Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Signaling in Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Pathogenesis to a Promising Therapeutic Target.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

“As a consequence of an increasingly aging population, the number of people affected by neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, is rapidly increasing. Although the etiology of these diseases has not been completely defined, common molecular mechanisms including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction have been confirmed and can be targeted therapeutically.

Moreover, recent studies have shown that endogenous cannabinoid signaling plays a number of modulatory roles throughout the central nervous system (CNS), including the neuroinflammation and neurogenesis.

In particular, the up-regulation of type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors has been found in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, the modulation of CB2 receptor signaling may represent a promising therapeutic target with minimal psychotropic effects that can be used to modulate endocannabinoid-based therapeutic approaches and to reduce neuronal degeneration.

For these reasons this review will focus on the CB2 receptor as a promising pharmacological target in a number of neurodegenerative diseases.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28210207

“Targeting Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in the Central Nervous System. Medicinal Chemistry Approaches with Focus on Neurodegenerative Disorders” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020102/

“The influence of cannabinoids on generic traits of neurodegeneration. Modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system is emerging as a potentially viable option in the treatment of neurodegeneration. Endocannabinoid signalling has been found to be altered in many neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system, as well as application of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have been investigated. Through multiple lines of evidence, this evolutionarily conserved neurosignalling system has shown neuroprotective capabilities and is therefore a potential target for neurodegenerative disorders. This review details the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and highlights the beneficial effects of cannabinoid treatment.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3954477/

Transient Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade during Immunization Heightens Intensity and Breadth of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses in Young and Aged mice.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

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“The hallmark of vaccines is their ability to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens and thereby serve as invaluable public health tool. Despite their medical relevance, there is a gap in our understanding of the physiological factors that mediate innate and adaptive immune response to vaccines.

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a critical modulator of homeostasis in vertebrates. Our results indicate that macrophages and dendritic cells produce the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) upon antigen activation.

We have also established that 2-AG levels are upregulated in the serum and in the lymph node of mice during vaccination.

We hypothesized that the intrinsic release of eCBs from immune cells during activation by pathogenic antigens mitigate inflammation, but also suppress overall innate and adaptive immune response.

Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that transient administration of the cannabinoid receptor 2 antagonist AM630 (10 mg/kg) or inverse agonist JTE907 (3 mg/kg) during immunization heightens the intensity and breadth of antigen-specific immune responses in young and aged mice through the upregulation of immunomodulatory genes in secondary lymphoid tissues.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28209996

Constitutive Increases in Amygdalar Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Drive an Anxious Phenotype.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

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“Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mediates anxiogenic responses by activating CRF type 1 (CRF₁) receptors in limbic brain regions.

Anxiety is further modulated by the endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system that attenuates the synaptic effects of stress.

In the amygdala, acute stress activates the enzymatic clearance of the eCB N-arachidonoylethanolamine via fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), although it is unclear whether chronic dysregulation of CRF systems induces maladaptive changes in amygdalar eCB signaling.

Here, we used genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian P (msP) rats carrying an innate overexpression of CRF₁receptors to study the role of constitutive upregulation in CRF systems on amygdalar eCB function and persistent anxiety-like effects.

Treatment with an FAAH inhibitor relieves sensitized glutamatergic responses in msPs and attenuates the anxiety-like phenotype.

Pathological anxiety and stress hypersensitivity are driven by constitutive increases in CRF₁ signaling that dysregulate N-arachidonoylethanolamine signaling mechanisms and reduce neuronal inhibitory control of CeA glutamatergic synapses.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28209423

Monoglyceride lipase as a drug target: At the crossroads of arachidonic acid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

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“Monoglyerides (MGs) are short-lived, intermediary lipids deriving from the degradation of phospho- and neutral lipids, and monoglyceride lipase (MGL), also designated as monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), is the major enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of MGs into glycerol and fatty acids. This distinct function enables MGL to regulate a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes since both MGs and fatty acids can act as signaling lipids or precursors thereof. The most prominent MG species acting as signaling lipid is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) which is the most abundant endogenous agonist of cannabinoid receptors in the body. Importantly, recent observations demonstrate that 2-AG represents a quantitatively important source for arachidonic acid, the precursor of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators. Accordingly, MGL-mediated 2-AG degradation affects lipid signaling by cannabinoid receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms. Recent genetic and pharmacological studies gave important insights into MGL’s role in (patho-)physiological processes, and the enzyme is now considered as a promising drug target for a number of disorders including cancer, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the basics of MG (2-AG) metabolism and provides an overview on the therapeutic potential of MGL.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28213089

