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Ren Z, Liu Y, Cai A, Yu Y, Wang X, Lan L, Guo X, Yan H, Gao X, Li H, Tian Y, Ji H, Chen H, Ding F, Ma W, Wang N, Cai B, Yang B. Cannabidiol represses miR-143 to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration after myocardial infarction. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176245. [PMID: 38052413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176245] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian heart is capable to regenerate almost completely early after birth through endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation. However, this regenerative capacity diminishes gradually with growth and is nearly lost in adulthood. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major component of cannabis and has various biological activities to regulate oxidative stress, fibrosis, inflammation, and cell death. The present study was conducted to investigate the pharmacological effects of CBD on heart regeneration in post-MI mice. MI models in adult mice were constructed via coronary artery ligation, which were administrated with or without CBD. Our results demonstrate that systemic administration (10 mg/kg) of CBD markedly increased cardiac regenerative ability, reduced infarct size, and restored cardiac function in MI mice. Consistently, in vitro study also showed that CBD was able to promote the proliferation of neonatal cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, the expression of miR-143-3p related to cardiomyocyte proliferation was significantly down-regulated in CBD-treated cardiomyocytes, while the overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited cardiomyocyte mitosis and eliminated CBD-induced cardiomyocyte proliferation. Moreover, CBD enhanced the expression of Yap and Ctnnd1, which were demonstrated as the target genes of miR-143-3p. Silencing of Yap and Ctnnd1 hindered the proliferative effects of CBD. We further revealed that inhibition of the cannabinoid receptor 2 impeded the regulatory effect of CBD on miR-143-3p and its downstream target Yap/Ctnnd1, which ultimately eliminated the pro-proliferative effect of CBD on neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes. Taken together, CBD promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration after MI via miR-143-3p/Yap/Ctnnd1 signaling pathway, which provides a new strategy for cardiac repair in adult myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yining Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ao Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xinlu Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hanjing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Haoyu Ji
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hongyang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fengzhi Ding
- Department of Physiology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Wenya Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Benzhi Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Kumawat VS, Kaur G. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB 2) agonists and L-arginine ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in rats by suppressing inflammation and fibrosis through NF-κβ pathway. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024; 397:381-393. [PMID: 37450015 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02597-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a condition that leads to end-stage chronic kidney disease characterized by inflammation and a deficiency of nitric oxide (NO). Cannabinoid receptor (CB2) activation by specific agonist reduces nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) expression. Beta caryophyllene (BCP), a natural CB2 receptor activator, protects kidney function in several diseases. L-Arginine (LA) modulates several physiological processes by donating nitric oxide (NO). Hence, we tested a novel BCP-LA combination to treat DN and investigated its molecular mechanisms. BCP, LA, and combinations of both were evaluated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation as well as in streptozotocin (55 mg/kg)-induced diabetes in SD rats. Diabetic rats were administered 200 mg/kg of BCP, 100 mg/kg of LA, and combination of both orally for 28 days. Biochemical markers and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in plasma; also, kidney tissue was examined for renal oxidative stress injury, NF-κβ expression, and histology. After 28 days of treatment, BCP and LA combination significantly lowered plasma glucose levels than the disease control group. BCP and LA also normalized renal markers and oxidative stress of diabetic rats. Plasma and RAW macrophage cell lines showed reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.001). Histopathological evaluations revealed that BCP and LA together decreased renal fibrosis and collagen deposition also improved nephrotic indices. Meanwhile, the effect of BCP and LA together significantly reduced the NF-κβ (P < 0.01) against diabetic rats. These results indicate that the innovative regimen BCP with LA may be a therapeutic treatment for DN, as it protects kidney tissue from diabetes via NF-κβ inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek S Kumawat
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Ginpreet Kaur
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, India.
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Zhang J, Zhu Y, Chen S, Xu Z, Zhang B, Liu A, He Q, Zhan J. Activation of cannabinoid receptors 2 alleviates myocardial damage in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis by inhibiting pyroptosis. Immunol Lett 2023; 264:17-24. [PMID: 37918639 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.10.007] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2 receptors) play an important role in the pathophysiological process of sepsis, which may also be associated with the regulation of pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of CB2 receptors on myocardial damage in a model of septic mice by inhibiting pyroptosis. METHODS The C57BL/6 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. All mice were randomly divided into the sham, CLP, or CLP+HU308 group. Blood and heart tissue samples were collected 12 h after surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for analyzing histopathological results. Creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and IL-1β were measured using ELISA, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was determined using photoelectric colorimetry. The expression levels of CB2 receptors and pyroptosis-associated proteins (NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD) were measured using western blotting. The location and distribution of CB2 receptors and caspase-1 in myocardial tissues were assessed by immunofluorescence. TUNEL staining was used to quantify the number of dead cells in myocardial tissues. RESULTS The CLP procedure increased CB2 receptor expression in mice. CB2 receptors were located in myocardial macrophages. Activating CB2 receptors decreased the levels of myocardial damage mediator LDH, CK-MB, and inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. The results also showed that CLP increased the pyroptosis in myocardial tissues, while CB2 agonist HU308 inhibited pyroptosis by decreasing the level of NLRP3 and activating caspase-1 and GSDMD. CONCLUSIONS CB2 receptor activation has a protective effect on the myocardium of mice with sepsis by inhibiting pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Yali Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Shuxian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Zujin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Anpeng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
| | - Qianwen He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China.
| | - Jia Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China.
