Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin E. LaVigne, Ryan Hecksel, Attila Keresztes, John M. Streicher
Summary: Limited evidence suggests that terpenes found in Cannabis sativa may have cannabimimetic activity and can enhance cannabinoid activity. These multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands provide support for the entourage effect hypothesis, potentially enhancing the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Brandon D. Turner, Nicholas K. Smith, Kevin M. Manz, Betty T. Chang, Eric Delpire, Carrie A. Grueter, Brad A. Grueter
Summary: This study investigates the role of CB1R signaling in specific striatal neuron populations in cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. Results show that knockout of CB1R in D1 and A2a neuron populations leads to reduced locomotor activity in response to cocaine, suggesting a role for CB1R in the motor circuit. Additionally, knockout of CB1R in A2a neurons results in a lack of preference for cocaine-associated context, indicating a potential role for CB1R in reward perception or memory consolidation. These findings provide insights into CB1R-dependent adaptations underlying substance use disorders.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ding-Juan Zhong, Yu Zhang, Shuya Zhang, Yuan-Yuan Ge, Mengyun Tong, Yijia Feng, Feng You, Xinyue Zhao, Ke Wang, Liping Zhang, Xiaoling Liu, Jiang-Fan Chen
Summary: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in children worldwide, and protecting against early hyperoxia-induced retinal vascular loss represents an effective therapeutic window. Research has shown that adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) antagonists can reverse cellular proliferation inhibition, offering potential protection against hyperoxia-induced retinal vascular loss.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ismail Nurul Iman, Nur Aimi Zawami Ahmad, Nurul Aiman Mohd Yusof, Ummi Nasrah Talib, Anwar Norazit, Jaya Kumar, Muhammad Zulfadli Mehat, Zurina Hassan, Christian P. Mueller, Mustapha Muzaimi
Summary: The study suggests that high-dose exposure to mitragynine may lead to cognitive deficits, which can be reversed with a CB1 receptor antagonist. Long-term use of kratom/mitragynine may affect the reward system and cognitive abilities in the brain.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Liliana Dias, Catia R. Lopes, Francisco Q. Goncalves, Ana Nunes, Daniela Pochmann, Nuno J. Machado, Angelo R. Tome, Paula Agostinho, Rodrigo A. Cunha
Summary: This study demonstrated the functional interaction between P2X7R and A(2A)R in regulating microglia reactivity in response to repeated stress, indicating a potential cooperation between these two purinergic systems in controlling brain function. The results show that antagonists of P2X7R and A(2A)R can attenuate the behavioral modifications caused by repeated stress, and their effects on calcium levels in microglial cells suggest a complex interplay between these two receptors.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Friedman, Ane Larranaga-Vera, Cristina M. Castro, Carmen Corciulo, Piul Rabbani, Bruce N. Cronstein
Summary: The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is related to imbalanced chondrocyte homeostasis and increased cellular senescence in cartilage. Activation of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) promotes cartilage regeneration and chondrocyte homeostasis. A2AR activation reduces chondrocyte senescence and attenuates OA progression.
