Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Almudena Robledo-Menendez, Maria Vella, Pedro Grandes, Edgar Soria-Gomez
Summary: Hippocampal circuits play a crucial role in cognitive performance and are deeply affected in pathological conditions. Cannabinoid receptors regulate different cell types within hippocampal circuitries. Understanding the precise mechanisms triggered by cannabinoid receptor activation at a cellular and subcellular level helps in grasping hippocampal pathophysiological states.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel Gundel, Winnie Deuther-Conrad, Lea Ueberham, Sarandeep Kaur, Elina Otikova, Rodrigo Teodoro, Magali Toussaint, Thu Hang Lai, Oliver Clauss, Matthias Scheunemann, Guy Bormans, Michael Bachmann, Klaus Kopka, Peter Brust, Rares-Petru Moldovan
Summary: The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an ideal target for the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This study introduces a novel F-18-labeled radioligand that can efficiently image upregulated CB2R expression.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
P. H. Gobira, S. R. Joca, F. A. Moreira
Summary: Addiction to psychostimulant drugs is a significant public health issue and cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R play a crucial role in modulating the rewarding effects of these drugs. This review summarizes studies on pharmacological intervention targeting CB1R and CB2R and their interaction in psychostimulant responses.
ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexei Yeliseev, Malliga R. Iyer, Thomas T. Joseph, Nathan J. Coffey, Resat Cinar, Lioudmila Zoubak, George Kunos, Klaus Gawrisch
Summary: Cholesterol increases activation levels of CB2 receptor and alters its interaction with ligands. Specific ligands may have different effects on CB2 activation in different membranes, offering implications for screening GPCR modulators. Cholesterol exerts an allosteric effect on the intracellular regions of the receptor, impacting G-protein recruitment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Battistina Asproni, Gabriele Murineddu, Paola Corona, Gerard A. Pinna
Summary: Cannabinoids are a class of compounds with different pharmacological properties. Their affinity towards CB1 and/or CB2 receptors has led to the synthesis of tricyclic pyrazole-based compounds with high affinity and selectivity, showing potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, obesity, or glaucoma management.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Amato, Vineetha Vasukuttan, Danni Harris, Lucas Laudermilk, Jennifer Lucitti, Scott Runyon, Rangan Maitra
Summary: Partial agonists targeting peripheral cannabinoid receptors have potential therapeutic applications in various medical conditions. In this study, a novel compound that is a partial agonist of the human CB1 receptor with reduced brain exposure was identified.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kangtai Xu, Yifei Wu, Zhuangzhuang Tian, Yuanfan Xu, Chaoran Wu, Zilong Wang
Summary: Pain, especially chronic pain, has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Cannabinoids have shown potent analgesic effects in preclinical pain models by acting as agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors. While the activation of CB1 receptors is associated with psychotropic adverse effects, the promising target for pain treatment is the CB2 receptors primarily expressed in immune cells. Microglia, as resident immune cells in the central nervous system, play a critical role in chronic pain, and CB2 receptors regulate their activity and function. This review focuses on the role of microglial CB2 receptors in spinal nociceptive circuitry and their implications for selective CB2 receptor agonist-mediated analgesia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Clare Brown, Matthew Mitsch, Karis Blankenship, Carly Campbell, Mimi Pelanne, Jaylan Sears, Abigail Bell, Alicia K. Olivier, Matthew K. Ross, Todd Archer, Barbara L. F. Kaplan
Summary: With the growing popularity of marijuana and CBD in humans, there is increasing interest in using cannabinoids in veterinary medicine. Studies have shown that cannabis-containing extracts may be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory diseases, and there is interest in their immunosuppressive potential for immune-mediated diseases in dogs. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and effects of cannabinoids in dogs.
VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adriana Ceballos-Gutierrez, Alejandrina Rodriguez-Hernandez, Maria del Rosario Alvarez-Valadez, Sarai Limon-Miranda, Felipa Andrade, Alejandro Figueroa-Gutierrez, Irene Diaz-Reval, Alejandro Apolinar-Iribe, Luis Castro-Sanchez, Javier Alamilla, Enrique Sanchez-Pastor, Adolfo Virgen-Ortiz
Summary: The study found that chronic oral administration of ZnONPs can cause dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in healthy rats, while also altering aorta contractility in response to cannabinoid receptors and increasing blood pressure.
Article
Neurosciences
Philippe De Deurwaerdere, Maurizio Casarrubea, Daniel Cassar, Manuela Radic, Emilie Puginier, Abdeslam Chagraoui, Giuseppe Crescimanno, Vincenzo Crunelli, Giuseppe Di Giovanni
Summary: Childhood absence epilepsy is often accompanied by neuropsychological comorbidities such as anxiety. This study found that the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 had strain-dependent effects on anxiety-like and motor behavior in rats with absence epilepsy. The study also revealed alterations in cerebral monoaminergic levels in these rats, suggesting a role of endocannabinoids and monoamines in the comorbidities.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xinxin Wu, Jingjing Li, Yakui Mou, Yao Yao, Jingjing Cui, Ning Mao, Xicheng Song
Summary: A radiomics nomogram was developed and validated for identifying sub-1 cm benign and malignant thyroid lesions, showing favorable predictive efficiency. The model incorporated radiomics signature and clinical predictive factors, demonstrating good calibration and discrimination, as well as clinical usefulness.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bashir Bietar, Sophie Tanner, Christian Lehmann
Summary: The endocannabinoid system offers a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions, but the presence of cannabinoid receptors in various organs and tissues can complicate targeted treatments. Injuries to the central nervous system can induce neuroinflammation and potentially affect the immune system. Exploring immunomodulatory therapies provides a hopeful alternative in the face of challenges in traditional preventive treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luis Gustavo A. Patrone, Gustavo D. D. Ferrari, Rodrigo Moreira da Silva, Luciane C. C. Alberici, Norberto Peporine Lopes, Angelita M. M. Stabile, Wilfried Klein, Kenia C. Bicego, Luciane H. H. Gargaglioni
Summary: Cannabis legalization has led to increased cannabis use during pregnancy. This study found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid WIN can affect the respiratory control system of neonatal and juvenile rats, with greater CO2 sensitivity in males and breathing and brainstem changes. In females, it leads to increased apnea and reduced serotonin neurons. These findings demonstrate long-term and sex-specific consequences of excessive stimulation of the endocannabinoid system during gestation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Vuic, Tina Milos, Lucija Tudor, Marcela Konjevod, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Maja Jazvinscak Jembrek, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Dubravka Svob Strac
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by protein aggregation in the brain, can be influenced by the activation of CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Studies suggest that activating CB2 receptors has potential benefits in reducing protein aggregation-based pathology, attenuating inflammation, and alleviating dementia-related symptoms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maite L. Docampo-Palacios, Giovanni A. Ramirez, Tesfay T. Tesfatsion, Alex Okhovat, Monica Pittiglio, Kyle P. Ray, Westley Cruces
Summary: This article describes the discovery of natural and non-natural hexahydrocannabinols (HHC) by Adam in 1940 and its emergence in the drug market in the United States and some European countries in late 2021. The article provides background information on the synthesis and pharmacology studies of hydrogenated and saturated cannabinoids and discusses the cannabinoid receptor affinities of different types of saturated cannabinoids. The effects of HHC treatment have been studied in vitro and in several animal species in vivo, showing similarities to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), but no studies have been conducted in humans to establish its biological profile.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Aristeidis Fasoulas, Maria Mantzorou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: The research on low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) has shown their positive effects on obesity and diabetes, including reducing body mass index, body fat mass, and improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Kyriakos Seroglou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: This paper revises the Harris-Benedict equations by developing and validating new equations for estimating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in adult subjects with different body types. The study includes 722 Caucasian subjects, excluding pregnant or lactating women and those with active infections or uncontrolled diseases. The new equations, which consider age, body weight, height, and sex, show more accurate results compared to other equations commonly used for predicting RMR.
