Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex Straiker, Michaela Dvorakova, Taryn Bosquez-Berger, Jaroslav Blahos, Ken Mackie
Summary: Autaptic hippocampal neurons are a simple model for studying neurotransmission and cannabinoid signaling. Through our research, we have discovered interesting negative findings in these neurons, which we hope will benefit other laboratories and lead to discussions on their relevance and significance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mary K. Piscura, Diana E. Sepulveda, Malabika Maulik, Josee Guindon, Angela N. Henderson-Redmond, Daniel J. Morgan
Summary: This study demonstrates that further deletion of fi-arrestin2 does not enhance the delay in cannabinoid tolerance observed in CB1R S426A/S430A mutant mice.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Christian Ieritano, Patrick Thomas, W. Scott Hopkins
Summary: With the increasing global legalization of cannabis, there is a need for accurate quantification of cannabinoids in commercial products. However, the isobaric nature of many cannabinoids, variations in extraction methods and product formulations pose challenges for mass spectrometry (MS) quantitation. In this study, the use of differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) and tandem-MS was demonstrated to distinguish a set of seven cannabinoids, including five isobaric ones. The addition of DMS to the tandem-MS workflow enabled the resolution of each cannabinoid and accurate quantitation of cannabinoid levels in cannabis extracts.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao Han, Ying Liang, Briana Hempel, Chloe J. Jordan, Hui Shen, Guo-Hua Bi, Jin Li, Zheng-Xiong Xi
Summary: Cannabinoids modulate dopamine transmission and behavior through activation of CB1 receptors. This study found that CB1 receptors are expressed in a subset of dopamine neurons and are involved in cannabinoid modulation of dopamine release and behavior. Deletion of CB1 receptors from dopamine neurons attenuated the effects of cannabinoids on dopamine release, locomotion, and anxiety.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xia Li, Briana J. Hempel, Hong-Ju Yang, Xiao Han, Guo-Hua Bi, Eliot L. Gardner, Zheng-Xiong Xi
Summary: The study found that activation of the CB1 receptor is rewarding, while activation of the CB2 receptor is aversive, leading to differential effects of cannabinoids; the release of dopamine in the NAc is regulated by CB1 and CB2 receptors, with CB2 activation inhibiting dopamine release; Δ(9)-THC induces decreased locomotion through both CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raphael Mechoulam
Summary: After experiencing a traumatic childhood in Europe during the Second World War, the author discovers the joy of scientific research in Israel. Over the past 65 years, the author has focused on studying the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products, particularly plant cannabinoids and endogenous anandamide-like compounds. Despite the approval of certain cannabinoids as drugs, the effects of endogenous cannabinoids and anandamide-like compounds in humans remain poorly researched. Intellectual freedom, the ability to pursue scientific interests, has been the most fulfilling aspect of the author's career. Looking back on their 91 years of life, the author considers themselves fortunate both personally and scientifically.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joseph K. Ritter, Ashfaq Ahmad, Shobha Mummalaneni, Zdravka Daneva, Sara K. Dempsey, Ningjun Li, Pin-Lan Li, Vijay Lyall
Summary: This study indicates that endocannabinoids inhibit sodium transport in thick ascending limb cells by inhibiting the sodium pump Na+-K+-ATPase, potentially playing a role in the regulation of kidney structure.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. Kostic, M. Nowakowska, J. Freundt Revilla, F. Attig, K. Rohn, F. Gualtieri, W. Baumgaertner, H. Potschka, A. Tipold
Summary: Canine drug-resistant epilepsy is a common problem in veterinary neurology. Treatment with cannabinoids shows promising results, and understanding the distribution of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) in the epileptic brain can contribute to better disease understanding and application of cannabinoids in dogs with epilepsy. This study found decreased CB1R expression in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, while dogs with structural epilepsy showed increased CB1R signal intensity. The distinct disease-associated CB1R expression should be considered in the development of new treatments for dogs with epilepsy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Carol A. Gianessi, Stephanie M. Groman, Jane R. Taylor
