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Lafourcade CA, Sparks FT, Bordey A, Wyneken U, Mohammadi MH. Cannabinoid regulation of neurons in the dentate gyrus during epileptogenesis: Role of CB1R-associated proteins and downstream pathways. Epilepsia 2023. [PMID: 36869624 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampal formation plays a central role in the development of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), a disease characterized by recurrent, unprovoked epileptic discharges. TLE is a neurologic disorder characterized by acute long-lasting seizures (i.e., abnormal electrical activity in the brain) or seizures that occur in close proximity without recovery, typically after a brain injury or status epilepticus. After status epilepticus, epileptogenic hyperexcitability develops gradually over the following months to years, resulting in the emergence of chronic, recurrent seizures. Acting as a filter or gate, the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) normally prevents excessive excitation from propagating through the hippocampus, and is considered a critical region in the progression of epileptogenesis in pathological conditions. Importantly, lipid-derived endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), which are produced on demand as retrograde messengers, are central regulators of neuronal activity in the DG circuit. In this review, we summarize recent findings concerning the role of the DG in controlling hyperexcitability and propose how DG regulation by cannabinoids (CBs) could provide avenues for therapeutic interventions. We also highlight possible pathways and manipulations that could be relevant for the control of hyperexcitation. The use of CB compounds to treat epilepsies is controversial, as anecdotal evidence is not always validated by clinical trials. Recent publications shed light on the importance of the DG as a region regulating incoming hippocampal excitability during epileptogenesis. We review recent findings concerning the modulation of the hippocampal DG circuitry by CBs and discuss putative underlying pathways. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which CBs exert their action during seizures may be useful to improve therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Lafourcade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fraser T Sparks
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Current: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Angelique Bordey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Williams G, Chambers D, Rahman R, Molina-Holgado F. Transcription Profile and Pathway Analysis of the Endocannabinoid Receptor Inverse Agonist AM630 in the Core and Infiltrative Boundary of Human Glioblastoma Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072049. [PMID: 35408449 PMCID: PMC9000751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: We have previously reported that the endocannabinoid receptor inverse agonist AM630 is a potent inhibitor of isocitrade dehydrogenase-1 wild-type glioblastoma (GBM) core tumour cell proliferation. To uncover the mechanism behind the anti-tumour effects we have performed a transcriptional analysis of AM630 activity both in the tumour core cells (U87) and the invasive margin cells (GIN-8), the latter representing a better proxy of post-surgical residual disease. Results: The core and invasive margin cells exhibited markedly different gene expression profiles and only the core cells had high expression of a potential AM630 target, the CB1 receptor. Both cell types had moderate expression of the HTR2B serotonin receptor, a reported AM630 target. We found that the AM630 driven transcriptional response was substantially higher in the central cells than in the invasive margin cells, with the former driving the up regulation of immune response and the down regulation of cell cycle and metastatic pathways and correlating with transcriptional responses driven by established anti-neoplastics as well as serotonin receptor antagonists. Conclusion: Our results highlight the different gene sets involved in the core and invasive margin cell lines derived from GBM and an associated marked difference in responsiveness to AM630. Our findings identify AM630 as an anti-neoplastic drug in the context of the core cells, showing a high correlation with the activity of known antiproliferative drugs. However, we reveal a key set of similarities between the two cell lines that may inform therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Williams
- Wolfson-CARD, Kings College, London SE1 UL, UK; (G.W.); (D.C.)
| | - David Chambers
- Wolfson-CARD, Kings College, London SE1 UL, UK; (G.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Ruman Rahman
- Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Francisco Molina-Holgado
- Wolfson-CARD, Kings College, London SE1 UL, UK; (G.W.); (D.C.)
