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Rodrigues FDS, Newton WR, Tassinari ID, da Cunha Xavier FH, Marx A, de Fraga LS, Wright K, Guedes RP, Bambini-Jr V. Cannabidiol prevents LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and iNOS activity in BV2 microglia cells via CB2 receptors and PPARγ. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105769. [PMID: 38761855 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105769] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation stands as a critical player in the pathogenesis of diverse neurological disorders, with microglial cells playing a central role in orchestrating the inflammatory landscape within the central nervous system. Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained attention for its potential to elicit anti-inflammatory responses in microglia, offering promising perspectives for conditions associated with neuroinflammation. Here we investigated whether the NLRP3 inflammasome and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are involved in the protective effects of CBD, and if their modulation is dependent on cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and PPARγ signalling pathways. We found that treatment with CBD attenuated pro-inflammatory markers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BV2 microglia in a CB2- and PPARγ-dependent manner. At a molecular level, CBD inhibited the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses by suppressing iNOS and NLRP3/Caspase-1-dependent signalling cascades, resulting in reduced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations. Notably, the protective effects of CBD on NLRP3 expression, Caspase-1 activity, and IL-1β concentration were partially hindered by the antagonism of both CB2 receptors and PPARγ, while iNOS expression and NO secretion were dependent exclusively on PPARγ activation, with no CB2 involvement. Interestingly, CBD exhibited a protective effect against TNF-α increase, regardless of CB2 or PPARγ activation. Altogether, these findings indicate that CB2 receptors and PPARγ mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, iNOS activity and, ultimately, on microglial phenotype. Our results highlight the specific components responsible for the potential therapeutic applications of CBD on neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda da Silva Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - William Robert Newton
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Exeter University, Exeter, United Kingdom.
| | - Isadora D'Ávila Tassinari
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom; Graduate Program in Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Adél Marx
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - Luciano Stürmer de Fraga
- Graduate Program in Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Karen Wright
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Victorio Bambini-Jr
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
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Kaszyńska AA. Cannabinoids: Potential for Modulation and Enhancement When Combined with Vitamin B12 in Case of Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:813. [PMID: 38931480 PMCID: PMC11207064 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060813] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like Δ9-THC and CBD. Cannabinoids exert distinct regulatory effects on physiological processes, prompting their investigation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research highlights their potential in modulating protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction, crucial factors in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining homeodynamics in neurodegenerative disorders and explores innovative therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles and RNA aptamers. Moreover, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglial activity, offering multifaceted neuroprotection including mitigating aggregation. Additionally, the potential integration of cannabinoids with vitamin B12 presents a holistic framework for addressing neurodegeneration, considering their roles in homeodynamics and nervous system functioning including the hippocampal neurogenesis. The potential synergistic therapeutic benefits of combining CBD with vitamin B12 underscore a promising avenue for advancing treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their effects and potential applications, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this field and its potential to reshape neurodegenerative disease treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aleksandra Kaszyńska
- The Centre of Neurocognitive Research, Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warszawa, Poland
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Nobili S, Micheli L, Lucarini E, Toti A, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Ultramicronized N-palmitoylethanolamine associated with analgesics: Effects against persistent pain. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108649. [PMID: 38615798 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108649] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Current epidemiological data estimate that one in five people suffers from chronic pain with considerable impairment of health-related quality of life. The pharmacological treatment is based on first- and second-line analgesic drugs, including COX-2 selective and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and opioids, that are characterized by important side effects. N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is a body's own fatty-acid ethanolamide belonging to the family of autacoid local injury antagonist amides. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of PEA have been recognized for decades and prompted to depict its role in the endogenous mechanisms of pain control. Together with its relative abundance in food sources, this opened the way to the use of PEA as a pain-relieving nutritional intervention. Naïve PEA is a large particle size lipid molecule with low solubility and bioavailability. Reducing particle size is a useful method to increase surface area, thereby improving dissolution rate and bioavailability accordingly. Micron-size formulations of PEA (e.g., ultramicronized and co-(ultra)micronized) have shown higher oral efficacy compared to naïve PEA. In particular, ultramicronized PEA has been shown to efficiently cross the intestinal wall and, more importantly, the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ultramicronized PEA. This narrative review summarizes the available pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data on ultramicronized PEA and focuses to its contribution to pain control, in particular as 'add-on' nutritional intervention. Data showing the ability of ultramicronized PEA to limit opioid side effects, including the development of tolerance, have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Nobili
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Mazzantini C, El Bourji Z, Parisio C, Davolio PL, Cocchi A, Pellegrini-Giampietro DE, Landucci E. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol and Beta-Caryophyllene Alone or Combined in an In Vitro Inflammation Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:467. [PMID: 38675427 PMCID: PMC11055086 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis contains over 500 different compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive constituent, whereas beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of most the well-known terpenoids of Cannabis sativa. In recent years, there has been an emerging idea that the beneficial activities of these compounds are greater when they are combined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD and BCP using the in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. The vitality of the cells was quantified using LDH and MTT assays. The levels of the following pro-inflammatory proteins and genes were quantified: IL-1β, COX-2, and phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-p65) through Western blotting (WB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). When present in the incubation medium, CBD and BCP reduced the increased levels of pro-inflammatory proteins (IL-1β, COX-2, and p-NF-kB) induced by LPS. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD were blocked by a PPARγ antagonist, whereas a CB2 antagonist was able to revert the effects of BCP. Selected concentrations of CBD and BCP were able to revert the increases in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), and these effects were significant when the drugs were used in combination. Our results suggest that CBD and BCP work in concert to produce a major anti-inflammatory effect with good safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Mazzantini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.M.); (Z.E.B.); (D.E.P.-G.)
| | - Zahraa El Bourji
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.M.); (Z.E.B.); (D.E.P.-G.)
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Farmacia del Madonnone, Via Aretina 9R, 50135 Florence, Italy; (C.P.); (P.L.D.)
| | - Pier Luigi Davolio
- Farmacia del Madonnone, Via Aretina 9R, 50135 Florence, Italy; (C.P.); (P.L.D.)
| | - Arianna Cocchi
- Tuscopharm srl, Viale Giacomo Leopardi 45, 57121 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Domenico E. Pellegrini-Giampietro
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.M.); (Z.E.B.); (D.E.P.-G.)
| | - Elisa Landucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.M.); (Z.E.B.); (D.E.P.-G.)
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Rakotoarivelo V, Allam-Ndoul B, Martin C, Biertho L, Di Marzo V, Flamand N, Veilleux A. Investigating the alterations of endocannabinoidome signaling in the human small intestine in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26968. [PMID: 38515705 PMCID: PMC10955212 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Human studies have linked obesity-related diseases, such as type-2 diabetes (T2D), to the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor activation by the endocannabinoids (eCBs) 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), both derived from arachidonic acid, play a role in homeostatic regulation. Other long chain fatty acid-derived endocannabinoid-like molecules have extended the metabolic role of this signaling system through other receptors. In this study, we aimed to assess in depth the interactions between the circulating and intestinal tone of this extended eCB system, or endocannabinoidome (eCBome), and their involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Methods Plasma and ileum samples were collected from subjects with obesity and harboring diverse degrees of insulin resistance or T2D, who underwent bariatric surgery. The levels of eCBome mediators and their congeners were then assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, while gene expression was screened with qPCR arrays. Findings Intestinal and circulating levels of eCBome mediators were higher in subjects with T2D. We found an inverse correlation between the intestinal and circulating levels of monoacylglycerols (MAGs). Additionally, we identified genes known to be implicated in both lipid metabolism and intestinal function that are altered by the context of obesity and glucose homeostasis. Interpretation Although the impact of glucose metabolism on the eCBome remains poorly understood in subjects with advanced obesity state, our results suggest a strong causative link between altered glucose homeostasis and eCBome signaling in the intestine and the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volatiana Rakotoarivelo
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Bénédicte Allam-Ndoul
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), INAF, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cyril Martin
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent Biertho
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), INAF, Québec, QC, Canada
- Joint International Unit between the CNR of Italy and Université Laval on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Veilleux
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), INAF, Québec, QC, Canada
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Murru E, Manca C, Carta G, Ruggiu M, Solinas R, Montisci R, Hodson L, Dearlove D, Mollica MP, Tocco F, Banni S. Indirect Calorimetry-Based Novel Approach for Evaluating Metabolic Flexibility and Its Association with Circulating Metabolic Markers in Middle-Aged Subjects. Nutrients 2024; 16:525. [PMID: 38398849 PMCID: PMC10891777 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040525] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We propose a novel method for assessing metabolic flexibility (MF) through indirect calorimetry. A total of twenty healthy volunteers (10 females; 10 males) aged 45-65 were categorized into a Low-Intensity activity group (LI, 0-1 session of 1 h per week) and a High-Intensity activity group (HI, 5-6 sessions of 2 h per week). Volunteers underwent a stepwise exercise test on a cycle ergometer, connected to a calorimeter, to examine respiratory gas exchange to evaluate peak fatty acid Oxidation (PFO) and peak carbohydrate oxidation (PCO). Circulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) biomarkers, docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA/EPA) ratio and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and the endocannabinoid- 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), were evaluated. We developed two MF parameters: the MF index (MFI), calculated by the product of PFO normalized per kg of fat-free mass (FFM) and the percentage of VO2max at PFO, and the peak energy substrates' oxidation (PESO), computed by summing the kilocalories from the PFO and PCO, normalized per kg FFM. The MFI and PESO were significantly different between the HI and LI groups, showing strong correlations with the circulating bioactive substances. Higher DHA/EPA ratio (p ≤ 0.05) and OEA (p ≤ 0.01), but lower 2-AG levels (p ≤ 0.01) were found in the HI group. These new parameters successfully established a functional link between MF and the balance of PPARα/endocannabinoid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Murru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Claudia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Michele Ruggiu
- Clinical Cardiology and Sport Medicine, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.R.); (R.S.); (R.M.); (F.T.)