Article
Neurosciences
Eva Maria Meier Carlsen, Sarah Falk, Urszula Skupio, Laurie Robin, Antonio C. Pagano Zottola, Giovanni Marsicano, Jean-Francois Perrier
Summary: The study demonstrates that cannabinoids reduce tremor associated with motor disorders by acting on cannabinoid receptors on astrocytes in the spinal cord, ultimately inhibiting excitatory synaptic transmission and decreasing tremor.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jamie J. Manning, Gabriel Rawcliffe, David B. Finlay, Michelle Glass
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phosphorylation modifications in a specific sequence of the CB1 receptor C-terminus on the translocation of Arrestin-2 and Arrestin-3. The results showed that these modifications partially contributed to the translocation of Arrestin, but complete inhibition was only achieved when all phosphorylation sites were mutated. Additionally, the dissociation of G proteins was also impaired proportionally to the extent of Arrestin translocation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luke J. Hamilton, Michaela Walker, Mahesh Pattabiraman, Haizhen A. Zhong, Brandon Luedtke, Surabhi Chandra
Summary: The study generated a novel isomer of curcumin using photochemical methods and found that this compound binds to two receptor subtypes with K-i values of 5μM and 7μM, respectively. The results showed that this isomer is non-toxic to cells and may potentially be developed as a new class of non-opioid analgesics.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Zaluski, Dorota Lazewska, Piotr Jasko, Ewelina Honkisz-Orzechowska, Kamil J. Kuder, Andreas Brockmann, Gniewomir Latacz, Malgorzata Zygmunt, Maria Kaleta, Beril Anita Greser, Agnieszka Olejarz-Maciej, Magdalena Jastrzebska-Wiesek, Christin Vielmuth, Christa E. Mueller, Katarzyna Kiec-Kononowicz
Summary: This study synthesized 25 novel xanthine derivatives with potential anti-inflammatory activity and explored their effects on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Three compounds were selected for further studies and showed good metabolic stability and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Further optimization of these compounds and exploration of their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases are warranted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akihisa Mori, Brittany Cross, Shinichi Uchida, Jill Kerrick Walker, Robert Ristuccia
Summary: Adenosine is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems as a key neuromodulator, with implications in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, especially in ALS. Motor neurons affected in ALS are responsive to adenosine receptor function, with accumulating evidence supporting the benefits of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hector Godoy-Marin, Romain Duroux, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Concepcio Soler, Hildegard Colino-Lage, Veronica Jimenez-Sabado, Jose Montiel, Leif Hove-Madsen, Francisco Ciruela
Summary: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is influenced by various factors such as oxidative stress, calcium overload, inflammation, as well as adenosine and its receptors. Studies have found increased A2AR expression in the right atrium of AF patients, elevated levels of adenosine content in plasma, and reduced ADA activity. Importantly, there is a positive correlation between A2AR expression in PBMCs and in the right atrium.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Guichang Zou, Jing Xia, Heyi Luo, Dan Xiao, Jin Jin, Chenjian Miao, Xin Zuo, Qianqian Gao, Zhi Zhang, Tian Xue, Yezi You, Ye Zhang, Li Zhang, Wei Xiong
Summary: The combined use of cannabis and alcohol leads to greater psychoactive toxicity than using either substance alone, and the underlying mechanisms behind this worsened outcome are still unclear. This study reveals that the synergistic effect of THC and ethanol on motor incoordination in mice is achieved by activating CB1R and potentiating GlyR within cerebellar PCs. Ethanol enhances THC actions by increasing its permeability across the blood-brain barrier and enriching THC in the cell membrane.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiu-Cui Li, Fang-Fang Hong, Yun-Jia Tu, Yuan-Ai Li, Chun-Yan Ma, Chen-Yi Yu, Li Fang, Jia-Yi Chen, Zhi-Lin Li, Shi-Jia Bao, Zi-Long Zhang, Hui-Ya Ying, Adwoa Takyiwaa Gyabaah, Shu-Yun Hu, Guan-Hua Shao, Xiao-Hong Cai
Summary: This study found that the adenosine A(2A) receptor plays a critical role in the impairment of learning and memory in a chronic intermittent hypoxia environment, by accelerating hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and reducing synaptic plasticity.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Antonio C. Pagano Zottola, Ilenia Severi, Astrid Cannich, Philippe Ciofi, Daniela Cota, Giovanni Marsicano, Antonio Giordano, Luigi Bellocchio
Summary: By activating the CB1 receptor, cannabinoids regulate mitochondrial physiology and energy metabolism in adipocytes through intracellular signaling pathways.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tommaso Schirinzi, Daniela Maftei, Francesco M. Passali, Piergiorgio Grillo, Henri Zenuni, Davide Mascioli, Riccardo Maurizi, Laura Loccisano, Martina Vincenzi, Anna Maria Rinaldi, Massimo Ralli, Stefano Di Girolamo, Alessandro Stefani, Roberta Lattanzi, Cinzia Severini, Nicola B. Mercuri