- School of Life & Health Sciences, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JD, UK
- Correspondence:
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Neurodevelopmental signatures of narcotic and neuropsychiatric risk factors in 3D human-derived forebrain organoids. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7760-7783. [PMID: 34158620 PMCID: PMC8873021 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that narcotic use during pregnancy and specific environmental factors (e.g., maternal immune activation and chronic stress) may increase risk of neuropsychiatric illness in offspring. However, little progress has been made in defining human-specific in utero neurodevelopmental pathology due to ethical and technical challenges associated with accessing human prenatal brain tissue. Here we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate reproducible organoids that recapitulate dorsal forebrain development including early corticogenesis. We systemically exposed organoid samples to chemically defined "enviromimetic" compounds to examine the developmental effects of various narcotic and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors within tissue of human origin. In tandem experiments conducted in parallel, we modeled exposure to opiates (μ-opioid agonist endomorphin), cannabinoids (WIN 55,212-2), alcohol (ethanol), smoking (nicotine), chronic stress (human cortisol), and maternal immune activation (human Interleukin-17a; IL17a). Human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids were consequently analyzed via an array of unbiased and high-throughput analytical approaches, including state-of-the-art TMT-16plex liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry (LC/MS) proteomics, hybrid MS metabolomics, and flow cytometry panels to determine cell-cycle dynamics and rates of cell death. This pipeline subsequently revealed both common and unique proteome, reactome, and metabolome alterations as a consequence of enviromimetic modeling of narcotic use and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors in tissue of human origin. However, of our 6 treatment groups, human-derived organoids treated with the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 exhibited the least convergence of all groups. Single-cell analysis revealed that WIN 55,212-2 increased DNA fragmentation, an indicator of apoptosis, in human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. We subsequently confirmed induction of DNA damage and apoptosis by WIN 55,212-2 within 3D human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Lastly, in a BrdU pulse-chase neocortical neurogenesis paradigm, we identified that WIN 55,212-2 was the only enviromimetic treatment to disrupt newborn neuron numbers within human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Cumulatively this study serves as both a resource and foundation from which human 3D biologics can be used to resolve the non-genomic effects of neuropsychiatric risk factors under controlled laboratory conditions. While synthetic cannabinoids can differ from naturally occurring compounds in their effects, our data nonetheless suggests that exposure to WIN 55,212-2 elicits neurotoxicity within human-derived developing forebrain tissue. These human-derived data therefore support the long-standing belief that maternal use of cannabinoids may require caution so to avoid any potential neurodevelopmental effects upon developing offspring in utero.
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Zhang J, Chen Y, Lin J, Jia R, An T, Dong T, Zhang Y, Yang X. Cyclovirobuxine D Exerts Anticancer Effects by Suppressing the EGFR-FAK-AKT/ERK1/2-Slug Signaling Pathway in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:355-367. [PMID: 31913706 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, is characterized by a dismal prognosis due to high recurrence and metastasis rates. Thus, the need for the development of novel chemotherapeutic drugs is urgent. Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D), a steroidal alkaloid extracted from Buxus microphylla that has been extensively used to relieve the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, has shown promising antineoplastic effects in recent studies. However, the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of CVB-D on HCC remain largely unelucidated. This study experimentally indicated that CVB-D can repress HCC cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle in G2 phase and can facilitate apoptosis. In addition, the migratory and invasive capabilities of HCC cells were noticeably attenuated by a nonlethal dose of CVB-D, and this attenuation was correlated with the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, in vivo, CVB-D displayed excellent anticancer effects in HCC tumor-bearing nude mice. Regarding the molecular mechanisms of CVB-D activity, decreased Slug expression was determined to be associated with the aforementioned anti-HCC functions of this extract, which might be regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-associated PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Collectively, our results revealed the suppressive effects of CVB-D on progressive behaviors of HCC, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, in addition to its outstanding proapoptotic effects, which were correlated with the inhibition of the EGFR-FAK-AKT/ERK1/2-Slug signaling pathway. These discoveries provide an experimental and theoretical foundation for the use of CVB-D as a promising candidate for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuwei Zhang
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yaodong Chen
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Ultrasonic Imaging, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ruimei Jia
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tingting An
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianxiu Dong
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Garcia-Arencibia M, Molina-Holgado E, Molina-Holgado F. Effect of endocannabinoid signalling on cell fate: life, death, differentiation and proliferation of brain cells. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1361-1369. [PMID: 29797438 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fate events are regulated by different endogenous developmental factors such as the cell micro-environment, external or remote signals and epigenetic factors. Among the many regulatory factors, endocannabinoid-associated signalling pathways are known to conduct several of these events in the developing nervous system and in the adult brain. Interestingly, endocannabinoids exert modulatory actions in both physiological and pathological conditions. Endocannabinoid signalling can promote cell survival by acting on non-transformed brain cells (neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes) and can have either a protumoural or antitumoural effect on transformed cells. Moreover, endocannabinoids are able to attenuate the detrimental effects on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation associated with ageing. Thus, the endocannabinoid system emerges as an important regulator of cell fate, controlling cell survival/cell death decisions depending on the cell type and its environment. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Garcia-Arencibia
