1
|
Das S, Ghosh A, Karmakar V, Khawas S, Vatsha P, Roy KK, Behera PC. Cannabis effectiveness on immunologic potency of pulmonary contagion. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 0:jbcpp-2023-0030. [PMID: 38635412 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2023-0030] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory illnesses and its repercussions are becoming more prevalent worldwide. It is necessary to research both innovative treatment and preventative techniques. Millions of confirmed cases and fatalities from the COVID-19 epidemic occurred over the previous two years. According to the review research, cannabinoids are a class of medicines that should be considered for the treatment of respiratory conditions. Cannabinoids and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation have illustrated advantageous anti-inflammatory, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary artery hypotension in numerous studies (in vitro and in vivo). It has been also noted that CB2 receptors on macrophages and T-helper cells may be particularly triggered to lower inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Since the majority of lung tissue contains cannabinoid receptors, cannabis can be an effective medical tool for treating COVID-19 as well as pulmonary infections. Notably, CB2 and CB1 receptors play a major role in immune system modulation and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we put forth the idea that cannabis might be helpful in treating pulmonary contagion brought on by viral integration, such as that caused by SARS-CoV-2, haemophilus influenza type b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Also, a detailed overview of CB receptors, intricate mechanisms, is highlighted connecting link with COVID-19 viral structural modifications along with molecular basis of CB receptors in diminishing viral load in pulmonary disorders supported through evident literature studies. Further, futuristic evaluations on cannabis potency through novel formulation development focusing on in vivo/in vitro systems can produce promising results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, 28698 Birla Institute of Technology , Ranchi, India
| | - Arya Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, 28698 Birla Institute of Technology , Ranchi, India
| | - Varnita Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, 28698 Birla Institute of Technology , Ranchi, India
| | - Sourav Khawas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 521742 Jharkhand Rai University , Ranchi, India
| | - Piyush Vatsha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 521742 Jharkhand Rai University , Ranchi, India
| | - Kishor Kumar Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 521742 Jharkhand Rai University , Ranchi, India
| | - Padma Charan Behera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Technology, MAKAUT university, Dubrajpur, Birbhum 731123, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bęben D, Siwiela O, Szyjka A, Graczyk M, Rzepka D, Barg E, Moreira H. Phytocannabinoids CBD, CBG, and their Derivatives CBD-HQ and CBG-A Induced In Vitro Cytotoxicity in 2D and 3D Colon Cancer Cell Models. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3626-3639. [PMID: 38666957 PMCID: PMC11048930 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040227] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids, compounds found in Cannabis sativa L., are used in oncology and palliative care to reduce the adverse reactions of standard therapies. Cancer patients use formulations of Cannabis sativa L. to manage the anxiety, pain, and nausea associated with cancer treatment, and there is growing evidence that some of them may exhibit anticancer properties. In this study, we tested the anticancer potential of selected cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and its quinone derivative CBD-HQ (cannabidiol hydroquinone), CBG (cannabigerol) and its acid derivative CBG-A (cannabigerolic acid), as well as a combination of CBD+CBG on the colon cancer cell line SW-620. The MTT assay was used to determine the cannabinoids' ability to induce colon cancer cell death. All cannabinoids were cytotoxic at the lowest concentration (3 μg/mL). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 3.90 to 8.24 μg/mL, depending on the substance. Cytotoxicity was confirmed in a 3D spheroidal cell culture with calcein and propidium iodide staining. The amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined using a DCF-DA assay. CBG showed the lowest antioxidant activity of all the cannabinoids tested. The level of intracellular ROS decreased only by 0.7-18%. However, CBG-A induced the strongest reduction in ROS level by 31-39%. Our results suggest that cannabinoids represent an interesting research direction with great implementation potential. These preliminary results represent the beginning of research into the potential of these substances for anticancer treatment and underscore the potential for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Bęben
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Oliwia Siwiela
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Anna Szyjka
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Michał Graczyk
- Department of Palliative Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | | | - Ewa Barg
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Helena Moreira
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Ignacio-Mejía I, Correa-Basurto J, Carrasco-Vargas H, Vargas-Hernández MA, Albores-Méndez EM, Mayen-Quinto RD, De La Paz-Valente R, Bandala C. Possible Role of Cannabis in the Management of Neuroinflammation in Patients with Post-COVID Condition. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3805. [PMID: 38612615 PMCID: PMC11012123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073805] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-COVID condition (PCC) is a pathology stemming from COVID-19, and studying its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial. Neuroinflammation causes the most common manifestations of this disease including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, among others. Currently, there are no specific management proposals; however, given that the inflammatory component involves cytokines and free radicals, these conditions must be treated to reduce the current symptoms and provide neuroprotection to reduce the risk of a long-term neurodegenerative disease. It has been shown that cannabis has compounds with immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions in other pathologies. Therefore, exploring this approach could provide a viable therapeutic option for PCC, which is the purpose of this review. This review involved an exhaustive search in specialized databases including PubMed, PubChem, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials. Phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exhibit significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be an effective treatment for neuroinflammatory conditions. These compounds could be promising adjuvants for PCC alone or in combination with other antioxidants or therapies. PCC presents significant challenges to neurological health, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play central roles in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant therapy and cannabinoid-based approaches represent promising areas of research and treatment for mitigating adverse effects, but further studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iván Ignacio-Mejía
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico;
| | - Jose Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | | | - Marco Antonio Vargas-Hernández
- Subdirección de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados en Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico; (M.A.V.-H.); (E.M.A.-M.)
| | - Exal Manuel Albores-Méndez
- Subdirección de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados en Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico; (M.A.V.-H.); (E.M.A.-M.)
| | | | - Reynita De La Paz-Valente
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional Aplicada a Neurociencias, Enfermedades Crónicas y Emergentes, Escuela superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Cindy Bandala
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional Aplicada a Neurociencias, Enfermedades Crónicas y Emergentes, Escuela superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alipour Z, Zarezadeh S, Ghotbi-Ravandi AA. The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review. Planta Med 2024; 90:172-203. [PMID: 37956978 DOI: 10.1055/a-2209-6357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts, there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alipour
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Zarezadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Ghotbi-Ravandi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van Breemen RB, Muchiri RN. Affinity selection-mass spectrometry in the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Mass Spectrom Rev 2024; 43:39-46. [PMID: 35929396 PMCID: PMC9538385 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21800] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule therapeutic agents are needed to treat or prevent infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. To expedite the discovery of lead compounds for development, assays have been developed based on affinity selection-mass spectrometry (AS-MS), which enables the rapid screening of mixtures such as combinatorial libraries and extracts of botanicals or other sources of natural products. AS-MS assays have been used to find ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for inhibition of cell entry as well as to the 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex constituent Nsp9, which are targets for inhibition of viral replication. The AS-MS approach of magnetic microbead affinity selection screening has been used to discover high-affinity peptide ligands to the spike protein as well as the hemp cannabinoids cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid, which can prevent cell infection by SARS-CoV-2. Another AS-MS method, native mass spectrometry, has been used to discover that the flavonoids baicalein, scutellarein, and ganhuangenin, can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 protease 3CLpro. Native mass spectrometry has also been used to find an ent-kaurane natural product, oridonin, that can bind to the viral protein Nsp9 and interfere with RNA replication. These natural lead compounds are under investigation for the development of therapeutic agents to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Linus Pauling Institute, College of PharmacyOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Ruth N. Muchiri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Linus Pauling Institute, College of PharmacyOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scott C, Hall S, Zhou J, Lehmann C. Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID-19-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2023; 13:227. [PMID: 38202234 PMCID: PMC10779964 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010227] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is variable, often including symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, fatigue, and an altered sense of smell and taste. Recently, post-acute "long" COVID-19 has emerged as a concern, with symptoms persisting beyond the acute infection. Vaccinations remain one of the most effective preventative methods against severe COVID-19 outcomes and the development of long-term COVID-19. However, individuals with underlying health conditions may not mount an adequate protective response to COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the likelihood of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and the development of long-term COVID-19 in high-risk populations. This review explores the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids in limiting the susceptibility and severity of infection, both pre- and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection. Early in the SARS-CoV-19 infection, cannabinoids have been shown to prevent viral entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate the associated cytokine storm. Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress injury, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite. While current research primarily focuses on potential treatments for the acute phase of COVID-19, there is a gap in research addressing therapeutics for the early and post-infectious phases. This review highlights the potential for future research to bridge this gap by investigating cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system as a potential treatment strategy for both early and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Scott
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Stefan Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada;
