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Rosado‐Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap for the expression of canonical and extended endocannabinoid system receptors and metabolic enzymes in peripheral organs of preclinical animal models. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15947. [PMID: 38408761 PMCID: PMC10896677 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15947] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system have not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were no receptors with identical expression patterns among mice (three males and two females), rats (six females), and rhesus macaques (four males). Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Rosado‐Franco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. L. Ellison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - C. J. White
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. S. Price
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - C. F. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bayview CampusBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - R. E. Williams
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - L. B. Fridman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - E. M. Weerts
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - D. W. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Levine AA, Liktor-Busa E, Balasubramanian S, Palomino SM, Burtman AM, Couture SA, Lipinski AA, Langlais PR, Largent-Milnes TM. Depletion of Endothelial-Derived 2-AG Reduces Blood-Endothelial Barrier Integrity via Alteration of VE-Cadherin and the Phospho-Proteome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:531. [PMID: 38203706 PMCID: PMC10778805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010531] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurophysiology, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Recent work has demonstrated that activation of endocannabinoid receptors can mitigate insults to the BBB during neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, cortical spreading depression, and stroke. As alterations to the BBB are associated with worsening clinical outcomes in these conditions, studies herein sought to examine the impact of endocannabinoid depletion on BBB integrity. Barrier integrity was investigated in vitro via bEnd.3 cell monolayers to assess endocannabinoid synthesis, barrier function, calcium influx, junctional protein expression, and proteome-wide changes. Inhibition of 2-AG synthesis using DAGLα inhibition and siRNA inhibition of DAGLα led to loss of barrier integrity via altered expression of VE-cadherin, which could be partially rescued by exogenous application of 2-AG. Moreover, the deleterious effects of DAGLα inhibition on BBB integrity showed both calcium and PKC (protein kinase C)-dependency. These data indicate that disruption of 2-AG homeostasis in brain endothelial cells, in the absence of insult, is sufficient to disrupt BBB integrity thus supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan A. Levine
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Shreya Balasubramanian
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Seph M. Palomino
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Anya M. Burtman
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Sarah A. Couture
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Austin A. Lipinski
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (P.R.L.)
| | - Paul R. Langlais
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (P.R.L.)
| | - Tally M. Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (A.A.L.); (E.L.-B.); (S.B.); (S.M.P.); (A.M.B.); (S.A.C.)
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Maliszewska K, Miniewska K, Godlewski A, Gosk W, Mojsak M, Kretowski A, Ciborowski M. Changes in plasma endocannabinoids concentrations correlate with 18F-FDG PET/MR uptake in brown adipocytes in humans. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1073683. [PMID: 37564131 PMCID: PMC10411954 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1073683] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recent data suggest a possible role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. Those findings indicate potential treatment options for obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma endocannabinoids concentrations and the presence of BAT in humans. Methods: The study group consisted of 25 subjects divided into two groups: BAT positive BAT(+), (n = 17, median age = 25 years) and BAT negative BAT(-), (n = 8, median age = 28 years). BAT was estimated using 18F-FDG PET/MR after 2 h of cold exposure. The level of plasma endocannabinoids was assessed at baseline, 60 min and 120 min of cold exposure. Results: In both groups, BAT(+) and BAT(-), during the cooling, we observed a decrease of the same endocannabinoids: arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA) and oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA) with a much more profound decline in BAT(+) subjects. Statistically significant fall of PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and SEA (stearoylethanolamide) concentrations after 60 min (FC = 0.7, p = 0.007 and FC = 0.8, p = 0.03, respectively) and 120 min (FC = 0.81, p = 0.004, and FC = 0.9, p = 0.01, respectively) of cooling was observed only in individuals with BAT. Conclusion: We noticed the profound decline of endocannabinoids concentrations in subjects with increased 18F-FDG PET/MR uptake in BAT. Identification of a new molecules related to BAT activity may create a new target for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Maliszewska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Miniewska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adrian Godlewski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wioleta Gosk
