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Mir HD, Giorgini G, Di Marzo V. The emerging role of the endocannabinoidome-gut microbiome axis in eating disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 154:106295. [PMID: 37229916 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Among the sources of chemical signals regulating food intake, energy metabolism and body weight, few have attracted recently as much attention as the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome (eCBome), and the gut microbiome, the two systems on which this review article is focussed. Therefore, it is legitimate to expect that these two systems also play a major role in the etiopathology of eating disorders (EDs), in particular of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. The major mechanisms through which, also via interactions with other endogenous signaling systems, the eCBome, with its several lipid mediators and receptors, and the gut microbiome, via its variety of microbial kingdoms, phyla and species, and armamentarium of metabolites, intervene in these disorders, are described here, based on several published studies in either experimental models or patients. Additionally, in view of the emerging multi-faceted cross-talk mechanisms between these two complex systems, we discuss the possibility that the eCBome-gut microbiome axis is also involved in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayatte-Dounia Mir
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Giada Giorgini
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu) entre l'Université Laval, Québec, Canada, et le Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu) entre l'Université Laval, Québec, Canada, et le Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; École de nutrition, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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2
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Almeida MM, Dias-Rocha CP, Calviño C, Trevenzoli IH. Lipid endocannabinoids in energy metabolism, stress and developmental programming. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 542:111522. [PMID: 34843899 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates brain development and function, energy metabolism and stress in a sex-, age- and tissue-dependent manner. The ECS comprises mainly the bioactive lipid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-aracdonoylglycerol (2-AG), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and several metabolizing enzymes. The endocannabinoid tonus is increased in obesity, stimulating food intake and a preference for fat, reward, and lipid accumulation in peripheral tissues, as well as favoring a positive energy balance. Energy balance and stress responses share adaptive mechanisms regulated by the ECS that seem to underlie the complex relationship between feeding and emotional behavior. The ECS is also a key regulator of development. Environmental insults (diet, toxicants, and stress) in critical periods of developmental plasticity, such as gestation, lactation and adolescence, alter the ECS and may predispose individuals to the development of chronic diseases and behavioral changes in the long term. This review is focused on the ECS and the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Macedo Almeida
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Calviño
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Tovar R, Vargas A, Aranda J, Sánchez-Salido L, González-González L, Chowen JA, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Suárez J, Rivera P. Analysis of Both Lipid Metabolism and Endocannabinoid Signaling Reveals a New Role for Hypothalamic Astrocytes in Maternal Caloric Restriction-Induced Perinatal Programming. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126292. [PMID: 34208173 PMCID: PMC8230792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal malnutrition in critical periods of development increases the risk of developing short- and long-term diseases in the offspring. The alterations induced by this nutritional programming in the hypothalamus of the offspring are of special relevance due to its role in energy homeostasis, especially in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in metabolic functions. Since astrocytes are essential for neuronal energy efficiency and are implicated in brain endocannabinoid signaling, here we have used a rat model to investigate whether a moderate caloric restriction (R) spanning from two weeks prior to the start of gestation to its end induced changes in offspring hypothalamic (a) ECS, (b) lipid metabolism (LM) and/or (c) hypothalamic astrocytes. Monitorization was performed by analyzing both the gene and protein expression of proteins involved in LM and ECS signaling. Offspring born from caloric-restricted mothers presented hypothalamic alterations in both the main enzymes involved in LM and endocannabinoids synthesis/degradation. Furthermore, most of these changes were similar to those observed in hypothalamic offspring astrocytes in culture. In conclusion, a maternal low caloric intake altered LM and ECS in both the hypothalamus and its astrocytes, pointing to these glial cells as responsible for a large part of the alterations seen in the total hypothalamus and suggesting a high degree of involvement of astrocytes in nutritional programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Tovar
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Andalucia Tech, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Vargas
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Aranda
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- Andalucia Tech, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Lourdes Sánchez-Salido
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura González-González
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
| | - Julie A. Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica la Princesa, Fundación Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, 28009 Madrid, Spain;
- CIBEROBN (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana, Medicina Legal e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (P.R.); Tel.: +34-952614012 (J.S.); +34-952614012 (P.R.)
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.T.); (A.V.); (J.A.); (L.S.-S.); (L.G.-G.); (F.R.d.F.)
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (P.R.); Tel.: +34-952614012 (J.S.); +34-952614012 (P.R.)