Summary: This study outlines the dynamics of the prokineticin-2 pathway in relation to the clinical-pathological features of Parkinson's disease by examining olfactory neurons of patients. The results show that prokineticin-2 expression is increased in Parkinson's disease and is directly correlated with the severity of motor symptoms. Additionally, the accumulation of oligomeric alpha-synuclein is associated with prokineticin-2 protein levels. These findings support prokineticin-2 as a potential target for Parkinson's disease and validate the use of olfactory neurons to reflect pathological changes of the disease.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Loretta Piccenna, Rebecca O'Dwyer, Ilo Leppik, Ettore Beghi, Giorgia Giussani, Cinzia Costa, Jacopo C. DiFrancesco, Monica B. Dhakar, Naoki Akamatsu, Benjamin Cretin, Gunter Kraemer, Edward Faught, Patrick Kwan
Summary: Older adults with epilepsy are a diverse population, and individualized treatment approaches are crucial. Most studies have shown levetiracetam to have the best long-term seizure freedom outcomes, but there is limited research on other newer antiseizure medications. More studies are needed to understand the effectiveness and side effects of treatment, including the impact on quality of life. It is important to move beyond just seizure control and focus on long-term patient-centered outcomes.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Claudia Carrarini, Dario Calisi, Matteo Alessandro De Rosa, Angelo Di Iorio, Damiano D'Ardes, Raffaello Pellegrino, Stefano Gazzina, Andrea Pilotto, Andrea Arighi, Tiziana Carandini, Annachiara Cagnin, Stefano Mozzetta, Maurizio Gallucci, Domenico Marco Bonifati, Cinzia Costa, Fabrizia D'Antonio, Giuseppe Bruno, Francesco Cipollone, Claudio Babiloni, Alessandro Padovani, Marco Onofrj, Laura Bonanni
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pietro Mattioli, Beatrice Orso, Claudio Liguori, Francesco Fama, Laura Giorgetti, Andrea Donniaquio, Federico Massa, Andrea Giberti, David V. Allez Garcia, Sanne K. Meles, Klaus L. Leenders, Fabio Placidi, Matteo Spanetta, Agostino Chiaravalloti, Riccardo Camedda, Orazio Schillaci, Francesca Izzi, Nicola B. Mercuri, Matteo Pardini, Matteo Bauckneht, Silvia Morbelli, Flavio Nobili, Dario Arnaldi
Summary: A brain glucose metabolism pattern related to phenoconversion in iRBD patients was derived and validated using spatial covariance analysis. This pattern can efficiently discriminate converters from nonconverters and has the potential to be a biomarker for phenoconversion in iRBD patients.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Chiara Del Bianco, Martina Ulivi, Claudio Liguori, Antonio Pisani, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Fabio Placidi, Francesca Izzi
Summary: Non-sleep symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and overweight are common in narcoleptic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and emotional aspects of narcolepsy patients and their correlation with clinical data and sleep parameters. The results showed that narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) patients had higher levels of depressive mood and emotion dysregulation compared to controls, while alexithymic symptoms were more prominent in NT1 than narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) patients. Hypnagogic hallucinations, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia were found to be correlated. These findings support the hypothesis of mutual interaction between these areas in narcolepsy.
SLEEP AND BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Vincenzo Maria Perriello, Lorenza Falini, Loredana Ruggeri, Alessandra Innocente, Stelvio Ballanti, Cinzia Costa, Massimiliano Di Filippo, Marco Gargaro, Francesca Fallarino, Brunangelo Falini
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ada Ledonne, Mariangela Massaro Cenere, Emanuela Paldino, Vincenza D'Angelo, Sebastian Luca D'Addario, Nicolas Casadei, Annalisa Nobili, Nicola Berretta, Francesca R. Fusco, Rossella Ventura, Giuseppe Sancesario, Ezia Guatteo, Nicola Biagio Mercuri
Summary: Prolonged overexpression of alpha-synuclein has detrimental effects on the structural and functional properties of substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine neurons, including compromised soma and dendritic arborization, increased firing activity, and altered ion channel function.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cinzia Costa, Karen L. Oliver, Carmen Calvello, Jillian M. Cameron, Valentina Imperatore, Laura Tonelli, Davide Colavito, Silvana Franceschetti, Laura Canafoglia, Samuel F. Berkovic, Paolo Prontera
Summary: Progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs) are a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders that typically occur in late childhood. Through genome-wide molecular studies, pathogenic variants in the IRF2BPL gene were identified in patients with PME, suggesting its involvement in the disease. These findings expand the phenotypic spectrum of IRF2BPL-related disorders and highlight the importance of considering this gene in the diagnosis of patients with PME.