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada; (C.S.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Soto-Nava M, Dávila-Conn V, Venancio-Rocha JP, García-Esparza P, Tapia-Trejo D, Hernández-Juan R, Zarza-Sánchez E, Murakami-Ogasawara A, Ávila-Ríos S. SARSCoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in persons living with HIV cared for at a large tertiary reference center in Mexico City. Virol J 2023; 20:300. [PMID: 38102622 PMCID: PMC10724955 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02261-2] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) enrolled at a tertiary reference hospital in Mexico. METHODS Two plasma aliquots per person, used for HIV viral load follow-up between 01/2020 and 09/2021, were used to assess total anti-N and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Sociodemographic, clinical, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk information were collected. The risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 exposure and associations with antibody titers were analyzed with logistic, Cox, and linear multivariable models. RESULTS 803 PLWHIV participated; 233 had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (prevalent cases), and 132 seroconverted (incident cases). Overall, the adjusted prevalence was 46.45%, with an incidence rate of 3.78 cases/100 person-months. Factors associated with prevalent cases included lower age, location (western zone of Mexico City and the neighboring Mexico State), use of public transport, attendance at meetings without social distancing, and higher CD4 + T cell counts (p < 0.05; multivariable logistic model). BNT162b2 vaccination reduced incident cases (Cox adjusted HR = 0.4; p = 0.013). Notably, previously infected and vaccinated individuals showed maximization of neutralizing activity (p < 0.001). No associations between SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and HIV-related variables (CD4 + T cell counts, viral load, number of years in viral suppression, ART regimen) were found in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with community risk rather than HIV-associated variables in PLWH on ART and clinical follow-up. Antibody neutralization activity in vaccinated participants was maximized with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Soto-Nava
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vanessa Dávila-Conn
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan P Venancio-Rocha
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pedro García-Esparza
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Tapia-Trejo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ramón Hernández-Juan
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Zarza-Sánchez
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Akio Murakami-Ogasawara
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Santiago Ávila-Ríos
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fauquet J, Carette J, Duez P, Zhang J, Nachtergael A. Microfluidic Diffusion Sizing Applied to the Study of Natural Products and Extracts That Modulate the SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD/ACE2 Interaction. Molecules 2023; 28:8072. [PMID: 38138562 PMCID: PMC10745392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248072] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and ACE2 proteins is a crucial step for host cell infection by the virus. Without it, the entire virion entrance mechanism is compromised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of various natural product classes, including flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, ivermectin, chloroquine, and erythromycin, to modulate this interaction. To accomplish this, we applied a recently developed a microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS) technique that allows us to probe protein-protein interactions via measurements of the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and dissociation constant (KD); the evolution of Rh is monitored in the presence of increasing concentrations of the partner protein (ACE2); and the KD is determined through a binding curve experimental design. In a second time, with the protein partners present in equimolar amounts, the Rh of the protein complex was measured in the presence of different natural products. Five of the nine natural products/extracts tested were found to modulate the formation of the protein complex. A methanol extract of Chenopodium quinoa Willd bitter seed husks (50 µg/mL; bisdesmoside saponins) and the flavonoid naringenin (1 µM) were particularly effective. This rapid selection of effective modulators will allow us to better understand agents that may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fauquet
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Julie Carette
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Jiuliang Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Amandine Nachtergael
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moschovou K, Antoniou M, Chontzopoulou E, Papavasileiou KD, Melagraki G, Afantitis A, Mavromoustakos T. Exploring the Binding Effects of Natural Products and Antihypertensive Drugs on SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Investigation of Main Protease and Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15894. [PMID: 37958877 PMCID: PMC10649947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this in silico study, we conducted an in-depth exploration of the potential of natural products and antihypertensive molecules that could serve as inhibitors targeting the key proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: the main protease (Mpro) and the spike (S) protein. By utilizing Induced Fit Docking (IFD), we assessed the binding affinities of the molecules under study to these crucial viral components. To further comprehend the stability and molecular interactions of the "protein-ligand" complexes that derived from docking studies, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, shedding light on the molecular basis of potential drug candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, we employed Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations on all "protein-ligand" complexes, underscoring the robust binding capabilities of rosmarinic acid, curcumin, and quercetin against Mpro, and salvianolic acid b, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin toward the S protein. Furthermore, in order to expand our search for potent inhibitors, we conducted a structure similarity analysis, using the Enalos Suite, based on the molecules that indicated the most favored results in the in silico studies. The Enalos Suite generated 115 structurally similar compounds to salvianolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin. These compounds underwent IFD calculations, leading to the identification of two salvianolic acid analogues that exhibited strong binding to all the examined binding sites in both proteins, showcasing their potential as multi-target inhibitors. These findings introduce exciting possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic agents aiming to effectively disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 virus lifecycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos D. Papavasileiou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- Division of Physical Sciences & Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang Y, Guo J, Gao P, Yan W, Shen J, Luo X, Keasling JD. Development of an efficient yeast platform for cannabigerolic acid biosynthesis. Metab Eng 2023; 80:232-240. [PMID: 37890610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are important therapeutical molecules for human ailments, cancer treatment, and SARS-CoV-2. The central cannabinoid, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), is generated from geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid by Cannabis sativa prenyltransferase (CsPT4). Despite efforts to engineer microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) for CBGA production, their titers remain suboptimal because of the low conversion of hexanoate into olivetolic acid and the limited activity and stability of the CsPT4. To address the low hexanoate conversion, we eliminated hexanoate consumption by the beta-oxidation pathway and reduced its incorporation into fatty acids. To address CsPT4 limitations, we expanded the endoplasmic reticulum and fused an auxiliary protein to CsPT4. Consequently, the engineered S. cerevisiae chassis showed a marked improvement of 78.64-fold in CBGA production, reaching a titer of 510.32 ± 10.70 mg l-1 from glucose and hexanoate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Intelligent Microbial Manufacturing of Medicines, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiulong Guo
- Synceres Biosciences (Shenzhen) CO., LTD, China
| | - PeiZhen Gao
- Synceres Biosciences (Shenzhen) CO., LTD, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Synceres Biosciences (Shenzhen) CO., LTD, China
| | - Junfeng Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Intelligent Microbial Manufacturing of Medicines, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaozhou Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Intelligent Microbial Manufacturing of Medicines, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Jay D Keasling
- Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Glenn IS, Hall LN, Khalid MM, Ott M, Shoichet BK. Colloidal aggregation confounds cell-based Covid-19 antiviral screens. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.27.564435. [PMID: 37961552 PMCID: PMC10634915 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.27.564435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal aggregation is one of the largest contributors to false-positives in early drug discovery and chemical biology. Much work has focused on its impact on pure-protein screens; here we consider aggregations role in cell-based infectivity assays in Covid-19 drug repurposing. We began by investigating the potential aggregation of 41 drug candidates reported as SARs-CoV-2 entry inhibitors. Of these, 17 formed colloidal-particles by dynamic light scattering and exhibited detergent-dependent enzyme inhibition. To evaluate antiviral efficacy of the drugs in cells we used spike pseudotyped lentivirus and pre-saturation of the colloids with BSA. The antiviral potency of the aggregators was diminished by at least 10-fold and often entirely eliminated in the presence of BSA, suggesting antiviral activity can be attributed to the non-specific nature of the colloids. In confocal microscopy, the aggregates induced fluorescent puncta of labeled spike protein, consistent with sequestration of the protein on the colloidal particles. Addition of either non-ionic detergent or of BSA disrupted these puncta. These observations suggest that colloidal aggregation is common among cell-based anti-viral drug repurposing, and perhaps cell-based assays more broadly, and offers rapid counter-screens to detect and eliminate these artifacts, allowing the community invest resources in compounds with true potential as a Covid-19 therapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella S Glenn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren N Hall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mir M Khalid
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Brian K Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gilmore AM, Elhendawy MA, Radwan MM, Kidder LH, Wanas AS, Godfrey M, Hildreth JB, Robinson AE, ElSohly MA. Absorbance-Transmittance Excitation Emission Matrix Method for Quantification of Major Cannabinoids and Corresponding Acids: A Rapid Alternative to Chromatography for Rapid Chemotype Discrimination of Cannabis sativa Varieties. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:911-922. [PMID: 35486823 PMCID: PMC10589469 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0165] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Phytocannabinoids naturally occur in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) predominate. There is a need for rapid inexpensive methods to quantify total THC (for statutory definition) and THC-CBD ratio (for classification into three chemotypes). This study explores the capabilities of a spectroscopic technique that combines ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence, absorbance-transmittance excitation emission matrix (A-TEEM). Methods: The A-TEEM technique classifies 49 dry flower extracts into three C. sativa chemotypes, and quantifies the total THC-CBD ratio, using validated gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization (FID) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods for reference. Multivariate methods used are principal components analysis for a chemotype classification, extreme gradient boost (XGB) discriminant analysis (DA) to classify unknown samples by chemotype, and XGB regression to quantify total THC and CBD content using GC-FID and HPLC data on the same samples. Results: The A-TEEM technique provides robust classification of C. sativa samples, predicting chemotype classification, defined by THC-CBD content, of unknown samples with 100% accuracy. In addition, A-TEEM can quantify total THC and CBD levels relevant to statutory determination, with limit of quantifications (LOQs) of 0.061% (THC) and 0.059% (CBD), and high cross-validation (>0.99) and prediction (>0.99), using a GC-FID method for reference data; and LOQs of 0.026% (THC) and 0.080% (CBD) with high cross-validation (>0.98) and prediction (>0.98), using an HPLC method for reference data. A-TEEM is highly predictive in separately quantifying acid and neutral forms of THC and CBD with HPLC reference data. Conclusions: The A-TEEM technique provides a sensitive method for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the major cannabinoids in solution, with LOQs comparable with GC-FID and HPLC, and high values of cross-validation and prediction. As a spectroscopic technique, it is rapid, with data acquisition <45 sec per measurement; sample preparation is simple, requiring only solvent extraction. A-TEEM has the sensitivity to resolve and quantify cannabinoids in solution based on their unique spectral characteristics. Discrimination of legal and illegal chemotypes can be rapidly verified using XGB DA, and quantitation of statutory levels of total THC and total CBD comparable with GC-FID and HPLC can be obtained using XBD regression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mostafa A. Elhendawy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Agriculture Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M. Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Amira S. Wanas
