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1.
Ann Plast Surg ; 92(6S Suppl 4): S445-S452, 2024 Jun 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38857012

BACKGROUND: Management of vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders is a complex challenge, with current treatments showing varied success. Cannabinoids have demonstrated both vasodilatory and antifibrotic properties, which present potential mechanisms for therapeutic relief. No existing review examines these effects in peripheral circulation in relation to vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders. This study aims to investigate vasodilatory and antifibrotic properties of cannabinoids in peripheral vasculature for application in vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders affecting the hand. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers across PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL to identify studies in accordance with the determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Information regarding study design, medication, dosage, and hemodynamic or antifibrotic effects were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study findings as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 584 articles were identified, and 32 were selected for inclusion. Studies were grouped by effect type: hemodynamic (n = 17, 53%) and antifibrotic (n = 15, 47%). Vasodilatory effects including reduced perfusion pressure, increased functional capillary density, inhibition of vessel contraction, and increased blood flow were reported in 82% of studies. Antifibrotic effects including reduced dermal thickening, reduced collagen synthesis, and reduced fibroblast migration were reported in 100% of studies. CONCLUSION: Overall, cannabinoids were found to have vasodilatory and antifibrotic effects on peripheral circulation via both endothelium-dependent and independent mechanisms. Our review suggests the applicability of cannabis-based medicines for vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders affecting the hand (eg, Raynaud disease, Buerger disease). Future research should aim to assess the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicines for these conditions.


Cannabinoids , Humans , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use , Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology , Antifibrotic Agents/pharmacology , Antifibrotic Agents/therapeutic use , Fibrosis/drug therapy
2.
Rev Med Suisse ; 20(877): 1102-1106, 2024 Jun 05.
Article Fr | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38836391

The cannabis plant is used to relieve incapacitating symptoms that are refractory to recommended treatments and to improve quality of life, often as a treatment of last resort. Despite growing patient demand and political will in Switzerland, access to cannabinoids for medical use remains complicated in practice, due to the limitation of robust medical indications, high cost (most often non-reimbursed) and doctor's lack of knowledge how to prescribe them. Given the low risks of cannabinoids for medical use, a pragmatic approach would be to respect "the right of patients" to access these treatments, enabling patients to evaluate their effect, reinvest in the therapeutic relationship and regain a central and active role in the management of their illness.


La plante de cannabis est utilisée pour soulager des symptômes invalidants, réfractaires aux traitements recommandés, et pour améliorer la qualité de vie, souvent comme traitement de dernier recours. Malgré une demande croissante des patient-e-s et une volonté politique en Suisse, l'accès aux cannabinoïdes à usage médical reste compliqué en raison de la limitation des indications médicales robustes, de leur coût élevé le plus souvent non remboursé et du manque de connaissances des médecins pour les prescrire. Compte tenu des faibles risques des cannabinoïdes à usage médical, une approche pragmatique serait de respecter le droit des patient-e-s à accéder à ces traitements en en devenant les juges, en leur permettant de réinvestir la relation thérapeutique et reprendre un rôle central dans la gestion de leur maladie.


Cannabinoids , Humans , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Switzerland , Medical Marijuana/therapeutic use
5.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(11)2024 May 25.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38891938

Neurological disorders present a wide range of symptoms and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Cannabis sativa, with its diverse chemical composition, offers potential therapeutic benefits due to its anticonvulsive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Beyond cannabinoids, cannabis contains terpenes and polyphenols, which synergistically enhance its pharmacological effects. Various administration routes, including vaporization, oral ingestion, sublingual, and rectal, provide flexibility in treatment delivery. This review shows the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis in managing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric disorders, and painful pathologies. Drawing from surveys, patient studies, and clinical trials, it highlights the potential of cannabis in alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving overall quality of life for patients. Understanding the diverse therapeutic mechanisms of cannabis can open up possibilities for using this plant for individual patient needs.


Cannabis , Epilepsy , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Humans , Cannabis/chemistry , Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Mental Disorders/drug therapy , Animals , Pain/drug therapy , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/chemistry , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Analgesics/chemistry , Analgesics/pharmacology
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(11)2024 Jun 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38892456

Postoperative pain (POP) is a challenging clinical phenomenon that affects the majority of surgical patients and demands effective management to mitigate adverse outcomes such as persistent pain. The primary goal of POP management is to alleviate suffering and facilitate a seamless return to normal function for the patient. Despite compelling evidence of its drawbacks, opioid analgesia remains the basis of POP treatment. Novel therapeutic approaches rely on multimodal analgesia, integrating different pharmacological strategies to optimize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The recognition of the imperative role of the endocannabinoid system in pain regulation has prompted the investigation of cannabinoid compounds as a new therapeutic avenue. Cannabinoids may serve as adjuvants, enhancing the analgesic effects of other drugs and potentially replacing or at least reducing the dependence on other long-term analgesics in pain management. This narrative review succinctly summarizes pertinent information on the molecular mechanisms, clinical therapeutic benefits, and considerations associated with the plausible use of various cannabinoid compounds in treating POP. According to the available evidence, cannabinoid compounds modulate specific molecular mechanisms intimately involved in POP. However, only two of the eleven clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of different cannabinoid interventions showed positive results.