- Departamento Sanitario IES Teror, Consejería de Educación y Universidades del Gobierno de Canarias, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eduardo Molina-Holgado
- Laboratorio de Neuroinflamación, Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos-SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
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Su SH, Wang YQ, Wu YF, Wang DP, Lin Q, Hai J. Cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 and fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 may protect against cognitive impairment in rats of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via PI3K/AKT signaling. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:334-344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Interaction between Cannabinoid System and Toll-Like Receptors Controls Inflammation. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:5831315. [PMID: 27597805 PMCID: PMC4997072 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5831315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system consisting of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, and biosynthetic and metabolizing enzymes, interest has been renewed in investigating the promise of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents. Abundant evidence indicates that cannabinoids modulate immune responses. An inflammatory response is triggered when innate immune cells receive a danger signal provided by pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns engaging pattern-recognition receptors. Toll-like receptor family members are prominent pattern-recognition receptors expressed on innate immune cells. Cannabinoids suppress Toll-like receptor-mediated inflammatory responses. However, the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and innate immune system may not be one-sided. Innate immune cells express cannabinoid receptors and produce endogenous cannabinoids. Hence, innate immune cells may play a role in regulating endocannabinoid homeostasis, and, in turn, the endocannabinoid system modulates local inflammatory responses. Studies designed to probe the interaction between the innate immune system and the endocannabinoid system may identify new potential molecular targets in developing therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases. This review discusses the endocannabinoid system and Toll-like receptor family and evaluates the interaction between them.
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Promising cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson's disease: motor symptoms to neuroprotection. Mol Neurodegener 2015; 10:17. [PMID: 25888232 PMCID: PMC4404240 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-015-0012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slow insidious neurological disorder characterized by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Although several recent preclinical advances have proposed to treat PD, there is hardly any clinically proved new therapeutic for its cure. Increasing evidence suggests a prominent modulatory function of the cannabinoid signaling system in the basal ganglia. Hence, use of cannabinoids as a new therapeutic target has been recommended as a promising therapy for PD. The elements of the endocannabinoid system are highly expressed in the neural circuit of basal ganglia wherein they bidirectionally interact with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signaling systems. As the cannabinoid signaling system undergoes a biphasic pattern of change during progression of PD, it explains the motor inhibition typically observed in patients with PD. Cannabinoid agonists such as WIN-55,212-2 have been demonstrated experimentally as neuroprotective agents in PD, with respect to their ability to suppress excitotoxicity, glial activation, and oxidative injury that causes degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Additional benefits provided by cannabinoid related compounds including CE-178253, oleoylethanolamide, nabilone and HU-210 have been reported to possess efficacy against bradykinesia and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD. Despite promising preclinical studies for PD, use of cannabinoids has not been studied extensively at the clinical level. In this review, we reassess the existing evidence suggesting involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the cause, symptomatology, and treatment of PD. We will try to identify future threads of research that will help in the understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of the cannabinoid system for treating PD.
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Hernán Pérez de la Ossa D, Gil-Alegre ME, Ligresti A, Aberturas MDR, Molpeceres J, Torres AI, Di Marzo V. Preparation and characterization of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-loaded biodegradable polymeric microparticles and their antitumoral efficacy on cancer cell lines. J Drug Target 2013; 21:710-8. [PMID: 23773072 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2013.809089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids present an interesting therapeutic potential as antiemetics, appetite stimulants in debilitating diseases (cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis), analgesics, and in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and cancer, among other conditions. However, despite their high clinical potential, only few dosage forms are available to date. In this paper, the development of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) biodegradable microspheres as an alternative delivery system for cannabinoid parenteral administration is proposed. Tetrahydrocannabinol was encapsulated into biodegradable microspheres by the oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation method. Several formulations were prepared using different drug:polymer ratios. The influence of antioxidant (α-tocopherol acetate) concentration on the release of THC from the microparticles was studied. Elevated process yield and entrapment efficiencies were achieved. The in vitro drug release studies showed that the encapsulated drug was released over a two week period. As THC has shown therapeutic potential as anticancer drug, the efficacy of the microspheres was tested on different cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the microspheres were able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation during the nine-day study period. All the above results suggest that the use of biodegradable microspheres would be a suitable alternative delivery system for THC administration.
