1
|
Dobovišek L, Borštnar S, Debeljak N, Kranjc Brezar S. Cannabinoids and triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386548. [PMID: 39176080 PMCID: PMC11338791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386548] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-20% of all breast cancer cases and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Until recently, treatment options for TNBC were limited to chemotherapy. A new successful systemic treatment is immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, but new tumor-specific biomarkers are needed to improve patient outcomes. Cannabinoids show antitumor activity in most preclinical studies in TNBC models and do not appear to have adverse effects on chemotherapy. Clinical data are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety in humans. Importantly, the endocannabinoid system is linked to the immune system and immunosuppression. Therefore, cannabinoid receptors could be a potential biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or a novel mechanism to reverse resistance to immunotherapy. In this article, we provide an overview of the currently available information on how cannabinoids may influence standard therapy in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luka Dobovišek
- Division of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Borštnar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Debeljak
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Igwe JK, Alaribe U. Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:18. [PMID: 38582889 PMCID: PMC10998318 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00228-w] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior reports indicate that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a protective benefit for Covid-19 patients. However, associations between cannabis use (CU) or CU not in remission (active cannabis use (ACU)), and Covid-19-related outcomes among hospitalized patients is unknown. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective observational cohort analysis of adults (≥ 18 years-old) identified from 2020 National Inpatient Sample database, we utilize multivariable regression analyses and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) to analyze trends and outcomes among Covid-19-related hospitalizations with CU and without CU (N-CU) for primary outcome of interest: Covid-19-related mortality; and secondary outcomes: Covid-19-related hospitalization, mechanical ventilation (MV), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to all-cause admissions; for CU vs N-CU; and for ACU vs N-ACU. RESULTS There were 1,698,560 Covid-19-related hospitalizations which were associated with higher mortality (13.44% vs 2.53%, p ≤ 0.001) and worse secondary outcomes generally. Among all-cause hospitalizations, 1.56% of CU and 6.29% of N-CU were hospitalized with Covid-19 (p ≤ 0.001). ACU was associated with lower odds of MV, PE, and death among the Covid-19 population. On PSM, ACU(N(unweighted) = 2,382) was associated with 83.97% lower odds of death compared to others(N(unweighted) = 282,085) (2.77% vs 3.95%, respectively; aOR:0.16, [0.10-0.25], p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the ECS may represent a viable target for modulation of Covid-19. Additional studies are needed to further explore these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph-Kevin Igwe
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Ugo Alaribe
- Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, 5600 N River Rd Suite 800, Rosemont, IL, 60018, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Salcin H, Goker Bagca B, Alcitepe I, Biray Avci C, Aslan R, Annette Akgur S, Tezcanli Kaymaz B. Investigating the Effects of a Synthetic Cannabinoid on the Pathogenesis of Leukemia and Leukemic Stem Cells: A New Therapeutic Approach. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:212-222. [PMID: 35834597 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0180] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The popularity and usage of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are increasing due to their easy accessibility and psychoactive effects worldwide. Studies on cannabinoids on leukemic stem cells (LSC) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are the precursors of leukemia cells, generally depend on the natural cannabinoid delta-9-THC. As there is only a limited number of studies focusing on the results of SC applications, the reflections upon LSCs have to be clarified. In this study, biological responses and antileukemic effects of JWH-018-one of the first produced and widely used SCs-were evaluated upon leukemia cells. Whether JWH-018 exhibited a preventive effect on both leukemic and HSCs was evaluated by presenting a therapeutic approach for the first time in the literature. Cells were analyzed in case of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and transcriptional expression profiling of some significant JAK/STAT and AKT/mTOR pathways, apoptotic, cell cycle regulation, and epigenetic chromatin remodeling-related genes following JWH-018 treatment. In conclusion, however, further studies are still needed upon both HSCs and LSCs to illuminate the effects of SCs on leukemogenesis on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) more clearly; we consider that the JWH-018 can provide a therapeutic effect on the pathogenesis of leukemia and particularly upon LSCs and SCs might have therapeutic potential in addition to current therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Salcin
- Basic Oncology Department, Ege University Health Science Institute, Izmir, Turkey
- Medical Biology Department, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bakiye Goker Bagca
- Medical Biology Department, Aydin Adnan Menderes University Medical School, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Ilayda Alcitepe
