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Tavakoli-Yaraki M, Abbasi A, Pishkenari FN, Baranipour S, Jahangirifard A, Mirtajani SB, Mejareh ZN, Vaezi MA, Yavarian J, Abdollahi B, Mokhtari-Azad T, Salimi V. Beyond prediction: unveiling the prognostic power of μ-opioid and cannabinoid receptors, alongside immune mediators, in assessing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:398. [PMID: 38609845 PMCID: PMC11015610 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing the expression levels of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), μ-opioid receptor (MOR), MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin as predictors for the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overarching goal is to delineate the pathogenic mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Using quantitative Real-time PCR, we analyzed the gene expression levels of CB2 and MOR in nasopharynx specimens obtained from patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 46 individuals classified as having severe symptoms and 46 as non-severe. Additionally, we measured the circulating levels of MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin using an ELISA assay. We examined the predictive capabilities of these variables and explored their correlations across all patient groups. RESULTS Our results demonstrated a significant increase in MOR gene expression in the epithelium of patients with severe infection. The expression of CB2 receptor was also elevated in both male and female patients with severe symptoms. Furthermore, we observed concurrent rises in MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin levels in patients, which were linked to disease severity. CB2, MOR, MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin showed strong predictive abilities in distinguishing between patients with varying degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity. Moreover, we identified a significant correlation between CB2 expression and the levels of MOR, MCP-1, osteopontin, and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the interconnected nature of molecular mediators in a sequential manner, suggesting that their overexpression may play a role in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Abbasi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nejat Pishkenari
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Baranipour
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Jahangirifard
- Lung Transplant Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Bashir Mirtajani
- Lung Transplant Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noorani Mejareh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Vaezi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jila Yavarian
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Bahare Abdollahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Talat Mokhtari-Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran.
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2
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Kasuda S, Kondo T, Terazawa I, Morimoto M, Yuui K, Kudo R. Cardiac sudden death in a young cannabis user. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 53:101955. [PMID: 34438239 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of sudden death due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a young cannabis user. A man in his late thirties died at home, and marijuana was found. The autopsy revealed severe occlusion by an atherosclerotic plaque in the left anterior descending artery. The histopathological examination revealed ischemic changes, likely caused by cannabis-induced sympathetic β-adrenergic stimulation. Both cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) were expressed in the atherosclerotic lesions. The CB2 expression was higher than CB1 expression in the atherosclerotic plaque, corresponding to macrophage infiltration. Since cannabis is regarded as a casual drug due to its lower levels of dependency, some individuals have supported legalized marijuana use. However, this case report will provide cautions on the casual use of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kasuda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Kondo
- Division of Legal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Terazawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Mami Morimoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Katsuya Yuui
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Risa Kudo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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Dhital S, Stokes JV, Park N, Seo KS, Kaplan BLF. Cannabidiol (CBD) induces functional Tregs in response to low-level T cell activation. Cell Immunol 2017; 312:25-34. [PMID: 27865421 PMCID: PMC5327652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many effects of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), have been described in immune responses induced by strong immunological stimuli. It has also been shown that CBD enhances IL-2 production in response to low-level T cell stimulation. Since IL-2, in combination with TGF-β1, are critical for Treg induction, we hypothesized that CBD would induce CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs in response to low-level stimulation. Low-level T cell stimulation conditions were established based on minimal CD25 expression in CD4+ cells using suboptimal PMA/Io (4nM/0.05μM, S/o), ultrasuboptimal PMA/Io (1nM/0.0125μM, Us/o) or soluble anti-CD3/28 (400-800ng each, s3/28). CBD increased CD25+FOXP3+ cells from CD4+, CD4+CD25+, and CD4+CD25- T cells, as well as in CD4+ T cells derived from FOXP3-GFP mice. Most importantly, the Us/o+CBD-induced CD4+CD25+ Tregs robustly suppressed responder T cell proliferation, demonstrating that the mechanism by which CBD is immunosuppressive under low-level T cell stimulation involves induction of functional Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saphala Dhital
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - John V Stokes
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Nogi Park
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Keun Seok Seo
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
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4
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Pinna G, Curzu MM, Dore A, Lazzari P, Ruiu S, Pau A, Murineddu G, Pinna GA. Tricyclic pyrazoles part 7. Discovery of potent and selective dihydrothienocyclopentapyrazole derived CB2 ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 85:747-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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5
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Di Nicola M, Cattaneo A, Hepgul N, Di Forti M, Aitchison KJ, Janiri L, Murray RM, Dazzan P, Pariante CM, Mondelli V. Serum and gene expression profile of cytokines in first-episode psychosis. Brain Behav Immun 2013; 31:90-5. [PMID: 22749891 PMCID: PMC3675681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An inflammatory syndrome has been previously reported in chronic schizophrenia. The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) serum levels and leukocyte gene expression of cytokines in patients with first-episode psychosis and controls; and (2) possible causes of abnormal cytokine levels in first-episode psychosis, testing their association with psychosocial stressors, current nicotine and cannabis use, and duration of antipsychotic treatment. We recruited 24 first-episode psychosis patients and 24 healthy controls matched for age, gender, ethnicity and body mass index. Serum interleukin(IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, Tumour Necrosis Factor- α (TNF-α), Interferon- γ (IFN-γ), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were analysed in all subjects. Leukocyte gene expression analyses were conducted only for those cytokines that were different between-groups in the serum analyses. Patients had significantly higher serum levels of IL-1α (effect size d=0.6, p=0.03), IL-1β (d=0.4, p=0.01), IL-8 (d=0.6, p=0.01) and TNF-α (d=0.7, p=0.05) and a trend for higher IL-6 serum levels (d=0.3, p=0.09) when compared with controls. Leukocyte m-RNA levels of IL-1α (d=0.6, p=0.04), IL-6 (d=0.7, p=0.01) and TNF-α (d=1.6, p<0.001), but not IL-1β and IL-8, were also significantly higher in patients. A history of childhood trauma was associated with higher TNF-α serum levels (p=0.01), while more recent stressful life-events were associated with higher TNF-α mRNA levels in leukocytes (p=0.002). In conclusion, first-episode psychosis is characterised by a pro-inflammatory state supported, at least in part, by activation of leukocytes. Past and recent stressors contribute to this pro-inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Di Nicola
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Biology and Genetic Division, Brescia University School of Medicine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nilay Hepgul
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Katherine J. Aitchison
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, MRC SGDP Centre, London, UK
| | - Luigi Janiri
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Robin M. Murray
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Carmine M. Pariante
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Psychiatry NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
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6
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Kaplan BLF. The role of CB1 in immune modulation by cannabinoids. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 137:365-74. [PMID: 23261520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence that CB(2), historically referred to as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, mediates many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids. However, cannabinoid receptors cannot be classified simply as central or peripheral since CB(2) has been shown to play a role in the central nervous system (CNS) and CB(1) mediates many immune system effects. Although Cnr1 mRNA and CB(1) protein expression is lower than Cnr2 mRNA or CB(2) protein expression in cells of the immune system, several studies have shown direct modulation of immune function via CB(1) by endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids in T cells, innate cells, and to a lesser extent, B cells. In addition, indirect, but CB(1)-dependent, mechanisms of immune modulation exist. In fact, the mechanism by which cannabinoids attenuate neuroinflammation via CB(1) is likely a combination of immune suppression and neuroprotection. Although many studies demonstrate that agonists for CB(1) are immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory, CB(1) antagonists also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the data demonstrate that many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids are mediated via CB(1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Room 313, East Lansing, MI 48824-1630, United States.
