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Francis A, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Guru R, Darweish Medniuk A, Sajad M, Searle R, Usmani A, Varma S, Rucker J, Platt M, Holden W, Sodergren MH. Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024:00004850-990000000-00145. [PMID: 38976497 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures after initiation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) and the safety of CBMPs in patients with inflammatory arthritis. A prospective case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry was analyzed. The primary outcomes changes were in Brief Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up compared with baseline. Adverse events were analyzed in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v.4.0. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value less than 0.050. Eighty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Initiation of CBMP treatment was associated with improvements in Brief Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months compared with baseline (P < 0.050). There were 102 (44.35%) mild adverse events, 97 (42.17%) moderate adverse events, and 31 (13.48%) severe adverse events recorded by 21 (25.61%) participants. This study suggests that CBMP treatment is associated with pain improvement and increased health-related quality of life for inflammatory arthritis patients. While causality cannot be inferred in this observational study, the results support the development of randomized control trials for inflammatory arthritis pain management with CBMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Francis
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
| | - Simon Erridge
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London
| | - Rahul Guru
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Pain Management, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff
| | - Alia Darweish Medniuk
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Anaesthetic Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol
| | | | | | | | | | - James Rucker
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
- Department of Pain Management, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff
- Anaesthetic Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol
| | | | | | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London
- Department of Medicine, Curaleaf Clinic
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Mohammadpour-Asl S, Roshan-Milani S, Fard AA, Golchin A. Hormetic effects of a cannabinoid system component, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, on cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in cultured mouse Sertoli cells: Friend or foe of male fertility? Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108575. [PMID: 38462211 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108575] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The generally undesired effects of exocannabinoids on male reproduction include alterations in testicular cell proliferation and function, as well as apoptosis induction. However, this paradigm has been challenged by the ability of endocannabinoids to regulate reproductive function. The present study addresses these paradoxical facts by investigating the effects of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) on mouse Sertoli cells' survival and apoptosis, with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based growth factors' production. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was exposed to different concentrations of 2-AG, and cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. Growth factors' gene and protein expressions were analyzed through RT-PCR and western blotting. 2-AG concentration dependently increased TM4 viability, with a slight increase starting at 0.0001 µM, a peak of 190% of the control level at 1 µM, and a decrease at 3 µM. Moreover, 2-AG paradoxically altered mRNA expression of caspase-3 and growth factors. Caspase-3 mRNA expression was down-regulated, and growth factors mRNA and protein expression were up-regulated when using a low concentration of 2-AG (1 μM). Opposite effects were observed by a higher concentration of 2-AG (3 μM). These paradoxical effects of 2-AG can be explained through the concept of hormesis. The results indicate the pivotal role of 2-AG in mediating Sertoli cell viability and apoptosis, at least in part, through altering growth factors secretion. Furthermore, they suggest the involvement of endocannabinoids in Sertoli cell-based physiological and pathological conditions and reflect the ability of abnormally elevated 2-AG to mimic the actions of exocannabinoids in reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amin Abdollahzade Fard
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Golchin
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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McCormick ET, Draganski A, Chalmers S, Zahn J, Garcia S, Nussbaum D, Friedman A, Putterman C, Friedman J. Nano-encapsulated anandamide reduces inflammatory cytokines in vitro and lesion severity in a murine model of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:2072-2083. [PMID: 37726950 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14935] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune skin disease which occurs independently and in conjunction with systemic lupus erythematosus. Drug development for CLE is severely lacking. Anandamide (AEA) is a primary endocannabinoid which exhibits immunomodulatory effects through mixed cannabinoid receptor agonism. We evaluated AEA as topical treatment for CLE and assessed benefits of nanoparticle encapsulation (AEA-NP) on cutaneous drug penetration, delivery and biological activity. Compared to untreated controls, AEA-NP decreased IL-6 and MCP-1 in UVB-stimulated keratinocytes (p < 0.05) in vitro. In BALB/c mice, AEA-NP displayed improved cutaneous penetration, extended release and persistence of AEA in the follicular unit extending to the base after 24 h. Utilizing the MRL-lpr lupus murine model, twice weekly treatment of lesions with topical AEA-NP for 10 weeks led to decreased clinical and histologic lesion scores compared to unencapsulated AEA and untreated controls (p < 0.05). Prophylactic application of AEA-NP to commonly involved areas on MRL-lpr mice similarly resulted in decreased clinical and histologic scores when compared to controls (p < 0.05), and reduced C3 and IBA-1 in lesional tissue (p < 0.05). The demonstrated clinical and immunomodulatory effects of treatment with AEA support its potential as therapy for CLE. This work also suggests that encapsulation of AEA improves penetration and treatment efficacy. Future studies will be conducted to assess full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T McCormick
