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Bosquez-Berger T, Gudorf JA, Kuntz CP, Desmond JA, Schlebach JP, VanNieuwenhze MS, Straiker A. Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Cannabidiol-Based Analogs as Negative Allosteric Modulators of the μ-Opioid Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:9466-9494. [PMID: 37437224 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The US faces an unprecedented surge in fatal drug overdoses. Naloxone, the only antidote for opiate overdose, competes at the mu opioid receptor (μOR) orthosteric site. Naloxone struggles against fentanyl-class synthetic opioids that now cause ∼80% of deaths. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) targeting secondary sites may noncompetitively downregulate μOR activation. (-)-Cannabidiol ((-)-CBD) is a candidate μOR NAM. To explore its therapeutic potential, we evaluated the structure-activity relationships among CBD analogs to identify NAMs with increased potency. Using a cyclic AMP assay, we characterize reversal of μOR activation by 15 CBD analogs, several of which proved more potent than (-)-CBD. Comparative docking investigations suggest that potent compounds interact with a putative allosteric pocket to stabilize the inactive μOR conformation. Finally, these compounds enhance naloxone displacement of fentanyl from the orthosteric site. Our results suggest that CBD analogs offer considerable potential for the development of next-generation antidotes for opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Bosquez-Berger
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jessica A Gudorf
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Charles P Kuntz
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jacob A Desmond
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jonathan P Schlebach
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | | | - Alex Straiker
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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Franco GDRR, Smid S, Viegas C. Phytocannabinoids: General Aspects and Pharmacological Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:449-464. [PMID: 32691712 PMCID: PMC8206465 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200720172624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years research into Cannabis and its constituent phytocannabinoids has burgeoned, particularly in the potential application of novel cannabis phytochemicals for the treatment of diverse illnesses related to neurodegeneration and dementia, including Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). To date, these neurological diseases have mostly relied on symptomatological management. However, with an aging population globally, the search for more efficient and disease-modifying treatments that could delay or mitigate disease progression is imperative. In this context, this review aims to present state of the art in the research with cannabinoids and novel cannabinoid-based drug candidates that have been emerged as novel promising alternatives for drug development and innovation in the therapeutics of a number of diseases, especially those related to CNS-disturbance and impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cláudio Viegas
- Address correspondence to this author at the PeQuiM-Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; Tel/Fax: +55 35 3701-1880; E-mail:
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Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, Shbiro L, Weller A. The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:87-96. [PMID: 31481004 PMCID: PMC7324885 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190903103923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are the most prevalent mental conditions encountered in psychiatric practice. Numerous patients suffering from mood disorders present with treatment-resistant forms of depression, co-morbid anxiety, other psychiatric disorders and bipolar disorders. Standardized essential oils (such as that of Lavender officinalis) have been shown to exert clinical efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. As endocannabinoids are suggested to play an important role in major depression, generalized anxiety and bipolar disorders, Cannabis sativa was suggested for their treatment. The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the body including the brain, modulating many functions. It is involved in mood and related disorders, and its activity may be modified by exogenous cannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 receptors primarily serve as the binding sites for endocannabinoids as well as for phytocannabinoids, produced by cannabis inflorescences. However, ‘cannabis’ is not a single compound product but is known for its complicated molecular profile, producing a plethora of phytocannabinoids alongside a vast array of terpenes. Thus, the “entourage effect” is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. Here, we review the literature on the effects of cannabinoids and discuss the possibility of enhancing cannabinoid activity on psychiatric symptoms by the addition of terpenes and terpenoids. Possible underlying mechanisms for the anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects are reviewed. These natural products may be an important potential source for new medications for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dvora Namdar
- ARO, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Danielle Hen-Shoval
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gilad Eger
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Gal Shoval
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Shbiro
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel
| | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Synthetic, non-intoxicating 8,9-dihydrocannabidiol for the mitigation of seizures. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7778. [PMID: 31123271 PMCID: PMC6533278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There can be a fine line between therapeutic intervention and substance abuse, and this point is clearly exemplified in herbal cannabis and its products. Therapies involving cannabis have been the treatment of last resort for some cases of refractory epilepsy, and this has been among the strongest medical justifications for legalization of marijuana. In order to circumvent the narcotic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), many studies have concentrated on its less intoxicating isomer cannabidiol (CBD). However, CBD, like all natural cannabinoids, is a controlled substance in most countries, and its conversion into THC can be easily performed using common chemicals. We describe here the anticonvulsant properties of 8,9-dihydrocannibidiol (H2CBD), a fully synthetic analogue of CBD that is prepared from inexpensive, non-cannabis derived precursors. H2CBD was found to have effectiveness comparable to CBD both for decreasing the number and reducing the severity of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats. Finally, H2CBD cannot be converted by any reasonable synthetic route into THC, and thus has the potential to act as a safe, noncontroversial drug for seizure mitigation.
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