Modulatory role of the endocannabinoidome in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract

Impact of Cannabis Use on Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Autologous Breast Reconstruction: analysis of 719 patients and 1148 flaps: Impact of Cannabis Use in DIEP Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Given recent efforts to legalize and decriminalize recreational marijuana, its use has become increasingly common in the plastic surgery patient population. Although cannabis use has generally been considered lower risk than use of other recreational substances, recent studies have suggested it may be associated with an increased surgical complication rate. The aims of our study were to (1) characterize the extent of cannabis use and (2) determine the clinical effects of cannabis use in our cohort of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in adult patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps between January 2015 and December 2023 by 5 plastic surgeons at our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups of cannabis users and nonusers. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 87 cannabis users (12.1%) and 632 nonusers were included. A 5-fold increase in the proportion of cannabis users from 2015 to 2023 was found. Cannabis users were significantly younger (47.5 vs 51.7, P < 0.001) and had a significantly higher body mass index (30.5 vs 28.9, P = 0.012). Postoperatively, cannabis users had a significantly higher readmission rate (8.0% vs 3.2%, P = 0.035) and longer time to last abdominal drain removal (21 vs 17 days, P < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, multivariable logistic regression revealed cannabis use as a significant risk factor for postoperative general hematoma (OR: 3.078, confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.265-7.491, P = 0.013), breast hematoma (OR: 3.098, 95% CI: 1.197-8.020, P = 0.020), and readmission (OR: 2.865, 95% CI: 1.098-7.475, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest study examining the effects of cannabis use in patients receiving DIEP breast reconstruction. Our findings suggest that cannabis users undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction may require greater postoperative care and attention.

Targeting the Endocannabinoidome: A Novel Approach to Managing Extraintestinal Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder marked by persistent gastrointestinal inflammation and a spectrum of systemic effects, including extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) that impact the joints, skin, liver, and eyes. Conventional therapies primarily target intestinal inflammation, yet they frequently fail to ameliorate these systemic complications. Recent investigations have highlighted the complex interplay among the immune system, gut, and nervous system in IBD pathogenesis, thereby underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Keywords including "cannabinoids", "endocannabinoid system", "endocannabinoidome", "inflammatory bowel disease", and "extraintestinal manifestations" were used to identify peer-reviewed original research and review articles that explore the role of the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) in IBD. Results: Emerging evidence suggests that eCBome-a network comprising lipid mediators, receptors (e.g., CB1, CB2, GPR55, GPR35, PPARα, TRPV1), and metabolic enzymes-plays a critical role in modulating immune responses, maintaining gut barrier integrity, and regulating systemic inflammation. Targeting eCBome not only improves intestinal inflammation but also appears to mitigate metabolic, neurological, and extraintestinal complications such as arthritis, liver dysfunction, and dermatological disorders. Conclusions: Modulation of eCBome represents a promising strategy for comprehensive IBD management by addressing both local and systemic disease components. These findings advocate for further mechanistic studies to develop targeted interventions that leverage eCBome as a novel therapeutic avenue in IBD.

Enhancing Tetrahydrocannabinol's Therapeutic Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Roles of Cannabidiol and the Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Allosteric Modulator ZCZ011

Background/Objectives: Current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments focus on symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Dysregulation of the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, part of the endocannabinoid system, is linked to colitis. While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alleviates colitis via CB1 activation, its psychotropic effects limit clinical use. ZCZ011, a CB1R allosteric modulator, and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, offer alternatives. This study investigated combining sub-therapeutic THC doses with ZCZ011 or CBD in a murine model of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods: Acute colitis was induced with 4% DSS for 7 days, followed by 3 days of water. Chronic colitis was modelled over 24 days with alternating DSS concentrations. The combination of 2.5 mg/kg THC with 20 mg/kg ZCZ011 or 10 mg/kg CBD was evaluated. Key markers were assessed to determine efficacy and safety, including disease activity index (DAI), inflammation, cytokine levels, GLP-1, and organ health. Results: DSS-induced colitis resulted in increased DAI scores, cytokines, organ inflammation and dysregulation of GLP-1 and ammonia. THC at 10 mg/kg significantly improved colitis markers but was ineffective at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg. ZCZ011 alone showed transient effects. However, combining 2.5 mg/kg THC with either 20 mg/kg ZCZ011 or 10 mg/kg CBD significantly alleviated colitis markers, restored colon integrity and reestablished GLP-1 homeostasis. This combination also maintained favourable haematological and biochemical profiles, including a notable reduction in colitis-induced elevated ammonia levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the synergistic potential of low-dose THC combined with CBD or ZCZ011 as a novel, effective and safer therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis.