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Samantha Chalmers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
| | - Joseph Zahn
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sayra Garcia
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
| | - Dillon Nussbaum
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adam Friedman
- George Washington University Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
- Research Institute, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Joel Friedman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Bronx, USA
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Szafran BN, Nichols J, Nicaise A, Borazjani A, Carr RL, Wilson JR, Ross MK, Kaplan BLF. Cnr1 -/- has minimal impact on chlorpyrifos-mediated effects in the mouse endocannabinoid system, but it does alter lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine levels in splenocytes. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 375:110425. [PMID: 36858108 PMCID: PMC10150269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate pesticide that can inhibit endocannabinoid (eCB) metabolizing enzymes in animal models at levels that do not significantly alter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies indicated that repeated low-level CPF exposure in developing rats increased the levels of eCBs in the brain. Because eCBs play a role in immune homeostasis through their engagement with cannabinoid receptors, we investigated the role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1, encoded by the Cnr1 gene) on the CPF-mediated effects in the spleen and lung of neonatal and adult female mice. We treated neonatal and adult female Cnr1-/- mice with 2.5 mg/kg oral CPF or vehicle for 7 days. Tissues were harvested 4 h after the last CPF dose to evaluate eCB metabolic enzyme activity, levels of eCBs, and tissue immunophenotype. There were a small number of genotype-dependent alterations noted in the endpoints following CPF treatment that were specific to age and tissue type, and differences in eCB metabolism caused by CPF treatment did not correlate to changes in eCB levels. To explore the role of CB1 in CPF-mediated effects on immune endpoints, in vitro experiments were performed with WT murine splenocytes exposed to chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO; oxon metabolite of CPF) and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). While CPO did not alter LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, inactivation of CB1 by the antagonist SR141716A augmented LPS-induced IFN-γ levels. Additional experiments with WT and Cnr1-/- murine splenocytes confirmed a role for CB1 in altering the production of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. We conclude that CPF-mediated effects on the eCB system are not strongly dependent on CB1, although abrogation of CB1 does alter LPS-induced cytokine levels in splenocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany N Szafran
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - James Nichols
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Ashleigh Nicaise
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Abdolsamad Borazjani
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Russell L Carr
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Juliet R Wilson
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Matthew K Ross
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
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Zhu M, Guo Q, Kang H, Peng R, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Wang S, Liu H, Zhao H, Dong Z, Song K, Xu S, Wang P, Chen L, Liu J, Li F. Inhibition of FAAH suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and attenuates ovariectomy-induced bone loss partially through repressing the IL17 pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22690. [PMID: 36468880 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200911r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fatty amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a key degradation enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, mainly responsible for the hydrolysis of arachidonic acid ethanolamine (AEA). Previous investigations have shown that FAAH is involved in a series of biological processes, such as inflammation, immune regulation, and transmembrane signal transduction of neurons. Endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors have been reported to participate in the regulation of bone homeostasis by regulating the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We hypothesized that FAAH may play an important role in osteoclastogenesis based on the above evidence. The present study found that the FAAH expression was increased at both mRNA and protein levels during RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of FAAH in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) inhibited osteoclastogenesis, F-actin ring formation, bone resorption, and osteoclast-specific gene expression in vitro. Moreover, intragastric administration of the FAAH inhibitor PF-04457845(PF) ameliorated ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in mice. Further investigation revealed that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were inhibited by PF treatment and FAAH knockdown. RNAseq indicated that the IL17 pathway was blocked by PF, and administration of recombinant murine IL17 protein could partially restore osteoclastogenesis and activate NF-κB and MAPK pathways. To sum up, our findings demonstrate that targeting FAAH could be a promising candidate strategy for treating osteoclast-related diseases, especially osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meipeng Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Honglei Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renpeng Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yimin Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yayun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjian Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zijian Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kehan Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shimeng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liangxi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Miranda