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Yoo EH, Lee JH. Cannabinoids and Their Receptors in Skin Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16523. [PMID: 38003712 PMCID: PMC10672037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216523] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic application of cannabinoids has gained traction in recent years. Cannabinoids interact with the human endocannabinoid system in the skin. A large body of research indicates that cannabinoids could hold promise for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, pruritus, hair disorders, and skin cancer. However, most of the available data are at the preclinical stage. Comprehensive, large-scale, randomized, controlled clinical trials have not yet been fully conducted. In this article, we describe new findings in cannabinoid research and point out promising future research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
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2
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Vasincu A, Rusu RN, Ababei DC, Neamțu M, Arcan OD, Macadan I, Beșchea Chiriac S, Bild W, Bild V. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists in Inflammation, Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1667. [PMID: 37371762 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061667] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, research has greatly expanded the knowledge of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its involvement in several therapeutic applications. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are present in nearly every mammalian tissue, performing a vital role in different physiological processes (neuronal development, immune modulation, energy homeostasis). The ECS has an essential role in metabolic control and lipid signaling, making it a potential target for managing conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Its malfunction is closely linked to these pathological conditions. Additionally, the immunomodulatory function of the ECS presents a promising avenue for developing new treatments for various types of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Preclinical investigations using peripherally restricted CBR antagonists that do not cross the BBB have shown promise for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts to discover novel molecules with superior safety profiles. The purpose of this review is to examine the roles of CB1R and CB2Rs, as well as their antagonists, in relation to the above-mentioned disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Vasincu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Neamțu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Oana Dana Arcan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Macadan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Sorin Beșchea Chiriac
- Department of Toxicology, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, 8 M. Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
| | - Walther Bild
- Department of Physiology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Veronica Bild
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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3
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Cannabinoid Compounds as a Pharmacotherapeutic Option for the Treatment of Non-Cancer Skin Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244102. [PMID: 36552866 PMCID: PMC9777118 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244102] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in various skin functions, such as melanogenesis and the maintenance of redox balance in skin cells exposed to UV radiation, as well as barrier functions, sebaceous gland activity, wound healing and the skin's immune response. In addition to the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer, cannabinoid compounds and derivatives are of interest as potential systemic and topical applications for the treatment of various inflammatory, fibrotic and pruritic skin conditions. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a therapeutic option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, asteatotic and atopic eczema, uraemic pruritis, scalp psoriasis, systemic sclerosis and venous leg ulcers. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential medicines for the treatment of skin diseases.
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Bian Y, Xie XQ. Artificial Intelligent Deep Learning Molecular Generative Modeling of Scaffold-Focused and Cannabinoid CB2 Target-Specific Small-Molecule Sublibraries. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050915. [PMID: 35269537 PMCID: PMC8909864 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Design and generation of high-quality target- and scaffold-specific small molecules is an important strategy for the discovery of unique and potent bioactive drug molecules. To achieve this goal, authors have developed the deep-learning molecule generation model (DeepMGM) and applied it for the de novo molecular generation of scaffold-focused small-molecule libraries. In this study, a recurrent neural network (RNN) using long short-term memory (LSTM) units was trained with drug-like molecules to result in a general model (g-DeepMGM). Sampling practices on indole and purine scaffolds illustrate the feasibility of creating scaffold-focused chemical libraries based on machine intelligence. Subsequently, a target-specific model (t-DeepMGM) for cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) was constructed following the transfer learning process of known CB2 ligands. Sampling outcomes can present similar properties to the reported active molecules. Finally, a discriminator was trained and attached to the DeepMGM to result in an in silico molecular design-test circle. Medicinal chemistry synthesis and biological validation was performed to further investigate the generation outcome, showing that XIE9137 was identified as a potential allosteric modulator of CB2. This study demonstrates how recent progress in deep learning intelligence can benefit drug discovery, especially in de novo molecular design and chemical library generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemin Bian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- NIH National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- NIH National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence:
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Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020210. [PMID: 35215320 PMCID: PMC8878527 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of natural products in dermatology is increasingly being pursued due to sustainability and ecological issues, and as a possible way to improve the therapeutic outcome of chronic skin diseases, relieving the burden for both patients and healthcare systems. The legalization of cannabis by a growing number of countries has opened the way for researching the use of cannabinoids in therapeutic topical formulations. Cannabinoids are a diverse class of pharmacologically active compounds produced by Cannabis sativa (phytocannabinoids) and similar molecules (endocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids). Humans possess an endocannabinoid system involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, which includes naturally-produced endocannabinoids, and proteins involved in their transport, synthesis and degradation. The modulation of the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target for multiple diseases, including vascular, mental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, due to the complex nature of this system and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel target drugs is an ongoing challenging task. The discovery of a skin endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining skin homeostasis, alongside the anti-inflammatory actions of cannabinoids, has raised interest in their use for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases, which is the focus of this review. Oral treatments are only effective at high doses, having considerable adverse effects; thus, research into plant-based or synthetic cannabinoids that can be incorporated into high-quality, safe topical products for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions is timely. Previous studies revealed that such products are usually well tolerated and showed promising results for example in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. However, further controlled human clinical trials are needed to fully unravel the potential of these compounds, and the possible side effects associated with their topical use.
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Abstract
The public and health care providers are increasingly curious about the potential medical benefits of Cannabis. In vitro and in vivo studies of Cannabis have suggested it has favorable effects on regulating pain, pruritus, and inflammation, making it a potentially attractive therapeutic agent for many dermatologic conditions. The body of literature reporting on the role of cannabinoids in dermatology is in its infancy but growing. We review the current research, possible cutaneous adverse effects, and future directions for cannabinoids and their use in skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, pruritus, dermatitis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus erythematous, epidermolysis bullosa, pain, and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Shao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Campbell Stewart
- Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jane M Grant-Kels
- Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
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Rahaman O, Ganguly D. Endocannabinoids in immune regulation and immunopathologies. Immunology 2021; 164:242-252. [PMID: 34053085 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are key bioactive components of the endocannabinoid system, and the profound influence of endocannabinoids on the modulation of the immune system is being increasingly appreciated. The knowledge of endocannabinoid-immune cell crosstalk will pave the way to therapeutic implications of modulators of this pathway in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Endocannabinoids seem to exert both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects in specific contexts, based on specific receptor engagement and the downstream signalling pathways involved. In this review, we summarized the biosynthesis, signalling and degradation of two well-studied endocannabinoids-anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol in immune cells. Then, we discussed the effects of these two endocannabinoids on the functioning of major innate and adaptive immune cells, along with the choice of receptors employed in such interactions. Finally, we outline our current knowledge on the involvement of anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol in context of inflammation, allergies, autoimmunity and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oindrila Rahaman
- Dendritic Cell Biology Laboratory, IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Dipyaman Ganguly
- Dendritic Cell Biology Laboratory, IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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Gaffal E, Kemter AM, Scheu S, Leite Dantas R, Vogt J, Baune B, Tüting T, Zimmer A, Alferink J. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Modulates Maturation of Dendritic Cells and Their Capacity to Induce Hapten-Induced Contact Hypersensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020475. [PMID: 31940843 PMCID: PMC7013892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is an established animal model for allergic contact dermatitis. Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the sensitization phase of CHS by initiating T cell responses to topically applied haptens. The cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) modulate DC functions and inflammatory skin responses, but their influence on the capacity of haptenized DCs to induce CHS is still unknown. We found lower CHS responses to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB) in wild type (WT) mice after adoptive transfer of haptenized Cnr2-/- and Cnr1-/-/Cnr2-/- bone marrow (BM) DCs as compared to transfer of WT DCs. In contrast, induction of CHS was not affected in WT recipients after transfer of Cnr1-/- DCs. In vitro stimulated Cnr2-/- DCs showed lower CCR7 and CXCR4 expression when compared to WT cells, while in vitro migration towards the chemokine ligands was not affected by CB2. Upregulation of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules was also reduced in Cnr2-/- DCs. This study demonstrates that CB2 modulates the maturation phenotype of DCs but not their chemotactic capacities in vitro. These findings and the fact that CHS responses mediated by Cnr2-/- DCs are reduced suggest that CB2 is a promising target for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemotaxis
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/genetics
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/immunology
- Dinitrofluorobenzene/toxicity
- Histocompatibility Antigens/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptors, CCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CCR4/metabolism
- Receptors, CCR7/genetics
- Receptors, CCR7/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Gaffal
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; (E.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Andrea M. Kemter
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.M.K.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stefanie Scheu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Rafael Leite Dantas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (R.L.D.); (J.V.); (B.B.)
