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Vasincu A, Rusu RN, Ababei DC, Neamțu M, Arcan OD, Macadan I, Beșchea Chiriac S, Bild W, Bild V. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists in Inflammation, Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1667. [PMID: 37371762 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, research has greatly expanded the knowledge of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its involvement in several therapeutic applications. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are present in nearly every mammalian tissue, performing a vital role in different physiological processes (neuronal development, immune modulation, energy homeostasis). The ECS has an essential role in metabolic control and lipid signaling, making it a potential target for managing conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Its malfunction is closely linked to these pathological conditions. Additionally, the immunomodulatory function of the ECS presents a promising avenue for developing new treatments for various types of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Preclinical investigations using peripherally restricted CBR antagonists that do not cross the BBB have shown promise for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts to discover novel molecules with superior safety profiles. The purpose of this review is to examine the roles of CB1R and CB2Rs, as well as their antagonists, in relation to the above-mentioned disorders.
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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
| | - Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Neamțu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Oana Dana Arcan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Macadan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Sorin Beșchea Chiriac
- Department of Toxicology, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, 8 M. Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
| | - 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
| | - Veronica Bild
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, "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
- 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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Moreno E, Cavic M, Canela EI. Functional Fine-Tuning of Metabolic Pathways by the Endocannabinoid System-Implications for Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3661. [PMID: 33915889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) employs a huge network of molecules (receptors, ligands, and enzymatic machinery molecules) whose interactions with other cellular networks have still not been fully elucidated. Endogenous cannabinoids are molecules with the primary function of control of multiple metabolic pathways. Maintenance of tissue and cellular homeostasis by functional fine-tuning of essential metabolic pathways is one of the key characteristics of the ECS. It is implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological states and an attractive pharmacological target yet to reach its full potential. This review will focus on the involvement of ECS in glucose and lipid metabolism, food intake regulation, immune homeostasis, respiratory health, inflammation, cancer and other physiological and pathological states will be substantiated using freely available data from open-access databases, experimental data and literature review. Future directions should envision capturing its diversity and exploiting pharmacological options beyond the classical ECS suspects (exogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor monomers) as signaling through cannabinoid receptor heteromers offers new possibilities for different biochemical outcomes in the cell.
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Schulz P, Hryhorowicz S, Rychter AM, Zawada A, Słomski R, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. What Role Does the Endocannabinoid System Play in the Pathogenesis of Obesity? Nutrients 2021; 13:373. [PMID: 33530406 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signaling system formed by specific receptors (cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2)), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. The ECS, centrally and peripherally, is involved in various physiological processes, including regulation of energy balance, promotion of metabolic process, food intake, weight gain, promotion of fat accumulation in adipocytes, and regulation of body homeostasis; thus, its overactivity may be related to obesity. In this review, we try to explain the role of the ECS and the impact of genetic factors on endocannabinoid system modulation in the pathogenesis of obesity, which is a global and civilizational problem affecting the entire world population regardless of age. We also emphasize that the search for potential new targets for health assessment, treatment, and the development of possible therapies in obesity is of great importance.
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Hanlon EC, Leproult R, Stuhr KL, Doncheck EM, Hillard CJ, Van Cauter E. Circadian Misalignment of the 24-hour Profile of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in Obese Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5714353. [PMID: 31970413 PMCID: PMC7015463 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The endocannabinoid (eCB) system partly controls hedonic eating, a major cause of obesity. While some studies suggested an overactivation of the eCB system in obesity, peripheral levels of eCBs across the 24-hour cycle have not been characterized in obese individuals despite the fact that in lean adults, levels of the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) vary across the day. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine 24-hour profiles of serum concentrations of 2-AG in healthy obese and nonobese adults, under well-controlled laboratory conditions. We also simultaneously assessed 24-hour profiles of 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), leptin, and cortisol in each participant. DESIGN With fixed light-dark and sleep-wake cycles, blood sampling was performed over an entire 24-hour period, including identical meals at 0900, 1400, and 1900. PARTICIPANTS Twelve obese (8 women, mean body mass index [BMI]: 39.1 kg/m2) and 15 nonobese (6 women; mean BMI: 23.6 kg/m2) healthy adults were studied. RESULTS We observed a 24-hour variation of 2-AG levels in obese individuals but, relative to nonobese adults, the amplitude was dampened and the timings of the nadir and peak were delayed by 4 to 5 hours. The profile of 2-OG was similarly misaligned. In contrast, when expressed relative to the 24-hour mean level, the 24-hour rhythm of cortisol and leptin were similar in obese and nonobese participants. CONCLUSIONS Obesity appears to be associated with a dampening and delay of the 24-hour variation of eCB activity relative to the central circadian signal as well as to the daily leptin rhythm. This misalignment may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Hanlon
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Erin C. Hanlon, PhD, University of Chicago. Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 1027, Chicago, Illinois 60637, Tel 773 834 5849. E-mail:
| | - Rachel Leproult
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kara L Stuhr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elizabeth M Doncheck
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Eve Van Cauter
