1
|
Paramita Pal P, Sajeli Begum A, Ameer Basha S, Araya H, Fujimoto Y. New natural pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and iNOS inhibitors identified from Penicillium polonicum through in vitro and in vivo studies. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109940. [PMID: 37012863 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS have been found to be concomitant with several chronic inflammatory diseases and hence targeting their inhibition would be a useful therapy for inflammation. In view of this, study on discovery of natural pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibitory lead molecules from Penicillium polonicum, an endophytic fungus isolated from the fresh fruits of Piper nigrum was performed. When the culture broth extract of P. polonicum (EEPP) was subjected to LPS-induced cytokines expression (ELISA in RAW 264.7 cells), it exhibited inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and this encouraged us to do chemical investigation on EEPP to explore the bioactive components. Four compounds isolated and characterised as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl propionic acid (1), 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2), indole 3-carboxylic acid (3) and tyrosol (4) were tested for their effect on the production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells (ELISA). All the compounds exhibited a highly significant (P < 0.0001) inhibition effect, particularly against IL-1β (IC50: 4-0.91 μM, 1-2.81 μM, 3-4.38 μM, and 2-5.54 μM). Tyrosol (4) was most active with IC50 values of 0.91, 2.67 and 4.60 μM against IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively. On observing the potential activity of the compounds, two compositions C1 and C2 were prepared by mixing equimolar concentrations of compounds 1, 2, 3 & 4 (C1) and compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 & piperine (C2) in equal ratio. A synergistic effect was observed with C1 exhibiting potential suppression of IL-6 secretion (IC50 1.91 μM) and C2 against IL-1β (IC50 5.98 μM). Also, the individual compounds and C1 were effective in controlling iNOS expressions in RAW 264.7 cells (RTPCR). Further, the in vivo performance of the compounds and compositions were studied under two in vivo inflammatory models (LPS-induced endotoxaemia and carrageenan-induced paw oedema). Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, C1 and C2 at 50 mg/kg oral dose showed a significant control over the LPS-stimulated TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in plasma. C1, C2 and 1 exhibited > 50% pan-cytokine inhibition effect. Under the carrageenan-induced anti-inflammatory model, a significant reduction in the paw oedema measured in terms of the difference in the paw thickness was observed. Further, attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels following ELISA and RT-PCR experiments in the paw tissue homogenate was in agreement with paw thickness results. All compounds and C1 decreased the iNOS gene expression levels, and also the MPO activity and NO production in the paw tissue homogenate with tyrosol (4) as the most active molecule. Further, the mechanism of action was explored by testing the effect of the compounds on the expression of inflammatory markers using western blot analysis (in vitro). They were found to regulate the expression of pro-form and matured-form of IL-1β by inhibiting NFκB. Also, the compounds reduced the translocation of the NF-κB subunit p65 to the nucleus. Thus, compounds 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl propionic acid (1), 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2), indole 3-carboxylic acid (3) and tyrosol (4) are reported as new natural multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibitory leads. The interesting results of C1 might lay a footing for the development of a new anti-inflammatory composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Paramita Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana State, India
| | - Ahil Sajeli Begum
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana State, India.
| | - S Ameer Basha
- Department of Plant Pathology, Professor Jeyashanker Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad 500030, Telangana State, India
| | - Hiroshi Araya
- School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimoto
- School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pal PP, Begum SA, Basha AS, Araya H, Fujimoto Y. A New Lignan (Polonilignan) and Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Production from Penicillium polonicum, an Endophytic Fungi of Piper nigrum. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200840. [PMID: 36662670 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200840] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) or its production is found to be of therapeutic benefit. To discover natural small molecule inhibitors of NO production, a bioassay- and LC/MS-guided chemical investigation was done on the metabolites of endophytic fungus isolated from fresh Piper nigrum fruits. The isolated pure strain was identified as Penicillium polonicum by 16S rDNA sequence comparison. The culture broth extract of P. polonicum (EEPP) exhibited a significant reduction of NO production (Griess method) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.0001). To understand the chemical constituents of bioactive EEPP, column chromatography and p-TLC studies were carried out, which yielded eight pure compounds. They were characterised as botryosphaeridione (1), 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy)phenylpropionic acid (2), variabilone (3), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (4), indole-3-carboxylic acid (5), tyrosol (6), ethyl ferulate (7) and a new lignan (8) based on the spectral analysis. The structure elucidation of the new lignan, named polonilignan (8), was based on HR-MS, 1 H- & 13 C-NMR, H-H COSY, HSQC and HMBC spectra. Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 6 showed a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in the production of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Tyrosol (6) and indole-3-carboxylic acid (5) controlled nitrite release with IC50 values of 22.84 and 55.01 μM, respectively. This is the first report of (i) P. polonicum as an endophytic fungus of pepper fruits, (ii) isolation of compounds 1-8 except 6 from P. polonicum culture broth extract and (iii) NO inhibition effect of 2, 4, 5 and 6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Paramita Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana State, India
| | - Sajeli A Begum
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana State, India
| | - Ameer S Basha
- Department of Plant Pathology, Professor Jeyashanker Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad, 500030, Telangana State, India
| | - Hiroshi Araya
- School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimoto
- School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Young AP, Denovan-Wright EM. The microglial endocannabinoid system is similarly regulated by lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 372:577971. [PMID: 36150252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577971] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Perturbation of the endocannabinoid system can have profound effects on immune function and synaptic plasticity. Microglia are one of few cell types with a self-contained endocannabinoid system and are positioned at the interface between the immune system and the central nervous system. Past work has produced conflicting results with respect to the effects of pro-inflammatory conditions on the microglial endocannabinoid system. Thus, we systematically investigated the relationship between the concentration of two distinct pro-inflammatory stimuli, lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma, on the abundance of components of the endocannabinoid system within microglia. Here we show that lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma influence messenger RNA abundances of the microglial endocannabinoid system in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the efficacy of different synthetic cannabinoid treatments with respect to inhibition of microglia nitric oxide release is dependent on the concentration and type of pro-inflammatory stimuli presented to the microglia. This indicates that different pro-inflammatory stimuli influence the capacity of microglia to synthesize, degrade, and respond to cannabinoids which has implications for the development of cannabinoid-based treatments for neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Young
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morris G, Walder K, Berk M, Carvalho AF, Marx W, Bortolasci CC, Yung AR, Puri BK, Maes M. Intertwined associations between oxidative and nitrosative stress and endocannabinoid system pathways: Relevance for neuropsychiatric disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 114:110481. [PMID: 34826557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) appears to regulate metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, lung, and reproductive system functions, as well as the central nervous system. There is also evidence that neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with ECS abnormalities as well as oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways. The goal of this mechanistic review is to investigate the mechanisms underlying the ECS's regulation of redox signalling, as well as the mechanisms by which activated oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways may impair ECS-mediated signalling. Cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 activation and upregulation of brain CB2 receptors reduce oxidative stress in the brain, resulting in less tissue damage and less neuroinflammation. Chronically high levels of oxidative stress may impair CB1 and CB2 receptor activity. CB1 activation in peripheral cells increases nitrosative stress and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) activity, reducing mitochondrial activity. Upregulation of CB2 in the peripheral and central nervous systems may reduce iNOS, nitrosative stress, and neuroinflammation. Nitrosative stress may have an impact on CB1 and CB2-mediated signalling. Peripheral immune activation, which frequently occurs in response to nitro-oxidative stress, may result in increased expression of CB2 receptors on T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages, reducing the production of inflammatory products and limiting the duration and intensity of the immune and oxidative stress response. In conclusion, high levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress may compromise or even abolish ECS-mediated redox pathway regulation. Future research in neuropsychiatric disorders like mood disorders and deficit schizophrenia should explore abnormalities in these intertwined signalling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Wolf Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Alison R Yung
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; School of Health Science, University of Manchester, UK.
| | - Basant K Puri
- University of Winchester, UK, and C.A.R., Cambridge, UK.
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Serum Proteomic Analysis of Cannabis Use Disorder in Male Patients. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175311. [PMID: 34500744 PMCID: PMC8434053 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use has been growing recently and it is legally consumed in many countries. Cannabis has a variety of phytochemicals including cannabinoids, which might impair the peripheral systems responses affecting inflammatory and immunological pathways. However, the exact signaling pathways that induce these effects need further understanding. The objective of this study is to investigate the serum proteomic profiling in patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) as compared with healthy control subjects. The novelty of our study is to highlight the differentially changes proteins in the serum of CUD patients. Certain proteins can be targeted in the future to attenuate the toxicological effects of cannabis. Blood samples were collected from 20 male individuals: 10 healthy controls and 10 CUD patients. An untargeted proteomic technique employing two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry was employed in this study to assess the differentially expressed proteins. The proteomic analysis identified a total of 121 proteins that showed significant changes in protein expression between CUD patients (experimental group) and healthy individuals (control group). For instance, the serum expression of inactive tyrosine protein kinase PEAK1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 were increased in CUD group. In contrast, the serum expression of transthyretin and serotransferrin were reduced in CUD group. Among these proteins, 55 proteins were significantly upregulated and 66 proteins significantly downregulated in CUD patients as compared with healthy control group. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) found that these differentially expressed proteins are linked to p38MAPK, interleukin 12 complex, nuclear factor-κB, and other signaling pathways. Our work indicates that the differentially expressed serum proteins between CUD and control groups are correlated to liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor (RXR), farnesoid X receptor/RXR activation, and acute phase response signaling.