| | - Jens Vogt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (R.L.D.); (J.V.); (B.B.)
| | - Bernhard Baune
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (R.L.D.); (J.V.); (B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; (E.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.M.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Judith Alferink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (R.L.D.); (J.V.); (B.B.)
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Correspondence:
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9
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Gentili M, Ronchetti S, Ricci E, Di Paola R, Gugliandolo E, Cuzzocrea S, Bereshchenko O, Migliorati G, Riccardi C. Selective CB2 inverse agonist JTE907 drives T cell differentiation towards a Treg cell phenotype and ameliorates inflammation in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmacol Res 2018; 141:21-31. [PMID: 30552973 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. CB2 is the cannabinoid receptor that is expressed primarily on hematopoietic cells and mediates the immunoregulatory functions of cannabinoids. In order to study the effect of JTE907, a selective/inverse agonist of CB2 with anti-inflammatory properties, on the differentiation of T cell subtypes, we used an in vitro system of Th lineage-specific differentiation of naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes isolated from the mouse spleen. The results indicate that JTE907 was able to induce the differentiation of Th0 cells into the Treg cell phenotype, which was characterized by the expression of FoxP3, TGF-β and IL-10. P38 phosphorylation and STAT5A activation were found to mediate the signaling pathway triggered by JTE907 via the CB2 receptor in Th0 lymphocytes. In mice with DNBS-induced colitis, JTE907 treatment was able to induce an increase in the number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells in the lamina propria after 24 h of disease onset and reduce disease severity after 48 h. Further, longer JTE907 treatment resulted in less severe colitis even when administered orally, resulting in less body weight loss, reduction of the disease score, prevention of NF-κB activation, and reduction of the expression of adhesion molecules. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that specific signals delivered through the CB2 receptor can drive the immune response towards the Treg cell phenotype. Thus, ligands such as JTE907 may have use as potential therapeutic agents in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gentili
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Ronchetti
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Italy.
| | - Erika Ricci
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Oxana Bereshchenko
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Riccardi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Italy
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10
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Franks LN, Ford BM, Fujiwara T, Zhao H, Prather PL. The tamoxifen derivative ridaifen-B is a high affinity selective CB 2 receptor inverse agonist exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 353:31-42. [PMID: 29906493 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) target estrogen receptors (ERs) to treat breast cancer and osteoporosis. Several SERMs exhibit anti-cancer activity not related to ERs. To discover novel anti-cancer drugs acting via ER-independent mechanisms, derivatives of the SERM tamoxifen, known as the "ridaifen" compounds, have been developed that exhibit reduced or no ER affinity, while maintaining cytotoxicity. Tamoxifen and other SERMs bind to cannabinoid receptors with moderate affinity. Therefore, ER-independent effects of SERMs might be mediated via cannabinoid receptors. This study determined whether RID-B, a first generation ridaifen compound, exhibits affinity and/or activity at CB1 and/or CB2 cannabinoid receptors. RID-B binds with high affinity (Ki = 43.7 nM) and 17-fold selectivity to CB2 over CB1 receptors. RID-B acts as an inverse agonist at CB2 receptors, modulating G-protein and adenylyl cyclase activity with potency values predicted by CB2 affinity. Characteristic of an antagonist, RID-B co-incubation produces a parallel-rightward shift in the concentration-effect curve of CB2 agonist WIN-55,212-2 to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. CB2 inverse agonists are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-ostoeclastogenic effects. In LPS-activated macrophages, RID-B exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO), IL-6 and IL-1α, but not TNFα. Only reduction of NO concentration by RID-B is mediated by cannabinoid receptors. RID-B also exhibits pronounced anti-osteoclastogenic effects, reducing the number of osteoclasts differentiating from primary bone marrow macrophages in a cannabinoid receptor-dependent manner. In summary, the tamoxifen derivative RID-B, developed with reduced affinity for ERs, is a high affinity selective CB2 inverse agonist with anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic properties.
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MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Benzoxazines/pharmacology
- Binding, Competitive/drug effects
- Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects
- CHO Cells
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Drug Inverse Agonism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Osteoclasts/drug effects
- Pyrrolidines/metabolism
- Pyrrolidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/metabolism
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/pharmacology
- Tamoxifen/analogs & derivatives
- Tamoxifen/metabolism
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirit N Franks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Benjamin M Ford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Toshifumi Fujiwara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Paul L Prather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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11
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Petrosino S, Verde R, Vaia M, Allarà M, Iuvone T, Di Marzo V. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid, in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 365:652-663. [PMID: 29632236 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids modulate inflammatory responses by regulating the production of cytokines in several experimental models of inflammation. Cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor activation was shown to reduce the production of the monocyte chemotactic protein-2 (MCP-2) chemokine in polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly-(I:C)]-stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, an in vitro model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We investigated if nonpsychotropic cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), produced similar effects in this experimental model of ACD. HaCaT cells were stimulated with poly-(I:C), and the release of chemokines and cytokines was measured in the presence of CBD or other phytocannabinoids (such as cannabidiol acid, cannabidivarin, cannabidivarinic acid, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, cannabigerolic acid, cannabigevarin, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid) and antagonists of CB1, CB2, or transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) receptors. HaCaT cell viability following phytocannabinoid treatment was also measured. The cellular levels of endocannabinoids [anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol] and related molecules (palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide) were quantified in poly-(I:C)-stimulated HaCaT cells treated with CBD. We show that in poly-(I:C)-stimulated HaCaT cells, CBD elevates the levels of AEA and dose-dependently inhibits poly-(I:C)-induced release of MCP-2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in a manner reversed by CB2 and TRPV1 antagonists 6-iodopravadoline (AM630) and 5'-iodio-resiniferatoxin (I-RTX), respectively, with no cytotoxic effect. This is the first demonstration of the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD in an experimental model of ACD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
| | - Massimo Vaia
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
| | - Teresa Iuvone
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy (S.P., R.V., M.A., V.D.); Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Padova, Italy (S.P., M.A.); and Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy (M.V., T.I.)