| | - Roberto Solinas
- Clinical Cardiology and Sport Medicine, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.R.); (R.S.); (R.M.); (F.T.)
| | - Roberta Montisci
- Clinical Cardiology and Sport Medicine, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.R.); (R.S.); (R.M.); (F.T.)
| | - Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (L.H.); (D.D.)
- National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospital Trusts, Oxford OX4 2PG, UK
| | - David Dearlove
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (L.H.); (D.D.)
| | - Maria Pina Mollica
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Filippo Tocco
- Clinical Cardiology and Sport Medicine, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.R.); (R.S.); (R.M.); (F.T.)
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.); (G.C.)
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Alzu'bi A, Almahasneh F, Khasawneh R, Abu-El-Rub E, Baker WB, Al-Zoubi RM. The synthetic cannabinoids menace: a review of health risks and toxicity. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:49. [PMID: 38216984 PMCID: PMC10785485 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01443-6] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are chemically classified as psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system in many body organs. SCs can initiate pathophysiological changes in many tissues which can be severe enough to damage the normal functionality of our body systems. The majority of SCs-related side effects are mediated by activating Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1R) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R). The activation of these receptors can enkindle many downstream signalling pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that ultimately can produce deleterious changes in many organs. Besides activating the cannabinoid receptors, SCs can act on non-cannabinoid targets, such as the orphan G protein receptors GPR55 and GPR18, the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors (PPARs), and the Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which are broadly expressed in the brain and the heart and their activation mediates many pharmacological effects of SCs. In this review, we shed light on the multisystem complications found in SCs abusers, particularly discussing their neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic effects, as well as highlighting the mechanisms that intermediate SCs-related pharmacological and toxicological consequences to provide comprehensive understanding of their short and long-term systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan.
| | - Fatimah Almahasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ramada Khasawneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ejlal Abu-El-Rub
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Worood Bani Baker
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Raed M Al-Zoubi
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation & Men'S Health, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, QU-Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
- Department of Chemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
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8
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Nadalin S, Zatković L, Peitl V, Karlović D, Vilibić M, Silić A, Dević Pavlić S, Buretić-Tomljanović A. An association between PPARα-L162V polymorphism and increased plasma LDL cholesterol levels after risperidone treatment. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2024; 200:102604. [PMID: 38113727 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2023.102604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and antipsychotic medications both influence polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) homeostasis, and thus PPARα polymorphism may be linked to antipsychotic treatment response. Here we investigated whether the functional leucine 162 valine (L162V) polymorphism in PPARα influenced antipsychotic treatment in a group of psychosis patients (N = 186), as well as in a patient subgroup with risperidone, paliperidone, or combination treatment (N = 65). Antipsychotic-naïve first-episode patients and nonadherent chronic individuals were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction analysis. At baseline, and after 8 weeks of treatment with various antipsychotic medications, we assessed the patients' Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores; PANSS factors; and metabolic syndrome-related parameters, including fasting plasma lipid and glucose levels, and body mass index. In the total patient group, PPARα polymorphism did not affect PANSS psychopathology or metabolic parameters. However, in the subgroup of patients with risperidone, paliperidone, or combination treatment, PPARα polymorphism influenced changes in plasma LDL cholesterol. Specifically, compared to PPARα-L162L homozygous patients, PPARα-L162V heterozygous individuals exhibited significantly higher increases of LDL cholesterol levels after antipsychotic treatment. The PPARα polymorphism had a strong effect size, but a relatively weak contribution to LDL cholesterol level variations (∼12.8 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Nadalin
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital "Dr. Josip Benčević", Slavonski Brod, Croatia; School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Lena Zatković
- Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vjekoslav Peitl
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Karlović
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Vilibić
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ante Silić
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Dević Pavlić
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Alena Buretić-Tomljanović
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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9
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Mostallino R, Santoni M, Sagheddu C, Serra V, Orrù V, Pistis M, Castelli MP. The PPARα agonist fenofibrate reduces the cytokine imbalance in a maternal immune activation model of schizophrenia. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 961:176172. [PMID: 37939988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176172] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in offspring. We recently demonstrated that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activate receptor-α (PPARα), with the clinically available agonist fenofibrate (FEN), attenuates the neurodevelopmental disturbances induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) in rat offspring. We hypothesized that fenofibrate might reduce MIA-induced cytokine imbalance using a MIA model based on the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly (I:C)]. By using the Bio-Plex Multiplex-Immunoassay-System, we measured cytokine/chemokine/growth factor levels in maternal serum and in the fetal brain of rats treated with fenofibrate, at 6 and 24 h after poly (I:C). We found that MIA induced time-dependent changes in the levels of several cytokines/chemokines/colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Specifically, the maternal serum of the poly (I:C)/control (CTRL) group showed increased levels of (i) proinflammatory chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α), (ii) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the macrophage (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Conversely, in the fetal brain of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group, interleukin 12p70 and MIP-1α levels were lower than in vehicle (veh)/CTRL group. Notably, MIP-1α, TNF-α, keratinocyte derived chemokine (GRO/KC), GM-CSF, and M-CSF levels were lower in the poly (I:C)/FEN than in poly (I:C)/CTRL rats, suggesting the protective role of the PPARα agonist. PPARα might represent a therapeutic target to attenuate MIA-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Michele Santoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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10
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Malek A, Ahmadi Badi S, Karimi G, Bizouarn T, Irian S, Siadat SD. The effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics on the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system and intestinal epithelial integrity in Caco-2 cells. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:1417-1424. [PMID: 37975078 PMCID: PMC10638345 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Gut microbiota and its derivatives by constantly interacting with the host, regulate the host function. Intestinal epithelium integrity is under the control of various factors including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics (i.e., heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatants (CFS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)) on the expression of genes involved in ECS (cnr1, faah, pparg) and the epithelial barrier permeability (ocln, tjp1) in a Caco-2 cell line. Methods Caco-2 cell line was treated with live or heat-inactivated B. fragilis at MOIs of 50 and 100, or stimulated with 7% V/V CFS and B. fragilis OMVs at a dose of 50 and 100 µg/ml overnight. RT-qPCR was applied for expression analysis. Results Heat-inactivated B. fragilis induced cnr1, pparg, tjp1, and suppressed faah expression, while live B. fragilis had the opposite effect. OMVs increased pparg, and tjp1 expression by reducing the activity of ECS through an increase in faah and a reduction in cnr1 expression. Finally, an increase in the expression of pparg and ocln, and a reduction in the expression of cnr1 was detected in Caco-2 cells treated with CFS. Conclusion The live and heat-inactivated B. fragilis inversely affected cnr1, faah, pparg, and tjp1 expression in Caco-2 cells. Increased tjp1 mRNA levels by affecting the expression of ECS related genes is taken as an indication of the potential beneficial effects of B. fragilis postbiotics and making them potential candidates for improving permeability in the leaky gut syndrome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Malek
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ahmadi Badi
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Centre of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilda Karimi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tania Bizouarn
- Universit´e Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique, UMR8000, Orsay, 91405 France
| | - Saeed Irian
- Department of Cell & Molecular Sciences Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Mohammadpour-Asl S, Roshan-Milani S, Abdollahzade Fard A, Golchin A. In vitro evaluation of cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in mouse Sertoli cells exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a mechanistic insight into the cannabinoid-induced testicular toxicity. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:61. [PMID: 37946285 PMCID: PMC10636832 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00704-8] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The potentially adverse effects of cannabis (marijuana), a common leisure compound, on male reproductive performance are a reason for concern. δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active component of marijuana alters testicular cells' proliferation and function which affects male fertility and causes testicular cells dysfunction and apoptosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the toxic effects of THC with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based reproductive dysfunction. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was cultured and exposed to different concentrations of THC and, MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was then performed for evaluating cell viability. The expression of caspase-3 gene and genes related to growth factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Western blotting was performed for evaluating protein expression level. THC concentration-dependently decreased the TM4 viability with a significant effect starting at concentration of 1 μM and reaching about 75% of the control level at the concentration of 50 μM (IC25). Moreover, caspase-3 mRNA expression levels significantly increased while growth factors mRNA levels decreased in THC-exposed cells compared to unexposed cells. There was also a significant reduction in related protein levels in THC group. Administration of the THC promotes cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on TM4 cells partly through down-regulation of growth factors expression. Increased apoptosis, over expression of caspase-3, and down-regulation of growth factors expression in Sertoli cells exposed to THC may be a reflection of THC-induced testicular toxicity, which may be partly involved in infertility associated with marijuana smoking or medical cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amin Abdollahzade Fard
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Golchin
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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12
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Kouchaeknejad A, Van Der Walt G, De Donato MH, Puighermanal E. Imaging and Genetic Tools for the Investigation of the Endocannabinoid System in the CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15829. [PMID: 37958825 PMCID: PMC10648052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115829] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders present an increasing cause of global morbidity, mortality, and high pressure on our healthcare system, there is an urgent need for new insights and treatment options. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a critical network of endogenous compounds, receptors, and enzymes that contribute to CNS development and regulation. Given its multifaceted involvement in neurobiology and its significance in various CNS disorders, the ECS as a whole is considered a promising therapeutic target. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the ECS's role in the CNS, its complex architecture and extensive crosstalk with other biological systems present challenges for research and clinical advancements. To bridge these knowledge gaps and unlock the full therapeutic potential of ECS interventions in CNS-related disorders, a plethora of molecular-genetic tools have been developed in recent years. Here, we review some of the most impactful tools for investigating the neurological aspects of the ECS. We first provide a brief introduction to the ECS components, including cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes, emphasizing their complexity. This is followed by an exploration of cutting-edge imaging tools and genetic models aimed at elucidating the roles of these principal ECS components. Special emphasis is placed on their relevance in the context of CNS and its associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emma Puighermanal
- Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.K.); (G.V.D.W.); (M.H.D.D.)