Do Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol have opposed effects on male fertility?

Cannabis sativa is a complex plant, renowned for its diverse array of bioactive compounds, the most prominent of which are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds exhibit markedly opposing pharmacological effects, with THC being primarily psychoactive and CBD known for its non-psychoactive properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential health implications of these compounds, particularly concerning male reproductive health. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has alluded to the potential negative effects of THC, including its association with reduced sperm quality, altered hormone levels, changes in genetic and epigenetic profiles, and potential impacts on fertility. Conversely, emerging studies suggest that CBD may exert protective and beneficial effects on male reproductive health, possibly through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature, delineating the mechanisms by which THC and CBD influence male reproductive health, highlighting the disparities in their effects, and discussing the clinical and therapeutic implications of these findings.

Cannabis and cannabinoid-microbiome interactions in varied clinical contexts: A comprehensive systematic review

With legalisation of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use expanding to more world nations, grasping its effects on the human body is vital. The microbiome is critical to human health and disease, and accumulating data suggests that it is influenced by a variety of external variables, including marijuana/cannabis and cannabinoids. We therefore conducted a comprehensive assessment of the literature to analyse cannabis and cannabinoid effects on the human microbiota. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases for studies involving the use of marijuana, medical cannabis, cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like lipid mediators on microbiota, across all clinical conditions. Nine studies were identified: 2 clinical trials and 7 observational studies examining cannabis and cannabinoid impact on oral, gastrointestinal, faecal and vaginal microbial abundance and diversity. Outcomes illustrated positive and negative impacts of cannabis use/cannabinoid actions on microbiota in adults with cognitive deficiency, depression, HIV infection, inflammation/pain, oral disease or obesity. Changes in alpha diversity were identified with cannabis/cannabinoid use, although this varied depending on the clinical context. A positive association exists between serum endocannabinoids and gut microbiota, via elevation in SCFAs and anti-inflammatory actions, beneficial for musculoskeletal pain relief and to counter obesity. Marijuana use in HIV patients showed protective effects by decreasing abundance of pro-inflammatory Prevotella, though excessive consumption leads to reduced microbiome richness and diversity, and increased systemic inflammation. Overall, this review underscores the need for further exploration in understanding the complex effects of cannabis, cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like mediators on composition and metabolic activity of the human microbiota.

Comprehensive Assessment of Cannabidiol and HU308 in Acute and Chronic Colitis Models: Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanistic Innovations

Cannabinoids are emerging as promising treatments for inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Specifically, cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors, which are upregulated during inflammation, have been distinctively linked to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. HU308, a synthetic cannabinoid developed to activate CB2 receptors selectively, aims to minimize unwanted off-target side effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of both cannabidiol (CBD) and HU308 in mouse models of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis, which mimic the acute and chronic phases of ulcerative colitis. Mice were treated with DSS in drinking water (four percent for the acute model and one to two percent for the chronic model) to induce colitis, as indicated by increased disease activity index (DAI) scores and inflammatory markers. Treatment with 60 mg/kg of CBD, but not lower doses, significantly reduced colitis symptoms, such as inflammation, cytokine levels, and MPO activity, while also normalizing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. HU308 showed comparable efficacy to high-dose CBD (60 mg/kg) but at a much lower dose (2.5 mg/kg), without observable toxicity. HU308 effectively normalized DAI scores, colon inflammation, ammonia levels, and GLP-1 expression in both colitis models. These results suggest that both CBD and HU308 are promising treatments for ulcerative colitis. However, HU308 demonstrates enhanced therapeutic potential by achieving similar outcomes at a fraction of the dose required for CBD, reducing the risk of off-target side effects. The ability of HU308 to modulate GLP-1, a biomarker of gut endocrine function, further underscores its promise as a novel treatment option.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf water extract attenuates type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, lipopolysaccharide elevation and endocannabinoid system disorder

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf is a well-known herbal medicine and has been used to treat diabetes in China for thousands of years. Our previous studies have proven mulberry leaf water extract (MLWE) could improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, it is still unclear whether MLWE could mitigate T2D by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis and thereof improve intestinal permeability and metabolic dysfunction through modulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endocannabinoid system (eCBs).

