Antitumor Effects of Cannabinoids in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (Capan-2)-Derived Xenograft Mouse Model

Beta-Caryophyllene Augments Radiotherapy Efficacy in GBM by Modulating Cell Apoptosis and DNA Damage Repair via PPARγ and NF-κB Pathways

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain malignancy with limited treatment options. Radiotherapy (RT) is often used for treating unresectable GBM; however, the outcomes are often limited due to the radioresistance of GBM. Therefore, the discovery of potential radiosensitizers to enhance GBM responses to RT is crucial. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural cannabinoid, promotes cancer apoptosis by upregulating the PPARγ signaling pathway and can cross the blood-brain barrier due to its lipophilic nature. This study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitizing potential of BCP in GBM cells. U87MG and GL261 cells and a GL261 tumor-bearing model were treated with RT, BCP, or both. Treatment efficacy was assessed using the MTT assay and tumor growth tracking, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated using western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and other analyses. BCP synergistically enhanced the efficacy of RT in cell culture, as evidenced by the combination index determined through the MTT assay. This enhancement was mediated by the BCP-induced deceleration of DNA damage repair, as demonstrated by sustained γH2AX signal, upregulated PPARγ levels, and reduced expression of pAKT, pERK, and NF-κB, indicating apoptosis induction and inhibition of survival pathways. BCP significantly inhibited tumor growth in GL261 tumor-bearing mice with no discernible side effects. These findings indicate that BCP may serve as a potential radiosensitizer for improving RT outcomes in GBM by inhibiting DNA repair, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing anti-apoptotic and survival pathways.

Cannabidiol exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma via ER-stress induction in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Failure of treatment with gemcitabine in most cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients is due to drug resistance. The therapeutic potential of natural plant secondary compounds with minimal toxicity, such as cannabidiol (CBD), is a promising line of investigation in gemcitabine-resistant CCA. We aim to investigate the effects of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA (KKU-213BGemR) cells in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS

In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were assessed using MTT assay, clonogenicity assay and flow cytometry. The effect of CBD on ROS production was evaluated using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe. The mechanism exerted by CBD on ER stress-associated apoptosis was investigated by western blot analysis. A gemcitabine-resistant CCA xenograft model was also used and the expression of PCNA and CHOP were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The IC50 values of CBD for KKU-213BGemR cells ranged from 19.66 to 21.05 µM. For a non-cancerous immortalized fibroblast cell line, relevant values were 18.29 to 19.21 µM. CBD suppressed colony formation by KKU-213BGemR cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10 to 30 µM. CBD at 30 µM significantly increased apoptosis at early (16.37%) (P = 0.0024) and late (1.8%) stages (P < 0.0001), for a total of 18.17% apoptosis (P = 0.0017), in part by increasing ROS production (P < 0.0001). Multiphase cell cycle arrest significantly increased at G0/G1 with CBD 10 and 20 µM (P = 0.004 and P = 0.017), and at G2/M with CBD 30 µM (P = 0.005). CBD treatment resulted in increased expression of ER stress-associated apoptosis proteins, including p-PERK, BiP, ATF4, CHOP, BAX, and cytochrome c. In xenografted mouse, CBD significantly suppressed tumors at 10 and 40 mg/kg·Bw (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0278, respectively), which was supported by an increase in CHOP, but a decrease in PCNA expression in tumor tissues (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that CBD exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant CCA in vitro and in vivo, in part via ER stress-mediated mechanisms. These results indicate that clinical explorative use of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA patients is warranted.

Talaromides A-C, Bioactive Cyclic Heptapeptides from Talaromyces siglerae Isolated from a Marine Sponge

Three new cyclic heptapeptides, talaromides A-C (1-3), were isolated from cultures produced by the fungus Talaromyces siglerae (Ascomycota), isolated from an unidentified sponge. The structures, featuring an unusual proline-anthranilic moiety, were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and chemical transformations, including the advanced Marfey's method and GITC derivatization. Talaromides A and B inhibited migration activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells without significant cytotoxicity.

Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of cannabinoids on human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenograft in BALB/c nude mice model

Human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant and lethal tumor of the exocrine pancreas. Cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa have been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in several human tumors. However, the anti-tumor effect of cannabinoids on human PDAC is not entirely clarified. In this study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of cannabinoid solution (THC:CBD at 1:6) at a dose of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight compared to the negative control (sesame oil) and positive control (5-fluorouracil) was investigated in human PDAC xenograft nude mice model. The findings showed that cannabinoids significantly decreased the mitotic cells and mitotic/apoptotic ratio, meanwhile dramatically increased the apoptotic cells. Parallelly, cannabinoids significantly downregulated Ki-67 and PCNA expression levels. Interestingly, cannabinoids upregulated BAX, BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and Caspase-3, meanwhile, downregulated BCL-2 expression level and could not change Caspase-8 expression level. These findings suggest that cannabinoid solution (THC:CBD at 1:6) could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human PDAC xenograft models. Cannabinoids, including THC:CBD, should be further studied for use as the potent PDCA therapeutic agent in humans.

Nanoliposomes for Controlled Release of Cannabinodiol at Relevant Gastrointestinal Conditions

Cannabidiol (CBD) has significant therapeutic potential; nevertheless, its advance as an effective drug by the pharmaceutical business is hindered by its inherent characteristics, such as low bioavailability, low water solubility, and variable pharmacokinetic profiles. This research aimed to develop nanoliposomes using an easy and low-cost method to improve the hydrosolubility of CBD and achieve a controlled delivery of the active principle under relevant physiological conditions from the mouth to the intestine; the cytotoxic and antitumor activities were also evaluated. To achieve the objective, core-shell nanoliposomes based on CBD were synthesized in three easy steps and characterized in terms of shape, size, surface chemistry, thermal capacity, and surface charge density through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and potential charge (PZ), respectively. CBD-controlled delivery trials were carried out under simulated mouth-duodenal conditions and fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas and Noyes-Whitney models to conclude about the pharmacokinetics of CBD from nano-CBD. Cytotoxicity studies on nonmalignant human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were carried out to evaluate its safety and the recommended consumption dose, and finally, the antiproliferative capacity of nano-CBD on human colon carcinoma cells (SW480) was determined as beginning proposal for cancer treatment. The characterization results verified the water solubility for the CBD nanoencapsulated, the core-shell structure, the size in the nanometric regime, and the presence of the synthesis components. The dissolution rate at duodenal conditions was higher than that in buccal and stomach environments, respectively, and this behavior was associated with the shell (lecithin) chemical structure, which destabilizes at pH above 7.2, allowing the release by non-Fickian diffusion of CBD as corroborated by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. In vitro biological tests revealed the innocuousness and cyto-security of nano-CBD up to 1000 mg·L-1 when evaluated on HaCaT cells and concentrations higher than 1000 mg·L-1 showed antitumor activity against human colon carcinoma cells (SW480) taking the first step as a chemotherapeutic proposal. These results are unprecedented and propose a selective delivery system based on nano-CBD at low cost and that provides a new form of administration and chemo treatment.

Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials

Cannabis sativa, also known as "hemp" or "weed," is a versatile plant with various uses in medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics. This review attempts to evaluate the available literature on the ecology, chemical composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses, industrial uses, and toxicology of Cannabis sativa. So far, 566 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cannabis, including 125 cannabinoids and 198 non-cannabinoids. The psychoactive and physiologically active part of the plant is a cannabinoid, mostly found in the flowers, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves, stems, and seeds. Of all phytochemicals, terpenes form the largest composition in the plant. Pharmacological evidence reveals that the plants contain cannabinoids which exhibit potential as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, the compounds in the plants have reported applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Significantly, Cannabis cultivation has a minimal negative impact on the environment in terms of cultivation. Most of the studies focused on the chemical make-up, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects, but not much is known about the toxic effects. Overall, the Cannabis plant has enormous potential for biological and industrial uses, as well as traditional and other medicinal uses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand and explore the uses and beneficial properties of Cannabis sativa.

Therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironments with cannabinoids and their analogs: Update on clinical trials

Cancer is a major global public health concern that affects both industrialized and developing nations. Current cancer chemotherapeutic options are limited by side effects, but plant-derived alternatives and their derivatives offer the possibilities of enhanced treatment response and reduced side effects. A plethora of recently published articles have focused on treatments based on cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs and reported that they positively affect healthy cell growth and reverse cancer-related abnormalities by targeting aberrant tumor microenvironments (TMEs), lowering tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis, and/or boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, TME modulating systems are receiving much interest in the cancer immunotherapy field because it has been shown that TMEs have significant impacts on tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis and development of drug resistance. Here, we have reviewed the effective role of cannabinoids, their analogs and cannabinoid nano formulations on the cellular components of TME (endothelial cells, pericytes, fibroblast and immune cells) and how efficiently it retards the progression of carcinogenesis is discussed. The article summarizes the existing research on the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids regulation of the TME and finally highlights the human studies on cannabinoids' active interventional clinical trials. The conclusion outlines the need for future research involving clinical trials of cannabinoids to demonstrate their efficacy and activity as a treatment/prevention for various types of human malignancies.

Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis: From Experimental Models to Clinical Practice-A Review

BACKGROUND

As far as 80% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disabling symptoms in the course of the disease, such as spasticity and neuropathic pain. As first-line symptomatic therapy is associated with important adverse reactions, cannabinoids have become increasingly popular among patients with MS. This review intends to provide an overview of the evidence of the role of cannabinoids in treating symptoms related to MS and to encourage further research on this matter.

AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY

To date, the evidence supporting the role of cannabis and its derivatives in alleviating the MS-related symptoms comes only from studies on experimental models of demyelination. To the best of our knowledge, relatively few clinical trials inquired about the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on patients with MS, with variable results.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a literature search through PubMed and Google Scholar from the beginning until 2022. We included articles in English describing the latest findings regarding the endocannabinoid system, the pharmacology of cannabinoids, and their therapeutic purpose in MS.

RESULTS

Evidence from preclinical studies showed that cannabinoids can limit the demyelination process, promote remyelination, and have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing immune cell infiltration of the central nervous system in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, it has been established that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with cannabinoids experienced a significant reduction of symptoms and slowing of the disease progression. Given the complexity of human immune and nervous systems, cannabinoids did not have the anticipated effects on human subjects. However, data obtained from clinical trials showed some beneficial results of cannabinoids as a single or as add-on therapy in reducing the spasticity and pain related to MS.

CONCLUSION

Considering their various mechanisms of action and good tolerability, cannabinoids remain an interesting therapy for spasticity and chronic pain related to MS.

Bioactive Piperazic Acid-Bearing Cyclodepsipeptides, Lydiamycins E-H, from an Endophytic Streptomyces sp. Associated with Cinnamomum cassia

A chemical investigation of the endophytic Streptomyces sp. HBQ95, associated with the medicinal plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl, enabled the discovery of four new piperazic acid-bearing cyclodepsipeptides, lydiamycins E-H (1-4), and one known compound (lydiamycin A). Their chemical structures, including absolute configurations, were defined by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and multiple chemical manipulations. Lydiamycins F-H (2-4) and A (5) exhibited antimetastatic activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells without significant cytotoxicity.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Diastereomers of HHC and H4CBD

The characterization of any compound is important in the field of chemistry. As the field of cannabinoid chemistry grows so does the need for the characterization of new cannabinoids or rare cannabinoids that gain popularity within the consumer and research fields. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) a hydrogenated analogue of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also found in trace amounts naturally within the Cannabis sativa plant, has been gaining attention and popularity within the cannabis industry. Hexahydrocannabidiol (H4CBD) is a synthetic hydrogenated analogue to cannabidiol (CBD). Identifying the diastereomers of the cannabinoids with instrumentation plays a huge role within the chemistry field adding valuable information of the structure and the parameters for others to identify such cannabinoids. Elucidation and characterization of HHC and H4CBD were performed using current analytical techniques such as 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), effectively characterizing both the diastereomers of HHC and H4CBD.