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Yagin NL, Aliasgari F, Alizadeh M, Aliasgharzadeh S, Mahdavi R. Comparison of endocannabinoids levels, FAAH gene polymorphisms, and appetite regulatory substances in women with and without binge eating disorder: a cross- sectional study. Nutr Res 2020; 83:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Gandhi K, Montoya‐Uribe V, Martinez S, David S, Jain B, Shim G, Li C, Jenkins S, Nathanielsz P, Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N. Ontogeny and programming of the fetal temporal cortical endocannabinoid system by moderate maternal nutrient reduction in baboons (Papio spp.). Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14024. [PMID: 30912236 PMCID: PMC6434170 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor nutrition during pregnancy is a worldwide public health problem. Maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) is associated with maternal and fetal stress and a sex-dependent decrease in nonhuman primate (NHP) cognitive performance. Early life stress potentiates epileptogenesis in a sex-specific manner, and temporal lobe (TL) epilepsy is associated with neurocognitive disorders. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) demonstrates remarkable developmental changes and plays a key role in aging-related diseases (e.g., dementia). Baboons have been studied as a natural model of epilepsy and express all ECS system components. We therefore evaluated baboon fetal temporal cortex ECS ontogenic and MNR-dependent changes. At 120 days gestational age (dGA) (term 185 days), maternal, fetal, and placental morphometry were similar between control and MNR pregnancies. MNR maternal weight gain was decreased compared with controls at 165 dGA independent of fetal sex. In male fetuses, expression of ECS synthesizing and degrading enzymes was gestational age-dependent, with the exception of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). MNR had a sex-specific effect on the protein expression of CB1R during development: CB1R protein expression was decreased in fetal temporal cortex of male fetuses at 120 and 140 dGA. Our data reveal that the MNR has sex-specific effects on temporal cortical expression of the ECS in baboon offspring and shows vulnerability of ECS in male fetuses during gestation.
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MESH Headings
- Amidohydrolases/genetics
- Amidohydrolases/metabolism
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Animals
- Caloric Restriction
- Endocannabinoids/genetics
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Female
- Fetal Development
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gestational Age
- Male
- Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Papio
- Pregnancy
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Sex Factors
- Signal Transduction
- Temporal Lobe/growth & development
- Temporal Lobe/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushal Gandhi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTexas Tech University Health sciences Center at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
| | | | - Stacy Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTexas Tech University Health sciences Center at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
| | - Samuel David
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Texas at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
| | - Bobby Jain
- Department of PsychiatryTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
| | - Grace Shim
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTexas Tech University Health sciences Center at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
| | - Cun Li
- University of WyomingLaramieWyoming
- Texas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexas
| | - Susan Jenkins
- University of WyomingLaramieWyoming
- Texas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexas
| | - Peter Nathanielsz
- University of WyomingLaramieWyoming
- Texas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexas
| | - Natalia Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTexas Tech University Health sciences Center at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Texas at the Permian BasinOdessaTexas
- Department of Neurobiology and PharmacologyTexas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbockTexas
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Ramírez-López MT, Vázquez M, Lomazzo E, Hofmann C, Blanco RN, Alén F, Antón M, Decara J, Arco R, Orio L, Suárez J, Lutz B, Gómez de Heras R, Bindila L, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. A moderate diet restriction during pregnancy alters the levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related lipids in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and olfactory bulb of rat offspring in a sex-specific manner. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174307. [PMID: 28346523 PMCID: PMC5367805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Undernutrition during pregnancy has been associated to increased vulnerability to develop metabolic and behavior alterations later in life. The endocannabinoid system might play an important role in these processes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a moderate maternal calorie-restricted diet on the levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), arachidonic acid (AA) and the N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the brain of newborn rat offspring. We focused on brain structures involved in metabolism, feeding behavior, as well as emotional and cognitive responses. Female Wistar rats were assigned during the entire pregnancy to either control diet (C) or restriction diet (R), consisting of a 20% calorie-restricted diet. Weight gain and caloric intake of rat dams were monitored and birth outcomes were assessed. 2-AG, AA and NAE levels were measured in hypothalamus, hippocampus and olfactory bulb of the offspring. R dams displayed lower gain weight from the middle pregnancy and consumed less calories during the entire pregnancy. Offspring from R dams were underweight at birth, but litter size was unaffected. In hypothalamus, R male offspring displayed decreased levels of AA and OEA, with no change in the levels of the endocannabinoids 2-AG and AEA. R female exhibited decreased 2-AG and PEA levels. The opposite was found in the hippocampus, where R male displayed increased 2-AG and AA levels, and R female exhibited elevated levels of AEA, AA and PEA. In the olfactory bulb, only R female presented decreased levels of AEA, AA and PEA. Therefore, a moderate diet restriction during the entire pregnancy alters differentially the endocannabinoids and/or endocannabinoid-related lipids in hypothalamus and hippocampus of the underweight offspring, similarly in both sexes, whereas sex-specific alterations occur in the olfactory bulb. Consequently, endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid-related lipid signaling alterations might be involved in the long-term and sexual dimorphism effects commonly observed after undernutrition and low birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Ramírez-López