AIM OF STUDY

This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of MLWE on the regulation of metabolic function disorder of T2D mice from the aspects of gut microbiota, LPS and eCBs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gut microbiota was analyzed by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. LPS, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-ararchidonylglycerol (2-AG) contents in blood were determined by kits or liquid phase chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The receptors, enzymes or tight junction protein related to eCBs or gut barrier were detected by RT-PCR or Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

MLWE reduced the serum levels of AEA, 2-AG and LPS, decreased the expressions of N-acylphophatidylethanolamine phospholipase D, diacylglycerol lipase-α and cyclooxygenase 2, and increased the expressions of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA), alpha/beta hydrolases domain 6/12 in the liver and ileum and occludin, monoacylglycerol lipase and cannabinoid receptor 1 in the ileum of T2D mice. Furthermore, MLWE could change the abundances of the genera including Acetatifactor, Anaerovorax, Bilophila, Colidextribacter, Dubosiella, Gastranaerophilales, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Oscillibacter and Rikenella related to LPS, AEA and/or 2-AG. Moreover, obvious improvement of MLWE treatment on serum AEA level, ileum occludin expression, and liver FAAH and NAAA expression could be observed in germ-free-mimic T2D mice.

CONCLUSION

MLWE could ameliorate intestinal permeability, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolism imbalance of T2D by regulating gut microbiota, LPS and eCBs.

Effect of cannabis and subproducts on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity poses a significant public health challenge. Research has examined the impact of cannabis and subproducts on health but varying results have hindered a consensus.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluated the effects of cannabis and subproducts on body measurements.

METHODS

For searching randomized controlled trials evaluating cannabis and/or subproducts use and changes in anthropometric measures, a systematic search at MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science was conducted until March 2023. The outcomes included changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Meta-analysis was realized using R software (version 4.2.1).

RESULTS

In general, cannabis use reduced weight by 1.87 kg (95% CI: -3.71 to -0.03) and WC (mean difference = -2.19, 95% CI: -4.44 to 0.06). When examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced BMI reduction (mean difference = -1.10, 95% CI: -2.23 to 0.03). Cannabinoid CB1 exhibited an increase in body fat (mean difference = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.66-2.74).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that cannabis and subproducts could be considered adjuncts in obesity treatment by helping to reduce relevant anthropometric measurements.

New role for the anandamide metabolite prostaglandin F2α ethanolamide: Rolling preadipocyte proliferation

White adipose tissue regulation is key to metabolic health, yet still perplexing. The chief endocannabinoid anandamide metabolite, prostaglandin F2α ethanolamide (PGF2αEA), inhibits adipogenesis, that is, the formation of mature adipocytes. We observed that adipocyte progenitor cells-preadipocytes-following treatment with PGF2αEA yielded larger pellet sizes. Thus, we hypothesized that PGF2αEA might augment preadipocyte proliferation. Cell viability MTT and crystal violet assays, cell counting, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation in cell proliferation ELISA analyses confirmed our prediction. Additionally, we discovered that PGF2αEA promotes cell cycle progression through suppression of the expression of cell cycle inhibitors, p21 and p27, as shown by flow cytometry and qPCR. Enticingly, concentrations of this compound that showed no visible effect on cell proliferation or basal transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma could, in contrast, reverse the anti-proliferative and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-transcription activating effects of rosiglitazone (Rosi). MTT and luciferase reporter examinations supported this finding. The PGF2αEA pharmaceutical analog, bimatoprost, was also investigated and showed very similar effects. Importantly, we suggest the implication of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in these effects, as they were blocked by the selective mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, PD98059. We propose that PGF2αEA is a pivotal regulator of white adipose tissue plasticity, acting as a regulator of the preadipocyte pool in adipose tissue.

Antispasmodic Effect of Alstonia boonei De Wild. and Its Constituents: Ex Vivo and In Silico Approaches

BACKGROUND

Alstonia boonei, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is one of the best-known medicinal plants in Africa and Asia. Stem back preparations are traditionally used as muscle relaxants. This study investigated the antispasmodic properties of Alstonia boonei Stem back and its constituents.

METHOD

The freeze-dried aqueous Stem back extract of A. boonei, as well as dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, were evaluated for their antispasmodic effect via the ex vivo method. Two compounds were isolated from the DCM fraction using chromatographic techniques, and their antispasmodic activity was evaluated. An in silico study was conducted by evaluating the interaction of isolated compounds with human PPARgamma-LBD and human carbonic anhydrase isozyme.

