Cannabinoid receptor 2 promotes the intracellular degradation of HMGB1 via the autophagy-lysosome pathway in macrophage.

International Immunopharmacology“High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a late phase inflammatory mediator in many inflammatory diseases. Extracellular HMGB1 could bind to many membrane receptors to activate downstream signaling molecules and promote inflammation resulting in cell and tissue damage.

In our previous work, we found cannabinoid receptor Ⅱ(CB2R) inhibited the expression of HMGB1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic models in vivo and in vitro, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

The present study was aimed to explore the possible pathway through which CB2R suppressed HMGB1.

Here, we found that the specific agonist of CB2R, GW405833 (GW) could induce intracellular HMGB1 degradation without influencing HMGB1 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages. Then we observed that autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) but not proteasome inhibitor MG-132 (MG) could block GW-induced HMGB1 degradation, which indicated that the autophagy-lysosome but not the ubiquitination pathway was involved in this process.

Further study showed that GW could promote the integrity of autophagy flux in macrophages in terms of increased level of LC3Ⅱand decreased expression of p62 protein. It also observed that inhibition of autophagy blocked GW-induced nuclear translocation of HMGB1 in macrophages. GW could up-regulate expression of Cathepsin B (CTSB), and inhibition of CTSB blocked GW-induced HMGB1 degradation.

In summary, all the data showed that activation of CB2R could promote the intracellular degradation of HMGB1 via the autophagy-lysosome pathway in macrophage.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31806570

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576919321186?via%3Dihub

Cannabis Exposure is Associated With a Lower Likelihood of Neurocognitive Impairment in People Living With HIV.

Image result for ovid journal “Aging and HIV have adverse effects on the central nervous system, including increased inflammation and neural injury and confer risk of neurocognitive impairment (NCI).

Previous research suggests the nonacute neurocognitive effects of cannabis in the general population are adverse or null. However, in the context of aging and HIV, cannabis use may exert beneficial effects due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

In the current study, we examined the independent and interactive effects of HIV and cannabis on NCI and the potential moderation of these effects by age.

METHODS:

Participants included 679 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 273 people living without HIV (HIV-) (18-79 years old) who completed neurocognitive, neuromedical, and substance use assessments. NCI was defined as a demographically corrected global deficit score ≥ 0.5. Logistic regression models examined the effects of age, HIV, cannabis (history of cannabis substance use disorder and cannabis use in past year), and their 2-way and 3-way interactions on NCI.

RESULTS:

In logistic regression models, only a significant interaction of HIV X cannabis was detected (P = 0.02). Among PLHIV, cannabis was associated with a lower proportion of NCI (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.33-0.85) but not among HIV- individuals (P = 0.40). These effects did not vary by age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings suggest cannabis exposure is linked to a lower odds of NCI in the context of HIV. A possible mechanism of this result is the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis, which may be particularly important for PLHIV. Further investigations are needed to refine the effects of dose, timing, and cannabis compound on this relationship, which could inform guidelines for cannabis use among populations vulnerable to cognitive decline.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31809361

https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00126334-202001010-00008

Cannabinoids and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis: Emerging Effects of Cannabidiol and Potential Applications to Alcohol Use Disorders.

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research banner“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged in recent years as a potential treatment target for alcohol use disorders (AUD).

In particular, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has shown preclinical promise in ameliorating numerous clinical symptoms of AUD.

There are several proposed mechanism(s) through which cannabinoids (and CBD in particular) may confer beneficial effects in the context of AUD. First, CBD may directly impact specific brain mechanisms underlying AUD to influence alcohol consumption and the clinical features of AUD. Second, CBD may influence AUD symptoms through its actions across the digestive, immune, and central nervous systems, collectively known as the microbiota-gut-brain-axis (MGBA).

Notably, emerging work suggests that alcohol and cannabinoids exert opposing effects on the MGBA.

Alcohol is linked to immune dysfunction (e.g., chronic systemic inflammation in the brain and periphery) as well as disturbances in gut microbial species (microbiota) and increased intestinal permeability. These MGBA disruptions have been associated with AUD symptoms such as craving and impaired cognitive control.