Collapse
|
6
|
The Interplay between the Immune and the Endocannabinoid Systems in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061282. [PMID: 34064197 PMCID: PMC8224348 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa has been recognized since ancient times. Phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids activate two major G protein-coupled receptors, subtype 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). Cannabinoids (CBs) modulate several aspects of cancer cells, such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness. Moreover, agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors inhibit angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of cancer in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains a plethora of innate and adaptive immune cells. These cells play a central role in tumor initiation and growth and the formation of metastasis. CB2 and, to a lesser extent, CB1 receptors are expressed on a variety of immune cells present in TME (e.g., T cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, eosinophils). The activation of CB receptors modulates a variety of biological effects on cells of the adaptive and innate immune system. The expression of CB2 and CB1 on different subsets of immune cells in TME and hence in tumor development is incompletely characterized. The recent characterization of the human cannabinoid receptor CB2-Gi signaling complex will likely aid to design potent and specific CB2/CB1 ligands with therapeutic potential in cancer.
Collapse
|
7
|
Characterization of Subtype Selective Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptor Agonists as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040378. [PMID: 33921589 PMCID: PMC8073686 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the CB2 receptor has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects without causing psychoactive effects. Previously, we reported that the compound ethyl 2(2-(N-(2,3-dimethylphenyl) phenylsulfonamido)acetamido)benzoate (ABK5) is a CB2 subtype selective agonist with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. In the present study, we tested four ABK5 derivatives, ABK5-1, ABK5-2, ABK5-5, and ABK5-6, to analyze the structure of ABK5 to obtain CB2-selective agonists with higher affinity and efficacy. Affinity, subtype selectivity, and G-protein coupling were determined by radioligand binding assays. Selected compounds were then subjected to evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects using two different cell lines, Jurkat (ABK5-1 and 5-2) and BV-2 cells (ABK5-1), which are models of T cells and microglia, respectively. ABK5-1, ABK5-2, and ABK5-6 had comparable CB2 binding affinity with ABK5 (and stimulated G-protein coupling), while only ABK5-1 and ABK5-2 maintained CB2-subtype selectivity. ABK5-5 did not bind CB2 in the detectable range. RT-PCR and ELISA analysis showed that the two compounds also inhibit IL-2 and TNF-α production, and they were more efficacious than ABK5 in inhibiting TNF-α production. CXCL-12 mediated chemotaxis was also evaluated by the transwell migration assay, and both ABK5-1 and ABK5-2 inhibited chemotaxis with a stronger effect observed in ABK5-1. In the microglia cell line BV-2, ABK5-1 inhibited IL-1β and IL-6 production, which suggests this compound has anti-inflammatory effects through targeting multiple immune cells, and may be a candidate for treatment of inflammation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Silva JP, Araújo AM, de Pinho PG, Carmo H, Carvalho F. Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-122 and THJ-2201 Disrupt Endocannabinoid-Regulated Mitochondrial Function and Activate Apoptotic Pathways as a Primary Mechanism of In Vitro Nephrotoxicity at In Vivo Relevant Concentrations. Toxicol Sci 2020; 169:422-435. [PMID: 30796436 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) represents a major public health issue, as reports of intoxications and deaths following SCB use rapidly mount up. Specifically, a direct link between SCB use and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been established, although the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain undefined. Here we assessed the in vitro nephrotoxicity of 3 commonly detected and structurally distinct SCBs-AB-FUBINACA, JWH-122, and THJ-2201-in human proximal tubule cells (HK-2), to ascertain potential similarities and/or differences regarding their nephrotoxicity signatures. We showed that 2 of the 3 SCBs tested, namely JWH-122 and THJ-2201, at in vivo relevant concentrations (1 nM-1 μM), triggered apoptotic cell death pathways, mainly through a shared mechanism involving the deregulation of mitochondrial function (ie, with mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization and increased intracellular ATP levels), as the primary molecular signature of nephrotoxicity mechanism. Noteworthy, no SCB affected cell viability (MTT reduction, lactate dehydrogenase release, Neutral Red inclusion). Use of the cannabinoid receptor (CBR) antagonists SR141716A and SR144528, as well as HEK293T cells, which do not express CBRs, confirmed the involvement of these receptors in SCB-mediated mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization but not on other events, suggesting an off-target action regulating SCB-induced kidney cell death. Our results further strengthen the relevance of the endocannabinoid system in maintaining mitochondrial function in kidney cells, as we demonstrate that HK-2 incubation with CBR antagonists or inhibitors of endocannabinoid biosynthesis (ie, methyl arachydonyl fluorophosphonate, tetrahydrolipstatin) alone produced deleterious effects similar to those now reported for SCBs. Overall, SCB-induced nephrotoxicity seems to be mainly regulated at the mitochondrial level, but the specific mechanisms involved require further clarification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João P Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Araújo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Helena Carmo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Piomelli D, Scalvini L, Fotio Y, Lodola A, Spadoni G, Tarzia G, Mor M. N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA): Structure, Function, and Inhibition. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7475-7490. [PMID: 32191459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
N-Acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is an N-terminal cysteine hydrolase primarily found in the endosomal-lysosomal compartment of innate and adaptive immune cells. NAAA catalyzes the hydrolytic deactivation of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a lipid-derived peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist that exerts profound anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. Emerging evidence points to NAAA-regulated PEA signaling at PPAR-α as a critical control point for the induction and the resolution of inflammation and to NAAA itself as a target for anti-inflammatory medicines. The present Perspective discusses three key aspects of this hypothesis: the role of NAAA in controlling the signaling activity of PEA; the structural bases for NAAA function and inhibition by covalent and noncovalent agents; and finally, the potential value of NAAA-targeting drugs in the treatment of human inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tarzia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dinu AR, Rogobete AF, Bratu T, Popovici SE, Bedreag OH, Papurica M, Bratu LM, Sandesc D. Cannabis Sativa Revisited-Crosstalk between microRNA Expression, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endocannabinoid Response System in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis. Cells 2020; 9:E307. [PMID: 32012914 PMCID: PMC7072707 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Critically ill patients with sepsis require a multidisciplinary approach, as this situation implies multiorgan distress, with most of the bodily biochemical and cellular systems being affected by the condition. Moreover, sepsis is characterized by a multitude of biochemical interactions and by dynamic changes of the immune system. At the moment, there is a gap in our understanding of the cellular, genetic, and molecular mechanisms involved in sepsis. One of the systems intensely studied in recent years is the endocannabinoid signaling pathway, as light was shed over a series of important interactions of cannabinoid receptors with biochemical pathways, specifically for sepsis. Furthermore, a series of important implications on inflammation and the immune system that are induced by the activity of cannabinoid receptors stimulated by the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been noticed. One of the most important is their ability to reduce the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators and the modulation of immune mechanisms. Different studies have reported that cannabinoids can reduce oxidative stress at mitochondrial and cellular levels. The aim of this review paper was to present, in detail, the important mechanisms modulated by the endocannabinoid signaling pathway, as well as of the molecular and cellular links it has with sepsis. At the same time, we wish to present the possible implications of cannabinoids in the most important biological pathways involved in sepsis, such as inflammation, redox activity, immune system, and epigenetic expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Raluca Dinu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Alexandru Florin Rogobete
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 325100 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Bratu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Sonia Elena Popovici
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 325100 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Horea Bedreag
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 325100 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Papurica
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 325100 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Melania Bratu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Dorel Sandesc
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.R.D.); (A.F.R.); (S.E.P.); (M.P.); (L.M.B.); (D.S.)