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Murrell Godfrey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | | | | | - Mahmoud A. ElSohly
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tang SW, Helmeste DM, Leonard BE. COVID-19 as a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases: a review with focus on the brain. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023; 35:248-269. [PMID: 36861428 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.17] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
There appear to be huge variations and aberrations in the reported data in COVID-19 2 years now into the pandemic. Conflicting data exist at almost every level and also in the reported epidemiological statistics across different regions. It is becoming clear that COVID-19 is a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases, and there is a wide range of inflammation-related pathology and symptoms in those infected with the virus. The host's inflammatory response to COVID-19 appears to be determined by genetics, age, immune status, health status and stage of disease. The interplay of these factors may decide the magnitude, duration, types of pathology, symptoms and prognosis in the spectrum of COVID-19 disorders, and whether neuropsychiatric disorders continue to be significant. Early and successful management of inflammation reduces morbidity and mortality in all stages of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siu Wa Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daiga Maret Helmeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian E Leonard
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Leinen ZJ, Mohan R, Premadasa LS, Acharya A, Mohan M, Byrareddy SN. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2630. [PMID: 37893004 PMCID: PMC10604755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, cannabis has been valued for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese medicines recognized their therapeutic potential. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabis phytoconstituents, has scientifically explained how cannabis affects the human immune system, including the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores the evolving world of cannabis-based treatments, spotlighting its diverse applications. By researching current research and clinical studies, we probe into how cannabinoids like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) help to manage conditions ranging from chronic pain, persistent inflammation, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders to even viral diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2. and the emerging monkeypox. The long-term recreational use of cannabis can develop into cannabis use disorder (CUD), and therefore, understanding the factors contributing to the development and maintenance of cannabis addiction, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological mechanisms, and environmental influences, will be timely. Shedding light on the adverse impacts of CUD underscores the importance of early intervention, effective treatment approaches, and public health initiatives to address this complex issue in an evolving landscape of cannabis policies and perceptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zach J. Leinen
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Rahul Mohan
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Lakmini S. Premadasa
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA; (L.S.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA; (L.S.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; (Z.J.L.); (R.M.); (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Antwi I, Watkins D, Pedawi A, Ghrayeb A, Van de Vuurst C, Cory TJ. Substances of abuse and their effect on SAR-CoV-2 pathogenesis. NeuroImmune Pharm Ther 2023; 2:301-316. [PMID: 38013836 PMCID: PMC10474379 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, various reports suggest that there has been a significant increase in substance abuse due to social distancing and related issues. Several reports have suggested the impact of chronic substance use on individuals' physiological and psychological health. Therefore, there is a need to know the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on persons with substance use disorders. Individuals with substance use disorders are the most vulnerable groups and are at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their already existing health issues associated with substance use. This review discusses some of the molecular and systemic/organic effects chronic substance use such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana (cannabis), opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine have on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and its potential cause for worsened disease outcomes in persons with substance use disorder. This will provide healthcare providers, public health policies, and researchers with the needed knowledge to address some of the many challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate treatment strategies for persons with substance use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Antwi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Destiny Watkins
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alahn Pedawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Atheel Ghrayeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christine Van de Vuurst
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Theodore J. Cory
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Salvetat ML, Musa M, Pellegrini F, Salati C, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Considerations of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2220. [PMID: 37764064 PMCID: PMC10538084 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a significant impact on the entire eye care system. Ophthalmologists have been categorized as a high-risk group for contracting the virus due to the belief that the eye may be a site of inoculation and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, clinical ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eyecare professionals have had to familiarize themselves with the ocular manifestations of COVID-19, as well as its treatments and vaccines. The implementation of measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as restrictions, lockdowns, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), have led to substantial and potentially irreversible changes in routine clinical practice, education, and research. This has resulted in the emergence of a new mode of managing patients in a routine clinical setting. This brief review aims to provide an overview of various aspects of COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the ocular manifestations related to the disease, the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, precautions taken in ophthalmic practice to prevent the spread of the virus, drugs, and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on patients, clinicians, and the eye care system as a whole, and the future of ophthalmology conditioned by this global pandemic experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Salvetat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nunn AVW, Guy GW, Bell JD. Informing the Cannabis Conjecture: From Life's Beginnings to Mitochondria, Membranes and the Electrome-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13070. [PMID: 37685877 PMCID: PMC10488084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713070] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Before the late 1980s, ideas around how the lipophilic phytocannabinoids might be working involved membranes and bioenergetics as these disciplines were "in vogue". However, as interest in genetics and pharmacology grew, interest in mitochondria (and membranes) waned. The discovery of the cognate receptor for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) led to the classification of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the conjecture that phytocannabinoids might be "working" through this system. However, the how and the "why" they might be beneficial, especially for compounds like CBD, remains unclear. Given the centrality of membranes and mitochondria in complex organisms, and their evolutionary heritage from the beginnings of life, revisiting phytocannabinoid action in this light could be enlightening. For example, life can be described as a self-organising and replicating far from equilibrium dissipating system, which is defined by the movement of charge across a membrane. Hence the building evidence, at least in animals, that THC and CBD modulate mitochondrial function could be highly informative. In this paper, we offer a unique perspective to the question, why and how do compounds like CBD potentially work as medicines in so many different conditions? The answer, we suggest, is that they can modulate membrane fluidity in a number of ways and thus dissipation and engender homeostasis, particularly under stress. To understand this, we need to embrace origins of life theories, the role of mitochondria in plants and explanations of disease and ageing from an adaptive thermodynamic perspective, as well as quantum mechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V. W. Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (G.W.G.); (J.D.B.)
- The Guy Foundation, Beaminster DT8 3HY, UK
| | - Geoffrey W. Guy
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (G.W.G.); (J.D.B.)
- The Guy Foundation, Beaminster DT8 3HY, UK
| | - Jimmy D. Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (G.W.G.); (J.D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tsiara I, Riemer A, Correia MSP, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Globisch D. Immobilized Enzymes on Magnetic Beads for Separate Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Human Phase II Metabolite Classes. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12565-12571. [PMID: 37552796 PMCID: PMC10456218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The human body has evolved to remove xenobiotics through a multistep clearance process. Non-endogenous metabolites are converted through a series of phase I and different phase II enzymes into compounds with higher hydrophilicity. These compounds are important for diverse research fields such as toxicology, nutrition, biomarker discovery, doping control, and microbiome metabolism. One of the challenges in these research fields has been the investigation of the two major phase II modifications, sulfation and glucuronidation, and the corresponding unconjugated aglycon independently. We have now developed a new methodology utilizing an immobilized arylsulfatase and an immobilized β-glucuronidase to magnetic beads for treatment of human urine samples. The enzyme activities remained the same compared to the enzyme in solution. The separate mass spectrometric investigation of each metabolite class in a single sample was successfully applied to obtain the dietary glucuronidation and sulfation profile of 116 compounds. Our new chemical biology strategy provides a new tool for the investigation of metabolites in biological samples with the potential for broad-scale application in metabolomics, nutrition, and microbiome studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Tsiara
- Department
of Chemistry - BMC, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amelie Riemer
- Department
of Chemistry - BMC, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mario S. P. Correia
- Department
of Chemistry - BMC, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
- Department
of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Daniel Globisch
- Department
