in CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice also blocked low dose BCP-induced reduction in METH self-administration, suggesting possible involvement of a CB2 receptor mechanism. However, at high doses, BCP produced a reduction in METH self-administration in CB2-KO mice in a manner similar as in WT mice, suggesting that non-CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie high dose BCP-produced effects. In addition, BCP dose-dependently attenuated METH-enhanced electrical BSR and inhibited METH-primed and cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking in rats. In vivo microdialysis assays indicated that BCP alone did not produce a significant reduction in extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), while BCP pretreatment significantly reduced METH-induced increases in extracellular NAc DA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a DA-dependent mechanism involved in BCP action. Together, the present findings suggest that BCP might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of METH use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Hu He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yi He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Briana Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Xiong Y, Lim CS. Understanding the Modulatory Effects of Cannabidiol on Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091211. [PMID: 34573232 PMCID: PMC8472755 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. The deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau is considered the hallmark of AD pathology. Many therapeutic approaches such as Food and Drug Administration-approved cholinesterase inhibitors and N–methyl–D–aspartate receptor antagonists have been used to intervene in AD pathology. However, current therapies only provide limited symptomatic relief and are ineffective in preventing AD progression. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychoactive responses, provides neuroprotective effects through both cannabinoid and noncannabinoid receptors. Recent studies using an AD mouse model have suggested that CBD can reverse cognitive deficits along with Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory, oxidative responses, and neuronal death. Furthermore, CBD can reduce the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylation of tau, suggesting the possibility of delaying AD progression. Particularly, the noncannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, has been suggested to be involved in multiple functions of CBD. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of CBD is necessary for intervening in AD pathology in depth and for the translation of preclinical studies into clinical settings. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the effect of CBD in AD and suggest problems to be overcome for the therapeutic use of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyi Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332000, China
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-850-6765; Fax: +82-63-850-7262
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Magham SV, Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy P, Shaji N, Mani L, Balasubramanian S. Cannabinoid receptor 2 selective agonists and Alzheimer's disease: An insight into the therapeutic potentials. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2888-2905. [PMID: 34486749 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system has been extensively studied in recent decades, particularly the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, due to their important role in neuroinflammation. Among these, CB2 has gained prominence due to its selective overexpression in glial cells during neuroinflammation. In contrast to CB1 agonists, CB2 agonists have no side effects such as ataxia, hypothermia, euphoria, psychological, or addiction liabilities. CB2 and its selective agonists' above-mentioned unique properties have become a research focus in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The review discusses the neuroprotective role of CB receptors, particularly CB2, in AD, as well as the significance and limitations of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Varshini Magham
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | | | - Neenu Shaji
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | - Lalithkumar Mani
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
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Cabañero D, Martín-García E, Maldonado R. The CB2 cannabinoid receptor as a therapeutic target in the central nervous system. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:659-676. [PMID: 34424117 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1971196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeting CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2r) represents a promising approach for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. These receptors were identified in peripheral tissues, but also in neurons in the central nervous system. New findings have highlighted the interest to target these central receptors to obtain therapeutic effects devoid of the classical cannabinoid side-effects. AREAS COVERED In this review, we searched PubMed (January 1991-May 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library databases for articles, reviews and clinical trials. We first introduce the relevance of CB2r as a key component of the endocannabinoid system. We discuss CB2r interest as a possible novel target in the treatment of pain. This receptor has raised interest as a potential target for neurodegenerative disorders treatment, as we then discussed. Finally, we underline studies revealing a novel potential CB2r interest in mental disorders treatment. EXPERT OPINION In spite of the interest of targeting CB2r for pain, clinical trials evaluating CB2r agonist analgesic efficacy have currently failed. The preferential involvement of CB2r in preventing the development of chronic pain could influence the failure of clinical trials designed for the treatment of already established pain syndromes. Specific trials should be designed to target the prevention of chronic pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cabañero
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández. Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
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