Monthly Archives: May 2022

Indeterminacy of cannabis impairment and ∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆ 9-THC) levels in blood and breath

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Scientific Reports

“Previous investigators have found no clear relationship between specific blood concentrations of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) and impairment, and thus no scientific justification for use of legal “per se” ∆9-THC blood concentration limits. Analyzing blood from 30 subjects showed ∆9-THC concentrations that exceeded 5 ng/mL in 16 of the 30 subjects following a 12-h period of abstinence in the absence of any impairment. In blood and exhaled breath samples collected from a group of 34 subjects at baseline prior to smoking, increasing breath ∆9-THC levels were correlated with increasing blood levels (P < 0.0001) in the absence of impairment, suggesting that single measurements of ∆9-THC in breath, as in blood, are not related to impairment. When post-smoking duration of impairment was compared to baseline ∆9-THC blood concentrations, subjects with the highest baseline ∆9-THC levels tended to have the shortest duration of impairment. It was further shown that subjects with the shortest duration of impairment also had the lowest incidence of horizontal gaze nystagmus at 3 h post-smoking compared to subjects with the longest duration of impairment (P < 0.05). Finally, analysis of breath samples from a group of 44 subjects revealed the presence of transient cannabinoids such as cannabigerol, cannabichromene, and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin during the peak impairment window, suggesting that these compounds may be key indicators of recent cannabis use through inhalation. In conclusion, these results provide further evidence that single measurements of ∆9-THC in blood, and now in exhaled breath, do not correlate with impairment following inhalation, and that other cannabinoids may be key indicators of recent cannabis inhalation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35585089/

“In conclusion, we present further evidence that single measurements of ∆9-THC in blood cannot establish impairment, that single measurements of ∆9-THC in exhaled breath likewise do not correlate with impairment, and that ∆9-THCV and CBC may be key indicators of recent cannabis use through inhalation within the impairment window.”

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-11481-5

Comparative study of CNR1 and CNR2 cannabinoid receptors expression levels in COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes mellitus: Recommendations for future research targets

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Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews

“Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted researchers to look for effective therapeutic targets. The effect of endocannabinoid system against infectious diseases is investigated for several years. In this study, we evaluated the expression level of CNR1 and CNR2 genes in patients with COVID-19 with and without diabetes to provide new insights regarding these receptors and their potential effect in COVID-19 disease.

Methods: In this study, peripheral blood monocytes cells (PBMCs) were isolated from eight different groups including COVID-19 patients, diabetic patients, and healthy individuals. RNA were extracted to evaluate the expression level of CNR1 and CNR2 genes using real-time PCR. The correlation between the expression levels of these genes in different groups were assessed.

Results: A total of 80 samples were divided into 8 groups, with each group consisting of ten samples. When comparing severe and moderate COVID-19 groups to healthy control group, the expression levels of the CNR1 and CNR2 genes were significantly higher in the severe and moderate COVID-19 groups. There were no significant differences between the mild COVID-19 group and the healthy control group. It was found that the expression levels of these genes in patients with diabetes who were infected with SARS-COV-2 did not differ across COVID-19 groups with varying severity, but they were significantly higher when compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion: Our study suggests the possible role of endocannabinoid system during SARS-COV-2 pathogenicity as the expression of CNR1 and CNR2 were elevated during the disease.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35580523/

“In conclusion, the outcomes of this research supports the possible role of endocannabinoid system during SARS-COV-2 pathogenicity as the expression of CNR1 and CNR2 were elevated during the disease. Moreover, despite their limitations due to psychiatric side effects, the regulated use of cannabinoids should be examined by researchers to identify their potential effectiveness as a therapeutic target in COVID-19 disease.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871402122001138?via%3Dihub

A Review of Hemp as Food and Nutritional Supplement

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“The term “hemp” refers to Cannabis sativa cultivars grown for industrial purposes that are characterized by lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active principle responsible for Cannabis psychotropic effects. Hemp is an extraordinary crop, with enormous social and economic value, since it can be used to produce food, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paper, paint, biofuel, and animal feed, as well as lighting oil.

