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Shen S, Wu C, Lin G, Yang X, Zhou Y, Zhao C, Miao Z, Tian X, Wang K, Yang Z, Liu Z, Guo N, Li Y, Xia A, Zhou P, Liu J, Yan W, Ke B, Yang S, Shao Z. Structure-based identification of a G protein-biased allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor CB1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321532121. [PMID: 38830102 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321532121] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is known for its therapeutic benefit in various diseases including pain relief by targeting cannabinoid receptors. The primary component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other agonists engage the orthosteric site of CB1, activating both Gi and β-arrestin signaling pathways. The activation of diverse pathways could result in on-target side effects and cannabis addiction, which may hinder therapeutic potential. A significant challenge in pharmacology is the design of a ligand that can modulate specific signaling of CB1. By leveraging insights from the structure-function selectivity relationship (SFSR), we have identified Gi signaling-biased agonist-allosteric modulators (ago-BAMs). Further, two cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures reveal the binding mode of ago-BAM at the extrahelical allosteric site of CB1. Combining mutagenesis and pharmacological studies, we elucidated the detailed mechanism of ago-BAM-mediated biased signaling. Notably, ago-BAM CB-05 demonstrated analgesic efficacy with fewer side effects, minimal drug toxicity and no cannabis addiction in mouse pain models. In summary, our finding not only suggests that ago-BAMs of CB1 provide a potential nonopioid strategy for pain management but also sheds light on BAM identification for GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Shen
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Zhao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqian Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nihong Guo
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshan Li
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingming Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
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Pan LLH, Chen SP, Ling YH, Wang YF, Lai KL, Liu HY, Chen WT, Huang WJ, Coppola G, Treede RD, Wang SJ. Salivary Testosterone Levels and Pain Perception Exhibit Sex-Specific Association in Healthy Adults but Not in Patients with Migraine. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104575. [PMID: 38788888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the sex-specific associations between pain perception and testosterone levels in healthy controls and patients with migraine. Male and female healthy controls and migraine patients were recruited. A series of questionnaires were completed by the participants to evaluate their psychosocial profiles, which included data on mood, stress, and sleep quality. Heat pain thresholds and suprathreshold pain ratings at 45°C (referred to as the pain perception score) were assessed using the Thermode system. Salivary testosterone levels were analyzed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. A total of 88 healthy controls (men/women: 41/47, age: 29.9±7.7 years) and 75 migraine patients (men/women: 30/45, age: 31.1±7.7 years) completed all assessments. No significant differences were observed in either the psychosocial profiles or heat pain thresholds and pain perception scores between the sexes in the control and migraine groups. A positive correlation between testosterone levels and pain perception scores was identified in the male controls (r=0.341, P=0.029), whereas a negative correlation was identified in the female controls (r=-0.407, P=0.005). No such correlations were identified in the migraine group. This study confirms that a negative association is present between pain perception scores and testosterone levels in female controls, which is in line with the findings that testosterone is associated with reduced pain perception. Our study is the first to demonstrate a sex-specific association between pain perception scores and testosterone levels in healthy controls. Moreover, this study also revealed that the presence of migraine appears to disrupt this association. PERSPECTIVE: This study revealed that testosterone levels demonstrate opposite associations with pain perception in healthy men and women. However, the presence of migraine appears to disrupt this sex-specific association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Hope Pan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Pin Chen
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Ling
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Feng Wang
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Lin Lai
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Liu
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ta Chen
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - William J Huang
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medico‑Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Chair of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, German
| | - Shuu-Jiun Wang
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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3
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Karst M. Overview: Chronic Pain and Cannabis-Based Medicines. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:152-159. [PMID: 38198809 DOI: 10.1055/a-2231-6630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain is primarily conceptualized as a disease in its own right when it is associated with emotional distress and functional impairment. Pathophysiologically, dysfunction of the cortico-mesolimbic connectome is of major importance, with overlapping signals in the nociceptive and stress systems. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the central processing of nociceptive signals and regulates the central stress response. Clinically, there is moderate evidence that cannabis-based medicines (CBM) can contribute to a significant reduction in pain, especially the associated pain affect, and improvement in physical function and sleep quality in a proportion of patients with chronic pain. The analgesic effect appears to be largely independent of the cause of pain. In this context, CBM preferentially regulates stress-associated pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Karst
- Anesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Gowatch LC, Evanski JM, Ely SL, Zundel CG, Bhogal A, Carpenter C, Shampine MM, O'Mara E, Mazurka R, Barcelona J, Mayo LM, Marusak HA. Endocannabinoids and Stress-Related Neurospsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Basal Concentrations and Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38683635 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is implicated in various stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders (SRDs), including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our objectives were to characterize circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) concentrations at rest and in response to acute laboratory-based psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs and without (controls). Our primary aims were to assess the effects of acute psychosocial stress on eCB concentrations in controls (Aim 1), compare baseline (prestress) eCB concentrations between individuals with SRDs and controls (Aim 2), and explore differential eCB responses to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs compared with controls (Aim 3). Methods: On June 8, 2023, a comprehensive review of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database was conducted to identify original articles meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 1072, 1341, and 400 articles were screened for inclusion in Aims 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Results: Aim 1, comprised of seven studies in controls, revealed that most studies reported stress-related increases in AEA (86%, with 43% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (83%, though none were statistically significant except for one study in saliva). However, meta-analyses did not support these patterns (p's>0.05). Aim 2, with 20 studies, revealed that most studies reported higher baseline concentrations of both AEA (63%, with 16% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (60%, with 10% reporting statistical significance) in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. Meta-analyses confirmed these findings (p's<0.05). Aim 3, which included three studies, had only one study that reported statistically different stress-related changes in 2-AG (but not AEA) between individuals with PTSD (decrease) and controls (increase), which was supported by the meta-analysis (p<0.001). Meta-analyses showed heterogeneity across studies and aims (I2=14-97%). Conclusion: Despite substantial heterogeneity in study characteristics, samples, and methodologies, consistent patterns emerged, including elevated baseline AEA and 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls, as well as smaller stress-related increases in 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. To consider eCBs as reliable biomarkers and potential intervention targets for SRDs, standardized research approaches are needed to clarify the complex relationships between eCBs, SRDs, and psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Gowatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Julia M Evanski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samantha L Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Clara G Zundel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanpreet Bhogal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - MacKenna M Shampine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emilie O'Mara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Raegan Mazurka
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeanne Barcelona
- Center for Health and Community Impact, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hilary A Marusak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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5
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Pontearso M, Slepicka J, Bhattacharyya A, Spicarova D, Palecek J. Dual effect of anandamide on spinal nociceptive transmission in control and inflammatory conditions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116369. [PMID: 38452657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116369] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is an important modulator of nociception in the spinal dorsal horn, acting presynaptically through Cannabinoid (CB1) and Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors. The role of AEA (1 µM, 10 µM, and 30 µM) application on the modulation of nociceptive synaptic transmission under control and inflammatory conditions was studied by recording miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) from neurons in spinal cord slices. Inhibition of the CB1 receptors by PF514273, TRPV1 by SB366791, and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) by URB597 was used. Under naïve conditions, the AEA application did not affect the mEPSCs frequency (1.43±0.12 Hz) when all the recorded neurons were considered. The mEPSC frequency increased (180.0±39.2%) only when AEA (30 µM) was applied with PF514273 and URB597. Analysis showed that one sub-population of neurons had synaptic input inhibited (39.1% of neurons), the second excited (43.5%), whereas 8.7% showed a mixed effect and 8.7% did not respond to the AEA. With inflammation, the AEA effect was highly inhibitory (72.7%), while the excitation was negligible (9.1%), and 18.2% were not modulated. After inflammation, more neurons (45.0%) responded even to low AEA by mEPSC frequency increase with PF514273/URB597 present. AEA-induced dual (excitatory/inhibitory) effects at the 1st nociceptive synapse should be considered when developing analgesics targeting the endocannabinoid system. These findings contrast the clear inhibitory effects of the AEA precursor 20:4-NAPE application described previously and suggest that modulation of endogenous AEA production may be more favorable for analgesic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pontearso