K, Becker W, Busbee PB, Dopkins N, Abdulla OA, Zhong Y, Zhang J, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Yin and yang of cannabinoid CB1 receptor: CB1 deletion in immune cells causes exacerbation while deletion in non-immune cells attenuates obesity. iScience 2022; 25:104994. [PMID: 36093055 PMCID: PMC9460165 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) has been shown to attenuate diet-induced obesity (DIO), its relative role in different cell types has not been tested. The current study investigated the role of CB1 in immune vs non-immune cells during DIO by generating radiation-induced bone marrow chimeric mice that expressed functional CB1 in all cells except the immune cells or expressed CB1 only in immune cells. CB1−/− recipient hosts were resistant to DIO, indicating that CB1 in non-immune cells is necessary for induction of DIO. Interestingly, chimeras with CB1−/− in immune cells showed exacerbation in DIO combined with infiltration of bone-marrow-derived macrophages to the brain and visceral adipose tissue, elevated food intake, and increased glucose intolerance. These results demonstrate the opposing role of CB1 in hematopoietic versus non-hematopoietic cells during DIO and suggests that targeting immune CB1 receptors provides a new pathway to ameliorate obesity and related metabolic disorders. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1), and not CB2, regulates diet-induced obesity (DIO) CB1 deficiency in non-immune cell types promotes DIO resistance CB1 deficiency in immune cells exacerbates DIO disease phenotype CB1 activation in immune cells is a potential therapeutic target for DIO attenuation
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Ben Mrid R, Bouchmaa N, Ainani H, El Fatimy R, Malka G, Mazini L. Anti-rheumatoid drugs advancements: New insights into the molecular treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113126. [PMID: 35643074 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of more than 100 types of arthritis. This chronic autoimmune disorder affects the lining of synovial joints in about 0.5% of people and may induce severe joints deformity and disability. RA impacts health life of people from all sexes and ages with more prevalence in elderly and women people. Significant improvement has been noted in the last two decades revealing the mechanisms of the development of RA, the improvement of the early diagnosis and the development of new treatment options. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remain the most known treatments used against RA. However, not all patients respond well to these drugs and therefore, new solutions are of immense need to improve the disease outcomes. In the present review, we discuss and highlight the recent findings concerning the different classes of RA therapies including the conventional and modern drug therapies, as well as the recent emerging options including the phyto-cannabinoid and cell- and RNA-based therapies. A better understanding of their mechanisms and pathways might help find a specific target against inflammation, cartilage damage, and reduce side effects in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda Ben Mrid
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Najat Bouchmaa
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ainani
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Fatimy
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Gabriel Malka
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Loubna Mazini
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco.
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Behl T, Makkar R, Sehgal A, Singh S, Makeen HA, Albratty M, Alhazmi HA, Meraya AM, Bungau S. Exploration of Multiverse Activities of Endocannabinoids in Biological Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105734. [PMID: 35628545 PMCID: PMC9147046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) has come into the limelight as an imperative neuro-modulatory system. It is mainly comprised of endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid), cannabinoid receptors and the associated enzymes accountable for its synthesis and deterioration. The ECS plays a proven role in the management of several neurological, cardiovascular, immunological, and other relevant chronic conditions. Endocannabinoid or endogenous cannabinoid are endogenous lipid molecules which connect with cannabinoid receptors and impose a fashionable impact on the behavior and physiological processes of the individual. Arachidonoyl ethanolamide or Anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol or 2-AG were the endocannabinoid molecules that were first characterized and discovered. The presence of lipid membranes in the precursor molecules is the characteristic feature of endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoids are released upon rapid enzymatic reactions into the extracellular space via activation through G-protein coupled receptors, which is contradictory to other neurotransmitter that are synthesized beforehand, and stock up into the synaptic vesicles. The current review highlights the functioning, synthesis, and degradation of endocannabinoid, and explains its functioning in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India; (R.M.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Rashita Makkar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India; (R.M.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India; (R.M.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India; (R.M.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Hafiz A. Makeen
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Clinical Pharmacy Department of College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.M.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hassan A. Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutcal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarim M. Meraya
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Clinical Pharmacy Department of College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.M.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.B.)
