A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design

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.

Experimental and theoretical studies on the molecular properties of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, sparfloxacin, and gatifloxacin in determining bioavailability

The aim of this investigation is to identify, by in silico and in vitro methods, the molecular determinants, e.g., solubility in an aqueous medium and lipophilic properties, which have an effect on the bioavailability of five selected fluoroquinolones. These properties were estimated by analysis of the electrostatic potential pattern and values of free energy of solvation as well as the partition coefficients of the studied compounds. The study is based on theoretical quantum-chemical methods and a simple experimental shake-flask technique with two immiscible phases, n-octanol and phosphate buffer. The solvation free energy values of compounds in both environments appeared to be negative. The wide range of electrostatic potential from negative to positive demonstrates the presence of dipole-dipole intermolecular interactions, while the high electron density at various sites indicates the possibility of hydrogen bond formation with solvent molecules. High partition coefficient values, obtained by summing the atomic contributions, did not take various correction factors into account and therefore were not accurate. Theoretical partition coefficient values based on more accurate algorithms, which included these correction factors (fragmental methods), yielded more accurate values. Theoretical methods are useful tools for predicting the bioavailability of fluoroquinolones.

Cytisine basicity, solvation, logP, and logD theoretical determination as tool for bioavailability prediction

Cytisine, an α4β2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist, is a plant alkaloid widely used as a smoking cessation agent. Despite long history of use, knowledge on pharmacokinetics of cytisine still demands an extension. This work is aimed at theoretical determination of physicochemical parameters that affect the bioavailability of cytisine. The acidic dissociation constant, Gibbs free energy of solvation in water and n-octanol as well as n-octanol/water partition coefficient and n-octanol/water distribution coefficient of cytisine were calculated as quantities corresponding to its solubility and permeability. Cytisine structure was optimized with several quantum chemical methods-ab initio: HF and MP2, and DFT functionals (B3LYP, B3LYP-D3, CAM-B3LYP, M06-2X, TPSS, VSXC) with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Solvation of cytisine in water and n-octanol was determined with the SMD continuum model. It was shown that lipophilicity of cytisine depends on the pH of an environment. Protonated cytisine, the most populated state under acidic conditions, is characterized by enhanced hydrophilicity. Then neutral cytisine, dominating in a basic environment, demonstrates more lipophilic character. It appears that cytisine is very well soluble in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract fluids. Then the distribution of cytisine ought to occur very rapidly. However, permeability of cytisine through the mucous membrane of the GI tract may be limited, leading to the diminished bioavailability.

Adsorption of Antifungal Drugs Inside Pristine and Functionalized Fullerenes and Nanotubes: DFT Investigation

BACKGROUND

Econazole, sulconazole and tioconazole usage as antifungal agents is limited due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. Pristine and hydroxylated structures of the C240 fullerene and single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) were proposed as transporters of these imidazoles potentially enhancing their pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

To assess possibility of creation of the endohedral complexes of the azoles and carbon nanostructures, their adsorption and interaction energies were calculated with the hybrid exchange-correlation density functional B97-1 and 6-31(d,p) basis set. Interactions within the transporter - drug complexes were investigated with the Atoms in Molecules (AIM) Theory and Reduced Density Gradient (RDG).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The adsorption energies of the studied azoles depend on type and surface modification of the transporter. Hydroxylation of the fullerene and nanotube surface makes an opportunity for chemisorption of the investigated antifungal drugs. The pristine and hydroxylated nanotube complexes exhibit thermodynamic stability. The complexes of the fullerenes are thermodynamically unstable but its kinetic stability could be significant thus allowing for the such structures to exist. The energetic instability would enhance liberation of the encapsulated molecule from the complex. It is advantageous in the context of drug release.

Physicochemical properties of lomefloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin relevant to the biopharmaceutics classification system

The aim of this investigation was to identify the impact of physicochemical properties of three fluoroquinolones (second, third, and fourth generation) on bioavailability in relation to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) by in silico and in vitro methods. These properties were estimated by analyzing the electrostatic potential pattern and values of the free energy of solvation as well as the distribution coefficients and true partition coefficients of the studied compounds. This study was based on theoretical quantum-chemical methods and the in vitro shake-flask technique with two immiscible phases (n-octanol and phosphate buffer) as well as the experimental potentiometric method to estimate protonation macro- and micro-constants. Properties identified in the in vitro and in silico studies were similar and indicated high lipophilic properties of the studied molecules as well as their good solubility in a polar medium. It appears that both the theoretical methods and simple in vitro studies are useful tools for predicting the bioavailability of medicinal substances based on the BCS principles.