of Chemistry - BMC, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hammaker K, Weathington N, Maroon J, Tang LW, Donohue B, Yehuda R, Ford KM, Figura M, Kelmendi B, Tan B, Cook MW, Factor SD, Lagano L, Driscoll HP, Howe AS, Cho EG, Rabin DM. An answered call for aid? Cannabinoid clinical framework for the opioid epidemic. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:110. [PMID: 37587466 PMCID: PMC10428550 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00842-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid crisis continues in full force, as physicians and caregivers are desperate for resources to help patients with opioid use and chronic pain disorders find safer and more accessible non-opioid tools. MAIN BODY The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the opioid epidemic; the shifting picture of cannabinoids; and the research, policy, and current events that make opioid risk reduction an urgent public health challenge. The provided table contains an evidence-based clinical framework for the utilization of cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives to opioids, and tapering opioids. CONCLUSION Based on a comprehensive review of the literature and epidemiological evidence to date, cannabinoids stand to be one of the most interesting, safe, and accessible tools available to attenuate the devastation resulting from the misuse and abuse of opioid narcotics. Considering the urgency of the opioid epidemic and broadening of cannabinoid accessibility amidst absent prescribing guidelines, the authors recommend use of this clinical framework in the contexts of both clinical research continuity and patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Hammaker
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 St Rt 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
| | - Nathaniel Weathington
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Delafield Rd, Ste 2040, Pittsburgh, PA, 15215, USA
| | - Joseph Maroon
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1218 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Lawton W Tang
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Huntington Hospital, 100 West California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91105, USA
| | - Brian Donohue
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1300 Oxford Dr, Bethel Park, PA, 15102, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kenneth M Ford
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), 40 South Alcaniz, Pensacola, FL, 32502, USA
| | - Myro Figura
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Ste 3325, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7403, USA
| | - Ben Kelmendi
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Yale University, 300 George St, Ste 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Belinda Tan
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- People Science, Inc, 3870 Del Amo Blvd, Unit 507, Torrance, CA, 90503, USA
| | - Matthew W Cook
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- BioReset Medical, 3803 S Bascom Ave, Ste 203, Campbell, CA, 95008, USA
| | - Steven D Factor
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Abington Neurological Associates, 1151 Old York Rd, Ste 200, Abington, PA, 19001, USA
| | - Laura Lagano
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | | | - Adam S Howe
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Albany Medical Center, 23 Hackett Blvd, MC-108, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - EunBit G Cho
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - David M Rabin
- The Board of Medicine, 1942 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Azzouzi M, Ouafi ZE, Azougagh O, Daoudi W, Ghazal H, Barkany SE, Abderrazak R, Mazières S, Aatiaoui AE, Oussaid A. Design, synthesis, and computational studies of novel imidazo[1,2- a]pyrimidine derivatives as potential dual inhibitors of hACE2 and spike protein for blocking SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. J Mol Struct 2023; 1285:135525. [PMID: 37057139 PMCID: PMC10080474 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, a new series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Schiff base derivatives have been obtained using an easy and conventional synthetic route. The synthesized compounds were spectroscopically characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, LC-MS(ESI), and FT-IR techniques. Green metric calculations indicate adherence to several green chemistry principles. The energy of Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMO), Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), and Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) were determined by the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6-31 G (d, p) as the basis set. Moreover, molecular docking studies targeting the human ACE2 and the spike, key entrance proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 were carried out along with hACE2 natural ligand Angiotensin II, the MLN-4760 inhibitor as well as the Cannabidiolic Acid CBDA which has been demonstrated to bind to the spike protein and block cell entry. The molecular modeling results showed auspicious results in terms of binding affinity as the top-scoring compound exhibited a remarkable affinity (-9.1 and -7.3 kcal/mol) to the ACE2 and spike protein respectively compared to CBDA (-5.7 kcal/mol), the MLN-4760 inhibitor (-7.3 kcal/mol), and angiotensin II (-9.2 kcal/mol). These findings suggest that the synthesized compounds may potentially act as effective entrance inhibitors, preventing the SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells. Furthermore, in silico, ADMET, and drug-likeness prediction expressed promising drug-like characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Azzouzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| | - Zainab El Ouafi
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Omar Azougagh
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| | - Walid Daoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ghazal
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Electronic Systems, Sensors and Nanobiotechnologies (E2SN), École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Soufian El Barkany
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| | - Rfaki Abderrazak
- National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Stéphane Mazières
- Laboratory of IMRCP, University Paul Sabatier, CNRS UMR 5623, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France
| | - Abdelmalik El Aatiaoui
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| | - Adyl Oussaid
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LCM2E), Department of Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed I, Nador 60700, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tamburello M, Salamone S, Anceschi L, Governa P, Brighenti V, Morellini A, Rossini G, Manetti F, Gallinella G, Pollastro F, Pellati F. Antiviral Activity of Cannabidiolic Acid and Its Methyl Ester against SARS-CoV-2. J Nat Prod 2023; 86:1698-1707. [PMID: 37402317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the antiviral activity of cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. was assessed in vitro against a panel of SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) was the most active. To overcome the instability issue of CBDA, its methyl ester was synthesized and tested for the first time for its antiviral activity. CBDA methyl ester showed a neutralizing effect on all the SARS-CoV-2 variants tested with greater activity than the parent compound. Its stability in vitro was confirmed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). In addition, the capacity of both CBDA and its derivative to interact with the virus spike protein was assessed in silico. These results showed that CBDA methyl ester can be considered as a lead compound to be further developed as a new effective drug against COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tamburello
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Salamone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem srls, Via A. Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Lisa Anceschi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Governa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Virginia Brighenti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alice Morellini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giada Rossini
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gallinella
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem srls, Via A. Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pellati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pawełczyk A, Nowak R, Gazecka M, Jelińska A, Zaprutko L, Zmora P. Novel Molecular Consortia of Cannabidiol with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Inhibit Emerging Coronaviruses' Entry. Pathogens 2023; 12:951. [PMID: 37513798 PMCID: PMC10383849 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070951] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic provoked a global health crisis and highlighted the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we explore the potential of the molecular consortia of cannabidiol (CBD) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as novel antiviral dual-target agents against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. CBD is a natural compound with a wide range of therapeutic activities, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, while NSAIDs are commonly used to mitigate the symptoms of viral infections. Chemical modifications of CBD with NSAIDs were performed to obtain dual-target agents with enhanced activity against SARS-CoV-2. The synthesised compounds were characterised using spectroscopic techniques. The biological activity of three molecular consortia (CBD-ibuprofen, CBD-ketoprofen, and CBD-naproxen) was evaluated in cell lines transduced with vesicular stomatitis virus-based pseudotypes bearing the SARS-CoV-1 or SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins or infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34. The results showed that some CBD-NSAID molecular consortia have superior antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, but not against the influenza A virus. This may suggest a potential therapeutic role for these compounds in the treatment of emerging coronavirus infections. Further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of these compounds in vivo, and their potential use in clinical settings. Our findings provide a promising new approach to combatting current and future viral emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pawełczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Rafał Nowak
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Gazecka
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Jelińska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Lucjusz Zaprutko
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Zmora
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Haidar Z, Traboulsi H, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Differential inflammatory profile in the lungs of mice exposed to cannabis smoke with varying THC:CBD ratio. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1963-1978. [PMID: 37179517 PMCID: PMC10183104 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis contains cannabinoids including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and both THC and CBD are thought to be anti-inflammatory. Cannabis is typically consumed by inhaling smoke that contains thousands of combustion products that may damage the lungs. However, the relationship between cannabis smoke exposure and alterations in respiratory health is poorly defined. To address this gap in knowledge, we first developed a mouse model of cannabis smoke exposure using a nose-only rodent inhalation exposure system. We then tested the acute effects of two dried cannabis products that differ substantially in their THC-CBD ratio: Indica-THC dominant (I-THC; 16-22% THC) and Sativa-CBD dominant (S-CBD; 13-19% CBD). We demonstrate that this smoke exposure regime not only delivers physiologically relevant levels of THC to the bloodstream, but that acute inhalation of cannabis smoke modulates the pulmonary immune response. Cannabis smoke decreased the percentage of lung alveolar macrophages but increased lung interstitial macrophages (IMs). There was also a decrease in lung dendritic cells as well as Ly6Cintermediate and Ly6Clow monocytes, but an increase in lung neutrophils and CD8+ T cells. These immune cell changes were paralleled with changes in several immune mediators. These immunological modifications were more pronounced when mice were exposed to S-CBD compared to the I-THC variety. Thus, we show that acute cannabis smoke differentially affects lung immunity based on the THC:CBD ratio, thereby providing a foundation to further explore the effect of chronic cannabis smoke exposures on pulmonary health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Haidar
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hussein Traboulsi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada.