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- IBIMA, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ermelinda Lomazzo
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clementine Hofmann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rosario Noemi Blanco
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Antón
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- IBIMA, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rocío Arco
- IBIMA, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- IBIMA, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología. IBIMA. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Malaga. Campus de Teatinos s/n, Malaga, Spain
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Raquel Gómez de Heras
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (FRF); (RGH)
| | - Laura Bindila
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Campus de Somosaguas s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- IBIMA, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail: (FRF); (RGH)
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Ramírez-López MT, Arco R, Decara J, Vázquez M, Rivera P, Blanco RN, Alén F, Gómez de Heras R, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Undernutrition on Cannabinoid Receptor-Related Behaviors: Sex and Tissue-Specific Alterations in the mRNA Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors and Lipid Metabolic Regulators. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:241. [PMID: 28082878 PMCID: PMC5187359 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal malnutrition causes long-lasting alterations in feeding behavior and energy homeostasis in offspring. It is still unknown whether both, the endocannabinoid (eCB) machinery and the lipid metabolism are implicated in long-term adaptive responses to fetal reprogramming caused by maternal undernutrition. We investigated the long-term effects of maternal exposure to a 20% standard diet restriction during preconceptional and gestational periods on the metabolically-relevant tissues hypothalamus, liver, and perirenal fat (PAT) of male and female offspring at adulthood. The adult male offspring from calorie-restricted dams (RC males) exhibited a differential response to the CB1 antagonist AM251 in a chocolate preference test as well as increased body weight, perirenal adiposity, and plasma levels of triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, bilirubin, and leptin. The gene expression of the cannabinoid receptors Cnr1 and Cnr2 was increased in RC male hypothalamus, but a down-expression of most eCBs-metabolizing enzymes (Faah, Daglα, Daglβ, Mgll) and several key regulators of fatty-acid β-oxidation (Cpt1b, Acox1), mitochondrial respiration (Cox4i1), and lipid flux (Pparγ) was found in their PAT. The female offspring from calorie-restricted dams exhibited higher plasma levels of LDL and glucose as well as a reduction in chocolate and caloric intake at post-weaning periods in the feeding tests. Their liver showed a decreased gene expression of Cnr1, Pparα, Pparγ, the eCBs-degrading enzymes Faah and Mgll, the de novo lipogenic enzymes Acaca and Fasn, and the liver-specific cholesterol biosynthesis regulators Insig1 and Hmgcr. Our results suggest that the long-lasting adaptive responses to maternal caloric restriction affected cannabinoid-regulated mechanisms involved in feeding behavior, adipose β-oxidation, and hepatic lipid and cholesterol biosynthesis in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- María T Ramírez-López
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Hospital Universitario de GetafeMadrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Arco
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Rosario Noemi Blanco
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Raquel Gómez de Heras
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
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8
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Fride E, Bregman T, Kirkham TC. Endocannabinoids and Food Intake: Newborn Suckling and Appetite Regulation in Adulthood. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 230:225-34. [PMID: 15792943 DOI: 10.1177/153537020523000401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The appetite-stimulating effects of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) have been known since ancient times, and appear to be effected through the incentive and rewarding properties of foods. Investigations into the biological basis of the multiple effects of cannabis have yielded important breakthroughs in recent years: the discovery of two cannabinoid receptors in brain and peripheral organ systems, and endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) for these receptors. These advances have greatly increased our understanding of how appetite is regulated through these endocannabinoid receptor systems. The presence of endocannabinoids in the developing brain and in maternal milk have led to evidence for a critical role for CB, receptors in oral motor control of suckling during neonatal development. The endocannabinoids appear to regulate energy balance and food intake at four functional levels within the brain and periphery: (i) limbic system (for hedonic evaluation of foods), (ii) hypothalamus and hindbrain (integrative functions), (iii) intestinal system, and (iv) adipose tissue. At each of these levels, the endocannabinoid system interacts with a number of better known molecules involved in appetite and weight regulation, including leptin, ghrelin, and the melanocortins. Therapeutically, appetite stimulation by cannabinoids has been studied for several decades, particularly in relation to cachexia and malnutrition associated with cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or anorexia nervosa. The recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology may lead to improved treatments for these conditions or, conversely, for combating excessive appetite and body weight, such as CB, receptor antagonists as antiobesity medications. In conclusion, the exciting progress in the understanding of how the endocannabinoid CB receptor systems influence appetite and body weight is stimulating the development of therapeutic orexigenic and anorectic agents. Furthermore, the role of cannabinoid CB, receptor activation for milk suckling in newborns may open new doors toward understanding nonorganic failure-to-thrive in infants, who display growth failure without known organic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Fride
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Judea and Samaria, Ariel, Israel.