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7
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Karmaus PWF, Wagner JG, Harkema JR, Kaminski NE, Kaplan BLF. Cannabidiol (CBD) enhances lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 10:321-8. [PMID: 23173851 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2012.741628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-derived cannabinoid that has been predominantly characterized as anti-inflammatory. However, it is clear that immune effects of cannabinoids can vary with cannabinoid concentration, or type or magnitude of immune stimulus. The present studies demonstrate that oral administration of CBD enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. The enhanced inflammatory cell infiltrate as observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was comprised mainly of neutrophils, with some monocytes. Concomitantly, CBD enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA production, including tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnfa), interleukins (IL)-5 and -23 (Il6, Il23), and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Gcsf). These results demonstrate that the CBD-mediated enhancement of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation is mediated at the level of transcription of a variety of pro-inflammatory genes. The significance of these studies is that CBD is part of a therapeutic currently in use for spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis patients, and therefore it is important to further understand mechanisms by which CBD alters immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peer W F Karmaus
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Chen W, Kaplan BLF, Pike ST, Topper LA, Lichorobiec NR, Simmons SO, Ramabhadran R, Kaminski NE. Magnitude of stimulation dictates the cannabinoid-mediated differential T cell response to HIVgp120. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 92:1093-102. [PMID: 22899554 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0212082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 25% of immunocompromised HIV patients smoke marijuana for its putative therapeutic benefit. The goal of these studies was to test the hypothesis that marijuana-derived cannabinoids have immunomodulatory effects on HIV antigen-specific T cell effector function. A surrogate mouse model to induce polyclonal T cell responses against HIV(gp120) was established. THC, a marijuana-derived cannabinoid, suppressed or enhanced mouse CD8(+) T cell proliferation and the gp120-specific CTL response depending on the magnitude of the IFN-γ response. To determine the molecular mechanisms by which cannabinoids differentially modulate T cell responses, P/I or anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies were used for stimulation, and another marijuana-derived cannabinoid, CBD, was also investigated. THC or CBD suppressed or enhanced IFN-γ and IL-2 production by mouse splenocytes under optimal or suboptimal stimulation, respectively. Similar differential effects of cannabinoids on cytokine production were also observed on nuclear translocation of NFAT and with human PBMCs in response to P/I stimulation. However, THC and CBD elevated intracellular calcium, regardless of the stimulation level with P/I, suggesting that the cannabinoid-induced calcium increase provides an appropriate signal for activation in suboptimally stimulated T cells but an anergic-like signal as a result of excessive calcium in optimally stimulated T cells. Overall, these data demonstrate differential modulation by cannabinoids of a HIV antigen-specific response and identify a possible mechanism responsible for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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9
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Murineddu G, Asproni B, Ruiu S, Deligia F, Falzoi M, Pau A, Thomas BF, Zhang Y, Pinna GA, Pani L, Lazzari P. Tricyclic Pyrazoles. Part 5. Novel 1,4-Dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole CB2 Ligands Using Molecular Hybridization Based on Scaffold Hopping. THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2012; 6:1-14. [PMID: 22876271 PMCID: PMC3406267 DOI: 10.2174/1874104501206010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In search of new selective CB2 ligands, the synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of novel 1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole hybrids of the highly potent prototypicals 5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-N-fenchyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide 1 and 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide 2 are detailed. We postulated that the introduction of those pharmacophoric elements essential for activity of 1 in the tricyclic core of 2 might provide CB2 ligands with further improved receptor selectivity and biological activity. Among the compounds, 6-chloro-7-methyl-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-fenchyl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide (22) exhibited low two digit nanomolar affinity for the cannabinoid CB2R and maintained a high level of CB2-selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Murineddu
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via F. Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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10
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Balenga NAB, Aflaki E, Kargl J, Platzer W, Schröder R, Blättermann S, Kostenis E, Brown AJ, Heinemann A, Waldhoer M. GPR55 regulates cannabinoid 2 receptor-mediated responses in human neutrophils. Cell Res 2011; 21:1452-69. [PMID: 21467997 PMCID: PMC3132458 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The directional migration of neutrophils towards inflammatory mediators, such as chemokines and cannabinoids, occurs via the activation of seven transmembrane G protein coupled receptors (7TM/GPCRs) and is a highly organized process. A crucial role for controlling neutrophil migration has been ascribed to the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor (CB(2)R), but additional modulatory sites distinct from CB(2)R have recently been suggested to impact CB(2)R-mediated effector functions in neutrophils. Here, we provide evidence that the recently de-orphanized 7TM/GPCR GPR55 potently modulates CB(2)R-mediated responses. We show that GPR55 is expressed in human blood neutrophils and its activation augments the migratory response towards the CB(2)R agonist 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), while inhibiting neutrophil degranulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Using HEK293 and HL60 cell lines, along with primary neutrophils, we show that GPR55 and CB(2)R interfere with each other's signaling pathways at the level of small GTPases, such as Rac2 and Cdc42. This ultimately leads to cellular polarization and efficient migration as well as abrogation of degranulation and ROS formation in neutrophils. Therefore, GPR55 limits the tissue-injuring inflammatory responses mediated by CB(2)R, while it synergizes with CB(2)R in recruiting neutrophils to sites of inflammation.