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 325100 Timisoara, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hohmann U, Pelzer M, Kleine J, Hohmann T, Ghadban C, Dehghani F. Opposite Effects of Neuroprotective Cannabinoids, Palmitoylethanolamide, and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol on Function and Morphology of Microglia. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1180. [PMID: 31787870 PMCID: PMC6853843 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various studies performed in cultured cells and in in vivo models of neuronal damage showed that cannabinoids exert a neuroprotective effect. The increase in cannabinoids and cannabinoid like substances after stroke has been postulated to limit the content of neuronal injury. As well-accepted, inflammation, and neuronal damage are coupled processes and microglial cells as the main intrinsic immunological effector within the brain play a central role in their regulation. Treatment with the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or the endocannabinoid-like substance, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) affected microglial cells and led to a decrease in the number of damaged neurons after excitotoxical lesion in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC). 2-AG activated abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) receptor, PEA was shown to mediate neuroprotection via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α. Despite the known neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, the potential synergistic effect, namely possible entourage effect after treatment with the combination of these two protective cannabinoids has not been examined yet. After excitotoxical lesion OHSC were treated with PEA, 2-AG or a combination of both and the number of damaged neurons was evaluated. To investigate the role of microglial cells in PEA and 2-AG mediated protection, primary microglial cell cultures were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 2-AG, PEA or a combination of those. Thereafter, we measured NO production, ramification index, proliferation and PPARα distribution in microglial cells. While PEA or 2-AG alone were neuroprotective, their co-application vanished the protective effect. This behavior was independent of microglial cells. Furthermore, PEA and 2-AG had contrary effects on ramification index and on NO production. No significant changes were observed in the proliferation rate of microglial cells after treatment. The expression of PPARα was not changed upon stimulation with PEA or 2-AG, but the distribution was significantly altered. 2-AG and PEA mediated neuroprotection was abolished when co-applied. Both cannabinoids exert contrary effects on morphology and function of microglial cells. Co-application of both cannabinoids with different targets did not lead to a positive additive effect as expected, presumably due to the contrary polarization of microglial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Pelzer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joshua Kleine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Endocannabinoid System in Hepatic Glucose Metabolism, Fatty Liver Disease, and Cirrhosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102516. [PMID: 31121839 PMCID: PMC6566399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that glucose metabolism in the liver is in part under the control of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is also supported by its presence in this organ. The ECS consists of its cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and enzymes that are responsible for endocannabinoid production and metabolism. ECS is known to be differentially influenced by the hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, e.g., cannabinoid receptor type 1(CB1) antagonist can improve the glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Interestingly, our own study shows that expression patterns of CBRs are influenced by the light/dark cycle, which is of significant physiological and clinical interest. The ECS system is highly upregulated during chronic liver disease and a growing number of studies suggest a mechanistic and therapeutic impact of ECS on the development of liver fibrosis, especially putting its receptors into focus. An opposing effect of the CBRs was exerted via the CB1 or CB2 receptor stimulation. An activation of CB1 promoted fibrogenesis, while CB2 activation improved antifibrogenic responses. However, underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the context of liver diseases, the ECS is considered as a possible mediator, which seems to be involved in the synthesis of fibrotic tissue, increase of intrahepatic vascular resistance and subsequently development of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is the main event that leads to complications of the disease. The main complication is the development of variceal bleeding and ascites, which have prognostic relevance for the patients. The present review summarizes the current understanding and impact of the ECS on glucose metabolism in the liver, in association with the development of liver cirrhosis and hemodynamics in cirrhosis and its complication, to give perspectives for development of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Silva RL, Silveira GT, Wanderlei CW, Cecilio NT, Maganin AGM, Franchin M, Marques LMM, Lopes NP, Crippa JA, Guimarães FS, Alves-Filho JCF, Cunha FQ, Cunha TM. DMH-CBD, a cannabidiol analog with reduced cytotoxicity, inhibits TNF production by targeting NF-kB activity dependent on A 2A receptor. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 368:63-71. [PMID: 30796934 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound with psychoactive therapeutic properties well described. Conversely, the immunological effects of CBD are still poorly explored. In this study, the potential anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of CBD and its analog Dimethyl-Heptyl-Cannabidiol (DMH-CBD) were investigated using RAW 264.7 macrophages. CBD and DMH-CBD suppressed LPS-induced TNF production and NF-kB activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Both compounds reduced the NF-kB activity in a μM concentration range: CBD (IC50 = 15 μM) and DMH-CBD (IC50 = 38 μM). However, the concentrations of CBD that mediated NF-kB inhibition were similar to those that cause cytotoxicity (LC50 = 58 μM). Differently, DMH-CBD inhibited the NF-kB activation without cytotoxic effects at the same concentrations, although it provokes cytotoxicity at long-term exposure. The inhibitory action of the DMH-CBD on NF-kB activity was not related to the reduction in IkBα degradation or either p65 (NF-kB) translocation to the nucleus, although it decreased p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Additionally, 8-(3-Chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC), an A2A antagonist, reversed the effect of DMH-CBD on NF-kB activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, our results demonstrated that CBD reduces NF-kB activity at concentrations intimately associated with those that cause cell death, whereas DMH-CBD decreases NF-kB activity at non-toxic concentrations in an A2A receptor dependent-manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rangel L Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriela T Silveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos W Wanderlei
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Nerry T Cecilio
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Alexandre G M Maganin
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Franchin
- Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas M M Marques
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto P Lopes
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - José C F Alves-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Q Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ohara M, Ohnishi S, Hosono H, Yamamoto K, Fu Q, Maehara O, Suda G, Sakamoto N. Palmitoylethanolamide Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:709. [PMID: 30057547 PMCID: PMC6053486 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis is a complex inflammatory and fibrogenic process, and the progression of fibrosis leads to cirrhosis. The only therapeutic approaches are the removal of injurious stimuli and liver transplantation. Therefore, the development of anti-fibrotic therapies is desired. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide belonging to the N-acylethanolamines family and contained in foods such as egg yolks and peanuts. PEA has therapeutic anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. However, the effects and roles of PEA in liver fibrosis remain unknown. Here we investigated the therapeutic effects of PEA in rats with liver fibrosis. Methods: We conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the effects of PEA on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, LX-2). Liver fibrosis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mL/kg of 50% carbon tetrachloride twice a week for 4 weeks. Beginning at 3 weeks, PEA (20 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected thrice a week for 2 weeks. Then rats were sacrificed and we performed histological and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses. Results: The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in HSCs was significantly downregulated by PEA. PEA treatment inhibited the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 in a dose-dependent manner, and upregulated the expression of SMAD7. The reporter gene assay demonstrated that PEA downregulated the transcriptional activity of the SMAD complex upregulated by TGF-β1. Administration of PEA significantly reduced the fibrotic area, deposition of type I collagen, and activation of HSCs and Kupffer cells in rats with liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Activation of HSCs was significantly decreased by PEA through suppression of the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. Administration of PEA produced significant improvement in a rat model of liver fibrosis, possibly by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and Kupffer cells. PEA may be a potential new treatment for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Hosono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koji Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Qingjie Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Osamu Maehara
- Department of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The synthetic cannabinoid XLR-11 induces in vitro nephrotoxicity by impairment of endocannabinoid-mediated regulation of mitochondrial function homeostasis and triggering of apoptosis. Toxicol Lett 2018; 287:59-69. [PMID: 29410032 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs)-related intoxications and deaths have been increasingly reported, turning its widespread recreational use into a major public health concern. Specifically, a direct link between SCBs and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been established. XLR-11 is an SCB commonly found in the toxicological analysis of patients with SCB-associated AKI. However, the pathophysiology of AKI among SCB consumers remains unknown. This work thus represents the first in vitro assessment of SCB nephrotoxicity, as a first approach to identify its cellular targets. We demonstrate that XLR-11, at biologically relevant concentrations (in the nanomolar range), primarily targets mitochondrial function in human proximal tubule (HK-2) cells, inducing a transient hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and increasing ATP production, accompanied by Bax translocation from cytosol into mitochondria. These phenomena further triggered energy-dependent apoptotic cell death pathways, indicated by increased caspase-3 activity and chromatin condensation. Experiments using SR141716A and SR144258, specific antagonists for CB1 and CB2 receptors, respectively, as well as HEK293T cells (which do not express CBRs) highlighted these processes' dependence on CBR activation. Nevertheless, ATP formation seemed to follow a CBR-independent pathway. Our findings using specific inhibitors of endogenous cannabinoids biosynthesis (i.e. MAFP and THL) further evidenced the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of these processes, as XLR-11 binding to CBRs seemed to compromise endocannabinoid-mediated preservation of mitochondrial function. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms involved require further clarification.
