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

Posted on July 3, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 3, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“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

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“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

Cannabinoids-A New Perspective in Adjuvant Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“Currently, no treatment can completely cure pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can lead to right ventricular failure and, consequently, death. Therefore, searching for new therapies remains important. Increased resistance in pulmonary circulation is mainly caused by the excessive contraction and proliferation of small pulmonary arteries.

Cannabinoids, a group of lipophilic compounds that all interact with cannabinoid receptors, exert a pulmonary vasodilatory effect through several different mechanisms, including mechanisms that depend on vascular endothelium and/or receptor-based mechanisms, and may also have anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties.

The vasodilatory effect is important in regulating pulmonary resistance, which can improve patients’ quality of life. Moreover, experimental studies on the effects of cannabidiol (plant-derived, non-psychoactive cannabinoid) in animal PH models have shown that cannabidiol reduces right ventricular systolic pressure and excessive remodelling and decreases pulmonary vascular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Due to the potentially beneficial effects of cannabinoids on pulmonary circulation and PH, in this work, we review whether cannabinoids can be used as an adjunctive therapy for PH. However, clinical trials are still needed to recommend the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of PH.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34576212/

“CBD, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of drug-resistant seizures and spasticity in adult patients with multiple sclerosis, also exerts a protective effect on the vascular endothelium, decreases RVSP and/or heart remodelling and increases saturation in experimental PH, in addition to its vasorelaxant effects on pulmonary arteries.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/18/10048

Cannabidiol Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in the Lungs of Rats with Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-derived compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is still an incurable disease. CBD has been suggested to ameliorate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH, including reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), a vasorelaxant effect on pulmonary arteries and a decrease in the white blood cell count.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of chronic administration of CBD (10 mg/kg daily for 21 days) on the parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs of rats with MCT-induced PH.

In MCT-induced PH, we found a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione level (GSH), an increase in inflammatory parameters, e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), and the overexpression of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB₁-Rs, CB₂-Rs). Administration of CBD increased TAC and GSH concentrations, glutathione reductase (GSR) activity, and decreased CB₁-Rs expression and levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL -1β, NF-κB, MCP-1 and CD68.

In conclusion, CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in MCT-induced PH. CBD may act as an adjuvant therapy for PH, but further detailed preclinical and clinical studies are recommended to confirm our promising results.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35630804/

“The evidence presented the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in the lung tissue of rats with MCT-induced PH; as well, we reported on its relaxing effect on pulmonary vessels and the properties of reducing RVSP, suggesting that CBD could be a successful adjunctive therapy in the treatment of PH. The NF-κB pathway and downregulation of CB₁-Rs, the activation of which has pro-oxidative and proinflammatory effects, may play a special role in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory CBD-mediated effect. The available therapies for PH treatment are focused only on vascular effects; CBD has multipotent beneficial effects, which is in line with the current trend of seeking multidirectional therapies. The promising results of our research may form the basis for a more detailed study of the effects of CBD or its derivatives on PH, especially in humans.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/10/3327

“Cannabidiol Found to Ease Oxidative Stress, Inflammation in Rat Model”

Cannabidiol Found to Ease Oxidative Stress, Inflammation in Rat Model

Cannabidiol may prevent the development of congestive hepatopathy secondary to right ventricular hypertrophy associated with pulmonary hypertension in rats

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David

“Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can cause right ventricular (RV) failure and subsequent cardiohepatic syndrome referred to as congestive hepatopathy (CH). Passive blood stasis in the liver can affect inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. Cannabidiol (CBD) has many beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory and reduces RV systolic pressure and RV hypertrophy in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH in rats. Thus, it suggests that CBD may have the potential to limit CH development secondary to RV failure. The present study aimed to determine whether chronic administration of CBD can inhibit the CH secondary to RV hypertrophy associated with MCT-induced PH.

Methods: The experiments involved rats with and without MCT-induced PH. CBD (10 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered once daily for 3 weeks after MCT injection (60 mg/kg).

Results: Monocrotaline administration increased the liver/body weight ratio. In histology examinations, we observed necrosis and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes as well as sinusoidal congestion. In biochemical studies, we observed increased levels of nuclear factor-κappa B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNA-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). CBD administration to PH rats reduced the liver/body weight ratio, improved the architecture of the liver, and inhibited the formation of necrosis. Cannabidiol also decreased the level of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

Conclusions: The studies show that CBD can protect the liver from CH probably through attenuating PH, protective effects on the RV, and possibly direct anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue through regulation of the NF-κB pathway.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38519732/

“In conclusion, we confirmed that the NF-κB pathway may be involved in the development of CH, especially at an early stage. Furthermore, the studies presented show that CBD can protect the liver from CH probably through attenuating PH [9], protective effects on the RV [10], and possibly direct anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue through regulation of the NF-κB pathway (Fig. 5). In addition, like other authors, we confirm that CBD did not cause any adverse changes in the liver of healthy rats, demonstrating its high safety potential.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43440-024-00579-4