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MESH Headings
- Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators/pharmacology
- Cell Degranulation/drug effects
- Cell Degranulation/physiology
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Movement/physiology
- Endocannabinoids
- Glycerides/pharmacology
- HEK293 Cells
- HL-60 Cells
- Humans
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Neutrophil Activation/drug effects
- Neutrophil Activation/physiology
- Neutrophils/metabolism
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptors, Cannabinoid
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein/genetics
- cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
- rac GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- rac GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RAC2 GTP-Binding Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariman A B Balenga
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Elma Aflaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Platzer
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Ralf Schröder
- Section Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Blättermann
- Section Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Section Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrew J Brown
- Department of Screening and Compound Profiling, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Maria Waldhoer
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, Graz A-8010, Austria
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11
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Graham ES, Angel CE, Schwarcz LE, Dunbar PR, Glass M. Detailed characterisation of CB2 receptor protein expression in peripheral blood immune cells from healthy human volunteers using flow cytometry. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2010; 23:25-34. [PMID: 20377992 DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is commonly accepted from gene expression studies that the CB2 receptor is expressed by most cell types of the rodent and human immune system. However, the exact identity of cells expressing CB2 receptor protein in human blood or the abundance of receptors expressed by each immune subset is not well characterised. We conducted a detailed analysis of CB2 protein levels expressed by blood-derived immune cells from healthy human donors. Flow-cytometry was conducted using 4 commercially available anti-CB2 polyclonal antibodies in conjunction with a selection of immune cell specific markers. Across multiple healthy subjects we observed that NK cells, B-lymphocytes and monocytes expressed a higher level of CB2 receptor than CD4+ or CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Neutrophils also expressed a low level of CB2 receptor. NK cells had the greatest variation in CB2 expression levels, whereas for each of the other cell types CB2 levels were relatively similar between subjects. In contrast to other methods, the high sensitivity of flow-cytometry revealed that CB2 receptors are present on resting T-lymphocytes at low abundance in some healthy subjects. These data provide the first detailed analysis of CB2 protein levels in blood leukocyte subsets from healthy donors and identifies the cell types which could be targeted with CB-mimetic drugs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Graham
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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12
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van Helden SF, van Leeuwen FN, Figdor CG. Human and murine model cell lines for dendritic cell biology evaluated. Immunol Lett 2008; 117:191-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2008] [Revised: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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13
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Maccarrone M. CB2 receptors in reproduction. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 153:189-98. [PMID: 17828289 PMCID: PMC2219526 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been always identified as harmful drugs because of their negative effects on male and female reproduction. The discovery of the 'endocannabinoid system (ECS)', composed of bioactive lipids (endocannabinoids), their receptors and their metabolic enzymes, and the generation of mouse models missing cannabinoid receptors or other elements of the ECS, has enabled a wealth of information on the significance of endocannabinoid signalling in multiple reproductive events: Sertoli cell survival, spermatogenesis, placentation, fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, implantation and postimplantation embryonic growth. These studies have also opened new perspectives in clinical applications, pointing to the ECS as a new target for correcting infertility and for improving reproductive health in humans. This review will focus on the involvement of type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors in reproductive biology, covering both the male and female sides. It will also discuss the potential relevance of the immunological activity of CB2 at the maternal/foetal interface, as well as the distinctiveness of CB2 versus type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors that might be exploited for a receptor subtype-specific regulation of fertility. In this context, the different signalling pathways triggered by CB1 and CB2 (especially those controlling the intracellular tone of nitric oxide), the different activation of CB1 and CB2 by endogenous agonists (like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and the different localization of CB1 and CB2 within membrane subdomains, termed 'lipid rafts', will be discussed. It is hoped that CB2-dependent endocannabinoid signalling might become a useful target for correcting infertility, in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maccarrone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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14
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Lunn CA, Reich EP, Fine JS, Lavey B, Kozlowski JA, Hipkin RW, Lundell DJ, Bober L. Biology and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid CB2 receptor inverse agonists. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 153:226-39. [PMID: 17906679 PMCID: PMC2219522 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has emerged suggesting a role for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune cell motility. This provides a rationale for a novel and generalized immunoregulatory role for cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific compounds. In support of this possibility, we will review the biology of a class of cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific inverse agonist, the triaryl bis-sulfones. We will show that one candidate, Sch.414319, is potent and selective for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, based on profiling studies using biochemical assays for 45 enzymes and 80 G-protein coupled receptors and ion channels. We will describe initial mechanistic studies using this optimized triaryl bis-sulfone, showing that the compound exerts a broad effect on cellular protein phosphorylations in human monocytes. This profile includes the down regulation of a required phosphorylation of the monocyte-specific actin bundling protein L-plastin. We suggest that this observation may provide a mechanism for the observed activity of Sch.414319 in vivo. Our continued analysis of the in vivo efficacy of this compound in diverse disease models shows that Sch.414319 is a potent modulator of immune cell mobility in vivo, can modulate bone damage in antigen-induced mono-articular arthritis in the rat, and is uniquely potent at blocking experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Lunn
- Department of New Lead Discovery, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
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15
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Eisenstein TK, Meissler JJ, Wilson Q, Gaughan JP, Adler MW. Anandamide and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol directly inhibit cells of the immune system via CB2 receptors. J Neuroimmunol 2007; 189:17-22. [PMID: 17640739 PMCID: PMC2083705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Revised: 06/01/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study shows that two cannabinoids, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and anandamide, induce dose-related immunosuppression in both the primary and secondary in vitro plaque-forming cell assays of antibody formation. The immunosuppression induced by both compounds could be blocked by SR144528, an antagonist specific for the CB(2) receptor, but not by SR141716, a CB(1) antagonist. These studies are novel in that they show that both anandamide and THC are active in the nanomolar to picomolar (for anandamide) range in these assays of immune function, and that both mediate their effects directly on cells of the immune system through the CB(2) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby K Eisenstein
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States.
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16
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Coopman K, Smith LD, Wright KL, Ward SG. Temporal variation in CB2R levels following T lymphocyte activation: Evidence that cannabinoids modulate CXCL12-induced chemotaxis. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 7:360-71. [PMID: 17276894 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2006] [Revised: 11/20/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have long been proposed to affect the immune system, especially as one of the cannabinoid receptors, the cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB(2)R) has been found almost exclusively on immune cells. Here, using human in vitro activated peripheral blood-derived T lymphocytes we investigated the long-term changes in cannabinoid receptor protein expression following cellular activation and the effects of cannabinoids on migration. We report that resting T lymphocytes do not detectably express either the cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB(1)R) or CB(2)R at the protein level. However, CB(2)R protein expression is upregulated in a biphasic manner in T lymphocytes following activation by superantigen. The cannabinoids 2-AG and JWH-133 were found to elicit activation of downstream biochemical effectors (as assessed by the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinases). Neither 2-AG nor JWH-133 induced chemotaxis in day 5 activated T lymphocytes, when receptor expression was at its highest. Interestingly, both 2-AG and JWH-133 inhibited CXCL12-induced chemotaxis, suggesting a modulatory role for cannabinoids in activated T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Coopman
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, U.K
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17
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Oka S, Wakui J, Ikeda S, Yanagimoto S, Kishimoto S, Gokoh M, Nasui M, Sugiura T. Involvement of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor and its endogenous ligand 2-arachidonoylglycerol in oxazolone-induced contact dermatitis in mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 177:8796-805. [PMID: 17142782 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.12.8796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The possible involvement of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), in contact dermatitis in mouse ear was investigated. We found that the level of 2-AG was markedly elevated in the ear following a challenge with oxazolone in sensitized mice. Of note, the swelling following the challenge was suppressed by either the administration of SR144528, a CB2 receptor antagonist, immediately after sensitization, or the administration of SR144528 upon the challenge. The effect of AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, was marginal in either case. It seems apparent, therefore, that the CB2 receptor and its endogenous ligand 2-AG are closely involved in both the sensitization phase and the elicitation phase of oxazolone-induced contact dermatitis. In line with this, we found that Langerhans cells (MHC class II(+)) contain a substantial amount of CB2 receptor mRNA, whereas keratinocytes (MHC class II(-)) do not. We also obtained evidence that the expression of mRNAs for proinflammatory cytokines following a challenge with oxazolone was markedly suppressed by treatment with SR144528. We next examined whether the CB2 receptor and 2-AG participate in chronic contact dermatitis accompanied by the infiltration of tissues by eosinophils. The amount of 2-AG in mouse ear dramatically increased following repeated challenge with oxazolone. Importantly, treatment with SR144528 attenuated both the recruitment of eosinophils and ear swelling in chronic contact dermatitis induced by repeated challenge with oxazolone. These results strongly suggest that the CB2 receptor and 2-AG play important stimulative roles in the sensitization, elicitation, and exacerbation of allergic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Oka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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18
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Murineddu G, Lazzari P, Ruiu S, Sanna A, Loriga G, Manca I, Falzoi M, Dessì C, Curzu MM, Chelucci G, Pani L, Pinna GA. Tricyclic Pyrazoles. 4. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Analogues of the Robust and Selective CB2Cannabinoid Ligand 1-(2‘,4‘-Dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-N-piperidin-1-yl- 1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide. J Med Chem 2006; 49:7502-12. [PMID: 17149879 DOI: 10.1021/jm060920d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
New analogues (2a-p) of the previously reported CB(2) ligands 6-methyl- and 6-chloro-1-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-N-piperidin-1-yl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamides (1a,b) have been synthesized and evaluated for cannabinoid receptor affinity. One example, 1-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-N-cyclohexyilamine-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c] pyrazole-3-carboxamide (2a) was shown to have single digit nanomolar affinity for cannabinoid CB(2) receptors. Furthermore, compounds 2a and 2b, as well as lead structures 1a,b, were also shown to be agonist in an in vitro model based on human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Murineddu
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tossicologico, Università di Sassari, Via F. Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Early work on the biology of the components of Cannabis sativa showed evidence for a potential influence on immune regulation. With the discovery of a peripheral cannabinoid receptor associated with immune cells, many laboratories have sought to link the immunoregulatory activities of cannabinoid compounds with this receptor, hoping that such compounds would lack the psychoactive effects of marijuana and other nonspecific cannabinoid agonists. In this report, the authors investigate the role of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune regulation, with particular emphasis on compounds shown to regulate immune cell recruitment. The authors conclude by using the immune cell recruitment model to rationalise cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific effects in modulating immune disease, particularly the increasing evidence for its role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in influencing bone density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Lunn
- Schering-Plough Research Institute, Department of New Lead Discovery, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA.