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Slepicka
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anirban Bhattacharyya
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Diana Spicarova
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Palecek
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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6
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Nocheva H, Stoynev N, Vodenicharov V, Krastev D, Krastev N, Mileva M. Cannabinoid and Serotonergic Systems: Unraveling the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Stress-Induced Analgesia. Biomedicines 2024; 12:235. [PMID: 38275406 PMCID: PMC10813752 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010235] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The perception of "stress" triggers many physiological and behavioral responses, collectively called the stress response. Such a complex process allows for coping with stress and also triggers severe pathology. Because of the multidirectional effect of stress on the body, multiple systems participate in its pathogenesis, with the endogenous cannabinoid and the serotoninergic ones among them. These two systems also take part in the pain perception decrease, known as stress-induced analgesia (SIA), which can then be taken as an indirect indicator of the stress response. The aim of our study was to study the changes in cold SIA (c-SIA) resulting from the exogenous activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) receptor type 1A (5-HT1A). Various combinations of agonists and/or antagonists of CB1 and 5-HT1A, before or after 1 h of cold exposure, were applied, since we presumed that the exogenous activation of the receptors before the cold exposure would influence the pathogenesis of the stress response, while their activation after the stressful trigger would influence the later development. Our results show that the serotonergic system "maintained" c-SIA in the pre-stress treatment, while the cannabinoids' modulative effect was more prominent in the post-stress treatment. Here, we show the interactions of the two systems in the stress response. The interpretation and understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between CB1 and 5-HT1A may provide information for the prevention and control of adverse stress effects, as well as suggest interesting directions for the development of targeted interventions for the control of specific body responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristina Nocheva
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (H.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Nikolay Stoynev
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (H.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Vlayko Vodenicharov
- Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Dimo Krastev
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, 66, Ivan Mihaylov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria;
| | - Nikolay Krastev
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 2, Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Milka Mileva
- Institute of Microbiology “Stephan Angeloff”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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7
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Jiang M, Huizenga MCW, Wirt JL, Paloczi J, Amedi A, van den Berg RJBHN, Benz J, Collin L, Deng H, Di X, Driever WF, Florea BI, Grether U, Janssen APA, Hankemeier T, Heitman LH, Lam TW, Mohr F, Pavlovic A, Ruf I, van den Hurk H, Stevens AF, van der Vliet D, van der Wel T, Wittwer MB, van Boeckel CAA, Pacher P, Hohmann AG, van der Stelt M. A monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor showing therapeutic efficacy in mice without central side effects or dependence. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8039. [PMID: 38052772 PMCID: PMC10698032 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43606-3] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) regulates endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and eicosanoid signalling. MAGL inhibition provides therapeutic opportunities but clinical potential is limited by central nervous system (CNS)-mediated side effects. Here, we report the discovery of LEI-515, a peripherally restricted, reversible MAGL inhibitor, using high throughput screening and a medicinal chemistry programme. LEI-515 increased 2-AG levels in peripheral organs, but not mouse brain. LEI-515 attenuated liver necrosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in a CCl4-induced acute liver injury model. LEI-515 suppressed chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception in mice without inducing cardinal signs of CB1 activation. Antinociceptive efficacy of LEI-515 was blocked by CB2, but not CB1, antagonists. The CB1 antagonist rimonabant precipitated signs of physical dependence in mice treated chronically with a global MAGL inhibitor (JZL184), and an orthosteric cannabinoid agonist (WIN55,212-2), but not with LEI-515. Our data support targeting peripheral MAGL as a promising therapeutic strategy for developing safe and effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam C W Huizenga
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jonah L Wirt
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Janos Paloczi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Avand Amedi
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Joerg Benz
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludovic Collin
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Xinyu Di
- Metabolomics and analytics center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wouter F Driever
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bogdan I Florea
- Department of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonius P A Janssen
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Metabolomics and analytics center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Florian Mohr
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anto Pavlovic
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iris Ruf
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna F Stevens
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Daan van der Vliet
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Wel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Matthias B Wittwer
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, Leiden, Netherlands.
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8
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Tellios V, Maksoud MJE, Nagra R, Jassal G, Lu WY. Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Critically Regulates the Endocannabinoid Pathway in the Murine Cerebellum During Development. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:1200-1215. [PMID: 36402869 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a major site of endocannabinoid (eCB) production and signaling. The predominant eCB within the cerebellum, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), is produced by a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1)-initiated signaling cascade within Purkinje neurons (PNs). 2-AG retrogradely stimulates cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) located on presynaptic terminals. The activated CB1R decreases neurotransmitter release and leads to the production of nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous molecule. Recently, our group discovered that during development in mice lacking neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS-/-), PNs display an excitotoxic phenotype associated with overactivated mGluR1. Considering the importance of mGluR1 in 2-AG synthesis, the present study explored the role of nNOS-derived NO in regulating the eCB pathway within the cerebella of wildtype (WT) and nNOS-/- mice at postnatal day 7 (PD7), 2 weeks (2 W), and 7 weeks (7 W). Our analysis showed that diacylglycerol lipase α, the enzyme that catalyzes 2-AG production, was elevated at early postnatal ages, and followed by elevated levels of 2-AG in nNOS-/- cerebella compared to WT. CB1R expression in nNOS-/- cerebella was upregulated at PD7 but decreased at 2 W and 7 W when compared to age-matched WT mice cerebella. Importantly, treating organotypic nNOS-/- cerebellar slice cultures with an NO-donor-attenuated CB1R levels after 7 days in vitro. In addition, expression of the eCB hydrolases fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase were significantly downregulated in nNOS-/- cerebella compared to WT cerebella at 7 W. Together, these results reveal a novel role for nNOS/NO in regulating eCB signaling in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tellios
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Matthew J E Maksoud
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | | | - Gurneet Jassal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Wei-Yang Lu
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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9
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Silva HH, Tavares V, Neto BV, Cerqueira F, Medeiros R, Silva MRG. FAAH rs324420 Polymorphism: Biological Pathways, Impact on Elite Athletic Performance and Insights for Sport Medicine. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1946. [PMID: 37895295 PMCID: PMC10606937 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene variation linked to physiological functions is recognised to affect elite athletic performance by modulating training and competition-enabling behaviour. The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has been investigated as a good candidate for drug targeting, and recently, its single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324420 was reported to be associated with athletic performance. Given the implications, the biological pathways of this genetic polymorphism linked to elite athletic performance, considering sport type, psychological traits and sports injuries, need to be dissected. Thus, a narrative review of the literature concerning the biological mechanisms of this SNP was undertaken. In addition to its role in athletic performance, FAAH rs324420 is also involved in important mechanisms underlying human psychopathologies, including substance abuse and neural dysfunctions. However, cumulative evidence concerning the C385A variant is inconsistent. Therefore, validation studies considering homogeneous sports modalities are required to better define the role of this SNP in elite athletic performance and its impact on stress coping, pain regulation and inflammation control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo-Henrique Silva
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Portuguese Ministry of Education, 1399-025 Lisbon, Portugal
- Leixões Sport Clube, Senior Female Volleyball Team, 4450-277 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Valéria Tavares
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.V.N.); (F.C.)
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Vieira Neto
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.V.N.); (F.C.)
- LPCC, Research Department-Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), 4200-172 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Cerqueira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.V.N.); (F.C.)
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, CEBIMED and Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal;
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.V.N.); (F.C.)
