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Bellone ML, Syed AA, Vitale RM, Sigismondo G, Mensitieri F, Pollastro F, Amodeo P, Appendino G, De Tommasi N, Krijgsveld J, Piaz FD. Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A activation by cannabidiolic acid alters the protein homeostasis balance in glioblastoma cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2024:132968. [PMID: 38871097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132968] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A (EIF2A) is considered to be primarily responsible for the initiation of translation when a cell is subjected to stressful conditions. However, information regarding this protein is still incomplete. Using a combination of proteomic approaches, we demonstrated that EIF2A is the molecular target of the naturally occurring bioactive compound cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) within human glioblastoma cells. This finding allowed us to undertake a study aimed at obtaining further information on the functions that EIF2A plays in tumor cells. Indeed, our data showed that CBDA is able to activate EIF2A when the cells are in no-stress conditions. It induces conformational changes in the protein structure, thus increasing EIF2A affinity towards the proteins participating in the Eukaryotic Translation Machinery. Consequently, following glioblastoma cells incubation with CBDA we observed an enhanced neosynthesis of proteins involved in the stress response, nucleic acid translation and organization, and protein catabolism. These changes in gene expression resulted in increased levels of ubiquitinated proteins and accumulation of the autophagosome. Our results, in addition to shedding light on the molecular mechanism underlying the biological effect of a phytocannabinoid in cancer cells, demonstrated that EIF2A plays a critical role in regulation of protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azmal Ali Syed
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Gianluca Sigismondo
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Vercelli, Italy
| | | | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Dal Piaz
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.
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2
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Turizo-Smith AD, Córdoba-Hernandez S, Mejía-Guarnizo LV, Monroy-Camacho PS, Rodríguez-García JA. Inflammation and cancer: friend or foe? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1385479. [PMID: 38799159 PMCID: PMC11117078 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1385479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of pathologies like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, since tumor development and chronic inflammation are linked, sharing common signaling pathways. At least 20% of breast and colorectal cancers are associated with chronic inflammation triggered by infections, irritants, or autoimmune diseases. Obesity, chronic inflammation, and cancer interconnection underscore the importance of population-based interventions in maintaining healthy body weight, to disrupt this axis. Given that the dietary inflammatory index is correlated with an increased risk of cancer, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet supplemented with nutraceuticals may be useful for cancer prevention. Natural products and their derivatives offer promising antitumor activity with favorable adverse effect profiles; however, the development of natural bioactive drugs is challenging due to their variability and complexity, requiring rigorous research processes. It has been shown that combining anti-inflammatory products, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and statins, with plant-derived products demonstrate clinical utility as accessible adjuvants to traditional therapeutic approaches, with known safety profiles. Pharmacological approaches targeting multiple proteins involved in inflammation and cancer pathogenesis emerge as a particularly promising option. Given the systemic and multifactorial nature of inflammation, comprehensive strategies are essential for long term success in cancer therapy. To gain insights into carcinogenic phenomena and discover diagnostic or clinically relevant biomarkers, is pivotal to understand genetic variability, environmental exposure, dietary habits, and TME composition, to establish therapeutic approaches based on molecular and genetic analysis. Furthermore, the use of endocannabinoid, cannabinoid, and prostamide-type compounds as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the role of specific etiological agents and mediators contributing to persistent inflammatory reactions in tumor development. It explores potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for cost-effective approaches to address cancer-associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés David Turizo-Smith
- Doctorado en Oncología, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Semillero de Investigación en Cannabis y Derivados (SICAD), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Samantha Córdoba-Hernandez
- Semillero de Investigación en Cannabis y Derivados (SICAD), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lidy Vannessa Mejía-Guarnizo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Maestría en Ciencias, Microbiología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, Colombia
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Mangal N, Reebye V, Habib N, Sodergren MH. Cannabidiol's cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer is induced via an upregulation of ceramide synthase 1 and ER stress. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:22. [PMID: 38720356 PMCID: PMC11077855 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies with a median 5 year-survival rate of 12%. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to exhibit antineoplastic potential and may potentiate the anticancer effects of cytotoxic's such as gemcitabine. CBD therapy has been linked to de novo synthesis of ceramide. The sphingolipid ceramide is a potent tumour suppressor lipid with roles in apoptosis and autophagy. One of the key players involved is ceramide synthase, an enzyme with six isoforms (CerS1-CerS6), reported to have disease prognostic value. Quantitative real time PCR was used to determine mRNA expression levels of ceramide synthase isoforms, GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP. Western blotting was used to analyze protein expression of these markers and knockdown of CerS1 and GRP78 were applied via an siRNA and confirmed by the two mentioned methods. Mice with PDAC xenografts were injected via intraperitoneal method with drugs and tumours were analysed with flow cytometry and processed using H&E and IHC staining. siRNA knockdown of ceramide synthase 1 (CerS1) and analysis point to evidence of a putative CerS1 dependent pathway driven by CBD in activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress target; GRP78. Upon CBD treatment, CerS1 was upregulated and downstream this led to the GRP78/ATF4/CHOP arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway being activated. In an in vivo model of PDAC in which CerS1 was not upregulated on IHC, there was no observed improvement in survival of animals, however a reduction in tumour growth was observed in combination chemotherapy and CBD group, indicating further investigations in vivo. These findings provide evidence of a potential ceramide induced cytotoxic mechanism of action of CBD in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagina Mangal
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine Team, Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK.
| | - Vikash Reebye
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nagy Habib
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Yıldırım S, Ayvaz A, Mermer A, Kocabaş F. Development of novel 1,2,4-triazole containing compounds with anticancer and potent anti-CB1 activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3862-3873. [PMID: 37501561 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2239909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
There is still an unmet need for novel and improved anti-cancer compounds. Nitrogen atoms have heterocyclic ring moieties, which have been shown to have powerful anticancer properties in both natural and synthetic derivatives. Due to their dipole character, hydrogen bonding capacity, rigidity and solubility, 1,2,4-triazoles are particularly effective pharmacophores, interacting with biological receptors with high affinity. Thus, novel 1,2,4-triazole-containing molecular derivatives were synthesized using green chemistry methods, microwave irradiation and ultrasonication, and these methods' operational simplicity and maximum greener synthetic efficiency with green chemistry metrics calculations will be attractive for academic and industrial research and tested against three distinct human cancer cell lines including PANC1 (pancreatic cancer), DU145 (prostate cancer), MCF7 (breast cancer) and one fibroblast cell line (HDF). Here, we showed that compounds 5e and 5f were similar to CB1 antagonists in structure, binding affinity and poses. In addition, compounds 5e-g decreased the viability of pancreatic and prostate cancer cells, albeit with cytotoxicity to HDF cells. The IC50 values for PANC1 cells were between 5.9 and 7.3 µM for compounds 5e-g. Cell cycle analysis showed that the effect of compounds 5e-g in cancer cell growth was largely due to cell cycle arrest at S-phase. In sum, novel 1,2,4-triazole-containing compounds with anticancer and potent anti-CB1 activity have been developed.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sümbül Yıldırım
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Ayvaz
- Department of Chemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Arif Mermer
- Experimental Medicine Application & Research Center, Validebağ Research Park, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- UR22722, LABCİS, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Fatih Kocabaş
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Buchalska B, Kamińska K, Owe-Larsson M, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:223-234. [PMID: 38457018 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Buchalska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland.