Conversely, existing preclinical data suggest that cannabinoids may confer beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal and immune system, such as reducing intestinal permeability, regulating gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. Thus, cannabinoids may exert AUD harm-reduction effects, at least in part, through their beneficial actions across the MGBA.

This review will provide a brief introduction to the ECS and the MGBA, discuss the effects of cannabinoids (particularly CBD) and alcohol in the brain, gut, and immune system (i.e., across the MGBA), and put forth a theoretical framework to inform future research questions.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31803950

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acer.14256

Effects of O-1602 and CBD on TNBS-induced colonic disturbances.

Neurogastroenterology & Motility banner“This study attempted to provide the effects and mechanisms of two cannabinoids, O-1602 and cannabidiol (CBD), on colonic motility of 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis.

METHODS:

TNBS was used to induce the model of motility disorder. G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expression was detected using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in colon. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase were also measured. The colonic motility was measured by upper GI transit in vivo and recorded using electrical stimulation organ bath technique in vitro. Freshly isolated smooth muscle from the rat colon were applied to determine the membrane potential and Ca2+ -ATPase activity, respectively.

KEY RESULTS:

CBD or O-1602 separately improved inflammatory conditions significantly in TNBS-induced colitis rats. However, sole CBD pretreatment reduced GPR55 expression, which was up-regulated in TNBS colitis. O-1602 and CBD each lowered MPO and IL-6 levels remarkably in TNBS colitis, while TNF-α levels experienced no change. CBD rescued the downward colonic motility in TNBS colitis in vivo; however, it decreased the upward contraction of the smooth muscle strip under electrical stimulation in vitro. Pretreatment with CBD prevented against TNBS-induced changes of Ca2+ -ATPase activity of smooth muscle cells. However, membrane potential of the smooth muscle cells decreased by TNBS experienced no change after O-1602 or CBD import.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES:

The present study suggested that CBD participated in the regulation of colonic motility in rats, and the mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of inlammatory factors and Ca2+ -ATPase activity through GPR55.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31802588

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nmo.13756

Transcriptomic Analysis of Stem Cells Treated with Moringin or Cannabidiol: Analogies and Differences in Inflammation Pathways.

ijms-logo“Inflammation is a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases.

The treatment of stem cells as a therapeutic approach to repair damage in the central nervous system represents a valid alternative.

In this study, using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, we analyzed the transcriptomic profile of human Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hGMSCs) treated with Moringin [4-(α-l-ramanosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate] (hGMSCs-MOR) or with Cannabidiol (hGMSCs-CBD) at dose of 0.5 or 5 µM, respectively. Moreover, we compared their transcriptomic profiles in order to evaluate analogies and differences in pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways.

The hGMSCs-MOR selectively downregulate TNF-α signaling from the beginning, reducing the expression of TNF-α receptor while hGMSCs-CBD limit its activity after the process started.

The treatment with CBD downregulates the pro-inflammatory pathway mediated by the IL-1 family, including its receptor while MOR is less efficient.

Furthermore, both the treatments are efficient in the IL-6 signaling. In particular, CBD reduces the effect of the pro-inflammatory JAK/STAT pathway while MOR enhances the pro-survival PI3K/AKT/mTOR.

In addition, both hGMSCs-MOR and hGMSCs-CBD improve the anti-inflammatory activity enhancing the TGF-β pathway.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31801206

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/23/6039

Long-term benefit from immune modulation and anti-inflammatory treatment in metastatic mesothelioma.

