Development of Oxygen-Bridged Pyrazole-Based Structures as Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Ligands

Tricyclic Pyrazole-Based Compounds as Useful Scaffolds for Cannabinoid CB1/CB2 Receptor Interaction

Cannabinoids comprise different classes of compounds, which aroused interest in recent years because of their several pharmacological properties. Such properties include analgesic activity, bodyweight reduction, the antiemetic effect, the reduction of intraocular pressure and many others, which appear correlated to the affinity of cannabinoids towards CB₁ and/or CB₂ receptors. Within the search aiming to identify novel chemical scaffolds for cannabinoid receptor interaction, the CB₁ antagonist/inverse agonist pyrazole-based derivative rimonabant has been modified, giving rise to several tricyclic pyrazole-based compounds, most of which endowed of high affinity and selectivity for CB₁ or CB₂ receptors. The aim of this review is to present the synthesis and summarize the SAR study of such tricyclic pyrazole-based compounds, evidencing, for some derivatives, their potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, obesity or in the management of glaucoma.

Targeting the endocannabinoid system in diabesity: Fact or fiction?

'Diabesity' refers to a rising epidemic indicated by the intricate relationship between obesity and diabetes. The global prevalence of these coexisting, insidious diseases increases social and economic health burdens at a rapid pace. Numerous reports delineate the involvement of the underlying endocannabinoid (EC) signaling system through the cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor in the regulation of metabolism and adiposity. Conversely, EC inverse agonists can result in severe depression and suicidal thoughts through interactions with CB1/2 receptors in the brain. This review attempts to elucidate a possible mechanism for the amelioration of diabesity. Moreover, we also highlight the available targets of the CB1 receptor, which could pave the way for safe and effective therapy.