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Hanlon EC. Impact of circadian rhythmicity and sleep restriction on circulating endocannabinoid (eCB) N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104471. [PMID: 31610409 PMCID: PMC7001881 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is involved in diverse aspects of human physiology and behavior but little is known about the impact of circadian rhythmicity on the system. The two most studied endocannabinoids, AEA (ananamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), can be measured in peripheral blood however the functional relevance of peripheral eCB levels is not clear. Having previously detailed the 24-h profile of serum 2-AG, here we report the 24-h serum profile of AEA to determine if these two endocannabinoids vary in parallel across the biological day including a nocturnal 8.5-h sleep period. Further, we assessed and compared the effect of a physiological challenge, in the form of sleep restriction to 4.5-h, on these two profiles. METHODS In this randomized crossover study, we examined serum concentrations of AEA across a 24-h period in fourteen young adults. Congeners of AEA, the structural analogs oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) were simultaneously assayed. Prior to 24-h blood sampling, each participant was exposed to two nights of normal (8.5 h) or restricted sleep (4.5 h). The two sleep conditions were separated by at least one month. In both sleep conditions, during the period of blood sampling, each individual ate the same high-carbohydrate meal at 0900, 1400, and 1900. RESULTS Mean 24-h concentrations of AEA were 0.697 ± 0.11 pmol/ml. A reproducible biphasic 24-h profile of AEA was observed with a first peak occurring during early sleep (0200) and a second peak in the mid-afternoon (1500) while a nadir was detected in the mid-morning (1000). The 24-h profiles for both OEA and PEA followed a similar pattern to that observed for AEA. AEA, OEA, and PEA levels were not affected by sleep restriction at any time of day, contrasting with the elevation of early afternoon levels previously observed for 2-AG. CONCLUSIONS The 24-h rhythm of AEA is markedly different from that of 2-AG, being of lesser amplitude and biphasic, rather than monophasic. These observations suggest distinct regulatory pathways of the two eCB and indicate that time of day needs to be carefully controlled in studies attempting to delineate their relative roles. Moreover, unlike 2-AG, AEA is not altered by sleep restriction, suggesting that physiological perturbations may affect AEA and 2-AG differently. Similar 24-h profiles were observed for OEA and PEA following normal and restricted sleep, further corroborating the validity of the wave-shape and lack of response to sleep loss observed for the AEA profile. Therapeutic approaches involving agonism or antagonism of peripheral eCB signaling will likely need to be tailored according to time of day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Hanlon
- University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, MC 1027, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
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Gao XL, Wan CM. [Research advances in association between childhood obesity and gut microbiota]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi 2017; 19:368-371. [PMID: 28302214 PMCID: PMC7390145 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, more and more studies have noted the close association between gut microbiota and the development and progression of obesity. Gut microbiota may act on obesity by increasing energy intake, affecting the secretion of intestinal hormones, inducing chronic systemic inflammation, and producing insulin resistance. This article reviews the association between childhood obesity and gut microbiota, as well as possible mechanisms, in an attempt to provide a reference for the etiology, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China University Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Bradlow HL. Obesity and the gut microbiome: pathophysiological aspects. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2015; 17:53-61. [PMID: 25372730 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2013-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While there is a large volume of literature describing a role for obesity as a risk factor for breast cancer and many other cancers, in the main a causal relationship has not been established. If the study is limited to breast cancer risk, it has been suggested that the increase in sex steroid formation that occurs in postmenopausal women plays a role. Obesity is known to be associated with chronic low grade inflammation, but no reason for this association has been offered in the past. The gut microbiome, while known to be enormous, has not in the past been considered as a metabolic role player in the body. This is now recognized to be the case. Recent studies have found the obesity is correlated with an alteration in the gut microbiome. In obese individual there is a change in the relative proportions of the two major classes of bacteria - bacteroides and firmacutes - with the latter dominant in obesity and resulting in the formation of increased amounts of metabolic endotoxins like deoxycholic acid and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Obese individuals show a decrease in the concentration of Akkermansia muciniphila in the mucus that lines the intestinal wall, resulting in thinner mucus and a weakened intestinal lining and permitting metabolic endotoxins formed by other bacterial flora like LPS to enter the blood steam and cause the chronic inflammation associated with obesity. The change in the microbiome profile results in increases in bacterial strains that are more efficient at generating energy, leading to increased obesity. In mice, it has been shown that introducing gut bacterial flora from the cecum of obese mice into germ-free mice results in increased obesity with lesser food consumption while the reverse, introducing bacterial flora from lean mice results in a loss in weight. This raises the attractive possibility that manipulating the gut microbiome could facilitate weight loss or prevent obesity in humans.
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Nguyen M, Yang E, Neelkantan N, Mikhaylova A, Arnold R, Poudel MK, Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. Developing 'integrative' zebrafish models of behavioral and metabolic disorders. Behav Brain Res 2013; 256:172-87. [PMID: 23948218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the pathophysiological overlap between metabolic and mental disorders has received increased recognition. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are rapidly becoming a popular model organism for translational biomedical research due to their genetic tractability, low cost, quick reproductive cycle, and ease of behavioral, pharmacological or genetic manipulation. High homology to mammalian physiology and the availability of well-developed assays also make the zebrafish an attractive organism for studying human disorders. Zebrafish neurobehavioral and endocrine phenotypes show promise for the use of zebrafish in studies of stress, obesity and related behavioral and metabolic disorders. Here, we discuss the parallels between zebrafish and other model species in stress and obesity physiology, as well as outline the available zebrafish models of weight gain, metabolic deficits, feeding, stress, anxiety and related behavioral disorders. Overall, zebrafish demonstrate a strong potential for modeling human behavioral and metabolic disorders, and their comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, USA
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