Various parts of the hemp plant represent a valuable source of food and ingredients for nutritional supplements. While hemp inflorescence is rich in nonpsychoactive, yet biologically active cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), which exerts potent anxiolytic, spasmolytic, as well as anticonvulsant effects, hempseed has a pleasant nutty taste and represents a valuable source of essential amino acids and fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fibers. In addition, hempseed oil is a source of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, and hemp sprouts are rich in antioxidants.

This review article aims to provide a comprehensive outlook from a multidisciplinary perspective on the scientific evidence supporting hemp beneficial properties when consumed as food or supplement. Marketing of hemp-derived products is subjected to diversified and complex regulations worldwide for several reasons, including the fact that CBD is also the active principal of pharmaceutical agents and that regulatory bodies in some cases ban Cannabis inflorescence regardless of its THC content. Some key regulatory aspects of such a complex scenario are also analyzed and discussed in this review article.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33614949/

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2020.0001

Hemp Seeds of the Polish ‘Bialobrzeskie’ and ‘Henola’ Varieties ( Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) as Prospective Plant Sources for Food Production

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molecules-logo

“This publication characterizes the nutritional value of the Polish hemp seeds of the ‘Bialobrzeskie’ and ‘Henola’ varieties, including the profile/content of fatty acids and amino acids. Hemp seeds were found to be rich in protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) dominated the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) profile. Their average share within the total fatty acids (FA) was as high as 75%. Linoleic acid belonging to this group accounted for 55% of the total FA. Lipid profile indices (Σ n – 6/Σ n – 3, Σ PUFA/Σ SFA, the thrombogenicity index, the atherogenicity index and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio) proved the high nutritional value of hemp oil. Considering the tyrosine + phenylalanine and histidine contents, hemp protein exhibited a great degree of similarity to egg protein, which is known and valued for its high biological value.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35209234/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/4/1448


The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in a Cisplatin-Induced Model of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

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“Cannabinoid-based therapies offer a safer, non-opioid alternative for the management of chronic pain. While most studies focus on the analgesic potential of the main psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, fewer studies have investigated the role of the non-psychoactive component, cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been purported to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic effects. In addition to having actions at both cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 ), CBD has been shown to interact with both the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and serotonergic (5-HT) receptors. Clinically, CBD’s lack of psychoactivity and decreased abuse liability make it an appealing pharmacotherapeutic for the management of chronic pain. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine whether CBD sex- or dose-dependently reverses antinociception in an acute model of thermal pain and/or mechanical allodynia in a model of cisplatin-induced chronic neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we observed the degree to which CB1 , CB2 , 5-HT, and TRPV1 receptors may be mediating these anti-allodynic responses. Male and female wild-type mice were assessed for either the anti-allodynic effects of 0, 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg CBD in a cisplatin-induced model of neuropathic pain or the antinociceptive effects of 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg CBD in a model of acute thermal (tail-flick) pain 60 minutes following CBD administration. To determine the relative contributions of each receptor subtype in mediating the anti-allodynic effects of CBD, male and female mice were pretreated with either: vehicle, the CB1 inverse agonist SR141716A (10 mg/kg), the CB2 antagonist SR144528 (10 mg/kg), the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (10 mg/kg), or the 5-HT2 antagonist methysergide (4 mg/kg) 30 minutes prior to treatment with CBD. Mice were assessed for the effects of the pretreatment alone and in combination with CBD. CBD at a dose of 3 mg/kg was able to partially reverse cisplatin-induced allodynia in male and female mice, while doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg resulted in nearly complete reversal. Our preliminary findings showed that the anti-allodynic effects of 30 mg/kg CBD were completely blocked following pretreatment with SR141716A and SR144528, and partially blocked by capsazepine in both male and female mice. Interestingly, pretreatment with methysergide partially attenuated the anti-allodynic effects of CBD in females alone. In contrast, CBD (0-100 mg/kg) failed to induce antinociception on the tail-flick assay. CBD did induce mild hypothermia with males showing a greater degree of CBD-mediated hypothermia than female mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that CBD may be a more effective treatment option for the management of chronic pain. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of CBD in a model of neuropathic pain and suggests that these effects may have clinical implications for the use of cannabinoids in chronic pain management.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35560789/