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Hai J, Lin Q, Wu YF, Huang XS, Zhang GY, Wang F. Effects of N-stearoyl-L-tyrosine on the hippocampal ubiquitin-proteasome system in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Neurol Res 2013; 35:734-43. [PMID: 23562289 DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) leads to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Ubiquitinated protein aggregates are commonly present in neurodegenerative disorders and are believed to cause neuronal degeneration. Here, we investigated the effects of N-stearoyl-L-tyrosine (NSTyr) on the hippocampal ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in rats with CCH. METHODS After induction of CCH, NSTyr was intraperitoneally administered daily for 3 months. Protein aggregation was analyzed by ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (EPTA) electron microscopy (EM), immunogold EM, laser-scanning confocal microscopy, and Western blot. Proteasome peptidase activity was measured by peptidase activity assays. RESULTS By using EPTA EM, immunogold EM and high-resolution laser-scanning confocal microscopy, we found that CCH resulted in the accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons. Western blot revealed that the levels of free ubiquitin were significantly reduced and that the levels of ubiquitinated proteins were markedly increased in the hippocampus of CCH rats. Direct activity measurements demonstrated that proteasome peptidase activity in the hippocampal region of rats was decreased after CCH induction. In the hippocampal tissue of CCH rats treated with NSTyr, however, ubiquitinated protein aggregates decreased and proteasome peptidase activity increased. DISCUSSION These data indicate that NSTyr may exert protective effects on rat hippocampal UPS function via endogenous regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hai
- Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Hernán Pérez de la Ossa D, Lorente M, Gil-Alegre ME, Torres S, García-Taboada E, Aberturas MDR, Molpeceres J, Velasco G, Torres-Suárez AI. Local delivery of cannabinoid-loaded microparticles inhibits tumor growth in a murine xenograft model of glioblastoma multiforme. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54795. [PMID: 23349970 PMCID: PMC3551920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, the active components of marijuana and their derivatives, are currently investigated due to their potential therapeutic application for the management of many different diseases, including cancer. Specifically, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) – the two major ingredients of marijuana – have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in a number of animal models of cancer, including glioma. Although there are several pharmaceutical preparations that permit the oral administration of THC or its analogue nabilone or the oromucosal delivery of a THC- and CBD-enriched cannabis extract, the systemic administration of cannabinoids has several limitations in part derived from the high lipophilicity exhibited by these compounds. In this work we analyzed CBD- and THC-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone microparticles as an alternative delivery system for long-term cannabinoid administration in a murine xenograft model of glioma. In vitro characterization of THC- and CBD-loaded microparticles showed that this method of microencapsulation facilitates a sustained release of the two cannabinoids for several days. Local administration of THC-, CBD- or a mixture (1∶1 w:w) of THC- and CBD-loaded microparticles every 5 days to mice bearing glioma xenografts reduced tumour growth with the same efficacy than a daily local administration of the equivalent amount of those cannabinoids in solution. Moreover, treatment with cannabinoid-loaded microparticles enhanced apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation and angiogenesis in these tumours. Our findings support that THC- and CBD-loaded microparticles could be used as an alternative method of cannabinoid delivery in anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mar Lorente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Esther Gil-Alegre
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Farmacia Industrial, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía Torres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Taboada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Molpeceres
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Alcalá University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Isabel Torres-Suárez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Farmacia Industrial, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system consists of an array of endogenously produced bioactive lipids that activate cannabinoid receptors. Although the primary focus of endocannabinoid biology has been on neurological and psychiatric effects, recent work has revealed several important interactions between the endocannabinoid system and cancer. Several different types of cancer have abnormal regulation of the endocannabinoid system that contributes to cancer progression and correlates to clinical outcomes. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system by pharmacological agents in various cancer types reveals that it can mediate antiproliferative and apoptotic effects by both cannabinoid receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. Selective agonists and antagonists of the cannabinoid receptors, inhibitors of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and cannabinoid analogs have been utilized to probe the pathways involved in the effects of the endocannabinoid system on cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and invasion. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects produced by some of these pharmacological probes reveal that the endocannabinoid system is a promising new target for the development of novel chemotherapeutics to treat cancer.