| | - Maja Owe-Larsson
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
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Li Y, Sharma A, Hoffmann MJ, Skowasch D, Essler M, Weiher H, Schmidt-Wolf IGH. Discovering single cannabidiol or synergistic antitumor effects of cannabidiol and cytokine-induced killer cells on non-small cell lung cancer cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1268652. [PMID: 38558822 PMCID: PMC10979545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1268652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A multitude of findings from cell cultures and animal studies are available to support the anti-cancer properties of cannabidiol (CBD). Since CBD acts on multiple molecular targets, its clinical adaptation, especially in combination with cancer immunotherapy regimen remains a serious concern. Methods Considering this, we extensively studied the effect of CBD on the cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy approach using multiple non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring diverse genotypes. Results Our analysis showed that, a) The Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 2 (TRPV2) channel was intracellularly expressed both in NSCLC cells and CIK cells. b) A synergistic effect of CIK combined with CBD, resulted in a significant increase in tumor lysis and Interferon gamma (IFN-g) production. c) CBD had a preference to elevate the CD25+CD69+ population and the CD62L_CD45RA+terminal effector memory (EMRA) population in NKT-CIK cells, suggesting early-stage activation and effector memory differentiation in CD3+CD56+ CIK cells. Of interest, we observed that CBD enhanced the calcium influx, which was mediated by the TRPV2 channel and elevated phosphor-Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase (p-ERK) expression directly in CIK cells, whereas ERK selective inhibitor FR180204 inhibited the increasing cytotoxic CIK ability induced by CBD. Further examinations revealed that CBD induced DNA double-strand breaks via upregulation of histone H2AX phosphorylation in NSCLC cells and the migration and invasion ability of NSCLC cells suppressed by CBD were rescued using the TRPV2 antagonist (Tranilast) in the absence of CIK cells. We further investigated the epigenetic effects of this synergy and found that adding CBD to CIK cells decreased the Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1) mRNA expression and the global DNA methylation level in NSCLC cells carrying KRAS mutation. We further investigated the epigenetic effects of this synergy and found that adding CBD to CIK cells decreased the Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1) mRNA expression and the global DNA methylation level in NSCLC cells carrying KRAS mutation. Conclusions Taken together, CBD holds a great potential for treating NSCLC with CIK cell immunotherapy. In addition, we utilized NSCLC with different driver mutations to investigate the efficacy of CBD. Our findings might provide evidence for CBD-personized treatment with NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Li
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michèle J. Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Skowasch
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Essler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hans Weiher
- Department of Applied Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Ingo G. H. Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Rosado‐Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap for the expression of canonical and extended endocannabinoid system receptors and metabolic enzymes in peripheral organs of preclinical animal models. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15947. [PMID: 38408761 PMCID: PMC10896677 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system have not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were no receptors with identical expression patterns among mice (three males and two females), rats (six females), and rhesus macaques (four males). Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Rosado‐Franco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. L. Ellison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - C. J. White
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. S. Price
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - C. F. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bayview CampusBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - R. E. Williams
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - L. B. Fridman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - E. M. Weerts
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - D. W. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Dasram MH, Naidoo P, Walker RB, Khamanga SM. Targeting the Endocannabinoid System Present in the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment as a Potential Anti-Cancer Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1371. [PMID: 38338649 PMCID: PMC10855826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The highly aggressive and invasive glioblastoma (GBM) tumour is the most malignant lesion among adult-type diffuse gliomas, representing the most common primary brain tumour in the neuro-oncology practice of adults. With a poor overall prognosis and strong resistance to treatment, this nervous system tumour requires new innovative treatment. GBM is a polymorphic tumour consisting of an array of stromal cells and various malignant cells contributing to tumour initiation, progression, and treatment response. Cannabinoids possess anti-cancer potencies against glioma cell lines and in animal models. To improve existing treatment, cannabinoids as functionalised ligands on nanocarriers were investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The GBM tumour microenvironment is a multifaceted system consisting of resident or recruited immune cells, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cells, and soluble factors. The immune microenvironment accounts for a substantial volume of GBM tumours. The barriers to the treatment of glioblastoma with cannabinoids, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier and psychoactive and off-target side effects, can be alleviated with the use of nanocarrier drug delivery systems and functionalised ligands for improved specificity and targeting of pharmacological receptors and anti-cancer signalling pathways. This review has shown the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in the tumour microenvironment, which can be used as a potential unique target for specific drug delivery. Existing cannabinoid agents, studied previously, show anti-cancer potencies via signalling pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer. The results of the review can be used to provide guidance in the design of future drug therapy for glioblastoma tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandile M. Khamanga
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa (R.B.W.)
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Shalev N, Kendall M, Kumar N, Tiwari S, Anil SM, Hauschner H, Swamy SG, Doron-Faingenboim A, Belausov E, Kendall BE, Koltai H. Integrated transcriptome and cell phenotype analysis suggest involvement of PARP1 cleavage, Hippo/Wnt, TGF-β and MAPK signaling pathways in ovarian cancer cells response to cannabis and PARP1 inhibitor treatment. Front Genet 2024; 15:1333964. [PMID: 38322025 PMCID: PMC10844430 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1333964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis sativa is utilized mainly for palliative care worldwide. Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal gynecologic cancer. A particular cannabis extract fraction ('F7') and the Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitor niraparib act synergistically to promote OC cell apoptosis. Here we identified genetic pathways that are altered by the synergistic treatment in OC cell lines Caov3 and OVCAR3. Materials and methods: Gene expression profiles were determined by RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR. Microscopy was used to determine actin arrangement, a scratch assay to determine cell migration and flow cytometry to determine apoptosis, cell cycle and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Western blotting was used to determine protein levels. Results: Gene expression results suggested variations in gene expression between the two cell lines examined. Multiple genetic pathways, including Hippo/Wnt, TGF-β/Activin and MAPK were enriched with genes differentially expressed by niraparib and/or F7 treatments in both cell lines. Niraparib + F7 treatment led to cell cycle arrest and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inhibited cell migration, reduced the % of ALDH positive cells in the population and enhanced PARP1 cleavage. Conclusion: The synergistic effect of the niraparib + F7 may result from the treatment affecting multiple genetic pathways involving cell death and reducing mesenchymal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Shalev
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Navin Kumar
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Sudeep Tiwari
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Seegehalli M. Anil
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Hagit Hauschner
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Savvemala G. Swamy
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Adi Doron-Faingenboim
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Eduard Belausov
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Hinanit Koltai
- Volcani Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Institute of Plant Science, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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10
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Bathula PP, Maciver MB. Cannabinoids in Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Cancer-Associated Pain, and Tumor Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:74. [PMID: 38203245 PMCID: PMC10779013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, and recent research indicates promising new uses in medicine. So far, some studies have shown cannabinoids to be safe in helping mitigate some cancer-associated complications, including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, cancer-associated pain, and tumor growth. Researchers have been particularly interested in the potential uses of cannabinoids in treating cancer due to their ability to regulate cancer-related cell cycle pathways, prompting many beneficial effects, such as tumor growth prevention, cell cycle obstruction, and cell death. Cannabinoids have been found to affect tumors of the brain, prostate, colon and rectum, breast, uterus, cervix, thyroid, skin, pancreas, and lymph. However, the full potential of cannabinoids is yet to be understood. This review discusses current knowledge on the promising applications of cannabinoids in treating three different side effects of cancer-chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, cancer-associated pain, and tumor development. The findings suggest that cannabinoids can be used to address some side effects of cancer and to limit the growth of tumors, though a lack of supporting clinical trials presents a challenge for use on actual patients. An additional challenge will be examining whether any of the over one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids or dozens of synthetic compounds also exhibit useful clinical properties. Currently, clinical trials are underway; however, no regulatory agencies have approved cannabinoid use for any cancer symptoms beyond antinausea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Bruce Maciver
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA;
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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Suttithumsatid W, Sukketsiri W, Panichayupakaranant P. Cannabinoids and standardized cannabis extracts inhibit migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through FAK/MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 93:105667. [PMID: 37625625 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the highest incidence of all types of cancer in women, and the cancer metastasis process accounts for a majority of cancer deaths. Two major cannabinoids, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), from Cannabis sativa are expected to have anti-cancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of THC, CBD, and standardized cannabis extracts (F1, F2, and F3) on migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. METHODS Cell viability, survival, and apoptosis were determined using the MTT, clonogenic, and nuclear staining assays, respectively, while cancer cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the wound healing, trans-well, and filopodia assays. Western blot analysis was used to find out the mechanisms of the cannabinoids against MCF-7 cells. RESULTS CBD, THC, and F1 inhibited filopodia formation, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 cells through suppressing the expression of the FAK, Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPKs, and NF-κB upstream pathways, as well as inhibiting the Rac1/Cdc42 downstream pathways. In addition, CBD significantly inhibited the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, CBD and F1 induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via the Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathways. CONCLUSION These results indicate that THC, CBD, and F1 have great abilities for preventing breast cancer cell metastasis in in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiwit Suttithumsatid
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai 90112, Thailand
| | - Wanida Sukketsiri
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Hat-Yai 90112, Thailand
| | - Pharkphoom Panichayupakaranant
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai 90112, Thailand; Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai 90112, Thailand.