RESULTS

The Stem back crude extract, DCM, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed antispasmodic activity on high-potassium-induced (K+ 80 mM) contractions on isolated rat ileum with IC50 values of 0.03 ± 0.20, 0.02 ± 0.05, 0.03 ± 0.14, and 0.90 ± 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds from the DCM fraction were β-amyrin and boonein, with only boonein exhibiting antispasmodic activity on both high-potassium-induced (IC50 = 0.09 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and spontaneous (0.29 ± 0.05 µg/mL) contractions. However, β-amyrin had a stronger interaction with the two proteins during the simulation.

CONCLUSION

The isolated compounds boonein and β-amyrin could serve as starting materials for the development of antispasmodic drugs.

Pharmacohistory of Cannabis Use-A New Possibility in Future Drug Development for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Humans have employed cannabis for multiple uses including medicine, recreation, food, and fibre. The various components such as roots, flowers, seeds, and leaves have been utilized to alleviate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disorders like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). It has occupied a significant space in ethnomedicines across cultures and religions. Despite multi-dimensional uses, the global prohibition of cannabis by the USA through the introduction of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937 led to prejudice about the perceived risks of cannabis, overshadowing its medicinal potential. Nevertheless, the discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and the endocannabinoid system renewed scientific interest in understanding the role of cannabis in modulating different conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders. Preparations combining cannabidiol and THC have shown promise in mitigating gut symptoms through anti-inflammatory and motility-enhancing effects. This review revisits the ethnomedicinal use of cannabis in gastrointestinal diseases and emphasizes the need for further research to determine optimal dosages, formulations, and safety profiles of cannabis-based medicines. It also underscores the future potential of cannabinoid-based therapies by leveraging the role of the expanded endocannabinoid system, an endocannabinoidome, in the modulation of gastrointestinal ailments.

The Effect of Orally Administered Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) on Obesity Parameters in Mice

Prolonged cannabis users show a lower prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities. In rodent models, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) from the plant Cannabis sativa L. have shown anti-obesity properties, suggesting a link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and obesity. However, the oral administration route has rarely been studied in this context. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prolonged oral administration of pure THC and CBD on obesity-related parameters and peripheral endocannabinoids. C57BL/6 male mice were fed with either a high-fat or standard diet and then received oral treatment in ramping doses, namely 10 mg/kg of THC or CBD for 5 weeks followed by 30 mg/kg for an additional 5 weeks. Mice treated with THC had attenuated weight gain and improved glucose tolerance, followed by improvement in steatosis markers and decreased hypertrophic cells in adipose epididymal tissue. Mice treated with CBD had improved glucose tolerance and increased markers of lipid metabolism in adipose and liver tissues, but in contrast to THC, CBD had no effect on weight gain and steatosis markers. CBD exclusively decreased the level of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the liver. These data suggest that the prolonged oral consumption of THC, but not of CBD, ameliorates diet-induced obesity and metabolic parameters, possibly through a mechanism of adipose tissue adaptation.

Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic dysregulation and aging, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 1-aging and epigenomics

Much recent attention has been directed toward the spatial organization of the cell nucleus and the manner in which three-dimensional topologically associated domains and transcription factories are epigenetically coordinated to precisely bring enhancers into close proximity with promoters to control gene expression. Twenty lines of evidence robustly implicate cannabinoid exposure with accelerated organismal and cellular aging. Aging has recently been shown to be caused by increased DNA breaks. These breaks rearrange and maldistribute the epigenomic machinery to weaken and reverse cellular differentiation, cause genome-wide DNA demethylation, reduce gene transcription, and lead to the inhibition of developmental pathways, which contribute to the progressive loss of function and chronic immune stimulation that characterize cellular aging. Both cell lineage-defining superenhancers and the superanchors that control them are weakened. Cannabis exposure phenocopies the elements of this process and reproduces DNA and chromatin breakages, reduces the DNA, RNA protein and histone synthesis, interferes with the epigenomic machinery controlling both DNA and histone modifications, induces general DNA hypomethylation, and epigenomically disrupts both the critical boundary elements and the cohesin motors that create chromatin loops. This pattern of widespread interference with developmental programs and relative cellular dedifferentiation (which is pro-oncogenic) is reinforced by cannabinoid impairment of intermediate metabolism (which locks in the stem cell-like hyper-replicative state) and cannabinoid immune stimulation (which perpetuates and increases aging and senescence programs, DNA damage, DNA hypomethylation, genomic instability, and oncogenesis), which together account for the diverse pattern of teratologic and carcinogenic outcomes reported in recent large epidemiologic studies in Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. It also accounts for the prominent aging phenotype observed clinically in long-term cannabis use disorder and the 20 characteristics of aging that it manifests. Increasing daily cannabis use, increasing use in pregnancy, and exponential dose-response effects heighten the epidemiologic and clinical urgency of these findings. Together, these findings indicate that cannabinoid genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity are prominent features of cannabis dependence and strongly indicate coordinated multiomics investigations of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture. Considering the well-established exponential dose-response relationships, the diversity of cannabinoids, and the multigenerational nature of the implications, great caution is warranted in community cannabinoid penetration.

