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Voicu V, Brehar FM, Toader C, Covache-Busuioc RA, Corlatescu AD, Bordeianu A, Costin HP, Bratu BG, Glavan LA, Ciurea AV. Cannabinoids in Medicine: A Multifaceted Exploration of Types, Therapeutic Applications, and Emerging Opportunities in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1388. [PMID: 37759788 PMCID: PMC10526757 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we embark on a thorough exploration of cannabinoids, compounds that have garnered considerable attention for their potential therapeutic applications. Initially, this article delves into the fundamental background of cannabinoids, emphasizing the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the human body and outlining their significance in studying neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Building on this foundation, this article categorizes cannabinoids into three main types: phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids), endocannabinoids (naturally occurring in the body), and synthetic cannabinoids (laboratory-produced cannabinoids). The intricate mechanisms through which these compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors and signaling pathways are elucidated. A comprehensive overview of cannabinoid pharmacology follows, highlighting their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Special emphasis is placed on the role of cannabinoids in neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their potential benefits in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The potential antitumor properties of cannabinoids are also investigated, exploring their potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and the mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects. Clinical aspects are thoroughly discussed, from the viability of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents to current clinical trials, safety considerations, and the adverse effects observed. This review culminates in a discussion of promising future research avenues and the broader implications for cannabinoid-based therapies, concluding with a reflection on the immense potential of cannabinoids in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Voicu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Psychopharmacology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Medical Section within the Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix-Mircea Brehar
- Neurosurgery Department, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bagdasar-Arseni, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 077160 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Antonio Daniel Corlatescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Andrei Bordeianu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Luca-Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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Visini G, Brown S, Weston-Green K, Shannon Weickert C, Chesworth R, Karl T. The effects of preventative cannabidiol in a male neuregulin 1 mouse model of schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1010478. [PMID: 36406747 PMCID: PMC9669370 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1010478] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with antipsychotic-like properties, however it’s potential to prevent schizophrenia development has not been thoroughly investigated. Brain maturation during adolescence creates a window where CBD could potentially limit the development of schizophrenia. The neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mutant mouse shows face, predictive, and construct validity for schizophrenia. Here we sought to determine if CBD given in adolescence could prevent the development of the schizophrenia-relevant phenotype, as well as susceptibility to the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Nrg1 TM HET mice. Adolescent male Nrg1 mutants and wild type-like (WT) animals were administered 30 mg/kg CBD i.p. daily for seven weeks, and were tested for locomotion, social behavior, sensorimotor gating and cognition, and sensitivity to acute THC-induced behaviors. GAD67, GluA1, and NMDAR1 protein levels were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. Chronic adolescent CBD increased locomotion in animals regardless of genotype, was anxiolytic, and increased social behavior when animals were tested for their acute THC response. CBD did not alleviate the schizophrenia-relevant hyperlocomotive phenotype of Nrg1 mutants, nor deficits in social behaviors. Nrg1 mutant mice treated with CBD and THC showed no habituation to a startle pulse, suggesting CBD increased vulnerability to the startle habituation-reducing effects of THC in mutant mice. CBD increased levels of GluA1, but reduced levels of GAD67 in the hippocampus of Nrg1 mutants. These results suggest adolescent CBD is not effective as a preventative of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral deficits in mutants and may actually contribute to pathological changes in the brain that increase sensitivity to THC in particular behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Samara Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rose Chesworth,
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tim Karl,
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de Freitas FD, Pimenta S, Soares S, Gonzaga D, Vaz-Matos I, Prior C. The role of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental disorders of children and adolescents. Rev Neurol 2022; 75:189-197. [PMID: 36169325 PMCID: PMC10280762 DOI: 10.33588/rn.7507.2022123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodevelopmental disorders have a multifactorial etiology that results from the interaction between biological and environmental factors. The biological basis of many of these disorders is only partially understood, which makes therapeutic interventions, especially pharmacological ones, particularly difficult. The impact of medical cannabis on neurological and psychiatric disorders has been studied for a long time. This study aimed to review the currently available clinical and pre-clinical studies regarding the use of cannabinoids in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and to draw attention to the potential therapeutic role of cannabidiol in this field. DEVELOPMENT Cannabidiol is an endocannabinoid system modulator and exerts its effects on both developing and mature brains through numerous mechanisms. Cannabidiol holds a relatively high toxicity limit and current literature suggests that it may have anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties. Clinical evidence suggests that early treatment with cannabidiol might be a promising therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, tics, and attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder. CONCLUSIONS This review hopefully draws attention to an emerging body of evidence concerning cannabidiol's significant potential to safely improve many of the common symptoms affecting children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Dias de Freitas