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Śledziński P, Nowak-Terpiłowska A, Rzymski P, Słomski R, Zeyland J. In Vitro Evidence of Selective Pro-Apoptotic Action of the Pure Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Rich Extract. Molecules 2023; 28:7887. [PMID: 38067615 PMCID: PMC10708261 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant cannabinoids, secondary metabolites of species belonging to the Cannabis genus, can mimic the endocannabinoids' action and exert biological effects. Considering the contribution of the endocannabinoid system in cell cycle and apoptotic regulation, there is an interest in exploring the potential anti-cancer activities of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD), an abundant plant cannabinoid, reveals a low affinity to cannabinoid receptors and, contrary to various cannabinoids, lacks psychoactive action. Here, we present the in vitro assessment of the pro-apoptototic potential of CBD-rich extracts of Cannabis sativa L. (eCBD) compared to purified CBD (pCBD). As demonstrated, both eCBD and pCBD decreased the viability of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis and morphological changes were induced only in low-serum conditions. Moreover, the effects of eCDB and pCDB were also assessed in non-malignant cell lines (MCF-10A and PNT2) with no alterations of viability noted, ultimately suggesting a selective action of CBD in tumor cells. The results suggest the possible involvement of reactive oxygen species in the response mechanism to eCBD and pCBD, but no clear pattern was observed. We also demonstrated significant changes in gene expression involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control upon extract treatment. Altogether, our study shows the potential of eCBD and pCBD as novel pro-apoptototic agents that can be considered promising in future preclinical and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Śledziński
- Department of RNA Structure and Function, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nowak-Terpiłowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd Street 11, 60-632 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska Street 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zeyland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd Street 11, 60-632 Poznan, Poland;
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Tarasiuk A, Mirocha G, Fichna J. Current status of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Interventions in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer - An Overview. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1852-1869. [PMID: 38079061 PMCID: PMC10781793 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the deadliest cancer worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed at the advanced or metastatic stage, leading to a poor prognosis. Awareness of the limitations of current therapy and accompanying pain, depression, malnutrition, and side effects of chemoradiotherapy may lead patients and physicians towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM refers to a diverse set of medical and healthcare practices, products, and systems that are not part of conventional Western medicine. Despite the low-quality evidence supporting the efficacy of these methods, they remain appealing due to patients' beliefs, fear of death, and the slow development of conventional therapy. Hence, the possibility of using natural products for pancreatic cancer is increasing. CAM options such as: medical cannabis, plants, fungi, herbal formulas, and injections, which originate primarily from traditional Chinese or Japanese medicine i.e. Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Hochuekkito, Juzentaihoto, and Rikkunshito, Shi-quan-da-bu-tang/TJ-48, Huang-qin-tang, Shuangbai San, Wen Jing Zhi Tong Fang, Xiang-Sha-Liu-jun-zi-tang, Aidi injection, Brucea javanica oil emulsion/Yadanziyouru injection, Compound Kushen injection, Huachansu injection, Kangai injection and Kanglaite injections are becoming promising candidates for the management of pancreatic cancer. The abovementioned substances/medications are the most popular or potentially effective in PC treatment and consequently CAM-based adjuvant therapy through improving patients' quality of life, might be a useful addition in the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Tarasiuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Mirocha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Fichna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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15
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Leinen ZJ, Mohan R, Premadasa LS, Acharya A, Mohan M, Byrareddy SN. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2630. [PMID: 37893004 PMCID: PMC10604755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, cannabis has been valued for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese medicines recognized their therapeutic potential. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabis phytoconstituents, has scientifically explained how cannabis affects the human immune system, including the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores the evolving world of cannabis-based treatments, spotlighting its diverse applications. By researching current research and clinical studies, we probe into how cannabinoids like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) help to manage conditions ranging from chronic pain, persistent inflammation, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders to even viral diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2. and the emerging monkeypox. The long-term recreational use of cannabis can develop into cannabis use disorder (CUD), and therefore, understanding the factors contributing to the development and maintenance of cannabis addiction, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological mechanisms, and environmental influences, will be timely. Shedding light on the adverse impacts of CUD underscores the importance of early intervention, effective treatment approaches, and public health initiatives to address this complex issue in an evolving landscape of cannabis policies and perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach J. Leinen
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Rahul Mohan
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Lakmini S. Premadasa
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA; (L.S.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA; (L.S.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
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16
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Delre P, Contino M, Alberga D, Saviano M, Corriero N, Mangiatordi GF. ALPACA: A machine Learning Platform for Affinity and selectivity profiling of CAnnabinoids receptors modulators. Comput Biol Med 2023; 164:107314. [PMID: 37572442 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of small molecules that selectively target the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) is emerging as an intriguing therapeutic strategy to treat neurodegeneration, as well as to contrast the onset and progression of cancer. In this context, in-silico tools able to predict CB2R affinity and selectivity with respect to the subtype 1 (CB1R), whose modulation is responsible for undesired psychotropic effects, are highly desirable. In this work, we developed a series of machine learning classifiers trained on high-quality bioactivity data of small molecules acting on CB2R and/or CB1R extracted from ChEMBL v30. Our classifiers showed strong predictive power in accurately determining CB2R affinity, CB1R affinity, and CB2R/CB1R selectivity. Among the built models, those obtained using random forest as algorithm proved to be the top-performing ones (AUC in validation ≥0.96) and were made freely accessible through a user-friendly web platform developed ad hoc and called ALPACA (https://www.ba.ic.cnr.it/softwareic/alpaca/). Due to its user-friendly interface and robust predictive power, ALPACA can be a valuable tool in saving both time and resources involved in the design of selective CB2R modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Delre
- CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via E. Orabona, 4, I-70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Alberga
- CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Corriero
- CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126, Bari, Italy.