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9
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Ramírez-López MT, Vázquez M, Bindila L, Lomazzo E, Hofmann C, Blanco RN, Alén F, Antón M, Decara J, Arco R, Ouro D, Orio L, Suárez J, Lutz B, Gómez de Heras R, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Maternal Caloric Restriction Implemented during the Preconceptional and Pregnancy Period Alters Hypothalamic and Hippocampal Endocannabinoid Levels at Birth and Induces Overweight and Increased Adiposity at Adulthood in Male Rat Offspring. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:208. [PMID: 27847471 PMCID: PMC5088205 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to inadequate nutritional conditions in critical windows of development has been associated to disturbances on metabolism and behavior in the offspring later in life. The role of the endocannabinoid system, a known regulator of energy expenditure and adaptive behaviors, in the modulation of these processes is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the impact of exposing rat dams to diet restriction (20% less calories than standard diet) during pre-gestational and gestational periods on: (a) neonatal outcomes; (b) endocannabinoid content in hypothalamus, hippocampus and olfactory bulb at birth; (c) metabolism-related parameters; and (d) behavior in adult male offspring. We found that calorie-restricted dams tended to have a reduced litter size, although the offspring showed normal weight at birth. Pups from calorie-restricted dams also exhibited a strong decrease in the levels of anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), arachidonic acid (AA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the hypothalamus at birth. Additionally, pups from diet-restricted dams displayed reduced levels of AEA in the hippocampus without significant differences in the olfactory bulb. Moreover, offspring exhibited increased weight gain, body weight and adiposity in adulthood as well as increased anxiety-related responses. We propose that endocannabinoid signaling is altered by a maternal caloric restriction implemented during the preconceptional and pregnancy periods, which might lead to modifications of the hypothalamic and hippocampal circuits, potentially contributing to the long-term effects found in the adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Laura Bindila
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Ermelinda Lomazzo
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Clementine Hofmann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Rosarío Noemí Blanco
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - María Antón
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Rocío Arco
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel Ouro
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Raquel Gómez de Heras
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
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10
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Ramírez-López MT, Vázquez M, Bindila L, Lomazzo E, Hofmann C, Blanco RN, Alén F, Antón M, Decara J, Ouro D, Orio L, Suarez J, Lutz B, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Gómez de Heras R. Exposure to a Highly Caloric Palatable Diet During Pregestational and Gestational Periods Affects Hypothalamic and Hippocampal Endocannabinoid Levels at Birth and Induces Adiposity and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Male Rat Offspring. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 9:339. [PMID: 26778987 PMCID: PMC4701936 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to unbalanced diets during pre-gestational and gestational periods may result in long-term alterations in metabolism and behavior. The contribution of the endocannabinoid system to these long-term adaptive responses is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the impact of female rat exposure to a hypercaloric-hypoproteic palatable diet during pre-gestational, gestational and lactational periods on the development of male offspring. In addition, the hypothalamic and hippocampal endocannabinoid contents at birth and the behavioral performance in adulthood were investigated. Exposure to a palatable diet resulted in low weight offspring who exhibited low hypothalamic contents of arachidonic acid and the two major endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) at birth. Palmitoylethanolamide, but not oleoylethanolamide, also decreased. Additionally, pups from palatable diet-fed dams displayed lower levels of anandamide and palmitoylethanolamide in the hippocampus. The low-weight male offspring, born from palatable diet exposed mothers, gained less weight during lactation and although they recovered weight during the post-weaning period, they developed abdominal adiposity in adulthood. These animals exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze and open field test and a low preference for a chocolate diet in a food preference test, indicating that maternal exposure to a hypercaloric diet induces long-term behavioral alterations in male offspring. These results suggest that maternal diet alterations in the function of the endogenous cannabinoid system can mediate the observed phenotype of the offspring, since both hypothalamic and hippocampal endocannabinoids regulate feeding, metabolic adaptions to caloric diets, learning, memory, and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Laura Bindila
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Ermelinda Lomazzo
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Clementine Hofmann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Rosario Noemí Blanco
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - María Antón
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel Ouro
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga Málaga, Spain
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain; Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Raquel Gómez de Heras
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, Spain
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D’Addario C, Micioni Di Bonaventura M, Pucci M, Romano A, Gaetani S, Ciccocioppo R, Cifani C, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signaling and food addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 47:203-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Ruiz-Rosado A, Cabrera-Fuentes HA, González-Calixto C, González-López L, Cázares-Raga FE, Segura-Alegría B, Lochnit G, de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández F, Preissner KT, Jiménez-Estrada I. Influence of chronic food deprivation on structure–function relationship of juvenile rat fast muscles. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2013; 34:357-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s10974-013-9357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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de Oliveira JC, Scomparin DX, Andreazzi AE, Branco RCS, Martins AG, Gravena C, Grassiolli S, Rinaldi W, Barbosa FB, Mathias PCF. Metabolic imprinting by maternal protein malnourishment impairs vagal activity in adult rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:148-57. [PMID: 21091554 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2010.02095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Protein restriction during lactation has been suggested to diminish parasympathetic activity, whereas sympathetic activity is enhanced in adult rats. The present study analyses whether dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is involved in the impairment of insulin secretion from perinatally undernourished rats. Male neonates were reared by mothers fed a low- (4%) protein (LP group) or normal- (23%) protein diet (NP group). At 81 days of age, LP rats showed less body mass than NP rats (318 ± 4 g versus 370 ± 5 g) (P < 0.001). Fat tissue accumulation decreased in LP [0.8 ± 0.03 