Collapse
|
16
|
Seol TK, Lee W, Park S, Kim KN, Kim TY, Oh YN, Jun JH. Effect of palmitoylethanolamide on inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rats. Korean J Anesthesiol 2017; 70:561-566. [PMID: 29046777 PMCID: PMC5645590 DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2017.70.5.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, which is characterized by infiltration of immune cells, activation of mast cells and glial cells, and production of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral and central nervous systems, plays an important role in the induction and maintenance of chronic pain. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which is a type of N-acylethanolamide and a lipid, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Relative to the anti-inflammatory effect, little is known about its analgesic effect in chronic pain. This study aimed to determine whether PEA relieves chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injured by transection of the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves to induce neuropathic pain or were injected with monoiodoacetic acid into the synovial cavity of knee joints to induce inflammatory pain. To assess the degree of pain, two kinds of stimuli - pressing von Frey filaments and wetting with acetone - were applied to the plantar surface of the rat to measure mechanical and cold sensitivity, respectively. Pain was measured by assessing behavioral responses, including paw withdrawal response threshold and paw withdrawal frequency upon stimulation. RESULTS Neuropathic pain caused by spinal nerve transection (SNT) decreased the mechanical threshold and increased the frequency of response to acetone application. But, cold allodynia caused by SNT did not decrease the withdrawal frequency. Mechanical hyperalgesia caused by chronic inflammation was significantly reduced by both intraperitoneal and intra-articular injections of PEA. CONCLUSIONS These outcomes revealed that PEA might be effective in relieving inflammatory and neuropathic pain, especially pain induced by mechanical hyperalgesia, but not cold allodynia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Kyung Seol
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonho Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunah Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Nam Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Yeon Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - You Na Oh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hun Jun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lipina C, Hundal HS. The endocannabinoid system: 'NO' longer anonymous in the control of nitrergic signalling? J Mol Cell Biol 2017; 9:91-103. [PMID: 28130308 PMCID: PMC5439392 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjx008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a key cellular signalling system that has been implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular functions. Importantly, growing evidence suggests that the biological actions of the ECS may, in part, be mediated through its ability to regulate the production and/or release of nitric oxide, a ubiquitous bioactive molecule, which functions as a versatile signalling intermediate. Herein, we review and discuss evidence pertaining to ECS-mediated regulation of nitric oxide production, as well as the involvement of reactive nitrogen species in regulating ECS-induced signal transduction by highlighting emerging work supporting nitrergic modulation of ECS function. Importantly, the studies outlined reveal that interactions between the ECS and nitrergic signalling systems can be both stimulatory and inhibitory in nature, depending on cellular context. Moreover, such crosstalk may act to maintain proper cell function, whereas abnormalities in either system can undermine cellular homoeostasis and contribute to various pathologies associated with their dysregulation. Consequently, future studies targeting these signalling systems may provide new insights into the potential role of the ECS–nitric oxide signalling axis in disease development and/or lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of nitrosative stress-related neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lipina
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD1 5EH, UK
| | - Harinder S Hundal
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD1 5EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gabrielsson L, Gouveia-Figueira S, Häggström J, Alhouayek M, Fowler CJ. The anti-inflammatory compound palmitoylethanolamide inhibits prostaglandin and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production by a macrophage cell line. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2017; 5:e00300. [PMID: 28357126 PMCID: PMC5368964 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti‐inflammatory agent palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) reduces cyclooxygenase (COX) activity in vivo in a model of inflammatory pain. It is not known whether the compound reduces prostaglandin production in RAW264.7 cells, whether such an action is affected by compounds preventing the breakdown of endogenous PEA, whether other oxylipins are affected, or whether PEA produces direct effects upon the COX‐2 enzyme. RAW264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ to induce COX‐2. At the level of mRNA, COX‐2 was induced >1000‐fold following 24 h of the treatment. Coincubation with PEA (10 μmol/L) did not affect the levels of COX‐2, but reduced the levels of prostaglandins D2 and E2 as well as 11‐ and 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which can also be synthesised by a COX‐2 pathway in macrophages. These effects were retained when hydrolysis of PEA to palmitic acid was blocked. Linoleic acid‐derived oxylipin levels were not affected by PEA. No direct effects of PEA upon the oxygenation of either arachidonic acid or 2‐arachidonoylglycerol by COX‐2 were found. It is concluded that in lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, PEA reduces the production of COX‐2‐derived oxylipins in a manner that is retained when its metabolism to palmitic acid is inhibited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Gabrielsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience Pharmacology Unit Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Sandra Gouveia-Figueira
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience Pharmacology Unit Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Jenny Häggström
- Department of Statistics Umeå School of Business and Economics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Mireille Alhouayek
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience Pharmacology Unit Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience Pharmacology Unit Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Giacoppo S, Gugliandolo A, Trubiani O, Pollastro F, Grassi G, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in the protection of RAW264.7 macrophages against the oxidative stress: an in vitro study. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2749. [PMID: 28348416 PMCID: PMC5289301 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in the last decades has widely investigated the anti-oxidant properties of natural products as a therapeutic approach for the prevention and the treatment of oxidative-stress related disorders. In this context, several studies were aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids, the bioactive compounds of Cannabis sativa. Here, we examined the anti-oxidant ability of Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, still little known, into counteracting the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, we tested selective receptor antagonists for cannabinoid receptors and specifically CB1R (SR141716A) and CB2R (AM630) in order to investigate through which CBG may exert its action. Taken together, our in vitro results showed that CBG is able to counteract oxidative stress by activation of CB2 receptors. CB2 antagonist pre-treatment indeed blocked the protective effects of CBG in H2O2 stimulated macrophages, while CB1R was not involved. Specifically, CBG exhibited a potent action in inhibiting oxidative stress, by down-regulation of the main oxidative markers (iNOS, nitrotyrosine and PARP-1), by preventing IκB-α phosphorylation and translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and also via the modulation of MAP kinases pathway. On the other hand, CBG was found to increase anti-oxidant defense of cells by modulating superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) expression and thus inhibiting cell death (results focused on balance between Bax and Bcl-2). Based on its anti-oxidant activities, CBG may hold great promise as an anti-oxidant agent and therefore used in clinical practice as a new approach in oxidative-stress related disorders.
Collapse
|
20
|
Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N. The CB 2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:4449-4470. [PMID: 27402121 PMCID: PMC5075023 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The CB2 receptor is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids. It is mainly expressed in immune tissues, highlighting the possibility that the endocannabinoid system has an immunomodulatory role. In this respect, the CB2 receptor was shown to modulate immune cell functions, both in cellulo and in animal models of inflammatory diseases. In this regard, numerous studies have reported that mice lacking the CB2 receptor have an exacerbated inflammatory phenotype. This suggests that therapeutic strategies aiming at modulating CB2 signaling could be promising for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we review the pharmacology of the CB2 receptor, its expression pattern, and the signaling pathways induced by its activation. We next examine the regulation of immune cell functions by the CB2 receptor and the evidence obtained from primary human cells, immortalized cell lines, and animal models of inflammation. Finally, we discuss the possible therapies targeting the CB2 receptor and the questions that remain to be addressed to determine whether this receptor could be a potential target to treat inflammatory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Marie-Renée Blanchet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Michel Laviolette
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pure Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin and a Cannabis sativa extract with high content in Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibit nitrite production in murine peritoneal macrophages. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:199-208. [PMID: 27498155 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Historical and scientific evidence suggests that Cannabis use has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. We have here investigated the effect of the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and of a Cannabis sativa extract with high (64.8%) content in THCV (THCV-BDS) on nitric oxide (NO) production, and on cannabinoid and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. THCV-BDS and THCV exhibited similar affinity in radioligand binding assays for CB1 and CB2 receptors, and inhibited, via CB2 but not CB1 cannabinoid receptors, nitrite production evoked by LPS in peritoneal macrophages. THCV down-regulated the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) proteins induced by LPS. Furthermore, THCV counteracted LPS-induced up-regulation of CB1 receptors, without affecting the changes in CB2, TRPV2 or TRPV4 mRNA expression caused by LPS. Other TRP channels, namely, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPM8 were poorly expressed or undetectable in both unstimulated and LPS-challenged macrophages. It is concluded that THCV - via CB2 receptor activation - inhibits nitrite production in macrophages. The effect of this phytocannabinoid was associated with a down-regulation of CB1, but not CB2 or TRP channel mRNA expression.