Cannabinoids , Pain Management , Pain, Postoperative , Humans , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Pain Management/methods , Analgesia/methods , Animals , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Analgesics/pharmacology , Endocannabinoids/metabolism , Endocannabinoids/therapeutic use
7.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(10)2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38791416

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant health challenge, with an increasing prevalence globally. Recent research has aimed to deepen the understanding of the disease pathophysiology and to find potential therapeutic interventions. In this regard, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as novel potential therapeutic targets to palliate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Orexin and cannabinoid receptors are GPCRs capable of forming heteromeric complexes with a relevant role in the development of this disease. On the one hand, the hyperactivation of the orexins system has been associated with sleep-wake cycle disruption and Aß peptide accumulation. On the other hand, cannabinoid receptor overexpression takes place in a neuroinflammatory environment, favoring neuroprotective effects. Considering the high number of interactions between cannabinoid and orexin systems that have been described, regulation of this interplay emerges as a new focus of research. In fact, in microglial primary cultures of APPSw/Ind mice model of AD there is an important increase in CB2R-OX1R complex expression, while OX1R antagonism potentiates the neuroprotective effects of CB2R. Specifically, pretreatment with the OX1R antagonist has been shown to strongly potentiate CB2R signaling in the cAMP pathway. Furthermore, the blockade of OX1R can also abolish the detrimental effects of OX1R overactivation in AD. In this sense, CB2R-OX1R becomes a new potential therapeutic target to combat AD.


Alzheimer Disease , Cannabinoids , Orexins , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Animals , Humans , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/metabolism , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Orexins/metabolism , Orexin Receptors/metabolism , Receptors, Cannabinoid/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism
8.
Acad Emerg Med ; 31(5): 425-455, 2024 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38747203

The fourth Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE-4) is on the topic of the emergency department (ED) management of nonopioid use disorders and focuses on alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). The SAEM GRACE-4 Writing Team, composed of emergency physicians and experts in addiction medicine and patients with lived experience, applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations regarding six priority questions for adult ED patients with AWS, AUD, and CHS. The SAEM GRACE-4 Writing Team reached the following recommendations: (1) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) with moderate to severe AWS who are being admitted to hospital, we suggest using phenobarbital in addition to benzodiazepines compared to using benzodiazepines alone [low to very low certainty of evidence]; (2) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) with AUD who desire alcohol cessation, we suggest a prescription for one anticraving medication [very low certainty of evidence]; (2a) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) with AUD, we suggest naltrexone (compared to no prescription) to prevent return to heavy drinking [low certainty of evidence]; (2b) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) with AUD and contraindications to naltrexone, we suggest acamprosate (compared to no prescription) to prevent return to heavy drinking and/or to reduce heavy drinking [low certainty of evidence]; (2c) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) with AUD, we suggest gabapentin (compared to no prescription) for the management of AUD to reduce heavy drinking days and improve alcohol withdrawal symptoms [very low certainty of evidence]; (3a) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) presenting to the ED with CHS we suggest the use of haloperidol or droperidol (in addition to usual care/serotonin antagonists, e.g., ondansetron) to help with symptom management [very low certainty of evidence]; and (3b) in adult ED patients (over the age of 18) presenting to the ED with CHS, we also suggest offering the use of topical capsaicin (in addition to usual care/serotonin antagonists, e.g., ondansetron) to help with symptom management [very low certainty of evidence].