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20
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Mormina ME, Thakur S, Molleman A, Whelan CJ, Baydoun AR. Cannabinoid signalling in TNF-α induced IL-8 release. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 540:183-90. [PMID: 16714014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Revised: 04/04/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The molecular events mediating the immunomodulatory properties of cannabinoids have remained largely unresolved. We have therefore investigated the molecular mechanism(s) through which R-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl] pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-napthanlenyl) methanone (WIN55212-2) modulate production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in HT-29 cells. Release of IL-8 induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in expression of inhibitory kappa B (IkappaB) were monitored by Western blotting and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) was determined in electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSAs). TNF-alpha induced release of IL-8 was inhibited by WIN55212-2 which also blocked the degradation of IkappaB-alpha and activation of NF-kappaB induced by TNF-alpha. These data provide strong evidence that WIN55212-2 may modulate IL-8 release by negatively regulating the signaling cascade leading to the activation of NF-kappaB. These findings highlight a potential mechanism for the immunomodulatory properties of cannabinoids and contribute towards acquiring a clear understanding of the role of cannabinoids in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Mormina
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
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21
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Oka S, Wakui J, Gokoh M, Kishimoto S, Sugiura T. Suppression by WIN55212-2, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, of inflammatory reactions in mouse ear: Interference with the actions of an endogenous ligand, 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 538:154-62. [PMID: 16647054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 03/02/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The effect of WIN55212-2, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, on acute inflammation of mouse ear was investigated. We found that topical application of WIN55212-2 suppressed ear swelling induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate or 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Similar inhibition was observed with CP55940, another cannabinoid receptor agonist, and HU-308, a cannabinoid CB(2) receptor-selective agonist. WIN55212-2 also suppressed the infiltration of leukocytes induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. On the other hand, WIN55212-3, an inactive enantiomer of WIN55212-2, exerted only small effects on inflammation. Notably, SR144528, a cannabinoid CB(2) receptor antagonist, also suppressed inflammatory reactions in mouse ear. Thus, both the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor agonist and antagonist are capable of reducing inflammatory reactions. We then investigated the mechanism underlying WIN55212-2-induced suppression of inflammation using cultured cells. We found that the addition of WIN55212-2 together with 2-arachidonoylglycerol blocked 2-arachidonoylglycerol-induced migration of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells that had been differentiated into macrophage-like cells. The restoration of 2-arachidonoylglycerol-desensitized cells and WIN55212-2-desensitized cells from an anergic condition was examined next. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol-treated cells rapidly recovered the capacity to respond to 2-arachidonoylglycerol. On the other hand, the anergic condition toward 2-arachidonoylglycerol continued for a longer period after pretreatment with WIN55212-2. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of WIN55212-2 is attributable, at least in part, to interference with the actions of the endogenous ligand, 2-arachidonoylglycerol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Oka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamiko, Tsukui-gun, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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22
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Raduner S, Majewska A, Chen JZ, Xie XQ, Hamon J, Faller B, Altmann KH, Gertsch J. Alkylamides from Echinacea are a new class of cannabinomimetics. Cannabinoid type 2 receptor-dependent and -independent immunomodulatory effects. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:14192-206. [PMID: 16547349 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m601074200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkylamides (alkamides) from Echinacea modulate tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA expression in human monocytes/macrophages via the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor (Gertsch, J., Schoop, R., Kuenzle, U., and Suter, A. (2004) FEBS Lett. 577, 563-569). Here we show that the alkylamides dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (A1) and dodeca-2E,4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide (A2) bind to the CB2 receptor more strongly than the endogenous cannabinoids. The Ki values of A1 and A2 (CB2 approximately 60 nM; CB1 >1500 nM) were determined by displacement of the synthetic high affinity cannabinoid ligand [3H]CP-55,940. Molecular modeling suggests that alkylamides bind in the solvent-accessible cavity in CB2, directed by H-bonding and pi-pi interactions. In a screen with 49 other pharmacologically relevant receptors, it could be shown that A1 and A2 specifically bind to CB2 and CB1. A1 and A2 elevated total intracellular Ca2+ in CB2-positive but not in CB2-negative promyelocytic HL60 cells, an effect that was inhibited by the CB2 antagonist SR144528. At 50 nM, A1, A2, and the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (CB2 Ki >200 nM) up-regulated constitutive interleukin (IL)-6 expression in human whole blood in a seemingly CB2-dependent manner. A1, A2, anandamide, the CB2 antagonist SR144528 (Ki <10 nM), and also the non-CB2-binding alkylamide undeca-2E-ene,8,10-diynoic acid isobutylamide all significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-12p70 expression (5-500 nM) in a CB2-independent manner. Alkylamides and anandamide also showed weak differential effects on anti-CD3-versus anti-CD28-stimulated cytokine expression in human whole blood. Overall, alkylamides, anandamide, and SR144528 potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in human whole blood and exerted modulatory effects on cytokine expression, but these effects are not exclusively related to CB2 binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Raduner
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Abstract
The therapeutic use of cannabinoids, the components of cannabis sativa L., was investigated in numerous researches in detail. Animal studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor agonists alter pain-associated behaviour, have immune-suppressive properties, suppress tumor growth, modulate sensitisation processes and influence memory and learning. Those effects are mediated by two membrane-bound cannabinoid receptors and as mechanisms of signal transduction blockade of ion channels, inhibition of adenylate cyclase and retrograde inhibition of neurotransmitter release are currently being discussed. In clinical studies oral administration of cannabinoids indicated beneficial results during the therapy of multiple sclerosis, weight loss, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and intractable pruritus. However, therapy of chronic pain conditions revealed conflicting results and unequivocal success could not have been delivered due to unwanted side effects. Further multicentre studies are required to estimate cannabinoids as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rukwied
- Institut für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Klinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg.