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- LPCC, Research Department-Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), 4200-172 Porto, Portugal
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, CEBIMED and Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal;
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Clinical Pathology SVIPO Porto Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel G. Silva
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, CEBIMED and Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal;
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health-Human Biology, Health and Society, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- CHRC-Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Nova Medical School, Nova University of Lisbon, 1150-090 Lisboa, Portugal
- Scientific Committee of the Gymnastics Federation of Portugal, 1600-159 Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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11
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Damisa J, Petohazi A, Jalil H, Richardson M. Is Cannabis Effective in the Treatment of Chronic Back Pain? Cureus 2023; 15:e43220. [PMID: 37692601 PMCID: PMC10490377 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly recognized as a recreational substance. It has been explored for its potential therapeutic applications in addressing various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, and chronic low back pain, which affect a significant portion of the population. In the United Kingdom, cannabis has been recognized and licensed for medical use since November 2018, with about 12 National Health Service prescriptions in circulation largely due to patient pressure, with support from media campaigns for its use when there was growing evidence of its use in intractable epilepsy. Cannabis is beginning to gain traction as an alternative or even a complementary drug to opiates with some pre-clinical studies showing opiate-sparing effects. Despite references to its therapeutic use, cannabis as a therapeutic drug has been controversial due to the negative perception of its use as a recreational drug. As a result, there have been challenges in changing the perception of healthcare authorities and clinicians on the use of cannabis as a therapeutic tool for pain relief. The stigma associated with cannabis could be responsible for the paucity of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of medical cannabis, further decreasing the credibility of the few trials conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah Damisa
- Orthopedic Surgery, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, GBR
| | | | - Hassan Jalil
- Orthopedic Surgery, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, GBR
| | - Michelle Richardson
- Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, GBR
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12
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Bouchet CA, McPherson KB, Coutens B, Janowsky A, Ingram SL. Monoacylglycerol Lipase Protects the Presynaptic Cannabinoid 1 Receptor from Desensitization by Endocannabinoids after Persistent Inflammation. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5458-5467. [PMID: 37414560 PMCID: PMC10376933 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0037-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid-targeted pain therapies are increasing with the expansion of cannabis legalization, however, their efficacy may be limited by pain-induced adaptations in the cannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1R) inhibition of spontaneous, GABAergic miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) and evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) were compared in slices from naive and inflamed male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injections into the hindpaw induced persistent inflammation. In naive rats, exogenous cannabinoid agonists robustly reduce both eIPSCs and mIPSCs. After 5-7 d of inflammation, the effects of exogenous cannabinoids are significantly reduced because of CB1R desensitization via GRK2/3, as function is recovered in the presence of the GRK2/3 inhibitor, Compound 101 (Cmp101). Inhibition of GABA release by presynaptic μ-opioid receptors in the vlPAG does not desensitize with persistent inflammation. Unexpectedly, while CB1R desensitization significantly reduces the inhibition produced by exogenous agonists, depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition protocols that promote 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) synthesis exhibit prolonged CB1R activation after inflammation. 2-AG tone is detected in slices from CFA-treated rats when GRK2/3 is blocked, suggesting an increase in 2-AG synthesis after persistent inflammation. Inhibiting 2-AG degradation with the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 during inflammation results in the desensitization of CB1Rs by endocannabinoids that is reversed with Cmp101. Collectively, these data indicate that persistent inflammation primes CB1Rs for desensitization, and MAGL degradation of 2-AG protects CB1Rs from desensitization in inflamed rats. These adaptations with inflammation have important implications for the development of cannabinoid-based pain therapeutics targeting MAGL and CB1Rs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Presynaptic G-protein-coupled receptors are resistant to desensitization. Here we find that persistent inflammation increases endocannabinoid levels, priming presynaptic cannabinoid 1 receptors for desensitization on subsequent addition of exogenous agonists. Despite the reduced efficacy of exogenous agonists, endocannabinoids have prolonged efficacy after persistent inflammation. Endocannabinoids readily induce cannabinoid 1 receptor desensitization if their degradation is blocked, indicating that endocannabinoid concentrations are maintained at subdesensitizing levels and that degradation is critical for maintaining endocannabinoid regulation of presynaptic GABA release in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray during inflammatory states. These adaptations with inflammation have important implications for the development of cannabinoid-based pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Bouchet
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vollum Institute, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Kylie B McPherson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Basile Coutens
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Departments of Psychiatry, and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Susan L Ingram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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Nakamoto K, Tokuyama S. Stress-Induced Changes in the Endogenous Opioid System Cause Dysfunction of Pain and Emotion Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11713. [PMID: 37511469 PMCID: PMC10380691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress, such as child abuse and neglect, and psychosocial stress in adulthood are risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Furthermore, exposure to these stresses affects the sensitivity to pain stimuli and is associated with the development of chronic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression, anxiety, and pain control remain unclear. Endogenous opioid signaling is reportedly associated with analgesia, reward, addiction, and the regulation of stress responses and anxiety. Stress alters the expression of various opioid receptors in the central nervous system and sensitivity to opioid receptor agonists and antagonists. μ-opioid receptor-deficient mice exhibit attachment disorders and autism-like behavioral expression patterns, while those with δ-opioid receptor deficiency exhibit anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, deficiency and antagonists of the κ-opioid receptor suppress the stress response. These findings strongly suggest that the expression and dysfunction of the endogenous opioid signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of stress-induced psychiatric disorders and chronic pain. In this review, we summarize the latest basic and clinical research studies on the effects of endogenous opioid signaling on early-life stress, psychosocial stress-induced psychiatric disorders, and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
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14
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Pagliusi M, Gomes FV. The Role of The Rostral Ventromedial Medulla in Stress Responses. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050776. [PMID: 37239248 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a brainstem structure critical for the descending pain modulation system involved in both pain facilitation and inhibition through its projection to the spinal cord. Since the RVM is well connected with pain- and stress-engaged brain structures, such as the anterior cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, its involvement in stress responses has become a matter of great interest. While chronic stress has been proposed as a trigger of pain chronification and related psychiatric comorbidities due to maladaptive stress responses, acute stress triggers analgesia and other adaptative responses. Here we reviewed and highlighted the critical role of the RVM in stress responses, mainly in acute stress-induced analgesia (SIA) and chronic stress-induced hyperalgesia (SIH), providing insights into pain chronification processes and comorbidity between chronic pain and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pagliusi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14015-069, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14015-069, SP, Brazil
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15
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Chen C. Inhibiting degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108394. [PMID: 36966972 PMCID: PMC10123871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid signaling mediators that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and is a full agonist of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are targets of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. While 2-AG has been well recognized as a retrograde messenger modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain, growing evidence suggests that 2-AG also functions as an endogenous terminator of neuroinflammation in response to harmful insults, thus maintaining brain homeostasis. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme that degrades 2-AG in the brain. The immediate metabolite of 2-AG is arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes. Several lines of evidence indicate that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of MAGL, which boosts 2-AG levels and reduces its hydrolytic metabolites, resolves neuroinflammation, mitigates neuropathology, and improves synaptic and cognitive functions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neurodegenerative disease. Thus, it has been proposed that MAGL is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As the main enzyme hydrolyzing 2-AG, several MAGL inhibitors have been identified and developed. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which inactivation of MAGL produces neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases remains limited. A recent finding that inhibition of 2-AG metabolism in astrocytes, but not in neurons, protects the brain from TBI-induced neuropathology might shed some light on this unsolved issue. This review provides an overview of MAGL as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of restraining degradation of 2-AG in the brain.
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Ang SP, Sidharthan S, Lai W, Hussain N, Patel KV, Gulati A, Henry O, Kaye AD, Orhurhu V. Cannabinoids as a Potential Alternative to Opioids in the Management of Various Pain Subtypes: Benefits, Limitations, and Risks. Pain Ther 2023; 12:355-375. [PMID: 36639601 PMCID: PMC10036719 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00465-y] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pain is a global phenomenon encompassing many subtypes that include neuropathic, musculoskeletal, acute postoperative, cancer, and geriatric pain. Traditionally, opioids have been a mainstay pharmacological agent for managing many types of pain. However, opioids have been a subject of controversy with increased addiction, fatality rates, and cost burden on the US healthcare system. Cannabinoids have emerged as a potentially favorable alternative or adjunctive treatment for various types of acute and chronic pain. This narrative review seeks to describe the efficacy, risks, and benefits of cannabinoids as an adjunct or even potential replacement for opioids in the treatment of various subtypes of pain. METHODS In June of 2022, we performed a comprehensive search across multiple databases for English-language studies related to the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of various types pain: neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute postoperative pain, cancer pain, and geriatric pain. Data from meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized control trials (RCTs) were prioritized for reporting. We sought to focus our reported analysis on more recent literature as well as include older relevant studies with particularly notable findings. RESULTS There is conflicting evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the management of pain. While cannabinoids have shown efficacy in treating specific chronic pain subtypes such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia pain, and geriatric pain, they do not show as clear benefit in acute postoperative and the majority of musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Data trends towards cannabinoids having a positive effect in treating cancer pain, but results are not as conclusive. To date, there is a paucity of data comparing cannabinoids directly to opioids for pain relief. Overall, the side effects of cannabinoids appear to be relatively mild. However, there is still potential for addiction, altered brain development, psychiatric comorbidities, and drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSION Cannabinoids may be effective in specific subtypes of pain, but current evidence and guidelines do not yet support its use as the first-line treatment for any type of acute or chronic pain. Rather, it may be considered a good adjunct or alternative for patients who have failed more typical or conservative measures. Additional studies are needed with standardized forms of cannabinoids, route of delivery, and dosing for greater-powered analysis. Providers must weigh the individualized patient risks, benefits, and concurrent medication list in order to determine whether cannabinoids are appropriate for a patient's pain treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P Ang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Shawn Sidharthan
- Department of Neurology, Northwell Health-Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Wilson Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Northwell Health-Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Nasir Hussain
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiran V Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Amitabh Gulati
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Onyeaka Henry
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, LSU School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Vwaire Orhurhu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Susquehanna, Williamsport, PA, USA.
- MVM Health, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA.
