1
|
Garcia-Luna GM, Bermudes-Contreras JD, Hernández-Correa S, Suarez-Ortiz JO, Diaz-Urbina D, Garfias-Ramirez SH, Vega AV, Villalobos-Molina R, Vilches-Flores A. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Treatment Modifies Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Islets from Prediabetic Mice Under Hypercaloric Diet. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37267277 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The endocannabinoid system over-activation is associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus onset, involving physiological, metabolic, and genetic alterations in pancreatic islets. The use of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as treatment is still controversial since its effects and mechanisms on insulin secretion are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of THC treatment in pancreatic islets from prediabetic mice. Methods: Prediabetes was induced in mice by hypercaloric diet, and then treated with THC for 3 weeks. Blood glucose and body weight were determined, after behavior tests. Histological changes were evaluated in whole pancreas; in isolated islets we analyzed the effect of THC exposure in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), gene expression, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cytosolic calcium changes. Results: THC treatment in prediabetic mice enhanced anxiety and antidepressive behavior without changes in food ingestion, decreased oral-glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin and weight, with small alterations on pancreatic histology. In isolated islets from healthy mice THC increased GSIS, cAMP, and CB1 receptor (CB1r) expression, meanwhile calcium release was diminished. Small changes were observed in islets from prediabetic mice. Conclusions: THC treatment improves some clinical parameters in prediabetic mice, however, in isolated islets, modifies GSIS, intracellular calcium and gene expression, suggesting specific effects related to diabetes evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe M Garcia-Luna
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - J David Bermudes-Contreras
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Samantha Hernández-Correa
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Josue O Suarez-Ortiz
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Daniel Diaz-Urbina
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Sergio H Garfias-Ramirez
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Ana V Vega
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Rafael Villalobos-Molina
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Alonso Vilches-Flores
- FES Iztacala, Department of Medical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: "High"-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1487. [PMID: 29176975 PMCID: PMC5686045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that certain active ingredients of the plants of Cannabis genus, i.e., the "phytocannabinoids" [pCBs; e.g., (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), (-)-cannabidiol, etc.] can influence a wide array of biological processes, and the human body is able to produce endogenous analogs of these substances ["endocannabinoids" (eCB), e.g., arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), etc.]. These ligands, together with multiple receptors (e.g., CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, etc.), and a complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the synthesis and degradation of the ligands constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a recently emerging regulator of several physiological processes. The ECS is widely expressed in the human body, including several members of the innate and adaptive immune system, where eCBs, as well as several pCBs were shown to deeply influence immune functions thereby regulating inflammation, autoimmunity, antitumor, as well as antipathogen immune responses, etc. Based on this knowledge, many in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at exploiting the putative therapeutic potential of cannabinoid signaling in inflammation-accompanied diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) or in organ transplantation, and to dissect the complex immunological effects of medical and "recreational" marijuana consumption. Thus, the objective of the current article is (i) to summarize the most recent findings of the field; (ii) to highlight the putative therapeutic potential of targeting cannabinoid signaling; (iii) to identify open questions and key challenges; and (iv) to suggest promising future directions for cannabinoid-based drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xia S, Zhou Z, Leung C, Zhu Y, Pan X, Qi J, Morena M, Hill MN, Xie W, Jia Z. p21-activated kinase 1 restricts tonic endo cannabinoid signaling in the hippocampus. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27296803 PMCID: PMC4907698 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PAK1 inhibitors are known to markedly improve social and cognitive function in several animal models of brain disorders, including autism, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We show here that disruption of PAK1 in mice suppresses inhibitory neurotransmission through an increase in tonic, but not phasic, secretion of endocannabinoids (eCB). Consistently, we found elevated levels of anandamide (AEA), but not 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) following PAK1 disruption. This increased tonic AEA signaling is mediated by reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and COX-2 inhibitors recapitulate the effect of PAK1 deletion on GABAergic transmission in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner. These results establish a novel signaling process whereby PAK1 upregulates COX-2, reduces AEA and restricts tonic eCB-mediated processes. Because PAK1 and eCB are both critically involved in many other organ systems in addition to the brain, our findings may provide a unified mechanism by which PAK1 regulates these systems and their dysfunctions including cancers, inflammations and allergies. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14653.001 Brain cells communicate by sending chemical signals that activate or excite neighbouring cells. However, too much signalling can be harmful. As such the brain has systems in place to inhibit brain signals, and healthy brain activity relies striking a proper balance between excitation and inhibition. In some brain mental health conditions, like autism or schizophrenia, the balance is skewed which has an impact on the brain’s activity. A chemical produced by brain cells called endocannabinoid helps maintain the appropriate balance in brain excitation and inhibition. Endocannabinoid is similar to a chemical found in cannabis, but little is known about how it works and which proteins interact with endocannabinoid. A family of proteins called p21-activated kinases (PAKs) has been implicated in autism and other disorders like Huntingtin disease and Alzheimer disease, but it is not fully understood how these proteins interact with endocannabinoid. Now, Xia, Zhou et al. show that one member of this protein family called PAK1 plays a key role in controlling endocannabinoid activity. The experiments showed that mice genetically engineered to lack the PAK1 protein have higher levels of endocannabinoids and, as a consequence, the chemical signals that inhibit brain cells are affected more. The experiments also revealed that PAK1 does not interact directly with endocannabinoids. Instead PAK1 boosts levels of another protein called COX-2 and reduces levels of a molecule called anandamide, which together restrict endocannabinoid’s inhibitory effects. Scientists are currently interested in developing drugs that target the endocannabinoids and their regulators in the brain as a way to treat anxiety, pain and sleep problems. Drugs that block PAK1 are already being studied. Future studies are needed to determine if such PAK1-targeting drugs could be useful for restoring excitatory and inhibitory balance in brain diseases or for treating other diseases involving the PAK proteins. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14653.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Xia
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zikai Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Celeste Leung
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuehua Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingxiu Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junxia Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Wei Xie
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Styrczewska M, Kulma A, Ratajczak K, Amarowicz R, Szopa J. Cannabinoid-like anti-inflammatory compounds from flax fiber. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2012; 17:479-99. [PMID: 22706678 PMCID: PMC6275574 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-012-0023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Flax is a valuable source of fibers, linseed and oil. The compounds of the latter two products have already been widely examined and have been proven to possess many health-beneficial properties. In the course of analysis of fibers extract from previously generated transgenic plants overproducing phenylpropanoids a new terpenoid compound was discovered.The UV spectra and the retention time in UPLC analysis of this new compound reveal similarity to a cannabinoid-like compound, probably cannabidiol (CBD). This was confirmed by finding two ions at m/z 174.1 and 231.2 in mass spectra analysis. Further confirmation of the nature of the compound was based on a biological activity assay. It was found that the compound affects the expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes in mouse and human fibroblasts and likely the CBD from Cannabis sativa activates the specific peripheral cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) gene expression. Besides fibers, the compound was also found in all other flax tissues. It should be pointed out that the industrial process of fabric production does not affect CBD activity.The presented data suggest for the first time that flax products can be a source of biologically active cannabinoid-like compounds that are able to influence the cell immunological response. These findings might open up many new applications for medical flax products, especially for the fabric as a material for wound dressing with anti-inflammatory properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Styrczewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Kulma
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ratajczak
- Department of Traumatology and Hand Surgery, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Amarowicz
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jan Szopa
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Waldeck-Weiermair M, Zoratti C, Osibow K, Balenga N, Goessnitzer E, Waldhoer M, Malli R, Graier WF. Integrin clustering enables anandamide-induced Ca2+ signaling in endothelial cells via GPR55 by protection against CB1-receptor-triggered repression. J Cell Sci 2008; 121:1704-1717. [PMID: 18445684 PMCID: PMC4067516 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.020958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the endocannabinoid anandamide is frequently described to act predominantly in the cardiovascular system, the molecular mechanisms of its signaling remained unclear. In human endothelial cells, two receptors for anandamide were found, which were characterized as cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R; CNR1) and G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55). Both receptors trigger distinct signaling pathways. It crucially depends on the activation status of integrins which signaling cascade becomes promoted upon anandamide stimulation. Under conditions of inactive integrins, anandamide initiates CB1R-derived signaling, including Gi-protein-mediated activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), resulting in NFkappaB translocation. Furthermore, Syk inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) that represents a key protein in the transduction of GPR55-originated signaling. However, once integrins are clustered, CB1R splits from integrins and, thus, Syk cannot further inhibit GPR55-triggered signaling resulting in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via a PI3K-Bmx-phospholipase C (PLC) pathway and activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells. Altogether, these data demonstrate that the physiological effects of anandamide on endothelial cells depend on the status of integrin clustering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Zoratti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| | - Karin Osibow
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| | - Nariman Balenga
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| | - Edith Goessnitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University Graz, Graz Austria
| | - Maria Waldhoer
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| | - Roland Malli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F. Graier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University Graz, Graz, A8010, Austria
| |
Collapse
|