“Background: The cannabigerol derivative VCE-003.2, which has activity at the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ has afforded neuroprotection in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) based on mitochondrial dysfunction (6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mice) and neuroinflammation (LPS-lesioned mice). Now, we aim to explore VCE-003.2 neuroprotective properties in a PD model that also involves protein dysregulation, other key event in PD pathogenesis.

Methods: To this end, an adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 coding for a mutated form of the α-synuclein gene (AAV9-SynA53T) was unilaterally delivered in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice. This model leads to motor impairment and progressive loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-labelled neurons in the SNpc.

Results: Oral administration of VCE-003.2 at 20 mg/kg for 14 days improved the performance of mice injected with AAV9-SynA53T in various motor tests, correlating with the preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase-labelled neurons in the SNpc. VCE-003.2 also reduced reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis in the SNpc. Furthermore, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis in the striatum of mice injected with AAV9-SynA53T and treated with either VCE-003.2 or vehicle, as well as control animals. This analysis aimed to identify gene families specifically altered by the pathology and/or VCE-003.2 treatment. Our data revealed pathology-induced changes in genes related to mitochondrial function, lysosomal cell pathways, immune responses, and lipid metabolism. In contrast, VCE-003.2 treatment predominantly affected the immune response through interferon signaling.

Conclusion: Our study broadens the neuroprotective potential of VCE-003.2, previously described against mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, glial reactivity and neuroinflammation in PD. We now demonstrate its efficacy against another key pathogenic event in PD as α-synuclein dysregulation. Furthermore, our investigation sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying VCE-003.2 revealing its role in regulating interferon signaling. These findings, together with a favorable ADMET profile, enhance the preclinical interest of VCE-003.2 towards its future clinical development in PD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39487447/

“Cannabinoids have emerged as promising neuroprotective agents given their ability to work as pleiotropic compounds against the multiple events that affect neural cell homeostasis, integrity and survival in conditions of brain damage and neurodegeneration.”

https://behavioralandbrainfunctions.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12993-024-00256-9

“Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and sleep disorders often accompany the disease. Pharmacological treatments for these symptoms are limited and frequently induce significant adverse reactions, underscoring the necessity for appropriate treatment options.

Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid devoid of the euphoric and cognitive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol. The study of cannabidiol’s pharmacological effects has increased exponentially in recent years.

Preclinical and preliminary clinical studies suggest that cannabidiol holds therapeutic potential for alleviating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, offering neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, knowledge of cannabidiol neuromolecular mechanisms is limited, and its pharmacology, which appears complex, has not yet been fully elucidated.

By examining the evidence, this review aims to provide and synthesize scientifically proven evidence for the potential use of cannabidiol as a novel treatment option for Parkinson’s disease. We focus on studies that administrated cannabidiol alone.

The results of preclinical trials using cannabidiol in models of Parkinson’s disease are encouraging. Nevertheless, drawing firm conclusions on the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol for patients is challenging.

Cannabidiol doses, formulations, outcome measures, and methodologies vary considerably across studies. Though, cannabidiol holds promise as a novel therapeutic option for managing both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for improved quality of life for affected individuals.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39029991/

“Understanding the therapeutic potential of CBD in neurological disorders is of paramount importance, as it has the potential to provide patients with effective and well-tolerated treatment options. With significant research, CBD has the potential to meet the healthcare needs of different groups of neurological and psychiatric patients.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0074774224000679?via%3Dihub