Evaluation of cannabinoids concentration and stability in standardized preparations of cannabis tea and cannabis oil by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

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“Cannabis has been used since ancient times to relieve neuropathic pain, to lower intraocular pressure, to increase appetite and finally to decrease nausea and vomiting.

The combination of the psychoactive cannabis alkaloid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the non-psychotropic alkaloids cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) demonstrated a higher activity than THC alone.

Extraction efficiency of oil was significantly higher than that of water with respect to the different cannabinoids.

Fifteen minutes boiling was sufficient to achieve the highest concentrations of cannabinoids in the cannabis tea solutions.

As the first and most important aim of the different cannabis preparations is to guarantee therapeutic continuity in treated individuals, a strictly standardized preparation protocol is necessary to assure the availability of a homogeneous product of defined stability.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28207408

Cannabis cultivation: Methodological issues for obtaining medical-grade product.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by David

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“As studies continue to reveal favorable findings for the use of cannabidiol in the management of childhood epilepsy syndromes and other disorders, best practices for the large-scale production of Cannabis are needed for timely product development and research purposes. The processes of two institutions with extensive experience in producing large-scale cannabidiol chemotype Cannabis crops-GW Pharmaceuticals and the University of Mississippi-are described, including breeding, indoor and outdoor growing, harvesting, and extraction methods. Such practices have yielded desirable outcomes in Cannabis breeding and production: GW Pharmaceuticals has a collection of chemotypes dominant in any one of eight cannabinoids, two of which-cannabidiol and cannabidivarin-are supporting epilepsy clinical trial research, whereas in addition to a germplasm bank of high-THC, high-CBD, and intermediate type cannabis varieties, the team at University of Mississippi has established an in vitro propagation protocol for cannabis with no detectable variations in morphologic, physiologic, biochemical, and genetic profiles as compared to the mother plants. Improvements in phytocannabinoid yields and growing efficiency are expected as research continues at these institutions.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28202406

Can cannabinoids be a potential therapeutic tool in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Posted on February 16, 2017 by David

“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative disease of the motor neuron system. Over the last years, a growing interest was aimed to discovery new innovative and safer therapeutic approaches in the ALS treatment. In this context, the bioactive compounds of Cannabis sativa have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of central nervous system disease. However, most of the studies proving the ability of cannabinoids in delay disease progression and prolong survival in ALS were performed in animal model, whereas the few clinical trials that investigated cannabinoids-based medicines were focused only on the alleviation of ALS-related symptoms, not on the control of disease progression. The aim of this report was to provide a short but important overview of evidences that are useful to better characterize the efficacy as well as the molecular pathways modulated by cannabinoids.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28197175

“The endocannabinoid system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids and manipulation of the endocannabinoid system may have therapeutic value in ALS. Cannabinoids exert anti-glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory actions through activation of the CB(1) and CB(2) receptors. The ability of cannabinoids to target multiple neurotoxic pathways in different cell populations may increase their therapeutic potential in the treatment of ALS.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18781981

“Abnormal sensitivity of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the striatum of mice with experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our data suggest that cannabinoid CB1 receptors might be potential therapeutic targets for this dramatic disease.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19452308

“Cannabinoid CB2 receptor selective compound, delays disease progression in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective compounds may be the basis for developing new drugs for the treatment of ALS and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16781706

“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: delayed disease progression in mice by treatment with a cannabinoid. The cannabinoid receptor system has the potential to reduce both excitotoxic and oxidative cell damage. Here we report that treatment with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) was effective. As Delta(9)-THC is well tolerated, it and other cannabinoids may prove to be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALS.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15204022

“Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive constituent in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and produces its effects by activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors. Administration of the non-selective partial cannabinoid agonists Δ9-THC or cannabinol are successful in delaying motor impairment and prolonging survival in mice after the onset of symptoms. Collectively, these studies suggest that cannabinoid receptors might serve as novel therapeutic targets for ALS drug development. CB2 agonists may slow motor neuron degeneration and preserve motor function, and represent a novel therapeutic modality for treatment of ALS.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2819701/

“Cannabinoids exert neuroprotective and symptomatic effects in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22594565

“Therapeutic options for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain limited. Evidence suggests that cannabinoids, the bioactive ingredients of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) might have some therapeutic benefit in this disease. We found that this treatment significantly delays disease onset. Cannabinoids might be useful in ameliorating symptoms in ALS.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16183560

“Marijuana is a substance with many properties that may be applicable to the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These include analgesia, muscle relaxation, bronchodilation, saliva reduction, appetite stimulation, and sleep induction. In addition, marijuana has now been shown to have strong antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. Marijuana should be considered in the pharmacological management of ALS.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11467101

“Ideally, a multidrug regimen would be required to comprehensively address the known pathophysiology of ALS. REMARKABLY, cannabis appears to have activity in all of those areas. Cannabis has powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Cannabis might significantly slow the progression of ALS, potentially extending life expectancy and substantially reducing the overall burden of the disease.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439484

“In light of the above findings, there is a valid rationale to propose the use of cannabinoid compounds in the pharmacological management of ALS patients. Cannabinoids indeed are able to delay ALS progression and prolong survival.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5270417/

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-lou-gehrigs-disease/

GPR55: a new promising target for metabolism?

Posted on February 16, 2017 by David

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“GPR55 is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been identified as a new cannabinoid receptor. Given the wide localization of GPR55 in brain and peripheral tissues, this receptor has emerged as a regulator of multiple biological actions. Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) is generally accepted as the endogenous ligand of GPR55. In this review, we will focus on the role of GPR55 in energy balance and glucose metabolism. We will summarize its actions on feeding, nutrient partitioning, gastrointestinal motility and insulin secretion in preclinical models and the scarce data available in humans. The potential of GPR55 to become a new pharmaceutical target to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as the foreseeing difficulties are also discussed.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28196832

“GPR55 – a putative “type 3” cannabinoid receptor in inflammation.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26669245

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/tag/gpr55/

Brain cannabinoid CB₂ receptors modulate cocaine’s actions in mice.

Posted on February 15, 2017 by David

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“These findings, for the first time, suggest that brain CB₂ receptors modulate cocaine’s rewarding and locomotor-stimulating effects, likely by a DA-dependent mechanism.

Whatever the mechanisms, the present findings, for the first time, suggest that activation of brain CB2 receptors inhibits cocaine’s rewarding and psychomotor-stimulating effects, which is congruent with a rapidly expanding corpus of published reports implicating brain CB2 receptors in modulating a variety of CNS functions such as locomotion, pain, emesis, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection.

This finding not only challenges current views that CB2 receptors are absent from the CNS and that CB2 receptor ligands lack CNS effects, but also suggests that brain CB2 receptors may be a novel target for the pharmacotherapy of drug abuse and addiction.” http://europepmc.org/articles/pmc3164946

“Marijuana Could be Used to Treat Cocaine Addiction, According to Federal Research” http://www.laweekly.com/news/marijuana-could-be-used-to-treat-cocaine-addiction-according-to-federal-research-2392363

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/addiction/

Cannabidiol reduces ethanol consumption, motivation and relapse in mice.

Posted on February 15, 2017 by David

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“This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on ethanol reinforcement, motivation and relapse in C57BL/6 J mice.

Taken together, these results reveal that the administration of CBD reduced the reinforcing properties, motivation and relapse for ethanol.

These findings strongly suggest that CBD may result useful for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28194850

“Cannabidiol protects mouse liver from acute alcohol-induced steatosis through multiple mechanisms.” http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584913015670

“CBD is a main constituent of cannabis sativa. CBD is very well tolerated in humans. CBD has a plethora of actions, including anticonvulsive, anxiolytic, anti-relapse and neuroprotective properties, which make it an ideal candidate for treating multiple pathologies associated with alcohol use disorders.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096899/

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/addiction/