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13
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Marino M, D’Auria R, Mele E, Pastorino GMG, Di Pietro P, D’Angelo S, Della Rocca N, Operto FF, Vecchione C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Viggiano A, Meccariello R, Santoro A. The interplay between kisspeptin and endocannabinoid systems modulates male hypothalamic and gonadic control of reproduction in vivo. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269334. [PMID: 37900144 PMCID: PMC10602894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male reproduction is under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the kisspeptin system (KS) are two major signaling systems in the central and peripheral control of reproduction, but their possible interaction has been poorly investigated in mammals. This manuscript analyzes their possible reciprocal modulation in the control of the HPG axis. Materials and methods Adolescent male rats were treated with kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) and endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the latter alone or in combination with the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The hypothalamic KS system and GnRH expression, circulating sex steroids and kisspeptin (Kiss1) levels, and intratesticular KS and ECS were evaluated by immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Non-coding RNAs (i.e., miR145-5p, miR-132-3p, let7a-5p, let7b-5p) were also considered. Results Circulating hormonal values were not significantly affected by Kp10 or AEA; in the hypothalamus, Kp10 significantly increased GnRH mRNA and aromatase Cyp19, Kiss1, and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) proteins. By contrast, AEA treatment affected the hypothalamic KS at the protein levels, with opposite effects on the ligand and receptor, and SR141716A was capable of attenuating the AEA effects. Among the considered non-coding RNA, only the expression of miR145-5p was positively affected by AEA but not by Kp10 treatment. Localization of Kiss1+/Kiss1R+ neurons in the arcuate nucleus revealed an increase of Kiss1R-expressing neurons in Kp10- and AEA-treated animals associated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles in Kp10-treated animals. In the brain and testis, the selected non-coding RNA was differently modulated by Kp10 or AEA. Lastly, in the testis, AEA treatment affected the KS at the protein levels, whereas Kp10 affected the intragonadal levels of CB1 and FAAH, the main modulator of the AEA tone. Changes in pubertal transition-related miRNAs and the intratesticular distribution of Kiss1, Kiss1R, CB1, and CB2 following KP and AEA treatment corroborate the KS-ECS crosstalk also showing that the CB1 receptor is involved in this interplay. Conclusion For the first time in mammals, we report the modulation of the KS in both the hypothalamus and testis by AEA and revealed the KP-dependent modulation of CB1 and FAAH in the testis. KP involvement in the progression of spermatogenesis is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Elena Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa (U.O.C.) Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Giovanni di Dio Ruggi d’Aragona, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vecchione
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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14
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Sarikahya MH, Cousineau SL, De Felice M, Szkudlarek HJ, Wong KKW, DeVuono MV, Lee K, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Gummerson D, Proud E, Ng THJ, Hudson R, Jung T, Hardy DB, Yeung KKC, Schmid S, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Prenatal THC exposure induces long-term, sex-dependent cognitive dysfunction associated with lipidomic and neuronal pathology in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampal network. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4234-4250. [PMID: 37525013 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
With increasing maternal cannabis use, there is a need to investigate the lasting impact of prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic compound in cannabis, on cognitive/memory function. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which relies on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to function, plays a crucial role in regulating prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal network-dependent behaviors essential for cognition and memory. Using a rodent model of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), we report that male and female offspring display long-term deficits in various cognitive domains. However, these phenotypes were associated with highly divergent, sex-dependent mechanisms. Electrophysiological recordings revealed hyperactive PFC pyramidal neuron activity in both males and females, but hypoactivity in the ventral hippocampus (vHIPP) in males, and hyperactivity in females. Further, cortical oscillatory activity states of theta, alpha, delta, beta, and gamma bandwidths were strongly sex divergent. Moreover, protein expression analyses at postnatal day (PD)21 and PD120 revealed primarily PD120 disturbances in dopamine D1R/D2 receptors, NMDA receptor 2B, synaptophysin, gephyrin, GAD67, and PPARα selectively in the PFC and vHIPP, in both regions in males, but only the vHIPP in females. Lastly, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS), we identified region-, age-, and sex-specific deficiencies in specific neural PUFAs, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and related metabolites, in the PFC and hippocampus (ventral/dorsal subiculum, and CA1 regions). This study highlights several novel, long-term and sex-specific consequences of PCE on PFC-hippocampal circuit dysfunction and the potential role of specific PUFA signaling abnormalities underlying these pathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Samantha L Cousineau
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Karen K W Wong
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Dana Gummerson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emma Proud
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tsun Hay Jason Ng
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tony Jung
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Ken K-C Yeung
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
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15
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Garcia-Baos A, Pastor A, Gallego-Landin I, de la Torre R, Sanz F, Valverde O. The role of PPAR-γ in memory deficits induced by prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3373-3383. [PMID: 37491462 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) show persistent cognitive disabilities, including memory deficits. However, the neurobiological substrates underlying these deficits remain unclear. Here, we show that prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure (PLAE) in mice induces FASD-like memory impairments. This is accompanied by a reduction of N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in the hippocampus specifically in a childhood-like period (at post-natal day (PD) 25). To determine their role in memory deficits, two pharmacological approaches were performed during this specific period of early life. Thus, memory performance was tested after the repeated administration (from PD25 to PD34) of: i) URB597, to increase NAEs, with GW9662, a PPAR-γ antagonist; ii) pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist. We observed that URB597 suppresses PLAE-induced memory deficits through a PPAR-γ dependent mechanism, since its effects are prevented by GW9662. Direct PPAR-γ activation, using pioglitazone, also ameliorates memory impairments. Lastly, to further investigate the region and cellular specificity, we demonstrate that an early overexpression of PPAR-γ, by means of a viral vector, in hippocampal astrocytes mitigates memory deficits induced by PLAE. Together, our data reveal that disruptions of PPAR-γ signaling during neurodevelopment contribute to PLAE-induced memory dysfunction. In turn, PPAR-γ activation during a childhood-like period is a promising therapeutic approach for memory deficits in the context of early alcohol exposure. Thus, these findings contribute to the gaining insight into the mechanisms that might underlie memory impairments in FASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Garcia-Baos
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ines Gallego-Landin
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Sanz