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Mojsak
- Independent Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Kretowski
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michal Ciborowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rodrigues FDS, Jantsch J, Fraga GDF, Dias VS, Eller S, De Oliveira TF, Giovenardi M, Guedes RP. Cannabidiol treatment improves metabolic profile and decreases hypothalamic inflammation caused by maternal obesity. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1150189. [PMID: 36969815 PMCID: PMC10033544 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1150189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe implications of maternal overnutrition on offspring metabolic and neuroimmune development are well-known. Increasing evidence now suggests that maternal obesity and poor dietary habits during pregnancy and lactation can increase the risk of central and peripheral metabolic dysregulation in the offspring, but the mechanisms are not sufficiently established. Furthermore, despite many studies addressing preventive measures targeted at the mother, very few propose practical approaches to treat the damages when they are already installed.MethodsHere we investigated the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment to attenuate the effects of maternal obesity induced by a cafeteria diet on hypothalamic inflammation and the peripheral metabolic profile of the offspring in Wistar rats.ResultsWe have observed that maternal obesity induced a range of metabolic imbalances in the offspring in a sex-dependant manner, with higher deposition of visceral white adipose tissue, increased plasma fasting glucose and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) levels in both sexes, but the increase in serum cholesterol and triglycerides only occurred in females, while the increase in plasma insulin and the homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-IR) was only observed in male offspring. We also found an overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL) 6, and interleukin (IL) 1β in the hypothalamus, a trademark of neuroinflammation. Interestingly, the expression of GFAP, a marker for astrogliosis, was reduced in the offspring of obese mothers, indicating an adaptive mechanism to in utero neuroinflammation. Treatment with 50 mg/kg CBD oil by oral gavage was able to reduce white adipose tissue and revert insulin resistance in males, reduce plasma triglycerides in females, and attenuate plasma LPS levels and overexpression of TNFα and IL6 in the hypothalamus of both sexes.DiscussionTogether, these results indicate an intricate interplay between peripheral and central counterparts in both the pathogenicity of maternal obesity and the therapeutic effects of CBD. In this context, the impairment of internal hypothalamic circuitry caused by neuroinflammation runs in tandem with the disruptions of important metabolic processes, which can be attenuated by CBD treatment in both ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda da Silva Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Jantsch
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabriel de Farias Fraga
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Victor Silva Dias
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sarah Eller
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiago Franco De Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Márcia Giovenardi
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Renata Padilha Guedes,
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Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Molecules towards Drugs of Clinical Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235793. [PMID: 36497277 PMCID: PMC9739544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235793] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most threatening solid malignancies. Molecular and cellular mediators that activate paracrine signalling also regulate the dynamic interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and nerves. This reciprocal interface leads to perineural invasion (PNI), defined as the ability of cancer cells to invade nerves, similar to vascular and lymphatic metastatic cascade. Targeting PNI in pancreatic cancer might help ameliorate prognosis and pain relief. In this review, the modern knowledge of PNI in pancreatic cancer has been analysed and critically presented. We focused on molecular pathways promoting cancer progression, with particular emphasis on neuropathic pain generation, and we reviewed the current knowledge of pharmacological inhibitors of the PNI axis. PNI represents a common hallmark of PDAC and correlates with recurrence, poor prognosis and pain in pancreatic cancer patients. The interaction among pancreatic cancer cells, immune cells and nerves is biologically relevant in each stage of the disease and stimulates great interest, but the real impact of the administration of novel agents in clinical practice is limited. It is still early days for PNI-targeted treatments, and further advanced studies are needed to understand whether they could be effective tools in the clinical setting.
