Monthly Archives: January 2014

Modulation of Gut-Specific Mechanisms by Chronic Δ9-THC Administration in Male Rhesus Macaques Infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus: A Systems Biology Analysis.

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“Our studies have demonstrated that chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration results in a generalized attenuation of viral load and tissue inflammation in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected male rhesus macaques…

Our results indicate that chronic THC treatment modulated duodenal T cell populations, favored a pro-Th2 cytokine balance, and decreased intestinal apoptosis.

These findings reveal novel mechanisms that may potentially contribute to cannabinoid-mediated disease modulation.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24400995

“Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that chronic THC administration ameliorates SIV disease progression and significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality of male SIV-infected macaques… In summary, using a systems biology approach to understanding the impact of chronic cannabinoid treatment on gut-associated immunopathology, we identified relevant mechanisms that can potentially modulate disease progression. Our results suggest that gut immunomodulation through changes in gene expression, cytokine profiles, and immune cell populations could potentially contribute to chronic THC modulation of SIV disease progression. Moreover, they reveal novel mechanisms that may potentially contribute to decreased morbidity and mortality.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046212/

Acute alcohol use temporally increases the odds of male perpetrated dating violence: A 90-day diary analysis.

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“…the present study examined the temporal relationship between acute alcohol use, marijuana use, and male perpetrated physical, psychological, and sexual dating violence…

On any alcohol use days, heavy alcohol use days (5 or more standard drinks), and as the number of drinks increased on a given day, the odds of physical and sexual aggression perpetration increased. The odds of psychological aggression increased on heavy alcohol use days only.

Marijuana use days did not increase the odds of any type of aggression.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings contribute to a growing body of research on the temporal relation between acute alcohol use and IPV perpetration among college men. Combined with previous research, our findings suggest that dating violence intervention and prevention programs should target reductions in alcohol use.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199932

Cannabidiol protects liver from binge alcohol-induced steatosis by mechanisms including inhibition of oxidative stress and increasing of autophagy.

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“Acute alcohol drinking induces steatosis, and effective prevention of steatosis can protect liver from progressive damage caused by alcohol… We evaluated whether cannabidiol, which has been reported to function as an antioxidant, can protect the liver from alcohol-generated oxidative stress induced steatosis.

Cannabidiol can prevent acute alcohol induced liver steatosis in mice… Importantly, cannabidiol can prevent the decrease of autophagy induced by alcohol.

In conclusion, these results show that cannabidiol protects mouse liver from acute alcohol induced steatosis through multiple mechanisms including attenuation of alcohol-mediated oxidative stress, prevention of JNK MAPK activation, and increasing autophagy.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24398069

Cannabinoid-hypocretin cross-talk in the central nervous system: what we know so far

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“Emerging findings suggest the existence of a cross-talk between hypocretinergic and endocannabinoid systems…

The present review attempts to piece together what is known about this interesting interaction and describes its potential therapeutic implications.”

http://www.frontiersin.org/Neuropharmacology/10.3389/fnins.2013.00256/abstract

Clinical experience with THC:CBD oromucosal spray in patients with multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.

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“This detailed medical charts’ data collection study conducted at an MS clinic in Germany evaluated the effectiveness of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) / cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray in patients with resistant multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity…

In this routine clinical practice setting at an MS clinic in Germany, THC:CBD spray was effective and well tolerated as add-on therapy or as monotherapy in a relevant proportion of patients with resistant MS spasticity.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24392812

Association between a Genetic Variant of Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis

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“Genetic ablation of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) exacerbates the neurodegenerative damage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the rodent model of multiple sclerosis (MS)…

Our results demonstrate the biological relevance of the (AAT)n CNR1 repeats in the inflammatory neurodegenerative damage of MS…

In conclusion, our study points to CB1R as an interesting molecular target for preventing neuronal loss and cognitive impairment in MS as well as in other CNS disorders in which inflammation-driven neurodegeneration process play a role.”

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0082848

Endocannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Like Fatty Acid Amide Levels Correlate with Pain-Related Symptoms in Patients with IBS-D and IBS-C: A Pilot Study.

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“Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, associated with alterations of bowel function, abdominal pain and other symptoms related to the GI tract. Recently the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) was shown to be involved in the physiological and pathophysiological control of the GI function. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether IBS defining symptoms correlate with changes in endocannabinoids or cannabinoid like fatty acid levels in IBS patients.

CONCLUSION:

IBS subtypes and their symptoms show distinct alterations of endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like fatty acid levels. These changes may partially result from reduced FAAH expression. The here reported changes support the notion that the ECS is involved in the pathophysiology of IBS and the development of IBS symptoms.”

Sativex(®) (tetrahydrocannabinol + cannabidiol), an endocannabinoid system modulator: basic features and main clinical data.

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“Sativex(®) (nabiximols, USAN name) oromucosal spray contains the two main active constituents of Cannabis sativa, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a 1:1 molecular ratio, and acts as an endocannabinoid system modulator. Randomized, controlled clinical trials of Sativex as add-on therapy provide conclusive evidence of its efficacy in the treatment of more than 1500 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related resistant spasticity…

Sativex oromucosal spray appears to be a useful and welcomed option for the management of resistant spasticity in MS patients. Although the management of MS has been improved by the availability of disease-modifying agents that target the underlying pathophysiological processes of the disease, a clear need remains for more effective symptomatic treatments, especially as regards MS-related spasticity and pain.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21449855

Endocannabinoid pathways and their role in multiple sclerosis-related muscular dysfunction.

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“Modulation of the endocannabinoid system has been shown to have therapeutic potential in a number of disease states.

Sativex(®) (nabiximols, USAN name) contains the two main phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a 1:1 ratio, and it acts as an endocannabinoid system modulator.

In an experimental mouse model of MS-related spasticity, Sativex dose-dependently improved hind limb flexion/stiffness and a dosage of 10 mg/kg was shown to be as effective as the most widely established anti-spasticity treatment baclofen (5 mg/kg).

These findings with Sativex are very promising and offer encouragement for MS patients, the majority of whom will develop spasticity-related disabling and recalcitrant symptoms. Furthermore, research into the endocannabinoid system may offer potential in other neurodegenerative, inflammatory and pain disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21449854

The endocannabinoid system: an emotional buffer in the modulation of memory function.

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“Extensive evidence indicates that endocannabinoids modulate cognitive processes in animal models and human subjects. However, the results of endocannabinoid system manipulations on cognition have been contradictory. As for anxiety behavior, a duality has indeed emerged with regard to cannabinoid effects on memory for emotional experiences. Here we summarize findings describing cannabinoid effects on memory acquisition, consolidation, retrieval and extinction. Additionally, we review findings showing how the endocannabinoid system modulates memory function differentially, depending on the level of stress and arousal associated with the experimental context. Based on the evidence reviewed here, we propose that the endocannabinoid system is an emotional buffer that moderates the effects of environmental context and stress on cognitive processes.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24382324