1
|
Gabarin A, Yarmolinsky L, Budovsky A, Khalfin B, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabis as a Source of Approved Drugs: A New Look at an Old Problem. Molecules 2023; 28:7686. [PMID: 38067416 PMCID: PMC10707504 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237686] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis plants have been used in medicine since ancient times. They are well known for their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities. A growing body of evidence indicates that targeting the endocannabinoid system and various other receptors with cannabinoid compounds holds great promise for addressing multiple medical conditions. There are two distinct avenues in the development of cannabinoid-based drugs. The first involves creating treatments directly based on the components of the cannabis plant. The second involves a singular molecule strategy, in which specific phytocannabinoids or newly discovered cannabinoids with therapeutic promise are pinpointed and synthesized for future pharmaceutical development and validation. Although the therapeutic potential of cannabis is enormous, few cannabis-related approved drugs exist, and this avenue warrants further investigation. With this in mind, we review here the medicinal properties of cannabis, its phytochemicals, approved drugs of natural and synthetic origin, pitfalls on the way to the widespread clinical use of cannabis, and additional applications of cannabis-related products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Gabarin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Ludmila Yarmolinsky
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Arie Budovsky
- Research and Development Authority, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel;
| | - Boris Khalfin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sepúlveda C, Rodríguez JM, Monsalves-Álvarez M, Donoso-Barraza C, Pino-de la Fuente F, Matías I, Leste-Lasserre T, Zizzari P, Morselli E, Cota D, Llanos M, Troncoso R. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in mice. Biol Res 2023; 56:14. [PMID: 36964619 PMCID: PMC10039507 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00426-5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates energy metabolism, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and exerts its actions mainly through the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Likewise, autophagy is involved in several cellular processes. It is required for the normal development of muscle mass and metabolism, and its deregulation is associated with diseases. It is known that the CB1 regulates signaling pathways that control autophagy, however, it is currently unknown whether the ECS could regulate autophagy in the skeletal muscle of obese mice. This study aimed to investigate the role of the CB1 in regulating autophagy in skeletal muscle. We found concomitant deregulation in the ECS and autophagy markers in high-fat diet-induced obesity. In obese CB1-KO mice, the autophagy-associated protein LC3 II does not accumulate when mTOR and AMPK phosphorylation levels do not change. Acute inhibition of the CB1 with JD-5037 decreased LC3 II protein accumulation and autophagic flux. Our results suggest that the CB1 regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in both lean and obese mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sepúlveda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Laboratorio de Ciencias del Ejercicio, Clínica MEDS, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan Manuel Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Camila Donoso-Barraza
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Pino-de la Fuente
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Isabelle Matías
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Philippe Zizzari
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Miguel Llanos
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Hormonas y Regulación Metabólicas, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Troncoso
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Nutrición y Actividad Física (LABINAF), Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, 8380492, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zou G, Xia J, Luo H, Xiao D, Jin J, Miao C, Zuo X, Gao Q, Zhang Z, Xue T, You Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Xiong W. Combined alcohol and cannabinoid exposure leads to synergistic toxicity by affecting cerebellar Purkinje cells. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1138-1149. [PMID: 36109623 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Combined use of cannabis and alcohol results in greater psychoactive toxicity than either substance alone, but the underlying central mechanisms behind this worsened outcome remain unclear. Here we show that the synergistic effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ethanol on motor incoordination in mice is achieved by activating presynaptic type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) and potentiating extrasynaptic glycine receptors (GlyR) within cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). The combination of ethanol and THC significantly reduces miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in a CB1R-dependent manner, while increasing the extrasynaptic GlyR-mediated chronic chloride current, both leading to decreased PC activity. Ethanol enhances THC actions by boosting the blood-brain-barrier permeability of THC and enriching THC in the cell membrane. Di-desoxy-THC, a designed compound that specifically disrupts THC-GlyR interaction without affecting the basic functions of CB1R and GlyR, is able to restore PC function and motor coordination in mice. Our findings provide potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming the synergistic toxicity caused by combining cannabis and alcohol use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guichang Zou
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Heyi Luo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Xiao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chenjian Miao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yezi You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Cannabis legalization continues to progress in many US states and other countries. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the major psychoactive constituent in cannabis underlying both its abuse potential and the majority of therapeutic applications. However, the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action are not fully understood. In this chapter, we first review recent progress in cannabinoid receptor research, and then examine the acute CNS effects of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids (WIN55212-2) with a focus on their receptor mechanisms. In experimental animals, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 produces classical pharmacological effects (analgesia, catalepsy, hypothermia, hypolocomotion), biphasic changes in affect (reward vs. aversion, anxiety vs. anxiety relief), and cognitive deficits (spatial learning and memory, short-term memory). Accumulating evidence indicates that activation of CB1Rs underlies the majority of Δ9-THC or WIN55121-2's pharmacological and behavioral effects. Unexpectedly, glutamatergic CB1Rs preferentially underlie cannabis action relative to GABAergic CB1Rs. Functional roles for CB1Rs expressed on astrocytes and mitochondria have also been uncovered. In addition, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 is an agonist at CB2R, GPR55 and PPARγ receptors and recent studies implicate these receptors in a number of their CNS effects. Other receptors (such as serotonin, opioid, and adenosine receptors) also modulate Δ9-THC's actions and their contributions are detailed. This chapter describes the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action, which may lead to new discoveries in cannabis-based medication development for the treatment of cannabis use disorder and other human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Briana Hempel