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Jain N, Moorthy A. Cannabinoids in rheumatology: Friend, foe or a bystander? Musculoskeletal Care 2022; 20:416-428. [PMID: 35476898 PMCID: PMC9322323 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1636] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cannabinoids have gained popularity recently with special emphasis on their use for chronic pain. Although NICE guidelines advise against their usage for management of chronic pain, almost all rheumatologists encounter a few patients in their daily practice who either use them or are curious about them. We reviewed the mechanism of action of cannabinoids, current knowledge about their role in rheumatology and potential drug interactions with common drugs used in Rheumatology. We attempted to answer the question "If cannabinoids are friend, foe or just a mere bystander?" METHODS We adhered to a search strategy for writing narrative reviews as per available guidelines. We searched PubMed with the search terms "Cannabinoids", "Rheumatology" and "Chronic pain" for published articles and retrieved 613 articles. The abstracts and titles of these articles were screened to identify relevant studies focusing on mechanism of actions, adverse effects and drug interactions. We also availed the services of a musculoskeletal librarian. RESULTS Despite the NHS guidelines against the usage of cannabinoids and associated significant stigma, cannabinoids are increasingly used for the management of pain in rheumatology without prescription. Cannabinoids act through two major receptors CB1 and CB2, which are important modulators of the stress response with potential analgesic effects. Their role in various rheumatological diseases including Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia have been explored with some benefits. However, in addition to the adverse effects, cannabinoids also have some potential interactions with common drugs used in rheumatology, which many users are unaware of. CONCLUSION While the current studies and patient reported outcomes suggest cannabinoids to be a "friend" of rheumatology, their adverse events and drug interactions prove to be a "Foe". We were unable to arrive at a definite answer for our question posed, however on the balance of probabilities we can conclude cannabinoids to be a "foe". Under these circumstances, a disease and drug focussed research is need of the hour to answer the unresolved question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nibha Jain
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Arumugam Moorthy
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, Chennai, India.,New Vision University, Georgia
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Estrada JA, Contreras I. Endocannabinoid Receptors in the CNS: Potential Drug Targets for the Prevention and Treatment of Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 18:769-787. [PMID: 32065105 PMCID: PMC7536826 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200217140255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system participates in the regulation of CNS homeostasis and functions, including neurotransmission, cell signaling, inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as neuronal and glial cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival. Endocannabinoids are produced by multiple cell types within the CNS and their main receptors, CB1 and CB2, are expressed in both neurons and glia. Signaling through these receptors is implicated in the modulation of neuronal and glial alterations in neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, anxiety and depression. The therapeutic potential of endocannabinoid receptors in neurological disease has been hindered by unwelcome side effects of current drugs used to target them; however, due to their extensive expression within the CNS and their involvement in physiological and pathological process in nervous tissue, they are attractive targets for drug development. The present review highlights the potential applications of the endocannabinoid system for the prevention and treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Estrada
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico
| | - Irazú Contreras
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico
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11
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A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic and Drug-Drug Interaction Model for the CB2 Agonist Lenabasum. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2021; 46:513-525. [PMID: 34143391 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-021-00693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Lenabasum is a synthetic agonist of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Utilizing Simcyp, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model based on physicochemical properties, cell culture data, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) phenotyping, inhibition, and induction data. METHODS Clinical data from healthy volunteers treated with 20 mg of lenabasum in a single ascending dose (SAD) study were used for model development. The model was verified using lenabasum SAD (10 and 40 mg) data as well as multiple dose (20 mg three times per day) data. Lenabasum is a CYP substrate, and the model predicted lenabasum clearance of 51% by CYP2C9, 37% by CYP2C8, and 12% by CYP3A4. Lenabasum is also an inhibitor of these isozymes. RESULTS The model accurately described the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for lenabasum within 1.19-fold and 1.25-fold accuracy, respectively, of the observed clinical values. The simulations of CYP inducers predicted that the strongest interaction would occur with rifampin, with the AUC decreasing to 0.36 of the control value, whereas the simulations of CYP inhibitors predicted that the greatest effect would occur with fluconazole, with a 1.43-fold increase in AUC. CONCLUSIONS Our model is a useful tool for predicting the pharmacokinetics of lenabasum and adjustments to its dosing in possible drug-drug interaction scenarios.