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12
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Transient Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade during Immunization Heightens Intensity and Breadth of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses in Young and Aged mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42584. [PMID: 28209996 PMCID: PMC5314369 DOI: 10.1038/srep42584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of vaccines is their ability to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens and thereby serve as invaluable public health tool. Despite their medical relevance, there is a gap in our understanding of the physiological factors that mediate innate and adaptive immune response to vaccines. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a critical modulator of homeostasis in vertebrates. Our results indicate that macrophages and dendritic cells produce the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) upon antigen activation. We have also established that 2-AG levels are upregulated in the serum and in the lymph node of mice during vaccination. We hypothesized that the intrinsic release of eCBs from immune cells during activation by pathogenic antigens mitigate inflammation, but also suppress overall innate and adaptive immune response. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that transient administration of the cannabinoid receptor 2 antagonist AM630 (10 mg/kg) or inverse agonist JTE907 (3 mg/kg) during immunization heightens the intensity and breadth of antigen-specific immune responses in young and aged mice through the upregulation of immunomodulatory genes in secondary lymphoid tissues.
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13
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Cannabinoid Ligands and Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Therapeutic Tool or a Humbug? Neurotox Res 2015; 29:173-96. [PMID: 26353844 PMCID: PMC4701763 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The vast therapeutic potential of cannabinoids of both synthetic and plant-derived origins currently makes these compounds the focus of a growing interest. Although cannabinoids are still illicit drugs, their possible clinical usefulness, including treatment of acute or neuropathic pain, have been suggested by several studies. In addition, some observations indicate that cannabinoid receptor antagonists may be useful for the treatment of alcohol dependence and addiction, which is a major health concern worldwide. While the synergism between alcohol and cannabinoid agonists (in various forms) creates undesirable side effects when the two are consumed together, the administration of CB1 antagonists leads to a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. Furthermore, cannabinoid antagonists also mitigate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Herein, we present an overview of studies focusing on the effects of cannabinoid ligands (agonists and antagonists) during acute or chronic consumption of ethanol.
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14
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Selective CB2 receptor agonists. Part 1: the identification of novel ligands through computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 25:575-80. [PMID: 25556098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Computer-aided drug design scaffold hopping strategies were utilized to identify new classes of CB2 agonists when compounds of an established series with low nanomolar potency were challenging to optimize for good drug-like properties. Use of ligand-based design strategies through BI Builder (a tool for de novo design) and PharmShape (a virtual screening software package) approaches led to the discovery of new chemotypes. Specifically, compounds containing azetidine-, proline-, and piperidine-based cores were found to have low nanomolar and picomolar CB2 agonist activities with drug-like properties considered appropriate for early profiling.
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15
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Ouyang Q, Tong Q, Feng R, Myint KZ, Yang P, Xie XQ. Trisubstituted Sulfonamides: a New Chemotype for Development of Potent and Selective CB 2 Receptor Inverse Agonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:387-392. [PMID: 24729834 DOI: 10.1021/ml3004236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive exploration of the SAR of a trisubstituted sulfonamides series led to the identification of 39, which is a potent and selective CB2 receptor inverse agonist (CB2Ki = 5.4 nM, and CB1Ki = 500 nM). The functional properties measured by cAMP assays indicated that the selected compounds were CB2 inverse agonists with high potency values (34, EC50 = 8.2 nM, and 39, EC50 = 2.5 nM). Furthermore, an osteoclastogenesis bioassay indicated that trisubstituted sulfonamide compounds showed great inhibition of osteoclast formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ouyang
- College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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16
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Franklin JM, Carrasco GA. Cannabinoid receptor agonists upregulate and enhance serotonin 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor activity via ERK1/2 signaling. Synapse 2012; 67:145-59. [PMID: 23151877 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Recent behavioral studies suggest that nonselective agonists of cannabinoid receptors may regulate serotonin 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor neurotransmission. Two cannabinoids receptors are found in brain, CB1 and CB2 receptors, but the molecular mechanism by which cannabinoid receptors would regulate 5-HT(2A) receptor neurotransmission remains unknown. Interestingly, we have recently found that certain cannabinoid receptor agonists can specifically upregulate 5-HT(2A) receptors. Here, we present experimental evidence that rats treated with a nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonist (CP 55,940, 50 µg/kg, 7 days) showed increases in 5-HT(2A) receptor protein levels, 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA levels, and 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated phospholipase C beta (PLCβ) activity in prefrontal cortex (PFCx). Similar effects were found in neuronal cultured cells treated with CP 55,940 but these effects were prevented by selective CB2, but not selective CB1, receptor antagonists. CB2 receptors couple to the extracellular kinase (ERK) signaling pathway by Gα(i/o) class of G-proteins. Noteworthy, GP 1a (selective CB2 receptor agonist) produced a strong upregulation of 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA and protein, an effect that was prevented by selective CB2 receptor antagonists and by an ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD 198306. In summary, our results identified a strong cannabinoid-induced upregulation of 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling in rat PFCx. Our cultured cell studies suggest that selective CB2 receptor agonists upregulate 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling by activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Activity of cortical 5-HT(2A) receptors has been associated with several physiological functions and neuropsychiatric disorders such as stress response, anxiety and depression, and schizophrenia. Therefore, these results may provide a molecular mechanism by which activation of cannabinoid receptors might be relevant to the pathophysiology of some cognitive and mood disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade M Franklin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
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17
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Zheng JL, Yu TS, Li XN, Fan YY, Ma WX, Du Y, Zhao R, Guan DW. Cannabinoid receptor type 2 is time-dependently expressed during skin wound healing in mice. Int J Legal Med 2012; 126:807-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-012-0741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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18
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The cannabinoid receptor-2 is involved in allergic inflammation. Life Sci 2012; 90:862-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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19
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Basu S, Dittel BN. Unraveling the complexities of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) immune regulation in health and disease. Immunol Res 2012; 51:26-38. [PMID: 21626285 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-011-8210-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It has become clear that the endocannabinoid system is a potent regulator of immune responses, with the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) as the key component due to its high expression by all immune subtypes. CB2 has been shown to regulate immunity by a number of mechanisms including development, migration, proliferation, and effector functions. In addition, CB2 has been shown to modulate the function of all immune cell types examined to date. CB2 is a G(i)-protein-coupled receptor and thus exhibits a complex pharmacology allowing both stimulatory and inhibitory signaling that depends on receptor expression levels, ligand concentration, and cell lineage specificities. Here, we discuss both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence that CB2 is a potent regulator of immune responses making it a prime target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreemanti Basu