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24
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Gokoh M, Kishimoto S, Oka S, Metani Y, Sugiura T. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, enhances the adhesion of HL-60 cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells and human peripheral blood monocytes. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:6473-8. [PMID: 16288744 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2005] [Revised: 09/29/2005] [Accepted: 10/12/2005] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endogenous cannabionoid receptor (CB1 and CB2) ligand, enhanced the adhesion of HL-60 cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells to fibronectin and the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. The CB2 receptor, Gi/Go, intracellular free Ca(2+) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were shown to be involved in 2-AG-induced augmented cell adhesion. 2-AG also enhanced the adhesion of human monocytic leukemia U937 cells and peripheral blood monocytes. These results strongly suggest that 2-AG plays some essential role in inflammatory reactions and immune responses by inducing robust adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules in several types of inflammatory cells and immune-competent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Gokoh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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25
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Oka S, Yanagimoto S, Ikeda S, Gokoh M, Kishimoto S, Waku K, Ishima Y, Sugiura T. Evidence for the Involvement of the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor and Its Endogenous Ligand 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced Acute Inflammation in Mouse Ear. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:18488-97. [PMID: 15749716 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m413260200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol is an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors. Two types of cannabinoid receptors have been identified to date. The CB1 receptor is abundantly expressed in the brain, and assumed to be involved in the attenuation of neurotransmission. On the other hand, the physiological roles of the CB2 receptor, mainly expressed in several types of inflammatory cells and immunocompetent cells, have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated possible pathophysiological roles of the CB2 receptor and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in acute inflammation in mouse ear induced by the topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. We found that the amount of 2-arachidonoylglycerol was markedly augmented in inflamed mouse ear. In contrast, the amount of anandamide, another endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, did not change markedly. Importantly, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear swelling was blocked by treatment with SR144528, a CB2 receptor antagonist, suggesting that the CB2 receptor is involved in the swelling. On the other hand, the application of AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, exerted only a weak suppressive effect. The application of SR144528 also reduced the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced production of leukotriene B(4) and the infiltration of neutrophils in the mouse ear. Interestingly, the application of 2-arachidonoylglycerol to the mouse ear evoked swelling, which was abolished by treatment with SR144528. Nitric oxide was suggested to be involved in the ear swelling induced by 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These results suggest that the CB2 receptor and 2-arachidonoylglycerol play crucial stimulative roles during the course of inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Oka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamiko, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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26
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Thibault C, Hassan S, Miles M. Using in vitro models for expression profiling studies on ethanol and drugs of abuse. Addict Biol 2005; 10:53-62. [PMID: 15849019 DOI: 10.1080/13556210412331308949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of expression profiling with microarrays offers great potential for studying the mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse. Studies with the intact nervous system seem likely to be most relevant to understanding the mechanisms of drug abuse-related behaviours. However, the use of expression profiling with in vitro culture models offers significant advantages for identifying details of cellular signalling actions and toxicity for drugs of abuse. This study discusses general issues of the use of microarrays and cell culture models for studies on drugs of abuse. Specific results from existing studies are also discussed, providing clear examples of relevance for in vitro studies on ethanol, nicotine, opiates, cannabinoids and hallucinogens such as LSD. In addition to providing details on signalling mechanisms relevant to the neurobiology of drugs of abuse, microarray studies on a variety of cell culture systems have also provided important information on mechanisms of cellular/organ toxicity with drugs of abuse. Efforts to integrate genomic studies on drugs of abuse with both in vivo and in vitro models offer the potential for novel mechanistic rigor and physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Thibault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, Illkirch cedex, France.
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27
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Gertsch J, Schoop R, Kuenzle U, Suter A. Echinacea alkylamides modulate TNF-alpha gene expression via cannabinoid receptor CB2 and multiple signal transduction pathways. FEBS Lett 2005; 577:563-9. [PMID: 15556647 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Revised: 09/22/2004] [Accepted: 10/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Echinacea plant preparations are widely used in the prevention and treatment of common cold. However, so far no molecular mechanism of action has been proposed. We analyzed the standardized tincture Echinaforce and found that it induced de novo synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in primary human monocytes/macrophages, but not TNF-alpha protein. Moreover, LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha protein was potently inhibited in the early phase but prolonged in the late phase. A study of the main constituents of the extract showed that the alkylamides dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamides (1/2), trienoic (3) and dienoic acid (4) derivatives are responsible for this effect. The upregulation of TNF-alpha mRNA was found to be mediated by CB2 receptors, increased cAMP, p38/MAPK and JNK signaling, as well as NF-kappaB and ATF-2/CREB-1 activation. This study is the first to report a possible molecular mechanism of action of Echinacea, highlighting the role of alkylamides as potent immunomodulators and potential ligands for CB2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juerg Gertsch
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10 CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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28
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Sugiura T, Oka S, Gokoh M, Kishimoto S, Waku K. New perspectives in the studies on endocannabinoid and cannabis: 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a possible novel mediator of inflammation. J Pharmacol Sci 2004; 96:367-75. [PMID: 15599096 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.fmj04003x3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol is an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptors. To date, two types of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) have been identified. The CB1 receptor is assumed to be involved in the attenuation of synaptic transmission. On the other hand, the physiological roles of the CB2 receptor, which is abundantly expressed in several types of inflammatory cells and immunocompetent cells, have not yet been fully elucidated. Recently, we investigated in detail possible physiological roles of the CB2 receptor and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in inflammation. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol induces the activation of p42/44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and c-Jun N-terminal kinase; actin rearrangement and morphological changes; augmented production of chemokines in HL-60 cells; and the migration of HL-60 cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells, human monocytes, natural killer cells, and eosinophils. We also found that the level of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in mouse ear is markedly elevated following treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, which induces acute inflammation. Notably, the inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate was blocked by treatment with SR144528, a CB2-receptor antagonist. Similar results were obtained with an allergic inflammation model in mice. These results strongly suggest that 2-arachidonoylglycerol plays essential roles in the stimulation of various inflammatory reactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Sugiura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamiko, Tsukui-gun, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan.
