Article
Neurosciences
Lea Tunisi, Livia D'Angelo, Alba Clara Fernandez-Rilo, Nicola Forte, Fabiana Piscitelli, Roberta Imperatore, Paolo de Girolamo, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Luigia Cristino
Summary: The release of orexin-A/hypocretin-1 (OX-A) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is increased in leptin knockout obese ob/ob mice, leading to over-activation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons via orexin receptor-1 (OX1R)-mediated signaling and subsequent elevation of dopamine concentration in the VTA and nucleus accumbens (NAc). This abnormal orexin-A trafficking to the DA neurons in the VTA influences dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) response at NAc, indicating a role of OX-A signaling in compulsive reward-seeking behavior and binge-like consumption of high palatable food.
FRONTIERS IN SYNAPTIC NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Clara Depommier, Nicolas Flamand, Rudy Pelicaen, Dominique Maiter, Jean-Paul Thissen, Audrey Loumaye, Michel P. Hermans, Amandine Everard, Nathalie M. Delzenne, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Patrice D. Cani
Summary: This study explores new associations between the eCBome and metabolic parameters related to obesity, using canonical correlation analysis and principal component analysis to identify connections between endogenous bioactive lipids and markers like leptin, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and NEFA. Predictive regression models show good performance, and analysis confirms higher levels of specific circulating endocannabinoids in individuals with elevated metabolic variables.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rui Du, Xiao-Yan Tang, Cheng Yang, Wen-Hong Gao, Shun-Ji Gao, Hui-Juan Xiang, Li Yang
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between marijuana use and liver steatosis and fibrosis in the general US population. The results showed that past and current marijuana users had a lower prevalence of liver steatosis compared to never users. However, there was no significant association between marijuana use and liver fibrosis.
Review
Agronomy
Maria Grazia Cappai, Sabine Aboling, Cecilia Dall'Aglio
Summary: Saliva secretion plays a crucial role in lubricating and softening the food bolus, aiding in digestion, antimicrobial activity, and maintaining proper digestion. Recent studies suggest that salivary response goes beyond just digestive functions and also influences feed selection.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Galateia Stathori, Anastasia-Maria Tzounakou, George Mastorakos, Nikolaos F. Vlahos, Evangelia Charmandari, Georgios Valsamakis
Summary: The prevalence of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls has been increasing worldwide and is often associated with childhood obesity and diet. Evidence suggests that girls with obesity have alterations in appetite-regulating hormones, potentially affecting the onset of puberty. Additionally, diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of CPP, leading to changes in appetite-regulating hormones in young children.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adi Eitan, Ofer Gover, Liron Sulimani, David Meiri, Betty Schwartz
Summary: Prolonged oral administration of THC can attenuate weight gain, improve glucose tolerance, improve steatosis markers, and decrease hypertrophic cells. Prolonged oral administration of CBD can improve glucose tolerance, increase markers of lipid metabolism, but has no effect on weight gain and steatosis markers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Qi-Cheng Qiao, Si-Yi Wen, Yi-Bin Jiang, Hui Feng, Rui Xu, Yan-Jia Huang, Bang-Yun Chen, Wen-Hao Chen, Jia-Hui Niu, Rong Hu, Nian Yang, Jun Zhang
Summary: This study found that the neuropeptide orexin regulates the neuronal activity of motor structures through the recruitment of non-selective cationic conductance (NSCC) and endocannabinoids (eCBs). The orexin-NSCC cascade enhances the firing-responsive gain of reticulospinal neurons, while the orexin-eCB cascade attenuates excitatory synaptic strength by activating presynaptic cannabinoid receptor type 1. Non-linear or linear interactions between orexin excitation and presynaptic inhibition can further modulate the firing response of these neurons in different directions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marc Schneeberger, Nicola L. Brice, Kyle Pellegrino, Luca Parolari, Jordan T. Shaked, Keith J. Page, Francois Marchildon, Douglas W. Barrows, Thomas S. Carroll, Thomas Tolpiko, Victoria M. Mulligan, Robert Newman, Kevin Doyle, Roland Burli, Daniel F. Barker, Angela Glen, Maria Jose Ortuno, Alexander R. Nectow, Nicolas Renier, Paul Cohen, Mark Carlton, Nathaniel Heintz, Jeffrey M. Friedman
Summary: Food intake and body weight are regulated by specific neurons in the brain. Activating glutamatergic neurons in the brainstem can suppress food intake and increase locomotion. These neurons project to the lateral hypothalamus, which is involved in decreasing food intake. Chronic activation of these neurons can reduce weight in leptin-deficient and diet-induced obese mice. The orexin 1 receptor is highly expressed in these neurons and can be targeted with an antagonist to reduce feeding and body weight. This potential therapy for obesity may also apply to humans.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pilar Marcos, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Understanding the dysregulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides is crucial in studying feeding behavior and obesity. Current pharmacological strategies for obesity treatment are ineffective, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the involvement of the orexinergic system in feeding behavior, discussing animal models, human studies, and the connection to other substances. Promising research on orexinergic signaling pathways, heterogeneity of hypothalamic orexinergic neurons, receptor-receptor interaction, and sex differences are highlighted. The development of combination therapies and more specific orexin receptor antagonists is important for successful anti-obesity treatments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biology