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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20
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Gertsch J. Anti-inflammatory cannabinoids in diet: Towards a better understanding of CB(2) receptor action? Commun Integr Biol 2011; 1:26-8. [PMID: 19704783 DOI: 10.4161/cib.1.1.6568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is an ancient lipid signaling network which in mammals modulates neuronal functions, inflammatory processes, and is involved in the aetiology of certain human lifestyle diseases, such as Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. The system is able to downregulate stress-related signals that lead to chronic inflammation and certain types of pain, but it is also involved in causing inflammation-associated symptoms, depending on the physiological context. The cannabinoid type-2 (CB(2)) receptor, which unlike the CB(1) receptor does not induce central side effects, has been shown to be a promising therapeutic target. While CB(1) receptor antagonists/inverse agonists are of therapeutic value, also CB(2) receptor ligands including agonists are of pharmacological interest. Although the endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in the regulation of energy homoeostasis and metabolism (mainly via CB(1) receptors) there was hitherto no direct link between food intake and cannabinoid receptor activation. Our recent finding that beta-caryophyllene, a ubiquitous lipohilic plant natural product, selectively binds to the CB(2) receptor and acts as a full agonist is unexpected. Maybe even more unexpected is that oral administration of this dietary compound exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in wild type mice but not in CB(2) receptor (Cnr2(-/-)) knockout mice. Like other CB(2) ligands also beta-caryophyllene inhibits the pathways triggered by activation of the toll-like receptor complex CD14/TLR4/MD2, which typically lead to the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6; IL-8 and TNFalpha) and promotes a TH(1) immune response. In this addendum, the CB(2) receptor-dependent effect of beta-caryophyllene on LPS-triggered activation of the kinases Erk1/2 and JNK1/2 are further discussed with respect to the possibility that both CB(2) inverse agonists and agonists, independent of their G-protein signaling, may block LPS-triggered activation of MAPKs, leading to inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression and attenuation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; Federal Institute of Technology (ETH); Zürich Switzerland
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21
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Is lipid signaling through cannabinoid 2 receptors part of a protective system? Prog Lipid Res 2011; 50:193-211. [PMID: 21295074 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian body has a highly developed immune system which guards against continuous invading protein attacks and aims at preventing, attenuating or repairing the inflicted damage. It is conceivable that through evolution analogous biological protective systems have been evolved against non-protein attacks. There is emerging evidence that lipid endocannabinoid signaling through cannabinoid 2 (CB₂) receptors may represent an example/part of such a protective system/armamentarium. Inflammation/tissue injury triggers rapid elevations in local endocannabinoid levels, which in turn regulate signaling responses in immune and other cells modulating their critical functions. Changes in endocannabinoid levels and/or CB₂ receptor expressions have been reported in almost all diseases affecting humans, ranging from cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, bone, skin, autoimmune, lung disorders to pain and cancer, and modulating CB₂ receptor activity holds tremendous therapeutic potential in these pathologies. While CB₂ receptor activation in general mediates immunosuppressive effects, which limit inflammation and associated tissue injury in large number of pathological conditions, in some disease states activation of the CB₂ receptor may enhance or even trigger tissue damage, which will also be discussed alongside the protective actions of the CB₂ receptor stimulation with endocannabinoids or synthetic agonists, and the possible biological mechanisms involved in these effects.
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22
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Chouinard F, Lefebvre JS, Navarro P, Bouchard L, Ferland C, Lalancette-Hébert M, Marsolais D, Laviolette M, Flamand N. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol activates human neutrophils: critical role of its hydrolysis and de novo leukotriene B4 biosynthesis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:3188-96. [PMID: 21278347 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although endocannabinoids are important players in nociception and obesity, their roles as immunomodulators remain elusive. The main endocannabinoids described to date, namely 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA), induce an intriguing profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. This could relate to cell-specific cannabinoid receptor expression and/or the action of endocannabinoid-derived metabolites. Importantly, 2-AG and AEA comprise a molecule of arachidonic acid (AA) in their structure and are hydrolyzed rapidly. We postulated the following: 1) the released AA from endocannabinoid hydrolysis would be metabolized into eicosanoids; and 2) these eicosanoids would mediate some of the effects of endocannabinoids. To confirm these hypotheses, experiments were performed in which freshly isolated human neutrophils were treated with endocannabinoids. Unlike AEA, 2-AG stimulated myeloperoxidase release, kinase activation, and calcium mobilization by neutrophils. Although 2-AG did not induce the migration of neutrophils, it induced the release of a migrating activity for neutrophils. 2-AG also rapidly (1 min) induced a robust biosynthesis of leukotrienes, similar to that observed with AA. The effects of 2-AG were not mimicked nor prevented by cannabinoid receptor agonists or antagonists, respectively. Finally, the blockade of either 2-AG hydrolysis, leukotriene (LT) B(4) biosynthesis, or LTB(4) receptor 1 activation prevented all the effects of 2-AG on neutrophil functions. In conclusion, we demonstrated that 2-AG potently activates human neutrophils. This is the consequence of 2-AG hydrolysis, de novo LTB(4) biosynthesis, and an autocrine activation loop involving LTB(4) receptor 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chouinard
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
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23
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Petrosino S, Cristino L, Karsak M, Gaffal E, Ueda N, Tüting T, Bisogno T, De Filippis D, D'Amico A, Saturnino C, Orlando P, Zimmer A, Iuvone T, Di Marzo V. Protective role of palmitoylethanolamide in contact allergic dermatitis. Allergy 2010; 65:698-711. [PMID: 19909294 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an anti-inflammatory mediator that enhances the activation by anandamide (AEA) of cannabinoid receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels, and directly activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha). In mice, 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact allergic dermatitis (CAD) in inflamed ears is partly mediated by the chemokine Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-2 (MCP-2) and accompanied by elevation of AEA levels. No datum is available on PEA regulation and role in CAD. OBJECTIVE We examined whether PEA is produced during DNFB-induced CAD, and if it has any direct protective action in keratinocytes in vitro. METHODS Eight- to ten-week-old female C57BL/6J wild-type and CB(1)/CB(2) double knock-out mice were used to measure PEA levels and the expression of TRPV1, PPAR-alpha receptors and enzymes responsible for PEA biosynthesis and degradation. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells were stimulated with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid [poly-(I:C)], and the expression and release of MCP-2 were measured in the presence of PEA and antagonists of its proposed receptors. RESULTS 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene increased ear skin PEA levels and up-regulated TRPV1, PPAR-alpha and a PEA-biosynthesizing enzyme in ear keratinocytes. In HaCaT cells, stimulation with poly-(I:C) elevated the levels of both PEA and AEA, and exogenous PEA (10 microM) inhibited poly-(I:C)-induced expression and release of MCP-2 in a way reversed by antagonism at TRPV1, but not PPAR-alpha. PEA (5-10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) also inhibited DNFB-induced ear inflammation in mice in vivo, in a way attenuated by TRPV1 antagonism. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that PEA is an endogenous protective agent against DNFB-induced keratinocyte inflammation and could be considered for therapeutic use against CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