Summary: Emerging data suggest that endocannabinoid signaling is crucial for habitual behavior formation, and inhibiting FAAH and MAGL disrupts habit formation while AM251 exposure affects response rates. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of CB1R signaling in habitual responding and the potential clinical utility of augmenting endocannabinoids.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Faith Borgan, Owen O'Daly, Mattia Veronese, Tiago Reis Marques, Heikki Laurikainen, Jarmo Hietala, Oliver Howes
Summary: This study found deficits in working memory encoding and retrieval in patients with schizophrenia, potentially linked to cannabinoid 1 receptor dysfunction. The availability of striatal CB1R was positively correlated with brain activation during working memory retrieval in male patients, suggesting implications for drug development in schizophrenia.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Molly C. Craig, Larissa O. Silva, Steven J. Swoap
Summary: The study found that fasted mice tend to prefer warmer ambient temperatures when given the choice, especially in a selective environment. Additionally, fasted mice are more likely to maintain a higher body temperature in warm environments, which is beneficial for metabolism.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Victoria Bariani, Fernando Correa, Ana Paula Dominguez Rubio, Manuel Luis Wolfson, Julieta Aylen Schander, Maximiliano Cella, Julieta Aisemberg, Ana Maria Franchi
Summary: Maternal overnutrition can negatively impact offspring's health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases or metabolic syndrome in adulthood. This study evaluated the transgenerational effect of maternal obesity on cannabinoid receptor 1 knock-out animals in developing metabolic disturbances in their offspring.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zheng-yu Yang, Yi-ying Wu, Yi Zhou, Yun-qi Yang, Jia-hui Zhang, Tao He, Sha Liu
Summary: NITyr reduced lipid accumulation by improving lipid and glucose metabolism involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, without affecting appetite-related indexes and other organ functions.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vanessa Rodrigues Vilela, Nolwenn Samson, Renato Nachbar, Lia Rossi Perazza, Gabriel Lachance, Volatiana Rokatoarivelo, Carolina Centano-Baez, Patricia Zancan, Mauro Solo-Penna, Kerstin Bellmann, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Mathieu Laplante, Andre Marette
Summary: This study demonstrates the crucial role of adipocyte NOS2 in the development of obesity-linked insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, partly through NO-dependent inhibition of BAT mitochondrial bioenergetics.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rosaria Villano, Francesco Tinto, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This article describes a simple, environmentally friendly, and economical method for preparing the GPCR G2A/132 agonist commendamide 1a. The developed protocol is general and can be applied to the synthesis of other microbiota-derived metabolites.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonio Inserra, Giada Giorgini, Sebastien Lacroix, Antonella Bertazzo, Jocelyn Choo, Athanasios Markopolous, Emily Grant, Armita Abolghasemi, Danilo De Gregorio, Nicolas Flamand, Geraint Rogers, Stefano Comai, Cristoforo Silvestri, Gabriella Gobbi, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This study found that repeated administration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induces prosocial effects in mice and affects the composition of the hippocampal endocannabinoidome and gut microbiota.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ester Pagano, Barbara Romano, Donatella Cicia, Fabio A. Iannotti, Tommaso Venneri, Giuseppe Lucariello, Maria Francesca Nani, Fabio Cattaneo, Paola De Cicco, Maria D'Armiento, Marcello De Luca, Ruggiero Lionetti, Stefania Lama, Paola Stiuso, Pietro Zoppoli, Geppino Falco, Silvia Marchiano, Stefano Fiorucci, Raffaele Capasso, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Francesca Borrelli, Angelo A. Izzo
Summary: TRPM8 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer and its high expression is associated with lower survival rate of patients and hyperactivation of related signaling pathways. TRPM8 may serve as a prognostic marker and potential drug target for colorectal cancer.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Camille Dugas, Laurence Laberee, Julie Perron, Gabrielle St-Arnaud, Veronique Richard, Veronique Perreault, Nadine Leblanc, Isabelle Marc, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Alain Doyen, Alain Veilleux, Julie Robitaille
Summary: This study compared the macronutrient and energy content of human milk between women with and without GDM. The results showed that protein, lactose, and energy content were similar between the two groups, but the concentration of TG was higher in women with GDM. Maternal age and fasting glucose level were associated with the composition of human milk, and TG in human milk was associated with infant growth in children without GDM.