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Wu HY, Chang AC, Wang CC, Kuo FH, Lee CY, Liu DZ, Jan TR. Cannabidiol induced a contrasting pro-apoptotic effect between freshly isolated and precultured human monocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2010; 246:141-7. [PMID: 20471992 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been documented that cannabidiol (CBD) induced apoptosis in a variety of transformed cells, including lymphocytic and monocytic leukemias. In contrast, a differential sensitivity between normal lymphocytes and monocytes to CBD-mediated apoptosis has been reported. The present study investigated the pro-apoptotic effect of CBD on human peripheral monocytes that were either freshly isolated or precultured for 72h. CBD markedly enhanced apoptosis of freshly isolated monocytes in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, whereas precultured monocytes were insensitive. By comparison, both cells were sensitive to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. CBD significantly diminished the cellular thiols and glutathione in freshly isolated monocytes. The apoptosis induced by CBD was abrogated in the presence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a precursor of glutathione. In addition, precultured monocytes contained a significantly greater level of glutathione and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) compared to the freshly isolated cells. The HO-1 competitive inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin partially but significantly restored the sensitivity of precultured monocytes to CBD-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, our results demonstrated a contrasting pro-apoptotic effect of CBD between precultured and freshly isolated monocytes, which was closely associated with the cellular level of glutathione and the antioxidative capability of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Ying Wu
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Chi Chang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Wang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Hua Kuo
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ya Lee
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Der-Zen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tong-Rong Jan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lin Q, Hai J, Yao LY, Lu Y. Neuroprotective effects of NSTyr on cognitive function and neuronal plasticity in rats of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Brain Res 2010; 1325:183-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 02/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Cudaback E, Marrs W, Moeller T, Stella N. The expression level of CB1 and CB2 receptors determines their efficacy at inducing apoptosis in astrocytomas. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8702. [PMID: 20090845 PMCID: PMC2806825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabinoids represent unique compounds for treating tumors, including astrocytomas. Whether CB1 and CB2 receptors mediate this therapeutic effect is unclear. Principal Findings We generated astrocytoma subclones that express set levels of CB1 and CB2, and found that cannabinoids induce apoptosis only in cells expressing low levels of receptors that couple to ERK1/2. In contrast, cannabinoids do not induce apoptosis in cells expressing high levels of receptors because these now also couple to the prosurvival signal AKT. Remarkably, cannabinoids applied at high concentration induce apoptosis in all subclones independently of CB1, CB2 and AKT, but still through a mechanism involving ERK1/2. Significance The high expression level of CB1 and CB2 receptors commonly found in malignant astrocytomas precludes the use of cannabinoids as therapeutics, unless AKT is concomitantly inhibited, or cannabinoids are applied at concentrations that bypass CB1 and CB2 receptors, yet still activate ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiron Cudaback
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William Marrs
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Thomas Moeller
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Giussani P, Brioschi L, Bassi R, Riboni L, Viani P. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway regulates the endoplasmic reticulum to golgi traffic of ceramide in glioma cells: a link between lipid signaling pathways involved in the control of cell survival. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:5088-96. [PMID: 19103588 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m808934200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Different lines of evidence indicate that both aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival pathway and down-regulation of the death mediator ceramide play a critical role in the aggressive behavior, apoptosis resistance, and adverse clinical outcome of glioblastoma multiforme. Furthermore, the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and the up-regulation of ceramide have been found functional to the activity of many cytotoxic treatments against glioma cell lines and glioblastomas as well. A reciprocal control between PI3K/Akt and ceramide signaling in glioma cell survival/death is suggested by data demonstrating a protective role of PI3K/Akt on ceramide-induced cell death in glial cells. In this study we investigated the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the regulation of the ceramide metabolism in C6 glioma cells, a cell line in which the PI3K/Akt pathway is constitutively activated. Metabolic experiments performed with different radioactive metabolic precursors of sphingolipids and microscopy studies with fluorescent ceramides demonstrated that the chemical inhibition of PI3K and the transfection with a dominant negative Akt strongly inhibited ceramide utilization for the biosynthesis of complex sphingolipids by controlling the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi vesicular transport of ceramide. These findings constitute the first evidence for a PI3K/Akt-dependent regulation of vesicle-mediated movements of ceramide in the ER-Golgi district. Moreover, the findings also suggest the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway as crucial to coordinate the biosynthesis of membrane complex sphingolipids with cell proliferation and growth and/or to maintain low ceramide levels, especially as concerns those treatments that promote ceramide biosynthesis in the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Giussani
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Milan, Laboratorio Interdisciplinare di Tecnologie Avanzate, via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate (Milan), Italy
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17
