Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy.

Cannabis has been used in pain management since 2900 BC. In the 20th century, synthetic cannabinoids began to emerge, thus opening the way for improved efficacy. The search for new forms of synthetic cannabinoids continues and, as such, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive tool for the research and development of this promising class of drugs. Methods for the in vitro assessment of cytotoxic, mutagenic or developmental effects are presented, followed by the main in vivo pain models used in cannabis research and the results yielded by different types of administration (systemic versus intrathecal versus inhalation). Animal models designed for assessing side-effects and long-term uses are also discussed. In the second part of this review, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of synthetic cannabinoid biodistribution, together with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric identification of synthetic cannabinoids in biological fluids from rodents to humans are presented. Last, but not least, different strategies for improving the solubility and physicochemical stability of synthetic cannabinoids and their potential impact on pain management are discussed. In conclusion, synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most promising classes of drugs in pain medicine, and preclinical research should focus on identifying new and improved alternatives for a better clinical and preclinical outcome.

[Some observations on therapy efficacy in a sample of 111 patients suffering from ankylosing spondylarthritis, assisted in the Clinic of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Iasi]. / Unele observatii asupra eficientei terapiei pe un lot de 111 bolnavi cu spondiloartrita anchilozanta asistati in Clinica de Reumatologie si Recuperare Medicala din Iasi.

UNLABELLED: The authors present the results of some evaluations on the efficiency of pharmacologic therapy for 111 pacients suffering from ankylosing spondylarthritis (AS). RESULTS: The pacients have been assisted for five years in a specialized hospital. 63.9% out of all were over 30 years old and 46.8% were workers in industry and agriculture. Regarding the frequency of usage, the therapy included the following medicine: movalis, salasopyrine, diclophenac, flamezin, aulin, tilcotil, almiral, and others. After the therapy, during the study period, cumulative, the condition of 62.2% of the pacients improved. The condition of 22.5% remained stationary, and 6.3% got worse.