- Departamento de Pediatría. Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira. GuimarãesHospital da Senhora da OliveiraHospital da Senhora da OliveiraPortoPortugal
| | - Sofia Pimenta
- Departamento de Pediatría. Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa. PenafielCentro Hospitalar do Tâmega e SousaCentro Hospitalar do Tâmega e SousaPortoPortugal
| | - Sara Soares
- Unidad de Neurodesarrollo. Departamento de Pediatría. Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto. Porto, PortugalCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Diana Gonzaga
- Unidad de Neurodesarrollo. Departamento de Pediatría. Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto. Porto, PortugalCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Inês Vaz-Matos
- Unidad de Neurodesarrollo. Departamento de Pediatría. Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto. Porto, PortugalCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Catarina Prior
- Unidad de Neurodesarrollo. Departamento de Pediatría. Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto. Porto, PortugalCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoCentro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There have been many debates, discussions, and published writings about the therapeutic value of cannabis plant and the hundreds of cannabinoids it contains. Many states and countries have attempted, are attempting, or have already passed bills to allow legal use of cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), as medicines to treat a wide range of clinical conditions without having been approved by a regulatory body. Therefore, by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, we have reviewed published papers during the past 30 years on cannabinoids as medicines and comment on whether there is sufficient clinical evidence from well-designed clinical studies and trials to support the use of CBD or any other cannabinoids as medicines. RECENT FINDINGS Current research shows that CBD and other cannabinoids currently are not ready for formal indications as medicines to treat a wide range of clinical conditions as promoted except for several exceptions including limited use of CBD for treating two rare forms of epilepsy in young children and CBD in combination with THC for treating multiple-sclerosis-associated spasticity. SUMMARY Research indicates that CBD and several other cannabinoids have potential to treat multiple clinical conditions, but more preclinical, and clinical studies and clinical trials, which follow regulatory guidelines, are needed to formally recommend CBD and other cannabinoids as medicines.
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Khalsa JH, Bunt G, Blum K, Maggirwar SB, Galanter M, Potenza MN. Review: Cannabinoids as Medicinals. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022; 9:630-646. [PMID: 36093358 PMCID: PMC9449267 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review
There have been many debates, discussions, and published writings about the therapeutic value of cannabis plant and the hundreds of cannabinoids it contains. Many states and countries have attempted, are attempting, or have already passed bills to allow legal use of cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), as medicines to treat a wide range of clinical conditions without having been approved by a regulatory body. Therefore, by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, we have reviewed published papers during the past 30 years on cannabinoids as medicines and comment on whether there is sufficient clinical evidence from well-designed clinical studies and trials to support the use of CBD or any other cannabinoids as medicines. Recent findings Current research shows that CBD and other cannabinoids currently are not ready for formal indications as medicines to treat a wide range of clinical conditions as promoted except for several exceptions including limited use of CBD for treating two rare forms of epilepsy in young children and CBD in combination with THC for treating multiple-sclerosis-associated spasticity. Summary Research indicates that CBD and several other cannabinoids have potential to treat multiple clinical conditions, but more preclinical, and clinical studies and clinical trials, which follow regulatory guidelines, are needed to formally recommend CBD and other cannabinoids as medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jag H. Khalsa
- Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Infections Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Special Volunteer, 16071 Industrial Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Ross Hall Room 502A, 2300 I Street, Washington, NWDC 20037 USA
- Drug Addiction and Co-occurring Infections, Aldie, VA 20105-5572 USA
| | - Gregory Bunt
- Samaritan Day Top Village, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Ave, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Center for Behavioral Health & Sports, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA USA
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Precision Translational Medicine, LLC, San Antonio, TX USA
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Institute of Behavior & Neurogenetics, LLC, San Antonio, TX USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright University Boonshoff School of Medicine, Dayton, OH USA
| | - Sanjay B. Maggirwar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Ross Hall Room 502A, 2300 I Street, Washington, NWDC 20037 USA
| | - Marc Galanter
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, Room NBV20N28, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 1 Church Street, Rm726, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
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Coccurello R, Marrone MC, Maccarrone M. The Endocannabinoids-Microbiota Partnership in Gut-Brain Axis Homeostasis: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:869606. [PMID: 35721203 PMCID: PMC9204215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.869606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest years have witnessed a growing interest towards the relationship between neuropsychiatric disease in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and severe alterations in gut microbiota composition. In parallel, an increasing literature has focused the attention towards the association between derangement of the endocannabinoids machinery and some mechanisms and symptoms identified in ASD pathophysiology, such as alteration of neural development, immune system dysfunction, defective social interaction and stereotypic behavior. In this narrative review, we put together the vast ground of endocannabinoids and their partnership with gut microbiota, pursuing the hypothesis that the crosstalk between these two complex homeostatic systems (bioactive lipid mediators, receptors, biosynthetic and hydrolytic enzymes and the entire bacterial gut ecosystem, signaling molecules, metabolites and short chain fatty acids) may disclose new ideas and functional connections for the development of synergic treatments combining “gut-therapy,” nutritional intervention and pharmacological approaches. The two separate domains of the literature have been examined looking for all the plausible (and so far known) overlapping points, describing the mutual changes induced by acting either on the endocannabinoid system or on gut bacteria population and their relevance for the understanding of ASD pathophysiology. Both human pathology and symptoms relief in ASD subjects, as well as multiple ASD-like animal models, have been taken into consideration in order to provide evidence of the relevance of the endocannabinoids-microbiota crosstalk in this major neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Coccurello