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Bosier B, Lambert DM, Hermans E. Reciprocal influences of CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists on ERK and JNK signalling in N1E-115 cells. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:3861-7. [PMID: 18950629 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Agonists acting at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells were found to activate MAPK family members with reciprocal efficacies. Thus, HU 210 robustly increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 whereas CP 55,940 was more effective in activating JNK. The use of selected kinase inhibitors confirmed that distinct signalling cascades were involved in these responses. This reciprocal control of MAPK activity was correlated with the observation that HU 210- and CP 55,940-mediated regulations of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression were respectively impaired by MEK and JNK inhibitors. These data indicate that complex interactions of the CB1 receptor with intracellular signalling partners controlling MAPK activities may explain the apparent disparities in cellular responses to functional selective agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bosier
- Unité de Chimie Pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie (UCL 7340), Université catholique de Louvain, 73 40, Av E.Mounier, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Bosier B, Hermans E, Lambert DM. Concomitant activation of adenylyl cyclase suppresses the opposite influences of CB(1) cannabinoid receptor agonists on tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 77:216-27. [PMID: 18992715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The CB(1) cannabinoid receptor shows complex interactions with intracellular signalling partners, and responses to cannabinoid ligands are likely to be influenced by concomitant inputs modifying the overall tone of signalling cascades. This appears even more relevant as we previously evidenced opposite regulations of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression by the two common cannabinoid agonists HU 210 and CP 55,940. Therefore, we studied the consequences of manipulating adenylyl cyclase activity with forskolin on the regulation of TH gene transcription in neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115). Reporter gene experiments performed with the luciferase sequence cloned under the control of modified fragments of the TH gene promoter revealed that the AP-1 consensus sequence is essential for cannabinoid-mediated regulation of TH expression. Consistently, inhibition of PKC totally blocked the responses mediated by both HU 210 and CP 55,940. In addition, forskolin which boosts adenylyl cyclase activity remarkably modified the responses to the cannabinoid agonists. Thus, in these conditions, both agonists efficiently reduced TH gene promoter activity, a response requiring functional PKA/CRE-dependent signallings. Finally, the modulations of the promoter were inhibited in pertussis toxin treated cells, suggesting that responses to both agonists are mediated through G(i/o)-dependent mechanisms. Emphasising on the importance of functional selectivity at GPCRs, these data demonstrate that the concomitant activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin strongly influences the biochemical responses triggered by distinct cannabinoid agonists. Together our results suggest that the physiological modulation of TH expression by cannabinoid agonists in dopaminergic neurons would be influenced by additional endogenous inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bosier
- Unité de Chimie Pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Turco MY, Matsukawa K, Czernik M, Gasperi V, Battista N, Della Salda L, Scapolo PA, Loi P, Maccarrone M, Ptak G. High levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, block the growth of sheep preimplantation embryos by inducing apoptosis and reversible arrest of cell proliferation. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2331-8. [PMID: 18614613 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of implantation is mediated by various molecules, one of which is anandamide (AEA), a lipid signalling ligand belonging to the family of endocannabinoids. AEA exerts its effects on implantation by binding to the Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptor (CB1-R), expressed in both blastocysts and uterus. We wanted to know whether the endocannabinoid signalling system was present also in the sheep reproductive tract and which kind of effect(s) AEA had on the development of sheep blastocysts in vitro. METHODS We analysed the expression and activity of the endocannabinoid system in sheep reproductive tracts and blastocysts. Hatched sheep blastocysts were then exposed to AEA and its effect(s) were determined by TUNEL assay and by measuring the rate of necrosis and 5-bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation. RESULTS We show that the AEA signalling system is present in sheep and that high concentrations of AEA induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation via a CB1-R-dependent mechanism. Indeed, AEA effects were blocked when sheep blastocysts were cultured in the presence of the CB1-R antagonist SR161417A. Moreover, AEA inhibition of cell proliferation was reversible, as arrested embryos resumed a normal growth rate upon AEA removal from the medium. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that disturbed regulation of AEA signalling via CB1-R may be associated with pregnancy failure. AEA could lower the quality of blastocysts by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation, thus making them incompetent for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Turco
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo 64100, Teramo, Italy
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20
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Zheng D, Bode AM, Zhao Q, Cho YY, Zhu F, Ma WY, Dong Z. The cannabinoid receptors are required for ultraviolet-induced inflammation and skin cancer development. Cancer Res 2008; 68:3992-8. [PMID: 18483286 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-6594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Solar UV irradiation is an important carcinogen that leads to the development of skin cancer, which is the most common human cancer. However, the receptors that mediate UV-induced skin carcinogenesis have not yet been unequivocally identified. Here we showed that UV irradiation directly activates cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1/2). Notably, our data indicated that the absence of the CB1/2 receptors in mice results in a dramatic resistance to UVB-induced inflammation and a marked decrease in UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis. A marked attenuation of UVB-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor- kappaB was associated with CB1/2 deficiency. These data provide direct evidence indicating that the CB1/2 receptors play a key role in UV-induced inflammation and skin cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zheng
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA.