Review
Immunology
Nikolaos Skouteris, Georgios Papageorgiou, Rodanthi Fioretzaki, Nikolaos Charalampakis, Dimitrios Schizas, Stylianos Kykalos, Maria Tolia
Summary: Cholangiocarcinomas are rare tumors with limited survival due to late diagnosis and advanced symptoms. The small number of patients makes it difficult to conduct clinical trials and find new medicines. However, new treatment choices, such as immunotherapy, have emerged and show promise in changing the current treatment landscape for cholangiocarcinomas.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Athanasios Douligeris, Spyridon Methenitis, Antonia Lazou, George Panayiotou, Konstantinos Feidantsis, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Yannis Manios, Athanasios Z. Jamurtas, Constantinos Giaginis, Sousana K. Papadopoulou
Summary: This double-blind placebo-controlled study investigated the acute effects of a pre-workout supplement on the alactic, lactic, and aerobic performance of well-trained basketball players. The supplement led to significant improvements in counter-movement jump, agility, RAST average, minimum power, and fatigue index. However, no differences were found in sprinting, aerobic performance, and blood lactate concentrations.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Constantinos Giaginis, Maria Mantzorou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Gialeli, Andreas Y. Troumbis, Georgios K. Vasios
Summary: The present review explores the potential health benefits of Christian Orthodox fasting. The fasting pattern showed positive effects on glucose and lipid control, weight management, and dietary diversity. However, more research is needed to determine its impact on blood pressure and nutrient deficiencies.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Paraskevi Detopoulou, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Despoina Tsoumana, Maria Spanoudaki, Faviola Sadikou, Vasiliki G. Papadopoulou, Christiana Zidrou, Ioanna P. Chatziprodromidou, Constantinos Giaginis, Pantelis Nikolaidis
Summary: Low muscle mass combined with changes in physical function and muscle quality is defined as sarcopenia. In people > 60 years, sarcopenia reaches 10% and tends to increase with age. Recent evidence suggests that protein alone has been ineffective in increasing muscle strength in preventing sarcopenia. However, the Mediterranean dietary pattern with a high anti-inflammatory potential has been considered as a emerging dietary remedy against sarcopenia. This systematic review summarized the evidence of the role of Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and/or improvement in healthy elders, and found that Mediterranean diet adherence had a positive role in muscle mass and muscle function, while the effect on muscle strength and sarcopenia prevention was less clear. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the importance of the Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and management.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maria Mentzelou, Antonios Dakanalis, Georgios K. Vasios, Maria Gialeli, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: The ketogenic diet (KD) has substantial neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric pathological states through multiple molecular mechanisms. However, the existing clinical evidence is limited and more large-scale, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials are needed to determine whether KD can attenuate or even treat the development, progression, and symptomatology of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, as well as to address the heterogeneity in study design and methodology.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Antonios Dakanalis, Maria Mentzelou, Souzana K. Papadopoulou, Dimitrios Papandreou, Maria Spanoudaki, Georgios K. Vasios, Eleni Pavlidou, Maria Mantzorou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: Emotional eating refers to the tendency to eat in response to emotions, and it is considered a critical risk factor for recurrent weight gain. This study aims to summarize and evaluate the interconnections among emotional eating and overweight/obesity, depression, anxiety/stress, and dietary patterns.