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Berg BB, Linhares AFS, Martins DM, Rachid MA, Cau SBDA, Souza GGD, Carvalho JCSD, Sorgi CA, Romero TRL, Pinho V, Teixeira MM, Castor MGME. Anandamide reduces the migration of lymphocytes to the intestine by CB2 activation and reduces TNF-α in the target organs, protecting mice from graft-versus-host disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175932. [PMID: 37536622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175932] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious inflammatory illness that often occurs as a secondary complication of bone marrow transplantation. Current therapies have limited effectiveness and fail to achieve a balance between inflammation and the graft-versus-tumor effect. In this study, we investigate the effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide on the complex pathology of GVHD. We assess the effects of an irreversible inhibitor of fatty acid amine hydrolase or exogenous anandamide and find that they increase survival and reduce clinical signs in GVHD mice. In the intestine of GVHD mice, treatment with exogenous anandamide also leads to a reduction in the number of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ cells, which reduces the activation of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells, as assessed by enhanced CD28 expression, a T cell co-stimulatory molecule. Exogenous AEA was also able to reduce TNF-α and increase IL-10 in the intestine of GVHD mice. In the liver, exogenous AEA reduces injury, TNF-α levels, and the number of CD3+CD8+ cells. Interestingly, anandamide reduces Mac-1α, which lowers the adhesion of transplanted cells in mesenteric veins. These effects are mimicked by JWH133-a CB2 selective agonist-and abolished by treatment with a CB2 antagonist. Furthermore, the effects caused by anandamide treatment on survival were related to the CB2 receptor, as the CB2 antagonist abolished it. This study shows the critical role of the CB2 receptor in the modulation of the inflammatory response of GVHD by treatment with anandamide, the most prominent endocannabinoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Betônico Berg
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Santos Linhares
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Arterio Sorgi
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Philosophy Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Pinho
- Morphology Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Zhao FZ, Gu WJ, Li LZ, Qu ZK, Xu MY, Liu K, Zhang F, Liu H, Xu J, Yin HY. Cannabinoid receptor 2 alleviates sepsis-associated acute lung injury by modulating maturation of dendritic cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110771. [PMID: 37582314 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110771] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in a variety of inflammatory lung diseases, but their role in sepsis-associated acute lung injury (SA-ALI) is currently not been illuminated. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) has been reported to regulate the DCs maturation. However, whether the CNR2 in DCs contributes to therapeutic therapy for SA-ALI remain unclear. In current study, the role of CNR2 on DCs maturation and inflammatory during SA-ALI is to explored. METHODS First, the CNR2 level was analyzed in isolated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) from patient with SA-ALI by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. Subsequently, HU308, a specific agonist of CNR2, and SR144528, a specific antagonist of CNR2, were introduced to explore the function of CNR2 on DCs maturation and inflammatory during SA-ALI. Finally, CNR2 conditional knockout mice were generated to further confirm the function of DCs maturation and Inflammation during SA-ALI. RESULTS First, we found that the expression of CNR2 on DCs was decreased in patient with SA-ALI. Besides, the result showed HU308 could decrease the maturation of DCs and the level of inflammatory cytokines, simultaneously reduce pulmonary pathological injury after LPS-induced sepsis in mice. In contrast of HU308, SR144528 exhibits opposite function of DCs maturate, inflammatory cytokines and lung pathological injury. Furthermore, comparing with SR144528 treatment, similar results were obtained in DCs specific CNR2 knockout mice after LPS treatment. CONCLUSION CNR2 could alleviate SA-ALI by modulating maturation of DCs and inflammatory factors levels. Targeting CNR2 signaling specifically in DCs has therapeutic potential for the treatment of SA-ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Zhi Zhao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan-Jie Gu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Long-Zhu Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhong-Kai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Xu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hai-Yan Yin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Ng SK, Chung DJ, Chang LC, Luo CK, Jwo SH, Lee YH, Lin JS, Wang CH, Wei TT. The protective effect of cannabinoids against colorectal cancer cachexia through modulation of inflammation and immune responses. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114467. [PMID: 36871538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial disorder characterized by weight loss and muscle wasting, and there are currently no FDA-approved medications. In the present study, upregulation of six cytokines was observed in serum samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and in mouse models. A negative correlation between the levels of the six cytokines and body mass index in CRC patients was seen. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these cytokines were involved in regulating T cell proliferation. The infiltration of CD8+ T cells was found to be associated with muscle atrophy in mice with CRC. Adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells isolated from CRC mice resulted in muscle wasting in recipients. The Genotype-Tissue Expression database showed that negative correlations between the expression of cachexia markers and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in human skeletal muscle tissues. Pharmacological treatment with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a selective CB2 agonist or overexpression of CB2 attenuated CRC-associated muscle atrophy. In contrast, knockout of CB2 with a CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy or depletion of CD8+ T cells in CRC mice abolished the Δ9-THC-mediated effects. This study demonstrates that cannabinoids ameliorate CD8+ T cell infiltration in CRC-associated skeletal muscle atrophy via a CB2-mediated pathway. Serum levels of the six-cytokine signature might serve as a potential biomarker to detect the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in CRC-associated cachexia.
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Feng L, Lo H, You H, Wu W, Cheng X, Xin J, Ye Z, Chen X, Pan X. Loss of cannabinoid receptor 2 promotes α-Synuclein-induced microglial synaptic pruning in nucleus accumbens by modulating the pCREB-c-Fos signaling pathway and complement system. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114230. [PMID: 36162511 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114230] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The disruption of nucleus accumbens (NAc) function impacts mood and learning behavior in α-Synucleinopathy, in which microglial synaptic pruning plays a pivotal role in modulating the neuropathologic progression. Available literature documents that in microglia, the activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) decreases inflammation, but it remains obscured regarding the roles of CB2R in microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in the NAc during the neuropathological progression of α-Synucleinopathy. We adopted the fibrillar α-Synuclein (α-Syn) treatment to characterize the effect of genetic CB2R deletion on microglial function and the signaling pathway. CB2R knockout (CB2-/-) mice and wild-type (CB2+/+) mice were divided into the α-Syn or saline treatment groups. Biochemical and microscopy approaches, including immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and western blotting, were employed to assess the changes in homeostasis of synaptic pruning in NAc under the α-Syn-induced microglia. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of CB2R on α-Syn induced microglial activity was assessed in vitro. After the injection of α-Syn into the NAc, distinct microglial morphological changes and M1 phenotype transformation were observed between CB2-/- and CB2+/+ mice. Meanwhile, after the α-Syn treatment, CB2-/- mice showed an increased upregulation of CD68 protein and IL-1β mRNA but decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TGF-β mRNA compared with CB2+/+ mice. Additionally, CB2-/- microglia after the treatment showed a highly enriched complement 3a receptor (C3aR) producing excessive pruning of cholinergic synapses but less engulfment of dopaminergic synapses. Mechanistically, the loss of CB2R function in the α-Syn stimulation triggered c-Fos activation in microglia, but not in neurons. Further inhibition of microglial CB2R functions under α-Syn stimulation activated the phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (pCREB)-c-Fos, which was closely related to the C3aR upregulation. Our results reveal a critical and mechanistic role of CB2R in altering the microglial function and its value in the homeostasis of synaptic circuits in the NAc under the α-Syn pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hsuan Lo
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanlin You
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Jiawei Xin
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zucheng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiaodong Pan
- Department of Neurology, Center for Cognitive Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China.
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Navarro-Saiz LM, Bernal-Cepeda LJ, García-Jiménez F, Abril D, Castellanos JE. Reference gene validation for the relative quantification of cannabinoid receptor expression in human odontoblasts via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2022; 12:765-770. [PMID: 36133217 PMCID: PMC9483783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.09.006] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to identify and validate the reference genes in cultured human odontoblasts to quantify their cannabinoid receptor transcripts. Methods The most stably transcribed genes in cultured human odontoblast cells were identified using the RefGenes tool and were selected for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Human odontoblast cells were differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells using a transforming growth factor-β-supplemented differentiation medium, and total RNA was purified. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and relative quantification analyses were performed using the Schefe's method. The relative expression dataset was analyzed to select the most stable genes. Results The analysis showed that the transcripts of cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 2 subunit, LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 beta, and family with sequence similarity 223 member B presented the lowest standard deviation (SD) in expression (SD: 0.2, 0.17, and 0.16, respectively). These genes showed similar expression levels as the target genes (cannabinoid receptors). Significant differences were found in the relative expression levels of cannabinoid receptors using the selected genes compared to those calculated using beta actin transcripts as references (p < 0.05). Conclusions The strategy reported here for searching and verifying new reference genes will aid in the accurate and reliable expression of cannabinoid receptors in human odontoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Navarro-Saiz
- Grupo de Investigación Básica y Aplicada en Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Lilia J. Bernal-Cepeda
- Grupo de Investigación Básica y Aplicada en Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Felipe García-Jiménez
- Grupo de Investigación Básica y Aplicada en Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Deisy Abril
- Bacterial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, 110121, Colombia
| | - Jaime E. Castellanos
- Grupo de Investigación Básica y Aplicada en Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
- Corresponding author. Grupo de Investigación Básica y Aplicada en Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 30 No. 45 - 03 Edificio 210, Oficina 301, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia.