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Shahen-Zoabi S, Smoum R, Bingor A, Grad E, Nemirovski A, Shekh-Ahmad T, Mechoulam R, Yaka R. N-oleoyl glycine and N-oleoyl alanine attenuate alcohol self-administration and preference in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:273. [PMID: 37524707 PMCID: PMC10390512 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key modulatory role during synaptic plasticity and homeostatic processes in the brain and has an important role in the neurobiological processes underlying drug addiction. We have previously shown that an elevated ECS response to psychostimulant (cocaine) is involved in regulating the development and expression of cocaine-conditioned reward and sensitization. We therefore hypothesized that drug-induced elevation in endocannabinoids (eCBs) and/or eCB-like molecules (eCB-Ls) may represent a protective mechanism against drug insult, and boosting their levels exogenously may strengthen their neuroprotective effects. Here, we determine the involvement of ECS in alcohol addiction. We first measured the eCBs and eCB-Ls levels in different brain reward system regions following chronic alcohol self-administration using LC-MS. We have found that following chronic intermittent alcohol consumption, N-oleoyl glycine (OlGly) levels were significantly elevated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and N-oleoyl alanine (OlAla) was significantly elevated in the PFC, nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in a region-specific manner. We next tested whether exogenous administration of OlGly or OlAla would attenuate alcohol consumption and preference. We found that systemic administration of OlGly or OlAla (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) during intermittent alcohol consumption significantly reduced alcohol intake and preference without affecting the hedonic state. These findings suggest that the ECS negatively regulates alcohol consumption and boosting selective eCBs exogenously has beneficial effects against alcohol consumption and potentially in preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Shahen-Zoabi
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Reem Smoum
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Alexey Bingor
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Etty Grad
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Tawfeeq Shekh-Ahmad
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Rami Yaka
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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Aloke C, Iwuchukwu EA, Achilonu I. Exploiting Copaifera salikounda compounds as treatment against diabetes: An insight into their potential targets from a computational perspective. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 104:107851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Khosropoor S, Alavi MS, Etemad L, Roohbakhsh A. Cannabidiol goes nuclear: The role of PPARγ. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154771. [PMID: 36965374 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. In contrast to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, it has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, thereby it does not induce significant psychoactive effects. However, CBD may interact with other receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). CBD is a PPARγ agonist and changes its expression. There is considerable evidence that CBD's effects are mediated by its interaction with PPARγ. So, we reviewed studies related to the interaction of CBD and PPARγ. METHODS In this comprehensive literature review, the term 'cannabidiol' was used in combination with the following keywords including 'PPARγ', 'Alzheimer's disease', 'Parkinson's disease', 'seizure', 'multiple sclerosis', 'immune system', 'cardiovascular system', 'cancer', and 'adipogenesis'. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched until December 20, 2022. A total of 78 articles were used for the reviewing process. RESULTS CBD, via activation of PPARγ, promotes significant pharmacological effects. The present review shows that the effects of CBD on Alzheimer's disease and memory, Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, anxiety and depression, cardiovascular system, immune system, cancer, and adipogenesis are mediated, at least in part, via PPARγ. CONCLUSION CBD not only activates PPARγ but also affects its expression in the body. It was suggested that the late effects of CBD are mediated via PPARγ activation. We suggested that CBD's chemical structure is a good backbone for developing new dual agonists. Combining it with other chemicals enhances their biological effectiveness while reducing their dosage. The present study indicated that PPARγ is a key target for CBD, and its activation by CBD should be considered in all future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khosropoor
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Etemad
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Kibret BG, Canseco-Alba A, Onaivi ES, Engidawork E. Crosstalk between the endocannabinoid and mid-brain dopaminergic systems: Implication in dopamine dysregulation. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1137957. [PMID: 37009000 PMCID: PMC10061032 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1137957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and the expanded endocannabinoid system (ECS)-"endocannabinoidome", consists of the endogenous ligands, eCBs, their canonical and non-canonical receptor subtypes, and their synthesizing and metabolizing enzymes. This system modulates a wide range of body functions and acts as a retrograde signaling system within the central nervous system (CNS) by inhibition of classical transmitters, and plays a vital modulatory function on dopamine, a major neurotransmitter in the CNS. Dopamine is involved in different behavioral processes and contributes to different brain disorders-including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. After synthesis in the neuronal cytosol, dopamine is packaged into synaptic vesicles until released by extracellular signals. Calcium dependent neuronal activation results in the vesicular release of dopamine and interacts with different neurotransmitter systems. The ECS, among others, is involved in the regulation of dopamine release and the interaction occurs either through direct or indirect mechanisms. The cross-talk between the ECS and the dopaminergic system has important influence in various dopamine-related neurobiological and pathologic conditions and investigating this interaction might help identify therapeutic targets and options in disorders of the CNS associated with dopamine dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Geresu Kibret
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Ana Canseco-Alba
- Direction de Investigacion, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocircirugia “Manuel Velasco Suarez”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Emmanuel S. Onaivi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Ephrem Engidawork
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Cannabis sativa: A look at protozoa, helminths, insect vectors, and pests. Fitoterapia 2023; 166:105467. [PMID: 36893925 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105467] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Active principles extracted from plants, such as essential oils, have been commonly described in the literature as therapeutic targets for numerous pathological conditions. Cannabis sativa, which has an ancient and peculiar history, has been used for various purposes, from recreational to compounds of pharmacotherapeutic and industrial importance, such as pesticides based on this plant. It is a plant that contains approximately 500 described cannabinoid compounds and is the target of in vitro and in vivo studies at different locations. This review clarifies the role of cannabinoid compounds in parasitic infections caused by helminths and protozoa. In addition, this study briefly presented the use of C. sativa constituents in the formulation of pesticides for vector control, as the latter topic is justified by the economic burden faced by several regions where vector-borne diseases are a troubling reality. Studies involving cannabis compounds with pesticidal potential should be encouraged, especially those that evaluate their effectiveness against the different life cycles of insects, seeking to interrupt vector proliferation after egg laying. Actions aimed at the management and cultivation of plant species with ecologically correct pharmacotherapeutic and pesticide potentials are becoming urgent.
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D’Aniello E, Amodeo P, Vitale RM. Marine Natural and Nature-Inspired Compounds Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs). Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020089. [PMID: 36827130 PMCID: PMC9966990 DOI: 10.3390/md21020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α, γ and β/δ (PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ) are a family of ligand-activated transcriptional factors belonging to the superfamily of nuclear receptors regulating the expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, energy homeostasis, inflammation, and the immune response. For this reason, they represent attractive targets for the treatment of a variety of metabolic diseases and, more recently, for neurodegenerative disorders due to their emerging neuroprotective effects. The degree of activation, from partial to full, along with the selectivity toward the different isoforms, greatly affect the therapeutic efficacy and the safety profile of PPAR agonists. Thus, there is a high interest toward novel scaffolds with proper combinations of activity and selectivity. This review intends to provide an overview of the discovery, optimization, and structure-activity relationship studies on PPAR modulators from marine sources, along with the structural and computational studies that led to their identification and/or elucidation, and rationalization of their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico D’Aniello
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
- Correspondence: (P.A.); (R.M.V.)
| | - Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (ICB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
- Correspondence: (P.A.); (R.M.V.)