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Maioli C, Mattoteia D, Amin HIM, Minassi A, Caprioglio D. Cannabinol: History, Syntheses, and Biological Profile of the Greatest "Minor" Cannabinoid. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2896. [PMID: 36365350 PMCID: PMC9658060 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is an outstanding source of bioactive natural products, with more than 150 different phytocannabinoids isolated throughout the decades; however, studies of their bioactivity have historically concentrated on the so-called "big four" [∆9-THC (1a), CBD (2a), CBG (3a) and CBC (4a)]. Among the remaining products, which have traditionally been referred to as "minor cannabinoids", cannabinol (CBN, 5a) stands out for its important repercussions and implications on the global scientific landscape. Throughout this review, we will describe why CBN (5a) deserves a prominent place within the so-called "cannabinome", providing an overview on its history, the syntheses developed, and its bioactivity, highlighting its promising pharmacological potential and the significant impact that the study of its chemistry had on the development of new synthetic methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maioli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Daiana Mattoteia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Hawraz Ibrahim M. Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Alberto Minassi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem SRLS, Via Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Diego Caprioglio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Jiang F, Xia M, Zhang Y, Chang J, Cao J, Zhang Z, Qian Z, Yang L. Cannabinoid receptor-2 attenuates neuroinflammation by promoting autophagy-mediated degradation of the NLRP3 inflammasome post spinal cord injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993168. [PMID: 36238284 PMCID: PMC9553321 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation following spinal cord injury (SCI) results in prolonged neurological damage and locomotor dysfunction. Polarization of microglia is vital to regulation of neuroinflammation, although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Endocannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) is reported to ameliorate neurodegeneration via immunomodulation activities. However, the underlying machinery in the context of SCI remains unclear. Methods A lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia inflammation model and a mouse model of SCI were employed to investigate the regulatory role of CB2R in the polarization of microglia in response to excess neuroinflammation. Markers of inflammation and autophagy were measured by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Histological staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Nissl, and Luxol® fast blue was conducted using commercial kits. The locomotor function of the hindlimbs of the experimental mice was evaluated with the Basso Mouse Scale, Louisville Swim Scale, and footprint assay. Results The results showed that CB2R promoted M2 differentiation, increased interleukin (IL)-10 expression, and inhibited M1 differentiation with decreased expression of IL-1β and IL-6. CB2R activation also increased ubiquitination of the NLRP3 inflammasome and interacted with the autophagy-related proteins p62 and microtubule-associated proteins 1B light chain 3. Treatment with the CB2R activator JWH-133 reduced loss of myelin, apoptosis of neurons, and glial scarring, leading to improved functional recovery of the hindlimbs, while the CB2R antagonist AM630 produced opposite results. Conclusion Taken together, these results suggested that CB2R activation attenuated neuroinflammation targeting microglial polarization by promoting NLRP3 clearance, thereby facilitating functional recovery post-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Mingjie Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- Postgraduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Chang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiang Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongkai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
| | - Zhanyang Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- School of Bioinformatics Engineering, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
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Deeba F, Shahar Yar M, Rafi Haidar M, Sharma AK, Sharma M. Synthesis, molecular docking, and pharmacological evaluation of 5-(4-(2-(5-ethyl pyridine-2-yl) ethoxy) benzyl)-3-(phenylsulfonyl) thiazolidine-2, 4-dione against HFD-induced diabesity via interaction with the CB1 receptor. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:1028-1036. [PMID: 36159331 PMCID: PMC9464343 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.65649.14443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objectives CB1 antagonism arbitrates a dormant shape to the endocannabinoid system that alleviates diverse pathological incidents of diabesity. The present study pursued the synthesis and evaluation of thiazolidine derivative (BAC) having pleiotropic action on CB1R, with or without AM251 (selective antagonist of the CB1 receptor) against high-fat diet (HFD) induced diabesity in C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods A molecular docking study for CB1 antagonistic potential was conducted by Maestro 11.4 program (Schrodinger Inc., USA), and the thiazolidine derivative BAC was synthesized. The assessment of varied parameters including anthropometric, neurobehavioral, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines was evaluated in HFD-fed animals as compared with individual and combined treatments of BAC and AM251. Results Incomparable to AM251, the treatment of BAC was reported for a significant reduction in food intake and obesity, diabetic biomarkers, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine release. Moreover, the BAC treatment showed no significant alteration in neurobehavioral activity, including anxiety and depression. Conclusion The preliminary in silico study suggests that BAC has a close interaction with CB1 antagonism but has no sign of neurobehavioral alteration. Simultaneously, this compound showed significant ability to ameliorate diversity by the underlying mechanisms of minimizing oxidative stress, regularizing the lipid profile, and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Deeba
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, (SPER) Jamia Hamdard, Delhi-110062, India
| | - Mohammad Shahar Yar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, (SPER) Jamia Hamdard, Delhi-110062, India
| | | | - Arun K. Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram-122413, India,Corresponding authors: Manju Sharma. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi-110062, India. , Arun K. Sharma. Department of Pharmacology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram-122413, India.
