HU-446 and HU-465, derivatives of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol, decrease the activation of encephalitogenic T cells.

Posted on August 12, 2015 by David

“Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has been previously shown by us to decrease peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Here we have studied the anti-inflammatory effects of newly synthesized derivatives of natural (-)-CBD ((-)-8,9-dihydro-7-hydroxy-CBD; HU-446) and of synthetic (+)-CBD ((+)-8,9-dihydro-7-hydroxy-CBD; HU-465)…

These results suggest that HU-446 and HU-465 have anti-inflammatory potential in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. ”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26259697

Microinjection of orexin-A into the rat locus coeruleus nucleus induces analgesia via cannabinoid type-1 receptors.

Posted on August 10, 2015 by David

“Locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus is involved in noradrenergic descending pain modulation.

LC receives dense orexinergic projections from the lateral hypothalamus. Orexin-A and -B are hypothalamic peptides which modulate a variety of brain functions via orexin type-1 (OX1) and orexin type-2 (OX2) receptors.

Previous studies have shown that activation of OX1 receptors induces endocannabinoid synthesis and alters synaptic neurotransmission by retrograde signaling via affecting cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptors.

In the present study the interaction of orexin-A and endocannabinoids was examined at the LC level in a rat model of inflammatory pain…

This data show that, activation of OX1 receptors in the LC can induce analgesia and also the blockade of OX1 or CB1 receptors is associated with hyperalgesia during formalin test.

Our findings also suggest that CB1 receptors may modulate the analgesic effect of orexin-A.

These results outline a new mechanism by which orexin-A modulates the nociceptive processing in the LC nucleus.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26254729

Cannabinoids Regulate Intestinal Motor Function and Electrophysiological Activity of Myocytes in Rodents.

Posted on August 10, 2015 by David

“This study aims to investigate the effects of cannabinoid (CB)-1 and CB2 receptor ligands on intestinal motor function and muscular electrophysiological activity in rodent gastrointestinal (GI) tract…

This is one of the first reports on neuronal regulation of intestinal motility through CB-dependent pathways with potential application in the treatment of inflammatory and functional GI disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26254701

Novel Triazolopyrimidine-Derived Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonists As Potential Treatment for Inflammatory Kidney Diseases.

Posted on August 1, 2015 by David

“The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) system is described to modulate various pathological conditions, including inflammation and fibrosis.

A series of new heterocyclic small-molecule CB2 receptor agonists were identified from a high-throughput screen…

A significant depletion of the three measured kidney markers indicated a protective role of CB2 receptor activation toward inflammatory kidney damage. Compound 39 was also protective in a model of renal fibrosis.

Oral treatment with 39 at 3 mg kg-1 per day significantly decreased the amount of fibrosis by ∼40 % which was induced by unilateral ureter obstruction.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26228928

The GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 protects against intestinal inflammation.

Posted on August 1, 2015 by David

“G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a lysophospholipid receptor responsive to certain cannabinoids.

The role of GPR55 in inflammatory processes of the gut is largely unknown. Using the recently characterized GPR55 inhibitor CID16020046, we determined the role of GPR55 in experimental intestinal inflammation and explored possible mechanisms of action…

Pharmacological blockade of GPR55 reduces experimental intestinal inflammation by reducing leukocyte migration and activation, in particular that of macrophages. Therefore, CID16020046 represents a possible drug for the treatment of bowel inflammation.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26227635

Endocannabinoid Signaling in Autism.

Posted on July 29, 2015 by David

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral condition with onset during early childhood and a lifelong course in the vast majority of cases. To date, no behavioral, genetic, brain imaging, or electrophysiological test can specifically validate a clinical diagnosis of ASD. However, these medical procedures are often implemented in order to screen for syndromic forms of the disorder (i.e., autism comorbid with known medical conditions).

In the last 25 years a good deal of information has been accumulated on the main components of the “endocannabinoid (eCB) system”, a rather complex ensemble of lipid signals (“endocannabinoids”), their target receptors, purported transporters, and metabolic enzymes.

It has been clearly documented that eCB signaling plays a key role in many human health and disease conditions of the central nervous system, thus opening the avenue to the therapeutic exploitation of eCB-oriented drugs for the treatment of psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory disorders.