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Sultan M, Alghetaa H, Mohammed A, Abdulla OA, Wisniewski PJ, Singh N, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. The Endocannabinoid Anandamide Attenuates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Downregulating miRNA that Target Inflammatory Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:644281. [PMID: 33995054 PMCID: PMC8113864 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as a type of respiratory failure that is caused by a variety of insults such as pneumonia, sepsis, trauma and certain viral infections. In this study, we investigated the effect of an endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), on ARDS induced in the mouse by Staphylococcus Enterotoxin B (SEB). Administration of a single intranasal dose of SEB in mice and treated with exogenous AEA at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight led to the amelioration of ARDS in mice. Clinically, plethysmography results indicated that there was an improvement in lung function after AEA treatment accompanied by a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltrate. There was also a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and immune cells including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Vβ8+ T cells, and NK+ T cells in the lungs. Concurrently, an increase in anti-inflammatory phenotypes such as CD11b + Gr1+ Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), CD4 + FOXP3 + Tregs, and CD4+IL10 + cells was observed in the lungs. Microarray data showed that AEA treatment in ARDS mice significantly altered numerous miRNA including downregulation of miRNA-23a-3p, which caused an upregulation of arginase (ARG1), which encodes for arginase, a marker for MDSCs, as well as TGF-β2, which induces Tregs. AEA also caused down-regulation of miRNA-34a-5p which led to induction of FoxP3, a master regulator of Tregs. Transfection of T cells using miRNA-23a-3p or miRNA-34a-5p mimics and inhibitors confirmed that these miRNAs targeted ARG1, TGFβ2 and FoxP3. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study suggests that endocannabinoids such as AEA can attenuate ARDS induced by SEB by suppressing inflammation through down-regulation of key miRNA that regulate immunosuppressive pathways involving the induction of MDSCs and Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthanna Sultan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Hasan Alghetaa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amirah Mohammed
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Osama A Abdulla
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Paul J Wisniewski
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Narendra Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of SC, Columbia, SC, United States
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13
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Nagarkatti P, Miranda K, Nagarkatti M. Use of Cannabinoids to Treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Cytokine Storm Associated with Coronavirus Disease-2019. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:589438. [PMID: 33240092 PMCID: PMC7677512 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.589438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) resulting from hyperactivation of the immune system and cytokine storm, which leads to respiratory and multi-organ failure, and death. Currently, there are no effective treatments against hyperimmune syndrome and ARDS. We propose that because immune cells express cannabinoid receptors and their agonists are known to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity, targeting cannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoids deserve intense investigation as a novel approach to treat systemic inflammation, cytokine storm, and ARDS in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States.,University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Kathryn Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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14
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Abstract
As medical use of cannabis is increasingly legalized worldwide, a better understanding of the medical and hazardous effects of this drug is imperative. The pain associated with rheumatic diseases is considered a prevalent indication for medicinal cannabis in various countries. Thus far, preliminary clinical trials have explored the effects of cannabis on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia; preliminary evidence has also found an association between the cannabinoid system and other rheumatic conditions, including systemic sclerosis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The potential medicinal effects of cannabis could be attributable to its influence on the immune system, as it exerts an immunomodulatory effect on various immune cells, including T cells, B cells and macrophages. However, the available evidence is not yet sufficient to support the recommendation of cannabinoid treatment for rheumatic diseases.