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Chuchawankul S, Shima M, Buckley NE, Hartmann CB, McCoy KL. Role of cannabinoid receptors in inhibiting macrophage costimulatory activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2004; 4:265-78. [PMID: 14996418 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2003.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2003] [Revised: 04/23/2003] [Accepted: 12/16/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits several immunologic functions of macrophages. THC's impact on peritoneal macrophages to deliver costimulatory signals to a helper T cell hybridoma was investigated by T cell interleukin-2 production stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 antibody. The drug's inhibition of costimulatory activity depended on the macrophages. THC decreased costimulation provided by peritoneal cells elicited with polystyrene beads and thioglycollate, but the drug had no influence with macrophages elicited with thioglycollate alone. Bead administration induced CB2 mRNA expression in macrophages, while CB1 mRNA was not detected. Although inhibition was associated with functional heat-stable antigen, a costimulatory molecule, on macrophages, THC exposure did not alter cell surface heat-stable antigen expression. Inhibition by THC and anti-heat-stable antigen antibody was not additive suggesting the inhibitory mechanisms may overlap. Cannabinoid suppression was stereoselective; low affinity synthetic isomer CP56,667 did not diminish the T cell response. CB1-selective antagonist SR141716A completely reversed, and CB2-selective antagonist SR144528 partially blocked THC's inhibition. Both antagonists appeared to behave as inverse agonists in a receptor-selective manner. Although T cells expressed a low level of CB2 mRNA, neither THC nor SR141716A affected T cell activation in a system independent of macrophages, while SR144528 was inhibitory. High affinity synthetic agonist CP55,940, but not partial agonist THC, impaired costimulation by macrophages from mice lacking CB2 receptor. Although CB1 mRNA was not detected in CB2 null macrophages, CP55,940 reversed the inverse agonist activity of SR141716A. Hence, CB2 and possibly another receptor subtype may be involved in mediating cannabinoid suppression of macrophage costimulation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Cell Count
- Cell Line
- Coculture Techniques
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Female
- Hybridomas/immunology
- Hybridomas/metabolism
- Interleukin-2/biosynthesis
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/drug effects
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Knockout
- Psychotropic Drugs/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Chuchawankul
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, MCV Station, Box 980678, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Oka S, Ikeda S, Kishimoto S, Gokoh M, Yanagimoto S, Waku K, Sugiura T. 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, induces the migration of EoL-1 human eosinophilic leukemia cells and human peripheral blood eosinophils. J Leukoc Biol 2004; 76:1002-9. [PMID: 15316028 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0404252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand. To date, two types of cannabinoid receptors have been identified: the CB1 receptor, abundantly expressed in the brain, and the CB2 receptor, expressed in various lymphoid tissues such as the spleen. The CB1 receptor has been assumed to play an important role in the regulation of synaptic transmission, whereas the physiological roles of the CB2 receptor remain obscure. In this study, we examined whether the CB2 receptor is present in human eosinophils and found that the CB2 receptor is expressed in human peripheral blood eosinophils. In contrast, human neutrophils do not contain a significant amount of the CB2 receptor. We then examined the effect of 2-AG on the motility of eosinophils. We found that 2-AG induces the migration of human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells. The migration evoked by 2-AG was abolished in the presence of SR144528, a CB2 receptor antagonist, or by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, suggesting that the CB2 receptor and Gi/o are involved in the 2-AG-induced migration. The migration of EoL-1 cells induced by 2-AG was suggested to be a result of chemotaxis. In contrast to 2-AG, neither anandamide nor free arachidonic acid elicited the migration. Finally, we examined the effect of 2-AG on human peripheral blood eosinophils and neutrophils and found that 2-AG induces migration of eosinophils but not neutrophils. These results suggest that the CB2 receptor and its endogenous ligand 2-AG may be closely involved in allergic inflammation accompanied by the infiltration of eosinophils.
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MESH Headings
- Arachidonic Acid/pharmacology
- Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology
- Camphanes/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/drug effects
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/physiology
- Endocannabinoids
- Eosinophils/drug effects
- Eosinophils/physiology
- GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/drug effects
- GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/metabolism
- Glycerides/pharmacology
- Humans
- Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
- Hypersensitivity/metabolism
- Hypersensitivity/physiopathology
- Neutrophils/drug effects
- Neutrophils/physiology
- Pertussis Toxin/pharmacology
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Oka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamiko, Kanagawa, Japan
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Gongora C, Hose S, O'Brien TP, Sinha D. Downregulation of class II transactivator (CIITA) expression by synthetic cannabinoid CP55,940. Immunol Lett 2004; 91:11-6. [PMID: 14757364 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2003.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in microglia; however, their involvement in specific aspects of microglial immune function has not been demonstrated. Many effects of cannabinoids are mediated by two G-protein coupled receptors, designated CB1 and CB2. We have shown that the CB1 receptor is expressed in microglia that also express MHC class II antigen (J. Neuroimmunol. 82 (1998) 13-21). In our present study, we have analyzed the effect of cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 on MHC class II expression on the surface of IFN-gamma induced microglial cells by flow cytometry. CP55,940 blocked the class II MHC expression induced by IFN-gamma. It has been shown that the regulation of class II MHC genes occurs primarily at the transcriptional level, and a non-DNA binding protein, class II transactivator (CIITA), has been shown to be the master activator for class II transcription. We find that mRNA levels of CIITA are increased in IFN-gamma induced EOC 20 microglial cells and that this increase is almost entirely eliminated by the cannabinoid agonist CP55,940. These data suggests that cannabinoids affect MHC class II expression through actions on CIITA at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Gongora
- Institut de Biotechnologie et Pharmacologie, CNRS UMR 5094, Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
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Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that a major physiological function of the cannabinoid signaling system is to modulate neuroinflammation. This review discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoid compounds at molecular, cellular and whole animal levels, first by examining the evidence for anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids obtained using in vivo animal models of clinical neuroinflammatory conditions, specifically rodent models of multiple sclerosis, and second by describing the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system components in immune cells. Our aim is to identify immune functions modulated by cannabinoids that could account for their anti-inflammatory effects in these animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Walter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Author for correspondence:
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Ihenetu K, Molleman A, Parsons M, Whelan C. Pharmacological characterisation of cannabinoid receptors inhibiting interleukin 2 release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 464:207-15. [PMID: 12620515 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of a range of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists on phytohaemagglutinin-induced secretion of interleukin-2 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were investigated. The nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 ((R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[4-morpholinylmethyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl) methanone mesylate) and the selective cannabinoid CB(2) receptor agonist JWH 015 ((2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-napthalenylmethanone) inhibited phytohaemagglutinin (10 microg/ml)-induced release of interleukin-2 in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(1/2max), WIN55212-2=8.8 x 10(-7) M, 95% confidence limits (C.L.)=2.2 x 10(-7)-3.5 x 10(-6) M; JWH 015=1.8 x 10(-6) M, 95% C.L.=1.2 x 10(-6)-2.9 x 10(-6) M, n=5). The nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonists CP55,940 ((-)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethyl-hepthyl)-phenyl]4-[3-hydroxypropyl]cyclo-hexan-1-ol), Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and the selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist ACEA (arachidonoyl-2-chloroethylamide) had no significant (P>0.05) inhibitory effect on phytohaemagglutinin-induced release of interleukin-2. Dexamethasone significantly (P<0.05) inhibited phytohaemagglutinin-induced release of interleukin-2 in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(1/2max)=1.3 x 10(-8) M, 95% C.L.=1.4 x 10(-9)-3.2 x 10(-8) M). The cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A (N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride) (10(-6) M) did not antagonise the inhibitory effect of WIN55212-2 whereas the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528 (N-(1,S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethyl bicyclo(2,2,1)heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide) antagonised the inhibitory effect of WIN55212-2 (pA(2)=6.3+/-0.1, n=5). In addition, CP55,940 (10(-6) M) and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (10(-6) M) also antagonised the inhibitory effects of WIN55212-2 (pA(2)=6.1+/-0.1, n=5 and pA(2)=6.9+/-0.2, n=5). In summary, WIN55,212-2 and JWH 015 inhibited interleukin-2 release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells via the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor. In contrast, CP55,940 and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol behaved as partial agonists/antagonists in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ihenetu