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Kupczyk P, Reich A, Szepietowski JC. Cannabinoid system in the skin - a possible target for future therapies in dermatology. Exp Dermatol 2009; 18:669-79. [PMID: 19664006 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.00923.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids and their derivatives are group of more than 60 biologically active chemical agents, which have been used in natural medicine for centuries. The major agent of exogenous cannabinoids is Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), natural psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. However, psychoactive properties of these substances limited their use as approved medicines. Recent discoveries of endogenous cannabinoids (e.g. arachidonoylethanolamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol or palmithyloethanolamide) and their receptors initiated discussion on the role of cannabinoid system in physiological conditions as well as in various diseases. Based on the current knowledge, it could be stated that cannabinoids are important mediators in the skin, however their role have not been well elucidated yet. In our review, we summarized the current knowledge about the significant role of the cannabinoid system in the cutaneous physiology and pathology, pointing out possible future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kupczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Bíró T, Tóth BI, Haskó G, Paus R, Pacher P. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2009; 30:411-20. [PMID: 19608284 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2009.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The newly discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS; comprising the endogenous lipid mediators endocannabinoids present in virtually all tissues, their G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors, biosynthetic pathways and metabolizing enzymes) has been implicated in multiple regulatory functions both in health and disease. Recent studies have intriguingly suggested the existence of a functional ECS in the skin and implicated it in various biological processes (e.g. proliferation, growth, differentiation, apoptosis and cytokine, mediator or hormone production of various cell types of the skin and appendages, such as the hair follicle and sebaceous gland). It seems that the main physiological function of the cutaneous ECS is to constitutively control the proper and well-balanced proliferation, differentiation and survival, as well as immune competence and/or tolerance, of skin cells. The disruption of this delicate balance might facilitate the development of multiple pathological conditions and diseases of the skin (e.g. acne, seborrhea, allergic dermatitis, itch and pain, psoriasis, hair growth disorders, systemic sclerosis and cancer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bíró
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Debrecen 4032, Hungary.
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26
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Ferreira AM, Krishnamurthy M, Moore BM, Finkelstein D, Bashford D. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) for a series of novel cannabinoid derivatives using descriptors derived from semi-empirical quantum-chemical calculations. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:2598-606. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol is an arachidonic acid-containing monoacylglycerol isolated from the rat brain and canine gut as an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). 2-Arachidonoylglycerol binds to both the CB1 receptor, abundantly expressed in the nervous system, and the CB2 receptor, mainly expressed in the immune system, with high affinity, and exhibits a variety of cannabimimetic activities. Notably, anandamide, another endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors, acts as a partial agonist at these cannabinoid receptors, whereas 2-arachidonoylglycerol acts as a full agonist. The results of structure-activity relationship experiments strongly suggested that 2-arachidonoylglycerol rather than anandamide is the true natural ligand for both the CB1 and the CB2 receptors. Evidence is gradually accumulating which shows that 2-arachidonoylglycerol plays physiologically and pathophysiologically essential roles in various mammalian tissues and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Sugiura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Kanagawa, Japan.
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28
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Abstract
This chapter will review the basic pharmacology of endocannabinoid receptors. As the best-described cannabinoid receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), those will be the focus of this chapter. We will start with a basic review of GPCR signaling, as these concepts are critical to understanding the function of cannabinoid receptors. Next, several features of cannabinoid receptor signaling will be presented, with an emphasis on the effectors modulated by cannabinoid receptors. Finally, we will finish with a discussion of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists and future directions. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the cannabinoid receptor pharmacology that will be necessary to appreciate the intricacies of endocannabinoid signaling presented in later chapters.
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Diaz P, Phatak SS, Xu J, Astruc-Diaz F, Cavasotto CN, Naguib M. 6-Methoxy-N-alkyl Isatin Acylhydrazone Derivatives as a Novel Series of Potent Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Inverse Agonists: Design, Synthesis, and Binding Mode Prediction. J Med Chem 2008; 52:433-44. [DOI: 10.1021/jm801353p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Diaz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sharangdhar S. Phatak
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jijun Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Fanny Astruc-Diaz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Claudio N. Cavasotto
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Mohamed Naguib
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Unit 409, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, School of Health Information Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin, Suite 860B, Houston, Texas 77030
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30
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Di Marzo V. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: to enhance or reduce? Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:438-55. [PMID: 18446159 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 612] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As our understanding of the endocannabinoids improves, so does the awareness of their complexity. During pathological states, the levels of these mediators in tissues change, and their effects vary from those of protective endogenous compounds to those of dysregulated signals. These observations led to the discovery of compounds that either prolong the lifespan of endocannabinoids or tone down their action for the potential future treatment of pain, affective and neurodegenerative disorders, gastrointestinal inflammation, obesity and metabolic dysfunctions, cardiovascular conditions and liver diseases. When moving to the clinic, however, the pleiotropic nature of endocannabinoid functions will require careful judgement in the choice of patients and stage of the disorder for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
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Dalle Carbonare M, Del Giudice E, Stecca A, Colavito D, Fabris M, D'Arrigo A, Bernardini D, Dam M, Leon A. A saturated N-acylethanolamine other than N-palmitoyl ethanolamine with anti-inflammatory properties: a neglected story.. J Neuroendocrinol 2008; 20 Suppl 1:26-34. [PMID: 18426496 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines, which include the endocannabinoid anandamide and the cannabinoid receptor-inactive saturated compounds N-palmitoyl ethanolamine and N-stearoyl ethanolamine, are ethanolamines of long-chain fatty acids degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) known to accumulate in degenerating tissues and cells. Whilst much evidence supports a protective anti-inflammatory role of both anandamide and N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, very little information is available with regard to the bioactivity of N-stearoyl ethanolamine. Employing a murine model of passive IgE-induced cutaneous anaphylaxis, we have found that N-stearoyl ethanolamine is endowed with marked anti-inflammatory properties in vivo, supporting the hypothesis that endogenous N-stearoyl ethanolamine is, in analogy to N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, a bioactive signalling lipid capable of downregulating allergic inflammation in the skin. This effect, although mimicked by synthetic, non-selective, CB(1)/CB(2) receptor agonists, such as WIN55, 212-2, was not sensitive to CB(1) or CB(2) receptor antagonists, but rather was fully reversed by capsazepine, a competitive antagonist of the TRPV1 receptor. Moreover, CB(1) receptor antagonists, although effective in antagonising the WIN55,212-2-induced hypothermia, did not reduce the anti-inflammatory effect of WIN55,212-2, whilst CB(2) receptor antagonists, per se inactive, potentiated the WIN55,212-2 effect, suggesting an involvement of non-CB(1)/CB(2) receptors in the anti-inflammatory action of WIN55,212-2. All this, together with demonstration of FAAH as a major regulator of the in vivo concentrations of saturated N-stearoyl ethanolamine, in addition to N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, raise the speculation that pharmacological treatments with saturated N-acylethanolamines such as N-stearoyl ethanolamine, or alternatively FAAH inhibitors able to increase their local concentration, rather than selective CB receptor agonists, might be of promising therapeutic benefit in reducing allergic inflammation in the skin.