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9
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Du W, Zhang T, Yang F, Gul A, Tang Z, Zhang H, Jiang S, Wang S, Dong J. Endocannabinoid signalling/ cannabinoid receptor 2 is involved in icariin-mediated protective effects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Phytomedicine 2022; 103:154187. [PMID: 35667261 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic disease of unknown aetiology with limited effective treatment options. It is important to explore novel therapeutic targets and develop potential drugs for IPF. PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to analyse nontargeted plasma metabolites in patients with IPF and investigate whether cannabinoid receptor (CB2) activation mediates the antifibrotic effect of icariin (ICA). METHODS We used an untargeted metabolomics method to detect the global metabolic profiles in the plasma of stable IPF patients and patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as healthy subjects. The untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed that IPF showed differential metabolites and perturbed signalling pathways. ICA is pharmacologically bioactive and possesses extensive therapeutic capacities such as osteoprotective, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and reproductive function. Therefore, ICA was administered to a pulmonary fibrosis rat model for 4 weeks and then the effect of ICA on pulmonary fibrosis was examined by dissection and histology. RESULTS The metabolites in the plasma were determined by untargeted LC-MS. An unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) was used to observe the distribution of each sample, and a supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) results showed that there was significant separation between any two groups. ROC curve analyses revealed that 8 metabolites with high AUCs above 0.7 between the three groups of plasma samples. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that 3 metabolites are involved in retrograde endocannabinoid signalling. Meanwhile, Retrograde endocannabinoid signalling was identified significantly different in IPF group from other groups by Kyoto encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and then we further confirmed the endocannabinoid signalling by detecting the expression of the main receptors in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, COPD rat model and normal rats. Consistent with previous studies, we found that the elevation of CB1 and CB2 in the lung tissues could be a signature of the pulmonary fibrosis rat model. Importantly, ICA may alleviate bleomycin-induced lung injury by decreasing CB1 and CB2 expression in the bleomycin-induced rat model. CONCLUSION Taken together, we measured the global metabolic profile of IPF patients and identified CB2 as a novel potential target. ICA treatment demonstrated outstanding therapeutic effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and targeting on CB2 may be the main underlying mechanism. ICA is a promising drug candidate to cure pulmonary fibrosis and mediate antagonists of the CB2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyong Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aman Gul
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Tang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqiang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Zhang B, Zheng F, Liu A, Li Z, Zheng F, Liu Q, Yang L, Chen K, Wang Y, Zhang Z, He Q, Zhan J. Activation of CB2 receptor inhibits pyroptosis and subsequently ameliorates cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108038. [PMID: 34364304 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), whose activities are upregulated during sepsis, may be related to the regulation of inflammatory programmed cell death called pyroptosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of CB2 activation in attenuation of inflammation through inhibiting pyroptosis in cecal ligation puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis andlipopolysaccharide (LPS) + ATP-stimulated macrophages. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were subjected to CLP procedure and treated with CB2 agonist HU308 and CB2 antagonist AM630. Lung tissues were collected for analyses of lung W/D ratio, inflammatory factors levels, and pyroptosis-related protein expression. Murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were treated with LPS and ATP to construct a septic model in vitro in the presence of HU308 and AM630 for assessment of cell injury, cytokine levels and pyroptosis-related protein expression accordingly. To verify the relationship between CB2 receptors and pyroptosis in the process of inflammatory response, BMDM were transduced with CB2 receptors knockdown lentiviral vectors in the presence of HU308 and AM630 for assessment of pyroptosis-related protein expression. RESULTS CB2 activation ameliorated the release of inflammatory mediators. The results showed that CLP-induced pyroptosis was elevated, and CB2 agonist HU308 treatment inhibited the pyroptosis activity through a decrease of the protein levels of NLRP3 as well as caspase-1 and GSDMD activation. Similar results were obtained in BMDM after LPS and ATP treatment. Treatment with CB2 knockdown lentiviral particles prevented the HU308-induced decreases in cell pyroptosis, demonstrating that endogenous CB2 receptors are required for the cannabinoid-induced cell protection. CONCLUSIONS CB2 receptors activation plays a protective role in sepsis through inhibition of pyroptosis. The effect of CB2 receptors against pyroptosis depends on the existence of endogenous CB2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Anpeng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiangsheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongze Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianwen He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jia Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeting CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2r) represents a promising approach for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. These receptors were identified in peripheral tissues, but also in neurons in the central nervous system. New findings have highlighted the interest to target these central receptors to obtain therapeutic effects devoid of the classical cannabinoid side-effects. AREAS COVERED In this review, we searched PubMed (January 1991-May 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library databases for articles, reviews and clinical trials. We first introduce the relevance of CB2r as a key component of the endocannabinoid system. We discuss CB2r interest as a possible novel target in the treatment of pain. This receptor has raised interest as a potential target for neurodegenerative disorders treatment, as we then discussed. Finally, we underline studies revealing a novel potential CB2r interest in mental disorders treatment. EXPERT OPINION In spite of the interest of targeting CB2r for pain, clinical trials evaluating CB2r agonist analgesic efficacy have currently failed. The preferential involvement of CB2r in preventing the development of chronic pain could influence the failure of clinical trials designed for the treatment of already established pain syndromes. Specific trials should be designed to target the prevention of chronic pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cabañero
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández. Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Hosami F, Manayi A, Salimi V, Khodakhah F, Nourbakhsh M, Nakstad B, Tavakoli-Yaraki M. The pro-apoptosis effects of Echinacea purpurea and Cannabis sativa extracts in human lung cancer cells through caspase-dependent pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:37. [PMID: 33446187 PMCID: PMC7809807 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the advantages of using medicinal herbs as supplementary treatments to sensitize conventional anti-cancer drugs, studying functional mechanisms and regulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea (as a non-cannabinoid plant) and Cannabis sativa (as a cannabinoid plant) are timely and required. The potential effects of such herbs on lung cancer cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, caspase activity and their cannabinomimetic properties on the CB2 receptor are addressed in the current study. Methods The cytotoxic effect of both herb extracts on the growth of lung cancer cells (A549) was assessed using the MTT assay. The annexin-V-FITC staining and propidium iodide (PI) staining methods were applied for the detection of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry. The cellular level of ROS was measured using 7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a fluorescent probe in flow cytometry. The caspase 3 activity was assessed using a colorimetric assay Kit. Results Echinacea purpurea (EP) root extract induced a considerable decrease in A549 viable cells, showing a time and dose-dependent response. The cell toxicity of EP was accompanied by induction of early apoptosis and cell accumulation at the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle. The elevation of cellular ROS level and caspase 3 activity indicate ROS-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis following the treatment of A549 cells by EP extract. The observed effects of EP extract on A549 growth and death were abrogated following blockage of CB2 using AM630, a specific antagonist of the CB2 receptor. Increasing concentrations of Cannabis sativa (CS) induced A549 cell death in a time-dependent manner, followed by induction of early apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at sub G1 phase, elevation of ROS level, and activation of caspase 3. The CB2 blockage caused attenuation of CS effects on A549 cell death which revealed consistency with the effects of EP extract on A549 cells. Conclusions The pro-apoptotic effects of EP and CS extracts on A549 cells and their possible regulatory role of CB2 activity might be attributed to metabolites of both herbs. These effects deserve receiving more attention as alternative anti-cancer agents. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hosami
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Manayi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Khodakhah
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Nourbakhsh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Britt Nakstad
