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Kolar N, Bankoglu EE, Stopper H. Genotoxicity of selected cannabinoids in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:3439-3451. [PMID: 39172143 PMCID: PMC11402852 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and cannabinol (CBN) are increasingly consumed as constituents of dietary products because of the health benefits claims. Cannabinoids may reduce certain types of pain, nausea, and anxiety. Anti-inflammatory and even anti-carcinogenic properties have been discussed. However, there are insufficient data available regarding their potential (geno-)toxic effects. Therefore, we tested CBG, CBD, CBC, CBDV, and CBN for their genotoxic potential and effects on mitosis and cell cycle in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. The selected cannabinoids (except CBDV) induced increased micronuclei formation, which was reduced with the addition of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). CBDV induced micronuclei only after metabolic activation. Mitotic disturbances were observed with all tested cannabinoids, while G1 phase accumulation of cells was observed for CBG, CBD and CBDV. The genotoxic effects occurred at about 1000-fold higher concentrations than are reported as blood levels from human consumption. However, the results clearly indicate a need for further research into the genotoxic effects of cannabinoids. The mechanism of the mitotic disturbance, the shape of the dose-response curves and the possible effects of mixtures of cannabinoids are aspects which need clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicol Kolar
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Wuerzburg, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ezgi Eyluel Bankoglu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Wuerzburg, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Helga Stopper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Wuerzburg, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
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Barker-Haliski M, Hawkins NA. Innovative drug discovery strategies in epilepsy: integrating next-generation syndrome-specific mouse models to address pharmacoresistance and epileptogenesis. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1099-1113. [PMID: 39075876 PMCID: PMC11390315 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2384455] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there are numerous treatment options already available for epilepsy, over 30% of patients remain resistant to these antiseizure medications (ASMs). Historically, ASM discovery has relied on the demonstration of efficacy through the use of 'traditional' acute in vivo seizure models (e.g. maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol, and kindling). However, advances in genetic sequencing technologies and remaining medical needs for people with treatment-resistant epilepsy or special patient populations have encouraged recent efforts to identify novel compounds in syndrome-specific models of epilepsy. Syndrome-specific models, including Scn1a variant models of Dravet syndrome and APP/PS1 mice associated with familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease, have already led to the discovery of two mechanistically novel treatments for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), namely cannabidiol and soticlestat, respectively. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss how it is likely that next-generation drug discovery efforts for epilepsy will more comprehensively integrate syndrome-specific epilepsy models into early drug discovery providing the reader with their expert perspectives. EXPERT OPINION The percentage of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy has remained unchanged despite over 30 marketed ASMs. Consequently, there is a high unmet need to reinvent and revise discovery strategies to more effectively address the remaining needs of patients with specific epilepsy syndromes, including drug-resistant epilepsy and DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole A Hawkins
- Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Udoh M, Santiago M, Haneef S, Rodger A, Marlowe CK, Barr PJ, Connor M. Activation of CB2 Receptors by (-)-Cannabichromene but Not (+)-Cannabichromene. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 39137108 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabichromene (CBC) is a minor constituent of cannabis that is a selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist and activator of TRPA1. To date, it has not been shown whether (-)-CBC, (+)-CBC, or both can mediate these effects. In this study, we investigate the activity of the CBC enantiomers at CB1, CB2, and Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptors in vitro. Materials and Methods: CBC enantiomers were purified from synthetic CBC by chiral chromatography, and their optical activity was confirmed by spectroscopy. Human CB1 and CB2 receptor activity was measured using a fluorescent assay of membrane potential in stably transfected AtT20 cells. TRPA1 activation was measured using a fluorescent assay of intracellular calcium in stably transfected HEK293 cells. Results: The (-)-CBC activated CB2 with an EC50 of 1.5 µM, to a maximum of 60% of (-)CP55940. (+)-CBC did not activate CB2 at concentrations up to 30 µM. Only 30 µM (-)-CBC produced detectable activation of CB1, (+)-CBC was inactive. Both (-)-CBC and (+)-CBC activated TRPA1; at 30 µM (-)-CBC produced an activation 50% of that of the reference agonist cinnamaldehyde (300 µM), 30 µM (+)-CBC activated TRPA1 to 38% of the cinnamaldehyde maximum. Discussion: It is unclear whether (-)-CBC is the sole or even the predominant enantiomer of CBC enzymatically synthesized in cannabis. This study shows that (-)-CBC is the active isomer at CB2 receptors, while both isomers activate TRPA1. The results suggest that medicinal preparations of CBC that target cannabinoid receptors would be most effective when (-)-CBC is the dominant isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udoh
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia
| | - Marina Santiago
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia
| | - Syed Haneef
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia
| | - Alison Rodger
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia
- Present address: Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Charles K Marlowe
- A Division of InMed Pharmaceuticals, BayMedica, LLC, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Philip J Barr
- A Division of InMed Pharmaceuticals, BayMedica, LLC, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark Connor
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia
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Ferri E, Russo F, Vandelli MA, Paris R, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Gallo A, Siciliano A, Carbone L, Gigli G, Citti C, Cannazza G. Analysis of phytocannabinoids in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116181. [PMID: 38723555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Hemp-sprouts are emerging as a new class of attractive functional food due to their numerous health benefits when compared to other sprout species. Indeed, the high content of beneficial components including polyphenols and flavonoids makes this type of food a promising and successful market. However, the available literature on this topic is limited and often conflicting as regards to the content of phytocannabinoids. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) was applied in an untargeted metabolomics fashion to extracts of hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens of nine different genotypes. Both unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistical analysis was performed to reveal variety-specific profiles of phytocannabinoids with surprisingly remarkable levels of phytocannabinoids even in chemotype V samples. Furthermore, a targeted HPLC-HRMS analysis was carried out for the quantitative determination of the major phytocannabinoids including CBDA, CBD, CBGA, CBG, CBCA, CBC, THCA, and trans-Δ9-THC. The last part of the study was focused on the evaluation of the enantiomeric composition of CBCA in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens in the different varieties by HPLC-CD (HPLC with online circular dichroism). Chiral analysis of CBCA showed a wide variability of its enantiomeric composition in the different varieties, thus contributing to the understanding of the intriguing stereochemical behavior of this compound in an early growth stage. However, further investigation is needed to determine the genetic factors responsible for the low enantiopurity of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, Bologna 40128, Italy.