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Stone HV, Topping FJ, Veiga AX, Pop A, Miles D, Knych D, Warren J, Loft MS, López AM, Silcock A, Mann IS, Millet A. Diastereoselective and Scalable Synthesis of 6-( S)-Hydroxycannabidivarin. J Org Chem 2023; 88:11767-11777. [PMID: 37525362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of 6-(S)-hydroxycannabidivarin was required to assess its biological activity in the treatment of neurological disorders. A novel and scalable synthesis has been developed where the key step involves a Friedel-Crafts alkylation of phloroglucinol with (1S,2R,5R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-en-1-ylbenzoate. Careful optimization of the reaction conditions identified trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in isopropyl acetate as the best catalyst/solvent combination, providing optimum regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and yield for this step. This enabled the multigram synthesis of 6-(S)-hydroxycannabidivarin in 10 steps from S-(+)-carvone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah V Stone
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Frederick J Topping
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Alberte X Veiga
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Alexandru Pop
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Daniel Miles
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Dominika Knych
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - John Warren
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Michael S Loft
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Alejandro Montellano López
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Alan Silcock
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Inderjit S Mann
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
| | - Antoine Millet
- Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc., Building 735, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8AG, U.K
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Tong Z, Esser L, Galettis P, Rudd D, Easton CD, Nilghaz A, Peng B, Zhu D, Thissen H, Martin JH, Voelcker NH. Fluoropolymer Functionalization of Organ-on-Chip Platform Increases Detection Sensitivity for Cannabinoids. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:779. [PMID: 37622865 PMCID: PMC10452156 DOI: 10.3390/bios13080779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is applied across various research areas including organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. The main material used for microfluidics is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone elastomer material that is biocompatible, transparent, and easy to use for OOC systems with well-defined microstructures. However, PDMS-based OOC systems can absorb hydrophobic and small molecules, making it difficult and erroneous to make quantitative analytical assessments for such compounds. In this paper, we explore the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, poly(4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon™ AF 2400), with excellent "non-stick" properties to functionalize OOC systems. Cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), are classes of hydrophobic compounds with a great potential for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, and cancer. By using CBD as a testing compound, we examined and systematically quantified CBD absorption into PDMS by means of an LC-MS/MS analysis. In comparison to the unmodified PDMS microchannels, an increase of approximately 30× in the CBD signal was detected with the fluoropolymer surface modification after 3 h of static incubation. Under perfusion conditions, we observed an increase of nearly 15× in the CBD signals from the surface-modified microchannels than from the unmodified microchannels. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that fluoropolymer-modified microchannels are compatible for culturing hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells and for CBD perfusion experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiu Tong
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Lars Esser
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Peter Galettis
- Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Centre Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - David Rudd
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Christopher D. Easton
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Azadeh Nilghaz
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Pounds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Bo Peng
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Douer Zhu
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Helmut Thissen
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Jennifer H. Martin
- Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Centre Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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19
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Creanga-Murariu I, Filipiuc LE, Cuciureanu M, Tamba BI, Alexa-Stratulat T. Should oncologists trust cannabinoids? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211506. [PMID: 37521486 PMCID: PMC10373070 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis enjoyed a "golden age" as a medicinal product in the late 19th, early 20th century, but the increased risk of overdose and abuse led to its criminalization. However, the 21st century have witnessed a resurgence of interest and a large body of literature regarding the benefits of cannabinoids have emerged. As legalization and decriminalization have spread around the world, cancer patients are increasingly interested in the potential utility of cannabinoids. Although eager to discuss cannabis use with their oncologist, patients often find them to be reluctant, mainly because clinicians are still not convinced by the existing evidence-based data to guide their treatment plans. Physicians should prescribe cannabis only if a careful explanation can be provided and follow up response evaluation ensured, making it mandatory for them to be up to date with the positive and also negative aspects of the cannabis in the case of cancer patients. Consequently, this article aims to bring some clarifications to clinicians regarding the sometimes-confusing various nomenclature under which this plant is mentioned, current legislation and the existing evidence (both preclinical and clinical) for the utility of cannabinoids in cancer patients, for either palliation of the associated symptoms or even the potential antitumor effects that cannabinoids may have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Creanga-Murariu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
- Oncology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Leontina Elena Filipiuc
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Magda Cuciureanu
- Pharmacology Department, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
- Pharmacology Department, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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21
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Lachowicz J, Szopa A, Ignatiuk K, Świąder K, Serefko A. Zebrafish as an Animal Model in Cannabinoid Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10455. [PMID: 37445631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310455] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are active substances present in plants of the Cannabis genus. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved several medicinal products containing natural cannabinoids or their synthetic derivatives for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and the alleviation of symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. In fact, cannabinoids constitute a broad group of molecules with a possible therapeutic potential that could be used in the management of much more diseases than mentioned above; therefore, multiple preclinical and clinical studies on cannabinoids have been carried out in recent years. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an animal model that has gained more attention lately due to its numerous advantages, including easy and fast reproduction, the significant similarity of the zebrafish genome to the human one, simplicity of genetic modifications, and body transparency during the early stages of development. A number of studies have confirmed the usefulness of this model in toxicological research, experiments related to the impact of early life exposure to xenobiotics, modeling various diseases, and screening tests to detect active substances with promising biological activity. The present paper focuses on the current knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in the zebrafish model, and it summarizes the results and observations from studies investigating the pharmacological effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids that were carried out in Danio rerio. The presented data support the notion that the zebrafish model is a suitable animal model for use in cannabinoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lachowicz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ignatiuk
- Scientific Circle, Department of Clincal Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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22
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Persia D, Mangiavacchi F, Marcotullio MC, Rosati O. Cannabinoids as multifaceted compounds. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 212:113718. [PMID: 37196772 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, Cannabis and its preparations have found various applications such as for medical, recreational and industrial purposes. Subsequently the 1930s, legislation in many countries has restricted its use due to its psychotropic properties. More recently, the discovery of endocannabinoid system, including new receptors, ligands, and mediators, its role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body and the possible implication in various physiological and pathophysiological processes has also been understood. Based on this evidence, researchers were able to develop new therapeutic targets for the treatment of various pathological disorders. For this purpose, Cannabis and cannabinoids were subjected for the evaluation of their pharmacological activities. The renewed interest in the medical use of cannabis for its potential therapeutic application has prompted legislators to take action to regulate the safe use of cannabis and products containing cannabinoids. However, each country has an enormous heterogeneity in the regulation of laws. Here, we are pleased to show a general and prevailing overview of the findings regarding cannabinoids and the multiple research fields such as chemistry, phytochemistry, pharmacology and analytics in which they are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Persia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mangiavacchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy; Current Address: Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', Via Della Lastruccia, 16 - Università Degli Studi di Firenze, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Marcotullio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ornelio Rosati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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23
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Woerdenbag HJ, Olinga P, Kok EA, Brugman DAP, van Ark UF, Ramcharan AS, Lebbink PW, Hoogwater FJH, Knapen DG, de Groot DJA, Nijkamp MW. Potential, Limitations and Risks of Cannabis-Derived Products in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072119. [PMID: 37046779 PMCID: PMC10093248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of cannabis products in oncology receives interest, especially from patients. Despite the plethora of research data available, the added value in curative or palliative cancer care and the possible risks involved are insufficiently proven and therefore a matter of debate. We aim to give a recommendation on the position of cannabis products in clinical oncology by assessing recent literature. Various types of cannabis products, characteristics, quality and pharmacology are discussed. Standardisation is essential for reliable and reproducible quality. The oromucosal/sublingual route of administration is preferred over inhalation and drinking tea. Cannabinoids may inhibit efflux transporters and drug-metabolising enzymes, possibly inducing pharmacokinetic interactions with anticancer drugs being substrates for these proteins. This may enhance the cytostatic effect and/or drug-related adverse effects. Reversely, it may enable dose reduction. Similar interactions are likely with drugs used for symptom management treating pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Cannabis products are usually well tolerated and may improve the quality of life of patients with cancer (although not unambiguously proven). The combination with immunotherapy seems undesirable because of the immunosuppressive action of cannabinoids. Further clinical research is warranted to scientifically support (refraining from) using cannabis products in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman J. Woerdenbag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen A. Kok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Donald A. P. Brugman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike F. van Ark
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul W. Lebbink
- Transvaal Apotheek, Kempstraat 113, 2572 GC Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik J. H. Hoogwater
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan G. Knapen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Jan A. de Groot
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W. Nijkamp
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Sánchez-Sánchez L, García J, Fernández R, Noskova E, Egiguren-Ortiz J, Gulak M, Ochoa E, Laso A, Oiarbide M, Santos JI, Fe Andrés M, González-Coloma A, Adell A, Astigarraga E, Barreda-Gómez G. Characterization of the Antitumor Potential of Extracts of Cannabis sativa Strains with High CBD Content in Human Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043837. [PMID: 36835247 PMCID: PMC9964014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for decades as a palliative therapy in the treatment of cancer. This is because of its beneficial effects on the pain and nausea that patients can experience as a result of chemo/radiotherapy. Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the main compounds present in Cannabis sativa, and both exert their actions through a receptor-mediated mechanism and through a non-receptor-mediated mechanism, which modulates the formation of reactive oxygen species. These oxidative stress conditions might trigger lipidic changes, which would compromise cell membrane stability and viability. In this sense, numerous pieces of evidence describe a potential antitumor effect of cannabinoid compounds in different types of cancer, although controversial results limit their implementation. In order to further investigate the possible mechanism involved in the antitumoral effects of cannabinoids, three extracts isolated from Cannabis sativa strains with high cannabidiol content were analyzed. Cell mortality, cytochrome c oxidase activity and the lipid composition of SH-SY5Y cells were determined in the absence and presence of specific cannabinoid ligands, with and without antioxidant pre-treatment. The cell mortality induced by the extracts in this study appeared to be related to the inhibition of the cytochrome c oxidase activity and to the THC concentration. This effect on cell viability was similar to that observed with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2. The effect was partially blocked by the selective CB1 antagonist AM281, and the antioxidant α-tocopherol. Moreover, certain membrane lipids were affected by the extracts, which demonstrated the importance of oxidative stress in the potential antitumoral effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sánchez-Sánchez