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Boyer C, Cussonneau L, Brun C, Deval C, Pais de Barros JP, Chanon S, Bernoud-Hubac N, Daira P, Evans AL, Arnemo JM, Swenson JE, Gauquelin-Koch G, Simon C, Blanc S, Combaret L, Bertile F, Lefai E. Specific shifts in the endocannabinoid system in hibernating brown bears. Front Zool 2020; 17:35. [PMID: 33292302 PMCID: PMC7681968 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-020-00380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In small hibernators, global downregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in modulating neuronal signaling, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and circannual rhythms, has been reported to possibly drive physiological adaptation to the hibernating state. In hibernating brown bears (Ursus arctos), we hypothesized that beyond an overall suppression of the ECS, seasonal shift in endocannabinoids compounds could be linked to bear’s peculiar features that include hibernation without arousal episodes and capacity to react to external disturbance. We explored circulating lipids in serum and the ECS in plasma and metabolically active tissues in free-ranging subadult Scandinavian brown bears when both active and hibernating. In winter bear serum, in addition to a 2-fold increase in total fatty acid concentration, we found significant changes in relative proportions of circulating fatty acids, such as a 2-fold increase in docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 n-3 and a decrease in arachidonic acid C20:4 n-6. In adipose and muscle tissues of hibernating bears, we found significant lower concentrations of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a major ligand of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). Lower mRNA level for genes encoding CB1 and CB2 were also found in winter muscle and adipose tissue, respectively. The observed reduction in ECS tone may promote fatty acid mobilization from body fat stores, and favor carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle of hibernating bears. Additionally, high circulating level of the endocannabinoid-like compound N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) in winter could favor lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in peripheral tissues. We also speculated on a role of OEA in the conservation of an anorexigenic signal and in the maintenance of torpor during hibernation, while sustaining the capacity of bears to sense stimuli from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Boyer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laura Cussonneau
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Charlotte Brun
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christiane Deval
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Chanon
- Université de Lyon, INSERM, INRAE, INSA, Functional Lipidomic Plateform, Lyon, France
| | | | - Patricia Daira
- Université de Lyon, INSERM, INRAE, INSA, Functional Lipidomic Plateform, Lyon, France
| | - Alina L Evans
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, NO-2480, Koppang, Norway
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, NO-2480, Koppang, Norway.,Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jon E Swenson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Chantal Simon
- Université de Lyon, INSERM, INRAE, INSA, Functional Lipidomic Plateform, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Blanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lydie Combaret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Bertile
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Etienne Lefai
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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14
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Rizzo MD, Henriquez JE, Blevins LK, Bach A, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE. Targeting Cannabinoid Receptor 2 on Peripheral Leukocytes to Attenuate Inflammatory Mechanisms Implicated in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:780-793. [PMID: 32409991 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
HIV infection affects an estimated 38 million people. Approximately 50% of HIV patients exhibit neurocognitive dysfunction termed HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). HAND is a consequence of chronic low-level neuroinflammation due to HIV entry into the brain. Initially, monocytes become activated in circulation and traffic to the brain. Monocytes, when activated, become susceptible to infection by HIV and can then carry the virus across the blood brain barrier. Once in the brain, activated monocytes secrete chemokines, which recruit virus-specific CD8+ T cells into the brain to further promote neuroinflammation. HAND is closely linked to systemic inflammation driven, in part, by HIV but is also due to persistent translocation of microorganisms across the GI tract. Persistent anti-viral responses in the GI tract compromise microbial barrier integrity. Indeed, HIV patients can exhibit remarkably high levels of activated (CD16+) monocytes in circulation. Recent studies, including our own, show that HIV patients using medical marijuana exhibit lower levels of circulating CD16+ monocytes than non-cannabis using HIV patients. Cannabis is a known immune modulator, including anti-inflammatory properties, mediated, in part, by ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as less characterized minor cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes and presumably other cannabis constituents. The immune modulating activity of THC is largely mediated through cannabinoid receptors (CB) 1 and 2, with CB1 also responsible for the psychotropic properties of cannabis. Here we discuss the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids in the context of HIV and propose CB2 as a putative therapeutic target for the treatment of neuroinflammation. Graphical Abstract HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder is a systemic inflammatory disease leading to activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes and T cells. Monocyte and CD8 T cell migration across the BBB and interaction with astrocytes promotes neurotoxic inflammatory mediators release. CB2 ligands are proposed as therapeutics capable of suppressing systemic and localized inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Rizzo
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Cell & Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Joseph E Henriquez
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lance K Blevins
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anthony Bach
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Robert B Crawford
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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15
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Jiang X, Chen S, Zhang Q, Yi C, He J, Ye X, Liu M, Lu W. Celastrol is a novel selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor 2 with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis. Phytomedicine 2020; 67:153160. [PMID: 31901889 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence indicated that the cannabinoid receptors were involved in the pathogenesis of organ fibrogenesis. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to discover novel cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist and assess the potential of CB2 activation in treating systemic sclerosis. METHODS A gaussia princeps luciferase-based split luciferase complementation assay (SLCA) was developed for detection of the interaction between CB2 and β-arrestin2. A library of 366 natural products was then screened as potential CB2 agonist using SLCA approach. Several GPCR functional assays, including HTRF-based cAMP assay and calcium mobilization were also utilized to evaluated CB2 activation. Bleomycin-induced experimental systemic sclerosis was used to assess the in vivo anti-fibrotic effects. Dermal thickness and collagen content were evaluated via H&E and sirius red staining. RESULTS Celastrol was identified as a new agonist of CB2 by using SLCA. Furthermore, celastrol triggers several CB2-mediated downstream signaling pathways, including calcium mobilization, inhibition of cAMP accumulation, and receptor desensitization in a dose-dependent manner, and it has a moderate selectivity on CB1. In addition, celastrol exhibited the anti-inflammatory properties on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated murine Raw 264.7 macrophages and primary macrophages. Finally, we found that celastrol exerts anti-fibrotic effects in the bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis mouse model accompanied by reduced inflammatory conditions. CONCLUSION Taken together, celastrol is identified a novel selective CB2 agonist using a new developed arrestin-based SLCA, and CB2 activation by celastrol reduces the inflammatory response, and prevents the development of dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis mouse model.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Arrestin/metabolism
- Bleomycin/toxicity
- Calcium/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods
- Fibrosis
- Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pentacyclic Triterpenes
- RAW 264.7 Cells
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Scleroderma, Systemic/chemically induced
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Scleroderma, Systemic/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/pathology
- Triterpenes/chemistry
- Triterpenes/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwu Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Si Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chunyang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jiacheng He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiyun Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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16
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Bai J, Ge G, Wang Y, Zhang W, Wang Q, Wang W, Guo X, Yu B, Xu Y, Yang H, Zhu X, Wang M, Geng D. A selective CB 2 agonist protects against the inflammatory response and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 116:109025. [PMID: 31154267 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, synovitis-dominated systemic disease with unknown etiology. RA is characterized by the involvement of multiple affected joints, symmetry, and invasive arthritis of the limbs, which can lead to joint deformity, cartilage destruction, and loss of function. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) has potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and is predominantly expressed in non-neuronal tissues. In the current study, the role of CB2 in the process of inflammatory bone erosion in RA was examined. The selective agonist or high-affinity ligand of CB2 (4-quinolone-3-carboxamides CB2 agonist, 4Q3C CB2 agonist, 4Q3C) significantly reduced the severity of arthritis, decreased histopathological findings, and markedly reduced bone erosion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. In addition, 4Q3C prevented an increase in the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio and inhibited the formation of osteoclasts in CIA mice. Furthermore, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase was lower in 4Q3C-treated CIA mice than in control CIA mice. Micro-computed tomography corroborated the finding that 4Q3C reduced joint destruction. These data clearly indicate that the CB2-selective agonist, 4Q3C, may have anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenesis effects in RA and may be considered to be a novel treatment for RA.
