Cannabidiol and SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Sorbicillinoid HSL-2 inhibits the infection of influenza A virus via interaction with the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance is an important factor in the fight against influenza A virus (IAV). Natural products offer a rich source of lead compounds for the discovery of novel antiviral drugs. In a previous study, we isolated the sorbicillinoid polyketide HSL-2 from the mycelium of fungus Trichoderma sp. T-4-1. Here, we show that this compound exerts strong antiviral activity against a panel of IAVs.

METHODS

The immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR assays were used to detect the inhibitory effect of HSL-2 toward the replication of influenza virus and IAV-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.

RESULTS

The results indicated that HSL-2 inhibited influenza virus replication, and it significantly inhibited IAV-induced overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β through modulating the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway. Notably, this effect was decreased when cells were transfected with PPAR-γ siRNA or treated with the PPAR-γ inhibitor T0070907. In addition, HSL-2 was able to attenuate lung inflammatory responses and to improve lung lesions in a mouse model of IAV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In this paper, we identified a microbial secondary metabolite, HSL-2, with anti-influenza virus activity. This report is the first to describe the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of HSL-2, and it provides a new strategy for the development of novel anti-influenza virus drugs from natural sources.

SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.

Anatolian medicinal plants as potential antiviral agents: bridging traditional knowledge and modern science in the fight against COVID-19 and related viral infections

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the cause of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), commonly known as the coronavirus pandemic. Since December 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively administered in numerous countries. In addition to new antiviral medications, the treatment regimen encompasses symptom management. Despite sustained research efforts, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with affected patients still lacking proper treatment. This review is a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners aiming to delve into the yet unexplored potential of Anatolian flora in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Numerous medicinal plants in Anatolia, such as thyme, sage, cannabis, oregano, licorice root, and Origanum sp., contain bioactive compounds with proven antiviral properties that have been used in the region for centuries. The rich legacy of traditional Anatolian medicine (TAM), has significantly influenced modern medicine; thus, the profusion of medicinal plants native to Anatolia holds promise for antiviral drug development, making this review essential for researchers and practitioners.

Therapeutic applicability of cannabidiol and other phytocannabinoids in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease and in comorbidity with psychiatric disorders

Studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol (CBD) and other Cannabis sativa L. derivatives on diseases of the central nervous system caused by their direct or indirect interaction with endocannabinoid system-related receptors and other molecular targets, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is a potential pharmacological target of CBD. Interestingly, CBD binding with the 5-HT1A receptor may be suitable for the treatment of epilepsies, parkinsonian syndromes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which the 5-HT1A serotonergic receptor plays a key role. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of cannabinoid effects on neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's diseases, and discuss their possible mechanism of action, highlighting interactions with molecular targets and the potential neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoids. CBD has been shown to have significant therapeutic effects on epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, while nabiximols contribute to a reduction in spasticity and are a frequent option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Although there are multiple theories on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for neurological disorders, substantially greater progress in the search for strong scientific evidence of their pharmacological effectiveness is needed.

The Role of Cannabidiol in Liver Disease: A Systemic Review

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid abundant in Cannabis sativa, has gained considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. It exhibits the potential to prevent or slow the progression of various diseases, ranging from malignant tumors and viral infections to neurodegenerative disorders and ischemic diseases. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis stand as prominent causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic liver diseases globally. The literature has substantiated CBD's potential therapeutic effects across diverse liver diseases in in vivo and in vitro models. However, the precise mechanism of action remains elusive, and an absence of evidence hinders its translation into clinical practice. This comprehensive review emphasizes the wealth of data linking CBD to liver diseases. Importantly, we delve into a detailed discussion of the receptors through which CBD might exert its effects, including cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and their intricate connections with liver diseases. In conclusion, we address new questions that warrant further investigation in this evolving field.