- Department of Biosciences, CP Snow Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, UK
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Ihenetu K, Molleman A, Parsons ME, Whelan CJ. Inhibition of interleukin-8 release in the human colonic epithelial cell line HT-29 by cannabinoids. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 458:207-15. [PMID: 12498928 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the effects of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists on tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced secretion of interleukin-8 from the colonic epithelial cell line, HT-29. The cannabinoid receptor agonists [(-)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethyl-heptyl)-phenyl]4-[3-hydroxypropyl]cyclo-hexan-1-ol] (CP55,940); Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; [R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl) methyl] pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl) methanone mesylate] (WIN55,212-2) and 1-propyl-2-methyl-3-naphthoyl-indole (JWH 015) inhibited TNF-alpha induced release of interleukin-8 in a concentration-dependent manner. The less active enantiomer of WIN55212-2, [S(-)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl) methanone mesylate (WIN55212-3), and the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist arachidonoyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA) had no significant effect on TNF-alpha-induced release of interleukin-8. The cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1,4-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (SR141716A; 10(-6) M) antagonised the inhibitory effect of CP55,940 (pA(2)=8.3+/-0.2, n=6) but did not antagonise the inhibitory effects of WIN55212-2 and JWH 015. The cannabinoid CB(2) receptor antagonist N-(1,S)-endo1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo(2,2,1)heptan-2-yl)-5(4-chloro-3-methyl-phenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528; 10(-6) M) antagonised the inhibitory effects of CP55,940 (pA(2)=8.2+/-0.8, n=6), WIN55212-2 (pA(2)=7.1+/-0.3, n=6) and JWH 015 (pA(2)=7.6+/-0.3, n=6), respectively. Western immunoblotting of HT-29 cell lysates revealed a protein with a size that is consistent with the presence of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors. We conclude that in HT-29 cells, TNF-alpha-induced interleukin-8 release is inhibited by cannabinoids through activation of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ihenetu
- Department of Biosciences, CP Snow Building, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield Campus, College Lane, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, Hatfield, UK
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35
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Abstract
After thousands of years of interest the last few decades have seen a huge increase in our knowledge of the cannabinoids and their mode of action. Their potential as medical therapeutics has long been known. However, very real concerns over their safety and efficacy have lead to caution and suspicion when applying the legislature of modern medicine to these compounds. The ability of this diverse family of compounds to modulate neurotransmission and act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agents has prompted researchers to investigate their potential as neuroprotective agents. Indeed, various cannabinoids rescue dying neurones in experimental forms of acute neuronal injury, such as cerebral ischaemia and traumatic brain injury. Cannabinoids also provide symptomatic relief in experimental models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease. This preclinical evidence has provided the impetus for the launch of a number of clinical trials in various conditions of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury using compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Our understanding of cannabinoid neurobiology, however, must improve if we are to effectively exploit this system and take advantage of the numerous characteristics that make this group of compounds potential neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Grundy
- Neurology CEDD, GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park (North), Coldharbour Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, UK.
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36
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Cummings RJ, Parinandi NL, Zaiman A, Wang L, Usatyuk PV, Garcia JGN, Natarajan V. Phospholipase D activation by sphingosine 1-phosphate regulates interleukin-8 secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:30227-35. [PMID: 12039947 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111078200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a potent bioactive sphingolipid, has been implicated in many critical cellular events, including a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. We investigated the participation of S1P as an inflammatory mediator by assessing interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion and phospholipase D (PLD) activation in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B). S1P(1), S1P(3), S1P(4), S1P(5), and weak S1P(2) receptors were detected in Beas-2B and primary human bronchial epithelial cells. S1P stimulated a rapid activation of PLD, which was nearly abolished by pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment, consistent with S1P receptor/G(i) protein coupling. S1P also markedly induced Beas-2B secretion of IL-8, a powerful neutrophil chemoattractant and activator, in a PTX-sensitive manner. This S1P-mediated response was dependent on transcription as indicated by a strong induction of IL-8 promoter-mediated luciferase activity in transfected Beas-2B cells and a complete inhibition by actinomycin D. Beas-2B exposure to 1-butanol, which converts the PLD-generated phosphatidic acid (PA) to phosphatidylbutanol by a transphosphatidylation reaction, significantly attenuated the S1P-induced IL-8 secretion, indicating the involvement of PLD-derived PA in the signaling pathway. Inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-stimulated IL-8 production by 1-butanol further strengthened this observation. Blocking protein kinase C and Rho kinase also attenuated S1P-induced IL-8 secretion. Our data suggest that PLD-derived PA, protein kinase C, and Rho are important signaling components in S1P-mediated IL-8 secretion by human bronchial epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhett J Cummings
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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37
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Abstract
Cannabinoids recently have been shown to control the cell survival/death decision. Thus, cannabinoids induce growth arrest or apoptosis in a number of transformed neural and non-neural cells in culture. In addition, cannabinoid administration induces regression of malignant gliomas in rodents by a mechanism that may involve sustained ceramide generation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. In contrast, most of the experimental evidence indicates that cannabinoids may protect normal neurons from toxic insults, such as glutamatergic overstimulation, ischaemia, and oxidative damage. Regarding immune cells, low doses of cannabinoids may enhance proliferation, whereas high doses of cannabinoids usually induce growth arrest or apoptosis. The potential therapeutic applications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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38
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Cooper CS. Applications of microarray technology in breast cancer research. Breast Cancer Res 2001; 3:158-75. [PMID: 11305951 PMCID: PMC138681 DOI: 10.1186/bcr291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2001] [Accepted: 02/01/2001] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Microarrays provide a versatile platform for utilizing information from the Human Genome Project to benefit human health. This article reviews the ways in which microarray technology may be used in breast cancer research. Its diverse applications include monitoring chromosome gains and losses, tumour classification, drug discovery and development, DNA resequencing, mutation detection and investigating the mechanism of tumour development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Cooper
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK.
