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Sng BJR, Jeong YJ, Leong SH, Jeong JC, Lee J, Rajani S, Kim CY, Jang IC. Genome-wide identification of cannabinoid biosynthesis genes in non-drug type Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivar. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:35. [PMID: 39244597 PMCID: PMC11380790 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00246-8] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis sativa cultivars can be classified as marijuana or hemp, depending on its amount of the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Hemp Cheungsam is a non-drug type Cannabis sativa that is characterized by low THCA content. However, the transcripts and expression profile of cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway genes of hemp Cheungsam have not been investigated. METHODS RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on three different tissue types (flower, leaf, and stem) of hemp Cheungsam to understand their transcriptomes. The expression of cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway genes was further analyzed in each tissue type. Multiple sequence alignment and conserved domain analyses were used to investigate the homologs of cannbinoid biosynthesis genes. RESULTS We found that the cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway was mainly expressed in the flowers of hemp Cheungsam, similar to other Cannabis cultivars. However, expression of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase was much higher than THCA synthase and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase, suggesting that the transcription profile favors CBDA biosynthesis. Sequence analysis of cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway genes suggested the identity of orthologs in hemp Cheungsam. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoid biosynthesis in hemp Cheungsam mostly occurs in the flowers, compared to other plant organs. While CBDA synthase expression is high, THCA and CBCA synthase expression is considerably low, indicating lesser THCA biosynthesis and thus low THCA content. Sequence analysis of key genes (CBDA, THCA, and CBCA synthases) of the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway indicates that orthologs are present in hemp Cheungsam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benny Jian Rong Sng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yu Jeong Jeong
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, 56212, Korea
| | - Sing Hui Leong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Jae Cheol Jeong
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, 56212, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, 56212, Korea
| | - Sarojam Rajani
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Cha Young Kim
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, 56212, Korea.
| | - In-Cheol Jang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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Pongking T, Thongpon P, Intuyod K, Klungsaeng S, Thanan R, Chaidee A, Charoenram N, Kongsintaweesuk S, Sakonsinsiri C, Vaeteewoottacharn K, Pinlaor S, Pinlaor P. Cannabidiol exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma via ER-stress induction in vitro and in vivo. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:325. [PMID: 39215312 PMCID: PMC11365133 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04610-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatsanapong Pongking
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Phonpilas Thongpon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Kitti Intuyod
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sirinapha Klungsaeng
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Raynoo Thanan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Apisit Chaidee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Naruechar Charoenram
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Suppakrit Kongsintaweesuk
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Chadamas Sakonsinsiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Porntip Pinlaor
- Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
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Chen S, Li X, Wu Q, Li Y, Puig M, Moulin F, Choudhuri S, Gingrich J, Guo L. Investigation of cannabidiol-induced cytotoxicity in human hepatic cells. Toxicology 2024; 506:153884. [PMID: 39004336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153884] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary cannabinoids present in extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa L. A CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of seizures in childhood-onset epileptic disorders. Although CBD-associated liver toxicity has been reported in clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that CBD causes cytotoxicity in primary human hepatocytes and hepatic HepG2 cells. A 24-h CBD treatment induced cell cycle disturbances, cellular apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in HepG2 cells. A potent ER stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyrate, markedly attenuated CBD-induced apoptosis and cell death. Additionally, we investigated the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism in CBD-induced cytotoxicity using HepG2 cell lines engineered to express 14 individual CYPs. We identified CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2C18, and 3A5 as participants in CBD metabolism. Notably, cells overexpressing CYP2C9, 2C19, and 2C18 produced 7-hydroxy-CBD, while cells overexpressing CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2C18 generated 7-carboxy-CBD. Furthermore, CBD-induced cytotoxicity was significantly attenuated in the cells expressing CYP2D6. Taken together, these data suggest that cell cycle disturbances, apoptosis, and ER stress are associated with CBD-induced cytotoxicity, and CYP2D6-mediated metabolism plays a critical role in decreasing the cytotoxicity of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Xilin Li
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, NCTR, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Qiangen Wu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Yuxi Li
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Montserrat Puig
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Frederic Moulin
- Division of Hepatology and Nutrition, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Supratim Choudhuri
- Division of Food Ingredients, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Jeremy Gingrich
- Division of Food Ingredients, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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Ma L, Liu M, Liu C, Zhang H, Yang S, An J, Qu G, Song S, Cao Q. Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Antitumor Effects of Cannabidiol. Molecules 2024; 29:1943. [PMID: 38731434 PMCID: PMC11085351 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091943] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient extracted from the hemp plant, has shown therapeutic effects in a variety of diseases, including anxiety, nervous system disorders, inflammation, and tumors. CBD can exert its antitumor effect by regulating the cell cycle, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibiting tumor cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. This article reviews the proposed antitumor mechanisms of CBD, aiming to provide references for the clinical treatment of tumor diseases and the rational use of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Mengke Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Chuntong Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huachang Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Shude Yang
- Department of Edible Mushrooms, School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China;
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Guiwu Qu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China;
| | - Shuling Song
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Qizhi Cao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; (L.M.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (H.Z.)
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Chen S, Kim JK. The Role of Cannabidiol in Liver Disease: A Systemic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2370. [PMID: 38397045 PMCID: PMC10888697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042370] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jeon-Kyung Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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