Review
Cell Biology
Alida Spalloni, Susanna de Stefano, Juliette Gimenez, Viviana Greco, Nicola B. Mercuri, Valerio Chiurchiu, Patrizia Longone
Summary: Since its discovery in the brain, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recognized as a gas transmitter in the Central Nervous System (CNS), and studies have focused on its neuromodulatory and protectant functions. H2S has been found to have multiple roles in the peripheral and central systems, acting as a double-faced compound that can be both protective and toxic depending on its concentration. This review discusses the bell-shaped nature of H2S as an angiogenic factor, its release by glial cells and non-neuronal cells, and its role in a neurodegenerative disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matilde Bruno, Chiara Giuseppina Bonomi, Francesco Ricci, Martina Gaia Di Donna, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Giacomo Koch, Alessandro Martorana, Caterina Motta
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between BBB permeability and neuroinflammation in AD patients. The findings suggest that different neuroinflammatory profiles can be associated with different levels of BBB permeability in AD.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Luigi Sacchettino, Claudia Gatta, Lucianna Maruccio, Chiara Boncompagni, Francesco Napolitano, Luigi Avallone, Danila d'Angelo
Summary: A novel approach using cannabis and melatonin co-administration, together with a tailored behavioral program, was found to effectively reduce the symptoms of compulsive disorder in a dog. The dog's compulsive episodes decreased and overall management improved compared to previous treatment with paroxetine.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Manuela Di Lauro, Cristina Guerriero, Kevin Cornali, Maria Albanese, Micaela Costacurta, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Nicola Di Daniele, Annalisa Noce
Summary: Migraine, one of the most common causes of disability in adults, has been associated with gut dysbiosis, as the intestine is capable of modulating central nervous system activities. In addition to conventional pharmacological treatments, modifying nutrition and lifestyle to positively influence gut microbiota composition may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for various migraine subtypes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gioia Marino, Federica Campanelli, Giuseppina Natale, Maria De Carluccio, Federica Servillo, Elena Ferrari, Fabrizio Gardoni, Maria Emiliana Caristo, Barbara Picconi, Antonella Cardinale, Vittorio Loffredo, Francesco Crupi, Elvira De Leonibus, Maria Teresa Viscomi, Veronica Ghiglieri, Paolo Calabresi
Summary: Intensive physical activity improves motor functions and cognitive deficits in early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study investigated the mechanisms behind these beneficial effects by conducting an intensive treadmill training program on rats with alpha-synuclein (a-syn) preformed fibrils. The training resulted in improved motor control, visuospatial learning, and plasticity in the brain, which were associated with the modulation of specific receptors. These findings suggest that intensive exercise can rescue early neuroplastic alterations caused by a-syn aggregates and reduce their spread to vulnerable brain areas.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luigi Sacchettino, Claudia Gatta, Viviana Orsola Giuliano, Francesca Bellini, Alessia Liverini, Francesca Ciani, Luigi Avallone, Danila d'Angelo, Francesco Napolitano
Summary: Animal hoarding is a psychiatric disease characterized by compulsive collection of animals, leading to significant impact on animal care, welfare, and human society. This study provides a detailed analysis of 29 cases of animal accumulators in the Lazio region of Italy, accumulating a total of 1080 animals from 2019 to 2022. Consistent with international studies, the majority of hoarders were middle-aged women in their fifties, living alone in poor social and health conditions. Most hoarded animals exhibited severe signs of dehydration, malnutrition, muscle atrophy, dermatological injuries, and behavioral disorders. Despite causing deep suffering for hoarders, their family members, and the animals involved, animal hoarding is not yet fully understood or recognized as a psychosocial disorder. Therefore, establishing cross-cultural networks to raise awareness and address this problem is crucial for human and animal welfare.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Oriella Gnarra, Carmen Calvello, Tommaso Schirinzi, Francesca Beozzo, Claudia De Masi, Matteo Spanetta, Mariana Fernandes, Piergiorgio Grillo, Rocco Cerroni, Mariangela Pierantozzi, Claudio L. A. Bassetti, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Alessandro Stefani, Claudio Liguori
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the sleep architecture and head position in Parkinson's disease patients and correlate them with motor and non-motor symptoms. The results demonstrated the importance of maintaining the lateral head position during sleep stages essential for glymphatic system function and brain health.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)