Collapse
|
22
|
Alferink J, Specht S, Arends H, Schumak B, Schmidt K, Ruland C, Lundt R, Kemter A, Dlugos A, Kuepper JM, Poppensieker K, Findeiss M, Albayram Ö, Otte DM, Marazzi J, Gertsch J, Förster I, Maier W, Scheu S, Hoerauf A, Zimmer A. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Modulates Susceptibility to Experimental Cerebral Malaria through a CCL17-dependent Mechanism. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19517-31. [PMID: 27474745 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.746594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a severe and often fatal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. It is characterized by parasite sequestration, a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and a strong inflammation in the brain. We investigated the role of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), an important modulator of neuroinflammatory responses, in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Strikingly, mice with a deletion of the CB2-encoding gene (Cnr2(-/-)) inoculated with Plasmodium berghei ANKA erythrocytes exhibited enhanced survival and a diminished blood-brain barrier disruption. Therapeutic application of a specific CB2 antagonist also conferred increased ECM resistance in wild type mice. Hematopoietic derived immune cells were responsible for the enhanced protection in bone marrow (BM) chimeric Cnr2(-/-) mice. Mixed BM chimeras further revealed that CB2-expressing cells contributed to ECM development. A heterogeneous CD11b(+) cell population, containing macrophages and neutrophils, expanded in the Cnr2(-/-) spleen after infection and expressed macrophage mannose receptors, arginase-1 activity, and IL-10. Also in the Cnr2(-/-) brain, CD11b(+) cells that expressed selected anti-inflammatory markers accumulated, and expression of inflammatory mediators IFN-γ and TNF-α was reduced. Finally, the M2 macrophage chemokine CCL17 was identified as an essential factor for enhanced survival in the absence of CB2, because CCL17 × Cnr2 double-deficient mice were fully susceptible to ECM. Thus, targeting CB2 may be promising for the development of alternative treatment regimes of ECM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Alferink
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany, the Cluster of Excellence EXC 1003, Cells in Motion, 48149 Münster, Germany,
| | - Sabine Specht
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and
| | - Hannah Arends
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| | - Beatrix Schumak
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and
| | - Kim Schmidt
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and
| | - Christina Ruland
- the Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ramona Lundt
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| | - Andrea Kemter
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| | - Andrea Dlugos
- the Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Janina M Kuepper
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and
| | | | | | - Önder Albayram
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| | - David-M Otte
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| | - Janine Marazzi
- the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland, and
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland, and
| | - Irmgard Förster
- the Department of Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Scheu
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- From the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, and
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ni X, Geller EB, Eppihimer MJ, Eisenstein TK, Adler MW, Tuma RF. Win 55212-2, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, attenuates leukocyte/endothelial interactions in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. Mult Scler 2016; 10:158-64. [PMID: 15124761 DOI: 10.1191/1352458504ms1009oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common of the immune demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (C NS). Leukocyte/endothelial interactions are important steps in the progression of the disease and substances that interfere with these activities have been evaluated as potential therapeutic agents. C annabinoid receptor agonists have been shown to downregulate immune responses and there is preliminary evidence that they may slow the progress of MS. The purpo se of this investigation was to determine how cannabinoid recepto r agonists interfere with leukocyte rolling and adhesion. This was investigated in an experimental autoimmune encephalo myelitis (EAE) model using six to eight week old C 57BL/6 mice. Mouse myelin oligodendrocyte protein and pertussis toxin were used to induce EAE. WIN 55212-2, C B1 and C B2 antagonist were given. By use of in vivo intravital microscopy, leukocyte/endothelial interactio ns were evaluated via a cranial window implanted two days before. The results demonstrated that EAE increases leukocyte rolling and firm adhesion in the brain, and that this increased leukocyte/endothelial interactio n can be attenuated by administration of WIN 55212-2. Furthermore, use of the selective antagonists for the C B1 recepto r (SR 141716A) and the C B2 receptor (SR144528) in this study demonstrated that the cannabinoid’s inhibitory effects on leukocyte/endothelial interactions can be mediated by activating C B2 receptor.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Benzoxazines
- Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Cell Adhesion/drug effects
- Cell Adhesion/immunology
- Cell Communication/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Female
- Leukocyte Rolling/drug effects
- Leukocytes/cytology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Paralysis/drug therapy
- Paralysis/immunology
- Paralysis/pathology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ni
- Department of Physiology, Temple University, 3420 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sarnelli G, D’Alessandro A, Iuvone T, Capoccia E, Gigli S, Pesce M, Seguella L, Nobile N, Aprea G, Maione F, de Palma GD, Cuomo R, Steardo L, Esposito G. Palmitoylethanolamide Modulates Inflammation-Associated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Signaling via the Akt/mTOR Pathway in a Selective Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPAR-α)-Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156198. [PMID: 27219328 PMCID: PMC4878779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Angiogenesis is emerging as a pivotal process in chronic inflammatory pathologies, promoting immune infiltration and prompting carcinogenesis. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) represent paradigmatic examples of intestinal chronic inflammatory conditions in which the process of neovascularization correlates with the severity and progression of the diseases. Molecules able to target the angiogenesis have thus the potential to synergistically affect the disease course. Beyond its anti-inflammatory effect, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is able to reduce angiogenesis in several chronic inflammatory conditions, but no data about its anti-angiogenic activity in colitis have been produced, yet. METHODS The effects of PEA on inflammation-associated angiogenesis in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and in patients with UC were assessed. The release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), the hemoglobin tissue content, the expression of CD31 and of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian-target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) signaling axis were all evaluated in the presence of different concentrations of PEA and concomitant administration of PPAR-α and -γ antagonists. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that PEA, in a selective peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-α dependent mechanism, inhibits colitis-associated angiogenesis, decreasing VEGF release and new vessels formation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mTOR/Akt axis regulates, at least partly, the angiogenic process in IBD and that PEA directly affects this pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PEA may improve inflammation-driven angiogenesis in colonic mucosa, thus reducing the mucosal damage and potentially affecting disease progression and the shift towards the carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra D’Alessandro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Iuvone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Capoccia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Nobile
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Aprea
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Cuomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘Vittorio Erspamer’, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide reduces viscerovisceral hyperalgesia in a rat model of endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis. Pain 2016; 157:80-91. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
26
|
Mai P, Tian L, Yang L, Wang L, Yang L, Li L. Cannabinoid receptor 1 but not 2 mediates macrophage phagocytosis by G(α)i/o /RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1640-50. [PMID: 25545473 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Phagocytosis is critical to macrophages linking innate and adaptive immune reaction. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) mediate immune modulation. However, the role of cannabinoid receptors in macrophage phagocytosis is undefined. In this study, we found that two murine macrophage lines (J774A.1 and RAW264.7) and peripheral blood macrophages all expressed CB1 and CB2 by immunofluorescence-staining, real time RT-PCR and Western blot. Macrophage phagocytic activity was determined by quantifying fluorescent intensity of the engulfed BioParticles or fluorescence-activated cell sorting. mAEA (CB1 agonist) enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages, but JWH133 (CB2 agonist) had no influence. Pharmacological or genetic ablation of CB1 inhibited mAEA-enhanced phagocytosis, while CB2 had no such effects. Meanwhile, activation of CB1 increased GTP-bounding active form of small GTPase RhoA, but not Rac1 or Cdc42. AM281 (CB1 antagonist) and pertussis toxin (PTX, G((α)i/o) protein inhibitor) decreased GTP-bound RhoA protein level with mAEA. In addition, PTX, C3 Transferase (RhoA inhibitor) or Y27632 (Rho-associated kinase ROCK inhibitor) attenuated CB1-mediated phagocytosis. These results confirm that activation of CB1 regulates macrophage phagocytosis through G((α)i/o)/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Moreover, activation of CB1 induced significant up-regulation of CB1 expression by real time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, but not CB2. It indicated the existence of a positive feedback between CB1 activation and CB1 expression. The up-regulation of CB1 was RhoA-independent but it may contribute to maintaining high phagocytic activity of macrophages for a longer time. In conclusion, CB1 mediates macrophage phagocytosis by G((α)i/o)/RhoA/ROCK signal axis. These data further underline the role of CB1 in macrophage phagocytic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Mai
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Turcotte C, Chouinard F, Lefebvre JS, Flamand N. Regulation of inflammation by cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol and arachidonoyl-ethanolamide, and their metabolites. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:1049-70. [PMID: 25877930 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3ru0115-021r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA) are endocannabinoids that have been implicated in many physiologic disorders, including obesity, metabolic syndromes, hepatic diseases, pain, neurologic disorders, and inflammation. Their immunomodulatory effects are numerous and are not always mediated by cannabinoid receptors, reflecting the presence of an arachidonic acid (AA) molecule in their structure, the latter being the precursor of numerous bioactive lipids that are pro- or anti-inflammatory. 2-AG and AEA can thus serve as a source of AA but can also be metabolized by most eicosanoid biosynthetic enzymes, yielding additional lipids. In this regard, enhancing endocannabinoid levels by using endocannabinoid hydrolysis inhibitors is likely to augment the levels of these lipids that could regulate inflammatory cell functions. This review summarizes the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of AEA and 2-AG, as well as the biologic effects of the 2-AG and AEA lipidomes in the regulation of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Chouinard
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Julie S Lefebvre
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Impellizzeri D, Campolo M, Di Paola R, Bruschetta G, de Stefano D, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide reduces inflammation an a Th1-mediated model of colitis. EUR J INFLAMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x15575869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases are idiopathic relapsing disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEAultra), underlining its correlation with PPARα and TLR4; in particular, we aimed at evaluating its anti-inflammatory effect in mice subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in mice by intracolonic instillation of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS), PEAultra was administered daily intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg) for 4 days. On day 4, animals were sacrificed and tissues were taken for histological and biochemical analysis. Four days after DNBS administration, TNF-α and IL-1β productions were increased in association with colon damage. Neutrophil infiltration, evaluated by MPO activity, in the mucosa was associated with upregulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and PARP showed an intense staining in the inflamed colon. Treatment with PEAultra significantly reduced the appearance of colon damage and the loss of body weight. These effects were associated with a remarkable amelioration in the disruption of the colonic architecture and reduction in colonic MPO activity. PEAultra also reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine release, the appearance of nitrotyrosine and PARP immunoreactivity as well as the upregulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin; moreover, pro-MMP-9 and MMP-2 expressions were significantly inhibited in the colon of DNBS-treated mice. Furthermore, we studied PEAultra correlation with PPARα and TLR4, demonstrating that PEAultra inhibited TLR4 pathway through a PPARα independent pathway. Taken together, our results clearly show that this new formulation of PEA may be considered as a possible therapeutic approach against Th1-induced colitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Impellizzeri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Campolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Di Paola
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - G Bruschetta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - D de Stefano
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - E Esposito
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S Cuzzocrea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Delay of morphine tolerance by palmitoylethanolamide. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:894732. [PMID: 25874232 PMCID: PMC4385605 DOI: 10.1155/2015/894732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In spite of the potency and efficacy of morphine, its clinical application for chronic persistent pain is limited by the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying morphine tolerance are complex and still unclear. Recently, the activation of glial cells and the release of glia-derived proinflammatory mediators have been suggested to play a role in the phenomenon. N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is an endogenous compound with antinociceptive effects able to reduce the glial activation. On this basis, 30 mg kg−1 PEA was subcutaneously daily administered in morphine treated rats (10 mg kg−1 intraperitoneally, daily). PEA treatment significantly attenuated the development of tolerance doubling the number of days of morphine antinociceptive efficacy in comparison to the vehicle + morphine group. PEA prevented both microglia and astrocyte cell number increase induced by morphine in the dorsal horn; on the contrary, the morphine-dependent increase of spinal TNF-α levels was not modified by PEA. Nevertheless, the immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly higher TNF-α immunoreactivity in astrocytes of PEA-protected rats suggesting a PEA-mediated decrease of cytokine release from astrocyte. PEA intervenes in the nervous alterations that lead to the lack of morphine antinociceptive effects; a possible application of this endogenous compound in opioid-based therapies is suggested.