- Medical Biology Department, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cigir Biray Avci
- Medical Biology Department, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rukiye Aslan
- Addiction Toxicology Department, Ege University Institute of Substance Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Annette Akgur
- Addiction Toxicology Department, Ege University Institute of Substance Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gambacorta N, Gasperi V, Guzzo T, Di Leva FS, Ciriaco F, Sánchez C, Tullio V, Rozzi D, Marinelli L, Topai A, Nicolotti O, Maccarrone M. Exploring the 1,3-benzoxazine chemotype for cannabinoid receptor 2 as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115647. [PMID: 37478557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of selective agonists of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is strongly pursued to successfully tuning endocannabinoid signaling for therapeutic purposes. However, the design of selective CB2 agonists is still challenging because of the high homology with the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and for the yet unclear molecular basis of the agonist/antagonist switch. Here, the 1,3-benzoxazine scaffold is presented as a versatile chemotype for the design of CB2 agonists from which 25 derivatives were synthesized. Among these, compound 7b5 (CB2 EC50 = 110 nM, CB1 EC50 > 10 μM) demonstrated to impair proliferation of triple negative breast cancer BT549 cells and to attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a CB2-dependent manner. Furthermore, 7b5 abrogated the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, a key pro-inflammatory and oncogenic enzyme. Finally, molecular dynamics studies suggested a new rationale for the in vitro measured selectivity and for the observed agonist behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatiana Guzzo
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Ciriaco
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristina Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Complutense University, C/ José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Tullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Rozzi
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Topai
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boyacıoğlu Ö, Korkusuz P. Cannabinoids as Prospective Anti-Cancer Drugs: Mechanism of Action in Healthy and Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:145-169. [PMID: 36396926 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids modulate many physiological and pathological processes by binding classical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) or 2 (CB2) or non-cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are known to exert antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effect on cancer cells by inducing or inhibiting various signaling cascades. In this chapter, we specifically emphasize the latest research works about the alterations in endocannabinoid system (ECS) components in malignancies and cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy, and death by cannabinoid administration, emphasizing their mechanism of action, and give a future perspective for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özge Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gado F, Ferrisi R, Di Somma S, Napolitano F, Mohamed KA, Stevenson LA, Rapposelli S, Saccomanni G, Portella G, Pertwee RG, Laprairie RB, Malfitano AM, Manera C. Synthesis and In Vitro Characterization of Selective Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Agonists: Biological Evaluation against Neuroblastoma Cancer Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:3019. [PMID: 35566369 PMCID: PMC9101764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamide structures were previously identified as a promising scaffold from which to obtain CB2R agonists with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. This work describes the synthesis and functional characterization of new 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one-3-carboxamides with high affinity and selectivity for CB2R. The new compounds were able to pharmacologically modulate the cAMP response without modulating CB2R-dependent β-arrestin2 recruitment. These structures were also evaluated for their anti-cancer activity against SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE cells. They were able to reduce the cell viability of both neuroblastoma cancer cell lines with micromolar potency (IC50 of FG158a = 11.8 μM and FG160a = 13.2 μM in SH-SY5Y cells) by a CB2R-mediated mechanism. Finally, in SH-SY5Y cells one of the newly synthesized compounds, FG158a, was able to modulate ERK1/2 expression by a CB2R-mediated effect, thus suggesting that this signaling pathway might be involved in its potential anti-cancer effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (R.F.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (R.F.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Sarah Di Somma
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.D.S.); (F.N.); (G.P.)
| | - Fabiana Napolitano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.D.S.); (F.N.); (G.P.)
| | - Kawthar A. Mohamed
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (K.A.M.); (R.B.L.)
| | - Lesley A. Stevenson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (L.A.S.); (R.G.P.)
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (R.F.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Saccomanni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (R.F.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Portella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.D.S.); (F.N.); (G.P.)
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (L.A.S.); (R.G.P.)
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (K.A.M.); (R.B.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.D.S.); (F.N.); (G.P.)
