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ALSalamat HA, Abuarab SF, Salamah HM, Ishqair AH, Dwikat MF, Nourelden AZ, Qandil AN, Barakat Y, Barakat M. Cannabis and cancer: unveiling the potential of a green ally in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:24. [PMID: 38755733 PMCID: PMC11097556 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00233-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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer comes in second place on the list of causes of death worldwide. In 2018, the 5-year prevalence of breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), and colorectal cancer (CRC) were 30%, 12.3%, and 10.9%, respectively. Cannabinoids are chemicals derived from the Cannabis sativa plant; the most investigated cannabinoids are cannabinol, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and cannabidiol. In humans, the endogenous endocannabinoid system consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoids receptors (CBs), and enzymes that degrade the endocannabinoids. In this review, we will review the most recent literature for evidence that discusses the role of cannabis in the treatment of the three types of neoplasms mentioned. Studies have proved that BC cells express CB receptors; many in-vivo studies showed that cannabinoids cause apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and migration. Also, researchers found that treating BC mice with THC and JWH-133 (CB2 receptor agonist) slowed the tumor growth. Regarding CRC, cannabidiol was found to decrease the viability of chemotherapy-resistant CRC cells and inhibit metastasis by antagonizing the G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55; a novel cannabinoid receptor) necessary for metastasis. Moreover, cannabidiol had anti-angiogenetic effects by reducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in addition to anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, studies demonstrated that PC cells highly express CB1 and CB2 receptors and that cannabinoids are capable of inhibiting the release of exosomes and microvesicles related to cancer progression. Cannabinoids also have antiproliferative, anti-invasive, anti-fibroblastic, cell cycle arrest, and proapoptotic effects on PC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam A ALSalamat
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, 19117, Jordan
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy,, University of Jordan, Amman, 19328, Jordan
- International Medical Research Association (IMedRA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Feras Abuarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 541350, Jordan
| | - Hazem Mohamed Salamah
- International Medical Research Association (IMedRA), Cairo, Egypt
- School of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Anas Hasan Ishqair
- International Medical Research Association (IMedRA), Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Fuad Dwikat
- International Medical Research Association (IMedRA), Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Anas Zakarya Nourelden
- International Medical Research Association (IMedRA), Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aseel N Qandil
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, 19117, Jordan
| | - Yasmeen Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 541350, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 541350, Jordan.
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Albahri G, Badran A, Abdel Baki Z, Alame M, Hijazi A, Daou A, Baydoun E. Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Properties of Diverse Medicinal Plants against the Majority of Common Types of Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:574. [PMID: 38794144 PMCID: PMC11124340 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghosoon Albahri
- Plateforme de Recherche et d’Analyse en Sciences de l’Environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 657314, Lebanon; (G.A.); (M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Adnan Badran
- Department of Nutrition, University of Petra Amman Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 961343, Jordan;
| | - Zaher Abdel Baki
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Mohamad Alame
- Plateforme de Recherche et d’Analyse en Sciences de l’Environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 657314, Lebanon; (G.A.); (M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Akram Hijazi
- Plateforme de Recherche et d’Analyse en Sciences de l’Environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 657314, Lebanon; (G.A.); (M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Anis Daou
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Elias Baydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
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Zhou L, Tian M, Zhang B, Cao X, Huo X, Yang F, Cao P, Feng L, Ma X, Tian X. Lysosome targeting fluorescent probe for NAAA imaging and its applications in the drug development for anti-inflammatory. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130307. [PMID: 38382784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is a nucleophilic lysosomal cysteine hydrolase, which primarily mediates the hydrolytic inactivation of endogenous palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which further influences the inflammatory process by regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Herein, a novel lysosome (Lyso)-targeting fluorescent probe (i.e., PMBD) was designed and synthesized for detecting endogenous NAAA selectively and sensitively, allowing real-time visual monitoring of endogenous NAAA in living cells. Moreover, PMBD can target Lyso with a high colocalization in Lyso Tracker. Finally, a high-throughput assay method for NAAA inhibitor screening was established using PMBD, and the NAAA-inhibitory effects of 42 anti-inflammatory Traditional Chinese medicines were evaluated. A novel potent inhibitor of NAAA, ellagic acid, was isolated from Cornus officinalis, which can suppress LPS-induced iNOS upregulation and NO production in RAW264.7 cells that display anti-inflammatory activities. PMBD, a novel Lyso-targeting fluorescent probe for visually imaging NAAA, could serve as a useful molecular tool for exploring the physiological functions of NAAA and drug development based on NAAA-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Zhou
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Manman Tian
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Baojing Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xudong Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiaokui Huo
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fangyu Yang
- General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Department of Neurosurgery, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Cao
- General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Department of Neurosurgery, Shenyang, China.
| | - Lei Feng
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xiaochi Ma
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiangge Tian
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China.
