Monthly Archives: July 2024

Full-spectrum cannabidiol reduces UVB damage through the inhibition of TGF-β1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome

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“The thermodynamic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and photoprotective benefits of full-spectrum cannabidiol (FS-CBD) against UVB-induced cellular death were examined in this study. In silico analysis of CBD showed antioxidant capacity via proton donation and UV absorption at 209.09, 254.73, and 276.95 nm, according to the HAT and SPLET methodologies. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced bacterial death for 30 min. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced cell death by 42% (1.5 μg/mL) and 35% (3.5 μg/mL) in an in vitro keratinocyte cell model. An in vivo acute irradiated CD-1et/et mouse model (UVB-irradiated for 5 min) presented very low photoprotection when FS-CBD was applied cutaneously, as determined by histological analyses. In vivo skin samples showed that FS-CBD regulated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the inflammatory markers TGF-β1 and NLRP3. The docking analysis showed that the CBD molecule had a high affinity for TGF-β1 and NLRP3, indicating that protection against inflammation might be mediated by blocking these proinflammatory molecules. This result was corroborated by the docking interactions between CBD and TGF-β1 and NLRP3, which resulted in a high affinity and inhibition of both proteins The present work suggested a FS-CBD moderate photoprotective agent against UVB light-induced skin damage and that this effect is partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38958000/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.13993

Cannabidiol Alleviates Oral Mucositis by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-Mediated Pyroptosis

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“Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from Cannabis sativa, has anticancer, anti-inflammation, and analgesic effects. Nevertheless, its therapeutic effect and the mechanism by which it alleviates oral mucositis (OM) remain unclear.

Aims: To explore the impact of CBD on OM in mice and on human oral keratinocyte (HOK) cells.

Study design: Expiremental study.

Methods: The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, GeneCard, DisGeNET, and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to conduct therapeutic target gene screening for drugs against OM. Cytoscape software was used to build networks linking components, targets, and diseases. The STRING database facilitated analysis of intertarget action relationships, and the target genes were analyzed for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment. Occurrence of serum inflammation-related factors, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess OM injury. Cell proliferation, migration, pyroptosis, and apoptosis of HOK cells under different treatments were assessed. Molecular mechanisms were elucidated through western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses.

Results: A total of 49 overlapping genes were pinpointed as potential targets, with NF-κB1, PIK3R1, NF-κBIA, and AKT1 being recognized as hub genes among them. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and interleukin-17 signaling pathways were identified as relevant. Our in vivo experiments showed that CBD significantly reduced the proportion of lesion area, mitigated oral mucosal tissue lesions, and downregulated the expression levels of genes and levels of proteins, including NLRP3, P65, AKT, and PI3K. In vitro experiments indicated that CBD enhanced HOK cell proliferation and migration and reduced apoptosis through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for controlling OM, in which CBD suppresses the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis, thereby mitigating OM symptoms.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38966918/

“Our study used bioinformatics data analysis alongside experimental validation, providing novel insights into the therapeutic role of CBD in OM. We discovered that CBD can alleviate pyroptosis in OM through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. “

http://balkanmedicaljournal.org/text.php?lang=en&id=2614

Examining the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and child autism traits: A multi-cohort investigation in the environmental influences on child health outcome program

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“This study examined the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses and traits.

A total sample of 11,570 children (ages 1-18; 53% male; 25% Hispanic; 60% White) from 34 cohorts of the National Institutes of Health-funded environmental influences on child health outcomes consortium were included in analyses.

Results from generalized linear mixed models replicated previous studies showing that associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and ASD traits in children are not significant when controlling for relevant covariates, particularly tobacco exposure. Child biological sex did not moderate the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and ASD.

In a large sample and measuring ASD traits continuously, there was no evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure increases the risk for ASD. This work helps to clarify previous mixed findings by addressing concerns about statistical power and ASD measurement.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38953698/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.3185

“The evidence is not currently sufficient to conclude that perinatal cannabis use is a cause or a risk factor for the development of ASD.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8525188/

Selected phytocannabinoids inhibit SN-38- and cytokine-evoked increases in epithelial permeability and improve intestinal barrier function in vitro

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“Irinotecan use is linked to the development of gastrointestinal toxicity and inflammation, or gastrointestinal mucositis. Selected phytocannabinoids have been ascribed anti-inflammatory effects in models of gastrointestinal inflammation, associated with maintaining epithelial barrier function.

We characterised the mucoprotective capacity of the phytocannabinoids: cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene and cannabidivarin in a cell-based model of intestinal epithelial stress occurring in mucositis.

Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured to determine changes in epithelial permeability in the presence of SN-38 (5 μM) or the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β (each at 100 ng/mL), alone or with concomitant treatment with each of the phytocannabinoids (1 μM). The DCFDA assay was used to determine the ROS-scavenging ability of each phytocannabinoid following treatment with the lipid peroxidant tbhp (200 μM).

Each phytocannabinoid provided significant protection against cytokine-evoked increases in epithelial permeability. Cannabidiol, cannabidivarin and cannabigerol were also able to significantly inhibit SN-38-evoked increases in permeability. None of the tested phytocannabinoids inhibited tbhp-induced ROS generation.