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15
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Szafran BN, Lee JH, Borazjani A, Morrison P, Zimmerman G, Andrzejewski KL, Ross MK, Kaplan BLF. Characterization of Endocannabinoid-Metabolizing Enzymes in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells under Inflammatory Conditions. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123167. [PMID: 30513753 PMCID: PMC6321211 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes are downregulated in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in mice, which may serve as a negative feedback mechanism to increase endocannabinoid levels and reduce inflammation. Increased plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreased fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity in peripheral lymphocytes from individuals diagnosed with Huntington’s disease (HD) suggests that a similar negative feedback system between inflammation and the endocannabinoid system operates in humans. We investigated whether CpG- (unmethylated bacterial DNA) and LPS-induced IL-6 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from non-HD and HD individuals modulated the activities of endocannabinoid hydrolases monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and carboxylesterase (CES). Baseline plasma IL-6 levels and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) hydrolytic activity in PBMC lysates were not different in HD and non-HD individuals. Inhibition of MAGL and CES1 activity in PBMCs using the inhibitors JZL184 and WWL113, respectively, demonstrated that MAGL was the dominant 2-AG hydrolytic enzyme in PBMCs, regardless of disease state. Correlative analyses of 2-AG hydrolytic activity versus enzyme abundance confirmed this conclusion. Flow cytometric analysis of PBMCs showed that MAGL and CES1 were primarily expressed in monocytes and to a lesser extent in lymphocytes. In conclusion, these data suggest that IL-6 did not influence 2-AG hydrolytic activity in human PBMCs; however, monocytic MAGL was shown to be the predominant 2-AG hydrolytic enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany N Szafran
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
| | - Jung Hwa Lee
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
| | - Abdolsamad Borazjani
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
| | - Peter Morrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
| | - Grace Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
| | - Kelly L Andrzejewski
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA.
| | - Matthew K Ross
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
| | - Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA.
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16
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Maurya N, Velmurugan BK. Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 293:77-88. [PMID: 30040916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The psychoactive property of cannabinoids is well known and there has been a continuous controversy regarding the usage of these compounds for therapeutic purposes all over the world. Their use for medical and research purposes are restricted in various countries. However, their utility as medications should not be overshadowed by its negative physiological activities. This review article is focused on the therapeutic potential and applications of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. We further highlights their mode of action, overall effects on physiology, various in vitro and in vivo studies that have been done so far and the extent to which these compounds can be useful in different disease conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, pain, inflammation, glaucoma and many others. Thus, this work is an attempt to make the readers understand the positive implications of these compounds and indicates the significant developments of utilizing cannabinoids as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Maurya
- School of Biotechnology, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, India
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17
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Lou ZY, Cheng J, Wang XR, Zhao YF, Gan J, Zhou GY, Liu ZG, Xiao BG. The inhibition of CB 1 receptor accelerates the onset and development of EAE possibly by regulating microglia/macrophages polarization. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 317:37-44. [PMID: 29501084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) regulates the neuro-inflammatory and neurodegenerative damages of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanism by which CB1R inhibition exerts inflammatory effects is still unclear. Here, we explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CB1R in the treatment of EAE by using a specific and selective CB1R antagonist SR141716A. Our study demonstrated that SR141716A accelerated the clinical onset and development of EAE, accompanied by body weight loss. SR141716A significantly up-regulated the expression of toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor-kappaB/p65 (NF-κB/p65) on microglia/macrophages of EAE mice as well as levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and chemokines (MCP-1, CX3CL1), accompanied by the shifts of cytokines from Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) to Th1 (IFN-γ)/Th17 (IL-17) in the spinal cords of EAE mice. Similar changes happened on splenic mononuclear cells (MNCs) except chemokine CX3CL1. Consistently, SR141716A promoted BV-2 microglia to release inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) while inhibited the production of IL-10 and chemokines (MCP-1, CX3CL1). Furthermore, when splenic CD4+ T cells co-cultured with SR141716A-administered BV-2 microglia, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were decreased while production of IL-17 and IFN-γ increased significantly. Our research indicated that inhibition of CB1R induced M1 phenotype-Th17 axis changed of microglia/macrophages through TLR-4 and NF-κB/p65 which accelerated the onset and development of EAE. Therefore, CB1R may be a promising target for the treatment of MS/EAE, but its complexity remains to be carefully considered and studied in further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yin Lou
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Fei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, JinShan Hospital, Fudan Univeristy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gan