Alcoholism , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Alcoholism/complications , Vomiting/drug therapy , Vomiting/chemically induced , Vomiting/therapy , Adult , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/drug therapy , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/adverse effects , Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use , Syndrome , Marijuana Abuse/complications , Male , Female , Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(8)2024 Apr 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673788

Phytocannabinoids, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds extracted from the Cannabis plant, have attracted interest due to their potential pharmacological effects and medicinal uses. This comprehensive review presents the intricate pharmacological profiles of phytocannabinoids while exploring the diverse impacts these substances have on biological systems. From the more than one hundred cannabinoids which were identified in the Cannabis plant so far, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most extensively studied phytocannabinoids. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties, making it a promising candidate for a wide array of medical conditions. THC, known for its psychoactive effects, possesses analgesic and antiemetic properties, contributing to its therapeutic potential. In addition to THC and CBD, a wide range of additional phytocannabinoids have shown intriguing pharmacological effects, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). The endocannabinoid system, made up of the enzymes involved in the production and breakdown of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), is essential for preserving homeostasis in several physiological processes. Beyond their effects on the endocannabinoid system, phytocannabinoids are studied for their ability to modify ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and anti-oxidative pathways. The complex interaction between phytocannabinoids and biological systems offers hope for novel treatment approaches and lays the groundwork for further developments in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine. This review summarizes the state of the field, points out information gaps, and emphasizes the need for more studies to fully realize the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids.


Cannabinoids , Humans , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Animals , Cannabis/chemistry , Endocannabinoids/metabolism , Endocannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabidiol/therapeutic use , Cannabidiol/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/therapeutic use , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Dronabinol/therapeutic use , Dronabinol/pharmacology
10.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(7)2024 Mar 22.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38612415

The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) plays a critical role in the regulation of various physiological functions, including sleep, mood, and neuroinflammation. Phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinomimimetics, and some N-acylethanolamides, particularly palmitoyethanolamide, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for the management of sleep disorders. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, may initially promote sleep, but, in the long term, alters sleep architecture, while CBD shows promise in improving sleep quality without psychoactive effects. Clinical studies suggest that CBD modulates endocannabinoid signaling through several receptor sites, offering a multifaceted approach to sleep regulation. Similarly, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), in addition to interacting with the endocannabinoid system, acts as an agonist on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The favorable safety profile of CBD and PEA and the potential for long-term use make them an attractive alternative to conventional pharmacotherapy. The integration of the latter two compounds into comprehensive treatment strategies, together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), represents a holistic approach to address the multifactorial nature of sleep disorders. Further research is needed to establish the optimal dosage, safety, and efficacy in different patient populations, but the therapeutic potential of CBD and PEA offers hope for improved sleep quality and general well-being.


Cannabidiol , Cannabinoids , Sleep Wake Disorders , Humans , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Endocannabinoids , Cannabidiol/pharmacology , Cannabidiol/therapeutic use , Sleep
11.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 330: 118201, 2024 Aug 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38677573

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in metabolomics, transcriptomic and epigenetics open up new horizons regarding the pharmacological understanding of phytocannabinoids as neuromodulators in treating anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and autism. METHODS: The present review is an extensive search in public databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed, to collect all the literature about the neurobiological roles of cannabis extract, cannabidiol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol specially focused on metabolomics, transcriptomic, epigenetic, mechanism of action, in different cell lines, induced animal models and clinical trials. We used bioinformatics, network pharmacology and enrichment analysis to understand the effect of phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation. RESULTS: Cannabidomics studies show wide variability of metabolites across different strains and varieties, which determine their medicinal and abusive usage, which is very important for its quality control and regulation. CB receptors interact with other compounds besides cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, like cannabinol and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Phytocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors (GPCR, ion channels, and PPAR) to improve various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its abuse because of THC is also a problem found across different epigenetic and transcriptomic studies. Network enrichment analysis shows CNR1 expression in the brain and its interacting genes involve different pathways such as Rap1 signalling, dopaminergic synapse, and relaxin signalling. CBD protects against diseases like epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's by modifying DNA and mitochondrial DNA in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology analysis of 8 phytocannabinoids revealed an interaction with 10 (out of 60) targets related to neurodegenerative diseases, with enrichment of ErbB and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways which helps in ameliorating neuro-inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of phytocannabinoids vary across sex, disease state, and age which suggests the importance of a personalized medicine approach for better success. CONCLUSIONS: Phytocannabinoids present a range of promising neuromodulatory effects. It holds promise if utilized in a strategic way towards personalized neuropsychiatric treatment. However, just like any drug irrational usage may lead to unforeseen negative effects. Exploring neuro-epigenetics and systems pharmacology of major and minor phytocannabinoid combinations can lead to success.