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22
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De Nunzio V, Carrieri L, Scavo MP, Lippolis T, Cofano M, Caponio GR, Tutino V, Rizzi F, Depalo N, Osella AR, Notarnicola M. Plasma-Derived Exosomes from NAFLD Patients Modulate the Cannabinoid Receptors' Expression in Cultured HepaRG Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021739. [PMID: 36675254 PMCID: PMC9862025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes produced by hepatocytes upon lipotoxic insult play a relevant role in pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), suggesting an inflammatory response by the activation of monocytes and macrophages and accelerating the disease progression. In the pathogenesis of NAFLD and liver fibrosis, the endogenous cannabinoids and their major receptors CB1 and CB2 appear to be highly involved. This study aimed at evaluating the expression of cannabinoids receptors (CB1R and CB2R) in plasma-derived exosomes extracted from patients with NAFLD, as well as investigating the in vitro effects of the circulating exosomes in cultured human HepaRG cells following their introduction into the culture medium. The results demonstrated that plasma-derived exosomes from NAFLD patients are vehicles for the transport of CB1R and are able to modulate CB receptors' expression in HepaRG cells. In particular, circulating exosomes from NAFLD patients are inflammatory drivers for HepaRG cells, acting through CB1R activation and the downregulation of CB2R. Moreover, CB1R upregulation was associated with increased expression levels of PPAR-γ, a well-known mediator of liver tissue injury. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for CB1R transport by exosomes and suggests that the in vitro effects of circulating exosomes from NAFLD patients are mediated by the expression of cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina De Nunzio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Livianna Carrieri
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Maria Principia Scavo
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Tamara Lippolis
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Miriam Cofano
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Giusy Rita Caponio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Valeria Tutino
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF), Council National Research (CNR) Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF), Council National Research (CNR) Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto Ruben Osella
- Laboratory of Epidemiolgy and Biostatistics, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-4994342
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23
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Catani MV, Tullio V, Maccarrone M, Gasperi V. DNA-Protein-Interaction (DPI)-ELISA Assay for PPAR-γ Receptor Binding. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:133-143. [PMID: 36152182 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_10] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ has been described in a plethora of pathological conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, inflammatory-related diseases, and cancer. Therefore, identifying novel drugs that are able to restore PPAR-γ activity is a current challenge, which is however slowed down by the lack of a rapid and reproducible activity assay. To date, only a few methods are able to characterize PPAR-γ activity and most of them are expensive, time-consuming, and not always quantitative.Herein, we presented a sensitive multi-well colorimetric assay, termed DNA-Protein-Interaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DPI-ELISA). This method is based on the ELISA principle, except that it allows to detect only activated PPAR-γ because, unlike classical ELISA, PPAR-γ is not captured by an antibody but by a double-stranded oligonucleotide probe containing its peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPRE) consensus sequence. Thus, DPI-ELISA represents a useful assay for PPAR-γ studies, as well as for the identification of novel PPAR-γ ligands for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to human diseases where PPAR-γ signaling is dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valeria Catani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Tullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Gómez-Cañas M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Satta V, Hernández-Fisac I, Navarro E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid-Binding Receptors as Drug Targets. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:67-94. [PMID: 36152178 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis plant has been used from ancient times with therapeutic purposes for treating human pathologies, but the identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic properties of the phytocannabinoids, the active compounds in this plant, occurred in the last years of the past century. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, seminal studies demonstrated the existence of cannabinoid receptors and other elements of the so-called endocannabinoid system. These G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a key element in the functions assigned to endocannabinoids and appear to serve as promising pharmacological targets. They include CB1, CB2, and GPR55, but also non-GPCRs can be activated by endocannabinoids, like ionotropic receptor TRPV1 and even nuclear receptors of the PPAR family. Their activation, inhibition, or simply modulation have been associated with numerous physiological effects at both central and peripheral levels, which may have therapeutic value in different human pathologies, then providing a solid experimental explanation for both the ancient medicinal uses of Cannabis plant and the recent advances in the development of cannabinoid-based specific therapies. This chapter will review the scientific knowledge generated in the last years around the research on the different endocannabinoid-binding receptors and their signaling mechanisms. Our intention is that this knowledge may help readers to understand the relevance of these receptors in health and disease conditions, as well as it may serve as the theoretical basis for the different experimental protocols to investigate these receptors and their signaling mechanisms that will be described in the following chapters.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Fisac
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Navarro
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Profound Modification of Fatty Acid Profile and Endocannabinoid-Related Mediators in PPARα Agonist Fenofibrate-Treated Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010709. [PMID: 36614161 PMCID: PMC9821630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010709] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fenofibrate (FBR), an oral medication used to treat dyslipidemia, is a ligand of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that regulates the expression of metabolic genes able to control lipid metabolism and food intake. PPARα natural ligands include fatty acids (FA) and FA derivatives such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), known to have anti-inflammatory and anorexigenic activities, respectively. We investigated changes in the FA profile and FA derivatives by HPLC and LC-MS in male C57BL/6J mice fed a standard diet with or without 0.2% fenofibrate (0.2% FBR) for 21 days. Induction of PPARα by 0.2% FBR reduced weight gain, food intake, feed efficiency, and liver lipids and induced a profound change in FA metabolism mediated by parallel enhanced mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation. The former effects led to a steep reduction of essential FA, particularly 18:3n3, with a consequent decrease of the n3-highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) score; the latter effect led to an increase of 16:1n7 and 18:1n9, suggesting enhanced hepatic de novo lipogenesis with increased levels of hepatic PEA and OEA, which may activate a positive feedback and further sustain reductions of body weight, hepatic lipids and feed efficiency.
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Palmitoylethanolamide Mitigates Paclitaxel Toxicity in Primary Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121873. [PMID: 36551301 PMCID: PMC9775584 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121873] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of several chemotherapeutic agents, such as Paclitaxel. The main symptoms of CIPN are pain and numbness in the hands and feet. Paclitaxel is believed to accumulate in the dorsal root ganglia and free nerve endings. Novel therapeutic agents might help to mitigate or prevent Paclitaxel toxicity on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Thus, we used primary DRG neurons as a model to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of the endocannabinoid-like substance, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). DRG neurons were isolated from cervical to sacral segments of spinal nerves of Wister rats (6-8 weeks old). After isolation and purification of neuronal cell populations, different concentrations of Paclitaxel (0.01-10 µM) or PEA (0.1-10 µM) or their combination were tested on cell viability by MTT assay at 24 h, 48, and 72 h post-treatment. Furthermore, morphometric analyses of neurite length and soma size for DRG neurons were performed. Adverse Paclitaxel effects on cell viability were apparent at 72 h post-treatment whereas Paclitaxel significantly reduced the neurite length in a concentration-dependent manner nearly at all investigated time points. However, Paclitaxel significantly increased the size of neuronal cell bodies at all time windows. These phenotypic effects were significantly reduced in neurons additionally treated with PEA, indicating the neuroprotective effect of PEA. PEA alone led to a significant increase in neuron viability regardless of PEA concentrations, apparent improvements in neurite outgrowth as well as a significant decrease in soma size of neurons at different investigated time points. Taken together, PEA showed promising protective effects against Paclitaxel-related toxicity on DRG neurons.
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Ruiz-Contreras HA, Santamaría A, Arellano-Mendoza MG, Sánchez-Chapul L, Robles-Bañuelos B, Rangel-López E. Modulatory Activity of the Endocannabinoid System in the Development and Proliferation of Cells in the CNS. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1690-1706. [PMID: 36522511 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS, also known as Endocannabinoidome) plays a key role in the function of the Central Nervous System, though the participation of this system on the early development - specifically in neuroprotection and proliferation of nerve cells - has been poorly studied. Here, we collect and describe evidence regarding how cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R regulate several cell markers related to proliferation. While CB1R participates in the modulation of neuronal and glial proliferation, CB2R is involved in the proliferation of glial cells. The endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) exert significant effects on nerve cell proliferation. AEA generated during embryogenesis induces major effects on the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells, whereas 2-AG participates in modulating cell migration events rather than affecting the neural proliferation rate. However, although the ECS has been demonstrated to participate in neuroprotection, more characterization on its role in neuronal and glial proliferation and differentiation is needed, especially in brain areas with recognized high neurogenesis rates. This has encouraged scientists to elucidate and propose specific mechanisms related with these cell proliferation mechanisms to better understand some neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson, Huntington and Alzheimer diseases, in which neuronal loss and poor neurogenesis are crucial factors for their onset and progression. In this review, we collect and present recent evidence published pointing to an active role of the ECS in the development and proliferation of nerve cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hipolito A Ruiz-Contreras
- Maestría en Ciencias en Farmacología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular Y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Mónica G Arellano-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado E Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Sánchez-Chapul
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Neuromusculares, División de Neurociencias Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Robles-Bañuelos
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular Y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Rangel-López
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular Y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Singh DD, Shati AA, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Han I, Choi EH, Yadav DK. Development of Dementia in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance and Antidiabetic Drug Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233767. [PMID: 36497027 PMCID: PMC9738282 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is reported to be common in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes contributes to common molecular mechanisms and an underlying pathology with dementia. Brain cells becoming resistant to insulin leads to elevated blood glucose levels, impaired synaptic plasticity, microglial overactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, nutrient deprivation, TAU (Tubulin-Associated Unit) phosphorylation, and cholinergic dysfunction. If insulin has neuroprotective properties, insulin resistance may interfere with those properties. Risk factors have a significant impact on the development of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, stroke, and other conditions. Analysis of risk factors of importance for the association between diabetes and dementia is important because they may impede clinical management and early diagnosis. We discuss the pathological and physiological mechanisms behind the association between Type 2 diabetes mellitus and dementia, such as insulin resistance, insulin signaling, and sporadic forms of dementia; the relationship between insulin receptor activation and TAU phosphorylation; dementia and mRNA expression and downregulation of related receptors; neural modulation due to insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis; and neuronal apoptosis due to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Addressing these factors will offer clinical outcome-based insights into the mechanisms and connection between patients with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we will explore the role of brain insulin resistance and evidence for anti-diabetic drugs in the prevention of dementia risk in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desh Deepak Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Ali A. Shati
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y. Alfaifi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ihn Han
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (E.-H.C.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4947 (D.K.Y.)
| | - Dharmendra K. Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hambakmoeiro 191, Yeonsu-gu, Gachon University, Incheon 21924, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (E.-H.C.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4947 (D.K.Y.)