Unveiling the angiogenic effects of cannabinoids: Enhancers or inhibitors?

Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. Some can activate the cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2 (CB1 and CB2), that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), alongside the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes and is a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Synthetic cannabinoids, are associated with serious health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and death. Nonetheless, some of these molecules are also being explored for pharmacological applications. Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, crucial for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is associated with several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy and reproductive pathologies, such as preeclampsia. Recent data suggests that cannabinoids may affect angiogenesis. Here, we reviewed their impact on pro-angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix enzymes and inhibitors, immune-inflammatory responses, angiogenic pathways and functional assays, focusing on the main compounds for each cannabinoid class: THC and CBD for phytocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) for endocannabinoids and WIN-55, JWH-133, XLR-11, LYR-7 and LYR-8, for the synthetic cannabinoids. Despite conflicting reports about the actions of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids on angiogenesis, the ability to modulate the angiogenic process is undoubtedly confirmed. This may open a new therapeutical route for angiogenesis-related pathologies. In addition, synthetic cannabinoids present anti-angiogenic actions in several cell models, hinting their potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.

Effect of an Enteroprotective Complementary Feed on Faecal Markers of Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Weaning Puppies

Weaning entails numerous modifications of the intestinal structure and microbiota composition, making puppies at high risk of sickness during this delicate life stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a four-week administration of a supplement composed of ultramicronised Palmitoylethanolamide, bovine colostrum and Bacillus subtilis (Normalia® Extra, Innovet Italia Srl, Saccolongo, Italy) on markers of gut health and microbiome of weaning puppies. Twenty-nine four-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were randomly assigned to control (CG, n = 13) and treated (TG, n = 16) groups. During the whole experimental time, there were no differences between the groups with regard to average daily gain and faecal score. In TG, faecal calprotectin and zonulin values were statistically significantly decreased compared to CG, especially at week 8 (zonulin: 42.8 ± 1.54 ng/mL and 55.3 ± 42.8 ng/mL, and calprotectin: 2.91 ± 0.38 µg/g and 5.71 ± 0.43 µg/g, in TG and CG, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bacteria belonging to phylum Campylobacterota decreased (p = 0.04), while those referring to genera Coprococcus and Pseudomonas increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). The supplementation of the tested complementary feed can promote the intestinal health of puppies and therefore facilitate weaning by lowering gut inflammation.

Should gastroenterologists prescribe cannabis? The highs, the lows and the unknowns

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a drug extracted from the Cannabis plant known for its psychotropic and medicinal properties. It has been used for healing purposes during ancient times, although its psychoactive components led to its restricted use in medicine. Nonetheless, cannabis is found to have modulatory effects on the endocannabinoid system exhibiting its medicinal role in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Emerging animal and human studies demonstrate the influential effects of cannabis on a variety of GI diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, motility disorders and GI malignancies. It also has a regulatory role in GI symptoms including nausea and vomiting, anorexia, weight gain, abdominal pain, among others. However, both its acute and chronic use can lead to undesirable side effects such as dependency and addiction, cognitive impairment and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We will discuss the role of cannabis in the GI system as well as dosing strategies to help guide gastroenterologists to assess its efficacy and provide patient counseling before prescription of medical marijuana.

Validation of a fast and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS quantitative method for N-acyl taurine analysis in biological samples