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Persia D, Mangiavacchi F, Marcotullio MC, Rosati O. Cannabinoids as multifaceted compounds. Phytochemistry 2023; 212:113718. [PMID: 37196772 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113718] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, Cannabis and its preparations have found various applications such as for medical, recreational and industrial purposes. Subsequently the 1930s, legislation in many countries has restricted its use due to its psychotropic properties. More recently, the discovery of endocannabinoid system, including new receptors, ligands, and mediators, its role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body and the possible implication in various physiological and pathophysiological processes has also been understood. Based on this evidence, researchers were able to develop new therapeutic targets for the treatment of various pathological disorders. For this purpose, Cannabis and cannabinoids were subjected for the evaluation of their pharmacological activities. The renewed interest in the medical use of cannabis for its potential therapeutic application has prompted legislators to take action to regulate the safe use of cannabis and products containing cannabinoids. However, each country has an enormous heterogeneity in the regulation of laws. Here, we are pleased to show a general and prevailing overview of the findings regarding cannabinoids and the multiple research fields such as chemistry, phytochemistry, pharmacology and analytics in which they are involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Persia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mangiavacchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy; Current Address: Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', Via Della Lastruccia, 16 - Università Degli Studi di Firenze, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Marcotullio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ornelio Rosati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Del Liceo, 1 - Università Degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
van Breemen RB, Simchuk D. Antiviral activities of hemp cannabinoids. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:633-643. [PMID: 37083031 PMCID: PMC10133872 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Hemp is an understudied source of pharmacologically active compounds and many unique plant secondary metabolites including more than 100 cannabinoids. After years of legal restriction, research on hemp has recently demonstrated antiviral activities in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and several other cannabinoids against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and γ-herpes viruses. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of viral cell entry, inhibition of viral proteases, and stimulation of cellular innate immune responses. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids are also under investigation for mitigating the cytokine storm of COVID-19 and controlling chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. Retrospective clinical studies support antiviral activities of CBD, Δ9-THC, and cannabinoid mixtures as do some prospective clinical trials, but appropriately designed clinical trials of safety and efficacy of antiviral cannabinoids are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Linus Pauling Institute, Global Hemp Innovation Center, Oregon State University, 2900 SW Campus Drive, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Daniel Simchuk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Linus Pauling Institute, Global Hemp Innovation Center, Oregon State University, 2900 SW Campus Drive, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Le NTH, De Jonghe S, Erven K, Vermeyen T, Baldé AM, Herrebout WA, Neyts J, Pannecouque C, Pieters L, Tuenter E. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity and Cytotoxicity of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids from Hymenocallis littoralis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073222. [PMID: 37049986 PMCID: PMC10096449 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amaryllidaceae species are well-known as a rich source of bioactive compounds in nature. Although Hymenocallis littoralis has been studied for decades, its polar components were rarely explored. The current phytochemical investigation of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from H. littoralis led to the identification of three previously undescribed compounds: O-demethyl-norlycoramine (1), (−)-2-epi-pseudolycorine (2) and (+)-2-epi-pseudolycorine (3), together with eight known compounds: 6α-hydroxyhippeastidine (4), 6β-hydroxyhippeastidine (5), lycorine (6), 2-epi-lycorine (7), zephyranthine (8), ungeremine (9), pancratistatin (10) and 9-O-demethyl-7-O-methyllycorenine (11). Among the eight previously reported compounds, five were isolated from H. littoralis for the first time (compounds 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9). Compounds 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 exhibited weak anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity (EC50 = 40–77 µM) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Assessment of cytotoxicity on the Vero-E6 cell line revealed lycorine and pancratistatin as cytotoxic substances with CC50 values of 1.2 µM and 0.13 µM, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationship for the lycorine-type alkaloids in this study was further investigated, and as a result ring C appears to play a crucial role in their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc-Thao-Hien Le
- Natural Products and Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristien Erven
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Vermeyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Ghent Quantum Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aliou M. Baldé
- Department of Pharmacy, University Gamal Abdel Nasser of Conakry, Conakry 00224, Guinea
| | - Wouter A. Herrebout
- Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Pieters
- Natural Products and Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmy Tuenter
- Natural Products and Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Woerdenbag HJ, Olinga P, Kok EA, Brugman DAP, van Ark UF, Ramcharan AS, Lebbink PW, Hoogwater FJH, Knapen DG, de Groot DJA, Nijkamp MW. Potential, Limitations and Risks of Cannabis-Derived Products in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072119. [PMID: 37046779 PMCID: PMC10093248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of cannabis products in oncology receives interest, especially from patients. Despite the plethora of research data available, the added value in curative or palliative cancer care and the possible risks involved are insufficiently proven and therefore a matter of debate. We aim to give a recommendation on the position of cannabis products in clinical oncology by assessing recent literature. Various types of cannabis products, characteristics, quality and pharmacology are discussed. Standardisation is essential for reliable and reproducible quality. The oromucosal/sublingual route of administration is preferred over inhalation and drinking tea. Cannabinoids may inhibit efflux transporters and drug-metabolising enzymes, possibly inducing pharmacokinetic interactions with anticancer drugs being substrates for these proteins. This may enhance the cytostatic effect and/or drug-related adverse effects. Reversely, it may enable dose reduction. Similar interactions are likely with drugs used for symptom management treating pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Cannabis products are usually well tolerated and may improve the quality of life of patients with cancer (although not unambiguously proven). The combination with immunotherapy seems undesirable because of the immunosuppressive action of cannabinoids. Further clinical research is warranted to scientifically support (refraining from) using cannabis products in patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herman J. Woerdenbag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen A. Kok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Donald A. P. Brugman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike F. van Ark
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul W. Lebbink
- Transvaal Apotheek, Kempstraat 113, 2572 GC Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik J. H. Hoogwater
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan G. Knapen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Jan A. de Groot
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W. Nijkamp
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee YE, Kodama T, Morita H. Novel insights into the antibacterial activities of cannabinoid biosynthetic intermediate, olivetolic acid, and its alkyl-chain derivatives. J Nat Med 2023; 77:298-305. [PMID: 36572832 PMCID: PMC9792157 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-022-01672-9] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Investigations of antibacterial activities revealed that the incorporation of longer alkyl chains to the C-6 position in resorcylic acid conferred antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The resultant olivetolic acid (OA) derivatives with n-undecyl and n-tridecyl side-chains, even those lacking the hydrophobic geranyl moiety from their C-3 positions, exhibited strong antibacterial activities against B. subtilis at a MIC value of 2.5 μM. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the n-heptyl alkyl-chain modification at C-6 of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) effectively enhanced the activity against B. subtilis, demonstrating the importance of the alkyl side-chain in modulating the bioactivity. Overall, the findings in this study provided insight into further evaluations of the antibacterial activities, as well as other various biological activities of OA and CBGA derivatives, especially with optimized hydrophobicities at both the alkyl and prenyl side-chain positions of the core skeleton for the discovery of novel drug seeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-E Lee
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630-Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kodama
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630-Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Morita
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630-Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wasilewicz A, Kirchweger B, Bojkova D, Abi Saad MJ, Langeder J, Bütikofer M, Adelsberger S, Grienke U, Cinatl
Jr. J, Petermann O, Scapozza L, Orts J, Kirchmair J, Rabenau HF, Rollinger JM. Identification of Natural Products Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting Viral Proteases: A Combined in Silico and in Vitro Approach. J Nat Prod 2023; 86:264-275. [PMID: 36651644 PMCID: PMC9885530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an integrated in silico-in vitro approach was employed to discover natural products (NPs) active against SARS-CoV-2. The two SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases, i.e., main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro), were selected as targets for the in silico study. Virtual hits were obtained by docking more than 140,000 NPs and NP derivatives available in-house and from commercial sources, and 38 virtual hits were experimentally validated in vitro using two enzyme-based assays. Five inhibited the enzyme activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by more than 60% at a concentration of 20 μM, and four of them with high potency (IC50 < 10 μM). These hit compounds were further evaluated for their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 cells. The results from the cell-based assay revealed three mulberry Diels-Alder-type adducts (MDAAs) from Morus alba with pronounced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Sanggenons C (12), O (13), and G (15) showed IC50 values of 4.6, 8.0, and 7.6 μM and selectivity index values of 5.1, 3.1 and 6.5, respectively. The docking poses of MDAAs in SARS-CoV-2 Mpro proposed a butterfly-shaped binding conformation, which was supported by the results of saturation transfer difference NMR experiments and competitive 1H relaxation dispersion NMR spectroscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wasilewicz
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Denisa Bojkova
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Marie Jose Abi Saad
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Langeder
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Bütikofer
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sigrid Adelsberger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
Jr.
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Olivier Petermann
- Pharmaceutical
Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical
Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Orts
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Kirchmair
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Holger F. Rabenau
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Judith M. Rollinger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Graziano G, Delre P, Carofiglio F, Brea J, Ligresti A, Kostrzewa M, Riganti C, Gioè-Gallo C, Majellaro M, Nicolotti O, Colabufo NA, Abate C, Loza MI, Sotelo E, Mangiatordi GF, Contino M, Stefanachi A, Leonetti F. N-adamantyl-anthranil amide derivatives: New selective ligands for the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R). Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115109. [PMID: 36657299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115109] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that, together with Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), endogenous cannabinoids and enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation, forms the EndoCannabinoid System (ECS). In the last decade, several studies have shown that CB2R is overexpressed in activated central nervous system (CNS) microglia cells, in disorders based on an inflammatory state, such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathic pain, and cancer. For this reason, the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory potentials of CB2R ligands are emerging as a novel therapeutic approach. The design of selective ligands is however hampered by the high sequence homology of transmembrane domains of CB1R and CB2R. Based on a recent three-arm pharmacophore hypothesis and latest CB2R crystal structures, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of new N-adamantyl-anthranil amide derivatives as CB2R selective ligands. Interestingly, this new class of compounds displayed a high affinity for human CB2R along with an excellent selectivity respect to CB1R. In this respect, compounds exhibiting the best pharmacodynamic profile in terms of CB2R affinity were also evaluated for the functional behavior and molecular docking simulations provided a sound rationale by highlighting the relevance of the arm 1 substitution to prompt CB2R action. Moreover, the modulation of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines production was also investigated to exert the ability of the best compounds to modulate the inflammatory cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Graziano
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Giovanni Amendola, 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Carofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Josè Brea
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Av. Barcelona, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Gioè-Gallo
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Maria Majellaro
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Colabufo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Abate
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CNR - Institute of Crystallography, Via Giovanni Amendola, 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Av. Barcelona, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | | | - Marialessandra Contino
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E.Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
The increasing use of natural products in clinical practice has raised great concerns about the potential natural product-drug interactions (NDIs). Drug transporters mediate the transmembrane passage of a broad range of drugs, and thus are important determinants for drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Generally, transporters can be divided into ATP binding cassette (ABC) family and solute carrier (SLC) family. Numerous natural products have been identified as inhibitors, substrates, inducers, and/or activators of drug transporters. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress on the research of NDIs, focusing on the main drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporter 1 and 3 (OAT1/OAT3), organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1/OATP1B3), organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 and 2-K (MATE1/MATE2-K). Additionally, the challenges and strategies of studying NDIs are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Hui Ding