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Hu Y, Tao Y, Hu J. Cannabinoid receptor 2 deletion deteriorates myocardial infarction through the down-regulation of AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling-mediated autophagy. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20180650. [PMID: 30923227 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20180650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has been reported to play an important role in the regulation of pathogenesis and progression of myocardial infarction (MI). Here we tried to investigate its potential mechanisms. The ratio of infarct size in heart issue was detected by TTC staining, and cardiac functions were calculated according to echocardiographic evaluation. Cell viability in cardiomyocytes was investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Western blot was used to detect autophagy-related proteins including Beclin-1, LC3, p62, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mammalian target of rapamycin rabbit (mTOR)-p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) signaling-related proteins including AMPK, mTOR, p70S6K, and their phosphorylation formation. Rapamycin was used for the induction of autophagy. Cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were detected for analyzing apoptosis. TEM was used for the detection of autophagosomes. We found that CB2R deletion (CB2R KO) largely deteriorated the severity of MI and the cardiac function as well as cell viability of cardiomyocytes. Knocking out CB2R decreased the level of autophagy in heart issues from MI mice as well as cardiomyocytes under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Furthermore, CB2R dysfunction significantly attenuated the cardiac protective effects of rapamycin both in vivo and in vitro Finally, we found that CB2R-mediated autophagy was induced by AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway. Our current study demonstrated for the first time that CB2R deletion led to a detrimental effect of MI through the dysfunction of AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway, which might provide a novel insight in the treatment of MI.
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Mahmoud HM, Osman M, Elshabrawy O, Abdallah HMI, Khairallah A. AM-1241 CB2 Receptor Agonist Attenuates Inflammation, Apoptosis and Stimulate Progenitor Cells in Bile Duct Ligated Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:925-936. [PMID: 30976335 PMCID: PMC6454175 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) plays a pleiotropic role in the innate immunity and is considered a crucial mediator of liver disease. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis in CCl4 exposed mice and also plays a potential role in liver regeneration in a mouse model of I/R and protection against alcohol-induced liver injury. AIM: In this study, we investigated the impact of CB2 receptors on the antifibrotic and regenerative process associated with cholestatic liver injury. METHODS: Twenty-six rats had bile duct ligation co-treated with silymarin and AM1241 for 3 consecutive weeks. Serum hepatotoxicity markers were determined, and histopathological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Following bile duct ligation (BDL) for 3 weeks, there was increased aminotransferase levels, marked inflammatory infiltration and hepatocyte apoptosis with induced oxidative stress, as reflected by increased lipid peroxidation. Conversely, following treatment with the CB2 agonist, AM-1241, BDL rats displayed a reduction in liver injury and attenuation of fibrosis as reflected by expression of hydroxyproline and α-smooth muscle actin. AM1241 treatment also significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation end-products, p53-dependent apoptosis and also attenuated inflammatory process by stimulating IL-10 production. Moreover, AM1241 treated rats were associated with significant expression of hepatic progenitor/oval cell markers. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study points out that CB2 receptors reduce liver injury and promote liver regeneration via distinct mechanisms including IL-10 dependent inhibition of inflammation, reduction of p53-reliant apoptosis and through stimulation of oval/progenitor cells. These results suggest that CB2 agonists display potent hepatoregenrative properties, in addition to their antifibrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M Mahmoud
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Osman
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed Khairallah
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 11211, Egypt
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Luchtenburg FJ, Schaaf MJM, Richardson MK. Functional characterization of the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 in zebrafish larvae using behavioral analysis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2049-58. [PMID: 30820632 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05193-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises the cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (Cnr1 and Cnr2). The function of these receptors in relation to zebrafish larval behavior is poorly understood, even though the zebrafish larva has become a versatile animal model in biomedical research. OBJECTIVES The objective of the present study is to characterize the function of Cnr1 and Cnr2 in relation to behavior in zebrafish. METHODS Behavioral analysis of zebrafish larvae was performed using a visual motor response (VMR) test, which allows locomotor activity to be determined under basal conditions and upon a dark challenge. RESULTS Treatment with the non-specific Cnr agonists WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940 resulted in a decrease in locomotion. This was observed for both basal and challenge-induced locomotion, although the potency for these two effects was different, which suggests different mechanisms of action. In addition, WIN55,212-2 increased the reaction time of the startle response after the dark challenge. Using the Cnr1 antagonist AM251 and a cnr1-/- mutant line, it was shown that the effects were mediated by Cnr1 and not Cnr2. Interestingly, administration of the antagonist AM251 alone does not have an effect on locomotion, which indicates that endogenous cannabinoid activity does not affect locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae. Upon repeated dark challenges, the WIN55,212-2 effect on the locomotor activity decreased, probably due to desensitization of Cnr1. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results show that Cnr1 activation by exogenous endocannabinoids modulates both basal and challenge-induced locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae and that these behavioral effects can be used as a readout to monitor the Cnr1 responsiveness in the zebrafish larva model system.