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Lee MT, Mackie K, Chiou LC. Alternative pain management via endocannabinoids in the time of the opioid epidemic: Peripheral neuromodulation and pharmacological interventions. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:894-909. [PMID: 34877650 PMCID: PMC9170838 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of opioids in pain management is hampered by the emergence of analgesic tolerance, which leads to increased dosing and side effects, both of which have contributed to the opioid epidemic. One promising potential approach to limit opioid analgesic tolerance is activating the endocannabinoid system in the CNS, via activation of CB1 receptors in the descending pain inhibitory pathway. In this review, we first discuss preclinical and clinical evidence revealing the potential of pharmacological activation of CB1 receptors in modulating opioid tolerance, including activation by phytocannabinoids, synthetic CB1 receptor agonists, endocannabinoid degradation enzyme inhibitors, and recently discovered positive allosteric modulators of CB1 receptors. On the other hand, as non-pharmacological pain relief is advocated by the US-NIH to combat the opioid epidemic, we also discuss contributions of peripheral neuromodulation, involving the electrostimulation of peripheral nerves, in addressing chronic pain and opioid tolerance. The involvement of supraspinal endocannabinoid systems in peripheral neuromodulation-induced analgesia is also discussed. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Grants
- MOST 108-2321-B-002-005 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 107-2811-B-002-008 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- R01 DA041229 NIDA NIH HHS
- MOST 107-2321-B-002-010 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- R01 DA047858 NIDA NIH HHS
- 107M4022-3 Ministry of Education, Taiwan
- MOST 106-2321-B-002-019 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX111-11114NI National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
- FRGS/1/2021/WAB13/UCSI/02/1 Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
- R21 DA042584 NIDA NIH HHS
- REIG-FPS-2020/065 UCSI University Research Excellence and Innovation Grant, Malaysia
- NHRI-EX109-10733NI National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
- MOST 104-2745-B-002-004 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 109-2320-B-002-042-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 107-2811-B-002 -008 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 108-2320-B-002-029-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tatt Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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18
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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19
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Sirucek L, Ganley RP, Zeilhofer HU, Schweinhardt P. Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls and conditioned pain modulation: a shared neurobiology within the descending pain inhibitory system? Pain 2023; 164:463-468. [PMID: 36017879 PMCID: PMC9916052 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sirucek
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Philip Ganley
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Johnsen K, Owen PJ, Tagliaferri SD, Van Oosterwijck J, Fitzgibbon BM, Ford JJ, Belavy DL, Miller CT. The Interaction Between Psychosocial Factors and Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Pain-Free Nurses. J Pain Res 2023; 16:529-541. [PMID: 36824499 PMCID: PMC9942496 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s386440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether psychosocial factors were predictive for exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in pain-free adults. Methods A sample of 38 pain-free nurses with a mean (SD) age of 26 (6) years were included in this study. Participants completed psychosocial questionnaires prior to physical tests. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed bilaterally at the calves (local), lower back (semi-local) and forearm (remote) before and immediately after a maximal graded cycling exercise test. Separate linear mixed effects models were used to determine change in PPT before and after cycling exercise (EIH). Multiple linear regression for all psychosocial variables and best subset regression was used to identify predictors of EIH at all locations. Results The relative mean increase in PPT at the forearm, lumbar, calf, and globally (all sites pooled) was 6.0% (p<0.001), 10.1% (p<0.001), 13.9% (p<0.001), and 10.2% (p=0.013), respectively. Separate best subset multiple linear regression models at the forearm (predictors; Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) total), lumbar (predictors; MSPSS total, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) total, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) depression), calf (predictors; MSPSS friends, PCS total), and global (predictors; MSPSS friends, PCS total) accounted for 7.5% (p=0.053), 13% (p=0.052), 24% (p=0.003), and 17% (p=0.015) of the variance, respectively. Conclusion These findings confirm that cycling exercise produced EIH in young nurses and provided preliminary evidence to support the interaction between perceived social support, pain catastrophizing and EIH. Further investigation is required to better understand psychological and social factors that mediate EIH on a larger sample of adults at high risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Johnsen
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott D Tagliaferri
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Van Oosterwijck
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernadette M Fitzgibbon
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jon J Ford
- Advance HealthCare, Boronia, VIC, Australia,Low Back Research Team, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel L Belavy
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia,Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit, Bochum, Germany
| | - Clint T Miller
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia,Correspondence: Clint T Miller, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia, Tel +61 3 9244 6605, Email
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21
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Mangiatordi GF, Cavalluzzi MM, Delre P, Lamanna G, Lumuscio MC, Saviano M, Majoral JP, Mignani S, Duranti A, Lentini G. Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzyme Inhibitors as Potential Antipsychotics: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020469. [PMID: 36831006 PMCID: PMC9953700 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020469] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important role in numerous physiological and pharmacological processes, such as those related to the central nervous system (CNS), including learning, memory, emotional processing, as well pain control, inflammatory and immune response, and as a biomarker in certain psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, the half-life of the natural ligands responsible for these effects is very short. This perspective describes the potential role of the inhibitors of the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), which are mainly responsible for the degradation of endogenous ligands in psychic disorders and related pathologies. The examination was carried out considering both the impact that the classical exogenous ligands such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and (-)-trans-cannabidiol (CBD) have on the ECS and through an analysis focused on the possibility of predicting the potential toxicity of the inhibitors before they are subjected to clinical studies. In particular, cardiotoxicity (hERG liability), probably the worst early adverse reaction studied during clinical studies focused on acute toxicity, was predicted, and some of the most used and robust metrics available were considered to select which of the analyzed compounds could be repositioned as possible oral antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamanna
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lumuscio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre Majoral
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Serge Mignani
- CERMN (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie), Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG (Molecular Materials Research Group), Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0722-303501
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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22
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Characterization of URB Series Synthetic Cannabinoids by HRMS and UHPLC–MS/MS. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of synthetic cannabinoids are included in new psychoactive substances (NPS) and constitute an open research area in analytical pharmaceutical and toxicology when methods are needed to unambiguously identify these substances and their metabolites in biological fluids. A full molecular characterization of five synthetic molecules of the URB series that is able to interact with the endocannabinoid system was achieved with a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in positive ion electrospray ionization and collisional experiments on the protonated parent ions, obtaining characteristic fragmentation patterns. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole (UHPLC-MS/MS) has also been used, which can help develop methods for screening and confirming synthetic cannabinoids in biological fluids.
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23
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Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Levels in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Caudate Putamen, Nucleus Accumbens, and Piriform Cortex Were Upregulated by Chronic Restraint Stress. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030393. [PMID: 36766735 PMCID: PMC9913316 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030393] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) has been implicated in habituation to stress, and its augmentation reduces stress-induced anxiety-like behavior. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) changes the 2-AG levels in some gross brain areas, such as the forebrain. However, the detailed spatial distribution of 2-AG and its changes by CRS in stress processing-related anatomical structures such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), caudate putamen (CP), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and piriform cortex (PIR) are still unclear. In this study, mice were restrained for 30 min in a 50 mL-centrifuge tube for eight consecutive days, followed by imaging of the coronal brain sections of control and stressed mice using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI). The results showed that from the forebrain to the cerebellum, 2-AG levels were highest in the hypothalamus and lowest in the hippocampal region. 2-AG levels were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated and 2-AG precursors levels were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in the ACC, CP, NAc, and PIR of stressed mice compared with control mice. This study provided direct evidence of 2-AG expression and changes, suggesting that 2-AG levels are increased in the ACC CP, NAc, and PIR when individuals are under chronic stress.