Georgia Balsevich, Gavin N. Petrie, Daniel E. Heinz, Arashdeep Singh, Robert J. Aukema, Avery C. Hunker, Haley A. Vecchiarelli, Hiulan Yau, Martin Sticht, Roger J. Thompson, Francis S. Lee, Larry S. Zweifel, Prasanth K. Chelikani, Nils C. Gassen, Matthew N. Hill
Summary: A study found that the impact of FAAH C385A on metabolic outcomes is influenced by the environmental context. This genotype amplifies orexigenic responses and decreases anorexigenic responses, providing a potential explanation for the conflicting findings in previous human studies.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Milan Obradovic, Emina Sudar-Milovanovic, Sanja Soskic, Magbubah Essack, Swati Arya, Alan J. Stewart, Takashi Gojobori, Esma R. Isenovic
Summary: Leptin, a peptide hormone, regulates food intake, body mass, and reproductive function, playing a crucial role in fetal growth, immune responses, angiogenesis, and lipolysis. Leptin resistance can lead to reduced satiety, overconsumption of nutrients, and increased body mass, potentially causing obesity. Combining leptin therapies with sensitizers may help overcome resistance and treat obesity effectively.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nikolai P. Jaschke, Sophie Paehlig, Tilman D. Rachner
Summary: Soluble mediators secreted by skeletal muscles, known as myokines, signal to distant organs and play a role in protecting the central nervous system against pathological protein accumulation in response to stress. Rai et al. have uncovered a muscle-to-central nervous system signaling axis that is engaged during proteostatic stress.
TRENDS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tiffany Wences Chirino, Edgar Rangel Lopez, Alexandra Luna Angulo, Paul Carrillo Mora, Carlos Landa Solis, Maria Alejandra Samudio Cruz, Alim C. Fuentes Bello, Rogelio Paniagua Perez, Juan Rios Martinez, Laura Sanchez Chapul
Summary: The kynurenine pathway and the endocannabinoid system have been found to be deregulated in depression and obesity. This review discusses the potential interactions between these two systems, especially in relation to exercise-derived endocannabinoidome and kynurenine mechanisms. It also explores how prescription of physical exercise can be a new approach for the clinical management of these conditions.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sara Becerril, Amaia Rodriguez, Victoria Catalan, Beatriz Ramirez, Amaia Mentxaka, Gabriela Neira, Javier Gomez-Ambrosi, Gema Fruhbeck
Summary: Biological sex and aging play a role in obesity development and type 2 diabetes, affecting the secretion of leptin and adiponectin. The Adpn/Lep ratio is proposed as a reliable biomarker for adipose tissue dysfunction. The study found that female mice were more metabolically protected from obesity and its comorbidities than males, with an increased Adpn/Lep ratio in aged females negatively correlated with body weight gain and insulin resistance.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jyoti Sihag, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, metabolism, and immunity, and is closely linked to dietary lipids and gut microbiota. Modulating the endocannabinoid system through nutrition can be an important strategy in managing obesity and related disorders.
LIPIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
(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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Siracusa, Giuseppe Ruberto, Luigia Cristino
Summary: Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant that can thrive in various climates and has been used for different purposes. Although its cultivation and use were drastically reduced due to the presence of psychotropic substances, recent discoveries of low THC varieties and biotechnological advancements have led to a reassessment of this plant. The focus of current research is on phytochemistry, agricultural techniques, and new bioactivities.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alba Clara Fernandez-Rilo, Nicola Forte, Letizia Palomba, Lea Tunisi, Fabiana Piscitelli, Roberta Imperatore, Alfonso Di Costanzo, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Luigia Cristino
Summary: This study investigated the role of the endogenous compound 2-AGP in appetite regulation and found its correlation with orexin-A (OX-A). This finding reveals a new molecular pathway involved in energy homeostasis regulation, which could be targeted to treat obesity and related disturbances.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(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
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)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Liujun Chen, Lisha Li, Donghong Cui, Yiheng Huang, Haibin Tong, Haleh Zabihi, Shuxia Wang, Yadan Qi, Ted Lakowski, Lin Leng, Suixin Liu, Hong Wu, Lawrence H. Young, Richard Bucala, Dake Qi
Summary: Attenuation of adipose hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) may impair lipolysis and exacerbate obesity. Cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a role in regulating adipose HSL and adipocyte hypertrophy. Both intracellular and extracellular MIF have opposing effects on HSL, but extracellular action predominates to downregulate HSL and exacerbate obesity development during high-fat diet (HFD).
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mengyang Tang, Yi Zhang, Rong Zhang, Yuemei Zhang, Jiangfei Zheng, Daixi Wang, Xinyu Wang, Jing Yan, Cheng Hu
Summary: This study aimed to explore the role of GPSM1 in POMC neurons and the underlying mechanisms in metabolic homeostasis. Through various molecular, biochemical, immunofluorescent, immunohistochemical analyses, and cell culture studies, the study revealed the pathophysiological role of GPSM1 in POMC neurons and its regulation of POMC neuron activity.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2024)