g/100 g body weight (BW)] compared to NP rats (1.1 ± 0.04 g/100 g BW) (P < 0.001). LP were glucose-intolerant as registered by the area under the curve of an i.v. glucose tolerance test (37 ± 3) compared to NP rats (29 ± 2) (P < 0.05); however, LP animals showed fasting normoglycaemia (LP, 5.0 ± 0.1; NP, 4.9 ± 0.03 mm) and hypoinsulinaemia (LP, 0.10 ± 0.02 ng/ml; NP, 0.17 ± 0.02 ng/ml). LP also showed glucose tissue uptake 60% higher than NP rats (P < 0.05). Vagus firing rate from LP was lower (7.1 ± 0.8 spikes/5 s) than that in NP rats (12.3 ± 0.7 spikes/5 s) (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference in sympathetic nervous activity. The cholinergic insulinotrophic effect was lower in pancreatic islets from LP (0.07 ± 0.01 ng/min/islet) than in NP rats (0.3 ± 0.06 ng/min/islet), whereas the levels of adrenaline-mediated inhibition of glucose-induced insulin release were similar. Perinatal protein restriction inhibited the activity of the vagus nerve, thus reducing the insulinotrophic effect of parasympathetic pathways on pancreatic β-cells, which inhibit insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Secretion Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, State University of Maringá, Maringá/PR, Brazil
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14
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Activity-based anorexia in C57/BL6 mice: effects of the phytocannabinoid, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the anandamide analogue, OMDM-2. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:622-31. [PMID: 20471226 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 03/27/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm is one of the few animal models of human anorexia nervosa. We present here the translation of this approach to C57/BL6 mice, a common background for genetically modified mice, and investigate the effects of the cannabinoid agonist, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the endocannabinoid uptake inhibitor, OMDM-2 in this model. The ABA paradigm was optimised so that food-restricted wheel-running mice displayed anorexia, reduced body weight and disrupted activity and circadian cycles. These conditions produced a murine ABA model with a defined stage and stability to allow for pharmacological intervention. Daily Delta(9)-THC (0.5 mg/kg) decreased survival in the ABA animals but increased feeding in the survivors, OMDM-2 (3 mg/kg) increased food intake, but not sufficiently to reverse weight loss. The effects of this model on endocannabinoid tone in the brain remain to be determined. Since the endocannabinoid system may be implicated in anorexia nervosa and in view of the positive modulation by cannabinoids of some aspects of ABA in this study, further investigation of the effects of cannabinoids in ABA is warranted.
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15
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André A, Gonthier MP. The endocannabinoid system: its roles in energy balance and potential as a target for obesity treatment. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 42:1788-801. [PMID: 20541029 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and cardiometabolic risk continue to be major public health concerns. A better understanding of the physiopathological mechanisms leading to obesity may help to identify novel therapeutic targets. The endocannabinoid system discovered in the early 1990s is believed to influence body weight regulation and cardiometabolic risk factors. This article aims to review the literature on the endocannabinoid system including the biological roles of its major components, namely, the cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands the endocannabinoids and the ligand-metabolising enzymes. The review also discusses evidence that the endocannabinoid system constitutes a new physiological pathway occurring in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues that has a key role in the control of food intake and energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism. Based on the important finding that there is a close association between obesity and the hyperactivity of the endocannabinoid system, interest in blocking stimulation of this pathway to aid weight loss and reduce cardiometabolic risk factor development has become an important area of research. Among the pharmacological strategies proposed, the antagonism of the cannabinoid receptors has been particularly investigated and several clinical trials have been conducted. One challenging pharmacological task will be to target the endocannabinoid system in a more selective, and hence, safe way. As the management of obesity also requires lifestyle modifications in terms of healthy eating and physical activity, the targeting of the endocannabinoid system may represent a novel approach for a multifactorial therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore André
- Groupe d'Etude sur l'Inflammation Chronique et l'Obésité, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Université de La Réunion, La Réunion, France
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16
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Banni S, Di Marzo V. Effect of dietary fat on endocannabinoids and related mediators: consequences on energy homeostasis, inflammation and mood. Mol Nutr Food Res 2010; 54:82-92. [PMID: 20013888 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200900516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Among the several known fatty acid-derived chemical signals, the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2, two G-protein-coupled receptors involved in several aspects of mammalian physiology and pathology, are perhaps those the levels of which have proven to be most sensitive to the fatty acid composition of the diet. The two most studied such ligands, known as endocannabinoids, are N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine and 2-archidonoylglycerol, and are found in tissues together with other N-acyl-ethanolamines and 2-acylglycerols, not all of which activate the cannabinoid receptors, although several of them do exhibit important pharmacological effects. In this review article, we describe literature data indicating that the tissue concentrations of the endocannabinoids and related signalling molecules, and hence the activity of the respective receptors, can be modulated by modifying the fatty acid composition of the diet, and particularly its content in long chain PUFAs or in long chain PUFA precursors. We also discuss the potential impact of these diet-induced changes of endocannabinoid tone on three of the major pathological conditions in which cannabinoid receptors have been involved, that is metabolic dysfunctions, inflammation and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Banni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Izzo AA, Piscitelli F, Capasso R, Marini P, Cristino L, Petrosino S, Di Marzo V. Basal and fasting/refeeding-regulated tissue levels of endogenous PPAR-alpha ligands in Zucker rats. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2010; 18:55-62. [PMID: 19521349 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2009.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) and N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) are endogenous lipids that activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha with high and intermediate potency, and exert anorectic and anti-inflammatory actions in rats, respectively. We investigated OEA and PEA tissue level regulation by the nutritional status in lean and obese rats. OEA and PEA levels in the brainstem, duodenum, liver, pancreas, and visceral (VAT) or subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues of 7-week-old wild-type (WT) and Zucker rats, fed ad libitum or following overnight food deprivation, with and without refeeding, were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In WT rats, duodenal OEA, but not PEA, levels were reduced by food deprivation and restored by refeeding, whereas the opposite was observed for OEA in the pancreas, and for both mediators in the liver and SAT. In ad lib fed Zucker rats, PEA and OEA levels were up to tenfold higher in the duodenum, slightly higher in the brainstem, and lower in the other tissues. Fasting/refeeding-induced changes in OEA levels were maintained in the duodenum, liver, and SAT, and lost in the pancreas, whereas fasting upregulated this compound also in the VAT. The observed changes in OEA levels in WT rats are relevant to the actions of this mediator on satiety, hepatic and adipocyte metabolism, and insulin release. OEA dysregulation in Zucker rats might counteract hyperphagia in the duodenum, but contribute to hyperinsulinemia in the pancreas, and to fat accumulation in adipose tissues and liver. Changes in PEA levels might be relevant to the inflammatory state of Zucker rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo A Izzo