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yu Zhou
- Department of Geriatric, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-Guo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Chiurchiù V, Leuti A, Maccarrone M. Bioactive Lipids and Chronic Inflammation: Managing the Fire Within. Front Immunol 2018; 9:38. [PMID: 29434586 PMCID: PMC5797284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an immune response that works as a contained fire that is pre-emptively sparked as a defensive process during infections or upon any kind of tissue insult, and that is spontaneously extinguished after elimination or termination of the damage. However, persistent and uncontrolled immune reactions act as a wildfire that promote chronic inflammation, unresolved tissue damage and, eventually, chronic diseases. A wide network of soluble mediators, among which endogenous bioactive lipids, governs all immune processes. They are secreted by basically all cells involved in inflammatory processes and constitute the crucial infrastructure that triggers, coordinates and confines inflammatory mechanisms. However, these molecules are also deeply involved in the detrimental transition from acute to chronic inflammation, be it for persistent or excessive action of pro-inflammatory lipids or for the impairment of the functions carried out by resolving ones. As a matter of fact, bioactive lipids have been linked, to date, to several chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. This review summarizes current knowledge on the involvement of the main classes of endogenous bioactive lipids—namely classical eicosanoids, pro-resolving lipid mediators, lysoglycerophospholipids/sphingolipids, and endocannabinoids—in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to the pathogenesis of chronic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Chiurchiù
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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19
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Martín-Fontecha M, Angelina A, Rückert B, Rueda-Zubiaurre A, Martín-Cruz L, van de Veen W, Akdis M, Ortega-Gutiérrez S, López-Rodríguez ML, Akdis CA, Palomares O. A Fluorescent Probe to Unravel Functional Features of Cannabinoid Receptor CB 1 in Human Blood and Tonsil Immune System Cells. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:382-389. [PMID: 29314831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The human endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) regulates key physiological processes and alterations in its signaling pathways, and endocannabinoid levels are associated with diseases such as neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, cancer, pain and inflammation, obesity, and metabolic and different immune related disorders. Immune system cells express the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), but its functional role has not been fully understood, likely due to the lack of appropriate tools. The availability of novel tools to investigate the role of CB1 in immune regulation might contribute to identify CB1 as a potential novel therapeutic target or biomarker for many diseases. Herein, we report the development and validation of the first fluorescent small molecule probe to directly visualize and quantify CB1 in blood and tonsil immune cells by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. We coupled the cannabinoid agonist HU210 to the fluorescent tag Alexa Fluor 488, generating a fluorescent probe with high affinity for CB1 and selectivity over CB2. We validate HU210-Alexa488 for the rapid, simultaneous, and reproducible identification of CB1 in human monocytes, T cells, and B cells by multiplexed flow cytometry. This probe is also suitable for the direct visualization of CB1 in tonsil tissues, allowing the in vivo identification of tonsil CB1-expressing T and B cells. This study provides the first fluorescent chemical tool to investigate CB1 expression and function in human blood and tonsil immune cells, which might well pave the way to unravel essential features of CB1 in different immune and ECS-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beate Rückert
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich , CH-7270, Davos, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Willem van de Veen
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich , CH-7270, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich , CH-7270, Davos, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich , CH-7270, Davos, Switzerland
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20
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Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: "High"-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1487. [PMID: 29176975 PMCID: PMC5686045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that certain active ingredients of the plants of Cannabis genus, i.e., the "phytocannabinoids" [pCBs; e.g., (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), (-)-cannabidiol, etc.] can influence a wide array of biological processes, and the human body is able to produce endogenous analogs of these substances ["endocannabinoids" (eCB), e.g., arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), etc.]. These ligands, together with multiple receptors (e.g., CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, etc.), and a complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the synthesis and degradation of the ligands constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a recently emerging regulator of several physiological processes. The ECS is widely expressed in the human body, including several members of the innate and adaptive immune system, where eCBs, as well as several pCBs were shown to deeply influence immune functions thereby regulating inflammation, autoimmunity, antitumor, as well as antipathogen immune responses, etc. Based on this knowledge, many in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at exploiting the putative therapeutic potential of cannabinoid signaling in inflammation-accompanied diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) or in organ transplantation, and to dissect the complex immunological effects of medical and "recreational" marijuana consumption. Thus, the objective of the current article is (i) to summarize the most recent findings of the field; (ii) to highlight the putative therapeutic potential of targeting cannabinoid signaling; (iii) to identify open questions and key challenges; and (iv) to suggest promising future directions for cannabinoid-based drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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21