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Oz M, Yang KHS, Mahgoub MO. Effects of cannabinoids on ligand-gated ion channels. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1041833. [PMID: 36338493 PMCID: PMC9627301 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1041833] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, endocannabinoids such as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and synthetic cannabinoids such as CP47,497 and JWH-018 constitute major groups of structurally diverse cannabinoids. Along with these cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and enzymes involved in synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids comprise the major components of the cannabinoid system. Although, cannabinoid receptors are known to be involved in anti-convulsant, anti-nociceptive, anti-psychotic, anti-emetic, and anti-oxidant effects of cannabinoids, in recent years, an increasing number of studies suggest that, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, these compounds interact with several molecular targets including G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, and enzymes in a cannabinoid-receptor independent manner. In this report, the direct actions of endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids on the functional properties of ligand-gated ion channels and the plausible mechanisms mediating these effects were reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- *Correspondence: Murat Oz,
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Mohamed Omer Mahgoub
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Khawarizmi International College, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Why Multitarget Vasodilatory (Endo)cannabinoids are Not Effective as Antihypertensive Compounds after Chronic Administration: Comparison of Their Effects on Systemic and Pulmonary Hypertension. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091119. [PMID: 36145339 PMCID: PMC9503677 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091119] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic and pulmonary hypertension are multifactorial, high-pressure diseases. The first one is a civilizational condition, and the second one is characterized by a very high mortality rate. Searching for new therapeutic strategies is still an important task. (Endo)cannabinoids, known for their strong vasodilatory properties, have been proposed as possible drugs for different types of hypertension. Unfortunately, our review, in which we summarized all publications found in the PubMed database regarding chronic administration of (endo)cannabinoids in experimental models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension, does not confirm any encouraging suggestions, being based mainly on in vitro and acute in vivo experiments. We considered vasodilator or blood pressure (BP) responses and cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, and the anti-inflammatory effects of particular compounds and their influence on the endocannabinoid system. We found that multitarget (endo)cannabinoids failed to modify higher BP in systemic hypertension since they induced responses leading to decreased and increased BP. In contrast, multitarget cannabidiol and monotarget ligands effectively treated pulmonary and systemic hypertension, respectively. To summarize, based on the available literature, only (endo)cannabinoids with a defined site of action are recommended as potential antihypertensive compounds in systemic hypertension, whereas both mono- and multitarget compounds may be effective in pulmonary hypertension.
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Cannabinoids and Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169423. [PMID: 36012687 PMCID: PMC9408890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD), and viral hepatitis are the main causes of morbidity and mortality related to chronic liver diseases (CLDs) worldwide. New therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse these liver disorders are thus emerging. Although their etiologies differ, these CLDs all have in common a significant dysregulation of liver metabolism that is closely linked to the perturbation of the hepatic endocannabinoid system (eCBS) and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, targeting the hepatic eCBS might have promising therapeutic potential to overcome CLDs. Experimental models of CLDs and observational studies in humans suggest that cannabis and its derivatives may exert hepatoprotective effects against CLDs through diverse pathways. However, these promising therapeutic benefits are not yet fully validated, as the few completed clinical trials on phytocannabinoids, which are thought to hold the most promising therapeutic potential (cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabivarin), remained inconclusive. Therefore, expanding research on less studied phytocannabinoids and their derivatives, with a focus on their mode of action on liver metabolism, might provide promising advances in the development of new and original therapeutics for the management of CLDs, such as NAFLD, ALD, or even hepatitis C-induced liver disorders.
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An Alkaloid from a Highly Invasive Seaweed Increases the Voracity and Reproductive Output of a Model Fish Species. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080513. [PMID: 36005516 PMCID: PMC9410225 DOI: 10.3390/md20080513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive macroalga Caulerpa cylindracea has spread widely in the Mediterranean Sea, becoming a favorite food item for native fish for reasons yet unknown. By using a combination of behavioral, morphological, and molecular approaches, herein we provide evidence that the bisindole alkaloid caulerpin, a major secondary metabolite of C. cylindracea, significantly increases food intake in the model fish Danio rerio, influencing the regulation of genes involved in the orexigenic pathway. In addition, we found that the compound improves fish reproductive performance by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The obtained results pave the way for the possible valorization of C. cylindracea as a sustainable source of a functional feed additive of interest to face critical challenges both in aquaculture and in human nutrition.
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Vicente-Acosta A, Ceprian M, Sobrino P, Pazos MR, Loría F. Cannabinoids as Glial Cell Modulators in Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Neuroprotection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888222. [PMID: 35721207 PMCID: PMC9199389 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide following coronary heart disease. Despite significant efforts to find effective treatments to reduce neurological damage, many patients suffer from sequelae that impair their quality of life. For this reason, the search for new therapeutic options for the treatment of these patients is a priority. Glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, participate in crucial processes that allow the correct functioning of the neural tissue, being actively involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke. Although the exact mechanisms by which glial cells contribute in the pathophysiological context of stroke are not yet completely understood, they have emerged as potentially therapeutic targets to improve brain recovery. The endocannabinoid system has interesting immunomodulatory and protective effects in glial cells, and the pharmacological modulation of this signaling pathway has revealed potential neuroprotective effects in different neurological diseases. Therefore, here we recapitulate current findings on the potential promising contribution of the endocannabinoid system pharmacological manipulation in glial cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vicente-Acosta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ceprian
- ERC Team, PGNM, INSERM U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pilar Sobrino
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Maria Ruth Pazos
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Frida Loría
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
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Multi-Target Effects of ß-Caryophyllene and Carnosic Acid at the Crossroads of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration: From Oxidative Stress to Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061199. [PMID: 35740096 PMCID: PMC9220155 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are interlinked and interdependent processes involved in many chronic diseases, including neurodegeneration, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Therefore, targeting inflammatory pathways may represent a potential therapeutic strategy. Emerging evidence indicates that many phytochemicals extracted from edible plants have the potential to ameliorate the disease phenotypes. In this scenario, ß-caryophyllene (BCP), a bicyclic sesquiterpene, and carnosic acid (CA), an ortho-diphenolic diterpene, were demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, as well as neuroprotective and mitoprotective effects in different in vitro and in vivo models. BCP essentially promotes its effects by acting as a selective agonist and allosteric modulator of cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2R). CA is a pro-electrophilic compound that, in response to oxidation, is converted to its electrophilic form. This can interact and activate the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE transcription pathway, triggering the synthesis of endogenous antioxidant “phase 2” enzymes. However, given the nature of its chemical structure, CA also exhibits direct antioxidant effects. BCP and CA can readily cross the BBB and accumulate in brain regions, giving rise to neuroprotective effects by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting activated microglia, substantially through the activation of pro-survival signalling pathways, including regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, and molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial quality control. Findings from different in vitro/in vivo experimental models of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease reported the beneficial effects of both compounds, suggesting that their use in treatments may be a promising strategy in the management of neurodegenerative diseases aimed at maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and ameliorating glia-mediated neuroinflammation.
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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, De Henauw S, Hirsch‐Ernst KI, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pelaez C, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Cubadda F, Frenzel T, Heinonen M, Marchelli R, Neuhäuser‐Berthold M, Poulsen M, Prieto Maradona M, Schlatter JR, Trezza V, van Loveren H, Albert O, Dumas C, Germini A, Gelbmann W, Kass G, Kouloura E, Noriega Fernandez E, Rossi A, Knutsen HK. Statement on safety of cannabidiol as a novel food: data gaps and uncertainties. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07322. [PMID: 35686177 PMCID: PMC9172591 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission has determined that cannabidiol (CBD) can be considered as a novel food (NF), and currently, 19 applications are under assessment at EFSA. While assessing these, it has become clear that there are knowledge gaps that need to be addressed before a conclusion on the safety of CBD can be reached. Consequently, EFSA has issued this statement, summarising the state of knowledge on the safety of CBD consumption and highlighting areas where more data are needed. Literature searches for both animal and human studies have been conducted to identify safety concerns. Many human studies have been carried out with Epidyolex®, a CBD drug authorised to treat refractory epilepsies. In the context of medical conditions, adverse effects are tolerated if the benefit outweighs the adverse effect. This is, however, not acceptable when considering CBD as a NF. Furthermore, most of the human data referred to in the CBD applications investigated the efficacy of Epidyolex (or CBD) at therapeutic doses. No NOAEL could be identified from these studies. Given the complexity and importance of CBD receptors and pathways, interactions need to be taken into account when considering CBD as a NF. The effects on drug metabolism need to be clarified. Toxicokinetics in different matrices, the half‐life and accumulation need to be examined. The effect of CBD on liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, nervous system and on psychological function needs to be clarified. Studies in animals show significant reproductive toxicity, and the extent to which this occurs in humans generally and in women of child‐bearing age specifically needs to be assessed. Considering the significant uncertainties and data gaps, the Panel concludes that the safety of CBD as a NF cannot currently be established.