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Luo XQ, Li A, Yang X, Xiao X, Hu R, Wang TW, Dou XY, Yang DJ, Dong Z. Paeoniflorin exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating the M1/M2 subset polarization of microglia/macrophages in the hippocampal CA1 region of vascular dementia rats via cannabinoid receptor 2. Chin Med 2018; 13:14. [PMID: 29560022 PMCID: PMC5859430 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-018-0173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral hypoperfusion is a pivotal risk factor for vascular dementia (VD), for which effective therapy remains inadequate. Persistent inflammatory responses and excessive chemotaxis of microglia/macrophages in the brain may accelerate the progression of VD. Endocannabinoids are involved in neuronal protection against inflammation-induced neuronal injury. Cannabinoids acting at cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) can decrease inflammation. Based on the identification of paeoniflorin (PF) as a CB2R agonist, we investigated the neuroprotective and microglia/macrophages M1 to M2 polarization promoting effects of PF in a permanent four-vessel occlusion rat model. Methods One week after surgery, PF was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg once a day for 28 successive days. The effects of PF on memory deficit were investigated by a Morris water maze test, and the effects of PF on hippocampal neuronal damage were evaluated by light microscope and electron microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of key molecules related to the M1/M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages were assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results Administration of PF could significantly attenuate cerebral hypoperfusion-induced impairment of learning and memory and reduce the morphological and ultrastructural changes in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats. Moreover, PF promoted an M1 to M2 phenotype transition in microglia/macrophages in the hippocampus of rats. In addition to its inhibitory property against proinflammatory M1 mediator expression, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NO, PF dramatically up-regulated expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1. Importantly, CB2R antagonist AM630 abolished these beneficial effects produced by PF on learning, memory and hippocampus structure in rats, as well as the polarization of microglia/macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Additionally, PF treatment significantly inhibited cerebral hypoperfusion-induced mTOR/NF-κB proinflammatory pathway and enhanced PI3K/Akt anti-inflammatory pathway. Effects of PF on these signaling pathways were effectively attenuated when rats were co-treated with PF and AM630, indicating that the mTOR/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were involved in the PF effects through CB2R activation. Conclusion These findings demonstrated PF exerts its neuroprotective effect and shifts the inflammatory milieu toward resolution by modulation of microglia/macrophage polarization via CB2R activation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-018-0173-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Qin Luo
- 1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Ao Li
- 2College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054 China
| | - Xue Yang
- 3Institute of Chinese Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065 China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- 2College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054 China
| | - Rong Hu
- Drug Review Section, China Chongqing Technical Center for Drug Evaluation and Certification, Chongqing, 400014 China
| | - Tian-Wen Wang
- 3Institute of Chinese Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065 China
| | - Xiao-Yun Dou
- 5Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Da-Jian Yang
- 3Institute of Chinese Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065 China
| | - Zhi Dong
- 1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
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Braun M, Khan ZT, Khan MB, Kumar M, Ward A, Achyut BR, Arbab AS, Hess DC, Hoda MN, Baban B, Dhandapani KM, Vaibhav K. Selective activation of cannabinoid receptor-2 reduces neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury via alternative macrophage polarization. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 68:224-237. [PMID: 29079445 PMCID: PMC5767553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an important mediator of secondary neurological injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Endocannabinoids, endogenously produced arachidonate based lipids, have recently emerged as powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly defined. Endocannabinoids are physiological ligands for two known cannabinoid receptors, CB1R and CB2R. In the present study, we hypothesized that selective activation of CB2R attenuates neuroinflammation and reduces neurovascular injury after TBI. Using a murine controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI, we observed a dramatic upregulation of CB2R within infiltrating myeloid cells beginning at 72 h. Administration of the selective CB2R agonist, GP1a (1-5 mg/kg), attenuated pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization, increased anti-inflammatory M2 polarization, reduced edema development, enhanced cerebral blood flow, and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after TBI. In contrast, the CB2R antagonist, AM630, worsened outcomes. Taken together, our findings support the development of selective CB2R agonists as a therapeutic strategy to improve TBI outcomes while avoiding the psychoactive effects of CB1R activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Braun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Zenab T. Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University,Center for Nursing Research, Augusta University
| | - Mohammad B. Khan
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Manish Kumar
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterontondo, Italy
| | - Ayobami Ward
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | | | | | - David C. Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Md. Nasrul Hoda
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University,Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging, and Radiological Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University,Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University,Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | | | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, United States; Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging, and Radiological Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, United States.
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Wang J, Xu Y, Zhu L, Zou Y, Kong W, Dong B, Huang J, Chen Y, Xue W, Huang Y, Zhang J. Cannabinoid receptor 2 as a novel target for promotion of renal cell carcinoma prognosis and progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 144:39-52. [PMID: 28993942 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of urogenital system, and patients with RCC may face a poor prognosis. However, limited curable therapeutic options are currently available. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in RCC progression. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was to investigate the expression pattern of CB2 in 418 RCC tissues and explore its prognostic function in RCC patients. Furthermore, the role of used CB2 si-RNA knockdown and inhibited by AM630, a CB2 inverse agonist, on cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle of RCC cell lines in vitro was also investigated. RESULTS We observed that CB2 was up-regulated in RCC tissues, and presented as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of RCC patients and higher CB2 expression tends to have poor clinical outcomes in survival analyses. Moreover, we also observed that CB2, incorporated with pN stage, pathological grade, and recurrence or distant metastasis after surgery, could obviously enhance their prognostic accuracy in a predictive nomogram analysis. In addition, knockdown or inhibition by AM630 for the expression of CB2 in vitro could significantly decreased cell proliferation and migration, and obviously induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M of RCC cells. CONCLUSIONS CB2 expression is functionally related to cellular proliferation, migration, and cell cycle of RCC cells. Our data suggest that CB2 might be a potential therapeutic target for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunze Xu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangsong Zhu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zou
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Kong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baijun Dong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Huang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghui Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Huang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
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Dai E, Zhang L, Ye L, Wan S, Feng L, Qi Q, Yao F, Li Z. Hepatic expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 correlate with fibrogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 59:124-130. [PMID: 28315398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, most of the findings in this area have come from experimental studies in animal models or clinical trials on chronic hepatitis C. The roles of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have not been studied fully. This study aimed to explore the relationship between liver fibrosis and the expression of CB1 and CB2 in patients with CHB. METHODS Eighty liver biopsy specimens from patients with CHB (52 male, 28 female) were analyzed in this study. Fibrosis was staged on a scale of 1 to 4 (F1 to F4, with F4 defining cirrhosis). There were 20 samples for each fibrosis stage. The expression of hepatic alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CB1, and CB2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Hepatic CB1 and CB2 were expressed in all patients with CHB. The degree of fibrosis was significantly associated with the increased expression of CB1 and CB2 in CHB. Furthermore a significant increase in cells positive for both CB1 and CB2 was detected in stage 3 and stage 4 disease compared to stage 1 and stage 2 disease. There was a strong positive association between CB1 expression and α-SMA expression. Moreover, double immunofluorescence staining for CB1 and α-SMA demonstrated that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) express CB1. CONCLUSIONS The hepatic expression of CB1 and CB2 plays an important role during the progression of fibrosis induced by CHB. Endogenous activation of CB1 receptors in patients with CHB enhances fibrogenesis by direct effect on activated HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhei Dai
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Lihong Ye
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shiqing Wan
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Lulu Feng
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Fang Yao