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Shi P, Hu L, Ren H, Dai Q. Reward enhances resilience to chronic social defeat stress in mice: Neural ECs and mGluR5 mechanism via neuroprotection in VTA and DRN. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1084367. [PMID: 36873216 PMCID: PMC9978385 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1084367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stress often leads to emotional disorders such as depression. The reward might render this effect through the enhancement of stress resilience. However, the effect of reward on stress resilience under different intensities of stress needs more evidence, and its potential neural mechanism has been poorly revealed. It has been reported that the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECs) and downstream metabolic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) are closely related to stress and reward, which might be the potential cerebral mechanism between reward and stress resilience, but there is a lack of direct evidence. This study aims to observe the effect of reward on stress resilience under different intensities of stress and further explore potential cerebral mechanisms underlying this effect. METHODS Using the chronic social defeat stress model, we applied reward (accompanied by a female mouse) under different intensities of stress in mice during the modeling process. The impact of reward on stress resilience and the potential cerebral mechanism were observed after modeling through behavioral tests and biomolecules. RESULTS The results showed that stronger stress led to higher degrees of depression-like behavior. Reward reduced depression-like behavior and enhanced stress resilience (all p-value <0.05) (more social interaction in the social test, less immobility time in the forced swimming test, etc.), with a stronger effect under the large stress. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of CB1 and mGluR5, the protein expression level of mGluR5, and the expression level of 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) in both ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were significantly upregulated by reward after modeling (all p-value <0.05). However, the protein expression of CB1 in VTA and DRN and the expression of AEA (anandamide) in VTA did not differ significantly between groups. Intraperitoneal injection of a CB1 agonist (URB-597) during social defeat stress significantly reduced depression-like behavior compared with a CB1 inhibitor (AM251) (all p-value <0.05). Interestingly, in DRN, the expression of AEA in the stress group was lower than that of the control group, with or without reward (all p-value <0.05). DISCUSSION These findings demonstrate that combined social and sexual reward has a positive effect on stress resilience during chronic social defeat stress, potentially by influencing the ECs and mGluR5 in VTA and DRN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixia Shi
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Nursing Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Dai
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Nursing Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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25
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Glazova NY, Manchenko DM, Vilensky DA, Sebentsova EA, Andreeva LA, Kamensky AA, Dergunova LV, Limborska SA, Myasoedov NF, Levitskaya NG. Effects of Semax in the Rat Models of Acute Stress. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093023010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
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26
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Mock ED, Gagestein B, van der Stelt M. Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 89:101194. [PMID: 36150527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
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27
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Duranti A, Beldarrain G, Álvarez A, Sbriscia M, Carloni S, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010028. [PMID: 36672536 PMCID: PMC9855621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010028] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
| | - Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Matilde Sbriscia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
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28
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Afshar S, Abbasinazari M, Amin G, Farrokhian A, Sistanizad M, Afshar F, Khalili S. Endocannabinoids and related compounds as modulators of angiogenesis: Concepts and clinical significance. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:826-837. [PMID: 36317321 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3754] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenesis (the process of differentiation of angioblasts toward endothelial cells and de novo formation of crude vascular networks) and angiogenesis (the process of harmonized sprouting and dispersal of new capillaries from previously existing ones) are two fundamentally complementary processes, obligatory for maintaining physiological functioning of vascular system. In clinical practice, however, the later one is of more importance as it guarantees correct embryonic nourishment, accelerates wound healing processes, prevents uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis, contributes in supplying nutritional demand following occlusion of coronary vessels and is in direct relation with development of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, discovery of novel molecules capable of modulating angiogenic events are of great clinical importance. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple angio-regulatory activities for endocannabinoid system modulators and endocannabinoid-like molecules, as well as their metabolizing enzymes. Hence, in present article, we reviewed the regulatory roles of these molecules on angiogenesis and described molecular mechanisms underlying them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Afshar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasinazari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Amin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Farrokhian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sistanizad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Afshar
- Department of internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Khalili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Woyach V, Sherman K, Hillard CJ, Hopp FA, Hogan QH, Dean C. Fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the dorsal periaqueductal gray attenuates neuropathic pain and associated dysautonomia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R749-R762. [PMID: 36154489 PMCID: PMC9639763 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00073.2022] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of neuropathic pain and its associated comorbidities, including dysautonomia, make it difficult to treat. Overlap of anatomical regions and pharmacology of sympathosensory systems in the central nervous system (CNS) provide targets for novel treatment strategies. The dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is an integral component of both the descending pain modulation system and the acute stress response and is critically involved in both analgesia and the regulation of sympathetic activity. Local manipulation of the endocannabinoid signaling system holds great promise to provide analgesia without excessive adverse effects and also influence autonomic output. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increases brain concentrations of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and reduces pain-related behaviors in neuropathic pain models. Neuropathic hyperalgesia and reduced sympathetic tone are associated with increased FAAH activity in the dPAG, which suggests the hypothesis that inhibition of FAAH in the dPAG will normalize pain sensation and autonomic function in neuropathic pain. To test this hypothesis, the effects of systemic or intra-dPAG FAAH inhibition on hyperalgesia and dysautonomia developed after spared nerve injury (SNI) were assessed in male and female rats. Administration of the FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 into the dPAG reduces hyperalgesia behavior and the decrease in sympathetic tone induced by SNI. Prior administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM281, attenuated the antihyperalgesic and sympathetic effects of FAAH inhibition. No sex differences were identified. These data support an integrative role for AEA/CB1 receptor signaling in the dPAG contributing to the regulation of both hyperalgesia behavior and altered sympathetic tone in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Woyach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Katherine Sherman
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Francis A Hopp
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Caron Dean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
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30
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Morgan A, Adank D, Johnson K, Butler E, Patel S. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol-mediated endocannabinoid signaling modulates mechanical hypersensitivity associated with alcohol withdrawal in mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:2010-2024. [PMID: 36125319 PMCID: PMC10091740 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14949] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly occurs in patients with chronic pain, and a major barrier to achieving abstinence and preventing relapse is the emergence of hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal. Elucidating novel therapeutic approaches to target hyperalgesia associated with alcohol withdrawal could have important implications for treating AUD. Here, we examined the role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)-mediated endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in the regulation of hyperalgesia associated with alcohol withdrawal in mice. We tested the hypothesis that pharmacological augmentation of 2-AG signaling could reduce hyperalgesia during withdrawal. METHODS Male and female C57BL/6J mice were tested during withdrawal from a continuous access two-bottle choice (2BC) paradigm to investigate how eCB signaling modulates mechanical and thermal sensitivity during withdrawal. Mice were pretreated with the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 to elevate levels of 2-AG. Rimonabant or AM630 were given to block CB1 and CB2 receptor activity, respectively. DO34 was given to reduce 2-AG by inhibiting the 2-AG synthetic enzyme diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL). RESULTS After 72 h of withdrawal, male and female mice exhibited increased mechanical, but not thermal, hypersensitivity, which normalized by 7 days. This effect was reversed by pretreatment with JZL184. The effects of JZL184 were prevented by coadministration of either the CB1 or the CB2 antagonist. DO34, Rimonabant, and AM630 exacerbated mechanical hypersensitivity during alcohol withdrawal, causing an earlier onset and persistent hypersensitivity even 1 week into withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the critical role of 2-AG signaling in the bidirectional regulation of mechanical sensitivity during alcohol withdrawal, with enhancement of 2-AG levels reducing sensitivity, and inhibition of 2-AG signaling exacerbating sensitivity. These data suggest that 2-AG augmentation represents a novel approach to the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-associated hyperalgesia and AUD in patients with comorbid pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Danielle Adank
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Keenan Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Emily Butler
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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31
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Gallagher CI, Ha DA, Harvey RJ, Vandenberg RJ. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glycine Receptors and Their Potential Use in Pain Therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:933-961. [PMID: 36779343 PMCID: PMC9553105 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic inhibition throughout the mammalian spinal cord, brainstem, and higher brain regions. They have recently emerged as promising targets for novel pain therapies due to their ability to produce antinociception by inhibiting nociceptive signals within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This has greatly enhanced the interest in developing positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors. Several pharmaceutical companies and research facilities have attempted to identify new therapeutic leads by conducting large-scale screens of compound libraries, screening new derivatives from natural sources, or synthesizing novel compounds that mimic endogenous compounds with antinociceptive activity. Advances in structural techniques have also led to the publication of multiple high-resolution structures of the receptor, highlighting novel allosteric binding sites and providing additional information for previously identified binding sites. This has greatly enhanced our understanding of the functional properties of glycine receptors and expanded the structure activity relationships of novel pharmacophores. Despite this, glycine receptors are yet to be used as drug targets due to the difficulties in obtaining potent, selective modulators with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles that are devoid of side effects. This review presents a summary of the structural basis for how current compounds cause positive allosteric modulation of glycine receptors and discusses their therapeutic potential as analgesics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain is a major cause of disability, and in Western societies, this will only increase as the population ages. Despite the high level of prevalence and enormous socioeconomic burden incurred, treatment of chronic pain remains limited as it is often refractory to current analgesics, such as opioids. The National Institute for Drug Abuse has set finding effective, safe, nonaddictive strategies to manage chronic pain as their top priority. Positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors may provide a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey I Gallagher
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Damien A Ha
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Harvey
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
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32
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Weisser S, Mueller M, Rauh J, Esser R, Fuss J, Lutz B, Haaker J. Acquisition of threat responses are associated with elevated plasma concentration of endocannabinoids in male humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1931-1938. [PMID: 35562542 PMCID: PMC9485143 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01320-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are involved in buffering threat and stress responses. Elevation of circulating eCBs in humans was reported to strengthen inhibition (i.e., extinction) of threat responses and to reduce effects of stressors. However, it remains unclear whether the acquisition of threat responses involves a physiological change in circulating eCBs. Here, we demonstrate in male human volunteers that the plasma concentration of the eCB N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and its metabolite arachidonic acid (AA) are increased during acquisition of threat responses. Furthermore, elevated responses to a learned threat cue (e.g., rating of fear) were associated with individual increases in plasma concentration of the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). In complementing these observations, we found individual increases in AEA associated with elevated neural responses during threat learning in the amygdala. Our results thereby suggest that physiological increases in circulating eCB levels are part of a response mechanism to learned threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smilla Weisser
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine Mueller
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Rauh
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Branch, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Esser
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Fuss
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Human Behavior Laboratory, Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45030 Essen, Germany
| | - Beat Lutz
- grid.410607.4Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Haaker
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Roberts CJ, Hopp FA, Hogan QH, Dean C. Anandamide in the dorsal periaqueductal gray inhibits sensory input without a correlation to sympathoexcitation. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 12:100104. [PMID: 36531614 PMCID: PMC9755024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing literature supporting cannabinoids as a potential therapeutic for pain conditions. The development of chronic pain has been associated with reduced concentrations of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in the midbrain dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG), and microinjections of synthetic cannabinoids into the dPAG are antinociceptive. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the role of the dPAG in cannabinoid-mediated sensory inhibition. Given that cannabinoids in the dPAG also elicit sympathoexcitation, a secondary goal was to assess coordination between sympathetic and antinociceptive responses. AEA was microinjected into the dPAG while recording single unit activity of wide dynamic range (WDR) dorsal horn neurons (DHNs) evoked by high intensity mechanical stimulation of the hindpaw, concurrently with renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), in anesthetized male rats. AEA microinjected into the dPAG decreased evoked DHN activity (n = 24 units), for half of which AEA also elicited sympathoexcitation. AEA actions were mediated by cannabinoid 1 receptors as confirmed by local pretreatment with the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM281. dPAG microinjection of the synaptic excitant DL-homocysteic acid (DLH) also decreased evoked DHN activity (n = 27 units), but in all cases this was accompanied by sympathoexcitation. Thus, sensory inhibition elicited from the dPAG is not exclusively linked with sympathoexcitation, suggesting discrete neuronal circuits. The rostrocaudal location of sites may affect evoked responses as AEA produced sensory inhibition without sympathetic effects at 86 % of caudal compared to 25 % of rostral sites, supporting anatomically distinct neurocircuits. These data indicate that spatially selective manipulation of cannabinoid signaling could provide analgesia without potentially harmful autonomic activation.