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Feng He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Lifeng Han
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Youcai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Young‐Wolff KC, Ray GT, Alexeeff SE, Benowitz N, Adams SR, Does MB, Goler N, Ansley D, Conway A, Avalos LA. Association of cannabis use during pregnancy with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a retrospective cohort study. Addiction 2023; 118:317-326. [PMID: 36189777 PMCID: PMC9812868 DOI: 10.1111/add.16056] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabis use is increasingly common among pregnant individuals and might be a risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We aimed to test whether prenatal cannabis use is associated with increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING The study was conducted in California, USA. PARTICIPANTS A total of 58 114 pregnancies (with outcomes from 5 March 2020 to 30 September 2021) among 57 287 unique pregnant women aged 14-54 years who were screened for prenatal substance use, enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) (a health-care system) and had not tested positive for COVID-19 prior to pregnancy onset. MEASUREMENTS We utilized data from the KPNC electronic health record. Cannabis use status (current, recently quit and non-user) was based on universal screenings during prenatal care (including urine toxicology testing and self-reported use on a self-administered questionnaire). SARS-CoV-2 infection [based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests] was estimated in time-to-event analyses using Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusting for covariates. Secondary analyses examined differences in (a) SARS-CoV-2 testing rates and (b) SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among those tested. FINDINGS We observed 348 810 person-months of follow-up time in our cohort with 41 064 SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests and 6% (n = 2414) of tests being positive. At the start of follow-up, 7% of pregnant individuals had current use, 12% had recently quit and 81% did not use cannabis. Adjusting for covariates, current use was associated with lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49-0.74 than non-use. Those who had recently quit did not differ from non-cannabis users in infection rates (aHR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.86-1.08). Sensitivity analyses among patients who received a SARS-CoV-2 test also found lower odds of infection associated with current versus no cannabis use (aOR = 0.76, CI = 0.61-0.93). CONCLUSIONS Current cannabis use appears to be associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C. Young‐Wolff
- Division of ResearchKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - G. Thomas Ray
- Division of ResearchKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | | | - Neal Benowitz
- Research Program in Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Center for Tobacco Control Research and EducationUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Sara R. Adams
- Division of ResearchKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | - Monique B. Does
- Division of ResearchKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | - Nancy Goler
- Regional OfficesKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | - Deborah Ansley
- Regional OfficesKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | - Amy Conway
- Regional OfficesKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| | - Lyndsay A. Avalos
- Division of ResearchKaiser Permanente Northern CaliforniaOaklandCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Intranuovo F, Brunetti L, DelRe P, Mangiatordi GF, Stefanachi A, Laghezza A, Niso M, Leonetti F, Loiodice F, Ligresti A, Kostrzewa M, Brea J, Loza MI, Sotelo E, Saviano M, Colabufo NA, Riganti C, Abate C, Contino M. Development of N-(1-Adamantyl)benzamides as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Multitarget Agents Acting as Dual Modulators of the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase. J Med Chem 2023; 66:235-250. [PMID: 36542836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), belonging to the endocannabinoid system, is overexpressed in pathologies characterized by inflammation, and its activation counteracts inflammatory states. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of the main endocannabinoid anandamide; thus, the simultaneous CB2R activation and FAAH inhibition may be a synergistic anti-inflammatory strategy. Encouraged by principal component analysis (PCA) data identifying a wide chemical space shared by CB2R and FAAH ligands, we designed a small library of adamantyl-benzamides, as potential dual agents, CB2R agonists, and FAAH inhibitors. The new compounds were tested for their CB2R affinity/selectivity and CB2R and FAAH activity. Derivatives 13, 26, and 27, displaying the best pharmacodynamic profile as CB2R full agonists and FAAH inhibitors, decreased pro-inflammatory and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines production. Molecular docking simulations complemented the experimental findings by providing a molecular rationale behind the observed activities. These multitarget ligands constitute promising anti-inflammatory agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Intranuovo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brunetti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Pietro DelRe
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Amendola, 122/o, Bari 70126, Italy
| | | | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Antonio Laghezza
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Fulvio Loiodice
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jose Brea
- Innopharma Screening Platform, BioFarma Research Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology. School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- Innopharma Screening Platform, BioFarma Research Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology. School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- ComBioMed Research Group, Centro de Química Biológica y Materiales Moleculares (CIQUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Vivaldi, 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Colabufo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy.,Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, Via Amendola, 122/o, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze Del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bonnet U, Specka M, Roser P, Scherbaum N. Cannabis use, abuse and dependence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:7-18. [PMID: 36346483 PMCID: PMC9641691 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between cannabis use or addiction and SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes is obscure. As of 08/01/2022 among 57 evaluated epidemiological/clinical studies found in Pubmed-database, most evidence for how cannabis use patterns were influenced by the pandemic was given by two systematic reviews and 17 prospective studies, mostly involving adolescents. In this age group, cannabis use patterns have not changed markedly. For adults, several cross-sectional studies reported mixed results with cannabis use having increased, decreased or remained unchanged. Two cross-sectional studies demonstrated that the severity of adults´ cannabis dependence was either increased as a consequence of increasing cannabis use during the pandemic or not changed. Regarding the effect of cannabis use on COVID-19 outcomes, we found only five retrospective/cross-sectional studies. Accordingly, (i) cannabis use did not impact mild COVID-19 symptoms; (ii) cannabis using individuals experienced more COVID-19-related hospitalizations; (iii) cannabis using veterans were associated with reduced SARS-COV-2 infection rates; (iv) frequent cannabis use was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality, and (v) cannabis dependents were at higher risk of COVID-19 breakthrough after vaccination. It should be outlined that the validity of these retrospective/cross-sectional studies (all self-reports or register/e-health-records) is rather low. Future prospective studies on the effects of cannabis use on SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes are clearly required for conclusive risk-benefit assessments of the role of cannabis on users' health during the pandemic. Moreover, substance dependence (including cannabis) is associated with (often untreated) somatic comorbidity, which severity is a proven key risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Grutholzallee 21, 44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dawidowicz AL, Typek R, Olszowy-Tomczyk M. Natural vs. artificial cannabinoid oils: the comparison of their antioxidant activities. Eur Food Res Technol 2023; 249:359-366. [PMID: 36164439 PMCID: PMC9492465 DOI: 10.1007/s00217-022-04121-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the wide range of products containing hemp ingredients, cannabinoid oils are the most popular. They have gained popularity not only among people struggling with various health ailments, but also those who search for a neutral way of taking care of their body and mind. The antioxidant activities of cannabinoid oils differing in the type of their main cannabinoid [i.e., Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) or Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA)] are compared and discussed in the paper. The oils with the same concentration of their main cannabinoid but prepared in different ways were applied in the experiments. Following the presented results, cannabinoid oils obtained from the plant extracts are characterized by evidently greater antioxidant activity than those prepared from pure cannabinoids. The essential difference in the antioxidant activity of the oils containing the neutral or acidic form of a given cannabinoid is observed only in the case of THC and THCA oils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej L. Dawidowicz
- Department of Chromatography, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Pl. Marii Curie Sklodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Typek
- Department of Chromatography, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Pl. Marii Curie Sklodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Olszowy-Tomczyk
- Department of Chromatography, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Pl. Marii Curie Sklodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
El Ouafi Z, Rhalem W, Habib N, Idrissi Azami A, Sehli S, Al Idrissi N, Bakkali F, Abderrazak R, Merzouki M, Allali I, Amzazi S, Nejjari C, Ghazal H. Molecular Modeling Targeting the ACE2 Receptor with Cannabis sativa's Active Ingredients for Antiviral Drug Discovery against SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Bioinform Biol Insights 2022; 16:11779322221145380. [PMID: 36582392 PMCID: PMC9793058 DOI: 10.1177/11779322221145380] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a novel coronavirus that later on rendered a global pandemic, caused desperation within the communities and drove increased interest in exploring medicinal plant-based therapeutics to treat and prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infections. Many medicinal plants have been reported to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects that hinder, cure, or ease the symptoms of COVID-19 infection. This exploratory study seeks to dock the active components of Cannabis sativa, a natural plant with several pharmacological and biological properties, with the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor. A total of 3 C. sativa active components have been found to bind to the ACE2 protein active site and could inhibit spike binding, although they do not compete directly with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. 6-Prenylapigenin, cannabivarin (CBN-C3), and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (Δ8-THCA) have a greater affinity (-8.3, -8.3, and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively) and satisfactory interaction with ACE2 than its inhibitor MLN-4760 (-7.1 kcal/mol). These potential drugs with higher affinity for the ACE2 receptor and adequate absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) values are candidates for treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections. In vitro and in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate further the efficacy and toxicity of these hit compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab El Ouafi
- Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Wajih Rhalem
- Electronic Systems, Sensors and
Nanobiotechnologies (E2SN), École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers (ENSAM),
Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nihal Habib
- Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdellah Idrissi Azami
- Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sofia Sehli
- Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Najib Al Idrissi
- Department of Surgery, School of
Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca,
Morocco
| | - Fadil Bakkali
- Toxicology Laboratory, School of
Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) Casablanca, Casablanca,
Morocco
| | - Rfaki Abderrazak
- National Center for Scientific and
Technical Research (CNRST), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Merzouki
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Faculty of
Science and Technologies, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal,
Morocco
| | - Imane Allali
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies
Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human
Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat,
Rabat, Morocco
| | - Saaïd Amzazi
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies
Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human
Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat,
Rabat, Morocco
| | - Chakib Nejjari
- Department of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of
Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco,Department of Epidemiology and Public
Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fes,
Morocco
| | - Hassan Ghazal
- Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco,Electronic Systems, Sensors and
Nanobiotechnologies (E2SN), École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers (ENSAM),
Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco,National Center for Scientific and
Technical Research (CNRST), Rabat, Morocco,Hassan Ghazal, Laboratory of Genomics and
Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences
Casablanca, Bld Mohammed Taieb Naciri, Hay Hassani, Casablanca, 82 403, Morocco.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pérez R, Glaser T, Villegas C, Burgos V, Ulrich H, Paz C. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabinoids and Their Applications in COVID-19 Treatment. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12122117. [PMID: 36556483 PMCID: PMC9784976 DOI: 10.3390/life12122117] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is one of the first medicinal plants used by humans. Its medical use remains controversial because it is a psychotropic drug whose use has been banned. Recently, however, some countries have approved its use, including for recreational and medical purposes, and have allowed the scientific study of its compounds. Cannabis is characterized by the production of special types of natural products called phytocannabinoids that are synthesized exclusively by this genus. Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids are chemically different, but both pharmacologically modulate CB1, CB2, GRP55, GRP119 and TRPV1 receptor activities, involving activities such as memory, sleep, mood, appetite and motor regulation, pain sensation, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and apoptosis. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are phytocannabinoids with greater pharmacological potential, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticonvulsant activities. Cannabidiol is showing promising results for the treatment of COVID-19, due to its capability of acting on the unleashed cytokine storm, on the proteins necessary for both virus entry and replication and on the neurological consequences of patients who have been infected by the virus. Here, we summarize the latest knowledge regarding the advantages of using cannabinoids in the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Pérez
- Laboratory of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, Center CEBIM, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Talita Glaser
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Villegas
- Laboratory of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, Center CEBIM, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Viviana Burgos
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: (H.U.); (C.P.); Tel.: +55-11-97277-6344 (H.U.); +56-45-259-2825 (C.P.)