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Fride E, Gobshtis N, Dahan H, Weller A, Giuffrida A, Ben-Shabat S. The endocannabinoid system during development: emphasis on perinatal events and delayed effects. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2009; 81:139-58. [PMID: 19647111 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(09)81006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) including its receptors, endogenous ligands ("endocannabinoids"), synthesizing and degradating enzymes, and transporter molecules has been detected from the earliest embryonal stages and throughout pre- and postnatal development; endocannabinoids, notably 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are also present in maternal milk. During three developmental stages, (1) early embryonal, (2) prenatal brain development, and (3) postnatal suckling, the ECS plays an essential role for development and survival. During early gestation, successful embryonal passage through the oviduct and implantation into the uterus require critical enzymatic control of the endocannabinoids. During fetal life, endocannabinoids and the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor are important for brain development, regulating neural progenitor differentiation and guiding axonal migration and synaptogenesis. Postnatally, CB(1) receptor activation by 2-arachidonoylglycerol appears to play a critical role in the initiation of milk suckling in mouse pups, possibly by enabling innervation and/or activation of the tongue muscles. Perinatal manipulation of the ECS, by administering cannabinoids or by maternal marijuana consumption, alters neurotransmitter and behavioral functions in the offspring. Interestingly, the sequelae of prenatal cannabinoids are similar to many effects of prenatal stress, which may suggest that prenatal stress impacts on the ECS and that vice versa prenatal cannabinoid exposure may interfere with the ability of the fetus to cope with the stress. Future studies should further clarify the mechanisms involved in the developmental roles of the ECS and understand better the adverse effects of prenatal exposure, to design strategies for the treatment of conditions including infertility, addiction, and failure-to-thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Fride
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Molecular Biology, Ariel University Center of Samaria, Ariel, Israel
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Henare SJ, Mellor DJ, Lentle RG, Moughan PJ. An appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of newborn and juvenile rat models for researching gastrointestinal development. Lab Anim 2008; 42:231-45. [DOI: 10.1258/la.2007.007034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Research on the impact of bioactive compounds on the development and functional maturation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using newborn and juvenile rats has greatly contributed to the knowledge of GI physiology and to the improved clinical management of both premature and full-term newborns. Of the animal models available, two types have been described for use with young rats – maintenance models and substitution models. Maintenance models are those in which the young are reared with the dam and therefore benefit from continuation of natural nutrition and maternal care. Substitution models are those in which the young are reared in the absence of the dam using artificially formulated milk delivered by various means into specific GI sites. In this review, we describe these models and their operation, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. Attention is also given to questions of scientific validity and some animal welfare issues raised by the use of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Henare
- Riddet Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D J Mellor
- Riddet Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R G Lentle
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - P J Moughan
- Riddet Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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20
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Fride E. Multiple roles for the endocannabinoid system during the earliest stages of life: pre- and postnatal development. J Neuroendocrinol 2008; 20 Suppl 1:75-81. [PMID: 18426504 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01670.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, including its receptors (CB(1) and CB(2)), endogenous ligands ('endocannabinoids'), synthesising and degrading enzymes, as well as transporter molecules, has been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development and throughout pre- and postnatal development. In addition, the endocannabinoids, notably 2-arachidonyl glycerol, are also present in maternal milk. During three distinct developmental stages (i.e. embryonic implantation, prenatal brain development and postnatal suckling), the endocannabinoid system appears to play an essential role for development and survival. Thus, during early pregnancy, successful embryonic passage through the oviduct and implantation into the uterus both require critical enzymatic control of optimal anandamide levels at the appropriate times and sites. During foetal life, the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor plays a major role in brain development, regulating neural progenitor differentiation into neurones and glia and guiding axonal migration and synaptogenesis. Postnatally, CB(1) receptor blockade interferes with the initiation of milk suckling in mouse pups, by inducing oral motor weakness, which exposes a critical role for CB(1) receptors in the initiation of milk suckling by neonates, possibly by interfering with innervation of the tongue muscles. Manipulating the endocannabinoid system by pre- and/or postnatal administration of cannabinoids or maternal marijuana consumption, has significant, yet subtle effects on the offspring. Thus, alterations in the dopamine, GABA and endocannabinoid systems have been reported while enhanced drug seeking behaviour and impaired executive (prefrontal cortical) function have also been observed. The relatively mild nature of the disruptive effects of prenatal cannabinoids may be understood in the framework of the intricate timing requirements and frequently biphasic effects of the (endo)cannabinoids. In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system plays several key roles in pre- and postnatal development. Future studies should further clarify the mechanisms involved and provide a better understanding of the adverse effects of prenatal exposure, in order to design strategies for the treatment of conditions such as infertility, mental retardation and failure-to-thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fride
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Ariel University Center of Samaria, Ariel, Israel.