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Unidad de Excelencia, Universidad de Valladolid-CSIC, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier García
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Fernández
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ekaterina Noskova
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - June Egiguren-Ortiz
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Eneko Ochoa
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Research and Development Division, AleoVitro, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Antonio Laso
- Research and Development Division, AleoVitro, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Mikel Oiarbide
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Santos
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - María Fe Andrés
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Azucena González-Coloma
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Adell
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Gabriel Barreda-Gómez
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-94-4316-577; Fax: +34-94-6013-455
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25
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Blal K, Besser E, Procaccia S, Schwob O, Lerenthal Y, Abu Tair J, Meiri D, Benny O. The Effect of Cannabis Plant Extracts on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Quest for Cannabis-Based Personalized Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020497. [PMID: 36672446 PMCID: PMC9856564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa plants have a wide diversity in their metabolite composition among their different chemovars, facilitating diverse anti-tumoral effects on cancer cells. This research examined the anti-tumoral effects of 24 cannabis extracts representative of three primary types of chemovars on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The chemical composition of the extracts was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). The most potent anti-tumoral extracts were type III decarboxylated extracts, with high levels of Cannabidiol (CBD). We identified extract 296 (CAN296) as the most potent in inducing HNSCC cell death via proapoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. Using chemical fractionation of CAN296, we identified the CBD fraction as the primary inducer of the anti-tumoral activity. We succeeded in defining the combination of CBD with cannabichromene (CBC) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in minute concentrations in the extract, yielding a synergic impact that mimics the extract's full effect. The cytotoxic effect could be maximized by combining CBD with either CBC or THC in a ratio of 2:1. This research suggests using decarboxylated CBD-type extracts enriched with CBC for future preclinical trials aimed at HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kifah Blal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112002, Israel
| | - Elazar Besser
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Shiri Procaccia
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Ouri Schwob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112002, Israel
| | | | - Jawad Abu Tair
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - David Meiri
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +972-52-5330031 (D.M.); +972-52-8461462 (O.B.)
| | - Ofra Benny
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112002, Israel
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +972-52-5330031 (D.M.); +972-52-8461462 (O.B.)
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26
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Boyacıoğlu Ö, Korkusuz P. Cannabinoids as Prospective Anti-Cancer Drugs: Mechanism of Action in Healthy and Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:145-169. [PMID: 36396926 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids modulate many physiological and pathological processes by binding classical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) or 2 (CB2) or non-cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are known to exert antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effect on cancer cells by inducing or inhibiting various signaling cascades. In this chapter, we specifically emphasize the latest research works about the alterations in endocannabinoid system (ECS) components in malignancies and cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy, and death by cannabinoid administration, emphasizing their mechanism of action, and give a future perspective for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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27
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Dysgeusia in Patients with Breast Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15010226. [PMID: 36615883 PMCID: PMC9823517 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010226] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy (CT) is essential for the treatment of BC, but is often accompanied by several side effects, including taste alterations, due to different mechanisms. Although dysgeusia is usually underestimated by clinicians, it is considered very worrying and disturbing by cancer patients undergoing CT, because it induces changes in dietary choices and social habits, affecting their physical and psychological health, with a profound impact on their quality of life. Several strategies and therapies have been proposed to prevent or alleviate CT-induced dysgeusia. This review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical consequences, and strategies for managing dysgeusia in BC patients receiving CT. We queried the National Library of Medicine, the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, performing a search strategy using database-specific keywords. We found that the literature on this topic is scarce, methodologically limited, and highly heterogeneous in terms of study design and criteria for patient inclusion, making it difficult to obtain definitive results and make recommendations for clinical practice.
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28
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Ochoa SV, Casas Z, Albarracín SL, Sutachan JJ, Torres YP. Therapeutic potential of TRPM8 channels in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1098448. [PMID: 37033630 PMCID: PMC10073478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1098448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial process associated with changes in signaling pathways leading to cell cycle variations and gene expression. The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel is a non-selective cation channel expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, where it is involved in several processes, including thermosensation, differentiation, and migration. Cancer is a multifactorial process associated with changes in signaling pathways leading to variations in cell cycle and gene expression. Interestingly, it has been shown that TRPM8 channels also participate in physiological processes related to cancer, such as proliferation, survival, and invasion. For instance, TRPM8 channels have an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. In addition, it has been reported that TRPM8 channels are involved in the progress of pancreatic, breast, bladder, colon, gastric, and skin cancers, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of TRPM8 channels in cancer progression. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of TRPM8 in carcinogenesis, which has been proposed as a molecular target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara V. Ochoa
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Semillero de Investigación, Biofísica y Fisiología de Canales Iónicos, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Sara V. Ochoa, ; Yolima P. Torres,
| | - Zulma Casas
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia L. Albarracín
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhon Jairo Sutachan
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yolima P. Torres
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Sara V. Ochoa, ; Yolima P. Torres,
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29
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Aziz AI, Nguyen LC, Oumeslakht L, Bensussan A, Ben Mkaddem S. Cannabinoids as Immune System Modulators: Cannabidiol Potential Therapeutic Approaches and Limitations. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 8:254-269. [PMID: 36413346 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant Phytocannabinoid in Cannabis extracts. CBD has a binding affinity for several cannabinoid and cannabinoid-associated receptors. Epidiolex (oral CBD solution) has been lately licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pediatric epileptic seizures. Methods: In this review, we discussed the most promising applications of CBD for chronic inflammatory conditions, namely CBD's anti-inflammatory effects during inflammatory bowel disease, coronavirus disease (antiviral effect), brain pathologies (neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties), as well as CBD immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities in the tumor microenvironment. Special focus was shed on the main therapeutic mechanisms of action of CBD, particularly in the control of the immune system and the endocannabinoid system. Results: Findings suggest that CBD is a potent immunomodulatory drug as it has manifested immunosuppressive properties in the context of sterile inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases), and immunoprotective effects during viral infections (e.g. COVID-19) Similarly, CBD has exhibited a selective response toward cancer types by engaging different targets and signaling pathways. These results are in favor of the primary function of the endocannabinoid system which is homeostatic maintenance. Conclusion: The presented evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system is a prominent target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid diseases, viral infections, neurological and psychological pathologies, and cancer. Moreover, the antitumoral activities of CBD have been suggested to be potentially used in combination with chemo- or immunotherapy during cancer. However, clinical results are still lacking, which raises a challenge to apply translational cannabis research to the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-ilah Aziz
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Long Chi Nguyen
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Loubna Oumeslakht
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Armand Bensussan
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
- Onco-Dermatology and Therapies, INSERM UMRS976, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Sanae Ben Mkaddem
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
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30
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Kulshreshtha A, Sharma S, Padilla CS, Mandadi KK. Plant-based expression platforms to produce high-value metabolites and proteins. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1043478. [PMID: 36426139 PMCID: PMC9679013 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1043478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based heterologous expression systems can be leveraged to produce high-value therapeutics, industrially important proteins, metabolites, and bioproducts. The production can be scaled up, free from pathogen contamination, and offer post-translational modifications to synthesize complex proteins. With advancements in molecular techniques, transgenics, CRISPR/Cas9 system, plant cell, tissue, and organ culture, significant progress has been made to increase the expression of recombinant proteins and important metabolites in plants. Methods are also available to stabilize RNA transcripts, optimize protein translation, engineer proteins for their stability, and target proteins to subcellular locations best suited for their accumulation. This mini-review focuses on recent advancements to enhance the production of high-value metabolites and proteins necessary for therapeutic applications using plants as bio-factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Kulshreshtha
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, United States
| | - Shweta Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Dr. GCN College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
| | - Carmen S. Padilla
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, United States
| | - Kranthi K. Mandadi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, United States
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, TX, United States
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Cherkasova V, Wang B, Gerasymchuk M, Fiselier A, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Treatment of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5142. [PMID: 36291926 PMCID: PMC9600568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an ancient homeostasis mechanism operating from embryonic stages to adulthood. It controls the growth and development of many cells and cell lineages. Dysregulation of the components of the ECS may result in uncontrolled proliferation, adhesion, invasion, inhibition of apoptosis and increased vascularization, leading to the development of various malignancies. Cancer is the disease of uncontrolled cell division. In this review, we will discuss whether the changes to the ECS are a cause or a consequence of malignization and whether different tissues react differently to changes in the ECS. We will discuss the potential use of cannabinoids for treatment of cancer, focusing on primary outcome/care-tumor shrinkage and eradication, as well as secondary outcome/palliative care-improvement of life quality, including pain, appetite, sleep, and many more factors. Finally, we will complete this review with the chapter on sex- and gender-specific differences in ECS and response to cannabinoids, and equality of the access to treatments with cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Cherkasova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Anna Fiselier
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabinoids: An Updated Review with Future Perspectives and Current Challenges. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101228. [PMID: 36297340 PMCID: PMC9607911 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new antibiotics is urgently needed to combat the threat of bacterial resistance. New classes of compounds that have novel properties are urgently needed for the development of effective antimicrobial agents. The extract of Cannabis sativa L. has been used to treat multiple ailments since ancient times. Its bioactivity is largely attributed to the cannabinoids found in its plant. Researchers are currently searching for new anti-infective agents that can treat various infections. Although its phytocannabinoid ingredients have a wide range of medical benefits beyond the treatment of infections, they are primarily associated to psychotropic effects. Different cannabinoids have been demonstrated to be helpful against harmful bacteria, including Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, combination therapy involving the use of different antibiotics has shown synergism and broad-spectrum activity. The purpose of this review is to gather current data on the actions of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) extracts and its primary constituents such as terpenes and cannabinoids towards pathogens in order to determine their antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects together with current challenges and future perspectives in biomedical application.