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21
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Gowran A, Campbell VA. A role for p53 in the regulation of lysosomal permeability by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rat cortical neurones: implications for neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2008; 105:1513-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Lee CY, Wey SP, Liao MH, Hsu WL, Wu HY, Jan TR. A comparative study on cannabidiol-induced apoptosis in murine thymocytes and EL-4 thymoma cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2008; 8:732-40. [PMID: 18387516 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Revised: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that leukemia and glioma cells are sensitive to cannabidiol (CBD)-induced apoptosis, whereas primary monocytes and glia cells are relatively insensitive. In the current study, the cellular events and sensitivity to CBD-induced apoptosis between murine thymocytes and EL-4 thymoma cells were compared. Cannabidiol markedly induced apoptosis in a time- and concentration-related manner in both cells. The efficacy of CBD to induce apoptosis was comparable between the 2 types of T cells, whereas CBD induced apoptosis in thymocytes with a slightly greater potency than in EL4 cells. Time-course analyses revealed CBD-mediated apoptosis occurred earlier in EL-4 cells than that in thymocytes. An increased level of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected in both cells with the peak response at 2 h post CBD treatment. Concordantly, CBD triggered a gradual diminishment in the cellular thiols. The presence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, markedly attenuated the induction of apoptosis, and restored the diminished levels of cellular thiols. The results demonstrated that both thymocytes and EL-4 thymoma cells were susceptible to CBD-induced apoptosis and that ROS played a critical role in the apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ya Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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23
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Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 153:199-215. [PMID: 17828291 PMCID: PMC2219532 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1245] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the source of a unique set of compounds known collectively as plant cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids. This review focuses on the manner with which three of these compounds, (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), (-)-cannabidiol (CBD) and (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (delta9-THCV), interact with cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. Delta9-THC, the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis, is a CB1 and CB2 receptor partial agonist and in line with classical pharmacology, the responses it elicits appear to be strongly influenced both by the expression level and signalling efficiency of cannabinoid receptors and by ongoing endogenous cannabinoid release. CBD displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of CB1/CB2 receptor agonists in CB1- and CB2-expressing cells or tissues, the manner with which it interacts with CB2 receptors providing a possible explanation for its ability to inhibit evoked immune cell migration. Delta9-THCV behaves as a potent CB2 receptor partial agonist in vitro. In contrast, it antagonizes cannabinoid receptor agonists in CB1-expressing tissues. This it does with relatively high potency and in a manner that is both tissue and ligand dependent. Delta9-THCV also interacts with CB1 receptors when administered in vivo, behaving either as a CB1 antagonist or, at higher doses, as a CB1 receptor agonist. Brief mention is also made in this review, first of the production by delta9-THC of pharmacodynamic tolerance, second of current knowledge about the extent to which delta9-THC, CBD and delta9-THCV interact with pharmacological targets other than CB1 or CB2 receptors, and third of actual and potential therapeutic applications for each of these cannabinoids.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cannabidiol/pharmacology
- Dronabinol/analogs & derivatives
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Drug Tolerance
- Humans
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Synaptic Transmission/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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24
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Izzo AA, Aviello G, Petrosino S, Orlando P, Marsicano G, Lutz B, Borrelli F, Capasso R, Nigam S, Capasso F, Di Marzo V. Increased endocannabinoid levels reduce the development of precancerous lesions in the mouse colon. J Mol Med (Berl) 2007; 86:89-98. [PMID: 17823781 PMCID: PMC2755791 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-007-0248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 07/06/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is an increasingly important cause of death in Western countries. Endocannabinoids inhibit colorectal carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro. In this paper, we investigated the involvement of endocannabinoids on the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF, earliest preneoplastic lesions) in the colon mouse in vivo. ACF were induced by azoxymethane (AOM); fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and cannabinoid receptor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels were analyzed by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); endocannabinoid levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; caspase-3 