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici 80055, Italy.
| | - Augusto Siciliano
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici 80055, Italy.
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research, CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
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Carona A, Bicker J, Fonseca C, da Graça Campos M, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Development and validation of an HPLC-DAD method for the quantification of cannabigerol, cannabidiol, cannabinol and cannabichromene in human plasma and mouse matrices. Analyst 2024; 149:3815-3827. [PMID: 38847584 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00070f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Cannabigerol, cannabidiol, cannabinol and cannabichromene are non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, highly present in Cannabis sativa, for which numerous therapeutical applications have been described. However, additional pre-clinical and clinical data, including toxicopharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, remain required to support their use in clinical practice and new therapeutic applications. To support these studies, a new high performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC) with diode-array detection (DAD) was developed and validated to quantify these cannabinoids in human plasma and mouse matrices. Sample extraction was accomplished by protein precipitation and double liquid-liquid extraction. Simvastatin and perampanel were used as internal standards in human and mouse matrices, respectively. Chromatographic separation was achieved in 16 min on an InfinityLab Poroshell® 120 C18 column (4.6 mm × 100 mm, 2.7 μm) at 40 °C. A mobile phase composed of water/acetonitrile was pumped with a gradient elution program at 1.0 mL min-1. The technique revealed linearity in the defined concentration ranges with a determination coefficient of over 0.99. Intra and inter-day accuracy and precision values ranged from -14.83 to 13.97% and 1.08 to 13.74%, respectively. Sample stability was assessed to ensure that handling and storage conditions did not compromise analyte concentrations in different matrices. Carry-over was absent and recoveries were over 77.31%. This technique was successfully applied for the therapeutic monitoring of cannabidiol and preliminary pre-clinical studies with cannabigerol and cannabidiol. All samples were within calibration ranges, with the exception of cannabigerol after intraperitoneal administration. This is the first HPLC-DAD technique that simultaneously quantifies cannabinoids in these biological matrices, supporting future pre-clinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Carona
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Fonseca
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria da Graça Campos
- Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC, FCT Unit 313) (FCTUC), Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Waris A, Ullah A, Asim M, Ullah R, Rajdoula MR, Bello ST, Alhumaydhi FA. Phytotherapeutic options for the treatment of epilepsy: pharmacology, targets, and mechanism of action. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1403232. [PMID: 38855752 PMCID: PMC11160429 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common, severe, chronic, potentially life-shortening neurological disorders, characterized by a persisting predisposition to generate seizures. It affects more than 60 million individuals globally, which is one of the major burdens in seizure-related mortality, comorbidities, disabilities, and cost. Different treatment options have been used for the management of epilepsy. More than 30 drugs have been approved by the US FDA against epilepsy. However, one-quarter of epileptic individuals still show resistance to the current medications. About 90% of individuals in low and middle-income countries do not have access to the current medication. In these countries, plant extracts have been used to treat various diseases, including epilepsy. These medicinal plants have high therapeutic value and contain valuable phytochemicals with diverse biomedical applications. Epilepsy is a multifactorial disease, and therefore, multitarget approaches such as plant extracts or extracted phytochemicals are needed, which can target multiple pathways. Numerous plant extracts and phytochemicals have been shown to treat epilepsy in various animal models by targeting various receptors, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. These extracts and phytochemicals could be used for the treatment of epilepsy in humans in the future; however, further research is needed to study the exact mechanism of action, toxicity, and dosage to reduce their side effects. In this narrative review, we comprehensively summarized the extracts of various plant species and purified phytochemicals isolated from plants, their targets and mechanism of action, and dosage used in various animal models against epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ata Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health (CRMH), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rafi Ullah
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Md. Rafe Rajdoula
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen Temitayo Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health (CRMH), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fahad A. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Dadiotis E, Cui M, Gerasi M, Mitsis V, Melliou E, Makriyannis A, Logothetis DE, Magiatis P. A Simple Chiral 1H NMR Method for the Discrimination of ( R)- and ( S)-Cannabichromene in Complex Natural Mixtures and Their Effects on TRPA1 Activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:77-84. [PMID: 38158562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the enantiomeric ratio of cannabichromene (CBC) within the cannabis plant has attracted significant attention. Cannabichromene is one of the well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis, along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabichromene exists as a scalemic mixture, meaning it has two enantiomers, (S)-cannabichromene and (R)-cannabichromene, with the ratio between these enantiomers varying among different cannabis strains and even within individual plants. This study presents an accurate and robust chiral NMR method for analyzing cannabichromene's enantiomeric ratio, a well-investigated cannabinoid with numerous pharmacological targets. The use of Pirkle's alcohol as the chiral solvating agent (CSA) or, alternatively, the use of (S)-ibuprofen as a chiral derivatizing agent (CDA) facilitated this analysis. Moreover, the chiral NMR method proves to be a user-friendly tool, easily applicable within any NMR facility, and an expanded investigation of cannabichromene chirality may provide insights into the origin, cultivation, treatment, and processing of Cannabis sativa plants. This study also undertakes a pharmacological examination of the (R)- and (S)-cannabichromenes concerning their most extensively studied pharmacological target, the TRPA1 channels, with the two enantiomers showing the same strong agonistic effect as the racemic mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Dadiotis
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Maria Gerasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | | | - Eleni Melliou
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Diomedes E Logothetis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Prokopios Magiatis
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Russo F, Ferri E, Pinetti D, Vandelli MA, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Cavazzini A, Gigli G, Citti C, Cannazza G. Bidimensional heart-cut achiral-chiral liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry for the separation of the main chiral phytocannabinoids and enantiomerization studies of cannabichromene and cannabichromenic acid. Talanta 2024; 267:125161. [PMID: 37708768 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a heart-cut bidimensional achiral-chiral liquid chromatography method coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed for the separation of the main carboxylated phytocannabinoids, namely cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), and decarboxylated derivatives, namely cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabicyclol (CBL), and the evaluation of their enantiomeric composition in extracts of different Cannabis sativa L. varieties. Optimal conditions for the chiral analysis of CBC- and CBL-type compounds were found with methanol and water (95:5, v/v, with 0.1% formic acid, 1.5 mL/min) on an amylose-based chiral stationary phase. These settings also allowed to evaluate the parameters responsible for CBC and CBCA racemization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Diego Pinetti
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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Fulvio F, Mandolino G, Citti C, Pecchioni N, Cannazza G, Paris R. Phytocannabinoids biosynthesis during early stages of development of young Cannabis sativa L. seedlings: Integrating biochemical and transcription data. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 214:113793. [PMID: 37479208 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (L.) is characterized by great genetic and phenotypic diversity, also expressed in the array of bioactive compounds synthesized. Despite its great potential economic interest, knowledge of the biology and genetics of this crop is incomplete, and still many efforts are needed for a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating its key traits. To better understand the synthesis of these compounds, we analysed the transcription levels of cannabinoid pathway genes during early phases of plant development, then comparing the transcriptional results with a chemical characterization of the same samples. The work was conducted on both industrial and medicinal C. sativa plants, using samples belonging to three different chemotypes. Genes coding for the cannabinoid synthases, involved in the last step of the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway, were found to be already expressed in the seed, providing a measure of the importance of this metabolism for the plant. Cannabichromenic acid is known as the first cannabinoid accumulating in the seedlings, shortly after emergence, and it was found that there is a good correspondence between transcript accumulation of the cannabichromenic acid synthase gene and accumulation of the corresponding metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fulvio
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy; Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandolino
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Paris
- CREA-Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy.