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Hanganu B, Lazar DE, Manoilescu IS, Mocanu V, Butcovan D, Buhas CL, Szalontay AS, Ioan BG. Controversial Link between Cannabis and Anticancer Treatments-Where Are We and Where Are We Going? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164057. [PMID: 36011049 PMCID: PMC9406903 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the field of oncology, preclinical research has shown that cannabis and cannabinoids modulate signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, programmed cell death, and metastasis. Based on these findings, as medical cannabis becomes legal in more and more countries, cancer patients and their families are increasingly interested in the potential benefits of herbal medicine as an element of complementary and alternative medicine in their treatment. Although its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in preclinical studies, clinical trials with cancer patients are lacking. To draw clear conclusions, we await the results of further prospective and randomized studies on this clinically relevant topic. Abstract Background and Objectives: Cannabinoids are currently used in cancer patients primarily for their pain-relieving and antiemetic properties. The aim of our review was to synthesize all available data of studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis in combination with oncological treatments in cancer patients and to explore ongoing studies with different goals and medical areas registered in the field of oncology worldwide. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A search using MEDLINE/PubMed database was performed between 1 January 2006 and 1 March 2022. Search terms included the following: cannabidiol, cannabis, CBD, dronabinol, endocannabinoids, medical marijuana, nabiximols, nabilone, THC, and cancer. All studies that examined the efficacy of cannabis administered during oncological treatments, regardless of cancer localization, subtype, and sample size, were considered eligible. Results: In three studies, cannabis was administered to patients with glioblastoma, and in two other studies, cannabis was used in combination with immunotherapy in various cancer subgroups. The results of the clinical trials in cancer patients are not sufficient to draw conclusions at this time. Interestingly, several other studies addressing the systemic effects of cannabinoids in cancer patients are currently listed in the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s registry on the ClinicalTrials.gov website. However, only one of the registered studies examined the efficacy of cannabinoids as a potential option for systemic cancer treatment. Conclusions: Although cannabis is touted to the public as a cancer cure, clinical trials need to clarify which combinations of chemotherapeutic agents with cannabinoids are useful for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Hanganu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Diana Elena Lazar
- Department of Oncology, Municipal Hospital “St. Hierarch Dr. Luca”, 601048 Onesti, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-747-693-883
| | - Irina Smaranda Manoilescu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Veronica Mocanu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences (Pathophysiology), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Doina Butcovan
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences (Morphopathology), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pathology, “Prof. George Georgescu” Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 50, Carol I Avenue, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Camelia Liana Buhas
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Andreea Silvana Szalontay
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Beatrice Gabriela Ioan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Colvin EK, Hudson AL, Anderson LL, Kumar RP, McGregor IS, Howell VM, Arnold JC. An Examination of the Anti-Cancer Properties of Plant Cannabinoids in Preclinical Models of Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153813. [PMID: 35954477 PMCID: PMC9367527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mesothelioma is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant are garnering interest for their anti-cancer properties, however very little is known about their effects in mesothelioma. We aimed to assess whether phytocannabinoids have anti-cancer effects in mesothelioma and potential modes of action. We showed that several phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of mesothelioma cells, with two phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), being the most potent. CBD and CBG also inhibited mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. Gene expression analysis highlighted signalling pathways that play a role in how CBD and CBG may exert their anti-cancer effects. CBD and CBG were unable to increase survival in a rat model of mesothelioma but this may be due to limitations in the drug delivery method. Abstract Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Phytocannabinoids possess anti-tumour and palliative properties in multiple cancers, however their effects in mesothelioma are unknown. We investigated the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of action for several phytocannabinoids in mesothelioma cell lines. A panel of 13 phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of human (MSTO and H2452) and rat (II-45) mesothelioma cells in vitro, and cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) were the most potent compounds. Treatment with CBD or CBG resulted in G0/G1 arrest, delayed entry into S phase and induced apoptosis. CBD and CBG also significantly reduced mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. These effects were supported by changes in the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, and cell movement following CBD or CBG treatment. Gene expression levels of CNR1, GPR55, and 5HT1A also increased with CBD or CBG treatment. However, treatment with CBD or CBG in a syngeneic orthotopic rat mesothelioma model was unable to increase survival. Our data show that cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects on mesothelioma cells in vitro and alternatives of drug delivery may be needed to enhance their effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Colvin
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Hudson
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
| | - Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Ramyashree Prasanna Kumar
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Viive M. Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
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Pathak N, Singh P, Singh PK, Sharma S, Singh RP, Gupta A, Mishra R, Mishra VK, Tripathi M. Biopolymeric nanoparticles based effective delivery of bioactive compounds toward the sustainable development of anticancerous therapeutics. Front Nutr 2022; 9:963413. [PMID: 35911098 PMCID: PMC9334696 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.963413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, effective cancer therapy is a global concern, and recent advances in nanomedicine are crucial. Cancer is one of the major fatal diseases and a leading cause of death globally. Nanotechnology provides rapidly evolving delivery systems in science for treating diseases in a site-specific manner using natural bioactive compounds, which are gaining widespread attention. Nanotechnology combined with bioactives is a very appealing and relatively new area in cancer treatment. Natural bioactive compounds have the potential to be employed as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer, in addition to their nutritional benefits. Alginate, pullulan, cellulose, polylactic acid, chitosan, and other biopolymers have been effectively used in the delivery of therapeutics to a specific site. Because of their biodegradability, biopolymeric nanoparticles (BNPs) have received a lot of attention in the development of new anticancer drug delivery systems. Biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems can be made in a variety of ways. These systems have developed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to boost treatment efficacy. Effective drug delivery systems with improved availability, increased selectivity, and lower toxicity are needed. Recent research findings and current knowledge on the use of BNPs in the administration of bioactive chemicals in cancer therapy are summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Pankaj Singh
- Biotechnology Programme, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Swati Sharma
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajat Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | - Anmol Gupta
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Richa Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Manikant Tripathi
- Biotechnology Programme, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
- *Correspondence: Manikant Tripathi
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Cannabidiol Antiproliferative Effect in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells Is Modulated by Its Physical State and by IGF-1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137145. [PMID: 35806150 PMCID: PMC9266539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that has been discussed for its safety and efficacy in cancer treatments. For this reason, we have inquired into its use on triple-negative human breast cancer. Analyzing the biological effects of CBD on MDA-MB-231, we have demonstrated that both CBD dosage and serum concentrations in the culture medium influence its outcomes; furthermore, light scattering studies demonstrated that serum impacts the CBD aggregation state by acting as a surfactant agent. Pharmacological studies on CBD in combination with chemotherapeutic agents reveal that CBD possesses a protective action against the cytotoxic effect exerted by cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 grown in standard conditions. Furthermore, in a low serum condition (0.5%), starting from a threshold concentration (5 µM), CBD forms aggregates, exerts cytostatic antiproliferative outcomes, and promotes cell cycle arrest activating autophagy. At doses above the threshold, CBD exerts a highly cytotoxic effect inducing bubbling cell death. Finally, IGF-1 and EGF antagonize the antiproliferative effect of CBD protecting cells from harmful consequences of CBD aggregates. In conclusion, CBD effect is strongly associated with the physical state and concentration that reaches the treated cells, parameters not taken into account in most of the research papers.