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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Frei RB, Luschnig P, Parzmair GP, Peinhaupt M, Schranz S, Fauland A, Wheelock CE, Heinemann A, Sturm EM. Cannabinoid receptor 2 augments eosinophil responsiveness and aggravates allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. Allergy 2016; 71:944-56. [PMID: 26850094 PMCID: PMC5225803 DOI: 10.1111/all.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Accumulation of activated eosinophils in tissue is a hallmark of allergic inflammation. The endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) has been proposed to elicit eosinophil migration in a CB2 receptor/Gi/o‐dependent manner. However, it has been claimed recently that this process may also involve other mechanisms such as cytokine priming and the metabolism of 2‐AG into eicosanoids. Here, we explored the direct contribution of specific CB2 receptor activation to human and mouse eosinophil effector function in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro studies including CB2 expression, adhesion and migratory responsiveness, respiratory burst, degranulation, and calcium mobilization were conducted in human peripheral blood eosinophils and mouse bone marrow‐derived eosinophils. Allergic airway inflammation was assessed in mouse models of acute OVA‐induced asthma and directed eosinophil migration. Results CB2 expression was significantly higher in eosinophils from symptomatic allergic donors. The selective CB2 receptor agonist JWH‐133 induced a moderate migratory response in eosinophils. However, short‐term exposure to JWH‐133 potently enhanced chemoattractant‐induced eosinophil shape change, chemotaxis, CD11b surface expression, and adhesion as well as production of reactive oxygen species. Receptor specificity of the observed effects was confirmed in eosinophils from CB2 knockout mice and by using the selective CB2 antagonist SR144528. Of note, systemic application of JWH‐133 clearly primed eosinophil‐directed migration in vivo and aggravated both AHR and eosinophil influx into the airways in a CB2‐specific manner. This effect was completely absent in eosinophil‐deficient ∆dblGATA mice. Conclusion Our data indicate that CB2 may directly contribute to the pathogenesis of eosinophil‐driven diseases. Moreover, we provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the CB2‐mediated priming of eosinophils. Hence, antagonism of CB2 receptors may represent a novel pharmacological approach for the treatment of allergic inflammation and other eosinophilic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. B. Frei
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - P. Luschnig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - G. P. Parzmair
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - M. Peinhaupt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - S. Schranz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - A. Fauland
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - C. E. Wheelock
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - A. Heinemann
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - E. M. Sturm
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Modulation of the CB2 receptor is an interesting approach for pain and inflammation, arthritis, addictions, neuroprotection, and cancer, among other possible therapeutic applications, and is devoid of central side effects. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the novel scaffolds for CB2 ligands and the diverse therapeutic applications for CB2 modulators disclosed in patents published since 2012. EXPERT OPINION Structural diversity of CB2 modulator scaffolds characterized the patent literature. Several CB2 agonists reached clinical Phase II for pain management and inflammation. Other therapeutic applications need to be explored such as neuroprotection and/or neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Laura Hernandez-Folgado
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Pilar Goya
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
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Shao BZ, Wei W, Ke P, Xu ZQ, Zhou JX, Liu C. Activating cannabinoid receptor 2 alleviates pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via activation of autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. CNS Neurosci Ther 2015; 20:1021-8. [PMID: 25417929 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [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: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has been reported to ameliorate the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we examined whether autophagy is involved in the beneficial effect of CB2R on EAE and explored the mechanism with a focus on inflammasome activation. METHODS EAE severity was analyzed with clinical score and histological score stained by hematoxylin and eosin or luxol fast blue in spinal cord. Immunoblot analysis was conducted to detect proteins of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related caspase-1 (Casp-1) and the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β as well as autophagy-related light chain 3 (LC3), and Beciln 1 both in vivo and in vitro. Reverse transcription and real-time PCR were used to detect mRNA of NLRP3, IL-1β and Casp-1. Autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5)-specific siRNA was transiently transfected in BV2 microglia, and immunofluorescence staining was carried out to detect the expression of NLRP3, caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase-1. RESULTS The current data indicated that deleting CB2R decreased the expression of LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, Beclin 1 and increased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production in the spinal cord of EAE mice, whereas activation of CB2R with a specific agonist HU-308 induced inverse effects. Further study indicated that HU-308 could promote autophagy and inhibit expression and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in BV2 microglia. Blocking autophagy by ATG5-specific siRNA dismissed the effort of CB2R in mediating NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that CB2R plays a protective role in EAE through promoting autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Zong Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Tang J, Tao Y, Tan L, Yang L, Niu Y, Chen Q, Yang Y, Feng H, Chen Z, Zhu G. Cannabinoid receptor 2 attenuates microglial accumulation and brain injury following germinal matrix hemorrhage via ERK dephosphorylation in vivo and in vitro. Neuropharmacology 2015; 95:424-33. [PMID: 25963415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Microglia accumulation plays detrimental roles in the pathology of germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) in the immature preterm brain. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the effects of a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) agonist on microglia proliferation and the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family pathway in a collagenase-induced GMH rat model and in thrombin-induced rat microglia cells. We demonstrated that activation of CB2R played a key role in attenuating brain edema, neuronal degeneration, microglial accumulation and the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) protein level 24 h following GMH. In vitro, Western blot analysis and immunostaining indicated that ERK and P38 phosphorylation levels in microglia stimulated by thrombin were decreased after JWH-133 (CB2R selective agonist) treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Microglia proliferation (EDU + microglia) and inflammatory and oxidative stress responses were attenuated by UO126 (ERK pathway inhibitor) 24 h after thrombin stimulation, an activity that was prevented by AM630 (CB2R selective antagonist). Overall, these findings suggest that activation of the endocannabinoid system might attenuate inflammation-induced secondary brain injury after GMH in rats by reducing microglia accumulation through a mechanism involving ERK dephosphorylation. Enhancing CB2R activation is a potential treatment to slow down the course of GMH in preterm newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yihao Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yin Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qianwei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yunfeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Tang J, Chen Q, Guo J, Yang L, Tao Y, Li L, Miao H, Feng H, Chen Z, Zhu G. Minocycline Attenuates Neonatal Germinal-Matrix-Hemorrhage-Induced Neuroinflammation and Brain Edema by Activating Cannabinoid Receptor 2. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:1935-1948. [PMID: 25833102 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is the most common neurological disease of premature newborns leading to detrimental neurological sequelae. Minocycline has been reported to play a key role in neurological inflammatory diseases by controlling some mechanisms that involve cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). The current study investigated whether minocycline reduces neuroinflammation and protects the brain from injury in a rat model of collagenase-induced GMH by regulating CB2R activity. To test this hypothesis, the effects of minocycline and a CB2R antagonist (AM630) were evaluated in male rat pups that were post-natal day 7 (P7) after GMH. We found that minocycline can lead to increased CB2R mRNA expression and protein expression in microglia. Minocycline significantly reduced GMH-induced brain edema, microglial activation, and lateral ventricular volume. Additionally, minocycline enhanced cortical thickness after injury. All of these neuroprotective effects of minocycline were prevented by AM630. A cannabinoid CB2 agonist (JWH133) was used to strengthen the hypothesis, which showed the identical neuroprotective effects of minocycline. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that minocycline attenuates neuroinflammation and brain injury in a rat model of GMH, and activation of CBR2 was partially involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianwei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihao Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongping Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No.30, Gaotanyan Street, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Kemter AM, Scheu S, Hüser N, Ruland C, Schumak B, Findeiß M, Cheng Z, Assfalg V, Arolt V, Zimmer A, Alferink J. The cannabinoid receptor 2 is involved in acute rejection of cardiac allografts. Life Sci 2015; 138:29-34. [PMID: 25744392 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Acute rejection of cardiac allografts is a major risk factor limiting survival of heart transplant recipients. Rejection is triggered by dendritic cell (DC) mediated activation of host T cells, amongst others CD4(+) T helper (TH)1- and TH17 cells. The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is an important modulator of cellular immune responses. However, its role in cardiac allograft rejection has not been studied so far. MAIN METHODS Here, we examined the effect of CB2 on cytokine release by mature DCs and its impact on CD4(+) T cell differentiation by utilizing in vitro generated bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) and CD4(+) T cells from CB2 knockout (Cnr2(-/-)) mice. We further assessed the functional role of CB2 in acute allograft rejection using Cnr2(-/-) mice in a fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched mouse cardiac transplantation model. KEY FINDINGS Cardiac allograft rejection was accelerated in Cnr2(-/-) mice compared to wild type recipients. In vitro stimulation of BM-DCs showed enhanced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the immunomodulatory cytokine TGF-β. Furthermore, secretion of the TH1/TH17 promoting cytokines IL-12 and IL-23 was increased in Cnr2(-/-) BM-DCs. In addition, Cnr2(-/-) CD4(+) T cells showed an enhanced capacity to differentiate into interferon (IFN)-γ- or IL-17-producing effector cells. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that CB2 modulates in vitro cytokine responses via DCs and directly via its influence on TH1/TH17 differentiation. These findings and the fact that allograft rejection is enhanced in Cnr2(-/-) mice suggest that CB2 may be a promising therapeutic target in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Kemter
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Scheu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Ruland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Beatrix Schumak
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Findeiß
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zhangjun Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Volker Assfalg
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Alferink
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence EXC 1003, University of Münster, Münster , Germany.