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (R.F.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simard M, Rakotoarivelo V, Di Marzo V, Flamand N. Expression and Functions of the CB 2 Receptor in Human Leukocytes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:826400. [PMID: 35273503 PMCID: PMC8902156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.826400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor was cloned from the promyeloid cell line HL-60 and is notably expressed in most, if not all leukocyte types. This relatively restricted localization, combined to the absence of psychotropic effects following its activation, make it an attractive drug target for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, there has been an increasing interest in the past decades to identify precisely which immune cells express the CB2 receptor and what are the consequences of such activation. Herein, we provide new data on the expression of both CB1 and CB2 receptors by human blood leukocytes and discuss the impact of CB2 receptor activation in human leukocytes. While the expression of the CB2 mRNA can be detected in eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, B and T lymphocytes, this receptor is most abundant in human eosinophils and B lymphocytes. We also review the evidence obtained from primary human leukocytes and immortalized cell lines regarding the regulation of their functions by the CB2 receptor, which underscore the urgent need to deepen our understanding of the CB2 receptor as an immunoregulator in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Simard
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Faculté 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 City, QC, Canada
| | - Volatiana Rakotoarivelo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Faculté 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 City, QC, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Faculté 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 City, QC, Canada.,Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, École de Nutrition, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Joint International Unit Between the Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (Italy) and Université Laval (Canada) on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and Its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Naples, Italy
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Département of Médecine, Faculté 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 City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a CB2 Selective Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist: Signaling and Cytokines Release in Blood Mononuclear Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010064. [PMID: 35011295 PMCID: PMC8746368 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exerts immunosuppressive effects, which are mostly mediated by cannabinoid receptor 2 (CBR2), whose expression on leukocytes is higher than CBR1, mainly localized in the brain. Targeted CBR2 activation could limit inflammation, avoiding CBR1-related psychoactive effects. Herein, we evaluated in vitro the biological activity of a novel, selective and high-affinity CBR2 agonist, called JT11, studying its potential CBR2-mediated anti-inflammatory effect. Trypan Blue and MTT assays were used to test the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effect of JT11 in Jurkat cells. Its pro-apoptotic activity was investigated analyzing both cell cycle and poly PARP cleavage. Finally, we evaluated its impact on LPS-induced ERK1/2 and NF-kB-p65 activation, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors. Selective CB2R antagonist SR144528 and CBR2 knockdown were used to further verify the selectivity of JT11. We confirmed selective CBR2 activation by JT11. JT11 regulated cell viability and proliferation through a CBR2-dependent mechanism in Jurkat cells, exhibiting a mild pro-apoptotic activity. Finally, it reduced LPS-induced ERK1/2 and NF-kB-p65 phosphorylation and pro-inflammatory cytokines release in human PBMCs, proving to possess in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. JT11 as CBR2 ligands could enhance ECS immunoregulatory activity and our results support the view that therapeutic strategies targeting CBR2 signaling could be promising for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
|
9
|
Teodoro R, Gündel D, Deuther-Conrad W, Ueberham L, Toussaint M, Bormans G, Brust P, Moldovan RP. Development of [ 18F]LU14 for PET Imaging of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158051. [PMID: 34360817 PMCID: PMC8347709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2R) represent an attractive therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Aiming at the development of a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to monitor receptor density and/or occupancy during a CB2R-tailored therapy, we herein describe the radiosynthesis of cis-[18F]1-(4-fluorobutyl-N-((1s,4s)-4-methylcyclohexyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamide ([18F]LU14) starting from the corresponding mesylate precursor. The first biological evaluation revealed that [18F]LU14 is a highly affine CB2R radioligand with >80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min p.i. Its further evaluation by PET in a well-established rat model of CB2R overexpression demonstrated its ability to selectively image the CB2R in the brain and its potential as a tracer to further investigate disease-related changes in CB2R expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Teodoro
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Daniel Gündel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Lea Ueberham
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Magali Toussaint
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
- The Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rareş-Petru Moldovan
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3412-3417-94634