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Simei JLQ, Souza JDR, Lisboa JR, Campos AC, Guimarães FS, Zuardi A, Crippa JAS. Does the "Entourage Effect" in Cannabinoids Exist? A Narrative Scoping Review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37535820 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The concept of an "entourage" effect in the cannabis and cannabinoids' field was first introduced in the late 1990s, during a period when most research on medical cannabinoids focused on the effects of isolated cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Over the past decade, however, with the increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system, the discovery of other phytocannabinoids and their potential therapeutic uses, the term has gained widespread use in scientific reviews and marketing campaigns. Objective: Critically review the application of the term "entourage effect (EE)" in the literature and its endorsement by certain sectors of the cannabis market. Also, explore the perspectives for further interpretation and elaboration of the term based on current evidence, aiming to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the concept and its implications for cannabinoid-based medicine. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the entourage effect. Relevant studies and scientific reviews were analyzed to assess the evidence of clinical efficacy and safety, as well as the regulation of cannabinoid-containing product production. Results: The EE is now recognized as a synergistic phenomenon in which multiple components of cannabis interact to modulate the therapeutic actions of the plant. However, the literature provides limited evidence to support it as a stable and predictable phenomenon. Hence, there is also limited evidence to support clinical efficacy, safety, and appropriate regulation for cannabinoid-containing products based on a "entourage" hypothesis. Conclusion: The EE has significant implications for the medical use of cannabinoid-containing products and their prescription. Nevertheless, a critical evaluation of the term's application is necessary. Further research and evidence are needed to establish the clinical efficacy, safety, and regulatory framework for these products. It's crucial that regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, the media, and health care providers exercise caution and avoid prematurely promoting the entourage effect hypothesis as a scientific proven phenomenon for cannabinoids and other cannabis-derived compound combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Luís Q Simei
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Diogo R Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Roberto Lisboa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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11
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Alfei S, Schito GC, Schito AM. Synthetic Pathways to Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoids as Promising Molecules to Develop Novel Antibiotics: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1889. [PMID: 37514074 PMCID: PMC10384972 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid emergence of multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens against which current antibiotics are no longer functioning, severe infections are becoming practically untreatable. Consequently, the discovery of new classes of effective antimicrobial agents with novel mechanism of action is becoming increasingly urgent. The bioactivity of Cannabis sativa, an herbaceous plant used for millennia for medicinal and recreational purposes, is mainly due to its content in phytocannabinoids (PCs). Among the 180 PCs detected, cannabidiol (CBD), Δ8 and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinols (Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and some of their acidic precursors have demonstrated from moderate to potent antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria (MICs 0.5-8 µg/mL), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), epidemic MRSA (EMRSA), as well as fluoroquinolone and tetracycline-resistant strains. Particularly, the non-psychotropic CBG was also capable to inhibit MRSA biofilm formation, to eradicate even mature biofilms, and to rapidly eliminate MRSA persiter cells. In this scenario, CBG, as well as other minor non-psychotropic PCs, such as CBD, and CBC could represent promising compounds for developing novel antibiotics with high therapeutic potential. Anyway, further studies are necessary, needing abundant quantities of such PCs, scarcely provided naturally by Cannabis plants. Here, after an extensive overture on cannabinoids including their reported antimicrobial effects, aiming at easing the synthetic production of the necessary amounts of CBG, CBC and CBD for further studies, we have, for the first time, systematically reviewed the synthetic pathways utilized for their synthesis, reporting both reaction schemes and experimental details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Schito
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Schito
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
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12
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Alonso C, Satta V, Hernández-Fisac I, Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O. Disease-modifying effects of cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene and their combination in Syn1-Cre/Scn1a WT/A1783V mice, a preclinical model of Dravet syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2023:109602. [PMID: 37290534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been recently approved as an antiseizure agent in Dravet Syndrome (DS), a pediatric epileptic encephalopathy, but CBD could also be active against associated comorbidities. Such associated comorbidities were also attenuated by the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (BCP). Here, we have compared the efficacy of both compounds and further initiated the analysis of a possible additive effect between both compounds in relation with these comorbidities using two experimental approaches. The first experiment was aimed at comparing the benefits of CBD and BCP, including their combination in conditional knock-in Scn1a-A1783V mice, an experimental model of DS, treated since the postnatal day 10th to 24th. As expected, DS mice showed impairment in limb clasping, delay in the appearance of hindlimb grasp reflex and additional behavioural disturbances (e.g., hyperactivity, cognitive deterioration, social interaction deficits). This behavioural impairment was associated with marked astroglial and microglial reactivities in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. BCP and CBD administered alone were both able to partially attenuate the behavioural disturbances and the glial reactivities, with apparently greater efficacy against glial reactivities obtained with BCP, whereas superior effects in a few specific parameters were obtained when both compounds were combined. In the second experiment, we investigated this additive effect in cultured BV2 cells treated with BCP and/or CBD and stimulated with LPS. As expected, addition of LPS induced a marked increase in several inflammation-related markers (e.g., TLR4, COX-2, iNOS, catalase, TNF-α, IL-1β), as well as elevated Iba-1 immunostaining. Treatment with BCP or CBD attenuated these elevations, but, again and in general, superior results were obtained when both cannabinoids were combined. In conclusion, our results support the interest to continue investigating the combination of BCP and CBD to improve the therapeutic management of DS in relation with their disease-modifying properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Fisac