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Khunluck T, Lertsuwan K, Chutoe C, Sooksawanwit S, Inson I, Teerapornpuntakit J, Tohtong R, Charoenphandhu N. Activation of cannabinoid receptors in breast cancer cells improves osteoblast viability in cancer-bone interaction model while reducing breast cancer cell survival and migration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7398. [PMID: 35513484 PMCID: PMC9072415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been postulated to help restrict cancer progression and maintain osteoblastic function during bone metastasis. Herein, the effects of cannabinoid receptor (CB) type 1 and 2 activation on breast cancer cell and osteoblast interaction were investigated by using ACEA and GW405833 as CB1 and CB2 agonists, respectively. Our results showed that breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231)-derived conditioned media markedly decreased osteoblast-like UMR-106 cell viability. In contrast, media from MDA-MB-231 cells pre-treated with GW405833 improved UMR-106 cell viability. MDA-MB-231 cells were apparently more susceptible to both CB agonists than UMR-106 cells. Thereafter, we sought to answer the question as to how CB agonists reduced MDA-MB-231 cell virulence. Present data showed that co-activation of CB1 and CB2 exerted cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB-231 cells by increasing apoptotic cell death through suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in an ROS-independent mechanism. ACEA or GW405833 alone or in combination also inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Thus, it can be concluded that the endocannabinoid system is able to provide protection during breast cancer bone metastasis by interfering cancer and bone cell interaction as well as by the direct suppression of cancer cell growth and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tueanjai Khunluck
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kornkamon Lertsuwan
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Chartinun Chutoe
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supagarn Sooksawanwit
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ingon Inson
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jarinthorn Teerapornpuntakit
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Narattaphol Charoenphandhu
- Center of Calcium and Bone Research (COCAB), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
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38
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Calvillo-Robledo A, Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Morales P, Marichal-Cancino BA. The oncogenic lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI)/GPR55 signaling. Life Sci 2022; 301:120596. [PMID: 35500681 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120596] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
GPR55 is a class A orphan G protein-coupled receptor that has drawn important therapeutic attention in the last decade because of its role in pathophysiological processes including vascular functions, metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, or bone turnover among others. Several cannabinoids of phytogenic, endogenous, and synthetic nature have shown to modulate this receptor leading to propose it as a member of the endocannabinoid system. The putative endogenous GPR55 ligand is L-α-lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) and it has been associated with several processes that control cell survival and tumor progression. The relevance of GPR55 in cancer is currently being extensively studied in vitro and in vivo using diverse cancer models. The LPI/GPR55 axis has been reported to participate in pro-oncogenic processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and metastasis being altered in several cancer cells via G12/13 and Gq signaling. Moreover, GRP55 and its bioactive lipid have been proposed as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Indeed, GPR55 overexpression or high expression has been shown to correlate with cancer aggressiveness in specific tumors including acute myeloid leukemia, uveal melanoma, low grade glioma and renal cancer. This review aims to analyze and summarize current evidence on the cancerogenic role of the LPI/GPR55 axis providing a critical view of the therapeutic prospects of this promising target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argelia Calvillo-Robledo
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131 Aguascalientes, Ags., Mexico
| | | | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno A Marichal-Cancino
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131 Aguascalientes, Ags., Mexico.
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39
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Perez E, Ceja-Vega J, Krmic M, Gamez Hernandez A, Gudyka J, Porteus R, Lee S. Differential Interaction of Cannabidiol with Biomembranes Dependent on Cholesterol Concentration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1046-1054. [PMID: 35298887 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive component of plant-derived cannabinoids, has been reported to have a broad range of potential beneficial pharmacological effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the droplet interface bilayer, a model cell membrane, is used to examine the effects of CBD on passive water permeability, a fundamental membrane biophysical property. The presence of CBD decreases the water permeability of model lipid membranes composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and at low concentrations of cholesterol (Chol) (20 mol %) in DOPC, whereas when higher concentrations of Chol are present (33 mol %), CBD has an opposing effect, increasing water permeability. The diametric effect in water permeability change upon addition of CBD to Chol-low and Chol-high bilayers signifies a variant interaction of CBD, depending on the initial state of bilayer packing and fluidity. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry studies provide evidence that there are selective changes in thermotropic behavior for CBD with DOPC and with DOPC/Chol membranes, respectively, supportive of these varying membrane interactions of CBD dependent upon cholesterol. The intriguing ability of CBD to sensitively respond to membrane Chol concentrations in modifying physical properties highlights the significant impact that CBD can have on heterogeneous biomembranes including those of the CNS, the neurons of which are enriched in Chol to a point where up to a quarter of the body's total Chol is in the brain, and defective brain Chol homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Escarlin Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Jasmin Ceja-Vega
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Michael Krmic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Alondra Gamez Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Jamie Gudyka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Riley Porteus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
| | - Sunghee Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801, United States
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Olivas-Aguirre M, Torres-López L, Villatoro-Gómez K, Perez-Tapia SM, Pottosin I, Dobrovinskaya O. Cannabidiol on the Path from the Lab to the Cancer Patient: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030366. [PMID: 35337163 PMCID: PMC8951434 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotropic component of cannabis, is receiving growing attention as a potential anticancer agent. CBD suppresses the development of cancer in both in vitro (cancer cell culture) and in vivo (xenografts in immunodeficient mice) models. For critical evaluation of the advances of CBD on its path from laboratory research to practical application, in this review, we wish to call the attention of scientists and clinicians to the following issues: (a) the biological effects of CBD in cancer and healthy cells; (b) the anticancer effects of CBD in animal models and clinical case reports; (c) CBD’s interaction with conventional anticancer drugs; (d) CBD’s potential in palliative care for cancer patients; (e) CBD’s tolerability and reported side effects; (f) CBD delivery for anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Olivas-Aguirre
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico; (M.O.-A.); (L.T.-L.); (K.V.-G.)
| | - Liliana Torres-López
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico; (M.O.-A.); (L.T.-L.); (K.V.-G.)
| | - Kathya Villatoro-Gómez
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico; (M.O.-A.); (L.T.-L.); (K.V.-G.)
| | - Sonia Mayra Perez-Tapia
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioterapeúticos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ENCB-IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Igor Pottosin
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico; (M.O.-A.); (L.T.-L.); (K.V.-G.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (O.D.)
| | - Oxana Dobrovinskaya
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico; (M.O.-A.); (L.T.-L.); (K.V.-G.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (O.D.)