https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R5197

Effect of cannabidiol on apoptosis and cellular interferon and interferon-stimulated gene responses to the SARS-CoV-2 genes ORF8, ORF10 and M protein

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Life Sciences

“Aims: To study effects on cellular innate immune responses to ORF8, ORF10, and Membrane protein (M protein) from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, in combination with cannabidiol (CBD).

Main methods: HEK293 cells transfected with plasmids expressing control vector, ORF8, ORF10, or M protein were assayed for cell number and markers of apoptosis at 24 h, and interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression at 14 h, with or without CBD. Cells transfected with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) were also studied as a general model of RNA-type viral infection.

Key findings: Reduced cell number and increased early and late apoptosis were found when expression of viral genes was combined with 1-2 μM CBD treatment, but not in control-transfected cells treated with CBD, or in cells expressing viral genes but treated only with vehicle. In cells expressing viral genes, CBD augmented expression of IFNγ, IFNλ1 and IFNλ2/3, as well as the 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family members OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL. CBD also augmented expression of these genes in control cells not expressing viral genes, but without enhancing apoptosis. CBD similarly enhanced the cellular anti-viral response to Poly (I:C).

Significance: Our results demonstrate a poor ability of HEK293 cells to respond to SARS-CoV-2 genes alone, but an augmented innate anti-viral response to these genes in the presence of CBD. Thus, CBD may prime components of the innate immune system, increasing readiness to respond to RNA-type viral infection without activating apoptosis, and could be studied for potential in prophylaxis.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35568225/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320522003241?via%3Dihub

The Role of Cannabis sativa L. as a Source of Cannabinoids against Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An In Silico Study to Evaluate Their Activities and ADMET Properties

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“Cannabis sativa L. is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Cannabinaceae. In this study, the potential use of forty-five cannabinoids, previously identified from Cannabis sativa to alleviate COVID-19 infection via prohibition of crucial SARS-CoV-2 proteins using molecular docking, was examined. In silico studies were performed on three vital enzymes that serve as principle therapeutic targets to prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication. These enzymes are the main protease SARS-CoV-2 MPro, papain-like protease SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Regarding SARS-CoV-2 MPro, cannabichromanon (32) showed the best fitting within its active centers, followed by cannabinolic acid (22) and cannabinol (21), displaying ∆G of -33.63, -23.24, and -21.60 kcal/mol, respectively. Concerning SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, cannabichromanon (32) followed by cannabinolic acid (22) and cannabicyclolic acid (41) revealed the best binding within its active pockets owing to multiple bond formation with ∆G values of -28.36, -22.81, and -19.89 kcal/mol. Furthermore, cannabichromanon (32), cannabinolic acid (22), and cannabinol (21) showed considerable fitting within the active sites of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) evidenced by their significant ∆G values that were estimated as -41.77, -31.34, and -30.36 kcal/mol, respectively. ADME/TOPKAT (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) evaluation was performed on the tested cannabinoids to further explore their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity properties. The results indicated the considerable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicity properties of cannabinol (21), cannabinolic acid (22), cannabichromanon (32), and cannabicyclolic acid (41) that showed best fitting scores within the active sites of the tested enzymes. Multivariate data analysis revealed that cannabichromanon and cannabinolic acid showed a discriminant nature and hence can be incorporated in pharmaceutical dosage forms to alleviate COVID-19 infection.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35566148/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/9/2797