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Calcaterra A, Cianfoni G, Tortora C, Manetto S, Grassi G, Botta B, Gasparrini F, Mazzoccanti G, Appendino G. Natural Cannabichromene (CBC) Shows Distinct Scalemicity Grades and Enantiomeric Dominance in Cannabis sativa Strains. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:909-914. [PMID: 37023389 PMCID: PMC10152484 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c01139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cannabichromene (CBC, 1a) occurs in Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) as a scalemate having a composition that is strain-dependent in terms of both enantiomeric excess and enantiomeric dominance. In the present work, the chirality of CBC (1a), a noncrystalline compound, was shown not to be significantly affected by standard conditions of isolation and purification, and enantiomeric self-disproportionation effects were minimized by carrying out the chiral analysis on crude fractions rather than on purified products. A genetic basis for the different enantiomeric state of CBC in Cannabis therefore seems to exist, implying that the chirality status of natural CBC (1a) in the plant is associated with the differential expression of CBCA-synthase isoforms and/or of associated directing proteins with antipodal enantiospecificity. The biological profile of both enantiomers of CBC should therefore be investigated independently to assess the contribution of this compound to the activity of Cannabis preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calcaterra
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cianfoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuroscience at Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Tortora
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Manetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Grassi
- Canvasalus Research, Via Cristoforo Colombo 64, 35043 Monselice (PD), Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Gasparrini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzoccanti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
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14
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Tran J, Vassiliadis S, Elkins AC, Cogan NOI, Rochfort SJ. Developing Prediction Models Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Quantify Cannabinoid Content in Cannabis Sativa. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2607. [PMID: 36904818 PMCID: PMC10007171 DOI: 10.3390/s23052607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is commercially cultivated for both therapeutic and recreational purposes in a growing number of jurisdictions. The main cannabinoids of interest are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), which have applications in different therapeutic treatments. The rapid, nondestructive determination of cannabinoid levels has been achieved using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled to high-quality compound reference data provided by liquid chromatography. However, most of the literature describes prediction models for the decarboxylated cannabinoids, e.g., THC and CBD, rather than naturally occurring analogues, tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). The accurate prediction of these acidic cannabinoids has important implications for quality control for cultivators, manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Using high-quality liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LCMS) data and NIR spectra data, we developed statistical models including principal component analysis (PCA) for data quality control, partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models to predict cannabinoid concentrations for 14 different cannabinoids and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models to characterise cannabis samples into high-CBDA, high-THCA and even-ratio classes. This analysis employed two spectrometers, a scientific grade benchtop instrument (Bruker MPA II-Multi-Purpose FT-NIR Analyzer) and a handheld instrument (VIAVI MicroNIR Onsite-W). While the models from the benchtop instrument were generally more robust (99.4-100% accuracy prediction), the handheld device also performed well (83.1-100% accuracy prediction) with the added benefits of portability and speed. In addition, two cannabis inflorescence preparation methods were evaluated: finely ground and coarsely ground. The models generated from coarsely ground cannabis provided comparable predictions to that of the finely ground but represent significant timesaving in terms of sample preparation. This study demonstrates that a portable NIR handheld device paired with LCMS quantitative data can provide accurate cannabinoid predictions and potentially be of use for the rapid, high-throughput, nondestructive screening of cannabis material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tran
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre, AgriBio, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Simone Vassiliadis
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre, AgriBio, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Aaron C. Elkins
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre, AgriBio, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Noel O. I. Cogan
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre, AgriBio, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Simone J. Rochfort
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre, AgriBio, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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15
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Anderson LL, Bahceci DA, Hawkins NA, Everett-Morgan D, Banister SD, Kearney JA, Arnold JC. Heterozygous deletion of Gpr55 does not affect a hyperthermia-induced seizure, spontaneous seizures or survival in the Scn1a+/- mouse model of Dravet syndrome. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280842. [PMID: 36701411 PMCID: PMC9879440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A purified preparation of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis constituent, has been approved for the treatment of intractable childhood epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome. Extensive pharmacological characterization of CBD shows activity at numerous molecular targets but its anticonvulsant mechanism(s) of action is yet to be delineated. Many suggest that the anticonvulsant action of CBD is the result of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) inhibition. Here we assessed whether Gpr55 contributes to the strain-dependent seizure phenotypes of the Scn1a+/- mouse model of Dravet syndrome. The Scn1a+/- mice on a 129S6/SvEvTac (129) genetic background have no overt phenotype, while those on a [129 x C57BL/6J] F1 background exhibit a severe phenotype that includes hyperthermia-induced seizures, spontaneous seizures and reduced survival. We observed greater Gpr55 transcript expression in the cortex and hippocampus of mice on the seizure-susceptible F1 background compared to those on the seizure-resistant 129 genetic background, suggesting that Gpr55 might be a genetic modifier of Scn1a+/- mice. We examined the effect of heterozygous genetic deletion of Gpr55 and pharmacological inhibition of GPR55 on the seizure phenotypes of F1.Scn1a+/- mice. Heterozygous Gpr55 deletion and inhibition of GPR55 with CID2921524 did not affect the temperature threshold of a thermally-induced seizure in F1.Scn1a+/- mice. Neither was there an effect of heterozygous Gpr55 deletion observed on spontaneous seizure frequency or survival of F1.Scn1a+/- mice. Our results suggest that GPR55 antagonism may not be a suitable anticonvulsant target for Dravet syndrome drug development programs, although future research is needed to provide more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dilara A. Bahceci
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole A. Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Declan Everett-Morgan