Here we present a modern view of the eCB system, and alterations of its main components in human patients and animal models relevant to ASD. This review will thus provide a critical perspective necessary to explore the potential exploitation of distinct elements of eCB system as targets of innovative therapeutics against ASD.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26216231#

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/autism/

Time-Dependent Protection of CB2 Receptor Agonist in Stroke.

Posted on July 19, 2015 by David

“Recent studies have indicated that type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) agonists reduce neurodegeneration after brain injury through anti-inflammatory activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the time-dependent interaction of CB2R and inflammation in stroke brain.

In conclusion, our data support a time-dependent neuroprotection of CB2 agonist in an animal model of stroke.

Delayed post- treatment with PPAR-γ agonist induced behavioral recovery and microglial suppression; early treatment with CB2R agonist suppressed neurodegeneration in stroke animals.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26186541

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/stroke-2/

Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol protects primary cultured neurons against LPS-induced impairments in rat caudate nucleus.

Posted on July 17, 2015 by David

“Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many diseases in the central nervous system.

Caudate nucleus (CN), the largest nucleus in the brain, is also implicated in many neurological disorders.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid and the true natural ligand for CB1 receptors, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory action from proinflammatory stimuli in hippocampus.

In the present study, we discovered that 2-AG significantly protects CN neurons in culture against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response.

Our study suggests the therapeutic potential of 2-AG for the treatment of some inflammation-induced neurological disorders and pain.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24510751

Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol protects primary cultured neurons against homocysteine-induced impairments in rat caudate nucleus through CB1 receptor.

Posted on July 17, 2015 by David

“Homocysteine (Hcy) is a high risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Caudate nucleus (CN), the major component of basal ganglia in the brain, is also involved in many neurological disorders.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the true natural ligand for cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptors and the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory action from proinflammatory stimuli in the hippocampus and CN.

In the present work, we explored that 2-AG significantly protects CN neurons in culture against Hcy-induced response.

2-AG is capable of inhibiting elevation of Hcy-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression associated with nuclear factor-kappaB/p38MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway through CB1 receptors-dependent way in primary cultured CN neurons.

Our study reveals the therapeutic potential for 2-AG for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25007951

Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits growth and metastasis of lung cancer.

Posted on June 29, 2015 by David

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“Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.

Many of these over-express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and are usually highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy.

Recent studies have shown that Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major component of Cannabis sativa, possess anti-tumor properties against various types of cancers.

However, not much is known about its effect on lung cancer. In this study, we sought to characterize the effect of THC on EGF-induced growth and metastasis of human non small lung cancer cell (NSCLC) lines A549 and SW-1573.

We demonstrate that these cell lines and primary tumor samples derived from lung cancer patients express cannabinoids receptors CB₁ and CB₂, the known targets for THC action.

We further show that THC inhibits EGF-induced growth in these cell lines.

In addition THC attenuated EGF-stimulated chemotaxis and chemoinvasion.

Next we characterized the effect of THC on in vivo lung cancer growth and metastasis in a murine model. A549 cells were implanted in SCID mice (n=6 per group) through subcutaneous and intravenous injections to generate subcutaneous and lung metastatic cancer, respectively. THC (5mg/kg body wt.) was administered once daily through intraperitoneal injections for 21 days. The mice were analyzed for tumor growth and lung metastasis.

A significant reduction (~50%) in tumor weight and volume were observed in THC treated animals compared to the vehicle treated animals.

THC treated animals also showed a significant (~60%) reduction in macroscopic lesions on the lung surface in comparison to vehicle treated control.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor samples from THC treated animals revealed anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects of THC with significant reduction in staining for Ki67, a proliferative marker and CD31, an endothelial marker indicative of vascularization. Investigation into the signaling events associated with reduced EGF-induced functional effects revealed that THC also inhibits EGF-induced Akt phosphorylation. Akt is a central signaling molecule of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways and it regulates a diverse array of cellular functions, including proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and apoptosis.

Cumulatively, these studies indicate that THC has anti-tumorigenic and anti-metastatic effects against lung cancer. Novel therapies against EGFR overexpressing, aggressive and chemotherapy resistant lung cancers may include targeting the cannabinoids receptors.”

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/67/9_Supplement/4749.short

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/lung-cancer/