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Powlowski P, Matheson J, Le Foll B, Andreazza AC, Ross RA. Acute Cannabis Administration Transiently Reduces Mitochondrial DNA in Young Adults: Findings from a Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38923954 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is one of the world's most commonly used substances; however, many questions remain unanswered as to how cannabis impacts the body. Recently, there has been a resurgence of research into the effects of plant-derived cannabinoids on mitochondrial health. In particular, a number of studies implicate mitochondrial-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) interactions with altered memory, metabolism, and catalepsy in mice. Although the research in this field is expanding rapidly, there is little known about the effects of cannabis on mitochondria health in human subjects either in acute or chronic term use. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized clinical trial in which adults who regularly use cannabis (1-4 days/week) aged 19-25 years were randomized 2:1 to receive either an active (12.5% Δ9-THC) cigarette or placebo (<0.01% Δ9-THC) cigarette containing 750 mg of cannabis before driving simulator testing. DNA was extracted from whole blood using commercial spin columns, followed by measurement of mt-ND1, mt-ND4, and β2M using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparisons test was used to observe changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number over time. A two-tailed Pearsons R test was used to assess correlations between mtDNA copy number and cannabinoid levels (Δ9-THC and metabolites) in blood. Results: We found that exposure to active cannabis containing Δ9-THC, as opposed to placebo, was associated with an acute reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number in whole blood at 15 min and 1 h after smoking. The observed decrease in mtDNA copy number negatively correlated with blood concentrations of 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), the two primary metabolites of Δ9-THC, but not Δ9-THC itself. Further, the negative correlation between 11-OH THC and THC-COOH concentrations and mtDNA copy number was found in only a subgroup of participants who use cannabis infrequently, suggesting a tolerance effect. Conclusions: These results illuminate mitochondrial alterations attributed to Δ9-THC consumption, which may be mediated by metabolites. These results appear to suggest stronger effects in individuals who consume cannabis less frequently, suggesting some form of tolerance to the effects of Δ9-THC and its metabolites on mtDNA content in whole blood. Keywords: Mitochondria; mtDNA; cannabis; THC; THC metabolites; blood; THC-COOH; 11-OH-THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Powlowski
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Justin Matheson
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Canada
| | - Ana C Andreazza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Caprari C, Ferri E, Vandelli MA, Citti C, Cannazza G. An emerging trend in Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs): designer THC. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:21. [PMID: 38702834 PMCID: PMC11067227 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery as one of the main components of cannabis and its affinity towards the cannabinoid receptor CB1, serving as a means to exert its psychoactivity, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has inspired medicinal chemists throughout history to create more potent derivatives. Initially, the goal was to synthesize chemical probes for investigating the molecular mechanisms behind the pharmacology of Δ9-THC and finding potential medical applications. The unintended consequence of this noble intent has been the proliferation of these compounds for recreational use. This review comprehensively covers the most exhaustive number of THC-like cannabinoids circulating on the recreational market. It provides information on the chemistry, synthesis, pharmacology, analytical assessment, and experiences related to the psychoactive effects reported by recreational users on online forums. Some of these compounds can be found in natural cannabis, albeit in trace amounts, while others are entirely artificial. Moreover, to circumvent legal issues, many manufacturers resort to semi-synthetic processes starting from legal products extracted from hemp, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Despite the aim to encompass all known THC-like molecules, new species emerge on the drug users' pipeline each month. Beyond posing a significantly high public health risk due to unpredictable and unknown side effects, scientific research consistently lags behind the rapidly evolving recreational market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Caprari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
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Uthayakumaran K, Sunil M, Ratcliffe EM. Evaluating the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Axon Guidance: A Literature Review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:12-20. [PMID: 38174983 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) mediates the actions of cannabis and has been implicated in playing critical roles in key developmental events, including axon guidance. Although several recent studies have demonstrated ECS involvement in neurodevelopment, an emphasis on its putative role in axon guidance has not been reviewed comprehensively. Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the interrelationships between the ECS and axon guidance. Methodology: This literature review analyzes existing literature demonstrating the normal role of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in axon guidance, with evidence from diverse animal models. Studies were obtained from a search strategy involving terms related to the ECS and axon guidance, and cross-checking cited literature to ensure a complete evaluation. Discussion: Cannabinoid receptors, as well as eCB synthesis and degradation machinery, appear necessary for normal axon guidance during neurodevelopment. Genetic and/or pharmacological disruption of eCB signaling results in axon growth and guidance errors, implying high sensitivity to exogenous cannabinoids. Conclusion: Overall, this review highlights the intricate connections between the ECS and axon guidance in normal neurodevelopment. The mechanistic evidence discussed suggests that alterations of the ECS through genetic and pharmacological interference disrupt its normal functioning and by extension its normal role in regulating neural circuitry formation. A comprehensive understanding of this topic will be valuable in potentially uncovering the mechanisms responsible for the neurodevelopmental defects associated with pre-natal cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavina Uthayakumaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Sunil
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elyanne M Ratcliffe
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Authement AK, Isoherranen N. The impact of pregnancy and associated hormones on the pharmacokinetics of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:73-93. [PMID: 38258511 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2309213] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Cannabis is the most widely used drug of abuse by pregnant individuals, but its maternal-fetal safety is still unclear. The changes in THC disposition during pregnancy may affect THC safety and pharmacology. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the current literature on THC metabolism and pharmacokinetics in humans. It provides an analysis of how hormonal changes during pregnancy may alter the expression of cannabinoid metabolizing enzymes and THC and its metabolite pharmacokinetics. THC is predominately (>70%) cleared by hepatic metabolism to its psychoactive active metabolite, 11-OH-THC by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and to other metabolites (<30%) by CYP3A4. Other physiological processes that change during pregnancy and may alter cannabinoid disposition are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION THC and its metabolites disposition likely change during pregnancy. Hepatic CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 are induced in pregnant individuals and in vitro by pregnancy hormones. This induction of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 is predicted to lead to altered THC and 11-OH-THC disposition and pharmacodynamic effects. More in vitro studies of THC metabolism and induction of the enzymes metabolizing cannabinoids are necessary to improve the prediction of THC pharmacokinetics in pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora K Authement
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zabolotneva AA, Gaponov AM, Roumiantsev SA, Vasiliev IY, Grigoryeva TV, Kit OI, Zlatnik EY, Maksimov AY, Goncharova AS, Novikova IA, Appolonova SA, Markin PA, Shestopalov AV. Alkylresorcinols as New Modulators of the Metabolic Activity of the Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14206. [PMID: 37762509 PMCID: PMC10532030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are polyphenolic compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activities and are potentially involved in the regulation of host metabolism. The present study aims to establish whether ARs can be produced by the human gut microbiota and to evaluate alterations in content in stool samples as well as metabolic activity of the gut microbiota of C57BL, db/db, and LDLR (-/-) mice according to diet specifications and olivetol (5-n-pentylresorcinol) supplementation to estimate the regulatory potential of ARs. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was used to quantitatively analyse AR levels in mouse stool samples; faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from human donors to germ-free mice was performed to determine whether the intestinal microbiota could produce AR molecules; metagenome sequencing analysis of the mouse gut microbiota followed by reconstruction of its metabolic activity was performed to investigate olivetol's regulatory potential. A significant increase in the amounts of individual members of AR homologues in stool samples was revealed 14 days after FMT. Supplementation of 5-n-Pentylresorcinol to a regular diet influences the amounts of several ARs in the stool of C57BL/6 and LDLR (-/-) but not db/db mice, and caused a significant change in the predicted metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota of C57BL/6 and LDLR (-/-) but not db/db mice. For the first time, we have shown that several ARs can be produced by the intestinal microbiota. Taking into account the dependence of AR levels in the gut on olivetol supplementation and microbiota metabolic activity, AR can be assumed to be potential quorum-sensing molecules, which also influence gut microbiota composition and host metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Zabolotneva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov Str., Moscow 117997, Russia; (S.A.R.); (A.V.S.)
- Russian National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 11 Dm. Ulyanova Str., Moscow 117036, Russia
| | - Andrei M. Gaponov
- Center for Digital and Translational Biomedicine «Center for Molecular Health», 32 Nakhimovskiy prospekt, Moscow 117218, Russia
| | - Sergey A. Roumiantsev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov Str., Moscow 117997, Russia; (S.A.R.); (A.V.S.)