These results highlight a novel role for cannabidiol, cannabidivarin and cannabigerol as inhibitors of SN-38-evoked increases in epithelial permeability and support the rationale for the further development of novel phytocannabinoids as supportive therapeutics in the management of irinotecan-associated mucositis.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38950639/

  • “•Phytocannabinoids may have efficacy in alleviating intestinal mucositis
  • •Cannabidiol, cannabidivarin, cannabichromene and cannabigerol (CBG) were tested for effects on intestinal epithelial permeability
  • •Intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were exposed to irinotecan metabolite SN-38 or cytokines with or without selected phytocannabinoids
  • •Phytocannabinoids variably protected against cytokine and SN-38-evoked increases in epithelial permeability without antioxidant effects
  • •Minor phytocannabinoids may contribute to mucoprotection and improve epithelial barrier function”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887233324001188?via%3Dihub

“Irinotecan, sold under the brand name Camptosar among others, is an anti-cancer medication used to treat colon cancer and small cell lung cancer. For colon cancer it is used either alone or with fluorouracil. For small cell lung cancer it is used with cisplatin. It is given intravenously.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irinotecan#:~:text=Irinotecan%2C%20sold%20under%20the%20brand,It%20is%20given%20intravenously.


Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol alleviates hyperalgesia in a humanized mouse model of sickle cell disease

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“People with sickle cell disease (SCD) often experience chronic pain as well as unpredictable episodes of acute pain, which significantly affect their quality of life and life expectancy. Current treatment strategies for SCD-associated pain primarily rely on opioid analgesics, which have limited efficacy and cause serious adverse effects.

Cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative, yet its efficacy remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis’ intoxicating constituent, in male HbSS mice, which express >99% human sickle hemoglobin, and male HbAA mice, which express normal human hemoglobin A, as a control.

Acute THC administration (0.1-3 mg-kg-1, intraperitoneal, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in HbSS, but not HbAA mice. In the tail-flick assay, THC (1 and 3 mg-kg-1, i.p.) produced substantial antinociceptive effects in HbSS mice. By contrast, THC (1 mg-kg-1, i.p.) did not alter anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze) or long-term memory (24-h novel object recognition). Subchronic THC treatment (1 and 3 mg-kg-1, i.p.) provided sustained relief of mechanical hypersensitivity but led to tolerance in cold hypersensitivity in HbSS mice.

Together, the findings identify THC as a possible therapeutic option for the management of chronic pain in SCD. Further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanism of action and possible interaction with other cannabis constituents. 

Significance Statement The study explores THC’s efficacy in alleviating pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) using a humanized mouse model. Findings indicate that acute THC administration reduces mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in SCD mice without impacting emotional and cognitive dysfunction. Subchronic THC treatment offers sustained relief of mechanical hypersensitivity but leads to cold hypersensitivity tolerance. These results offer insights into THC’s potential as an alternative pain management option in SCD, highlighting both its benefits and limitations.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38955494/

https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2024/07/02/jpet.124.002285

Uncovering the antiinflammatory potential of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum fermented Cannabis Sativa L seeds

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“Inflammation acts as a dual role in disease initiation and progression, while Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seeds, known for their abundance of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, present a promising food source. Additionally, fermentation may optimize the food matrix, thereby augmenting its developmental prospects.

This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of hemp seeds fermented with 10 different probiotic strains.

Among these, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented hemp seeds (FHS) demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory ability, accompanied by a reduction in the expression of critical inflammatory markers such as TLR4, NF-κBp65, and iNOS. Moreover, there is a noteworthy dose-dependent inhibition of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO within a concentration range of 50 to 500 µg/mL. Subsequently, metabolomics analysis using UHPLC-QTOF-MS highlighted significant metabolic alterations in FHS compared to raw hemp seeds (RHS). Through multivariate, univariate, and correlation analyses, indolelactic acid (IA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) emerged as the main anti-inflammatory metabolites in FHS. Validation via HPLC confirmed the concentration of IA and HVA in RHS and FHS and both organic acids demonstrated lower IC50 values for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and NO inhibition, showcasing their potent anti-inflammatory abilities. Furthermore, in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion coupled with the Caco-2 cell monolayer model validates the uptake and bioaccessibility of FHS, further affirming IA and HVA as major anti-inflammatory compounds.

Overall, this research sets the stage for the development of novel hemp seed-based products targeting inflammation-associated disorders.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38944646/

“Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seeds have recently gained global recognition as a potentially valuable food source due to their rich protein, oil necessary to meet human dietary demands. Based on these findings, we concluded that L. plantarum fermentation significantly enhances the anti-inflammatory activity of hemp seeds.”

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-024-00285-8

Cannabidiol reduces lung and heart fibrosis in rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

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European Respiratory Society

“Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and incurable disease that may lead to right ventricular (RV) failure and consequently, death. The remodeling of small pulmonary vessels, perivascular lung tissue and RV plays a key role in the PH development.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound of Cannabis and has a multidirectional beneficial properties, including antiproliferative.