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De Petrocellis L, Melck D, Bisogno T, Di Marzo V. Endocannabinoids and fatty acid amides in cancer, inflammation and related disorders. Chem Phys Lipids 2000; 108:191-209. [PMID: 11106791 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-3084(00)00196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The long history of the medicinal use of Cannabis sativa and, more recently, of its chemical constituents, the cannabinoids, suggests that also the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids, and, particularly, their derivatives may be used as therapeutic agents. Studies aimed at correlating the tissue and body fluid levels of endogenous cannabinoid-like molecules with pathological conditions have been started and may lead to identify those diseases that can be alleviated by drugs that either mimic or antagonize the action of these substances, or modulate their biosynthesis and degradation. Hints for the therapeutic applications of endocannabinoids, however, can be obtained also from our previous knowledge of marijuana medicinal properties. In this article, we discuss the anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity of: (1) the endocannabinoids anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol; (2) the bioactive fatty acid amides palmitoylethanolamide and oleamide; and (3) some synthetic derivatives of these compounds, such as the N-acyl-vanillyl-amines. Furthermore, the possible role of cannabimimetic fatty acid derivatives in the pathological consequences of cancer and inflammation, such as cachexia, wasting syndrome, chronic pain and local vasodilation, will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Petrocellis
- Istituto di Cibernetica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Toiano 6, 80072 Arco Felice, Napoli, Italy
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40
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Derocq JM, Jbilo O, Bouaboula M, Ségui M, Clère C, Casellas P. Genomic and functional changes induced by the activation of the peripheral cannabinoid receptor CB2 in the promyelocytic cells HL-60. Possible involvement of the CB2 receptor in cell differentiation. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:15621-8. [PMID: 10821843 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.21.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB2), which is mainly expressed on hematopoietic cells, remains an enigma. In an attempt to decipher its role, we used Affymetrix DNA chips to investigate the gene expression profile of the promyelocytic cells HL-60 transfected with the CB2 receptor and activated with the cannabinoid agonist CP 55,940. Agonist exposure of these cells led to an activation of a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and a receptor desensitization, indicating a functional coupling of the transfected receptors. At the genomic level, activation of the CB2 receptors induced an up-regulation of nine genes involved in cytokine synthesis, regulation of transcription, and cell differentiation. A majority of them are under the control of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, whose nuclear translocation was demonstrated. Many features of the transcriptional events, reported here for the first time, appeared to be related to an activation of a cell differentiation program, suggesting that CB2 receptors could play a role in the initialization of cell maturation. Moreover, we showed that CB2-activated wild-type HL-60 cells developed properties usually found in host defense effector cells such as an enhanced release of chemotactic cytokines and an increased motility, characteristic of more mature cells of the granulocytic-monocytic lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Derocq
- Sanofi-Synthélabo, 34184 Montpellier Cedex 04, France
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41
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Matveyeva M, Hartmann CB, Harrison MT, Cabral GA, McCoy KL. Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol selectively increases aspartyl cathepsin D proteolytic activity and impairs lysozyme processing by macrophages. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY 2000; 22:373-81. [PMID: 10708885 DOI: 10.1016/s0192-0561(99)00092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes an antigen-dependent defect in the ability of macrophages to activate helper T cells, and this drug-induced impairment is mediated through the peripheral CB2 receptor. Various requirements for the processing of the antigen, lysozyme, were examined to determine where along the pathway THC exerts its influence. A THC-exposed macrophage hybridoma inefficiently stimulated interleukin-2 secretion by a helper T cell hybridoma in response to native lysozyme and its reduced form, suggesting that disulfide bond reduction was unaffected. Cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules was normal on THC-exposed macrophages. The drug-exposed macrophages also competently presented a lysozyme peptide to the T cells, indicating that the class II molecules were functional. The proteolytic activity of two thiol cathepsins was unaltered, but aspartyl cathepsin D activity was significantly increased in THC-exposed macrophages. Thus, selective up-regulation of aspartyl cathepsin activity accompanied the deficiency in lysozyme processing and may contribute, at least in part, to the antigen-dependent processing defect in THC-exposed macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Matveyeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980678, Richmond, VA 23298-0678, USA
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42
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Di Marzo V, Melck D, De Petrocellis L, Bisogno T. Cannabimimetic fatty acid derivatives in cancer and inflammation. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2000; 61:43-61. [PMID: 10785541 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-6980(00)00054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for the role of the cannabimimetic fatty acid derivatives (CFADs), i.e. anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), in the control of inflammation and of the proliferation of tumor cells is reviewed here. The biosynthesis of AEA, PEA, or 2-AG can be induced by stimulation with either Ca(2+) ionophores, lipopolysaccharide, or platelet activating factor in macrophages, and by ionomycin or antigen challenge in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells (a widely used model for mast cells). These cells also inactivate CFADs through re-uptake and/or hydrolysis and/or esterification processes. AEA and PEA modulate cytokine and/or arachidonate release from macrophages in vitro, regulate serotonin secretion from RBL-2H3 cells, and are analgesic in some animal models of inflammatory pain. However, the involvement of endogenous CFADs and cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in these effects is still controversial. In human breast and prostate cancer cells, AEA and 2-AG, but not PEA, potently inhibit prolactin and/or nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced cell proliferation. Vanillyl-derivatives of anandamide, such as olvanil and arvanil, exhibit even higher anti-proliferative activity. These effects are due to suppression of the levels of the 100 kDa prolactin receptor or of the high affinity NGF receptors (trk), are mediated by CB(1)-like cannabinoid receptors, and are enhanced by other CFADs. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase underlie the anti-mitogenic actions of AEA. The possibility that CFADs act as local inhibitors of the proliferation of human breast cancer is discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Marzo
- Istituto per la Chimica di Molecole di Interesse Biologico, Via Toiano 6, 80072, Arco Felice, Napoli, Italy.
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Sugiura T, Kondo S, Kishimoto S, Miyashita T, Nakane S, Kodaka T, Suhara Y, Takayama H, Waku K. Evidence that 2-arachidonoylglycerol but not N-palmitoylethanolamine or anandamide is the physiological ligand for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor. Comparison of the agonistic activities of various cannabinoid receptor ligands in HL-60 cells. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:605-12. [PMID: 10617657 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.1.605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effect of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, on the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations in HL-60 cells that express the cannabinoid CB2 receptor. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol induces a rapid transient increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations in HL-60 cells. The response was affected by neither cyclooxygenase inhibitors nor lipoxygenase inhibitors, suggesting that arachidonic acid metabolites are not involved. Consistent with this notion, free arachidonic acid was devoid of any agonistic activity. Importantly, the Ca(2+) transient induced by 2-arachidonoylglycerol was blocked by pretreatment of the cells with SR144528, a CB2 receptor-specific antagonist, but not with SR141716A, a CB1 receptor-specific antagonist, indicating the involvement of the CB2 receptor but not the CB1 receptor in this cellular response. G(i) or G(o) is also assumed to be involved, because pertussis toxin treatment of the cells abolished the response. We further examined the structure-activity relationship. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol is the most potent compound among a number of naturally occurring cannabimimetic molecules. Interestingly, anandamide and N-palmitoylethanolamine, other putative endogenous ligands, were found to be a weak partial agonist and an inactive ligand, respectively. These results strongly suggest that the CB2 receptor is originally a 2-arachidonoylglycerol receptor, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol is the intrinsic natural ligand for the CB2 receptor that is abundant in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sugiura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Sagamiko, Tsukui-gun, Kanagawa 199-0195, Japan
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