The Potential Role of the Ketogenic Diet in Serious Mental Illness: Current Evidence, Safety, and Practical Advice

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that mimics the physiological state of fasting. The potential therapeutic effects in many chronic conditions have led to the gaining popularity of the KD. The KD has been demonstrated to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, modulate the gut microbiota community, and improve metabolic health markers. The modification of these factors has been a potential therapeutic target in serious mental illness (SMI): bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The number of clinical trials assessing the effect of the KD on SMI is still limited. Preliminary research, predominantly case studies, suggests potential therapeutic effects, including weight gain reduction, improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, decrease in disease-related symptoms, increased energy and quality of life, and, in some cases, changes in pharmacotherapy (reduction in number or dosage of medication). However, these findings necessitate further investigation through larger-scale clinical trials. Initiation of the KD should occur in a hospital setting and with strict care of a physician and dietitian due to potential side effects of the diet and the possibility of exacerbating adverse effects of pharmacotherapy. An increasing number of ongoing studies examining the KD's effect on mental disorders highlights its potential role in the adjunctive treatment of SMI.

[Evaluation of fear and analysis of personality structure of women at risk for premature and after term labor]

Psychological studies were performed in 57 pregnant women at risk for premature labour and 36 at risk for after term labour. The level of fear was evaluated using the Spielberger STAI questionnaire. The structure of fear and restlessness was studied using the R.B. Cattell's five factor Self-estimation Sheet. The analysis of personality structure was performed on the basis of results of the MMPI-WISKAD test. In the patients in both studied groups, groups an increased level of situational and persistent fear was found. Women at risk for premature labour are characterized by higher level of fear of neurotic character resulting from disharmonious personality. In women delivered after term the fear is of reactive character. Women at risk for after term labour are characterized by a higher degree of personality integration and more effective ability to control fear. Women at risk for premature labour are characterized by disharmonious personality and simultaneously they use more primitive protective mechanisms. Women delivered after term are characterized by higher degree of personality integration and more effective ability to control fear.

Is Instagram destroying sex life? An analysis of the impact of social media use on the sexual life of young Polish women - results of a web-based cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Various types of social media (SM) have recently played a huge role in shaping the world and one's self-esteem. Previous research on this issue has shown that frequent use of MS leads to the creation of unrealistic body image ideals. Time spent on SM is sometimes associated with increased body dissatisfaction, which could negatively affect sex life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies)-compliant cross-sectional and web-based study was to determine the relationship between MS use by young women in Poland and various aspects of their sexuality, such as self-perception, self-esteem, and satisfaction with their sex lives.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 1,258 young women aged 18-35 who use SM completed an online survey containing questions about socio-demographic data, SM use and questionnaires: Self-Esteem and Appearance Scale (BESAA), Self-Awareness of Own Body Scale (BISC) Women's Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS-W).

RESULTS

There was a significant relationship between time spent in SM and women's self-perception (p<0.001). The longer the time spent on SM, the lower the evaluation of one's own body, as well as lower satisfaction with sexual life (p=0.013). Comparing oneself and being compared to those seen on SM, significantly predicts the level of satisfaction with body evaluation and appearance (p<0.001), body image disturbance (p<0.001), and sexual satisfaction (p<0.001), significantly explains the final score of the BESAA (20%), BISC (16.2%) and SSS-W (4%) scales.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed the need to raise awareness among young women about the negative impact of SM on self-esteem and body image. It is necessary to educate how much self-esteem and sexual satisfaction are affected by the phenomenon of comparing oneself to influencers seen on SM, as well as being compared by others.

[Influence of betamethasone on the vascular resistance in human placenta perfused in vitro]

The study was carried out on 48 human placentas perfused in vitro. Betamethasone was administered into the arterial system in the following single doses: 0.4 mg, 2 mg, 10 mg. It was found that betamethasone decreases the pressure of perfusion in different ways depending on the dose. A statistically significant decrease in perfusion pressure was observed in 30th minute of the experiment after administering 2 mg while a dose of 10 mg induced a significant perfusion pressure in 30th and 60th minute of the experiment. The relaxation of the blood vessels of the placenta under the influence of betamethasone was attributed to the action of dopamine on the dopaminergic receptors of the vessels and glucocorticoids modifying this action. The results of the experiments point to a positive action of betamethasone on the blood vessels of human placenta.

[Influence of betamethasone on glucose consumption in the human placenta perfused in vitro]

The study was carried out on 48 human placentas perfused in vitro. Betamethasone was administered into the arterial systems in the following single doses: 0.4 mg, 2 mg and 10 mg. The authors found a highly significant or statistically insignificant decreased glucose consumption after administering each dose of betamethasone and at all times of the experiment. The phenomenon of a decrease in glucose consumption was attributed to an increased gluconeogenesis and releasing glucose from placental glycogen. The action of betamethasone consisting in supplying an increased amount of glucose is of great importance in the process of maturing fetal lungs in the uterus and in states threatening the fetus.

[Consumption of glucose under the influence of propranolol in human placentas perfused in vitro]

The consumption of glucose under the influence of various doses of propranolol in human placentas perfused in vitro was evaluated every 30 minutes during a two-hour perfusion. In the experiment the authors did not find a significant influence of propranolol on the level of the glucose consumption. The authors found a fourfold differentiation of glucose consumption between particular placentas. In the experiment these values differed from 2.63 mumol/g/h to 10.27 mumol/g/h.