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a complex physiologic system. One of the most important discoveries related to the endocannabinoid system is that cannabinoid-1 receptors are present throughout the body and that they are linked to obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Adipose tissue was historically thought to be an inert, passive storage vehicle. However, recent findings prove that adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ that releases adipokines, which influence cardiometabolic risk factors. Elevated endocannabinoid system activity is associated with obesity and coupled with excessive food intake and fat accumulation. Strong evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system affects the surrogate cardiometabolic end points that greatly influence morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Boyd
- Xavier University, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457, USA
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22
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Abstract
Scientific interest in the endocannabinoid (EC) system developed as a result of the known effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, including an increased desire to consume food. Further investigation has led to the belief that the EC system plays a role in accumulation of intra-abdominal fat and worsening of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The EC system has been identified as a neuromodulatory system that is normally inactive but can be overstimulated to cause and exacerbate numerous metabolic pathologies. EC agonists and receptors have been identified in the brain, liver, and peripheral adipose tissue, and the EC system is known to affect metabolism in these areas and others through neuromodulatory signals. Meal size, body weight, and numerous metabolic factors such as triglyceride and cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance can be affected via the EC system. Further research into the EC system is warranted to elucidate its role in metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Woods
- Obesity Research Center, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Room G-059, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, USA.
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Matias I, Bisogno T, Di Marzo V. Endogenous cannabinoids in the brain and peripheral tissues: regulation of their levels and control of food intake. Int J Obes (Lond) 2006; 30 Suppl 1:S7-S12. [PMID: 16570107 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids were first defined in 1995 as 'endogenous substances capable of binding to and functionally activating the cannabinoid receptors'. To date, two well-established endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), as well as a few other putative ligands, all derived from long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been identified in animal tissues. The biosynthetic and metabolic pathways for anandamide and 2-AG have been elucidated, and most of the enzymes therein involved have been cloned. We now know that CB1 receptors, and endocannabinoids in tissue concentrations sufficient to activate them, are more widely distributed than originally thought, and are found in brain and peripheral organs involved in the control of energy intake and processing, including the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, brainstem, vagus nerve, gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue and liver. Endocannabinoid biosynthetic and inactivating pathways are under the regulation of neuropeptides and hormones involved in energy homeostasis, and endocannabinoid levels are directly affected by the diet. Endocannabinoids, in turn, regulate the expression and action of mediators involved in nutrient intake and processing. These cross-talks are at the basis of the proposed role of endocannabinoid signalling in the control of food intake, from invertebrates to lower vertebrates and mammals, and their perturbation appears to contribute to the development of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Matias
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
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Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous agonists for the two types of cannabinoid receptors identified to date, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors and tissue concentrations of endocannabinoids sufficient to activate them are present in the brain structures controlling energy intake (i.e., the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and nodose ganglion), as well as in all peripheral organs mostly involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis (i.e., the duodenum, small and large intestine, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas and liver). Several peripheral neuropeptides and hormones involved in energy balance, and type of diet, regulate endocannabinoid levels, whereas endocannabinoids, in turn, regulate the expression and release of hypothalamic mediators involved in nutrient intake. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system might contribute to the development of eating disorders and explain why CB1 receptor blockers are efficacious at reducing not only food intake but also the metabolic consequences of visceral adiposity and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Matias
- a Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- b Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
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Valenti M, Cottone E, Martinez R, De Pedro N, Rubio M, Viveros MP, Franzoni MF, Delgado MJ, Di Marzo V. The endocannabinoid system in the brain of Carassius auratus and its possible role in the control of food intake. J Neurochem 2005; 95:662-72. [PMID: 16135090 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03406.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol have been suggested to regulate food intake in several animal phyla. Orthologs of the mammalian cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors have been identified in fish. We investigated the presence of this endocannabinoid system in the brain of the goldfish Carassius auratus and its role in food consumption. CB(1)-like immunoreactivity was distributed throughout the goldfish brain. The prosencephalon showed strong CB(1)-like immunoreactivity in the telencephalon and the inferior lobes of the posterior hypothalamus. Endocannabinoids were detected in all brain regions of C. auratus and an anandamide-hydrolysing enzymatic activity with features similar to those of mammalian fatty acid amide hydrolase was found. Food deprivation for 24 h was accompanied by a significant increase of anandamide, but not 2-arachidonoylglycerol, levels only in the telencephalon. Anandamide caused a dose-dependent effect on food intake within 2 h of intraperitoneal administration to satiated fish and significantly enhanced or reduced food intake at low (1 pg/g body weight) or intermediate (10 pg/g) doses, respectively, the highest dose tested (100 pg/g) being inactive. We suggest that endocannabinoids might variously contribute to adaptive responses to food shortage in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valenti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, C.N.R., Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