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36
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Effects of Rare Phytocannabinoids on the Endocannabinoid System of Human Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105430. [PMID: 35628241 PMCID: PMC9145865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decriminalization and legalization of cannabis has paved the way for investigations into the potential of the use of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) as natural therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. This growing interest has recently focused on rare (less abundant) pCBs that are non-psychotropic compounds, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Notably, pCBs can act via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in the regulation of key pathophysiological processes, and also in the skin. In this study, we used human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) as an in vitro model that expresses all major ECS elements in order to systematically investigate the effects of CBG, CBC, THCV and CBGA. To this end, we analyzed the gene and protein expression of ECS components (receptors: CB1, CB2, GPR55, TRPV1 and PPARα/γ/δ; enzymes: NAPE-PLD, FAAH, DAGLα/β and MAGL) using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, along with assessments of their functionality using radioligand binding and activity assays. In addition, we quantified the content of endocannabinoid(-like) compounds (AEA, 2-AG, PEA, etc.) using UHPLC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that rare pCBs modulate the gene and protein expression of distinct ECS elements differently, as well as the content of endocannabinoid(-like) compounds. Notably, they all increased CB1/2 binding, TRPV1 channel stimulation and FAAH and MAGL catalytic activity. These unprecedented observations should be considered when exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis extracts for the treatment of human skin diseases.
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Borgonetti V, Benatti C, Governa P, Isoldi G, Pellati F, Alboni S, Tascedda F, Montopoli M, Galeotti N, Manetti F, Miraldi E, Biagi M, Rigillo G. Non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. phytocomplex modulates microglial inflammatory response through CB2 receptors-, endocannabinoids-, and NF-κB-mediated signaling. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2246-2263. [PMID: 35393641 PMCID: PMC9325551 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is increasingly emerging for its protective role in modulating neuroinflammation, a complex process orchestrated among others by microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Phytocannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes, and other constituents trigger several upstream and downstream microglial intracellular pathways. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of a CBD- and terpenes-enriched C. sativa extract (CSE) in an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. We evaluated the effect of CSE on the inflammatory response induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV-2 microglial cells, compared with CBD and β-caryophyllene (CAR), CB2 receptors (CB2r) inverse and full agonist, respectively. The LPS-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was significantly attenuated by CSE and only partially by CBD, whereas CAR was ineffective. In BV-2 cells, these anti-inflammatory effects exerted by CSE phytocomplex were only partially dependent on CB2r modulation and they were mediated by the regulation of enzymes responsible for the endocannabinoids metabolism, by the inhibition of reactive oxygen species release and the modulation of JNK/p38 cascade with consequent NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation suppression. Our data suggest that C. sativa phytocomplex and its multitarget mechanism could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammatory-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Governa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (Department of Excellence 2018-2022), University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Federica Pellati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Alboni
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (Department of Excellence 2018-2022), University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Miraldi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Biagi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rigillo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Khoury M, Cohen I, Bar-Sela G. “The Two Sides of the Same Coin”—Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020389. [PMID: 35214123 PMCID: PMC8877666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, as a natural medicinal remedy, has long been used for palliative treatment to alleviate the side effects caused by diseases. Cannabis-based products isolated from plant extracts exhibit potent immunoregulatory properties, reducing chronic inflammatory processes and providing much needed pain relief. They are a proven effective solution for treatment-based side effects, easing the resulting symptoms of the disease. However, we discuss the fact that cannabis use may promote the progression of a range of malignancies, interfere with anti-cancer immunotherapy, or increase susceptibility to viral infections and transmission. Most cannabis preparations or isolated active components cause an overall potent immunosuppressive impact among users, posing a considerable hazard to patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems. In this review, current knowledge and perceptions of cannabis or cannabinoids and their impact on various immune-system components will be discussed as the “two sides of the same coin” or “double-edged sword”, referring to something that can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. We propose that much is still unknown about adverse reactions to its use, and its integration with medical treatment should be conducted cautiously with consideration of the individual patient, effector cells, microenvironment, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Khoury
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
- Oncology & Hematology Division, Emek Medical Center, Yitshak Rabin Boulevard 21, Afula 1834111, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-6495725; Fax: +972-4-6163992
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Silva M, Kwok RKH. Use of Computational Toxicology Tools to Predict In Vivo Endpoints Associated with Mode of Action and the Endocannabinoid System: A Case Study with Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-oxon and Δ9Tetrahydrocannabinol. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100064. [PMID: 35243363 PMCID: PMC8860916 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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40
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Leuci R, Brunetti L, Laghezza A, Piemontese L, Carrieri A, Pisani L, Tortorella P, Catto M, Loiodice F. A New Series of Aryloxyacetic Acids Endowed with Multi-Target Activity towards Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs), Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030958. [PMID: 35164223 PMCID: PMC8839882 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of aryloxyacetic acids was prepared and tested as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonists and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors. Some compounds exhibited an interesting dual activity that has been recently proposed as a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a multifactorial pathology, hence multi-target agents are currently one of the main lines of research for the therapy and prevention of this disease. Given that cholinesterases represent one of the most common targets of recent research, we decided to also evaluate the effects of our compounds on the inhibition of these specific enzymes. Interestingly, two of these compounds, (S)-5 and 6, showed moderate activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and even some activity, although at high concentration, against Aβ peptide aggregation, thus demonstrating, in agreement with the preliminary dockings carried out on the different targets, the feasibility of a simultaneous multi-target activity towards PPARs, FAAH, and AChE. As far as we know, these are the first examples of molecules endowed with this pharmacological profile that might represent a promising line of research for the identification of novel candidates for the treatment of AD.
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Schiano Moriello A, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. Mutual Links between the Endocannabinoidome and the Gut Microbiome, with Special Reference to Companion Animals: A Nutritional Viewpoint. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030348. [PMID: 35158670 PMCID: PMC8833664 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that perturbation of the gut microbiome, known as “dysbiosis”, is associated with the pathogenesis of human and veterinary diseases that are not restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, recent studies have demonstrated that dysbiosis is linked to the pathogenesis of central neuroinflammatory disorders, supporting the existence of the so-called microbiome-gut-brain axis. The endocannabinoid system is a recently recognized lipid signaling system and termed endocannabinoidome monitoring a variety of body responses. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that a profound link exists between the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoidome, with mutual interactions controlling intestinal homeostasis, energy metabolism and neuroinflammatory responses during physiological conditions. In the present review, we summarize the latest data on the microbiome-endocannabinoidome mutual link in health and disease, focalizing the attention on gut dysbiosis and/or altered endocannabinoidome tone that may distort the bidirectional crosstalk between these two complex systems, thus leading to gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases (e.g., idiopathic inflammation, chronic enteropathies and obesity) as well as neuroinflammatory disorders (e.g., neuropathic pain and depression). We also briefly discuss the novel possible dietary interventions based not only on probiotics and/or prebiotics, but also, and most importantly, on endocannabinoid-like modulators (e.g., palmitoylethanolamide) for intestinal health and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, CRIUCPQ and INAF, Centre NUTRISS, Faculties of Medicine and Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebéc City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy; (A.S.M.); (V.D.M.)