COVID-19 as a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases: a review with focus on the brain

There appear to be huge variations and aberrations in the reported data in COVID-19 2 years now into the pandemic. Conflicting data exist at almost every level and also in the reported epidemiological statistics across different regions. It is becoming clear that COVID-19 is a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases, and there is a wide range of inflammation-related pathology and symptoms in those infected with the virus. The host's inflammatory response to COVID-19 appears to be determined by genetics, age, immune status, health status and stage of disease. The interplay of these factors may decide the magnitude, duration, types of pathology, symptoms and prognosis in the spectrum of COVID-19 disorders, and whether neuropsychiatric disorders continue to be significant. Early and successful management of inflammation reduces morbidity and mortality in all stages of COVID-19.

Aqueous cannabidiol β-cyclodextrin complexed polymeric micelle nasal spray to attenuate in vitro and ex-vivo SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storms

Cannabidiol (CBD) has a number of biological effects by acting on the cannabinoid receptors CB₁ and CB₂. CBD may be involved in anti-inflammatory processes via CB₁ and CB₂ receptors, resulting in a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, CBD's poor aqueous solubility is a major issue in pharmaceutical applications. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a CBD nasal spray solution. A water-soluble CBD was prepared by complexation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 and forming polymeric micelles using poloxamer 407. The mixture was then lyophilized and characterized using FT-IR, DSC, and TGA. CBD-β-CD complex-polymeric micelles were formulated for nasal spray drug delivery. The physicochemical properties of the CBD-β-CD complex-polymeric micelle nasal spray solution (CBD-β-CDPM-NS) were assessed. The results showed that the CBD content in the CBD-β-CD complex polymeric micelle powder was 102.1 ± 0.5%. The CBD-β-CDPM-NS was a clear colorless isotonic solution. The particle size, zeta potential, pH value, and viscosity were 111.9 ± 0.7 nm, 0.8 ± 0.1 mV, 6.02 ± 0.02, and 12.04 ± 2.64 cP, respectively. This formulation was stable over six months at ambient temperature. The CBD from CBD-β-CDPM-NS rapidly released to 100% within 1 min. Ex-vivo permeation studies of CBD-β-CDPM-NS through porcine nasal mucosa revealed a permeation rate of 4.8 μg/cm²/min, which indicated that CBD was effective in penetrating nasal epithelial cells. CBD-β-CDPM-NS was tested for its efficacy and safety in terms of cytokine production from nasal immune cells and toxicity to nasal epithelial cells. The CBD-β-CDPM-NS was not toxic to nasal epithelial at the concentration of CBD equivalent to 3.125-50 μg/mL. When the formulation was subjected to bioactivity testing against monocyte-like macrophage cells, it proved that the CBD-β-CDPM-NS has the potential to inhibit inflammatory cytokines. CBD-β-CDPM-NS demonstrated the formulation's ability to reduce the cytokine produced by S-RBD stimulation in ex vivo porcine nasal mucosa in both preventative and therapeutic modes.

The Antimicrobial Properties of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds and Relevance to CB2-Targeted Neurodegenerative Therapeutics

Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is of interest as a much-needed target for the treatment or prevention of several neurogenerative diseases. However, CB2 agonists, particularly phytocannabinoids, have been ascribed antimicrobial properties and are associated with the induction of microbiome compositional fluxes. When developing novel CB2 therapeutics, CB2 engagement and antimicrobial functions should both be considered. This review summarizes those cannabinoids and cannabis-informed molecules and preparations (CIMPs) that show promise as microbicidal agents, with a particular focus on the most recent developments. CIMP-microbe interactions and anti-microbial mechanisms are discussed, while the major knowledge gaps and barriers to translation are presented. Further research into CIMPs may proffer novel direct or adjunctive strategies to augment the currently available antimicrobial armory. The clinical promise of CIMPs as antimicrobials, however, remains unrealized. Nevertheless, the microbicidal effects ascribed to several CB2 receptor-agonists should be considered when designing therapeutic approaches for neurocognitive and other disorders, particularly in cases where such regimens are to be long-term. To this end, the potential development of CB2 agonists lacking antimicrobial properties is also discussed.