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Gianella-Borradori M, Christou I, Bataille CJR, Cross RL, Wynne GM, Greaves DR, Russell AJ. Ligand-based virtual screening identifies a family of selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:241-63. [PMID: 25487422 PMCID: PMC4346271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has been linked with the regulation of inflammation, and selective receptor activation has been proposed as a target for the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and arthritis. In order to identify selective CB2R agonists with appropriate physicochemical and ADME properties for future evaluation in vivo, we first performed a ligand-based virtual screen. Subsequent medicinal chemistry optimisation studies led to the identification of a new class of selective CB2R agonists. Several examples showed high levels of activity (EC50<200 nM) and binding affinity (Ki<200 nM) for the CB2R, and no detectable activity at the CB1R. The most promising example, DIAS2, also showed favourable in vitro metabolic stability and absorption properties along with a clean selectivity profile when evaluated against a panel of GPCRs and kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Gianella-Borradori
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ivy Christou
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Rebecca L Cross
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - David R Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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31
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Gui H, Liu X, Liu LR, Su DF, Dai SM. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 attenuates synovitis and joint distruction in collagen-induced arthritis. Immunobiology. 2015;220:817-822. [PMID: 25601571 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent studies have suggested immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) activation, which is devoid of psychoactivity. We have demonstrated the expression of CB2R in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its specific activation shows inhibitory effects on fibroblast-like synoviocytes. However, it is still unclear whether selective activation of CB2R inhibits joint inflammation or protects joint damage in RA. METHODS A murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of HU-308, a selective CB2R agonist. The disease severity was evaluated by semi-quantitative scoring of joint swelling, histological assessment of joint inflammation and structure, and radiographic assessment of joint destruction by using digital plain radiographs and micro-CT scans. The concentrations of various isotypes of anti-collagen II antibodies in sera and the levels of cytokines in culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. RESULTS Compared with vehicle treatment, protective treatment with intraperitoneal injection of HU-308 (0.3-1.0 mg/kg) failed to decrease the incidence of the development of CIA, but it effectively suppressed the severity of the disease. In CIA mice, treatment with HU-308 significantly decreased joint swelling, synovial inflammation, and joint destruction, as well as serum levels of anti-collagen II antibodies. In vitro, HU-308 (1-10 μM) significantly suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages with intact CB2R in dose-dependent manners. HU-308 failed to elicit any inhibitory effect of on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages from CB2R-knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS Activation of CB2R by HU-308 has therapeutic potential for RA to suppress synovitis and alleviate joint destruction by inhibiting the production of autoantibodies and proinflammatory cytokines.
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Hickey ER, Zindell R, Cirillo PF, Wu L, Ermann M, Berry AK, Thomson DS, Albrecht C, Gemkow MJ, Riether D. Selective CB2 receptor agonists. Part 1: the identification of novel ligands through computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:575-80. [PMID: 25556098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Computer-aided drug design scaffold hopping strategies were utilized to identify new classes of CB2 agonists when compounds of an established series with low nanomolar potency were challenging to optimize for good drug-like properties. Use of ligand-based design strategies through BI Builder (a tool for de novo design) and PharmShape (a virtual screening software package) approaches led to the discovery of new chemotypes. Specifically, compounds containing azetidine-, proline-, and piperidine-based cores were found to have low nanomolar and picomolar CB2 agonist activities with drug-like properties considered appropriate for early profiling.
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Malfitano AM, Basu S, Maresz K, Bifulco M, Dittel BN. What we know and do not know about the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Semin Immunol 2014; 26:369-79. [PMID: 24877594 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It has been well appreciated that the endocannabinoid system can regulate immune responses via the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which is primarily expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system. The endocannabinoid system is composed of receptors, ligands and enzymes controlling the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Along with endocannabinoids, both plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids have been shown to bind to and signal through CB2 via G proteins leading to both inhibitory and stimulatory signals depending on the biological process. Because no cannabinoid ligand has been identified that only binds to CB2, the generation of mice deficient in CB2 has greatly expanded our knowledge of how CB2 contributes to immune cell development and function in health and disease. In regards to humans, genetic studies have associated CB2 with a variety of human diseases. Here, we review the endocannabinoid system with an emphasis on CB2 and its role in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Malfitano
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Salerno Facoltà di Medicina, Baronissi Campus, Baronissi 84081, (SA), Italy; Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Fisciano 84084, (SA), Italy
| | - Sreemanti Basu
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katarzyna Maresz
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Salerno Facoltà di Medicina, Baronissi Campus, Baronissi 84081, (SA), Italy; Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Fisciano 84084, (SA), Italy
| | - Bonnie N Dittel
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Klein Nulent TJW, Van Diest PJ, van der Groep P, Leusink FKJ, Kruitwagen CLJJ, Koole R, Van Cann EM. Cannabinoid receptor-2 immunoreactivity is associated with survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2013; 51:604-9. [PMID: 23601830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The prediction of progression of individual tumours, prognosis, and survival in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck is difficult. Cannabinoid-1 (CB1) and cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor expression is related to survival in several types of cancer, and the aim of this study was to find out whether the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors is associated with survival in primary SCC of the head and neck. We made immunohistochemical analyses of the cannabinoid receptors on tissue arrays from 240 patients with the disease. Receptor immunoreactivity was classified as none, weak, moderate, or strong staining. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were plotted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was created with all the relevant clinical and pathological features. Strong immunoreactivity of the CB2 receptor was significantly associated with reduced disease-specific survival (p=0.007). Cox-proportional hazard ratio (HR) showed that CB2 receptor immunoreactivity contributed to the prediction of survival (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.5-8.7, p=0.004). Depth of invasion (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2, p=0.01) and vascular invasion (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5, p=0.001) were also associated with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J W Klein Nulent
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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