| | - Manju Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, (SPER) Jamia Hamdard, Delhi-110062, India,Corresponding authors: Manju Sharma. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi-110062, India. , Arun K. Sharma. Department of Pharmacology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram-122413, India.
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Vasincu A, Rusu RN, Ababei DC, Larion M, Bild W, Stanciu GD, Solcan C, Bild V. Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030440. [PMID: 35336814 PMCID: PMC8945712 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurodegenerative diseases represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Existing therapeutic options are limited and focus mostly on improving symptoms and reducing exacerbations. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiology of such disorders, an idea which has been highlighted by recent scientific work. The current work focusses its attention on the importance and implications of this system and its synthetic and natural ligands in disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis. Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to functional and mental impairment due to loss of neurons. Recent evidence highlights the link between neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. These are typically associated with several neurological disorders. These diseases have fundamental differences regarding their underlying physiology and clinical manifestations, although there are aspects that overlap. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is comprised of receptors (type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid-receptors, as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), endogenous ligands and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids (ECBs). Recent studies revealed the involvement of the ECS in different pathological aspects of these neurodegenerative disorders. The present review will explore the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and pharmacological agents that modulate CBRs or ECS activity with reference to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Vasincu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Mădălina Larion
- Department of Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 19 Croitorilor Street, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Anaesthetics, Midland Regional Hospital, Longford Road, Mullingar, N91 NA43 Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Walther Bild
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Preclinics Department, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, 8 M. Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Veronica Bild
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.-C.A.); (V.B.)
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Parksepp M, Haring L, Kilk K, Koch K, Uppin K, Kangro R, Zilmer M, Vasar E. The Expanded Endocannabinoid System Contributes to Metabolic and Body Mass Shifts in First-Episode Schizophrenia: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020243. [PMID: 35203453 PMCID: PMC8869544 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the expanded endocannabinoid system (eECS) and cell membrane composition have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We enrolled 54 antipsychotic (AP)-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and 58 controls and applied a targeted metabolomics approach followed by multivariate data analysis to investigate the profile changes in the serum levels of endocannabinoids: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide, endocannabinoids-like N-acylethanolamines (NAEs: linoleoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide), and their dominating lipid precursor’s phosphatidylcholines. Biomolecule profiles were measured at the onset of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 0.6 years and 5.1 years after the initiation of AP treatment. The results indicated that FEP might be characterized by elevated concentrations of NAEs and by decreased 2-AG levels. At this stage of the disease, the NAE-mediated upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) manifested themselves in energy expenditure. A 5-year disease progression and AP treatment adverse effects led to a robust increase in 2-AG levels, which contributed to strengthened cannabinoid (CB1) receptor-mediated effects, which manifested in obesity. Dynamic 2-AG, NAEs, and their precursors in terms of phosphatidylcholines are relevant to the description of the metabolic shifts resulting from the altered eECS function during and after FEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madis Parksepp
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
- Psychiatry Clinic of Viljandi Hospital, 71024 Viljandi, Estonia
| | - Liina Haring
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +372-7318-767
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Kadri Koch
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
| | - Kärt Uppin
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (K.U.)
| | - Raul Kangro
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Mihkel Zilmer
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Eero Vasar
- Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Univesignallingrsity of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.Z.); (E.V.)