Collapse
|
30
|
Kemter AM, Scheu S, Hüser N, Ruland C, Schumak B, Findeiß M, Cheng Z, Assfalg V, Arolt V, Zimmer A, Alferink J. The cannabinoid receptor 2 is involved in acute rejection of cardiac allografts. Life Sci 2015; 138:29-34. [PMID: 25744392 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Acute rejection of cardiac allografts is a major risk factor limiting survival of heart transplant recipients. Rejection is triggered by dendritic cell (DC) mediated activation of host T cells, amongst others CD4(+) T helper (TH)1- and TH17 cells. The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is an important modulator of cellular immune responses. However, its role in cardiac allograft rejection has not been studied so far. MAIN METHODS Here, we examined the effect of CB2 on cytokine release by mature DCs and its impact on CD4(+) T cell differentiation by utilizing in vitro generated bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) and CD4(+) T cells from CB2 knockout (Cnr2(-/-)) mice. We further assessed the functional role of CB2 in acute allograft rejection using Cnr2(-/-) mice in a fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched mouse cardiac transplantation model. KEY FINDINGS Cardiac allograft rejection was accelerated in Cnr2(-/-) mice compared to wild type recipients. In vitro stimulation of BM-DCs showed enhanced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the immunomodulatory cytokine TGF-β. Furthermore, secretion of the TH1/TH17 promoting cytokines IL-12 and IL-23 was increased in Cnr2(-/-) BM-DCs. In addition, Cnr2(-/-) CD4(+) T cells showed an enhanced capacity to differentiate into interferon (IFN)-γ- or IL-17-producing effector cells. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that CB2 modulates in vitro cytokine responses via DCs and directly via its influence on TH1/TH17 differentiation. These findings and the fact that allograft rejection is enhanced in Cnr2(-/-) mice suggest that CB2 may be a promising therapeutic target in organ transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Kemter
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Scheu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Ruland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Beatrix Schumak
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Findeiß
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zhangjun Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Volker Assfalg
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Alferink
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence EXC 1003, University of Münster, Münster , Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chiurchiù V, Battistini L, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signalling in innate and adaptive immunity. Immunology 2015; 144:352-364. [PMID: 25585882 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system can be modulated and regulated not only by foreign antigens but also by other humoral factors and metabolic products, which are able to affect several quantitative and qualitative aspects of immunity. Among these, endocannabinoids are a group of bioactive lipids that might serve as secondary modulators, which when mobilized coincident with or shortly after first-line immune modulators, increase or decrease many immune functions. Most immune cells express these bioactive lipids, together with their set of receptors and of enzymes regulating their synthesis and degradation. In this review, a synopsis of the manifold immunomodulatory effects of endocannabinoids and their signalling in the different cell populations of innate and adaptive immunity is appointed, with a particular distinction between mice and human immune system compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Chiurchiù
- European Centre for Brain Research (CERC), I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- European Centre for Brain Research (CERC), I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Centre for Brain Research (CERC), I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Centre of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Amoako AA, Marczylo TH, Elson J, Taylor AH, Willets JM, Konje JC. Relationship between seminal plasma levels of anandamide congeners palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide and semen quality. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1260-7. [PMID: 25212838 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.07.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether changes in seminal plasma concentrations of the endogenous lipid signaling molecules palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) have significant effects on sperm quality. DESIGN Biochemical and physiological studies of human seminal plasma and spermatozoa. SETTING Academic tertiary care medical center. PATIENT(S) Ninety men attending an infertility clinic for semen analysis. INTERVENTION(S) Palmitoylethanolamide and OEA extracted from seminal plasma were quantified by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry. Patient sperm from semen with normal parameters were exposed in vitro to PEA or OEA to determine effects on sperm motility, viability, and mitochondrial activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The relationship between seminal plasma concentrations of PEA and OEA and sperm quality and the effect of these compounds on sperm motility, viability, and mitochondria activity in vitro. RESULT(S) Palmitoylethanolamide and OEA concentrations in seminal plasma were lower in men with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozospermia compared with men with normal semen parameters. Palmitoylethanolamide and OEA rapidly and significantly improved sperm motility and maintained viability without affecting mitochondria activity in vitro. CONCLUSION(S) Maintenance of normal PEA and OEA tone in human seminal plasma may be necessary for the preservation of normal sperm function and male fertility. Exocannabinoids found in Cannabis, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, could compete with these endocannabinoids upsetting their finely balanced, normal functioning and resulting in male reproductive failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akwasi Atakora Amoako
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Science Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy Hywel Marczylo
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony Henry Taylor
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Science Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon M Willets
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Science Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Chi Konje
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Science Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Romano B, Borrelli F, Fasolino I, Capasso R, Piscitelli F, Cascio M, Pertwee R, Coppola D, Vassallo L, Orlando P, Di Marzo V, Izzo A. The cannabinoid TRPA1 agonist cannabichromene inhibits nitric oxide production in macrophages and ameliorates murine colitis. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:213-29. [PMID: 23373571 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabichromene is known to activate the transient receptor potential ankyrin-type1 (TRPA1) and to inhibit endocannabinoid inactivation, both of which are involved in inflammatory processes. We examined here the effects of this phytocannabinoid on peritoneal macrophages and its efficacy in an experimental model of colitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Murine peritoneal macrophages were activated in vitro by LPS. Nitrite levels were measured using a fluorescent assay; inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2 ) receptors were analysed by RT-PCR (and/or Western blot analysis); colitis was induced by dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS). Endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Colonic inflammation was assessed by evaluating the myeloperoxidase activity as well as by histology and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS LPS caused a significant production of nitrites, associated to up-regulation of anandamide, iNOS, COX-2, CB1 receptors and down-regulation of CB2 receptors mRNA expression. Cannabichromene significantly reduced LPS-stimulated nitrite levels, and its effect was mimicked by cannabinoid receptor and TRPA1 agonists (carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) and enhanced by CB1 receptor antagonists. LPS-induced anandamide, iNOS, COX-2 and cannabinoid receptor changes were not significantly modified by cannabichromene, which, however, increased oleoylethanolamide levels. In vivo, cannabichromene ameliorated DNBS-induced colonic inflammation, as revealed by histology, immunohistochemistry and myeloperoxidase activity. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Cannabichromene exerts anti-inflammatory actions in activated macrophages - with tonic CB1 cannabinoid signalling being negatively coupled to this effect - and ameliorates experimental murine colitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Endocannabinoid Research Group
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Esposito G, Capoccia E, Turco F, Palumbo I, Lu J, Steardo A, Cuomo R, Sarnelli G, Steardo L. Palmitoylethanolamide improves colon inflammation through an enteric glia/toll like receptor 4-dependent PPAR-α activation. Gut 2014; 63:1300-12. [PMID: 24082036 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-305005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Enteric glia activation has been reported to amplify intestinal inflammation via the enteroglial-specific S100B protein. This neurotrophin promotes macrophage recruitment in the mucosa, amplify colonic inflammation and interacts with toll-like receptors (TLR). Molecules inhibiting S100B-driven enteric activation might mitigate the course of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to investigate the effects of palmitoylethanolammide (PEA), a drug able to counteract astroglial activation in the central nervous system, on intestinal inflammation, in humans and mice. DESIGN Mouse models of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis, colonic biopsies deriving from UC patients and primary cultures of mouse and human enteric glial cells (EGC), have been used to assess the effects of PEA, alone or in the presence of specific PPARα or PPARγ antagonists, on: macroscopic signs of UC (DAI score, colon length, spleen weight, macrophages/neutrophils infiltration); the expression and release of proinflammatory markers typical of UC; TLR pathway in EGCs. RESULTS PEA treatment improves all macroscopic signs of UC and decreases the expression and release of all the proinflammatory markers tested. PEA anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the selective targeting of the S100B/TLR4 axis on ECG, causing a downstream inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB)-dependent inflammation. Antagonists at PPARα, but not PPARγ, abolished PEA effects, in mice and in humans. CONCLUSIONS Because of its lack of toxicity, its ability in reducing inflammation and its selective PPARα action, PEA might be an innovative molecule to broaden pharmacological strategies against UC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Capoccia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Turco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Rosario Cuomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Redlich S, Ribes S, Schütze S, Nau R. Palmitoylethanolamide stimulates phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1 by macrophages and increases the resistance of mice against infections. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:108. [PMID: 24927796 PMCID: PMC4080545 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous lipid and a congener of anandamide, possesses a wide range of effects related to metabolic and cellular homeostasis including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Methods In vitro, we studied the ability of macrophages to phagocytose Escherichia coli K1 after stimulation with increasing doses of PEA. In vivo, wild-type mice were treated with PEA intraperitoneally 12 hours and 30 minutes before infection. Meningoencephalitis or sepsis was induced by intracerebral or intraperitoneal infection with E. coli K1. Results Stimulation of macrophages with PEA for 30 minutes increased the phagocytosis of E. coli K1 without inducing the release of TNFα or CXCL1. Intracellular killing of E. coli K1 was higher in PEA-stimulated than in unstimulated peritoneal macrophages and microglial cells. Pre-treatment with PEA significantly increased survival of mice challenged intracerebrally or intraperitoneally with E. coli K1. This effect was associated with a decreased production of CXCL1, IL-1β and IL-6 in homogenates of spleen and cerebellum in mice treated with PEA. Conclusions Our observations suggest that these protective effects of PEA in mice can increase the resistance to bacterial infections without the hazard of collateral damage by excessive stimulation of phagocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Redlich
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Esposito E, Cordaro M, Cuzzocrea S. Roles of fatty acid ethanolamides (FAE) in traumatic and ischemic brain injury. Pharmacol Res 2014; 86:26-31. [PMID: 24874648 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamides of long-chain fatty acids are a class of endogenous lipid mediators generally referred to as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). NAEs include anti-inflammatory and analgesic palmitoylethanolamide, anorexic oleoylethanolamide, stearoylethanolamide, and the endocannabinoid anandamide. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), associated with a high morbidity and mortality and no specific therapeutic treatment, has become a pressing public health and medical problem. TBI is a complex process evoking systemic immune responses as well as direct local responses in the brain tissues. The direct (primary) damage disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), injures the neurons and initiates a cascade of inflammatory reactions including chemokine production and activation of resident immune cells. The effect of TBI is not restricted to the brain; it can cause multi-organ damage and evoke systemic immune response with cytokine and chemokine production. This facilitates the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury and progression of the inflammatory reaction. Depending on severity, TBI induces immediate neuropathologic effects that, for the mildest form, may be transient; however, with increasing severity, these injuries cause cumulative neural damage and degeneration. Moreover, TBI leads to increased catabolism of phospholipids, resulting in a series of phospholipid breakdown products, some of which have potent biological activity. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury resulting from stroke leads to metabolic distress, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, making it likely that multiple therapeutic intervention strategies may be needed for successful treatment. Current therapeutic strategies for stroke need complimentary neuroprotective treatments to provide a better outcome. Prior studies on NAEs have demonstrated neurotrophic/neuroprotective activities across a broad spectrum of cellular and animal models of neurodegenerative and acute cerebrovascular disorders. The present review will summarize our knowledge of the biological role of these lipid signaling molecules in brain and highlights their therapeutic effect from multipotential actions on neuronal cell death and neuroinflammatory pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cannabinoid receptor 2 protects against acute experimental sepsis in mice. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:741303. [PMID: 23781122 PMCID: PMC3679685 DOI: 10.1155/2013/741303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic inflammatory response syndrome can be self-limited or can progress to severe sepsis and septic shock. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of septic shock, it is still one of the most frequent and serious problems confronting clinicians in the treatments. And the effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) on the sepsis still remain undefined. The present study was aimed to explore the role and mechanism of CB2R in acute sepsis model of mice. Here, we found that mice were more vulnerable for lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced death and inflammation after CB2R deletion (CB2R−/−). CB2R agonist, GW405833, could significantly extend the survival rate and decrease serum proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-treated mice. GW405833 dose-dependently inhibits proinflammatory cytokines release in splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages as well as splenocytes proliferation, and these effects were partly abolished in CB2R−/− splenocytes but completely abolished in CB2R−/− peritoneal macrophages. Further studies showed that GW405833 inhibits LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 and blocks IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in macrophages. All data together showed that CB2R provides a protection and is a potential therapeutic target for the sepsis.
Collapse
|
38
|
Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ. Treatment of chronic regional pain syndrome type 1 with palmitoylethanolamide and topical ketamine cream: modulation of nonneuronal cells. J Pain Res 2013; 6:239-45. [PMID: 23658493 PMCID: PMC3643547 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s42417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be intractable to treat and patients sometimes suffer
for many years. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed to alleviate symptoms in CRPS
patients. This case report describes a patient suffering from intractable CRPS type 1 for 13 years.
Due to her swollen painful feet and left knee she is wheelchair-bound. The combination of
palmitoylethanolamide and ketamine 10% cream reduced her pain by more than 50% after
1 month of treatment, and a marked reduction in swelling and skin discoloration was noticed.
Furthermore, she could walk independently again and she experienced no side effects. Thus,
palmitoylethanolamide and topical ketamine could be a combination therapy option for treating CRPS
patients.
Collapse
|
39
|
Palmitoylethanolamide is a disease-modifying agent in peripheral neuropathy: pain relief and neuroprotection share a PPAR-alpha-mediated mechanism. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:328797. [PMID: 23533304 PMCID: PMC3596927 DOI: 10.1155/2013/328797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic syndromes which are evoked by lesions to the peripheral or central nervous system are extremely difficult to treat, and available drugs rarely joint an antihyperalgesic with a neurorestorative effect. N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) exerts antinociceptive effects in several animal models and inhibits peripheral inflammation in rodents. Aimed to evaluate the antineuropathic properties of PEA, a damage of the sciatic nerve was induced in mice by chronic constriction injury (CCI) and a subcutaneous daily treatment with 30 mg kg(-1) PEA was performed. On the day 14, PEA prevented pain threshold alterations. Histological studies highlighted that CCI induced oedema and an important infiltrate of CD86 positive cells in the sciatic nerve. Moreover, osmicated preparations revealed a decrease in axon diameter and myelin thickness. Repeated treatments with PEA reduced the presence of oedema and macrophage infiltrate, and a significant higher myelin sheath, axonal diameter, and a number of fibers were observable. In PPAR- α null mice PEA treatment failed to induce pain relief as well as to rescue the peripheral nerve from inflammation and structural derangement. These results strongly suggest that PEA, via a PPAR- α -mediated mechanism, can directly intervene in the nervous tissue alterations responsible for pain, starting to prevent macrophage infiltration.
Collapse
|
40
|
Palmitoylethanolamide reduces early renal dysfunction and injury caused by experimental ischemia and reperfusion in mice. Shock 2013; 38:356-66. [PMID: 22772472 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e318267bbb9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess a protective effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the development of inflammation after ischemia-reperfusion injury of the kidney. Moreover, to suggest a possible mechanism, renal ischemia-reperfusion was performed in mice with targeted disruption of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) gene (PPAR-αKO) to explain whether the observed PEA effect was dependent on PPAR-α pathway. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-αKO and littermate wild-type controls (PPAR-αWT) were subjected to bilateral renal artery occlusion (30 min) and reperfusion (6 h) and received PEA (10 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min before release of clamps. Serum and urinary indicators of renal dysfunction and tubular and reperfusion injury were measured, specifically serum urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase, and creatinine clearance. In addition, renal sections were used for histological scoring of renal injury and for immunologic evidence of nitrotyrosine formation, poly[adenosine diphosphate-ribose] (PAR), and adhesion molecules expression. The oxidative stress-sensitive nuclear factor κB signaling pathway was also investigated by Western blot analysis. Kidney myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels were measured for assessment of polymorphonuclear leukocyte cell infiltration and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Apoptotic mechanisms were also investigated. Moreover, the infiltration and activation of mast cells were explored. In vivo, PEA administration during ischemia significantly reduced the increase in (i) creatinine, γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase; (ii) nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB p65; (iii) kidney myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels; (iv) nitrotyrosine, PAR, and adhesion molecules expression; (v) the infiltration and activation of mast cells; and (vi) apoptosis. Our results clearly demonstrate that PEA significantly attenuated the degree of renal dysfunction, injury, and inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury. Moreover, the positive effects of PEA were at least in part dependent on PPAR-α pathway.