- Institute for Complex Systems (ISC), National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Coccurello, ; Mauro Maccarrone,
| | - Maria Cristina Marrone
- Ministry of University and Research, Mission Unity for Recovery and Resilience Plan, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Coccurello, ; Mauro Maccarrone,
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Carreira LD, Matias FC, Campos MG. Clinical Data on Canabinoids: Translational Research in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040796. [PMID: 35453548 PMCID: PMC9024565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research made with Cannabis sativa L. and its biocompounds provides data for some targeted diseases, as also symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The main compounds ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are capable of modulating the endocannabinoid system since its dysregulation interferes with the pathophysiology of ASDs there are clinical evidence for its potential use in the treatment of the disease. Conventional therapy still has limitations, as it does not always treat the central symptoms, and there are many patients who do not respond to treatment, which demands more research on new therapies. Through the analysis of published literature on this topic, it is verified that cannabinoids, in particular CBD, improves symptoms associated with common comorbidities in ASDs. Some studies also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these compounds in the treatment of central symptoms of autism. In addition, cannabinoid therapy to ASDs is associated with low adverse effects and a reduction in concomitant medication. Although it appears to be promising, it is essential to do the translation of this data into clinical research and some of its potential and critical gaps are discussed in this review pointing to large-scale and long-term clinical trials that should include more patients and homogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Carreira
- Observatory of Drug-Herb Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Francisca C. Matias
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Maria G. Campos
- Observatory of Drug-Herb Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC, FCT Unit 313) (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-488-400
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Stark T, Iannotti FA, Di Martino S, Di Bartolomeo M, Ruda-Kucerova J, Piscitelli F, Wotjak CT, D’Addario C, Drago F, Di Marzo V, Micale V. Early Blockade of CB1 Receptors Ameliorates Schizophrenia-like Alterations in the Neurodevelopmental MAM Model of Schizophrenia. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010108. [PMID: 35053256 PMCID: PMC8773886 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In agreement with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia, prenatal exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to the antimitotic agent methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) at gestational day 17 produces long-lasting behavioral alterations such as social withdrawal and cognitive impairment in adulthood, mimicking a schizophrenia-like phenotype. These abnormalities were preceded at neonatal age both by the delayed appearance of neonatal reflexes, an index of impaired brain maturation, and by higher 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) brain levels. Schizophrenia-like deficits were reversed by early treatment [from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 8] with the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (0.5 mg/kg/day). By contrast, early CB1 blockade affected the behavioral performance of control rats which was paralleled by enhanced 2-AG content in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These results suggest that prenatal MAM insult leads to premorbid anomalies at neonatal age via altered tone of the endocannabinoid system, which may be considered as an early marker preceding the development of schizophrenia-like alterations in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.S.); (J.R.-K.)
- Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.S.); (J.R.-K.)
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Carsten T. Wotjak
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de l’Université et Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-4781199
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Stark T, Di Martino S, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Micale V. Phytocannabinoids and schizophrenia: Focus on adolescence as a critical window of enhanced vulnerability and opportunity for treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105938. [PMID: 34655773 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent shift in socio-political debates and growing liberalization of Cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Concurrent with declining perception of Cannabis harms, more adolescents are using it daily in several countries and consuming marijuana strains with high content of psychotropic delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These dual, related trends seem to facilitate the development of compromised social and cognitive performance at adulthood, which are described in preclinical and human studies. Cannabis exerts its effects via altering signalling within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the stress circuitry during the neurodevelopment. In this context early interventions appear to circumvent the emergence of adult neurodevelopmental deficits. Accordingly, Cannabis sativa second-most abundant compound, cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. We first focus on human and preclinical studies on the long-term effects induced by adolescent THC exposure as a "critical window" of enhanced neurophysiological vulnerability, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related primary psychotic disorders. Then, we focus on adolescence as a "window of opportunity" for early pharmacological treatment, as novel risk reduction strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, we review current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in terms of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms treatment, safety profile, and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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