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Milligan CJ, Anderson LL, McGregor IS, Arnold JC, Petrou S. Beyond CBD: Inhibitory effects of lesser studied phytocannabinoids on human voltage-gated sodium channels. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1081186. [PMID: 36891145 PMCID: PMC9986306 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1081186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis contains cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, but also many other phytocannabinoids that have therapeutic potential in the treatment of epilepsy. Indeed, the phytocannabinoids cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabichromene (CBC) have recently been shown to have anti-convulsant effects in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome (DS), an intractable form of epilepsy. Recent studies demonstrate that CBD inhibits voltage-gated sodium channel function, however, whether these other anti-convulsant phytocannabinoids affect these classic epilepsy drug-targets is unknown. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels play a pivotal role in initiation and propagation of the neuronal action potential and NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 are associated with the intractable epilepsies and pain conditions. Methods: In this study, using automated-planar patch-clamp technology, we assessed the profile of the phytocannabinoids CBGA, CBDVA, cannabigerol (CBG), CBCA and CBC against these human voltage-gated sodium channels subtypes expressed in mammalian cells and compared the effects to CBD. Results: CBD and CBGA inhibited peak current amplitude in the low micromolar range in a concentration-dependent manner, while CBG, CBCA and CBC revealed only modest inhibition for this subset of sodium channels. CBDVA inhibited NaV1.6 peak currents in the low micromolar range in a concentration-dependent fashion, while only exhibiting modest inhibitory effects on NaV1.1, NaV1.2, and NaV1.7 channels. CBD and CBGA non-selectively inhibited all channel subtypes examined, whereas CBDVA was selective for NaV1.6. In addition, to better understand the mechanism of this inhibition, we examined the biophysical properties of these channels in the presence of each cannabinoid. CBD reduced NaV1.1 and NaV1.7 channel availability by modulating the voltage-dependence of steady-state fast inactivation (SSFI, V0.5 inact), and for NaV1.7 channel conductance was reduced. CBGA also reduced NaV1.1 and NaV1.7 channel availability by shifting the voltage-dependence of activation (V0.5 act) to a more depolarized potential, and for NaV1.7 SSFI was shifted to a more hyperpolarized potential. CBDVA reduced channel availability by modifying conductance, SSFI and recovery from SSFI for all four channels, except for NaV1.2, where V0.5 inact was unaffected. Discussion: Collectively, these data advance our understanding of the molecular actions of lesser studied phytocannabinoids on voltage-gated sodium channel proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J Milligan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Efficacy of the FDA-approved cannabidiol on the development and persistence of temporal lobe epilepsy and complex focal onset seizures. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114240. [PMID: 36216124 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Presently there is no drug therapy for curing epilepsy. Despite many advancements in epilepsy research, nearly 30% of people with epilepsy remain refractory to current antiseizure medications (ASM). Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently been approved as an ASM for pediatric refractory seizures, but it has not been widely tested for adult epileptogenesis and focal onset seizures. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the FDA-approved CBD in controlling epileptogenesis and complex focal onset seizures using the mouse kindling model of human temporal lobe epilepsy. We also tested combination regimens of CBD with other ASMs. The two primary outcome measures were disease modification and suppression of generalized seizures. In the epileptogenesis study, CBD had a striking effect in attenuating kindling development, with a dose-dependent decrease in behavioral and electrographic seizure activity. In the retention study, mice previously treated with CBD had significantly reduced overall seizure burden, suggesting disease modification. In a fully-kindled seizure study, CBD produced rapid and atypical U-shaped dose-dependent protection against generalized seizures (ED50, 52 mg/kg, i.p.). In a time-course study, CBD showed a maximal protective effect within 1 h of injection, and it declined within 4 h with a biphasic response. In the combination study, CBD produced synergistic/ additive protection when given with midazolam and ganaxolone but not with tiagabine, indicating its strong potential as an adjunct ASM. Finally, the protective effects of CBD were not associated with motor and functional impairments. These preclinical findings demonstrate the potential of adjunct CBD for controlling adult complex focal onset seizure conditions.
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Zavala-Tecuapetla C, Luna-Munguia H, López-Meraz ML, Cuellar-Herrera M. Advances and Challenges of Cannabidiol as an Anti-Seizure Strategy: Preclinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416181. [PMID: 36555823 PMCID: PMC9783044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes has been documented since ancient times, where one of its principal cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD), has emerged over the last few years as a promising molecule with anti-seizure potential. Here, we present an overview of recent literature pointing out CBD's pharmacological profile (solubility, metabolism, drug-drug interactions, etc.,), CBD's interactions with multiple molecular targets as well as advances in preclinical research concerning its anti-seizure effect on both acute seizure models and chronic models of epilepsy. We also highlight the recent attention that has been given to other natural cannabinoids and to synthetic derivatives of CBD as possible compounds with therapeutic anti-seizure potential. All the scientific research reviewed here encourages to continue to investigate the probable therapeutic efficacy of CBD and its related compounds not only in epilepsy but also and specially in drug-resistant epilepsy, since there is a dire need for new and effective drugs to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zavala-Tecuapetla
- Laboratory of Physiology of Reticular Formation, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877, La Fama, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Hiram Luna-Munguia
- Departamento de Neurobiologia Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | - María-Leonor López-Meraz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Luis Castelazo Ayala s/n, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
| | - Manola Cuellar-Herrera
- Epilepsy Clinic, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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Udoh M, Bladen C, Heblinski M, Luo JL, Janve VS, Anderson LL, McGregor IS, Arnold JC. The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit recombinant T-type channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1048259. [PMID: 36386164 PMCID: PMC9664070 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1048259] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) has been clinically approved for intractable epilepsies, offering hope that novel anticonvulsants in the phytocannabinoid class might be developed. Looking beyond CBD, we have recently reported that a series of biosynthetic precursor molecules found in cannabis display anticonvulsant properties. However, information on the pharmacological activities of these compounds on CNS drug targets is limited. The current study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating whether anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids affect T-type calcium channels, which are known to modulate neuronal excitability, and may be relevant to the anti-seizure effects of this class of compounds. Materials and methods: A fluorescence-based assay was used to screen the ability of the phytocannabinoids to inhibit human T-type calcium channels overexpressed in HEK-293 cells. A subset of compounds was further examined using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Alphascreen technology was used to characterise selected compounds against G-protein coupled-receptor 55 (GPR55) overexpressed in HEK-293 cells, as GPR55 is another target of the phytocannabinoids. Results: A single 10 µM concentration screen in the fluorescence-based assay showed that phytocannabinoids inhibited T-type channels with substantial effects on Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 channels compared to the Cav3.3 channel. The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) and cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) had the greatest magnitudes of effect (≥80% inhibition against Cav3.1 and Cav3.2), so were fully characterized in concentration-response studies. CBGVA and CBDVA had IC50 values of 6 μM and 2 µM on Cav3.1 channels; 2 μM and 11 µM on Cav3.2 channels, respectively. Biophysical studies at Cav3.1 showed that CBGVA caused a hyperpolarisation shift of steady-state inhibition. Both CBGVA and CBDVA had a use-dependent effect and preferentially inhibited Cav3.1 current in a slow inactivated state. CBGVA and CBDVA were also shown to antagonise GPR55. Conclusion and implications: These findings show that CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit T-type calcium channels and GPR55. These compounds should be further investigated to develop novel therapeutics for treating diseases associated with dysfunctional T-type channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udoh