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Abstract
This review gives an overview of the CB2 receptor (CB2R) knockout (CB2R-/-) mice phenotype and the work that has been carried out using this mutant mouse. Using the CB2R-/- mice, investigators have discovered the involvement of CB2R on immune cell function and development, infection, embryonic development, bone loss, liver disorders, pain, autoimmune inflammation, allergic dermatitis, atherosclerosis, apoptosis and chemotaxis. Using the CB2R-/- mice, investigators have also found that this receptor is not involved in cannabinoid-induced hypotension. In addition, the CB2R-/- mice have been used to determine specific tissue CB2R expression. The specificity of synthetic cannabinoid agonists, antagonists and anti-CB2R antibodies has been screened using tissues from CB2R-/- mice. Thus, the use of this mouse model has greatly helped reveal the diverse events involving the CB2R, and has aided in drug and antibody screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Buckley
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA.
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Lunn CA, Reich EP, Fine JS, Lavey B, Kozlowski JA, Hipkin RW, Lundell DJ, Bober L. Biology and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid CB2 receptor inverse agonists. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 153:226-39. [PMID: 17906679 PMCID: PMC2219522 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has emerged suggesting a role for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune cell motility. This provides a rationale for a novel and generalized immunoregulatory role for cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific compounds. In support of this possibility, we will review the biology of a class of cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific inverse agonist, the triaryl bis-sulfones. We will show that one candidate, Sch.414319, is potent and selective for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, based on profiling studies using biochemical assays for 45 enzymes and 80 G-protein coupled receptors and ion channels. We will describe initial mechanistic studies using this optimized triaryl bis-sulfone, showing that the compound exerts a broad effect on cellular protein phosphorylations in human monocytes. This profile includes the down regulation of a required phosphorylation of the monocyte-specific actin bundling protein L-plastin. We suggest that this observation may provide a mechanism for the observed activity of Sch.414319 in vivo. Our continued analysis of the in vivo efficacy of this compound in diverse disease models shows that Sch.414319 is a potent modulator of immune cell mobility in vivo, can modulate bone damage in antigen-induced mono-articular arthritis in the rat, and is uniquely potent at blocking experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Lunn
- Department of New Lead Discovery, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
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Abstract
The CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors have been described as two prime sites of action for endocannabinoids. Both the localization and pharmacology of these two G-protein-coupled receptors are well-described, and numerous selective ligands have been characterized. The physiological effects of Cannabis sativa (cannabis) and a throughout study of the endocannabinoid system allowed for the identification of several pathophysiological conditions--including obesity, dyslipidemia, addictions, inflammation, and allergies--in which blocking the cannabinoid receptors might be beneficial. Many CB1 receptor antagonists are now in clinical trials, and the results of several studies involving the CB1 antagonist lead compound rimonabant (SR141716A) are now available. This review describes the pharmacological tools that are currently available and the animal studies supporting the therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists and inverse agonists. The data available from the clinical trials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio G Muccioli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Karsak M, Gaffal E, Date R, Wang-Eckhardt L, Rehnelt J, Petrosino S, Starowicz K, Steuder R, Schlicker E, Cravatt B, Mechoulam R, Buettner R, Werner S, Di Marzo V, Tüting T, Zimmer A. Attenuation of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Through the Endocannabinoid System. Science 2007; 316:1494-7. [PMID: 17556587 DOI: 10.1126/science.1142265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis affects about 5% of men and 11% of women in industrialized countries and is one of the leading causes for occupational diseases. In an animal model for cutaneous contact hypersensitivity, we show that mice lacking both known cannabinoid receptors display exacerbated allergic inflammation. In contrast, fatty acid amide hydrolase-deficient mice, which have increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, displayed reduced allergic responses in the skin. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists exacerbated allergic inflammation, whereas receptor agonists attenuated inflammation. These results demonstrate a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in contact allergy in the skin and suggest a target for therapeutic intervention.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/metabolism
- Camphanes/administration & dosage
- Camphanes/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators/physiology
- Cannabinoids/administration & dosage
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Chemokines/physiology
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/pathology
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/physiopathology
- Dinitrofluorobenzene
- Disease Models, Animal
- Down-Regulation
- Dronabinol/administration & dosage
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Endocannabinoids
- Female
- Glycerides/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Piperidines/administration & dosage
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/metabolism
- Pyrazoles/administration & dosage
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- Rimonabant
- Skin/metabolism
- Skin/pathology
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Meliha Karsak
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Germany
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Bingham B, Jones PG, Uveges AJ, Kotnis S, Lu P, Smith VA, Sun SC, Resnick L, Chlenov M, He Y, Strassle BW, Cummons TA, Piesla MJ, Harrison JE, Whiteside GT, Kennedy JD. Species-specific in vitro pharmacological effects of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) selective ligand AM1241 and its resolved enantiomers. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 151:1061-70. [PMID: 17549048 PMCID: PMC2042933 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Racemic (R,S) AM1241 is a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB(2))-selective aminoalkylindole with antinociceptive efficacy in animal pain models. The purpose of our studies was to provide a characterization of R,S-AM1241 and its resolved enantiomers in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Competition binding assays were performed using membranes from cell lines expressing recombinant human, rat, and mouse CB(2) receptors. Inhibition of cAMP was assayed using intact CB(2)-expressing cells. A mouse model of visceral pain (para-phenylquinone, PPQ) and a rat model of acute inflammatory pain (carrageenan) were employed to characterize the compounds in vivo. KEY RESULTS In cAMP inhibition assays, R,S-AM1241 was found to be an agonist at human CB(2), but an inverse agonist at rat and mouse CB(2) receptors. R-AM1241 bound with more than 40-fold higher affinity than S-AM1241, to all three CB(2) receptors and displayed a functional profile similar to that of the racemate. In contrast, S-AM1241 was an agonist at all three CB(2) receptors. In pain models, S-AM1241 was more efficacious than either R-AM1241 or the racemate. Antagonist blockade demonstrated that the in vivo effects of S-AM1241 were mediated by CB(2) receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings constitute the first in vitro functional assessment of R,S-AM1241 at rodent CB(2) receptors and the first characterization of the AM1241 enantiomers in recombinant cell systems and in vivo. The greater antinociceptive efficacy of S-AM1241, the functional CB(2) agonist enantiomer of AM1241, is consistent with previous observations that CB(2) agonists are effective in relief of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bingham
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Wyeth Research, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