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Correia B, Fernandes J, Botica MJ, Ferreira C, Quintas A. Novel Psychoactive Substances: The Razor's Edge between Therapeutical Potential and Psychoactive Recreational Misuse. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:medicines9030019. [PMID: 35323718 PMCID: PMC8950629 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds of natural and synthetic origin, similar to traditional drugs of abuse. NPS are involved in a contemporary trend whose origin lies in a thinner balance between legitimate therapeutic drug research and legislative control. The contemporary NPS trend resulted from the replacement of MDMA by synthetic cathinones in 'ecstasy' during the 2000s. The most common NPS are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Interestingly, during the last 50 years, these two classes of NPS have been the object of scientific research for a set of health conditions. METHODS Searches were conducted in the online database PubMed using boolean equations. RESULTS Synthetic cannabinoids displayed protective and therapeutic effects for inflammatory, neurodegenerative and oncologic pathologies, activating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Synthetic cathinones act similarly to amphetamine-type stimulants and can be used for depression and chronic fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Despite the scientific advances in this field of research, pharmacological application of NPS is being jeopardized by fatalities associated with their recreational use. This review addresses the scientific achievements of these two classes of NPS and the toxicological data, ending with a reflection on Illicit and NPS control frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Correia
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Joana Fernandes
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Maria João Botica
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPO), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Carla Ferreira
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (B.C.); (J.F.); (C.F.)
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, 2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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O’Brien K. Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040885. [PMID: 35205633 PMCID: PMC8869992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. Surveys suggest that medicinal cannabis is popular amongst people diagnosed with cancer. CBD is one of the key constituents of cannabis, and does not have the potentially intoxicating effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other key phytocannabinoid has. Research indicates the CBD may have potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment. Preclinical research suggests CBD may address many of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Preclinical and clinical research also suggests some evidence of efficacy, alone or in some cases in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the other key phytocannabinoid in cannabis), in treating cancer-associated pain, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, and oral mucositis that are associated with cancer and/or its treatment. Studies also suggest that CBD may enhance orthodox treatments with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy and protect against neural and organ damage. CBD shows promise as part of an integrative approach to the management of cancer. Abstract The plant Cannabis sativa has been in use medicinally for several thousand years. It has over 540 metabolites thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Two of the key phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have potentially intoxicating effects. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and many of them are relevant to the management of cancer. In this article, we explore some of the potential mechanisms of action of CBD in cancer, and evidence of its efficacy in the integrative management of cancer including the side effects associated with its treatment, demonstrating its potential for integration with orthodox cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie O’Brien
- Adelaide Campus, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Releaf Group Ltd., St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
- International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, iccm.co, London N1 7GU, UK
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Schoeman R, de la Harpe A, Beukes N, Frost CL. Cannabis with breast cancer treatment: propitious or pernicious? 3 Biotech 2022; 12:54. [PMID: 35127309 PMCID: PMC8807790 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-03102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for various medicinal applications including, but not limited to, cancer: most commonly to treat chemotherapy-associated side effects. Cannabis is often used for its palliative effects in the form of purified cannabinoids, or as extracts. This study was conducted using two breast cancer cell lines and aimed to evaluate potential anti-proliferative "intra-entourage effects" between purified phytocannabinoids resembling the THC and CBD ratios of medicinal and recreational cannabis strains, as well as to investigate potential "inter-entourage effects" between the different ratios and the phytochemicals found in a Cannabis sativa extract. This study also aimed to evaluate the potential interaction between cannabinoids and chemotherapeutic agents. The data identified an intra-entourage effect present in the MCF-7 cells when treated with a recreational, but not a medicinal, cannabis formulation. This effect may be due to THC partially exerting its anti-proliferative effects through the estrogen receptor (ER), present in the MCF-7 cell line. Little to no intra-entourage effects were observed in the MDA-MB-231 cell line and no inter-entourage effects were observed in either cell line. The simultaneous treatment of the MCF-7 cell line with various cannabinoid formulations and the common breast cancer treatment, tamoxifen, resulted in the diminished anti-proliferative activity of tamoxifen, an effect that was more evident when combined with recreational cannabis formulations. Since cannabis is commonly used in palliative care to treat chemotherapy-associated side effects, further research is required to investigate the potential interference of various cannabis formulations to ensure that the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents is not compromised. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03102-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Recardia Schoeman
- grid.412139.c0000 0001 2191 3608Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa ,grid.412219.d0000 0001 2284 638XPresent Address: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301 South Africa
| | - Amy de la Harpe
- grid.412139.c0000 0001 2191 3608Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa
| | - Natasha Beukes
- grid.412139.c0000 0001 2191 3608Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa
| | - Carminita L. Frost
- grid.412139.c0000 0001 2191 3608Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa
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Di Giacomo S, Mariano A, Gullì M, Fraschetti C, Vitalone A, Filippi A, Mannina L, Scotto d’Abusco A, Di Sotto A. Role of Caryophyllane Sesquiterpenes in the Entourage Effect of Felina 32 Hemp Inflorescence Phytocomplex in Triple Negative MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216688. [PMID: 34771097 PMCID: PMC8587411 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. crops have been traditionally exploited as sources of fibers, nutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals of medical interest. In the present study, two terpene-rich organic extracts, namely FOJ and FOS, obtained from Felina 32 hemp inflorescences collected in June and September, respectively, have been studied for their in vitro anticancer properties. Particularly, their cytotoxicity was evaluated in different cancer cell lines, and the possible entourage effect between nonintoxicating phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol and cannabichromene) and caryophyllane sesquiterpenes (β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide and α-humulene), as identified at GC/MS analysis, was characterized. Modulation of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors was studied as a mechanistic hypothesis. Results highlighted marked cytotoxic effects of FOJ, FOS, and pure compounds in triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cells, likely mediated by a CB2 receptor activation. Cannabidiol was the main cytotoxic constituent, although low levels of caryophyllane sesquiterpenes and cannabichromene induced potentiating effects; the presence in the extracts of unknown antagonistic compounds has been highlighted too. These results suggest an interest in Felina 32 hemp inflorescences as a source of bioactive phytocomplexes with anticancer properties and strengthen the importance of considering the possible involvement of minor terpenes, such as caryophyllane sesquiterpenes, in the entourage effect of hemp-based extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.G.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Alessia Mariano
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (A.S.d.)
| | - Marco Gullì
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Annabella Vitalone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Antonello Filippi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Luisa Mannina
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Anna Scotto d’Abusco
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (A.S.d.)
| | - Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.G.); (A.D.S.)
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Salbini M, Quarta A, Russo F, Giudetti AM, Citti C, Cannazza G, Gigli G, Vergara D, Gaballo A. Oxidative Stress and Multi-Organel Damage Induced by Two Novel Phytocannabinoids, CBDB and CBDP, in Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185576. [PMID: 34577048 PMCID: PMC8467640 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, much attention has been paid to phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis for their therapeutic potential. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant compounds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Recently, novel phytocannabinoids, such as cannabidibutol (CBDB) and cannabidiphorol (CBDP), have been discovered. These new molecules exhibit the same terpenophenolic core of CBD and differ only for the length of the alkyl side chain. Roles of CBD homologs in physiological and pathological processes are emerging but the exact molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the biological effects of the newly discovered CBDB or CBDP, compared to the well-known natural and synthetic CBD (nat CBD and syn CBD) in human breast carcinoma cells that express CB receptors. In detail, our data demonstrated that the treatment of cells with the novel phytocannabinoids affects cell viability, increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activates cellular pathways related to ROS signaling, as already demonstrated for natural CBD. Moreover, we observed that the biological activity is significantly increased upon combining CBD homologs with drugs that inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of endocannabinoids, such as the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, or with drugs that induces the activation of cellular stress pathways, such as the phorbol ester 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Salbini
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessandra Quarta
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.G.); (D.V.)
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica E. de Giorgi, Università Del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.G.); (D.V.)
| | - Antonio Gaballo
- CNR Nanotec, Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.S.); (A.Q.); (C.C.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
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