Review
Biology
Maria Spanoudaki, Constantinos Giaginis, Maria Mentzelou, Alexia Bisbinas, Evangelos Solovos, Konstantinos Papadopoulos, Ioannis Paliokas, Christiana Zidrou, Antonis Cheimaras, Maria Hassapidou, Athanasios N. Papadopoulos, Sousana K. Papadopoulou
Summary: Aging is a physical process that affects both humans and nature. It is characterized by changes in body composition, such as increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass, strength, and bone density. These alterations impact physical performance and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases, immobility, and disability. Our study aims to explore the interconnection between adipose tissue, muscle, and bone, in order to better understand and treat the triad muscle-bone-adipose tissue disorders that occur with aging.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Mentzelou, Antonios Dakanalis, Theofanis Vorvolakos, Georgios Antasouras, Maria Spanoudaki, Aimilia-Lynn Pandi, Aspasia Serdari, Maria Chrysafi, Sofia Dimoliani, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: This study investigates the potential effect of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence on COVID-19-induced complications. The results show that MD compliance is associated with female gender, better economic status, non-smoking, higher physical activity levels, better sleep quality, better quality of life, and reduced probability of anxiety and depression.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Eleni Pavlidou, Antonios Dakanalis, Georgios Antasouras, Theofanis Vorvolakos, Maria Mentzelou, Aspasia Serdari, Aimilia-Lynn Pandi, Maria Spanoudaki, Olga Alexatou, Exakousti-Petroula Aggelakou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: Postpartum depression is a pressing health concern that negatively impacts both mothers' and infants' health. Nutrition has been identified as a crucial factor for managing and treating this condition. A survey was conducted to determine the possible association between postpartum depression and various factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, breastfeeding practices, and Mediterranean diet adherence.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Konstantinos Papadimitriou, Paraskevi Detopoulou, Konstantinos Soufleris, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Despoina Tsoumana, Panagiotis Ntopromireskou, Constantinos Giaginis, Ioanna P. Chatziprodromidou, Maria Spanoudaki, Sousana K. Papadopoulou
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with Crohn's disease. Based on the studied anthropometric, nutritional, and functional variables, sarcopenia was not diagnosed in the CD patients in this study. However, body composition patterns were related to the inflammatory burden, highlighting the interplay between inflammation and malnutrition, even in remission states. Further studies on older populations and during disease exacerbation are necessary to explore the potential link between CD, inflammation, and sarcopenia.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Mentzelou, Eleni Pavlidou, Georgios K. Vasios, Maria Spanoudaki, Georgios Antasouras, Anastasia Sampani, Evmorfia Psara, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Gerasimos Tsourouflis, Maria Mantzorou, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: This study found that caesarean section delivery is associated with childhood overweight/obesity, low birth anthropometric indices, and postnatal complications. Caesarean section increases the risk of childhood overweight/obesity and low birth anthropometric indices, highlighting the need for health policies to inform mothers about its risks.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Mantzorou, Dimitrios Papandreou, Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. K. Papadopoulou, Maria Tolia, Maria Mentzelou, Antigoni Poutsidi, Georgios Antasouras, Georgios K. K. Vasios, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: This study investigated the associations between maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and childhood weight status, anthropometric and sociodemographic factors, and perinatal outcomes. The results showed that GDM doubles the probability of childhood overweight/obesity at ages 2-5 years old, independently of multiple confounding factors.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maria Tolia, Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis, Emmanouil Matalliotakis, Apostolos Kamekis, Marios Adamou, Panteleimon Kountourakis, Davide Mauri, Antonios Dakanalis, Petros Alexidis, Antonios Varveris, Chrysostomos Antoniadis, Dimitris Matthaios, Maria Paraskeva, Constantinos Giaginis, Konstantinos Kamposioras
Summary: This study described the impact of radical practice and perceived changes on cancer patients' mental well-being and investigated potential outcome descriptors. The results showed that anxiety and depression were statistically associated with low mental well-being. Mild to more severe anxiety was related to mental health conditions and cancer stage. 36.2% of participants were considered to have depression, which was related to older age, previous mental health conditions, concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment, and perception of the pandemic affecting mental health. Most participants had a good well-being score.