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports“A 64 year old male heating engineer was investigated for a persistent cough and found to have epithelioid mesothelioma with pleural effusion, lung nodules and increased thoracic lymph nodes. He declined standard of care treatment following his own research and he was enrolled in a named patient programme of IMM-101. He was advised to correct his low vitamin D3 level and to start using anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, bromelain and low dose Naltrexone. At review one year later a CT scan showed no change and he continued on the regimen. Four years after the diagnosis a CT scan showed that there was a modest but definite progression of the left malignant pleural thickening, and a new right-sided effusion, enlargement of several intrathoracic nodes which had been noted on the early scans. The chest wall lump eventually broke down and required local radiotherapy. He then developed abdominal pain and found to have peritoneal disease. Last year he obtained the cannabinoids CBD and THC which slowed down the disease and a CT scan after he had been on this for six months, showed that his disease was fairly stable with marginal progression.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31788420

“The patient gave his full written consent for this report and is keen that others can benefit from this treatment.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213007119303168?via%3Dihub

The role of the endocannabinoid system in aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis: A potential therapeutic target.

European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Home“Endometriosis affects a large proportion of women during their reproductive years and is associated with pain and infertility, also affecting psychological wellbeing and quality of life. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear, although it is believed to be multifactorial.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a number of ligands, receptors and enzymes, and has gained interests in endometriosis research. This review aims to summarise all available evidence reporting the roles of the ECS in endometriosis.

A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science electronic medical databases was performed. Original and review articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. No publication date or publication status restrictions were imposed.

Significant differences in the concentrations and expressions of the components of the ECS were reported in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium, and the systemic circulation of women with endometriosis compared to controls. Endometriosis appears to be associated with downregulation of CB1 receptors and upregulation of TRPV1 receptors.

The role of CB1 and progesterone in anti-inflammatory action and the role of TRPV1 in inflammation and pain are of particular interests. Furthermore, the ECS has been reported to be involved in processes relevant to endometriosis, including cell migration, cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and interacts with sex steroid hormones.

The ECS may play a role in disease establishment, progression, and pain in endometriosis. However, reports are based on studies of limited size and there are inconsistencies among the definition of their control groups. There are also conflicting reports regarding precise involvement of the ECS in endometriosis. Future research with larger numbers, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and detailed clinical information is imperative.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31785471

https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(19)30526-3/fulltext

Cannabidiol-from Plant to Human Body: A Promising Bioactive Molecule with Multi-Target Effects in Cancer.

 ijms-logo“Cannabis sativa L. is a plant long used for its textile fibers, seed oil, and oleoresin with medicinal and psychoactive properties. It is the main source of phytocannabinoids, with over 100 compounds detected so far. In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to the main phytochemicals present in Cannabis sativa L., namely, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Compared to THC, CBD has non-psychoactive effects, an advantage for clinical applications of anti-tumor benefits. The review is designed to provide an update regarding the multi-target effects of CBD in different types of cancer. The main focus is on the latest in vitro and in vivo studies that present data regarding the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, cytotoxic, anti-invasive, anti-antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of CBD together with their mechanisms of action. The latest clinical evidence of the anticancer effects of CBD is also outlined. Moreover, the main aspects of the pharmacological and toxicological profiles are given.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31775230

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/23/5905

The Endocannabinoid System in Pediatric Inflammatory and Immune Diseases.

 ijms-logo“Endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, their endogenous ligands, and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. CB2, to a great extent, and CB1, to a lesser extent, are involved in regulating the immune response. They also regulate the inflammatory processes by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator release and immune cell proliferation. This review provides an overview on the role of the endocannabinoid system with a major focus on cannabinoid receptors in the pathogenesis and onset of inflammatory and autoimmune pediatric diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, obesity, neuroinflammatory diseases, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. These disorders have a high social impact and represent a burden for the healthcare system, hence the importance of individuating more innovative and effective treatments. The endocannabinoid system could address this need, representing a possible new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31771129

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/23/5875

The curative effect of a cannabinoid 2 receptor agonist on functional failure and disruptive inflammation caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion.

Publication cover image“As we learn more about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), our understanding and grasp of the system’s ubiquitous presence is expanding. In light of this, there is also a growing body of evidence for the therapeutic potential of ECS modulation in a range of clinical situations. Strategies include for example manipulation of the Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, mostly in terms of CNS processes, and activation of the Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor as anti-inflammatory target.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31774568

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/fcp.12524