| | - Cristian Paz
- Laboratory of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, Center CEBIM, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence: (H.U.); (C.P.); Tel.: +55-11-97277-6344 (H.U.); +56-45-259-2825 (C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen C, Liang H, Deng Y, Yang X, Li X, Hou C. Analysis and Identification of Bioactive Compounds of Cannabinoids in Silico for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121729. [PMID: 36551156 PMCID: PMC9775500 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121729] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the approval of multiple vaccinations in different countries, the majority of the world's population remains unvaccinated due to discrepancies in vaccine distribution and limited production capacity. The SARS-CoV-2 RBD-ACE2 complex (receptor binding domain that binds to ACE2) could be a suitable target for the development of a vaccine or an inhibitor. Various natural products have been used against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we docked 42 active cannabinoids to the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV complex of RBD-ACE2. To ensure the flexibility and stability of the complex produced after docking, the top three ligand molecules with the best overall binding energies were further analyzed through molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Then, we used the webserver Swissadme program and binding free energy to calculate and estimate the MMPBSA and ADME characteristics. Our results showed that luteolin, CBGVA, and CBNA were the top three molecules that interact with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD-ACE2 complex, while luteolin, stigmasterol, and CBNA had the strongest contact with that SARS-CoV. Our findings show that luteolin may be a potential inhibitor of infections caused by coronavirus-like pathogens such as COVID-19, although further in vivo and in vitro research is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Hao Liang
- National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Institute of Vegetable Science, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yanchun Deng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Xiushi Yang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Bioengineering Research Center, Institute of Advanced Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (C.H.); Tel.: +86-731-88998569 (C.H.)
| | - Chunsheng Hou
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (C.H.); Tel.: +86-731-88998569 (C.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zarei A, Feyissa BA, Davis B, Tavakouli Dinani E. Cannabis Synthetic Seeds: An Alternative Approach for Commercial Scale of Clonal Propagation and Germplasm Conservation. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:3186. [PMID: 36501226 PMCID: PMC9738115 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233186] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Indoor cannabis (Cannabis sativa) cultivation has been rapidly increasing in many countries after legalization. Besides conventional propagation through cuttings, synthetic seed production provides a competent system for mass propagation, germplasm conservation and international exchange of genetic materials. The present study developed a reliable protocol for cannabis synthetic seed production using encapsulation of nodal segments derived from in vitro or in vivo sources. Synthetic seeds were produced in 3% sodium alginate and 75 mM calcium chloride in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and stored under various environmental conditions for up to 150 days. The plantlets regrowth efficiency was monitored on culture media up to 30 days after the storage period. Regrowth rates of 70% and 90% were observed in synthetic seeds from in vitro and in vivo-derived sources, respectively, when stored in 6 °C under 50 μmol s-1 m-2 light for 150 days. Furthermore, addition of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to the encapsulation matrix not only postponed precocious germination of synthetic seeds at 22 °C, but also improved the regrowth rate of in vivo-derived synthetic seeds to 100% when they were stored in 6 °C under light. Exposure to light during storage significantly increased shoot length of regrown synseeds when compared to those stored in darkness. This difference in shoot growth disappeared when synseeds were treated with 25 µM ASA. All regenerated plantlets were rooted and acclimatized in sterile rockwool plugs without morphological changes.
Collapse
|
40
|
Shrestha A, Marahatha R, Basnet S, Regmi BP, Katuwal S, Dahal SR, Sharma KR, Adhikari A, Chandra Basnyat R, Parajuli N. Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Several Flavonoids Predict Cyanidin as an Effective Drug Candidate against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2022; 2022:1-13. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/3742318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The in silico method has provided a versatile process of developing lead compounds from a large database in a short duration. Therefore, it is imperative to look for vaccinations and medications that can stop the havoc caused by SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is required for the viral entry into the host cells, hence inhibiting the virus from fusing and infecting the host. This study determined the binding interactions of 36 flavonoids along with two FDA-approved drugs against the spike protein receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In addition, the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) approach was used to calculate the binding-free energy (BFE). Flavonoids were selected based on their in vitro assays on SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Our pharmacokinetics study revealed that cyanidin showed good drug-likeness, fulfilled Lipinski’s rule of five, and conferred favorable toxicity parameters. Furthermore, MD simulations showed that cyanidin interacts with spike protein and alters the conformation and binding-free energy suited. Finally, an in vitro assay indicated that about 50% reduction in the binding of hACE2 with S1-RBD in the presence of cyanidin-containing red grapes crude extract was achieved at approximately 1.25 mg/mL. Hence, cyanidin may be a promising adjuvant medication for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein based on in silico and in vitro research.
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang J, Liu J, Luo M, Cui H, Zhang W, Zhao K, Dai H, Song F, Chen K, Yu Y, Zhou D, Li MJ, Yang H. Rational drug repositioning for coronavirus-associated diseases using directional mapping and side-effect inference. iScience 2022; 25:105348. [PMID: 36267550 PMCID: PMC9556799 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105348] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected hundreds of millions of people and caused millions of deaths. Looking for valid druggable targets with minimal side effects for the treatment of COVID-19 remains critical. After discovering host genes from multiscale omics data, we developed an end-to-end network method to investigate drug-host gene(s)-coronavirus (CoV) paths and the mechanism of action between the drug and the host factor in a directional network. We also inspected the potential side effect of the candidate drug on several common comorbidities. We established a catalog of host genes associated with three CoVs. Rule-based prioritization yielded 29 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs via accounting for the effects of drugs on CoVs, comorbidities, and drug-target confidence information. Seven drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials as COVID-19 treatment. This catalog of druggable host genes associated with CoVs and the prioritized repurposed drugs will provide a new sight in therapeutics discovery for severe COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Menghan Luo
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Cui
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangfang Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author
| | - Mulin Jun Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author
| | - Hongxi Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
McGrail J, Martín-Banderas L, Durán-Lobato M. Cannabinoids as Emergent Therapy Against COVID-19. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:582-590. [PMID: 35512732 PMCID: PMC9587773 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0018] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), was identified for the first time in late 2019 in China, resulting in a global pandemic of massive impact. Despite a fast development and implementation of vaccination strategies, and the scouting of several pharmacological treatments, alternative effective treatments are still needed. In this regard, cannabinoids represent a promising approach because they have been proven to exhibit several immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties in COVID-19 disease models and related pathological conditions. This mini-review aims at providing a practical brief overview of the potential applications of cannabinoids so far identified for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, finally considering key aspects related to their technological and clinical implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph McGrail
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lucía Martín-Banderas
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Matilde Durán-Lobato
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jafry AH, LaGrow A, Akhtar KH, Hacker E, Russell S, Kliewer B, Asad ZUA. Synthetic cannabinoids and ST elevation myocardial infarction. Am J Med Sci 2022; 364:481-491. [PMID: 35545143 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2022.05.001] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids cannot be detected on a standard urine drug screen (UDS), making them a convenient drug of abuse. We report the first case of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a young patient due to coronary artery thrombosis secondary to synthetic cannabinoid use and concurrent COVID-19 infection. A 38-year-old previously healthy male developed severe chest pain and was found to have anterior STEMI and COVID-19 infection. Coronary angiography showed acute thrombotic occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery that was managed with thrombectomy and stent placement. He only required supportive care for COVID-19. A comprehensive literature search revealed 34 additional cases of STEMI with synthetic cannabinoid use; majority were males (97%) with mean age of 29 years. 29 patients (85.3%) underwent coronary angiography and majority had left anterior descending artery (LAD) involvement (55%), with 13 (44.8%) undergoing stent placement. We highlight STEMI as a potentially lethal complication of synthetic cannabinoids; prompt angiography may be lifesaving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Haider Jafry
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.