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Bladen
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Chris Bladen, ; Jonathon C. Arnold,
| | - Marika Heblinski
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaishali S. Janve
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Chris Bladen, ; Jonathon C. Arnold,
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20
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Bahceci D, Anderson LL, Kevin RC, Doohan PT, Arnold JC. Hyperthermia-Induced Seizures Enhance Brain Concentrations of the Endocannabinoid-Related Linoleoyl Glycerols in a Scn1a+/- Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022. [PMID: 36269656 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The endocannabinoid system contributes to the homeostatic response to seizure activity in epilepsy, a disease of brain hyperexcitability. Indeed, studies using conventional epilepsy models have shown that seizures increase endocannabinoids in the brain. However, it is unknown whether endocannabinoids and structurally related fatty acid amides and monoacylglycerols are similarly released in response to acute seizures in animal models of drug-resistant epilepsy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether a hyperthermia-induced seizure increased concentrations of endocannabinoids and related signaling lipids in the Scn1a+/- mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Materials and Methods: We compared hippocampal concentrations of the major endocannabinoids and related monoglycerols and N-acylethanolamines in wild-type mice, naïve Scn1a+/- mice, and Scn1a+/- mice primed with a single, hyperthermia-induced, generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Samples were collected 5 and 60 min following the seizure and then analyzed with LC-MS/MS. Results: We found that a hyperthermia-induced seizure in Scn1a+/- mice did not affect hippocampal concentrations of the major endocannabinoids, 2-AG and anandamide, or the N-acylethanolamines studied, although the sampling of tissue 5 min postseizure may have been too late to capture any effect on these lipids. Heterozygous deletion of Scn1a alone did not affect these lipid signaling molecules. Notably, however, we found that a hyperthermia-induced seizure significantly increased hippocampal concentrations of the monoacylglycerols, 2-linoleoyl glycerol (2-LG) and 1-linoleoyl glycerol (1-LG), in Scn1a+/- mice. Conclusions: Our results show the unprecedented elevation of the lesser-studied endocannabinoid-related monoacylglycerols, 2-LG and 1-LG, following a hyperthermia-induced seizure in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Future research is needed to comprehensively explore the function of these lipid signaling molecules during seizure activity and whether their actions can be exploited to develop new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Bahceci
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown , Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown , Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown , Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Peter T Doohan
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown , Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown , Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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21
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Colvin EK, Hudson AL, Anderson LL, Kumar RP, McGregor IS, Howell VM, Arnold JC. An Examination of the Anti-Cancer Properties of Plant Cannabinoids in Preclinical Models of Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153813. [PMID: 35954477 PMCID: PMC9367527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mesothelioma is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant are garnering interest for their anti-cancer properties, however very little is known about their effects in mesothelioma. We aimed to assess whether phytocannabinoids have anti-cancer effects in mesothelioma and potential modes of action. We showed that several phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of mesothelioma cells, with two phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), being the most potent. CBD and CBG also inhibited mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. Gene expression analysis highlighted signalling pathways that play a role in how CBD and CBG may exert their anti-cancer effects. CBD and CBG were unable to increase survival in a rat model of mesothelioma but this may be due to limitations in the drug delivery method. Abstract Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Phytocannabinoids possess anti-tumour and palliative properties in multiple cancers, however their effects in mesothelioma are unknown. We investigated the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of action for several phytocannabinoids in mesothelioma cell lines. A panel of 13 phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of human (MSTO and H2452) and rat (II-45) mesothelioma cells in vitro, and cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) were the most potent compounds. Treatment with CBD or CBG resulted in G0/G1 arrest, delayed entry into S phase and induced apoptosis. CBD and CBG also significantly reduced mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. These effects were supported by changes in the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, and cell movement following CBD or CBG treatment. Gene expression levels of CNR1, GPR55, and 5HT1A also increased with CBD or CBG treatment. However, treatment with CBD or CBG in a syngeneic orthotopic rat mesothelioma model was unable to increase survival. Our data show that cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects on mesothelioma cells in vitro and alternatives of drug delivery may be needed to enhance their effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Colvin
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Hudson
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
| | - Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Ramyashree Prasanna Kumar
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Viive M. Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
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22
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Sionov RV, Steinberg D. Anti-Microbial Activity of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in the Light of Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030631. [PMID: 35327432 PMCID: PMC8945038 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become an increasing challenge in the treatment of various infectious diseases, especially those associated with biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic materials. There is an urgent need for new treatment protocols that can also target biofilm-embedded bacteria. Many secondary metabolites of plants possess anti-bacterial activities, and especially the phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa L. varieties have reached a renaissance and attracted much attention for their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities at concentrations below the cytotoxic threshold on normal mammalian cells. Accordingly, many synthetic cannabinoids have been designed with the intention to increase the specificity and selectivity of the compounds. The structurally unrelated endocannabinoids have also been found to have anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. Recent data suggest for a mutual communication between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiota. The present review focuses on the anti-microbial activities of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids integrated with some selected issues of their many physiological and pharmacological activities.