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Key Words
- AEA, N-arachidonylethanolamine, anandamide
- Antinociception
- CB1R, cannabinoid type one receptor
- CV, cardiovascular
- Cannabinoid
- DHN, dorsal horn neuron
- DLH, DL-homocysteic acid
- Dorsal horn
- FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase
- GPCR, G protein-coupled receptor
- IML, intermediolateral cell column
- MAP, mean arterial pressure
- NTS, nucleus tractus solitarius
- PAG, periaqueductal gray
- PPAR, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor
- RSNA, renal sympathetic nerve activity
- RVLM, rostral ventrolateral medulla
- RVMM, rostral ventromedial medulla
- Rat
- SIA, stress-induced analgesia
- SNS, sympathetic nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1
- WDR, wide dynamic range
- dPAG, dorsal periaqueductal gray
- vPAG, ventral periaqueductal gray
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Roberts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA
| | - Francis A. Hopp
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA
| | - Quinn H. Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA
| | - Caron Dean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Anesthesiology, Research Service 151, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
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Inhibition of Monoacylglycerol Lipase by NSD1819 as an Effective Strategy for the Endocannabinoid System Modulation against Neuroinflammation-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158428. [PMID: 35955562 PMCID: PMC9369272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key pathological event shared by different diseases affecting the nervous system. Since the underlying mechanism of neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted process, current pharmacological treatments are unsatisfactory—a reason why new therapeutic approaches are mandatory. In this context, the endocannabinoid system has proven to possess neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions under neuroinflammatory status, and its modulation could represent a valuable approach to address different inflammatory processes. To this aim, we evaluated the efficacy of a repeated treatment with NSD1819, a potent β-lactam-based monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor in a mouse model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS 1 mg/kg for five consecutive days to induce systemic inflammation. Concurrently, NSD1819 (3 mg/kg) was daily per os administered from day 1 until the end of the experiment (day 11). Starting from day 8, behavioral measurements were performed to evaluate the effect of the treatment on cognitive impairments, allodynia, motor alterations, anhedonia, and depressive-like behaviors evoked by LPS. Histologically, glial analysis of the spinal cord was also performed. The administration of NSD1819 was able to completely counteract thermal and mechanical allodynia as highlighted by the Cold plate and von Frey tests, respectively, and to reduce motor impairments as demonstrated by the Rota rod test. Moreover, the compound was capable of neutralizing the memory loss in the Passive avoidance test, and reducing depressive-like behavior in the Porsolt test. Finally, LPS stimulation caused a significant glial cells activation in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord that was significantly recovered by NSD1819 repeated treatment. In conclusion, NSD1819 was able to thwart the plethora of symptoms evoked by LPS, thus representing a promising candidate for future applications in the context of neuroinflammation and related diseases.
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35
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A Vecchiarelli H, Morena M, TY Lee T, S Nastase A, J Aukema R, D. Leitl K, Megan Gray J, N Petrie G, J.Tellez-Monnery K, N.Hill M. Sex and stressor modality influence acute stress-induced dynamic changes in corticolimbic endocannabinoid levels in adult Sprague Dawley rats. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100470. [PMID: 36039150 PMCID: PMC9418543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Research over the past few decades has established a role for the endocannabinoid system in contributing to the neural and endocrine responses to stress exposure. The two endocannabinoid ligands, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), both play roles in regulating the stress response and both exhibit dynamic changes in response to stress exposure. Most of this previous research, however, was conducted in male rodents. Given that, especially in rodents, the stress response is influenced by sex, an understanding of how these dynamic responses of endocannabinoids in response to stress is influenced by sex could provide insight into sex differences of the acute stress response. We exposed adult, Sprague Dawley rats to different commonly utilized acute stress modalities, specifically restraint, swim and foot shock stress. Thirty minutes following stress onset, we excised the amygdala, hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, corticolimbic brain regions involved in the stress response, to measure endocannabinoid levels. When AEA levels were altered in response to restraint and swim stress, they were reduced, whereas exposure to foot shock stress led to an increase in the amygdala. 2-AG levels, when they were altered by stress exposure were only increased, specifically in males in the amygdala following swim stress, and in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex overall following foot shock stress. This increase in 2-AG levels following stress only in males was the only sex difference found in stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels. There were no consistent sex differences observed. Collectively, these data contribute to our further understanding of the interactions between stress and endocannabinoid function. Stressor modality influences acute stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels in corticolimbic brain regions. There are minimal sex differences with regards to basal levels or stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels. AEA decreased from acute restraint and swim stresses but increased from acute foot shock stress. 2-AG levels only showed increases when they were impacted by the different stress modalities.
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36
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Circadian regulation of memory under stress: Endocannabinoids matter. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104712. [PMID: 35643119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104712] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Organisms ranging from plants to higher mammals have developed 24-hour oscillation rhythms to optimize physiology to environmental changes and regulate a plethora of neuroendocrine and behavioral processes, including neurotransmitter and hormone regulation, stress response and learning and memory function. Compelling evidence indicates that a wide array of memory processes is strongly influenced by stress- and emotional arousal-activated neurobiological systems, including the endocannabinoid system which has been extensively shown to play an integral role in mediating stress effects on memory. Here, we review findings showing how circadian rhythms and time-of-day influence stress systems and memory performance. We report evidence of circadian regulation of memory under stress, focusing on the role of the endocannabinoid system and highlighting its circadian rhythmicity. Our discussion illustrates how the endocannabinoid system mediates stress effects on memory in a circadian-dependent fashion. We suggest that endocannabinoids might regulate molecular mechanisms that control memory function under circadian and stress influence, with potential important clinical implications for both neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatric conditions involving memory impairments.
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Galvani F, Scalvini L, Rivara S, Lodola A, Mor M. Mechanistic Modeling of Monoglyceride Lipase Covalent Modification Elucidates the Role of Leaving Group Expulsion and Discriminates Inhibitors with High and Low Potency. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:2771-2787. [PMID: 35580195 PMCID: PMC9198976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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Inhibition of monoglyceride
lipase (MGL), also known as monoacylglycerol
lipase (MAGL), has emerged as a promising approach for treating neurological
diseases. To gain useful insights in the design of agents with balanced
potency and reactivity, we investigated the mechanism of MGL carbamoylation
by the reference triazole urea SAR629 (IC50 = 0.2 nM) and
two recently described inhibitors featuring a pyrazole (IC50 = 1800 nM) or a 4-cyanopyrazole (IC50 = 8 nM) leaving
group (LG), using a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM)
approach. Opposite to what was found for substrate 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), covalent modification of MGL by azole
ureas is controlled by LG expulsion. Simulations indicated that changes
in the electronic structure of the LG greatly affect reaction energetics
with triazole and 4-cyanopyrazole inhibitors following a more accessible
carbamoylation path compared to the unsubstituted pyrazole derivative.