| | - Austin LaGrow
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Khawaja Hassan Akhtar
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Ethan Hacker
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Sage Russell
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Brian Kliewer
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Zain Ul Abideen Asad
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu C, Puopolo T, Li H, Cai A, Seeram NP, Ma H. Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from a Library of Minor Cannabinoids by Biochemical Inhibition Assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance Characterized Binding Affinity. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27186127. [PMID: 36144858 PMCID: PMC9502466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186127] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The replication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mediated by its main protease (Mpro), which is a plausible therapeutic target for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although numerous in silico studies reported the potential inhibitory effects of natural products including cannabis and cannabinoids on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, their anti-Mpro activities are not well validated by biological experimental data. Herein, a library of minor cannabinoids belonging to several chemotypes including tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabidiols, cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabinodiols, cannabicyclols, cannabinols, and cannabitriols was evaluated for their anti-Mpro activity using a biochemical assay. Additionally, the binding affinities and molecular interactions between the active cannabinoids and the Mpro protein were studied by a biophysical technique (surface plasmon resonance; SPR) and molecular docking, respectively. Cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabutol and cannabigerolic acid were the most active Mpro inhibitors (IC50 = 3.62 and 14.40 μM, respectively) and cannabigerolic acid had a binding affinity KD=2.16×10-4 M). A preliminary structure and activity relationship study revealed that the anti-Mpro effects of cannabinoids were influenced by the decarboxylation of cannabinoids and the length of cannabinoids' alkyl side chain. Findings from the biochemical, biophysical, and computational assays support the growing evidence of cannabinoids' inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Cannabis Research Collaborative, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Tess Puopolo
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Huifang Li
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Ang Cai
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Navindra P. Seeram
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Cannabis Research Collaborative, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Correspondence: (N.P.S.); (H.M.); Tel.: +1-(401)-874-9367 (N.P.S.); +1-(401)-874-2711 (H.M.)
| | - Hang Ma
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Cannabis Research Collaborative, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Correspondence: (N.P.S.); (H.M.); Tel.: +1-(401)-874-9367 (N.P.S.); +1-(401)-874-2711 (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ramatapa T, Msobo A, Maphari PW, Ncube EN, Nogemane N, Mhlongo MI. Identification of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds Using Affinity Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Networking. Metabolites 2022; 12:863. [PMID: 36144267 PMCID: PMC9504387 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Affinity selection-mass spectrometry (AS-MS) is a label-free binding assay system that uses UHPLC-MS size-based separation methods to separate target-compound complexes from unbound compounds, identify bound compounds, classify compound binding sites, quantify the dissociation rate constant of compounds, and characterize affinity-extracted ligands. This label-free binding assay, in contrast to conventional biochemical (i.e., high-throughput screening (HTS)) approaches, is applicable to any drug target, and is also concise, accurate, and adaptable. Although AS-MS is an innovative approach for identifying lead compounds, the possibilities of finding bioactive compounds are limited by competitive binding, which occurs during the equilibration of extracts with the target protein(s). Here, we discuss the potential for metabolite profiling complemented with molecular networking to be used alongside AS-MS to improve the identification of bioactive compounds in plant extracts. AS-MS has gained significant prominence in HTS labs and shows potential to emerge as the driving force behind novel drug development in the future.
Collapse
|
46
|
Yamacli S, Avci M. Computation of the Binding Energies between Human ACE2 and Spike RBDs of the Original Strain, Delta and Omicron Variants of the SARS-CoV-2: A DFT Simulation Approach. Adv Theory Simul 2022; 5:2200337. [PMID: 36248211 PMCID: PMC9538088 DOI: 10.1002/adts.202200337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 binds to human ACE2 leading to infection. In this study, the complexes that are formed by the attachment of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs of the original strain, delta and omicron variants to the human ACE2 are investigated via density functional theory (DFT) simulations to obtain binding energies. The DFT computations are performed without fragmenting the interfaces to involve longer-range interactions for improved accuracy, which is one of the primary features of the approach used in this study. Basis set superposition error corrections and van der Waals dispersions are also included in the DFT simulations. The binding energies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs of the original strain, delta and omicron variants to the human ACE2 are computed as -4.76, -6.68, and -11.77 eV, respectively. These binding energy values indicate that the binding of the omicron variant to the ACE2 is much more favorable than the binding of the original strain and the delta variant, which constitute a molecular reason for the takeover of the omicron variant. The binding energies and the decomposition of these energies found in this study are expected to aid in the development of neutralizing agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serhan Yamacli
- Department of Electrical‐Electronics EngineeringNuh Naci Yazgan UniversityKayseri38090Turkey
| | - Mutlu Avci
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCukurova UniversityAdana01330Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yao X, Wuzhang K, Peng B, Chen T, Zhang Y, Liu H, Li L, Fu X, Tang K. Engineering the expression of plant secondary metabolites-genistein and scutellarin through an efficient transient production platform in Nicotiana benthamiana L. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:994792. [PMID: 36147222 PMCID: PMC9485999 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.994792] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) are active substances indispensable to human health with a wide range of medical and commercial applications. However, excessive population growth, overexploitation of natural resources, and expensive total chemical synthesis have led to recurrent supply shortages. Despite the fact that the microbial production platform solved these challenges, the platform still has drawbacks such as environmental pollution, high costs, and non-green production. In this study, an efficient platform for the production of PNPs based on the transient expression system of Nicotiana benthamiana L. combined with synthetic biology strategies was developed. Subsequently, the feasibility of the platform was verified by a simple "test unit." This platform was used to synthesize two high-value PNPs: genistein (5.51 nmol g-1 FW) and scutellarin (11.35 nmol g-1 FW). Importantly, this is the first report on the synthesis of scutellarin in heterologous plants. The platform presented here will possibly be adopted for the heterologous production of genistein and scutellarin in tobacco plants as a novel and sustainable production strategy.
Collapse
|
48
|
Chuang ST, Buchwald P. Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Protein-Protein Interaction from a Chemical Space of Privileged Protein Binders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15. [PMID: 36145305 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutically useful small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of protein−protein interactions (PPIs) initiating the cell attachment and entry of viruses could provide novel alternative antivirals that act via mechanisms similar to that of neutralizing antibodies but retain the advantages of small-molecule drugs such as oral bioavailability and low likelihood of immunogenicity. From screening our library, which is focused around the chemical space of organic dyes to provide good protein binders, we have identified several promising SMIs of the SARS-CoV-2 spike—ACE2 interaction, which is needed for the attachment and cell entry of this coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. They included organic dyes, such as Congo red, direct violet 1, and Evans blue, which seem to be promiscuous PPI inhibitors, as well as novel drug-like compounds (e.g., DRI-C23041). Here, we show that in addition to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, these SMIs also inhibit this PPI for variants of concern including delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) as well as HCoV-NL63 with low- or even sub-micromolar activity. They also concentration-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2-S expressing pseudovirus entry into hACE2-expressing cells with low micromolar activity (IC50 < 10 μM) both for the original strain and the delta variant. DRI-C23041 showed good therapeutic (selectivity) index, i.e., separation between activity and cytotoxicity (TI > 100). Specificities and activities require further optimization; nevertheless, these results provide a promising starting point toward novel broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals that act via blocking the interaction between the spike proteins of coronaviruses and their ACE2 receptor initiating cellular entry.
Collapse
|
49
|
Chatzimitakos T, Chousidis I, Leonardos D, Stalikas C, Leonardos I. In the Swim of Cannabis: Developmental Toxicity and Metabolomic Pathway Alterations of Zebrafish Larvae Exposed to THC for the Assessment of Its Potential Environmental and Human Health Impact. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175506. [PMID: 36080275 PMCID: PMC9458094 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of Cannabis sativa L. pace with the upsurge of interest of the scientific community in harnessing its constituent phytocannabinoids, illicit use may raise serious health issues. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most well-known phytoactive constituents of cannabis and continues to garner scientific and public attention not only because of its pharmacological value but also because over-the-counter products of THC and prescription medications are becoming increasingly available from pharmacies, dispensaries, Internet, local retail stores, or by illicit means. Hence, a multidimensional approach was employed to examine the impact of THC on zebrafish larvae. The acute toxicity, expressed as LC50, was 1.54 mg/L. Adverse effects were observed on the phenotype, such as tail bending, pericardial edema, etc., even at concentrations lower than LC50, and fundamental functions of larvae (e.g., heart rate and cardiac contractility, and rhythm) were significantly affected. Behavioral changes were noticed, which were reflected in locomotor activity and sensitivity to light/dark changes. Finally, an untargeted metabolomic study was carried out to shed light on the metabolic alterations that occurred, providing substantiating evidence of the observed phenotype alterations. Overall, the potentially detrimental effects of THC on a vertebrate model are depicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Chatzimitakos
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ieremias Chousidis
- Laboratory of Zoology, Biological Applications and Technology Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Constantine Stalikas
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioannis Leonardos
- Laboratory of Zoology, Biological Applications and Technology Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than six million deaths worldwide during the last 2 years. Effective therapeutic agents are greatly needed, yet promising magic bullets still do not exist. Numerous natural products (cordycepin, gallinamide A, plitidepsin, telocinobufagin, and tylophorine) have been widely studied and play a potential function in treating COVID-19. In this paper, we reviewed published studies (from May 2021 to April 2022) relating closely to bioactive natural products (isolated from medicinal plants, animals products, and marine organisms) in COVID-19 therapy in vitro to provide some essential guidance for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug research and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Ning Wang
- General Surgery Department, Ningbo Fourth Hospital, Xiangshan, China
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
- *Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Ningbo Fourth Hospital, Xiangshan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| |
Collapse
|