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12
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Hryhorowicz S, Kaczmarek-Ryś M, Zielińska A, Scott RJ, Słomski R, Pławski A. Endocannabinoid System as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:790803. [PMID: 35003109 PMCID: PMC8727741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.790803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology, including two primary forms: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in modulating many physiological processes including intestinal homeostasis, modulation of gastrointestinal motility, visceral sensation, or immunomodulation of inflammation in IBD. It consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), transporters for cellular uptake of endocannabinoid ligands, endogenous bioactive lipids (Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), the manipulation of which through agonists and antagonists of the system, shows a potential therapeutic role for ECS in inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes the role of ECS components on intestinal inflammation, suggesting the advantages of cannabinoid-based therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/therapeutic use
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy
- Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology
- Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology
- Crohn Disease/drug therapy
- Crohn Disease/immunology
- Crohn Disease/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Endocannabinoids/agonists
- Endocannabinoids/antagonists & inhibitors
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects
- Humans
- Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects
- Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rodney J. Scott
- Discipline of Medical Genetics and Centre for Information-Based Medicine, The University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, New South Wales Health Pathology North, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pławski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Boczek T, Zylinska L. Receptor-Dependent and Independent Regulation of Voltage-Gated Ca 2+ Channels and Ca 2+-Permeable Channels by Endocannabinoids in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158168. [PMID: 34360934 PMCID: PMC8348342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of specific populations of neurons in different brain areas makes decisions regarding proper synaptic transmission, the ability to make adaptations in response to different external signals, as well as the triggering of specific regulatory pathways to sustain neural function. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) appears to be a very important, highly expressed, and active system of control in the central nervous system (CNS). Functionally, it allows the cells to respond quickly to processes that occur during synaptic transmission, but can also induce long-term changes. The endocannabinoids (eCBs) belong to a large family of bioactive lipid mediators that includes amides, esters, and ethers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are produced “on demand” from the precursors located in the membranes, exhibit a short half-life, and play a key role as retrograde messengers. eCBs act mainly through two receptors, CB1R and CB2R, which belong to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily (GPCRs), but can also exert their action via multiple non-receptor pathways. The action of eCBs depends on Ca2+, but eCBs can also regulate downstream Ca2+ signaling. In this short review, we focus on the regulation of neuronal calcium channels by the most effective members of eCBs-2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA) and originating from AEA-N-arachidonoylglycine (NAGly), to better understand the contribution of ECS to brain function under physiological conditions.
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Armeli F, Bonucci A, Maggi E, Pinto A, Businaro R. Mediterranean Diet and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Neglected Role of Nutrition in the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060790. [PMID: 34073983 PMCID: PMC8225112 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a widespread cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal depletion. The broad-spectrum neuroprotective activity of the Mediterranean diet is widely documented, but it is not yet known whether its nutritional and caloric balance can induce a modulation of the endocannabinoid system. In recent decades, many studies have shown how endocannabinoid tone enhancement may be a promising new therapeutic strategy to counteract the main hallmarks of neurodegeneration. From a phylogenetic point of view, the human co-evolution between the endocannabinoid system and dietary habits could play a key role in the pro-homeostatic activity of the Mediterranean lifestyle: this adaptive balance among our ancestors has been compromised by the modern Western diet, resulting in a “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome”. This review aims to evaluate the evidence accumulated in the literature on the neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of the Mediterranean diet related to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system, suggesting new prospects for research and clinical interventions against neurodegenerative diseases in light of a nutraceutical paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Armeli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Alessio Bonucci
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisa Maggi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Alessandro Pinto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rita Businaro
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence:
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