Cannabinoids Alleviate the LPS-Induced Cytokine Storm via Attenuating NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling and TYK2-Mediated STAT3 Signaling Pathways In Vitro

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“Cannabinoids, mainly cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are the most studied group of compounds obtained from Cannabis sativa because of their several pharmaceutical properties. Current evidence suggests a crucial role of cannabinoids as potent anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases; however, the mechanisms remain largely unclear. Cytokine storm, a dysregulated severe inflammatory response by our immune system, is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic inflammatory disorders, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which results in the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we hypothesized that CBD and THC reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting key inflammatory signaling pathways. The nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling has been implicated in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases, which results in the release of pyroptotic cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Likewise, the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) causes increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We studied the effects of CBD and THC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in human THP-1 macrophages and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Our results revealed that CBD and, for the first time, THC significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation following LPS + ATP stimulation, leading to a reduction in the levels of IL-1β in THP-1 macrophages and HBECs. CBD attenuated the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and both cannabinoids inhibited the generation of oxidative stress post-LPS. Our multiplex ELISA data revealed that CBD and THC significantly diminished the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) after LPS treatment in THP-1 macrophages and HBECs. In addition, the phosphorylation of STAT3 was significantly downregulated by CBD and THC in THP-1 macrophages and HBECs, which was in turn attributed to the reduced phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase-2 (TYK2) by CBD and THC after LPS stimulation in these cells. Overall, CBD and THC were found to be effective in alleviating the LPS-induced cytokine storm in human macrophages and primary HBECs, at least via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and STAT3 signaling pathways. The encouraging results from this study warrant further investigation of these cannabinoids in vivo.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35563697/

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/9/1391


Cannabis sativa CBD Extract Shows Promising Antibacterial Activity against Salmonella typhimurium and S. newington

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“Products derived from Cannabis sativa L. have gained increased interest and popularity. As these products become common amongst the public, the health and potential therapeutic values associated with hemp have become a premier focus of research. While the psychoactive and medicinal properties of Cannabis products have been extensively highlighted in the literature, the antibacterial properties of cannabidiol (CBD) have not been explored in depth. This research serves to examine the antibacterial potential of CBD against Salmonella newington and S. typhimurium. In this study, we observed bacterial response to CBD exposure through biological assays, bacterial kinetics, and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, comparative studies between CBD and ampicillin were conducted against S. typhimurium and S. newington to determine comparative efficacy. Furthermore, we observed potential resistance development of our Salmonella spp. against CBD treatment.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35566019/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/9/2669


Hempseed ( Cannabis sativa) Peptide H3 (IGFLIIWV) Exerts Cholesterol-Lowering Effects in Human Hepatic Cell Line

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“Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) protein is an important source of bioactive peptides. H3 (IGFLIIWV), a transepithelial transported intestinal peptide obtained from the hydrolysis of hempseed protein with pepsin, carries out antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in HepG2 cells. In this study, the main aim was to assess its hypocholesterolemic effects at a cellular level and the mechanisms behind this health-promoting activity. The results showed that peptide H3 inhibited the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR) activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 59 μM. Furthermore, the activation of the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP)-2 transcription factor, followed by the increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) protein levels, was observed in human hepatic HepG2 cells treated with peptide H3 at 25 µM. Meanwhile, peptide H3 regulated the intracellular HMGCoAR activity through the increase of its phosphorylation by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-pathways. Consequently, the augmentation of the LDLR localized on the cellular membranes led to the improved ability of HepG2 cells to uptake extracellular LDL with a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Unlike the complete hempseed hydrolysate (HP), peptide H3 can reduce the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein levels and its secretion in the extracellular environment via the decrease of hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α). Considering all these evidences, H3 may represent a new bioactive peptide to be used for the development of dietary supplements and/or peptidomimetics for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565772/

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/9/1804