Epigenesis, Genetic , Humans , Animals , Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Metabolomics , Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism , Epigenomics
13.
Curr HIV/AIDS Rep ; 21(3): 87-115, 2024 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38602558

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cannabis may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in people with HIV (PWH); however, given this population's high burden of persisting neurocognitive impairment (NCI), clinicians are concerned they may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cannabis on cognition. Here, we present a systematic scoping review of clinical and preclinical studies evaluating the effects of cannabinoid exposure on cognition in HIV. RECENT FINDINGS: Results revealed little evidence to support a harmful impact of cannabis use on cognition in HIV, with few eligible preclinical data existing. Furthermore, the beneficial/harmful effects of cannabis use observed on cognition were function-dependent and confounded by several factors (e.g., age, frequency of use). Results are discussed alongside potential mechanisms of cannabis effects on cognition in HIV (e.g., anti-inflammatory), and considerations are outlined for screening PWH that may benefit from cannabis interventions. We further highlight the value of accelerating research discoveries in this area by utilizing translatable cross-species tasks to facilitate comparisons across human and animal work.


Cognition , HIV Infections , Humans , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/psychology , Cognition/drug effects , Cannabis/adverse effects , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/adverse effects , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Animals , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy , Marijuana Use/adverse effects
14.
Phytother Res ; 38(6): 2993-3019, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38600725

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are among the most common causes of death across the globe. NDs are characterized by progressive damage to CNS neurons, leading to defects in specific brain functions such as memory, cognition, and movement. The most common NDs are Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite extensive research, no therapeutics or medications against NDs have been proven to be effective. The current treatment of NDs involving symptom-based targeting of the disease pathogenesis has certain limitations, such as drug resistance, adverse side effects, poor blood-brain barrier permeability, and poor bioavailability of drugs. Some studies have shown that plant-derived natural compounds hold tremendous promise for treating and preventing NDs. Therefore, the primary objective of this review article is to critically analyze the properties and potency of some of the most studied phytomedicines, such as quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), apigenin, and cannabinoids, and highlight their advantages and limitations for developing next-generation alternative treatments against NDs. Further extensive research on pre-clinical and clinical studies for developing plant-based drugs against NDs from bench to bedside is warranted.


Catechin , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Phytotherapy , Humans , Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy , Catechin/analogs & derivatives , Catechin/therapeutic use , Catechin/pharmacology , Curcumin/therapeutic use , Curcumin/pharmacology , Quercetin/pharmacology , Quercetin/therapeutic use , Animals , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Apigenin/pharmacology , Apigenin/therapeutic use , Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/pharmacology
15.
Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol ; 134(5): 574-601, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38477419

Studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol (CBD) and other Cannabis sativa L. derivatives on diseases of the central nervous system caused by their direct or indirect interaction with endocannabinoid system-related receptors and other molecular targets, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is a potential pharmacological target of CBD. Interestingly, CBD binding with the 5-HT1A receptor may be suitable for the treatment of epilepsies, parkinsonian syndromes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which the 5-HT1A serotonergic receptor plays a key role. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of cannabinoid effects on neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's diseases, and discuss their possible mechanism of action, highlighting interactions with molecular targets and the potential neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoids. CBD has been shown to have significant therapeutic effects on epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, while nabiximols contribute to a reduction in spasticity and are a frequent option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Although there are multiple theories on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for neurological disorders, substantially greater progress in the search for strong scientific evidence of their pharmacological effectiveness is needed.


Cannabidiol , Cannabinoids , Epilepsy , Mental Disorders , Multiple Sclerosis , Parkinson Disease , Humans , Cannabidiol/pharmacology , Cannabidiol/therapeutic use , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Mental Disorders/drug therapy , Comorbidity
16.
Pharmacol Rep ; 76(2): 223-234, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38457018

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.


Antineoplastic Agents , Brain Neoplasms , Cannabinoids , Glioblastoma , Glioma , Humans , Mice , Animals , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/metabolism , Glioblastoma/drug therapy , Glioblastoma/pathology , Glioma/drug therapy , Glioma/metabolism , Glioma/pathology , Endocannabinoids/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Brain Neoplasms/pathology
17.
J Neuroimmunol ; 389: 578325, 2024 Apr 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38432046

The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) poses major psychiatric risks. We previously showed that repeated exposure to the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 induces alterations in dopamine (DA) transmission, abnormalities in the emotional state, and glial cell activation in the mesocorticolimbic DA circuits of rats. Despite growing evidence suggesting the relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and neuroinflammation, little is known about the impact of SCRAs on the neuroimmune system. Here, we investigated whether repeated JWH-018 exposure altered neuroimmune signaling, which could be linked with previously reported central effects. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to JWH-018 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) for fourteen consecutive days, and the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors was measured seven days after treatment discontinuation in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Moreover, microglial (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, IBA-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) activation markers were evaluated in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Repeated JWH-018 exposure induces a perturbation of neuroimmune signaling specifically in the striatum, as shown by increased levels of cytokines [interleukins (IL) -2, -4, -12p70, -13, interferon (IFN) γ], chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) -1α, -3α], and growth factors [macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], together with increased IBA-1 and GFAP expression in the CPu. JWH-018 exposure induces persistant brain region-specific immune alterations up to seven days after drug discontinuation, which may contribute to the behavioral and neurochemical dysregulations in striatal areas that play a role in the reward-related processes that are frequently impaired in SUD.