- Russian National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 11 Dm. Ulyanova Str., Moscow 117036, Russia
| | - Ilya Yu. Vasiliev
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Street, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Tatiana V. Grigoryeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Street, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Oleg I. Kit
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, 14 Line, 63, Rostov-on-Don 344019, Russia (E.Y.Z.); (A.Y.M.); (A.S.G.); (I.A.N.)
| | - Elena Yu. Zlatnik
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, 14 Line, 63, Rostov-on-Don 344019, Russia (E.Y.Z.); (A.Y.M.); (A.S.G.); (I.A.N.)
| | - Aleksey Yu. Maksimov
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, 14 Line, 63, Rostov-on-Don 344019, Russia (E.Y.Z.); (A.Y.M.); (A.S.G.); (I.A.N.)
| | - Anna S. Goncharova
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, 14 Line, 63, Rostov-on-Don 344019, Russia (E.Y.Z.); (A.Y.M.); (A.S.G.); (I.A.N.)
| | - Inna A. Novikova
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, 14 Line, 63, Rostov-on-Don 344019, Russia (E.Y.Z.); (A.Y.M.); (A.S.G.); (I.A.N.)
| | - Svetlana A. Appolonova
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Analysis, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 2-4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia; (S.A.A.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Pavel A. Markin
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Analysis, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 2-4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia; (S.A.A.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Aleksandr V. Shestopalov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov Str., Moscow 117997, Russia; (S.A.R.); (A.V.S.)
- Russian National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 11 Dm. Ulyanova Str., Moscow 117036, Russia
- Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, 1 Samory Mashela Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
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Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, Allesø M. Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn't. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2323. [PMID: 37626819 PMCID: PMC10452568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'entourage effect' term was originally coined in a pre-clinical study observing endogenous bio-inactive metabolites potentiating the activity of a bioactive endocannabinoid. As a hypothetical afterthought, this was proposed to hold general relevance to the usage of products based on Cannabis sativa L. The term was later juxtaposed to polypharmacy pertaining to full-spectrum medicinal Cannabis products exerting an overall higher effect than the single compounds. Since the emergence of the term, a discussion of its pharmacological foundation and relevance has been ongoing. Advocates suggest that the 'entourage effect' is the reason many patients experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum products. Critics state that the term is unfounded and used primarily for marketing purposes in the Cannabis industry. This scoping review aims to segregate the primary research claiming as well as disputing the existence of the 'entourage effect' from a pharmacological perspective. The literature on this topic is in its infancy. Existing pre-clinical and clinical studies are in general based on simplistic methodologies and show contradictory findings, with the clinical data mostly relying on anecdotal and real-world evidence. We propose that the 'entourage effect' is explained by traditional pharmacological terms pertaining to other plant-based medicinal products and polypharmacy in general (e.g., synergistic interactions and bioenhancement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Christensen
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Rose
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Morten Allesø
- Tetra Pharm Technologies ApS, Rugmarken 10, DK-3650 Ølstykke, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.A.)
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Yüksel B, Hızlı Deniz AA, Şahin F, Sahin K, Türkel N. Cannabinoid compounds in combination with curcumin and piperine display an anti-tumorigenic effect against colon cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145666. [PMID: 37180710 PMCID: PMC10169831 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, use of cannabinoids is limited to improve adverse effects of chemotherapy and their palliative administration during treatment is curiously concomitant with improved prognosis and regressed progression in patients with different tumor types. Although, non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) display antineoplastic effects by repressing tumor growth and angiogenesis both in cell line and animal models, their use as chemotherapeutic agents is awaiting further investigation. Both clinical and epidemiological evidence supported by experimental findings suggest that micronutrients such as curcumin and piperine may present a safer strategy in preventing tumorigenesis and its recurrence. Recent studies demonstrated that piperine potentiates curcumin's inhibitory effect on tumor progression via enhancing its delivery and therapeutic activity. In this study, we investigated a plausible therapeutic synergism of a triple combination of CBD/CBG, curcumin, and piperine in the colon adenocarcinoma using HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. Potential synergistic effects of various combinations including these compounds were tested by measuring cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our findings revealed that different genetic backgrounds of HCT116 and HT29 cell lines resulted in divergent responses to the combination treatments. Triple treatment showed synergism in terms of exhibiting anti-tumorigenic effects by activating the Hippo YAP signaling pathway in the HCT116 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Yüksel
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ayşen Aslı Hızlı Deniz
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Kazim Sahin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Nezaket Türkel
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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