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23
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Etchart MG, Anderson LL, Ametovski A, Jones PM, George AM, Banister SD, Arnold JC. In vitro evaluation of the interaction of the cannabis constituents cannabichromene and cannabichromenic acid with ABCG2 and ABCB1. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 922:174836. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Anderson LL, Udoh M, Everett-Morgan D, Heblinski M, McGregor IS, Banister SD, Arnold JC. Olivetolic acid, a cannabinoid precursor in Cannabis sativa, but not CBGA methyl ester exhibits a modest anticonvulsant effect in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. J Cannabis Res 2022; 4:2. [PMID: 34980287 PMCID: PMC8725448 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), a precursor cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa, has recently been found to have anticonvulsant properties in the Scn1a+/- mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Poor brain penetration and chemical instability of CBGA limits its potential as an anticonvulsant therapy. Here, we examined whether CBGA methyl ester, a more stable analogue of CBGA, might have superior pharmacokinetic and anticonvulsant properties. In addition, we examined whether olivetolic acid, the biosynthetic precursor to CBGA with a truncated (des-geranyl) form, might possess minimum structural requirements for anticonvulsant activity. We also examined whether olivetolic acid and CBGA methyl ester retain activity at the epilepsy-relevant drug targets of CBGA: G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and T-type calcium channels. Methods The brain and plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of CBGA methyl ester and olivetolic acid were examined following 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration in mice (n = 4). The anticonvulsant potential of each was examined in male and female Scn1a+/- mice (n = 17–19) against hyperthermia-induced seizures (10–100 mg/kg, i.p.). CBGA methyl ester and olivetolic acid were also screened in vitro against T-type calcium channels and GPR55 using intracellular calcium and ERK phosphorylation assays, respectively. Results CBGA methyl ester exhibited relatively limited brain penetration (13%), although somewhat superior to that of 2% for CBGA. No anticonvulsant effects were observed against thermally induced seizures in Scn1a+/- mice. Olivetolic acid also showed poor brain penetration (1%) but had a modest anticonvulsant effect in Scn1a+/- mice increasing the thermally induced seizure temperature threshold by approximately 0.4°C at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Neither CBGA methyl ester nor olivetolic acid displayed pharmacological activity at GPR55 or T-type calcium channels. Conclusions Olivetolic acid displayed modest anticonvulsant activity against hyperthermia-induced seizures in the Scn1a+/- mouse model of Dravet syndrome despite poor brain penetration. The effect was, however, comparable to the known anticonvulsant cannabinoid cannabidiol in this model. Future studies could explore the anticonvulsant mechanism(s) of action of olivetolic acid and examine whether its anticonvulsant effect extends to other seizure types. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42238-021-00113-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey L Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Michael Udoh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Declan Everett-Morgan
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Marika Heblinski
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia. .,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
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25
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Cardenal-Muñoz E, Auvin S, Villanueva V, Cross JH, Zuberi SM, Lagae L, Aibar JÁ. Guidance on Dravet syndrome from infant to adult care: Road map for treatment planning in Europe. Epilepsia Open 2021; 7:11-26. [PMID: 34882995 PMCID: PMC8886070 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, rare, and complex developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affecting 1 in 16 000 live births and characterized by a drug‐resistant epilepsy, cognitive, psychomotor, and language impairment, and behavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that optimal treatment of seizures in DS may improve outcomes, even though neurodevelopmental impairments are the likely result of both the underlying genetic variant and the epilepsy. We present an updated guideline for DS diagnosis and treatment, taking into consideration care of the adult patient and nonpharmaceutical therapeutic options for this disease. This up‐to‐date guideline, which is based on an extensive review of the literature and culminates with a new treatment algorithm for DS, is a European consensus developed through a survey involving 29 European clinical experts in DS. This guideline will serve professionals in their clinical practice and, as a consequence, will benefit DS patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cardenal-Muñoz
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- APHP. Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France.,INSERM NeuroDiderot, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Helen Cross
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, London, UK
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Leuven, Belgium
| | - José Ángel Aibar
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Khodadadi H, Salles ÉL, Shin E, Jarrahi A, Costigliola V, Kumar P, Yu JC, Morgan JC, Hess DC, Vaibhav K, Dhandapani KM, Baban B. A potential role for cannabichromene in modulating TRP channels during acute respiratory distress syndrome. J Cannabis Res 2021; 3:45. [PMID: 34598736 PMCID: PMC8485768 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome whose potential to become one of the most grievous challenges of the healthcare system evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the lack of target-specific treatment for ARDS, it is absolutely exigent to have an effective therapeutic modality to reduce hospitalization and mortality rate as well as to improve quality of life and outcomes for ARDS patients. ARDS is a systemic inflammatory disease starting with the pulmonary system and involves all other organs in a morbid bidirectional fashion. Mounting evidence including our findings supporting the notion that cannabinoids have potential to be targeted as regulatory therapeutic modalities in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it is plausible to test their capabilities as alternative therapies in the treatment of ARDS. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of cannabichromene (CBC) in an experimental model of ARDS. METHODS We used, for the first time, an inhalant CBC treatment as a potential therapeutic target in a murine model of ARDS-like symptoms. ARDS was induced by intranasal administration of Poly(I:C), a synthetic mismatched double-stranded RNA, into the C57BL/6 mice (6-10 male mice/group, including sham, placebo, and CBC treated), three once-daily doses followed by a daily dose of inhalant CBC or placebo for the period of 8 days starting the first dose 2 h after the second Poly(I:C) treatment. We employed histologic, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry methods to assess the findings. Statistical analysis was performed by using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Newman-Keuls post hoc test to determine the differences among the means of all experimental groups and to establish significance (p < 0.05) among all groups. RESULTS Our data showed that CBC was able to reverse the hypoxia (increasing blood O2 saturation by 8%), ameliorate the symptoms of ARDS (reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines by 50% in lung and blood), and protect the lung tissues from further destruction. Further analysis showed that CBC may wield its protective effects through transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, TRPA1 and TRPV1, increasing their expression by 5-folds in lung tissues compared to sham and untreated mice, re-establishing the homeostasis and immune balance. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that inhalant CBC may be an effective alternative therapeutic target in the treatment of ARDS. In addition, Increased expression of TRPs cation channels after CBC treatment proposes a novel role for TRPs (TRPA1 and TRPV2) as new potential mechanism to interpret the beneficial effects of CBC as well as other cannabinoids in the treatment of ARDS as well as other inflammatory diseases. Importantly, delivering CBC through an inhaler device is a translational model supporting the feasibility of trial with human subjects, authorizing further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eunice Shin
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Abbas Jarrahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Pritesh Kumar
- Cannabinoid Research Program, Canadore College, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jack C Yu
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - John C Morgan
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Movement Disorders, Program, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - David C Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Krishnan M Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA. .,Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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27