The recent discovery of N-acyl taurines (NATs) as a class of endogenous bioactive lipids and the perspective of their possible pharmacological applications stimulated the development of mass spectrometry-based methods for their quantitative measurements in biological tissues and fluids. We report here for the first time a procedure validated both in liver surrogate matrix and neat solvent (MeOH) based on UPLC-ESI-QqQ analysis for the identification and quantification of NATs in biological tissue extracts. The LC-MS method was based on five representative lipid analogues, including saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated species, namely N-palmitoyl taurine (C16:0 NAT), N-oleoyl taurine (C18:1 NAT), N-arachidonoyl taurine (C20:4 NAT), N-docosanoyl taurine (C22:0 NAT) and N-nervonoyl taurine (C24:1 NAT), and evaluated for specificity, linearity, matrix effect, recovery, repeatability and intermediate precision and accuracy. The method validated in MeOH by internal standard approach (d₄-C20:4 NAT) showed excellent linearity in the range 1-300 ng/ml with R always ≥ 0.9996 for all NATs; intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were always within the acceptable range. Specificity was assessed on NAT standards in MeOH, applying the confirmation ratio of two diagnostic MRM ion transitions for product ions at m/z 80 and m/z 107 to true samples in the adopted BEH C18 UPLC conditions. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3-0.4 and 1 ng/ml, respectively, for all compounds. The method was successfully applied to assess the levels of NATs in the mouse liver and, for the first time, in varying sections of the intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon). NAT levels increased from duodenum to colon, evidencing a remarkable prevalence in the large intestine of C22:0 NAT, typically occurring mainly in the central nervous system. These findings prompt further studies to disclose the biological function of the various members of this class in different peripheral tissues.

Dynamic effects of probiotic formula ecologic®825 on human small intestinal ileostoma microbiota: a network theory approach

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in health and disease. The use of probiotics as microbiota-targeted therapies is a promising strategy to improve host health. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in such therapies are often not well understood, particularly when targeting the small intestinal microbiota. In this study, we investigated the effects of a probiotic formula (Ecologic®825) on the adult human small intestinal ileostoma microbiota. The results showed that supplementation with the probiotic formula led to a reduction in the growth of pathobionts, such as Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, and a decrease in ethanol production. These changes were associated with significant alterations in nutrient utilization and resistance to perturbations. These probiotic mediated alterations which coincided with an initial increase in lactate production and decrease in pH were followed by a sharp increase in the levels of butyrate and propionate. Moreover, the probiotic formula increased the production of multiple N-acyl amino acids in the stoma samples. The study demonstrates the utility of network theory in identifying novel microbiota-targeted therapies and improving existing ones. Overall, the findings provide insights into the dynamic molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic therapies, which can aid in the development of more effective treatments for a range of conditions.

Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Molecules towards Drugs of Clinical Relevance

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most threatening solid malignancies. Molecular and cellular mediators that activate paracrine signalling also regulate the dynamic interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and nerves. This reciprocal interface leads to perineural invasion (PNI), defined as the ability of cancer cells to invade nerves, similar to vascular and lymphatic metastatic cascade. Targeting PNI in pancreatic cancer might help ameliorate prognosis and pain relief. In this review, the modern knowledge of PNI in pancreatic cancer has been analysed and critically presented. We focused on molecular pathways promoting cancer progression, with particular emphasis on neuropathic pain generation, and we reviewed the current knowledge of pharmacological inhibitors of the PNI axis. PNI represents a common hallmark of PDAC and correlates with recurrence, poor prognosis and pain in pancreatic cancer patients. The interaction among pancreatic cancer cells, immune cells and nerves is biologically relevant in each stage of the disease and stimulates great interest, but the real impact of the administration of novel agents in clinical practice is limited. It is still early days for PNI-targeted treatments, and further advanced studies are needed to understand whether they could be effective tools in the clinical setting.

Anti-Microbial Activity of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in the Light of Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles

Antibiotic resistance has become an increasing challenge in the treatment of various infectious diseases, especially those associated with biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic materials. There is an urgent need for new treatment protocols that can also target biofilm-embedded bacteria. Many secondary metabolites of plants possess anti-bacterial activities, and especially the phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa L. varieties have reached a renaissance and attracted much attention for their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities at concentrations below the cytotoxic threshold on normal mammalian cells. Accordingly, many synthetic cannabinoids have been designed with the intention to increase the specificity and selectivity of the compounds. The structurally unrelated endocannabinoids have also been found to have anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. Recent data suggest for a mutual communication between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiota. The present review focuses on the anti-microbial activities of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids integrated with some selected issues of their many physiological and pharmacological activities.

Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment. The desmoplastic tumour microenvironment contributes to determining PDAC pathophysiology, immune response and therapeutic efficacy. The existing therapeutic approaches such as FDA-approved chemotherapeutics, gemcitabine, abraxane and folfirinox, prolong survival marginally and are accompanied by adverse effects. Several studies suggest the role of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents. Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in pancreatic cells, with a higher expression reported in pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system might offer therapeutic benefits in pancreatic cancer. In addition, emerging data suggest that cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy can increase survival in transgenic pancreatic cancer murine models. This review provides an overview of the regulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome, in PDAC and will explore the potential of targeting this system for novel anticancer approaches.