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Breijyeh Z, Jubeh B, Bufo SA, Karaman R, Scrano L. Cannabis: A Toxin-Producing Plant with Potential Therapeutic Uses. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:117. [PMID: 33562446 PMCID: PMC7915118 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been utilized as a medicine and for recreational and spiritual purposes. Phytocannabinoids are a family of compounds that are found in the cannabis plant, which is known for its psychotogenic and euphoric effects; the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are a result of interactions between those compounds and cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, located in many parts of the human body. Cannabis is used as a therapeutic agent for treating pain and emesis. Some cannabinoids are clinically applied for treating chronic pain, particularly cancer and multiple sclerosis-associated pain, for appetite stimulation and anti-emesis in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and for spasticity treatment in multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients. Medical cannabis varies from recreational cannabis in the chemical content of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), modes of administration, and safety. Despite the therapeutic effects of cannabis, exposure to high concentrations of THC, the main compound that is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects experienced by users, could lead to psychological events and adverse effects that affect almost all body systems, such as neurological (dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and others), ophthalmological (mydriasis and conjunctival hyperemia), cardiovascular (tachycardia and arterial hypertension), and gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, and thirst), mainly associated with recreational use. Cannabis toxicity in children is more concerning and can cause serious adverse effects such as acute neurological symptoms (stupor), lethargy, seizures, and even coma. More countries are legalizing the commercial production and sale of cannabis for medicinal use, and some for recreational use as well. Liberalization of cannabis laws has led to increased incidence of toxicity, hyperemesis syndrome, lung disease cardiovascular disease, reduced fertility, tolerance, and dependence with chronic prolonged use. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, as well as the acute and chronic toxic effects of cannabis use on various body systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Breijyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Buthaina Jubeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Sabino A. Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European Cultures (DICEM), University of Basilicata, 75100 Matera, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blázquez C, Ruiz-Calvo A, Bajo-Grañeras R, Baufreton JM, Resel E, Varilh M, Pagano Zottola AC, Mariani Y, Cannich A, Rodríguez-Navarro JA, Marsicano G, Galve-Roperh I, Bellocchio L, Guzmán M. Cannabinoid-induced motor dysfunction via autophagy inhibition. Autophagy 2020; 16:2289-2291. [PMID: 32981464 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1827560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The recreational and medical use of cannabis is largely increasing worldwide. Cannabis use, however, can cause adverse side effects, so conducting innovative studies aimed to understand and potentially reduce cannabis-evoked harms is important. Previous research conducted on cultured neural cells had supported that CNR1/CB1R (cannabinoid receptor 1), the main molecular target of cannabis, affects macroautophagy/autophagy. However, it was not known whether CNR1 controls autophagy in the brain in vivo, and, eventually, what the functional consequences of a potential CNR1-autophagy connection could be. We have now found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major intoxicating constituent of cannabis, impairs autophagy in the mouse striatum. Administration of autophagy activators (specifically, the rapalog temsirolimus and the disaccharide trehalose) rescues THC-induced autophagy inhibition and motor dyscoordination. The combination of various genetic strategies in vivo supports the idea that CNR1 molecules located on neurons belonging to the direct (striatonigral) pathway are required for the autophagy- and motor-impairing activity of THC. By identifying autophagy as a mechanistic link between THC and motor performance, our findings may open a new conceptual view on how cannabis acts in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Blázquez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Ruiz-Calvo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Bajo-Grañeras
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Jerome M Baufreton
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) , Bordeaux, France.,Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Eva Resel
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Marjorie Varilh
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) , Bordeaux, France.,Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) , Bordeaux, France.,Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Yamuna Mariani
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) , Bordeaux, France.,Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Astrid Cannich
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) , Bordeaux, France.,Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - José A Rodríguez-Navarro
- Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) , Bordeaux, France.,Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) , Bordeaux, France.,Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux, France
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) , Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University , Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences and Sense Organs Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) , Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|