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmed I, Rehman SU, Shahmohamadnejad S, Zia MA, Ahmad M, Saeed MM, Akram Z, Iqbal HMN, Liu Q. Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders. Molecules 2021; 26:3389. [PMID: 34205169 PMCID: PMC8199938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaq Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Saif Ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
| | - Shiva Shahmohamadnejad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-13151, Iran;
| | - Muhammad Anjum Zia
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SBBUVAS), Sakrand 67210, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Saeed
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Zain Akram
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico;
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Interplay between the Immune and the Endocannabinoid Systems in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061282. [PMID: 34064197 PMCID: PMC8224348 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa has been recognized since ancient times. Phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids activate two major G protein-coupled receptors, subtype 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). Cannabinoids (CBs) modulate several aspects of cancer cells, such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness. Moreover, agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors inhibit angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of cancer in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains a plethora of innate and adaptive immune cells. These cells play a central role in tumor initiation and growth and the formation of metastasis. CB2 and, to a lesser extent, CB1 receptors are expressed on a variety of immune cells present in TME (e.g., T cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, eosinophils). The activation of CB receptors modulates a variety of biological effects on cells of the adaptive and innate immune system. The expression of CB2 and CB1 on different subsets of immune cells in TME and hence in tumor development is incompletely characterized. The recent characterization of the human cannabinoid receptor CB2-Gi signaling complex will likely aid to design potent and specific CB2/CB1 ligands with therapeutic potential in cancer.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jaiswal S, Ayyannan SR. Anticancer Potential of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Monoacylglycerol Lipase. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2172-2187. [PMID: 33834617 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors have been in the limelight due to their anticancer potential. Both FAAH and MAGL are the endocannabinoid degrading enzymes that hydrolyze several endogenous ligands, mainly anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonic glycerol (2-AG), which regulate various pathophysiological conditions in the body such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation, neuroinflammation, and cancer cell proliferation. FAAH and MAGL inhibitors block the metabolism of AEA and 2-AG, increase endogenous levels of fatty acid amides, and exert various therapeutic effects including chronic pain, metabolic disorders, psychoses, nausea and vomiting, depression, and anxiety disorders. FAAH and MAGL are primarily neurotherapeutic targets, but their contribution to various types of carcinomas are significant. Inhibitors of these enzymes either alone or as multitarget agents, or with supra-additive effects show the potential effect in ovarian, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Besides highlighting the role of FAAH and MAGL in cancer progression, this review provides an update on the anticancer capabilities of known and newly discovered FAAH and MAGL inhibitors and also provides further directions to develop FAAH and MAGL inhibitors as new candidates for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Jaiswal
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Senthil Raja Ayyannan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cannabinoids pharmacological effects are beyond the palliative effects: CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29). Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3285-3301. [PMID: 33886060 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is between the top three occurring cancers worldwide. The anticancer effects of Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist (GW833972A) in the presence and absence of its inverse agonist (SR144528) on Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) was investigated. Following cell viability assays on HT-29 and HFF cells, the molecular mechanism(s) of cytotoxicity and apoptotic pathways of cell death were analyzed. The anticancer effects of CB2 agonist were measured with tumor cell migration and colony-forming assays. Real-time PCR and Western blotting techniques were used to examine any alterations in the expression of apoptotic genes. A concentration and time-dependent cytotoxicity of CB2 agonist with IC50 value of 24.92 ± 6.99 μM was obtained. The rate of lipid peroxidation was elevated, while the TNF-α concentration was declined, significantly (p < 0.05). CB2 agonist (50 μM) reduced the colony-forming capability by 83% and tumor cell migration by 50%. Apoptotic effects of CB2 agonist were revealed with the increase of apoptotic cells in Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide staining, clear DNA fragmentation, pro-apoptotic genes and proteins upregulation (Caspase-3 and p53), and significant downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. All assessments demonstrated that CB2 agonist-induced effects were reversed by CB2 inverse agonist. These data suggest that CB2 agonists at micro-molar concentrations might be considered in the CRC treatment, and their effectiveness attributes to the apoptosis induction via upregulation of caspase-3 and p53 and downregulation of Bcl-2.