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Di Marzo V, Matias I. Endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance. Nat Neurosci 2005; 8:585-9. [PMID: 15856067 DOI: 10.1038/nn1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 518] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 02/21/2005] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana and its major psychotropic component, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, stimulate appetite and increase body weight in wasting syndromes, suggesting that the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor and its endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, are involved in controlling energy balance. The endocannabinoid system controls food intake via both central and peripheral mechanisms, and it may also stimulate lipogenesis and fat accumulation. Here we discuss the multifaceted regulation of energy homeostasis by endocannabinoids, together with its applications to the treatment of eating disorders and metabolic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
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Soderstrom K, Tian Q, Valenti M, Di Marzo V. Endocannabinoids link feeding state and auditory perception-related gene expression. J Neurosci 2005; 24:10013-21. [PMID: 15525787 PMCID: PMC6730237 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3298-04.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Singing by adult male zebra finches is a learned behavior important for courtship, kin recognition, and nest defense (Zann, 1996) and is inhibited by both brief periods of limited food availability and systemic injection of cannabinoids. These similar effects on singing, combined with increasing evidence for endocannabinoid involvement in feeding behavior, led us to evaluate a possible shared mechanism. We found that limited food availability both reduces singing in a cannabinoid antagonist-reversible manner and increases levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonyl glycerol in various brain regions including the caudal telencephalon, an area that contains auditory telencephalon including the L2 subfield of L (L2) and caudal medial nidopallium (NCM). Development and use of an anti-zebra finch cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antibody demonstrates distinct, dense cannabinoid receptor expression within song regions including Area X, lMAN (lateral magnocellular nucleus of anterior nidopallium), HVC, RA (robust nucleus of arcopallium), and L2. NCM receives L2 projections and is implicated in integration of auditory information. Activity in this area, determined through expression of the transcription factor ZENK, is increased after exposure to unfamiliar song. Because previous work has shown that these novel song-stimulated increases in NCM activity are mitigated by cannabinoid exposure, we tested and found that similar effects on ZENK expression are produced by limiting food. Limited food-related reductions in the activity of NCM neurons were reversed by the cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A (N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methylpyrazole-3-carboxamide), implicating CB1 cannabinoid receptor involvement. Taken together, these experiments indicate a link between feeding state and gene expression related to auditory perception that is mediated by endocannabinoid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Soderstrom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.
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Monteleone P, Matias I, Martiadis V, De Petrocellis L, Maj M, Di Marzo V. Blood levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide are increased in anorexia nervosa and in binge-eating disorder, but not in bulimia nervosa. Neuropsychopharmacology 2005; 30:1216-21. [PMID: 15841111 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, consisting of two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and the endogenous ligands anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA)) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), has been shown to control food intake in both animals and humans, modulating either rewarding or quantitative aspects of the eating behavior. Moreover, hypothalamic endocannabinoids seem to be part of neural circuitry involved in the modulating effects of leptin on energy homeostasis. Therefore, alterations of the endocannabinoid system could be involved in the pathophysiology of eating disorders, where a deranged leptin signalling has been also reported. In order to verify this hypothesis, we measured plasma levels of AEA, 2-AG, and leptin in 15 women with anorexia nervosa (AN), 12 women with bulimia nervosa (BN), 11 women with binge-eating disorder (BED), and 15 healthy women. Plasma levels of AEA resulted significantly enhanced in both anorexic and BED women, but not in bulimic patients. No significant change occurred in the plasma levels of 2-AG in all the patients' groups. Moreover, circulating AEA levels were significantly and inversely correlated with plasma leptin concentrations in both healthy controls and anorexic women. These findings show for the first time a derangement in the production of the endogenous cannabinoid AEA in drug-free symptomatic women with AN or with BED. Although the pathophysiological significance of this alteration awaits further studies to be clarified, it suggests a possible involvement of AEA in the mediation of the rewarding aspects of the aberrant eating behaviors occurring in AN and BED.
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Abstract
Obesity has been described as a global epidemic. Its increasing prevalence is matched by growing costs, not only to the health of the individual, but also to the medical services required to treat a range of obesity-related diseases. In most instances, obesity is a product of progressively less energetic lifestyles and the over-consumption of readily available, palatable, and highly caloric foods. Past decades have seen massive investment in the search for effective anti-obesity therapies, so far with limited success. An important part of the process of developing new pharmacologic treatments for obesity lies in improving our understanding of the psychologic and physiologic processes that govern appetite and bodyweight regulation. Recent discoveries concerning the endogenous cannabinoids are beginning to give greater insight into these processes. Current research indicates that endocannabinoids may be key to the appetitive and consummatory aspects of eating motivation, possibly mediating the craving for and enjoyment of the most desired, most fattening foods. Additionally, endocannabinoids appear to modulate central and peripheral processes associated with fat and glucose metabolism. Selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists have been shown to suppress the motivation to eat, and preferentially reduce the consumption of palatable, energy-dense foods. Additionally, these agents act to reduce adiposity through metabolic mechanisms that are independent of changes in food intake. Given the current state of evidence, we conclude that the endocannabinoids represent an exciting target for new anti-obesity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim C Kirkham
- School of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK.
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