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hilal Kalkan, Ester Pagano, Debora Paris, Elisabetta Panza, Mariarosaria Cuozzo, Claudia Moriello, Fabiana Piscitelli, Armita Abolghasemi, Elisabetta Gazzerro, Cristoforo Silvestri, Raffaele Capasso, Andrea Motta, Roberto Russo, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fabio Arturo Iannotti
Summary: This study found that there are changes in the gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, and related metabolites in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared to healthy controls. Supplementation with sodium butyrate (NaB) in mdx mice showed similar benefits as deflazacort (DFZ) in terms of muscle strength, autophagy, and inflammation. In LPS-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts, NaB reduced inflammation, promoted autophagy, and prevented dysregulation of microRNAs targeting the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor gene through the activation of GPR109A and PPAR gamma receptors. This suggests a potential disease-modifying approach for DMD and other muscular dystrophies.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Francesco Suriano, Claudia Manca, Nicolas Flamand, Matthias Van Hul, Nathalie M. Delzenne, Cristoforo Silvestri, Patrice D. Cani, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This study characterized the profile of endocannabinoidome and oxylipins in the intestines of obese and diabetic mice, and found correlations between these mediators and intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota composition. The results suggest that the altered eCBome and oxylipin signaling may contribute to obesity and diabetes-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aniello Schiano Moriello, Fiorentina Roviezzo, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Giuseppina Rea, Marco Allara, Rosa Camerlingo, Roberta Verde, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Stefania Petrosino
Summary: ARDS is a serious lung disorder caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study evaluated the protective effects of PEA-um and its congener PEA-OXA in acute lung injury models. The results showed that both PEA-OXA and PEA can counteract the inflammatory response and EMT induced by poly-(I:C) or TGF-beta. PEA-OXA was found to be superior to PEA in exerting protective effects, making it a promising candidate in the management of acute lung injury.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Di Bartolomeo, Tibor Stark, Serena Di Martino, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Jana Ruda-Kucerova, Giovanni Luca Romano, Martin Kuchar, Samuele Laudani, Petr Palivec, Fabiana Piscitelli, Carsten T. Wotjak, Claudio Bucolo, Filippo Drago, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Claudio D'Addario, Vincenzo Micale
Summary: Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids, such as THC, may increase the risk of psychosis in individuals exposed to perinatal insult. In this study, the researchers examined the effects of peripubertal THC exposure on rats that were also exposed to prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) or perinatal THC (pTHC). They found that the rats exposed to MAM or pTHC exhibited adult phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and cognitive impairment. The researchers also observed changes in gene expression and DNA methylation, suggesting potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hayatte-Dounia Mir, Giada Giorgini, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This review article focuses on the expanded endocannabinoid system (eCBome) and the gut microbiome, which are increasingly attracting attention as sources of chemical signals regulating food intake, energy metabolism, and body weight. The article describes the mechanisms through which these two systems, in interactions with other signaling systems, intervene in eating disorders, based on studies in experimental models or patients. Furthermore, the article discusses the possibility of the involvement of the eCBome-gut microbiome axis in eating disorders, considering the emerging multi-faceted cross-talk mechanisms between these complex systems.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Hilal Kalkan, Elisabetta Panza, Ester Pagano, Giuseppe Ercolano, Claudia Moriello, Fabiana Piscitelli, Monika Sztretye, Raffaele Capasso, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fabio Arturo Iannotti
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in simvastatin-induced muscle toxicity. They found that the expression of endocannabinoids and specific miRNAs targeting the endocannabinoid CB1 gene increased in myoblasts exposed to simvastatin. Moreover, they discovered that the dysregulation of the CB1 receptor and its downstream signaling pathways contributed to statin-induced myopathy.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Thomas Deschenes, Fred Wilfried Elom Tohoundjona, Pier-Luc Plante, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Frederic Raymond
Summary: This study compared the performance of machine learning approaches according to different types of data representations derived from shotgun metagenomics. Gene-based approaches provided similar or improved classification performances compared to taxonomic and functional profiles. Feature selection based on biological function also improved classification performance for some pathologies. This study proposes new approaches to represent microbiome data for machine learning.
Article
Biology
Nicola Forte, Charlene Roussel, Brenda Marfella, Anna Lauritano, Rosaria Villano, Elvira De Leonibus, Emanuela Salviati, Tina Khalilzadehsabet, Giada Giorgini, Cristoforo Silvestri, Fabiana Piscitelli, Maria Pina Mollica, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Luigia Cristino
Summary: N-oleoylglycine and N-oleoylalanine reduce the rewarding properties of palatable food, dopamine neuron firing, and the obesogenic effect of a high-fat diet by activating PPAR alpha. Olive oil-rich diets can also decrease weight gain by increasing oleoylglycine levels and enhancing gut microbial diversity.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chris S. S. Breivogel, Bonnie M. M. Brenseke, Khalil Eldeeb, Katlyn Nichols, Amreen Jonas, Artik H. H. Mistry, Laura Barbalato, Nicholas Luibil, Allyn C. C. Howlett, Sandra Leone-Kabler, Rob P. H. Hilgers, Victor M. M. Pulgar
Summary: This study found that the AAI CB1 agonist JWH-073, found in K2/Spice brands, may cause greater vascular adverse events compared to Delta(9)-THC, the primary CB1 agonist found in cannabis.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tangui Barre, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fabienne Marcellin, Patrizia Burra, Patrizia Carrieri
Summary: Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are global epidemics. The endocannabinoid system is seen as a key target for treating NAFLD. Although clinical trials are lacking, research suggests potential benefits of phytocannabinoids in treating liver steatosis. Cannabis plant should be considered a major prospect for NAFLD treatment. Overcoming scientific and non-scientific barriers is necessary for further research.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)