Collapse
|
14
|
Cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 Inhibits Human Glioma Cell Growth by Triggering ROS-Mediated Signal Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6612592. [PMID: 33977107 PMCID: PMC8087470 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6612592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly invasive primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Cannabinoid analogue WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) exhibited a novel anticancer effect against human tumors. However, the anticancer potential and underlying mechanism of WIN against human glioma remain unclear. Herein, the anticancer efficiency and mechanism of WIN in U251 human glioma cells were investigated. The results showed that WIN dose-dependently inhibited U251 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. WIN treatment also effectively suppressed U251 tumor spheroids growth ex vivo. Further studies found that WIN induced significant apoptosis as convinced by the caspase-3 activation and release of cytochrome C. Mechanism investigation revealed that WIN triggered ROS-mediated DNA damage and caused dysfunction of VEGF-AKT/FAK signal axis. However, ROS inhibition effectively attenuated WIN-induced DNA damage and dysfunction of VEGF-AKT/FAK signal axis and eventually improved U251 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, our findings validated that WIN had the potential to inhibit U251 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induce apoptosis by triggering ROS-dependent DNA damage and dysfunction of VEGF-AKT/FAK signal axis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Characterization of Subtype Selective Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptor Agonists as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040378. [PMID: 33921589 PMCID: PMC8073686 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the CB2 receptor has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects without causing psychoactive effects. Previously, we reported that the compound ethyl 2(2-(N-(2,3-dimethylphenyl) phenylsulfonamido)acetamido)benzoate (ABK5) is a CB2 subtype selective agonist with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. In the present study, we tested four ABK5 derivatives, ABK5-1, ABK5-2, ABK5-5, and ABK5-6, to analyze the structure of ABK5 to obtain CB2-selective agonists with higher affinity and efficacy. Affinity, subtype selectivity, and G-protein coupling were determined by radioligand binding assays. Selected compounds were then subjected to evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects using two different cell lines, Jurkat (ABK5-1 and 5-2) and BV-2 cells (ABK5-1), which are models of T cells and microglia, respectively. ABK5-1, ABK5-2, and ABK5-6 had comparable CB2 binding affinity with ABK5 (and stimulated G-protein coupling), while only ABK5-1 and ABK5-2 maintained CB2-subtype selectivity. ABK5-5 did not bind CB2 in the detectable range. RT-PCR and ELISA analysis showed that the two compounds also inhibit IL-2 and TNF-α production, and they were more efficacious than ABK5 in inhibiting TNF-α production. CXCL-12 mediated chemotaxis was also evaluated by the transwell migration assay, and both ABK5-1 and ABK5-2 inhibited chemotaxis with a stronger effect observed in ABK5-1. In the microglia cell line BV-2, ABK5-1 inhibited IL-1β and IL-6 production, which suggests this compound has anti-inflammatory effects through targeting multiple immune cells, and may be a candidate for treatment of inflammation.
Collapse
|
16
|
The Importance of Tumor Stem Cells in Glioblastoma Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083863. [PMID: 33917954 PMCID: PMC8068366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known to be the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor. Therapies against this neoplasia have a high percentage of failure, associated with the survival of self-renewing glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which repopulate treated tumors. In addition, despite new radical surgery protocols and the introduction of new anticancer drugs, protocols for treatment, and technical advances in radiotherapy, no significant improvement in the survival rate for GBMs has been realized. Thus, novel antitarget therapies could be used in conjunction with standard radiochemotherapy approaches. Targeted therapy, indeed, may address specific targets that play an essential role in the proliferation, survival, and invasiveness of GBM cells, including numerous molecules involved in signal transduction pathways. Significant cellular heterogeneity and the hierarchy with GSCs showing a therapy-resistant phenotype could explain tumor recurrence and local invasiveness and, therefore, may be a target for new therapies. Therefore, the forced differentiation of GSCs may be a promising new approach in GBM treatment. This article provides an updated review of the current standard and experimental therapies for GBM, as well as an overview of the molecular characteristics of GSCs, the mechanisms that activate resistance to current treatments, and a new antitumor strategy for treating GSCs for use as therapy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Mangiatordi GF, Intranuovo F, Delre P, Abatematteo FS, Abate C, Niso M, Creanza TM, Ancona N, Stefanachi A, Contino M. Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 2 (CB2R) in a Multitarget Approach: Perspective of an Innovative Strategy in Cancer and Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14448-14469. [PMID: 33094613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) represents an interesting and new therapeutic target for its involvement in the first steps of neurodegeneration as well as in cancer onset and progression. Several studies, focused on different types of tumors, report a promising anticancer activity induced by CB2R agonists due to their ability to reduce inflammation and cell proliferation. Moreover, in neuroinflammation, the stimulation of CB2R, overexpressed in microglial cells, exerts beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders. With the aim to overcome current treatment limitations, new drugs can be developed by specifically modulating, together with CB2R, other targets involved in such multifactorial disorders. Building on successful case studies of already developed multitarget strategies involving CB2R, in this Perspective we aim at prompting the scientific community to consider new promising target associations involving HDACs (histone deacetylases) and σ receptors by employing modern approaches based on molecular hybridization, computational polypharmacology, and machine learning algorithms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Intranuovo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- CNR-Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Serena Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Creanza