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Gertsch J, Raduner S, Altmann KH. New natural noncannabinoid ligands for cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2007; 26:709-30. [PMID: 17118807 DOI: 10.1080/10799890600942674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery that Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and related cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. act on specific physiological receptors in the human body and the subsequent elucidation of the mammalian endogenous cannabinoid system, no other natural product class has been reported to mimic the effects of cannabinoids. We recently found that N-alkyl amides from purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.) constitute a new class of cannabinomimetics, which specifically engage and activate the cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors. Cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) and CB2 receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors and are the primary targets of the endogenous cannabinoids N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine and 2-arachidonoyl glyerol. CB2 receptors are believed to play an important role in distinct pathophysiological processes, including metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, pain, and bone loss. CB2 receptors have, therefore, become of interest as new targets in drug discovery. This review focuses on N-alkyl amide secondary metabolites from plants and underscores that this group of compounds may provide novel lead structures for the development of CB2-directed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Oka S, Wakui J, Ikeda S, Yanagimoto S, Kishimoto S, Gokoh M, Nasui M, Sugiura T. Involvement of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor and its endogenous ligand 2-arachidonoylglycerol in oxazolone-induced contact dermatitis in mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 177:8796-805. [PMID: 17142782 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.12.8796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The possible involvement of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), in contact dermatitis in mouse ear was investigated. We found that the level of 2-AG was markedly elevated in the ear following a challenge with oxazolone in sensitized mice. Of note, the swelling following the challenge was suppressed by either the administration of SR144528, a CB2 receptor antagonist, immediately after sensitization, or the administration of SR144528 upon the challenge. The effect of AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, was marginal in either case. It seems apparent, therefore, that the CB2 receptor and its endogenous ligand 2-AG are closely involved in both the sensitization phase and the elicitation phase of oxazolone-induced contact dermatitis. In line with this, we found that Langerhans cells (MHC class II(+)) contain a substantial amount of CB2 receptor mRNA, whereas keratinocytes (MHC class II(-)) do not. We also obtained evidence that the expression of mRNAs for proinflammatory cytokines following a challenge with oxazolone was markedly suppressed by treatment with SR144528. We next examined whether the CB2 receptor and 2-AG participate in chronic contact dermatitis accompanied by the infiltration of tissues by eosinophils. The amount of 2-AG in mouse ear dramatically increased following repeated challenge with oxazolone. Importantly, treatment with SR144528 attenuated both the recruitment of eosinophils and ear swelling in chronic contact dermatitis induced by repeated challenge with oxazolone. These results strongly suggest that the CB2 receptor and 2-AG play important stimulative roles in the sensitization, elicitation, and exacerbation of allergic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Oka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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Raitio KH, Savinainen JR, Nevalainen T, Järvinen T, Vepsäläinen J. Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline CB2 Receptor Inverse Agonists. Chem Biol Drug Des 2006; 68:334-40. [PMID: 17177896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2006.00452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aliphatic amides of 7-methoxy-2-oxo-8-pentyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid 6 were synthesized and evaluated for their CB2 and CB1 receptor activities by a [35S]GTPgammaS membrane-binding assay. Compounds 7-18 produced CB2 inverse agonist activities with a variety of potencies (IC50: 1 nm-1 microm). By contrast, no considerable antagonism of CB1 receptor was observed by 1-10 microm concentrations indicating that synthesized compounds were CB2 receptor selective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katri H Raitio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Abstract
Early work on the biology of the components of Cannabis sativa showed evidence for a potential influence on immune regulation. With the discovery of a peripheral cannabinoid receptor associated with immune cells, many laboratories have sought to link the immunoregulatory activities of cannabinoid compounds with this receptor, hoping that such compounds would lack the psychoactive effects of marijuana and other nonspecific cannabinoid agonists. In this report, the authors investigate the role of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune regulation, with particular emphasis on compounds shown to regulate immune cell recruitment. The authors conclude by using the immune cell recruitment model to rationalise cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific effects in modulating immune disease, particularly the increasing evidence for its role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in influencing bone density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Lunn
- Schering-Plough Research Institute, Department of New Lead Discovery, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA.
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41
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Muccioli GG, Lambert DM. Latest advances in cannabinoid receptor antagonists and inverse agonists. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2006. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.16.10.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent findings suggesting that cannabinoid receptors are potential targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Cannabinoids, such as Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive compound of marijuana, their synthetic analogs and endogenous cannabinoid ligands, produce their biological effects by interacting with specific receptors. In the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol was shown to inhibit disease progression through pleiotropic effects on inflammatory cells. Blocking of cannabinoid receptor CB2, the main cannabinoid receptor expressed on immune cells, abolished the observed effects. The development of novel cannabinoid receptor ligands that selectively target CB2 receptors or pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system might offer novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Several reports demonstrating an implication of the endocannabinoid system in different inflammatory conditions support this hypothesis. SUMMARY The immunomodulatory capacity of cannabinoids is now well established and suggests a broad therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for a variety of conditions, including atherosclerosis. New strategies based on nonpsychotropic cannabinoid receptor ligands or compounds modulating endocannabinoid synthesis or stability might solve the problem of the unwanted side effects associated with cannabinoid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Steffens
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Foundation for Medical Research, 64 Avenue Roseraie, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Ueda Y, Miyagawa N, Wakitani K. Involvement of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the IgE-mediated triphasic cutaneous reaction in mice. Life Sci 2006; 80:414-9. [PMID: 17055000 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 09/20/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Involvement of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the IgE-mediated cutaneous reaction was investigated. Epicutaneous challenge with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene caused a triphasic swelling in the ear of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice passively sensitized with anti-dinitrophenol IgE. Peak responses of the ear swelling appeared at 1 h, 24 h, and 8 days after the challenge in both strains of mice. In contrast, cannabinoid CB2 receptor-deficient mice failed to exhibit the obvious triphasic ear swelling observed in wild-type mice. Oral administration of cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist/inverse agonists [N-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-7-methoxy-2-oxo-8-pentyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide] (JTE-907) and {N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2,2,1]heptan-2yl]5-(4-chloro-3-methyl-phenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide} (SR144528) at doses of 0.1-10 mg/kg significantly and dose-dependently suppressed all three phases of ear swelling in BALB/c mice. Interestingly, epicutaneous treatment with an ether-linked analogue of endogenous cannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, caused an ear swelling that could be detected at 1 h, 24 h, and 8 days after treatment of both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. These results suggest that cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in induction of the triphasic cutaneous reaction mediated by IgE, and that cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist/inverse agonists may serve as anti-allergic agents in the treatment of allergic dermatitis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Camphanes/pharmacology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/metabolism
- Dinitrofluorobenzene/immunology
- Dinitrofluorobenzene/pharmacology
- Dioxoles/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Immunoglobulin E/immunology
- Ligands
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Quinolones/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- Skin/drug effects
- Skin/immunology
- Skin/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Ueda
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1125, Japan.