The aim of the study was to investigate if CBD possess the antifibrotic potential in the lung and RV of rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH.

The studies were carried out on rats with (MCT; 60 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)) and without PH (control group). CBD (10 mg/kg) or its vehicle were administered once daily, intraperitoneally (i.p.), for 3 weeks after administration of MCT or its vehicle. Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods were used.

In the lung and RV of the rats with MCT-induced PH, an increase of galectin-3, the growth transforming factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), collagen I expression and a greater number of mast cells, which are the cells responsible for lung remodeling were observed. CBD reduced the expression of above-mentioned profibrotic parameters and the number of mast cells in the lungs and/or RV of rats with MCT-induced PH.

In conclusion, CBD has potential property to inhibit lung and RV remodeling, possibly by inhibiting the TGF-β1-dependent pathway and may be considered as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of PH.”

https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/60/suppl_66/4477

Cannabinoids in arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension – mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic significance

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“The endocannabinoid system is overactivated in arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension. In this paper, we present limited clinical data concerning the role of cannabinoids in human hypertension including polymorphism of endocannabinoid system components. We underline differences between the acute cannabinoid administration and their potential hypotensive effect after chronic application in experimental hypertension. We discuss pleiotropic effects of cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system mediated via numerous neuronal and non-neuronal mechanisms both in normotension and in hypertension. The final results are dependent on the model of hypertension, age, sex, the cannabinoid ligands used or the action via endocannabinoid metabolites. More experimental and clinical studies are needed to clarify the role of endocannabinoids in hypertension, not only in the search for new therapeutic strategies but also in the context of cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and the steadily increasing legalization of cannabis use for recreational and medical purposes.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29455452/

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.14168

Identification of the vasodilatory endothelial cannabinoid receptor in the human pulmonary artery

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“Background: The endocannabinoid anandamide is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypotension in haemorrhagic, endotoxic, and cardiogenic shock. It has been demonstrated in animal, but not in human, vessels that the vasodilatory effects of anandamide and abnormal cannabidiol are partially mediated by an as yet unidentified endothelial cannabinoid receptor. Our study was performed to examine the influence of abnormal cannabidiol on the human pulmonary artery.

Methods: Isolated human pulmonary arteries were obtained from patients without clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension during resection of lung carcinoma. Vasodilatory effects of abnormal cannabidiol were examined on endothelium-intact vessels preconstricted with serotonin or potassium chloride.

Results: Anandamide and abnormal cannabidiol relaxed serotonin-preconstricted vessels concentration-dependently. The effect of abnormal cannabidiol was reduced by endothelium denudation, pertussis toxin and two antagonists of the novel endothelial receptor, cannabidiol and O-1918, but not by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME given together with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. It was also diminished by blockade of calcium-activated potassium channels by the nonselective blocker tetraethylammonium or by combination of selective blockers of small (apamin) and intermediate and large (charybdotoxin) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. The potency of abnormal cannabidiol to relax vessels was lower in potassium chloride than in serotonin-preconstriced preparations.

Conclusions: Abnormal cannabidiol relaxes human pulmonary arteries in an endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent manner. The latter component is probably mediated via the putative endothelial cannabinoid receptor, activation of which may release endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, which in turn acts via calcium-activated potassium channels. Abnormal cannabidiol is behaviourally inactive; it may have a therapeutic implication in vascular diseases, especially in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17921818/

https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/abstract/2007/11000/identification_of_the_vasodilatory_endothelial.11.aspx

Why Multitarget Vasodilatory (Endo)cannabinoids Are Not Effective as Antihypertensive Compounds after Chronic Administration: Comparison of Their Effects on Systemic and Pulmonary Hypertension

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“Systemic and pulmonary hypertension are multifactorial, high-pressure diseases. The first one is a civilizational condition, and the second one is characterized by a very high mortality rate. Searching for new therapeutic strategies is still an important task.

(Endo)cannabinoids, known for their strong vasodilatory properties, have been proposed as possible drugs for different types of hypertension. Unfortunately, our review, in which we summarized all publications found in the PubMed database regarding chronic administration of (endo)cannabinoids in experimental models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension, does not confirm any encouraging suggestions, being based mainly on in vitro and acute in vivo experiments. We considered vasodilator or blood pressure (BP) responses and cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, and the anti-inflammatory effects of particular compounds and their influence on the endocannabinoid system.

We found that multitarget (endo)cannabinoids failed to modify higher BP in systemic hypertension since they induced responses leading to decreased and increased BP.

In contrast, multitarget cannabidiol and monotarget ligands effectively treated pulmonary and systemic hypertension, respectively.

To summarize, based on the available literature, only (endo)cannabinoids with a defined site of action are recommended as potential antihypertensive compounds in systemic hypertension, whereas both mono- and multitarget compounds may be effective in pulmonary hypertension.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36145339/

“The best results in PH were obtained with chronic administration of CBD (the only compound examined in detail), which was effective in two PH models and two treatment protocols (preventive and therapeutic). “

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/9/1119