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Sido JM, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Production of endocannabinoids by activated T cells and B cells modulates inflammation associated with delayed-type hypersensitivity. Eur J Immunol 2017; 46:1472-9. [PMID: 27064137 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands for the cannabinoid (CB) receptors which include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG). 2-AG has been linked to inflammation due to its elevated expression in animal models of autoimmunity and hypersensitivity. However, administration of exogenous 2-AG has been shown to suppress inflammation making its precise role unclear. In the current study, we investigated the role of 2-AG following immunization of C57BL/6 (BL6) mice with methylated BSA (mBSA) antigen, which triggers both delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and antibody response. We found that while naïve T cells and B cells expressed low levels of 2-AG, expression significantly increased upon activation. Furthermore, mBSA-immunized mice exhibited higher 2-AG concentration than naïve mice. Exogenous 2-AG treatment (40 mg/kg) in mBSA-immunized mice led to reduced DTH response, and decreased Th1 and Th17-associated cytokines including IL-6, IL-2, TNF-α, and the IgG response. Addition of 2-AG to activated popliteal lymph node (PopLN) cell cultures also inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. Together, these data show for the first time that activated T and B cells produce 2-AG, which plays a negative regulatory role to decrease DTH via inhibition of T-cell activation and proliferation. Moreover, these findings suggest that exogenous 2-AG treatment can be used therapeutically in Th1- or Th17-driven disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Sido
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA.,WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
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22
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Almestrand S, Wang X, Jeppsson-Ahlberg Å, Nordgren M, Flygare J, Christensson B, Rössner S, Sander B. Influence of rimonabant treatment on peripheral blood mononuclear cells; flow cytometry analysis and gene expression profiling. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1056. [PMID: 26157624 PMCID: PMC4493638 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist rimonabant has been used as treatment for obesity. In addition, anti-proliferative effects on mitogen-activated leukocytes have been demonstrated in vitro. We have previously shown that rimonabant (SR141716A) induces cell death in ex vivo isolated malignant lymphomas with high expression of CB1 receptors. Since CB1 targeting may be part of a future lymphoma therapy, it was of interest to investigate possible effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients treated with rimonabant. We therefore evaluated leukocyte subsets by 6 color flow cytometry in eight patients before and at treatment with rimonabant for 4 weeks. Whole-transcript gene expression profiling in PBMC before and at 4 weeks of rimonabant treatment was done using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Arrays. Our data show no significant changes of monocytes, B cells, total T cells or T cell subsets in PBMC during treatment with rimonabant. There was a small but significant increase in CD3-, CD16+ and/or CD56+ cells after rimonabant therapy. Gene expression analysis detected significant changes in expression of genes associated with innate immunity, cell death and metabolism. The present study shows that normal monocytes and leukocyte subsets in blood remain rather constant during rimonabant treatment. This is in contrast to the induction of cell death previously observed in CB1 expressing lymphoma cells in response to treatment with rimonabant in vitro. These differential effects observed on normal and malignant lymphoid cells warrant investigation of CB1 targeting as a potential lymphoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Almestrand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Åsa Jeppsson-Ahlberg
- Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Marcus Nordgren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Jenny Flygare
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Birger Christensson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Stephan Rössner
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Birgitta Sander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
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Epigenetic Regulation of Immunological Alterations Following Prenatal Exposure to Marijuana Cannabinoids and its Long Term Consequences in Offspring. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 10:245-54. [PMID: 25618446 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-015-9586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Use of marijuana during pregnancy is fairly commonplace and can be expected increase in frequency as more states legalize its recreational use. The cannabinoids present in marijuana have been shown to be immunosuppressive, yet the effect of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on the immune system of the developing fetus, its long term consequences during adult stage of life, and transgenerational effects have not been well characterized. Confounding factors such as co-existing drug use make the impact of cannabis use on progeny inherently difficult to study in a human population. Data from various animal models suggests that in utero exposure to cannabinoids results in profound T cell dysfunction and a greatly reduced immune response to viral antigens. Furthermore, evidence from animal studies indicates that the immunosuppressive effects of cannabinoids can be mediated through epigenetic mechanisms such as altered microRNA, DNA methylation and histone modification profiles. Such studies support the hypothesis that that parental or prenatal exposure to cannabis can trigger epigenetic changes that could have significant immunological consequences for offspring as well as long term transgenerational effects.
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