and caspase-9 expressions were measured by Western blot analysis. Colonic ACF formation after AOM administration was associated with increased levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (with no changes in FAAH and cannabinoid receptor mRNA levels) and reduction in cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression. The FAAH inhibitor N-arachidonoylserotonin increased colon endocannabinoid levels, reduced ACF formation, and partially normalized cleaved caspase-3 (but not caspase-9) expression. Notably, N-arachidonoylserotonin completely prevented the formation of ACF with four or more crypts, which have been show to be best correlated with final tumor incidence. The effect of N-arachidonoylserotonin on ACF formation was mimicked by the cannabinoid receptor agonist HU-210. No differences in ACF formation were observed between CB(1) receptor-deficient and wild-type mice. It is concluded that pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid levels (through inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis) reduces the development of precancerous lesions in the mouse colon. The protective effect appears to involve caspase-3 (but not caspase-9) activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo A. Izzo
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Aviello
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrosino
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Orlando
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Molecular Genetics of Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- U 862 Centre de Recherche INSERM François Magendie, Equipe AVENIR 4, 146, rue Léo Saignat, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Beat Lutz
- Molecular Genetics of Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Francesca Borrelli
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Santosh Nigam
- Eicosanoid and Lipid Research Division, Centre for Experimental Gynecology and Breast Research, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Experimental Gynecology and Breast Research, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesco Capasso
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
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Ozaita A, Puighermanal E, Maldonado R. Regulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 pathway by cannabinoids in the brain. J Neurochem 2007; 102:1105-14. [PMID: 17484726 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04642.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in Cannabis sativa preparations, exerts its central effects mainly through the G-protein coupled receptor CB1, a component of the endocannabinoid system. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration models. However, the intraneuronal signaling pathways activated in vivo by THC underlying its central effects remain poorly understood. We report that THC acute administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) increases the phosphorylation of Akt in mouse hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. This phosphorylation was mediated by CB1 receptors as it was blocked by the selective CB1 antagonist rimonabant. Moreover, PI3K inhibition by wortmannin abrogated THC-induced phosphorylation of Akt, but blockade of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases by SL327 did not modify this activation/phosphorylation of Akt. Moreover, administration of the dopaminergic D1 (SCH 23390) and D2 (raclopride) receptor antagonists did not block the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway induced in the striatum by cannabinoid receptor stimulation, suggesting that this effect is independent of the dopaminergic system. In addition, THC increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta. Therefore, activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 signaling pathway may be related to the in vivo neuroprotective properties attributed to cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ozaita
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia. Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Matas D, Juknat A, Pietr M, Klin Y, Vogel Z. Anandamide protects from low serum-induced apoptosis via its degradation to ethanolamine. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:7885-92. [PMID: 17227767 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m608646200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is a lipid molecule belonging to the family of endocannabinoids. Various studies report neuroprotective activity of AEA against toxic insults, such as ischemic conditions and excitotoxicity, whereas some show that AEA has pro-apoptotic effects. Here we have shown that AEA confers a protective activity in N18TG2 murine neuroblastoma cells subjected to low serum-induced apoptosis. We have demonstrated that the protection from apoptosis by AEA is not mediated via the CB1 receptor, the CB2 receptor, or the vanilloid receptor 1. Interestingly, breakdown of AEA by fatty acid amide hydrolase is required for the protective effect of AEA. Furthermore, the ethanolamine (EA) generated in this reaction is the metabolite responsible for the protective response. The elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species during low serum-induced apoptosis is not affected by AEA or EA. On the other hand, AEA and EA reduce caspase 3/7 activity, and AEA attenuates the cleavage of PARP-1. Taken together, our results demonstrate a role for AEA and EA in the protection against low serum-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devorah Matas
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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