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ancona
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sharma DS, Raghuwanshi S, Kovuru N, Dahariya S, Gautam DK, Paddibhatla I, Gutti RK. Virodhamine, an endocannabinoid, induces megakaryocyte differentiation by regulating MAPK activity and function of mitochondria. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1445-1453. [PMID: 32696508 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are well-known regulators of neurotransmission by activating the cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Endocannabinoids are being used extensively for the treatment of various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although endocannabinoids are well studied in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in various neurological disorders and several cancers, the functional role in the regulation of blood cell development is less examined. In the present study, virodhamine, which is an agonist of CB receptor-2, was used to examine its effect on megakaryocytic development from a megakaryoblastic cell. We observed that virodhamine increases cell adherence, cell size, and cytoplasmic protrusions. Interestingly, we have also observed large nucleus and increased expression of megakaryocytic marker (CD61), which are the typical hallmarks of megakaryocytic differentiation. Furthermore, the increased expression of CB2 receptor was noticed in virodhamine-induced megakaryocytic cells. The effect of virodhamine on megakaryocytic differentiation could be mediated through CB2 receptor. Therefore, we have studied virodhamine induced molecular regulation of megakaryocytic differentiation; mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were majorly affected. The altered mitochondrial functions and ROS production is the crucial event associated with megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation. In the present study, we report that virodhamine induces megakaryocytic differentiation by triggering MAPK signaling and ROS production either through MAPK effects on ROS-generating enzymes or by the target vanilloid receptor 1-mediated regulation of mitochondrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Durga Shankar Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sanjeev Raghuwanshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Narasaiah Kovuru
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Swati Dahariya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Indira Paddibhatla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Gutti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stasiulewicz A, Znajdek K, Grudzień M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082778. [PMID: 32316328 PMCID: PMC7216112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most crucial systems in the human organism, exhibiting multi-purpose regulatory character. It is engaged in a vast array of physiological processes, including nociception, mood regulation, cognitive functions, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, appetite, lipid metabolism, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Thus, ECS proteins, including cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes, are promising therapeutic targets. Their modulation has been employed in or extensively studied as a treatment of multiple diseases. However, due to a complex nature of ECS and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel drugs turned out to be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic applications for ECS-targeting drugs, especially focusing on promising synthetic compounds and preclinical studies. We put emphasis on modulation of specific proteins of ECS in different pathophysiological areas. In addition, we stress possible difficulties and risks and highlight proposed solutions. By presenting this review, we point out information pivotal in the spotlight of ECS-targeting drug design, as well as provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on ECS-related pharmacodynamics and show possible directions for needed research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Znajdek
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Grudzień
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Morales P, Jagerovic N. Antitumor Cannabinoid Chemotypes: Structural Insights. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:621. [PMID: 31214034 PMCID: PMC6555086 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has long been known to limit or prevent nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, and pain. For this reason, cannabinoids have been successfully used in the treatment of some of the unwanted side effects caused by cancer chemotherapy. Besides their palliative effects, research from the past two decades has demonstrated their promising potential as antitumor agents in a wide variety of tumors. Cannabinoids of endogenous, phytogenic, and synthetic nature have been shown to impact the proliferation of cancer through the modulation of different proteins involved in the endocannabinoid system such as the G protein-coupled receptors CB1, CB2, and GRP55, the ionotropic receptor TRPV1, or the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In this article, we aim to structurally classify the antitumor cannabinoid chemotypes described so far according to their targets and types of cancer. In a drug discovery approach, their in silico pharmacokinetic profile has been evaluated in order to identify appropriate drug-like profiles, which should be taken into account for further progress toward the clinic. This analysis may provide structural insights into the selection of specific cannabinoid scaffolds for the development of antitumor drugs for the treatment of particular types of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Quimica Medica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Quimica Medica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|