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Silva-Reis R, Silva AMS, Oliveira PA, Cardoso SM. Antitumor Effects of Cannabis sativa Bioactive Compounds on Colorectal Carcinogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050764. [PMID: 37238634 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is a multipurpose plant that has been used in medicine for centuries. Recently, considerable research has focused on the bioactive compounds of this plant, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes. Among other properties, these compounds exhibit antitumor effects in several cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Cannabinoids show positive effects in the treatment of CRC by inducing apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Terpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, have also been reported to have potential antitumor effects on CRC through the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. In addition, synergy effects between cannabinoids and terpenes are believed to be important factors in the treatment of CRC. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the potential of cannabinoids and terpenoids from C. sativa to serve as bioactive agents for the treatment of CRC while evidencing the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and the safety of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Silva-Reis
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Artur M S Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Susana M Cardoso
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Yüksel B, Hızlı Deniz AA, Şahin F, Sahin K, Türkel N. Cannabinoid compounds in combination with curcumin and piperine display an anti-tumorigenic effect against colon cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145666. [PMID: 37180710 PMCID: PMC10169831 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145666] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, use of cannabinoids is limited to improve adverse effects of chemotherapy and their palliative administration during treatment is curiously concomitant with improved prognosis and regressed progression in patients with different tumor types. Although, non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) display antineoplastic effects by repressing tumor growth and angiogenesis both in cell line and animal models, their use as chemotherapeutic agents is awaiting further investigation. Both clinical and epidemiological evidence supported by experimental findings suggest that micronutrients such as curcumin and piperine may present a safer strategy in preventing tumorigenesis and its recurrence. Recent studies demonstrated that piperine potentiates curcumin's inhibitory effect on tumor progression via enhancing its delivery and therapeutic activity. In this study, we investigated a plausible therapeutic synergism of a triple combination of CBD/CBG, curcumin, and piperine in the colon adenocarcinoma using HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. Potential synergistic effects of various combinations including these compounds were tested by measuring cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our findings revealed that different genetic backgrounds of HCT116 and HT29 cell lines resulted in divergent responses to the combination treatments. Triple treatment showed synergism in terms of exhibiting anti-tumorigenic effects by activating the Hippo YAP signaling pathway in the HCT116 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Yüksel
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ayşen Aslı Hızlı Deniz
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Kazim Sahin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Nezaket Türkel
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Cherkasova V, Wang B, Gerasymchuk M, Fiselier A, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Treatment of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5142. [PMID: 36291926 PMCID: PMC9600568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an ancient homeostasis mechanism operating from embryonic stages to adulthood. It controls the growth and development of many cells and cell lineages. Dysregulation of the components of the ECS may result in uncontrolled proliferation, adhesion, invasion, inhibition of apoptosis and increased vascularization, leading to the development of various malignancies. Cancer is the disease of uncontrolled cell division. In this review, we will discuss whether the changes to the ECS are a cause or a consequence of malignization and whether different tissues react differently to changes in the ECS. We will discuss the potential use of cannabinoids for treatment of cancer, focusing on primary outcome/care-tumor shrinkage and eradication, as well as secondary outcome/palliative care-improvement of life quality, including pain, appetite, sleep, and many more factors. Finally, we will complete this review with the chapter on sex- and gender-specific differences in ECS and response to cannabinoids, and equality of the access to treatments with cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Cherkasova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Anna Fiselier
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Srivastava RK, Lutz B, Ruiz de Azua I. The Microbiome and Gut Endocannabinoid System in the Regulation of Stress Responses and Metabolism. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:867267. [PMID: 35634468 PMCID: PMC9130962 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.867267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, with its receptors and ligands, is present in the gut epithelium and enteroendocrine cells, and is able to modulate brain functions, both indirectly through circulating gut-derived factors and directly through the vagus nerve, finally acting on the brain’s mechanisms regarding metabolism and behavior. The gut endocannabinoid system also regulates gut motility, permeability, and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, microbiota composition has been shown to influence the activity of the endocannabinoid system. This review examines the interaction between microbiota, intestinal endocannabinoid system, metabolism, and stress responses. We hypothesize that the crosstalk between microbiota and intestinal endocannabinoid system has a prominent role in stress-induced changes in the gut-brain axis affecting metabolic and mental health. Inter-individual differences are commonly observed in stress responses, but mechanisms underlying resilience and vulnerability to stress are far from understood. Both gut microbiota and the endocannabinoid system have been implicated in stress resilience. We also discuss interventions targeting the microbiota and the endocannabinoid system to mitigate metabolic and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kamal Srivastava
- Department of Zoology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Anuppur, India
- *Correspondence: Raj Kamal Srivastava,
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Inigo Ruiz de Azua
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Inigo Ruiz de Azua,
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Kiran S, Rakib A, Moore BM, Singh UP. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) Inverse Agonist SMM-189 Induces Expression of Endogenous CB2 and Protein Kinase A That Differentially Modulates the Immune Response and Suppresses Experimental Colitis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050936. [PMID: 35631522 PMCID: PMC9147685 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The causes of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are multi-factorial and include dysregulation of immune cells in the intestine. Cannabinoids mediate protection against intestinal inflammation by binding to the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). Here, we investigate the effects of the CB2 inverse agonist SMM-189 on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced experimental colitis. We observed that SMM-189 effectively attenuated the overall clinical score, reversed colitis-associated pathogenesis, and increased both body weight and colon length. Treatment with SMM-189 also increased the expression of CB2 and protein kinase A (PKA) in colon lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs). We noticed alterations in the percentage of Th17, neutrophils, and natural killer T (NKT) cells in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and LPLs of mice with DSS-induced colitis after treatment with SMM-189 relative to DSS alone. Further, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during colitis progression increased with SMM-189 treatment as compared to DSS alone or with control cohorts. These findings suggest that SMM-189 may ameliorate experimental colitis by inducing the expression of endogenous CB2 and PKA in LPLs, increasing numbers of MDSCs in the spleen, and reducing numbers of Th17 cells and neutrophils in the spleen, MLNs, and LPLs. Taken together, these data support the idea that SMM-189 may be developed as a safe novel therapeutic target for IBD.
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