- Epitech Group SpA, Via Einaudi 13, 35030 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Parksepp M, Haring L, Kilk K, Koch K, Uppin K, Kangro R, Zilmer M, Vasar E. The Expanded Endocannabinoid System Contributes to Metabolic and Body Mass Shifts in First-Episode Schizophrenia: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020243. [PMID: 35203453 PMCID: PMC8869544 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the expanded endocannabinoid system (eECS) and cell membrane composition have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We enrolled 54 antipsychotic (AP)-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and 58 controls and applied a targeted metabolomics approach followed by multivariate data analysis to investigate the profile changes in the serum levels of endocannabinoids: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide, endocannabinoids-like N-acylethanolamines (NAEs: linoleoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide), and their dominating lipid precursor’s phosphatidylcholines. Biomolecule profiles were measured at the onset of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 0.6 years and 5.1 years after the initiation of AP treatment. The results indicated that FEP might be characterized by elevated concentrations of NAEs and by decreased 2-AG levels. At this stage of the disease, the NAE-mediated upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) manifested themselves in energy expenditure. A 5-year disease progression and AP treatment adverse effects led to a robust increase in 2-AG levels, which contributed to strengthened cannabinoid (CB1) receptor-mediated effects, which manifested in obesity. Dynamic 2-AG, NAEs, and their precursors in terms of phosphatidylcholines are relevant to the description of the metabolic shifts resulting from the altered eECS function during and after FEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madis Parksepp
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
- Psychiatry Clinic of Viljandi Hospital, 71024 Viljandi, Estonia
| | - Liina Haring
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +372-7318-767
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Kadri Koch
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
| | - Kärt Uppin
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
| | - Raul Kangro
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Mihkel Zilmer
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Eero Vasar
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
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Yarmohammadi F, Hayes AW, Karimi G. Targeting PPARs Signaling Pathways in Cardiotoxicity by Natural Compounds. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:281-291. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09715-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Zanfirescu A, Nitulescu G, Mihai DP, Nitulescu GM. Identifying FAAH Inhibitors as New Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Chronic Pain through Drug Repurposing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:38. [PMID: 35056095 PMCID: PMC8781999 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain determines a substantial burden on individuals, employers, healthcare systems, and society. Most of the affected patients report dissatisfaction with currently available treatments. There are only a few and poor therapeutic options-some therapeutic agents are an outgrowth of drugs targeting acute pain, while others have several serious side effects. One of the primary degradative enzymes for endocannabinoids, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) attracted attention as a significant molecular target for developing new therapies for neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases, including chronic pain. Using chemical graph mining, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, and molecular docking techniques we developed a multi-step screening protocol to identify repurposable drugs as FAAH inhibitors. After screening the DrugBank database using our protocol, 273 structures were selected, with five already approved drugs, montelukast, repaglinide, revefenacin, raloxifene, and buclizine emerging as the most promising repurposable agents for treating chronic pain. Molecular docking studies indicated that the selected compounds interact with the enzyme mostly non-covalently (except for revefenacin) through shape complementarity to the large substrate-binding pocket in the active site. A molecular dynamics simulation was employed for montelukast and revealed stable interactions with the enzyme. The biological activity of the selected compounds should be further confirmed by employing in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Burgaz S, García C, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Gómez-Almería M, Ruiz-Pino F, Unciti JD, Gómez-Cañas M, Alcalde J, Morales P, Jagerovic N, Rodríguez-Cueto C, de Lago E, Muñoz E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Preclinical Investigation in Neuroprotective Effects of the GPR55 Ligand VCE-006.1 in Experimental Models of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247643. [PMID: 34946726 PMCID: PMC8708356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids act as pleiotropic compounds exerting, among others, a broad-spectrum of neuroprotective effects. These effects have been investigated in the last years in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, with the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2) receptors concentrating an important part of this research. However, the issue has also been extended to additional targets that are also active for cannabinoids, such as the orphan G-protein receptor 55 (GPR55). In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of VCE-006.1, a chromenopyrazole derivative with biased orthosteric and positive allosteric modulator activity at GPR55, in murine models of two neurodegenerative diseases. First, we proved that VCE-006.1 alone could induce ERK1/2 activation and calcium mobilization, as well as increase cAMP response but only in the presence of lysophosphatidyl inositol. Next, we investigated this compound administered chronically in two neurotoxin-based models of Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as in some cell-based models. VCE-006.1 was active in reversing the motor defects caused by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the pole and the cylinder rearing tests, as well as the losses in tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons and the elevated glial reactivity detected in the substantia nigra. Similar cytoprotective effects were found in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA. We also investigated VCE-006.1 in LPS-lesioned mice with similar beneficial effects, except against glial reactivity and associated inflammatory events, which remained unaltered, a fact confirmed in BV2 cells treated with LPS and VCE-006.1. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models with no changes in its gene expression, although GPR55 was down-regulated in BV2 cells treated with LPS, which may explain the lack of efficacy of VCE-006.1 in such an assay. Furthermore, we investigated VCE-006.1 in two genetic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mutant SOD1, or TDP-43 transgenic mice. Neither the neurological decline nor the deteriorated rotarod performance were prevented with this compound, and the same happened with the elevated microglial and astroglial reactivities, albeit modest spinal motor neuron preservation was achieved in both models. We also analyzed GPR55 in these in vivo models and found no changes in both TDP-43 transgenic and mSOD1 mice. Therefore, our findings support the view that targeting the GPR55 may afford neuroprotection in experimental PD, but not in ALS, thus stressing the specificities for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies in the different neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Burgaz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Pino
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - Juan Diego Unciti
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
| | - María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Alcalde
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.); (N.J.)
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Biotechnology España, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (F.R.-P.); (J.D.U.); (E.M.)
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.B.); (C.G.); (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (M.G.-C.); (J.A.); (C.R.-C.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34–913941450
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Role of Phytoconstituents as PPAR Agonists: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121914. [PMID: 34944727 PMCID: PMC8698906 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-γ, PPAR-α, and PPAR-β/δ) are ligand-dependent nuclear receptors that play a critical role in the regulation of hundreds of genes through their activation. Their expression and targeted activation play an important role in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, diabetes, and cancer. In recent years, several reviews have been published describing the therapeutic potential of PPAR agonists (natural or synthetic) in the disorders listed above; however, no comprehensive report defining the role of naturally derived phytoconstituents as PPAR agonists targeting neurodegenerative diseases has been published. This review will focus on the role of phytoconstituents as PPAR agonists and the relevant preclinical studies and mechanistic insights into their neuroprotective effects. Exemplary research includes flavonoids, fatty acids, cannabinoids, curcumin, genistein, capsaicin, and piperine, all of which have been shown to be PPAR agonists either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a few studies have demonstrated the use of clinical samples in in vitro investigations. The role of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a potential model for studying neurodegenerative diseases has also been highlighted.
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Baban B, Khodadadi H, Salles ÉL, Costigliola V, Morgan JC, Hess DC, Vaibhav K, Dhandapani KM, Yu JC. Inflammaging and Cannabinoids. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101487. [PMID: 34662745 PMCID: PMC8662707 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex phenomenon associated with a wide spectrum of physical and physiological changes affecting every part of all metazoans, if they escape death prior to reaching maturity. Critical to survival, the immune system evolved as the principal component of response to injury and defense against pathogen invasions. Because how significantly immune system affects and is affected by aging, several neologisms now appear to encapsulate these reciprocal relationships, such as Immunosenescence. The central part of Immunosenescence is Inflammaging -a sustained, low-grade, sterile inflammation occurring after reaching reproductive prime. Once initiated, the impact of Inflammaging and its adverse effects determine the direction and magnitudes of further Inflammaging. In this article, we review the nature of this vicious cycle, we will propose that phytocannabinoids as immune regulators may possess the potential as effective adjunctive therapies to slow and, in certain cases, reverse the pathologic senescence to permit a more healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, DCG Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation (CERSI), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, DCG Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation (CERSI), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, DCG Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation (CERSI), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - John C Morgan
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Movement Disorders, Program, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - David C Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Krishnan M Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jack C Yu
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Clayton P, Subah S, Venkatesh R, Hill M, Bogoda N. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Potential Alternative to Cannabidiol. J Diet Suppl 2021; 20:505-530. [PMID: 34842030 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2021.2005733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widespread cell signaling network that maintains homeostasis in response to endogenous and exogenous stressors. This has made the ECS an attractive therapeutic target for various disease states. The ECS is a well-known target of exogenous phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis plants, the most well characterized being Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis products comes with a risk of toxicity and high abuse potential due to the psychoactivity of THC. CBD, on the other hand, is reported to have beneficial medicinal properties including analgesic, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antipsychotic activities, while apparently lacking the toxicity of THC. Nevertheless, not only is the currently available scientific data concerning CBD's efficacy insufficient, there is also ambiguity surrounding its regulatory status and safety in humans that brings inherent risks to manufacturers. There is a demand for alternative compounds combining similar effects with a robust safety profile and regulatory approval. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like lipid mediator, primarily known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. It appears to have a multi-modal mechanism of action, by primarily activating the nuclear receptor PPAR-α while also potentially working through the ECS, thus targeting similar pathways as CBD. With proven efficacy in several therapeutic areas, its safety and tolerability profile and the development of formulations that maximize its bioavailability, PEA is a promising alternative to CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Clayton
- Institute of Food, Brain and Behaviour, Oxford, UK
| | - Silma Subah
- Gencor Pacific Limited, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
| | | | - Mariko Hill
- Gencor Pacific Limited, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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50
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Targeting Monoacylglycerol Lipase in Pursuit of Therapies for Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185668. [PMID: 34577139 PMCID: PMC8468992 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating conditions, and frequently lack an effective treatment. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), a neuroprotective endocannabinoid intimately linked to the generation of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Consequently, synthesizing selective MAGL inhibitors has become a focus point in drug design and development. The purpose of this review was to summarize the diverse synthetic scaffolds of MAGL inhibitors concerning their potency, mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications, focusing on the results of studies published in the past five years. The main irreversible inhibitors identified were derivatives of hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol carbamates, glycol carbamates, azetidone triazole ureas and benzisothiazolinone, whereas the most promising reversible inhibitors were derivatives of salicylketoxime, piperidine, pyrrolidone and azetidinyl amides. We reviewed the results of in-depth chemical, mechanistic and computational studies on MAGL inhibitors, in addition to the results of in vitro findings concerning selectivity and potency of inhibitors, using the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) as an indicator of their effect on MAGL. Further, for highlighting the potential usefulness of highly selective and effective inhibitors, we examined the preclinical in vivo reports regarding the promising therapeutic applications of MAGL pharmacological inhibition.
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