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Cascio MG, Bisogno T, Palazzo E, Thomas A, van der Stelt M, Brizzi A, de Novellis V, Marabese I, Ross R, van de Doelen T, Brizzi V, Pertwee R, Maione S, Di Marzo V. In vitro and in vivo pharmacology of synthetic olivetol- or resorcinol-derived cannabinoid receptor ligands. Br J Pharmacol 2006; 149:431-40. [PMID: 16953186 PMCID: PMC1978428 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We have previously reported the development of CB-25 and CB-52, two ligands of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. We assessed here their functional activity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of the two compounds on forskolin-induced cAMP formation in intact cells or GTP-gamma-S binding to cell membranes, and their action on nociception in vivo was determined. KEY RESULTS CB-25 enhanced forskolin-induced cAMP formation in N18TG2 cells (EC50 approximately 20 nM, max. stimulation = 48%), behaving as an inverse CB1 agonist, but it stimulated GTP-gamma-S binding to mouse brain membranes, behaving as a partial CB1 agonist (EC50 =100 nM, max. stimulation = 48%). At human CB1 receptors, CB-25 inhibited cAMP formation in hCB1-CHO cells (EC50 = 1600 nM, max. inhibition = 68% of CP-55,940 effect). CB-52 inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP formation by N18TG2 cells (IC50 = 450 nM, max. inhibition = 40%) and hCB1-CHO cells (EC50 = 2600 nM, max. inhibition = 62% of CP-55,940 effect), and stimulated GTP-gamma-S binding to mouse brain membranes (EC50 = 11 nM, max. stimulation approximately 16%). Both CB-25 and CB-52 showed no activity in all assays of CB2-coupled functional activity and antagonized CP55940-induced stimulation of GTP-gamma-S binding to hCB2-CHO cell membranes. In vivo, both compounds, administered i.p., produced dose-dependent nociception in the plantar test carried out in healthy rats, and antagonised the anti-nociceptive effect of i.p. WIN55,212-2. In the formalin test in mice, however, the compounds counteracted both phases of formalin-induced nociception. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CB-25 and CB-52 behave in vitro mostly as CB1 partial agonists and CB2 neutral antagonists, whereas their activity in vivo might depend on the tonic activity of cannabinoid receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Action Potentials/drug effects
- Adenylyl Cyclases/metabolism
- Amides/pharmacology
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Brain Stem/cytology
- Brain Stem/drug effects
- Brain Stem/metabolism
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)/metabolism
- Ligands
- Male
- Mice
- Pain/chemically induced
- Pain/metabolism
- Pain/prevention & control
- Pain Measurement
- Pain Threshold/drug effects
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Resorcinols/pharmacology
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Cascio
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Salerno Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - T Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - E Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine – Section of Pharmacology ‘L Donatelli', Second University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - A Thomas
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - A Brizzi
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Siena, Italy
| | - V de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine – Section of Pharmacology ‘L Donatelli', Second University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - I Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine – Section of Pharmacology ‘L Donatelli', Second University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - R Ross
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - V Brizzi
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena Siena, Italy
| | - R Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| | - S Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine – Section of Pharmacology ‘L Donatelli', Second University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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Maekawa T, Nojima H, Kuraishi Y, Aisaka K. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor inverse agonist JTE-907 suppresses spontaneous itch-associated responses of NC mice, a model of atopic dermatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 542:179-83. [PMID: 16824511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
JTE-907, N-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-7-methoxy-2-oxo-8-pentyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide, is a selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The anti-pruritic activity of JTE-907 was studied in NC mice with chronic dermatitis, a model of atopic dermatitis. The oral dose of JTE-907 (1 and 10 mg/kg/day), an immunosuppressant agent tacrolimus (1 mg/kg/day) and a glucocorticoid betamethasone 17-valerate (1 mg/kg/day) for 20 days suppressed the spontaneous scratching and cutaneous nerve activity of NC mice. JTE-907 (10, but not 1, mg/kg) and tacrolimus, but not betamethasone, tended to alleviate the dermatitis. Betamethasone inhibited the body weight gain. These results suggest that JTE-907 suppresses spontaneous itch-associated responses of NC mice without adverse effects such as weight loss.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Betamethasone Valerate/administration & dosage
- Betamethasone Valerate/pharmacology
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Dermatitis, Atopic/pathology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/physiopathology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/prevention & control
- Dioxoles/administration & dosage
- Dioxoles/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Glucocorticoids/administration & dosage
- Glucocorticoids/pharmacology
- Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage
- Immunosuppressive Agents/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Pruritus/pathology
- Pruritus/physiopathology
- Pruritus/prevention & control
- Quinolones/administration & dosage
- Quinolones/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Severity of Illness Index
- Skin/drug effects
- Skin/innervation
- Skin/pathology
- Tacrolimus/administration & dosage
- Tacrolimus/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Maekawa
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Appendino G, Cascio MG, Bacchiega S, Moriello AS, Minassi A, Thomas A, Ross R, Pertwee R, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. First “hybrid” ligands of vanilloid TRPV1 and cannabinoid CB2receptors and non-polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived CB2-selective ligands. FEBS Lett 2005; 580:568-74. [PMID: 16406364 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2005] [Revised: 12/07/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
12-Phenylacetyl-ricinoleoyl-vanillamide (phenylacetylrinvanil, PhAR, IDN5890), is an ultra-potent agonist of human vanilloid TRPV1 receptors also endowed with moderate affinity for human cannabinoid CB(2) receptors. To improve its CB(2) affinity and temper its potency at TRPV1, the modification of the polar headgroup and the lipophilic 12-acylgroup of PhAR was pursued. Replacement of the vanillyl headgroup of PhAR with various aromatic or alkyl amino groups decreased activity at TRPV1 receptors, although the dopamine, cyclopropylamine, 1'-(R)- and 1'-(S)-methyl-ethanolamine, and ethanolamine derivatives retained significant potency (EC(50) 31-126 nM). Within these compounds, the 12-phenylacetylricinoleyl cyclopropylamide and ethanolamide were the strongest ligands at CB(2) receptors, with K(i) of 22 and 44 nM, and 14- and >20-fold selectivity over cannabinoid CB(1) receptors, respectively. The propyl- and allyl-derivatives also exhibited high affinity at CB(2) receptors (K(i)=40 and 22 nM, with 40 and >80-fold selectivity over CB(1) receptors, respectively), but no activity at TRPV1 receptors. The cyclopropyl- and allyl-derivatives behaved as CB(2) inverse agonists in the GTP-gamma-S binding assay. Addition of para-methoxy, -tert-butyl or -chlorine groups to the 12-phenylacetyl moiety of PhAR produced compounds that retained full potency at TRPV1 receptors, but with improved selectivity over CB(2) or CB(1) receptors. Thus, the manipulation of PhAR led to the development of the first CB(2)/TRPV1 dual ligands and of an entirely new class of inverse agonists at CB(2) receptors. Both types of compounds might find application in the treatment of inflammation, and represent new molecular probes to investigate the endocannabinoid-endovanilloid signalling system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Alimentari, Farmaceutiche e Farmacologiche, Via Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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