Cannabinoids , Indoles , Naphthalenes , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Rats , Male , Animals , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Cannabinoids/metabolism , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Brain/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Chemokines/metabolism , Microglia/metabolism , Dopamine/pharmacology
18.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 6515, 2024 03 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38499634

Human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant and lethal tumor of the exocrine pancreas. Cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa have been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in several human tumors. However, the anti-tumor effect of cannabinoids on human PDAC is not entirely clarified. In this study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of cannabinoid solution (THC:CBD at 1:6) at a dose of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight compared to the negative control (sesame oil) and positive control (5-fluorouracil) was investigated in human PDAC xenograft nude mice model. The findings showed that cannabinoids significantly decreased the mitotic cells and mitotic/apoptotic ratio, meanwhile dramatically increased the apoptotic cells. Parallelly, cannabinoids significantly downregulated Ki-67 and PCNA expression levels. Interestingly, cannabinoids upregulated BAX, BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and Caspase-3, meanwhile, downregulated BCL-2 expression level and could not change Caspase-8 expression level. These findings suggest that cannabinoid solution (THC:CBD at 1:6) could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human PDAC xenograft models. Cannabinoids, including THC:CBD, should be further studied for use as the potent PDCA therapeutic agent in humans.


Cannabinoids , Cannabis , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Animals , Mice , Humans , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Mice, Nude , Heterografts , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy , Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
19.
Biochem Pharmacol ; 222: 116082, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38438052

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have become a focus in biomedicine and biomedical research given the roles of this unique family of innate immune proteins in immune activation, infection, and autoimmunity. It is evident that TLR dysregulation, and subsequent alterations in TLR-mediated inflammatory signalling, can contribute to disease pathogenesis, and TLR targeted therapies are in development. This review highlights evidence that cannabinoids are key regulators of TLR signalling. Cannabinoids include component of the plant Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa), synthetic and endogenous ligands, and overall represent a class of compounds whose therapeutic potential and mechanism of action continues to be elucidated. Cannabinoid-based medicines are in the clinic, and are furthermore under intense investigation for broad clinical development to manage symptoms of a range of disorders. In this review, we present an overview of research evidence that signalling linked to a range of TLRs is targeted by cannabinoids, and such cannabinoid mediated effects represent therapeutic avenues for further investigation. First, we provide an overview of TLRs, adaptors and key signalling events, alongside a summary of evidence that TLRs are linked to disease pathologies. Next, we discuss the cannabinoids system and the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Finally, for the bulk of this review, we systematically outline the evidence that cannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and endogenous cannabinoid ligands) can cross-talk with innate immune signalling governed by TLRs, focusing specifically on each member of the TLR family. Cannabinoids should be considered as key regulators of signalling controlled by TLRs, and such regulation should be a major focus in terms of the anti-inflammatory propensity of the cannabinoid system.


Cannabinoids , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use , Cannabinoids/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptors , Signal Transduction , Endocannabinoids , Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators , Ligands , Receptors, Cannabinoid
20.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(6)2024 Mar 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38542186

Over the past few decades, many current uses for cannabinoids have been described, ranging from controlling epilepsy to neuropathic pain and anxiety treatment. Medicines containing cannabinoids have been approved by both the FDA and the EMA for the control of specific diseases for which there are few alternatives. However, the molecular-level mechanism of action of cannabinoids is still poorly understood. Recently, cannabinoids have been shown to interact with autotaxin (ATX), a secreted lysophospholipase D enzyme responsible for catalyzing lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a pleiotropic growth factor that interacts with LPA receptors. In addition, a high-resolution structure of ATX in complex with THC has recently been published, accompanied by biochemical studies investigating this interaction. Due to their LPA-like structure, endocannabinoids have been shown to interact with ATX in a less potent manner. This finding opens new areas of research regarding cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, as it could establish the effect of these compounds at the molecular level, particularly in relation to inflammation, which cannot be explained by the interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors alone. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism behind the interaction between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in humans and to fully explore the therapeutic potential of such approaches.


Cannabinoids , Medical Marijuana , Humans , Endocannabinoids , Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/metabolism , Lysophospholipids/metabolism , Cannabinoids/pharmacology , Cannabinoids/therapeutic use
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