The computational protocol provided reaction barriers able to discriminate
between MGL inhibitors with different potencies. These results highlight
how QM/MM simulations can contribute to elucidating structure–activity
relationships and provide insights for the design of covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Galvani
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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Mack D, Yevugah A, Renner K, Burrell BD. Serotonin mediates stress-like effects on responses to non-nociceptive stimuli in Hirudo. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275639. [PMID: 35510636 PMCID: PMC9234501 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243404] [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: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Noxious stimuli can elicit stress in animals that produce a variety of adaptations including changes in responses to nociceptive and non-nociceptive sensory input. One example is stress-induced analgesia that may be mediated, in part, by the endocannabinoid system. However, endocannabinoids can also have pro-nociceptive effects. In this study, the effects of electroshock, one experimental approach for producing acute stress, were examined on responses to non-nociceptive mechanical stimuli and nociceptive thermal stimuli in the medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana). The electroshock stimuli did not alter the leeches’ responses to nociceptive stimuli, but did cause sensitization to non-nociceptive stimuli, characterized by a reduction in response threshold. These experiments were repeated with drugs that either blocked synthesis of the endocannabinoid transmitter 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel, which is known to act as an endocannabinoid receptor. Surprisingly, neither treatment had any effect on responses following electroshock. However, the electroshock stimuli reliably increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT) levels in the H. verbana CNS. Injection of 5HT mimicked the effects of the electroshocks, sensitizing responses to non-nociceptive stimuli and having no effect on responses to nociceptive stimuli. Injections of the 5HT receptor antagonist methysergide reduced the sensitization effect to non-nociceptive stimuli after electroshock treatment. These results indicate that electroshocks enhance response to non-nociceptive stimuli but do not alter responses to nociceptive stimuli. Furthermore, while 5HT appears to play a critical role in this shock-induced sensitizing effect, the endocannabinoid system seems to have no effect. Summary: The role of serotonin and endocannabinoids in mediating the effects of potentially stress-inducing stimuli on Hirudo verbana’s response to nociceptive and non-nociceptive input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Mack
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, USA.,Center for Brain and Behavior Research, University of South Dakota, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Renner
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, USA.,Center for Brain and Behavior Research, University of South Dakota, USA
| | - Brian D Burrell
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, USA.,Center for Brain and Behavior Research, University of South Dakota, USA
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Inhibiting Endocannabinoid Hydrolysis as Emerging Analgesic Strategy Targeting a Spectrum of Ion Channels Implicated in Migraine Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084407. [PMID: 35457225 PMCID: PMC9027089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a disabling neurovascular disorder characterized by severe pain with still limited efficient treatments. Endocannabinoids, the endogenous painkillers, emerged, alternative to plant cannabis, as promising analgesics against migraine pain. In this thematic review, we discuss how inhibition of the main endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), could raise the level of endocannabinoids (endoCBs) such as 2-AG and anandamide in order to alleviate migraine pain. We describe here: (i) migraine pain signaling pathways, which could serve as specific targets for antinociception; (ii) a divergent distribution of MAGL and FAAH activities in the key regions of the PNS and CNS implicated in migraine pain signaling; (iii) a complexity of anti-nociceptive effects of endoCBs mediated by cannabinoid receptors and through a direct modulation of ion channels in nociceptive neurons; and (iv) the spectrum of emerging potent MAGL and FAAH inhibitors which efficiently increase endoCBs levels. The specific distribution and homeostasis of endoCBs in the main regions of the nociceptive system and their generation ‘on demand’, along with recent availability of MAGL and FAAH inhibitors suggest new perspectives for endoCBs-mediated analgesia in migraine pain.
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40
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Brianis RC, Lima RC, Moreira FA, Aguiar DC. Anti-aversive effect of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray of male rats in contextual fear conditioning and Vogel tests. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:213-221. [PMID: 34074811 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system modulates the stress coping strategies in the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (dlPAG). The most relevant endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) exert inhibitory control over defensive reactions mediated by the dlPAG. However, the protective role of anandamide is limited by its lack of effect in higher concentrations. Thus, the 2-AG emerges as a complementary target for developing new anxiolytic compounds. Nevertheless, the role of 2-AG on stress responsivity may vary according to the nature of the stimulus. In this study, we verified whether the dlPAG injection of 2-AG or inhibitors of its hydrolysis induce anxiolytic-like effects in male Wistar rats exposed to behavioral models in which physical stress (mild electric shock) is a critical component, namely the contextual fear conditioning test (CFC) and the Vogel conflict test (VCT). We also investigated the contribution of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) in such effects. The facilitation of 2-AG signaling in the dlPAG reduced contextual fear expression and exhibited an anxiolytic-like effect in the VCT in a mechanism dependent on activation of CB1 and CB2. However, the VCT required a higher dose than CFC. Further, the monoacylglycerol inhibitors, which inhibit the hydrolysis of 2-AG, were effective only in the CFC. In conclusion, we confirmed the anti-aversive properties of 2-AG in the dlPAG through CB1 and CB2 mechanisms. However, these effects could vary according to the type of stressor and the anxiety model employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa C Brianis
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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41
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Stress-induced analgesia: an evaluation of effects on temporal summation of pain and the role of endogenous opioid mechanisms. Pain Rep 2022; 7:e987. [PMID: 35155968 PMCID: PMC8826964 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute stress reduced the initial pain rating in a temporal summation protocol via nonopioid mechanisms but did not affect temporal summation slope, an indicator of central sensitization. Introduction: Objectives: Methods: Results: Conclusions:
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Mourtakos S, Vassiliou G, Kontoangelos K, Philippou A, Tzavellas E, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Clemente-Suárez VJ, Papageorgiou C, Sidossis LS, Papageorgiou C. Endocannabinoids and Heart Rate Variability Alterations after Exposure to Prolonged Intensive Physical Exercise of the Hellenic Navy SEALs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010028. [PMID: 35010291 PMCID: PMC8750887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Recent research indicates that both endocannabinoids (eCB) and heart rate variability (HRV) are associated with stress-induced experiences. However, these underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. The present study aims to investigate whether exposure to acute and chronic stress conditions can give rise to measurable changes, both to the peripheral eCB ligands and HRV. Methods: Thirteen candidates under intense preparation for their enlistment in the Hellenic Navy SEALs (HNS) participated in the study. All subjects underwent mental state examination, while HRV variables in time and frequency domain recordings were acquired. Furthermore, at baseline and 30 days after prolonged and intensive physical exercise, hair was collected to measure eCB ligands, such as anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and the N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) molecules: palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA). Results: Comparing basal hair concentrations of eCB ligands before and after intense physical exercise, we found that AEA, PEA, and OEA were notably increased, whereas no differences were observed regarding the ligand 2-AG. Furthermore, there were observed associations between the concentrations of peripheral eCB ligands, both at baseline and after the prolonged physical exercise and the time and frequency domains of HRV. Conclusions: These findings suggest that endocannabinoid–HRV interrelations might share a short-term, and long-term adaptability of the changes in self-regulation associated with stress. Further studies will be required to determine the validity of peripheral eCB signaling and HRV as a biomarker for different aspects of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatis Mourtakos
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (K.K.); (E.T.); (C.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6937065522
| | - Georgia Vassiliou
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (K.K.); (E.T.); (C.P.)
- Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, University Mental Health, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontoangelos
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (K.K.); (E.T.); (C.P.)
- Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, University Mental Health, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastassios Philippou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Elias Tzavellas
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (K.K.); (E.T.); (C.P.)
| | | | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (V.J.C.-S.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (K.K.); (E.T.); (C.P.)
- Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, University Mental Health, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Labros S. Sidossis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Yang NJ, Isensee J, Neel DV, Quadros AU, Zhang HXB, Lauzadis J, Liu SM, Shiers S, Belu A, Palan S, Marlin S, Maignel J, Kennedy-Curran A, Tong VS, Moayeri M, Röderer P, Nitzsche A, Lu M, Pentelute BL, Brüstle O, Tripathi V, Foster KA, Price TJ, Collier RJ, Leppla SH, Puopolo M, Bean BP, Cunha TM, Hucho T, Chiu IM. Anthrax toxins regulate pain signaling and can deliver molecular cargoes into ANTXR2 + DRG sensory neurons. Nat Neurosci 2021; 25:168-179. [PMID: 34931070 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial products can act on neurons to alter signaling and function. In the present study, we found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons are enriched for ANTXR2, the high-affinity receptor for anthrax toxins. Anthrax toxins are composed of protective antigen (PA), which binds to ANTXR2, and the protein cargoes edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF). Intrathecal administration of edema toxin (ET (PA + EF)) targeted DRG neurons and induced analgesia in mice. ET inhibited mechanical and thermal sensation, and pain caused by formalin, carrageenan or nerve injury. Analgesia depended on ANTXR2 expressed by Nav1.8+ or Advillin+ neurons. ET modulated protein kinase A signaling in mouse sensory and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons, and attenuated spinal cord neurotransmission. We further engineered anthrax toxins to introduce exogenous protein cargoes, including botulinum toxin, into DRG neurons to silence pain. Our study highlights interactions between a bacterial toxin and nociceptors, which may lead to the development of new pain therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Yang
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dylan V Neel
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreza U Quadros
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Justas Lauzadis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Andreea Belu
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Victoria S Tong
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pascal Röderer
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Cellomics Unit, LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anja Nitzsche
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Cellomics Unit, LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mike Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bradley L Pentelute
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - R John Collier
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelino Puopolo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ward SJ, Lichtman AH, Piomelli D, Parker LA. Cannabinoids and Cancer Chemotherapy-Associated Adverse Effects. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2021; 2021:78-85. [PMID: 34850893 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabis is not unfamiliar to many cancer patients, as there is a long history of its use for cancer pain and/or pain, nausea, and cachexia induced by cancer treatment. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved 2 cannabis-based pharmacotherapies for the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-associated adverse effects: dronabinol and nabilone. Over the proceeding decades, both research investigating and societal attitudes toward the potential utility of cannabinoids for a range of indications have progressed dramatically. The following monograph highlights recent preclinical research focusing on promising cannabinoid-based approaches for the treatment of the 2 most common adverse effects of cancer chemotherapy: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Both plant-derived and synthetic approaches are discussed, as is the potential relative safety and effectiveness of these approaches in relation to current treatment options, including opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jane Ward
- Department of Neural Sciences, Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Center for the Study of Cannabis, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Brainstem Mechanisms of Pain Modulation: A within-Subjects 7T fMRI Study of Placebo Analgesic and Nocebo Hyperalgesic Responses. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9794-9806. [PMID: 34697093 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0806-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain perception can be powerfully influenced by an individual's expectations and beliefs. Although the cortical circuitry responsible for pain modulation has been thoroughly investigated, the brainstem pathways involved in the modulatory phenomena of placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia remain to be directly addressed. This study used ultra-high-field 7 tesla functional MRI (fMRI) to accurately resolve differences in brainstem circuitry present during the generation of placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia in healthy human participants (N = 25, 12 male). Over 2 successive days, through blinded application of altered thermal stimuli, participants were deceptively conditioned to believe that two inert creams labeled lidocaine (placebo) and capsaicin (nocebo) were acting to modulate their pain relative to a third Vaseline (control) cream. In a subsequent test phase, fMRI image sets were collected while participants were given identical noxious stimuli to all three cream sites. Pain intensity ratings were collected and placebo and nocebo responses determined. Brainstem-specific fMRI analysis revealed altered activity in key pain modulatory nuclei, including a disparate recruitment of the periaqueductal gray (PAG)-rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) pathway when both greater placebo and nocebo effects were observed. Additionally, we found that placebo and nocebo responses differentially activated the parabrachial nucleus but overlapped in engagement of the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus. These data reveal that placebo and nocebo effects are generated through differential engagement of the PAG-RVM pathway, which in concert with other brainstem sites likely influences the experience of pain by modulating activity at the level of the dorsal horn.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms would support development of effective clinical treatment strategies for both acute and chronic pain. Specific brainstem nuclei have long been known to play a central role in nociceptive modulation; however, because of the small size and complex organization of the nuclei, previous neuroimaging efforts have been limited in directly identifying how these subcortical networks interact during the development of antinociceptive and pro-nociceptive effects. We used ultra-high-field fMRI to resolve brainstem structures and measure signal change during placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia. We define overlapping and disparate brainstem circuitry responsible for altering pain perception. These findings extend our understanding of the detailed organization and function of discrete brainstem nuclei involved in pain processing and modulation.
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46
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Ramer R, Wittig F, Hinz B. The Endocannabinoid System as a Pharmacological Target for New Cancer Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225701. [PMID: 34830856 PMCID: PMC8616499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabinoids have been shown to suppress tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and to induce tumour cell apoptosis, autophagy and immune response. This review focuses on the current status of investigations on the impact of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes on tumour growth and spread in preclinical oncology research. Abstract Despite the long history of cannabinoid use for medicinal and ritual purposes, an endogenous system of cannabinoid-controlled receptors, as well as their ligands and the enzymes that synthesise and degrade them, was only discovered in the 1990s. Since then, the endocannabinoid system has attracted widespread scientific interest regarding new pharmacological targets in cancer treatment among other reasons. Meanwhile, extensive preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an inhibitory effect on tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induce tumour cell apoptosis and autophagy as well as immune response. Appropriate cannabinoid compounds could moreover be useful for cancer patients as potential combination partners with other chemotherapeutic agents to increase their efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. In addition to the direct activation of cannabinoid receptors through the exogenous application of corresponding agonists, another strategy is to activate these receptors by increasing the endocannabinoid levels at the corresponding pathological hotspots. Indeed, a number of studies accordingly showed an inhibitory effect of blockers of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) on tumour development and spread. This review summarises the relevant preclinical studies with FAAH and MAGL inhibitors compared to studies with cannabinoids and provides an overview of the regulation of the endocannabinoid system in cancer.
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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Abstract
The endocannabinoids are lipid-derived messengers that play a diversity of regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. Dysfunctions in their activity have been implicated in various disease conditions, attracting attention to the endocannabinoid system as a possible source of therapeutic drugs. This signaling complex has three components: the endogenous ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG); a set of enzymes and transporters that generate, eliminate, or modify such ligands; and selective cell surface receptors that mediate their biological actions. We provide an overview of endocannabinoid formation, deactivation, and biotransformation and outline the properties and therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents that interfere with those processes. We describe small-molecule inhibitors that target endocannabinoid-producing enzymes, carrier proteins that transport the endocannabinoids into cells, and intracellular endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes. We briefly discuss selected agents that simultaneously interfere with components of the endocannabinoid system and with other functionally related signaling pathways. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA; .,Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA;
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Leo LM, Abood ME. CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling and Biased Signaling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175413. [PMID: 34500853 PMCID: PMC8433814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed throughout the central nervous system that is a promising target for the treatment of various disorders, including anxiety, pain, and neurodegeneration. Despite the wide therapeutic potential of CB1, the development of drug candidates is hindered by adverse effects, rapid tolerance development, and abuse potential. Ligands that produce biased signaling—the preferential activation of a signaling transducer in detriment of another—have been proposed as a strategy to dissociate therapeutic and adverse effects for a variety of G-protein coupled receptors. However, biased signaling at the CB1 receptor is poorly understood due to a lack of strongly biased agonists. Here, we review studies that have investigated the biased signaling profile of classical cannabinoid agonists and allosteric ligands, searching for a potential therapeutic advantage of CB1 biased signaling in different pathological states. Agonist and antagonist bound structures of CB1 and proposed mechanisms of action of biased allosteric modulators are used to discuss a putative molecular mechanism for CB1 receptor activation and biased signaling. Current studies suggest that allosteric binding sites on CB1 can be explored to yield biased ligands that favor or hinder conformational changes important for biased signaling.
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al'Absi M, Nakajima M, Bruehl S. Stress and pain: modality-specific opioid mediation of stress-induced analgesia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1397-1407. [PMID: 34405305 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02401-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical research has demonstrated that exposure to acute stress is associated with attenuated pain perception, so called stress-induced analgesia (SIA). Mechanisms of SIA in humans have not been reliably demonstrated. This study examined the role of the endogenous opioid system in the impact of combined interpersonal and mental stressors on evoked pain responses in 84 participants (34 women). Using a within-subject, double-blinded, counterbalanced design, participants were administered either oral placebo or the opioid antagonist naltrexone (50 mg) across two testing sessions. In each session, they experienced two evoked pain stimuli (cold pressor test [CPT], heat pain) after an extended rest period (rest condition) and after exposure to an acute stressor (a combination of public speaking and mental arithmetic challenge; stress condition). Results showed that both stress and opioid blockade produced significant changes in hormonal and cardiovascular measures, consistent with successful induction of acute stress. Stress was associated with attenuated pain perception (SIA) as indicated by significantly increased CPT tolerance. These effects were particularly pronounced in individuals experiencing the stress condition first. More importantly, SIA effects on CPT tolerance were abolished by opioid blockade. There were no significant SIA effects on heat pain responses. This study demonstrates that the endogenous opioid system may mediate effects of acute stress on pain perception, although this effect seems to be qualified by the type of evoked pain stimuli experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, Minneapolis, MN, 55812, USA.
| | - Motohiro Nakajima
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, Minneapolis, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Stephen Bruehl
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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