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Anderson LL, Heblinski M, Absalom NL, Hawkins NA, Bowen M, Benson MJ, Zhang F, Bahceci D, Doohan PT, Chebib M, McGregor IS, Kearney JA, Arnold JC. Cannabigerolic acid, a major biosynthetic precursor molecule in cannabis, exhibits divergent effects on seizures in mouse models of epilepsy. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4826-4841. [PMID: 34384142 PMCID: PMC9292928 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Cannabis has been used to treat epilepsy for millennia, with such use validated by regulatory approval of cannabidiol (CBD) for Dravet syndrome. Unregulated artisanal cannabis‐based products used to treat children with intractable epilepsies often contain relatively low doses of CBD but are enriched in other phytocannabinoids. This raises the possibility that other cannabis constituents might have anticonvulsant properties. Experimental Approach We used the Scn1a+/− mouse model of Dravet syndrome to investigate the cannabis plant for phytocannabinoids with anticonvulsant effects against hyperthermia‐induced seizures. The most promising, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), was further examined against spontaneous seizures and survival in Scn1a+/− mice and in electroshock seizure models. Pharmacological effects of CBGA were surveyed across multiple drug targets. Key Results The initial screen identified three phytocannabinoids with novel anticonvulsant properties: CBGA, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) and cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA). CBGA was most potent and potentiated the anticonvulsant effects of clobazam against hyperthermia‐induced and spontaneous seizures, and was anticonvulsant in the MES threshold test. However, CBGA was proconvulsant in the 6‐Hz threshold test and a high dose increased spontaneous seizure frequency in Scn1a+/− mice. CBGA was found to interact with numerous epilepsy‐relevant targets including GPR55, TRPV1 channels and GABAA receptors. Conclusion and Implications These results suggest that CBGA, CBDVA and CBGVA may contribute to the effects of cannabis‐based products in childhood epilepsy. Although these phytocannabinoids have anticonvulsant potential and could be lead compounds for drug development programmes, several liabilities would need to be overcome before CBD is superseded by another in this class.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Heblinski
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N L Absalom
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N A Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - M Bowen
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M J Benson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - F Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Bahceci
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P T Doohan
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Chebib
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - I S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J A Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - J C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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28
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Anderson LL, Etchart MG, Bahceci D, Golembiewski TA, Arnold JC. Cannabis constituents interact at the drug efflux pump BCRP to markedly increase plasma cannabidiolic acid concentrations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14948. [PMID: 34294753 PMCID: PMC8298633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is a complex mixture of hundreds of bioactive molecules. This provides the potential for pharmacological interactions between cannabis constituents, a phenomenon referred to as “the entourage effect” by the medicinal cannabis community. We hypothesize that pharmacokinetic interactions between cannabis constituents could substantially alter systemic cannabinoid concentrations. To address this hypothesis we compared pharmacokinetic parameters of cannabinoids administered orally in a cannabis extract to those administered as individual cannabinoids at equivalent doses in mice. Astonishingly, plasma cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) concentrations were 14-times higher following administration in the cannabis extract than when administered as a single molecule. In vitro transwell assays identified CBDA as a substrate of the drug efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and that cannabigerol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibited the BCRP-mediated transport of CBDA. Such a cannabinoid-cannabinoid interaction at BCRP transporters located in the intestine would inhibit efflux of CBDA, thus resulting in increased plasma concentrations. Our results suggest that cannabis extracts provide a natural vehicle to substantially enhance plasma CBDA concentrations. Moreover, CBDA might have a more significant contribution to the pharmacological effects of orally administered cannabis extracts than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey L Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Maia G Etchart
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Dilara Bahceci
- Brain and Mind Centre, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Taliesin A Golembiewski
- Brain and Mind Centre, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
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29
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Martin LJ, Cairns EA, Heblinski M, Fletcher C, Krycer JR, Arnold JC, McGregor IS, Bowen MT, Anderson LL. Cannabichromene and Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Identified as Lactate Dehydrogenase-A Inhibitors by in Silico and in Vitro Screening. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1469-1477. [PMID: 33887133 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa contains >120 phytocannabinoids, but our understanding of these compounds is limited. Determining the molecular modes of action of the phytocannabinoids may assist in their therapeutic development. Ligand-based virtual screening was used to suggest novel protein targets for phytocannabinoids. The similarity ensemble approach, a virtual screening tool, was applied to target identification for the phytocannabinoids as a class and predicted a possible interaction with the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) family of enzymes. In order to evaluate this in silico prediction, a panel of 18 phytocannabinoids was screened against two LDH isozymes (LDHA and LDHB) in vitro. Cannabichromene (CBC) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA) inhibited LDHA via a noncompetitive mode of inhibition with respect to pyruvate, with Ki values of 8.5 and 6.5 μM, respectively. In silico modeling was then used to predict the binding site for CBC and Δ9-THCA. Both were proposed to bind within the nicotinamide pocket, overlapping the binding site of the cofactor NADH, which is consistent with the noncompetitive modes of inhibition. Stemming from our in silico screen, CBC and Δ9-THCA were identified as inhibitors of LDHA, a novel molecular target that may contribute to their therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Martin
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Marika Heblinski
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Charlotte Fletcher
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - James R Krycer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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30
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Grafinger KE, Cannaert A, Ametovski A, Sparkes E, Cairns E, Banister SD, Auwärter V, Stove CP. Systematic evaluation of a panel of 30 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists structurally related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA using a combination of binding and different CB 1 receptor activation assays-Part II: Structure activity relationship assessment via a β-arrestin recruitment assay. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1402-1411. [PMID: 33769699 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are the second largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and are associated with serious adverse effects and even death. Despite this, little pharmacological data are available for many of the most recent SCRAs. This study consists of three different parts, aiming to systematically evaluate a panel of 30 SCRAs using binding and different in vitro human cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1 ) activation assays. The present Part II investigated the SCRA analogs for their CB1 activation via a β-arrestin recruitment assay. The panel was systematically designed to include key structural sub-features of recent SCRAs. Thus, the 4-pentenyl tail of MMB-4en-PICA and MDMB-4en-PINACA was retained while incorporating varying head groups from other prevalent SCRAs, including amides and esters of L-valine, L-tert-leucine, and L-phenylalanine, and adamantyl and cumyl moieties. All 30 SCRAs activated CB1 , with indazoles generally showing the greatest potency (EC50 = 1.88-281 nM), followed by indoles (EC50 = 11.5-2293 nM), and the corresponding 7-azaindoles (EC50 = 62.4-9251 nM). Several subunit-linked structure-activity relationships were identified: (i) tert-leucine-functionalized SCRAs were more potent than the corresponding valine derivatives; (ii) no major difference in potency or efficacy was observed between tert-leucine/valine-derived amides and the corresponding methyl esters; however, phenylalanine analogs were affected by this change; and (iii) minor structural changes to the 4-pentenyl substituent had little influence on activity. These findings elucidate structural features that modulate the CB1 activation potential of currently prevalent SCRAs and a systematic panel of analogs, some of which may appear in NPS markets in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Laboratory of Toxicology Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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