Collapse
|
41
|
Paterniti I, Impellizzeri D, Crupi R, Morabito R, Campolo M, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Molecular evidence for the involvement of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities of palmitoylethanolamide after spinal cord trauma. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:20. [PMID: 23374874 PMCID: PMC3579707 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide displaying anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Moreover, several data have suggested that PEA reduced inflammation and tissue injury associated with spinal cord trauma and showed a regulatory role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α signaling in the neuroprotective effect of PEA. However, several other mechanisms could explain the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects of PEA, including the activation of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ. The aim of the present study was to carefully investigate the exact contribution of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ in addition to PPAR-α, in the protective effect of PEA on secondary inflammatory damage associated with an experimental model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods SCI was induced in mice through a spinal cord compression by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5 to T8 laminectomy, and PEA (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, 1 and 6 hours after SCI) was injected into wildtype mice and into mice lacking PPAR-α (PPAR-αKO). To deepen the ability of specific PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ antagonists to reverse the effect of PEA, mice were administered GSK0660 or GW9662, 30 minutes before PEA injection. Results Genetic ablation of PPAR-α in mice exacerbated spinal cord damage, while PEA-induced neuroprotection seemed be abolished in PPARαKO mice. Twenty-four hours after spinal cord damage, immunohistological and biochemical studies were performed on spinal cord tissue. Our results indicate that PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ also mediated the protection induced by PEA. In particular, PEA was less effective in PPAR-αKO, GSK0660-treated or GW9662-pretreated mice, as evaluated by the degree of spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration, proinflammmatory cytokine, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and motor function. PEA is also able to restore PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ expression in spinal cord tissue. Conclusion This study indicates that PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ can also contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of PEA in SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Paterniti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, Messina 31-98166, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bambang KN, Lambert DG, Lam PM, Quenby S, Maccarrone M, Konje JC. Immunity and early pregnancy events: are endocannabinoids the missing link? J Reprod Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
43
|
Tauber S, Paulsen K, Wolf S, Synwoldt P, Pahl A, Schneider-Stock R, Ullrich O. Regulation of MMP-9 by a WIN-binding site in the monocyte-macrophage system independent from cannabinoid receptors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48272. [PMID: 23139770 PMCID: PMC3491062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid system is known to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Therefore, drugs targeting cannabinoid receptors are considered as candidates for anti-inflammatory and tissue protective therapy. We demonstrated that the prototypical cannabinoid agonist R(+)WIN55,212-2 (WIN) reduced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in a murine model of cigarette-smoke induced lung inflammation. In experiments using primary cells and cell lines of the monocyte-macrophage-system we found that binding of the cannabinoid-receptor agonist WIN to a stereo-selective, specific binding site in cells of the monocyte-macrophage-system induced a significant down-regulation of MMP-9 secretion and disturbance of intracellular processing, which subsequently down-regulated MMP-9 mRNA expression via a ERK1/2-phosphorylation-dependent pathway. Surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory effect was independent from classical cannabinoid receptors. Our experiments supposed an involvement of TRPV1, but other yet unidentified sites are also possible. We conclude that cannabinoid-induced control of MMP-9 in the monocyte-macrophage system via a cannabinoid-receptor independent pathway represents a general option for tissue protection during inflammation, such as during lung inflammation and other diseases associated with inflammatory tissue damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svantje Tauber
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Paulsen
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Wolf
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Ullrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Administration of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) protects the neurovascular unit and reduces secondary injury after traumatic brain injury in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:1310-21. [PMID: 22884901 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of preventable death and morbidity in young adults. This complex condition is characterized by significant blood brain barrier leakage that stems from cerebral ischemia, inflammation, and redox imbalances in the traumatic penumbra of the injured brain. Recovery of function after TBI is partly through neuronal plasticity. In order to test whether treatments that enhance plasticity might improve functional recovery, a controlled cortical impact (CCI) in adult mice, as a model of TBI, in which a controlled cortical impactor produced full thickness lesions of the forelimb region of the sensorimotor cortex, was performed. Once trauma has occurred, combating these exacerbations is the keystone of an effective TBI therapy. The endogenous fatty acid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is one of the members of N-acyl-ethanolamines family that maintain not only redox balance but also inhibit the mechanisms of secondary injury. Therefore, we tested whether PEA shows efficacy in a mice model of experimental TBI. PEA treatment is able to reduced edema and brain infractions as evidenced by decreased 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining across brain sections. PEA-mediated improvements in tissues histology shown by reduction of lesion size and improvement in apoptosis level further support the efficacy of PEA therapy. The PEA treatment blocked infiltration of astrocytes and restored CCI-mediated reduced expression of PAR, nitrotyrosine, iNOS, chymase, tryptase, CD11b and GFAP. PEA inhibited the TBI-mediated decrease in the expression of pJNK and NF-κB. PEA-treated injured animals improved neurobehavioral functions as evaluated by behavioral tests.
Collapse
|
45
|
Ahmad A, Genovese T, Impellizzeri D, Crupi R, Velardi E, Marino A, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Reduction of ischemic brain injury by administration of palmitoylethanolamide after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Brain Res 2012; 1477:45-58. [PMID: 23046519 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in adults. Current therapeutic strategies for stroke, including thrombolytic drugs, such as tissue plasminogen activator offer great promise for the treatment, but complimentary neuroprotective treatments are likely to provide a better outcome. To counteract the ischemic brain injury in mice, a new therapeutic approach has been employed by using palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). PEA is one of the members of N-acyl-ethanolamine family maintain not only redox balance but also inhibit the mechanisms of secondary injury on ischemic brain injury. Treatment of the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo)-induced animals with PEA reduced edema and brain infractions as evidenced by decreased 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining across brain sections. PEA-mediated improvements in tissues histology shown by reduction of lesion size and improvement in apoptosis level (assayed by Bax and Bcl-2) further support the efficacy of PEA therapy. We demonstrated that PEA treatment blocked infiltration of astrocytes and restored MCAo-mediated reduced expression of PAR, nitrotyrosine, iNOS, chymase, tryptase, growth factors (BDNF and GDNF) and GFAP. PEA also inhibited the MCAo-mediated increased expression of pJNK, NF-κB, and degradation of IκB-α. PEA-treated injured animals improved neurobehavioral functions as evaluated by motor deficits. Based on these findings we propose that PEA would be useful in lowering the risk of damage or improving function in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Ahmad
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Merighi S, Gessi S, Varani K, Simioni C, Fazzi D, Mirandola P, Borea PA. Cannabinoid CB(2) receptors modulate ERK-1/2 kinase signalling and NO release in microglial cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1773-1788. [PMID: 21951063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01673.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists have potential utility as anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic immune inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we characterized the signal transduction pathways affected by CB(2) receptors in quiescent and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of the synthetic CB(2) receptor ligand, JWH-015, on phosphorylation of MAPKs and NO production. KEY RESULTS Stimulation of CB(2) receptors by JWH-015 activated JNK-1/2 and ERK-1/2 in quiescent murine microglial cells. Furthermore, CB(2) receptor activation increased p-ERK-1/2 at 15 min in LPS-stimulated microglia. Surprisingly, this was reduced after 30 min in the presence of both LPS and JWH-015. The NOS inhibitor L-NAME blocked the ability of JWH-015 to down-regulate the LPS-induced p-ERK increase, indicating that activation of CB(2) receptors reduced effects of LPS on ERK-1/2 phosphorylation through NO. JWH-015 increased LPS-induced NO release at 30 min, while at 4 h CB(2) receptor stimulation had an inhibitory effect. All the effects of JWH-015 were significantly blocked by the CB(2) receptor antagonist AM 630 and, as the inhibition of CB(2) receptor expression by siRNA abolished the effects of JWH-015, were shown to be mediated specifically by activation of CB(2) receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB(2) receptor stimulation activated the MAPK pathway, but the presence of a second stimulus blocked MAPK signal transduction, inhibiting pro-inflammatory LPS-induced production of NO. Therefore, CB(2) receptor agonists may promote anti-inflammatory therapeutic responses in activated microglia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Debora Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Di Paola R, Impellizzeri D, Torre A, Mazzon E, Cappellani A, Faggio C, Esposito E, Trischitta F, Cuzzocrea S. Effects of palmitoylethanolamide on intestinal injury and inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion in mice. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 91:911-20. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0911485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
48
|
Wang X, Wang T, Wang X. An Improved Method for Synthesis of N-stearoyl and N-palmitoylethanolamine. J AM OIL CHEM SOC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11746-012-2017-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
49
|
Sánchez A, García-Merino A. Neuroprotective agents: Cannabinoids. Clin Immunol 2012; 142:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
50
|
Esposito E, Paterniti I, Mazzon E, Genovese T, Di Paola R, Galuppo M, Cuzzocrea S. Effects of palmitoylethanolamide on release of mast cell peptidases and neurotrophic factors after spinal cord injury. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1099-112. [PMID: 21354467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant impact on quality of life, expectancy, and economic burden, with considerable costs associated with primary care and loss of income. The complex pathophysiology of SCI may explain the difficulty in finding a suitable therapy for limiting neuronal injury and promoting regeneration. Although innovative medical care, advances in pharmacotherapy have been limited. The aim of the present study was to carefully investigate molecular pathways and subtypes of glial cells involved in the protective effect of PEA on inflammatory reaction associated with an experimental model of SCI. The compression model induced by applying an aneurysm clip to the spinal cord in mice is closer to the human situation, since it replicates the persistence of cord compression. Spinal cord trauma was induced in mice by the application of vascular clips to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Repeated PEA administration (10 mg/kg i.p., 6 and 12 h after SCI) significantly reduced the degree of the severity of spinal cord trauma through the reduction of mast cell infiltration and activation. Moreover, PEA treatment significantly reduced the activation of microglia and astrocytes expressing cannabinoid CB(2) receptor after SCI. Importantly, the protective effect of PEA involved changes in the expression of neurotrophic factors, and in spinal cord dopaminergic function. Our results enhance our understanding about mechanisms related to the anti-inflammatory property of the PEA suggesting that this N-acylethanolamine may represent a crucial therapeutic intervention both diminishing the immune/inflammatory response and promoting the initiation of neurotrophic substance after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|