WIN 55,212-2 shows anti-inflammatory and survival properties in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes infected with SARS-CoV-2

Influence of the Synthetic Cannabinoid Agonist on Normal and Inflamed Cartilage: An In Vitro Study

Medical marijuana (versus Marijuana derivatives) has been reported to possess analgesic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies in animal models of arthritis showed that cannabinoids, a group of compounds produced from marijuana, may attenuate joint damage. However, whether marijuana byproducts can suppress osteoarthritis (OA)-associated cartilage degradation has not been previously reported. In this study, human chondrocytes were isolated from healthy articular cartilage, expanded in vitro, and subjected to pellet culture in a chondrogenic medium to form cartilage tissues. We first examined the influence of marijuana byproducts on normal cartilage by treating chondrocyte-derived tissues with a synthetic cannabinoid agonist, Win-55,212-2 (Win), at different concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 µM. After treatment, the tissue phenotype was assessed using glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assay and real-time PCR. Next, cartilage tissues were pre-treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to generate an inflamed phenotype and then cultured with Win to assess its therapeutic potential. The results showed that at concentrations lower than 1 µM, Win treatment did not significantly impair chondrocyte growth or cartilage formation capacity, but at a high level (>10 µM), it remarkably suppressed cell proliferation. Interestingly, under the condition of IL-1β pre-treatment, Win was able to partially preserve the cartilage matrix and decrease the production of interleukin-6, although the protective effect was mild. Taken together, our results indicated that the variable effects of Win on chondrocytes occur in a concentration-dependent manner. Whether cannabinoid derivatives can be used to treat cartilage degradation or can alter other structural changes in OA deserve further investigation.

Cannabinoid Analogue WIN 55212-2 Protects Paraquat-Induced Lung Injury and Enhances Macrophage M2 Polarization

WIN 55212-2 is an endocannabinoids analogue that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects on different models. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of WIN 55212-2 on paraquat (PQ)-induced poison on mice especially on lung injury. Mice were administrated with different dose of PQ and thereafter treated with 0.2 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg WIN 55212-2. The survival of mice was recorded during 4 weeks of observation. Twenty-eight days after PQ treatment, the cell population and inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining. Our results showed that WIN 55212-2 treatment reduced PQ-induced mortality of mice in a dose dependent manner. It decreased the number of inflammation-associated cells, as well as the level of pro-inflammatory factors in BALF (P < 0.05). WIN 55212-2 increased M2 cells in BALF (P < 0.05), improved the lung histology, reduced fibrosis formation, and decreased TGF-β, α-SMA and PDGFRa expression. The protective effects of WIN 55212-2 on PQ-induced lung injury and fibrosis were associated with an increase inM2 cells and increased expressions of IL-10, CD163, and CD206, suggesting that polarization of M2 macrophages may be involved in WIN 55212-2 protective effects on PQ-induced lung injury.

Cross-Talk between the (Endo)Cannabinoid and Renin-Angiotensin Systems: Basic Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Significance

This review is dedicated to the cross-talk between the (endo)cannabinoid and renin angiotensin systems (RAS). Activation of AT1 receptors (AT1Rs) by angiotensin II (Ang II) can release endocannabinoids that, by acting at cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), modify the response to AT1R stimulation. CB1R blockade may enhance AT1R-mediated responses (mainly vasoconstrictor effects) or reduce them (mainly central nervous system-mediated effects). The final effects depend on whether stimulation of CB1Rs and AT1Rs induces opposite or the same effects. Second, CB1R blockade may diminish AT1R levels. Third, phytocannabinoids modulate angiotensin-converting enzyme-2. Additional studies are required to clarify (1) the existence of a cross-talk between the protective axis of the RAS (Ang II-AT2 receptor system or angiotensin 1-7-Mas receptor system) with components of the endocannabinoid system, (2) the influence of Ang II on constituents of the endocannabinoid system and (3) the (patho)physiological significance of AT1R-CB1R heteromerization. As a therapeutic consequence, CB1R antagonists may influence effects elicited by the activation or blockade of the RAS; phytocannabinoids may be useful as adjuvant therapy against COVID-19; single drugs acting on the (endo)cannabinoid system (cannabidiol) and the RAS (telmisartan) may show pharmacokinetic interactions since they are substrates of the same metabolizing enzyme of the transport mechanism.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Effects of Cannabinoids in Inhibiting and Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus made it necessary to search for new options for both causal treatment and mitigation of its symptoms. Scientists and researchers around the world are constantly looking for the best therapeutic options. These difficult circumstances have also spurred the re-examination of the potential of natural substances contained in Cannabis sativa L. Cannabinoids, apart from CB1 and CB2 receptors, may act multifacetedly through a number of other receptors, such as the GPR55, TRPV1, PPARs, 5-HT1A, adenosine and glycine receptors. The complex anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of cannabinoids have been confirmed by interactions with various signaling pathways. Considering the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes excessive immune response and triggers an inflammatory cascade, and that cannabinoids have the ability to regulate these processes, it can be assumed that they have potential to be used in the treatment of COVID-19. During the pandemic, there were many publications on the subject of COVID-19, which indicate the potential impact of cannabinoids not only on the course of the disease, but also their role in prevention. It is worth noting that the anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential are shown not only by well-known cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), but also secondary cannabinoids, such as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and terpenes, emphasizing the role of all of the plant’s compounds and the entourage effect. This article presents a narrative review of the current knowledge in this area available in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science medical databases.

Guimarães M, Souza TM, Rehen SK. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes by targeting the Sigma-1 receptor disrupts cytoarchitecture and beating

SARS-CoV-2 infects cardiac cells and causes heart dysfunction. Conditions such as myocarditis and arrhythmia have been reported in COVID-19 patients. The Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is a ubiquitously expressed chaperone that plays a central role in cardiomyocyte function. S1R has been proposed as a therapeutic target because it may affect SARS-CoV-2 replication; however, the impact of the inhibition of S1R in human cardiomyocytes remains to be described. In this study, we investigated the consequences of S1R inhibition in iPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM). SARS-CoV-2 infection in hiPSC-CM was productive and reduced cell survival. S1R inhibition decreased both the number of infected cells and viral particles after 48 hours. S1R inhibition also prevented the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell death. Although the S1R antagonist NE-100 triggered those protective effects, it compromised cytoskeleton integrity by downregulating the expression of structural-related genes and reducing beating frequency. Our findings suggest that the detrimental effects of S1R inhibition in human cardiomyocytes' integrity may abrogate its therapeutic potential against COVID and should be carefully considered.