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)
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.
Review
Neurosciences
Mengya Wang, Huayuan Liu, Zegang Ma
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease influenced by the cannabinoid system in the basal ganglia. Modulating the endogenous cannabinoid levels can have an anti-movement disorder effect, suggesting the development of drugs targeting the cannabinoid system as a novel strategy for Parkinson's disease treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ignacio Fernandez-Moncada, Rui S. Rodrigues, Unai B. Fundazuri, Luigi Bellocchio, Giovanni Marsicano
Summary: The brain requires a large amount of energy and has developed specialized mechanisms to control and fulfill its energy needs. The endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 receptor, plays a significant role in regulating brain functions and behavior. The mtCB1 receptors in neurons and astrocytes impair mitochondrial functions and specifically influence behavioral outputs. Understanding the potential implications of (mt)CB1 receptors on oligodendrocytes and microglia metabolic functions can provide insights into the role of these receptors in brain function and behavior.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dalal AlKhelb, Emily L. Burke, Alexander Zvonok, Christos Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas, Markos-Orestis Georgiadis, Shan Jiang, Thanh C. Ho, Spyros P. Nikas, Alexandros Makriyannis, Rajeev I. Desai
Summary: This study aimed to compare the behavioral effects of different cannabinoid (CB) ligands using drug discrimination methods. The results showed that AM411 and AM4089 exhibit better pharmacological profiles compared to A9-THC, including higher potency and in vivo partial agonist-like actions mediated via CB1 receptors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
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
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mylene Potier, Marlene Maitre, Thierry Leste-Lasserre, Giovanni Marsicano, Francis Chaouloff, Aline Marighetto
Summary: This study investigated the age-dependent effects of acute 17 beta-estradiol (E2) on temporal memory and CA3 to dCA1 synaptic efficacy in male mice. The results showed that E2 reduced memory and synaptic efficacy in young mice, while tending to improve memory without affecting synaptic efficacy in aged mice. The study suggests a key role of CB1-R in mediating E2's deleterious effects in young adulthood and reveals the age-related effects of E2 on memory and synaptic efficacy.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Toobah Farooqi, Deep Jyoti Bhuyan, Mitchell Low, Justin Sinclair, Mathew Leonardi, Mike Armour, Valentino Remorgida
Summary: This narrative review explores the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the gut microbiota in endometriosis. The review finds that both the ECS and microbiota influence endometriosis, with the former regulating inflammation and pain perception and the latter influencing immune responses and hormonal balance. Dysregulation of the ECS and the gut microbiota can impact endometriosis symptoms and progression.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
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
Behavioral Sciences
Laila Asth, Aline C. Santos, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This review examines the effects of cannabinoids in place conditioning and the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system in interfering with drug-related memories. The study finds that synthetic CB1 receptor agonists replicate the biphasic profile observed with THC, while CB2 receptor agonists inhibit cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. However, the therapeutic use of these compounds is limited by potential psychiatric side effects.
BEHAVIOURAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Izabella B. Q. de Lima, Fabiola M. Ribeiro
Summary: Despite the lack of understanding about the origin and mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), recent studies have shown that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells play a significant role in the establishment and progression of AD. However, the specific roles of different types of mGluRs vary depending on the cell type and brain region. Further investigation into the role of glial mGluRs in AD is crucial for future therapeutic strategies.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Laila Asth, Leonardo Cardoso Cruz, Nicholas Soyombo, Pedro Rigo, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study investigates the potential of beta-caryophyllene (BCP) as a new drug for the treatment of substance use disorders in animal models. The results show that BCP can prevent or reverse behavioral changes resulting from drug exposure. The mechanism involves activation of the CB2 receptor and potentially other targets. Further research, including studies in humans, is needed to establish its therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lia P. Iglesias, Heliana B. Fernandes, Aline S. de Miranda, Malena M. Perez, Lucia H. Faccioli, Carlos A. Sorgi, Leandro J. Bertoglio, Daniele C. Aguiar, Carsten T. Wotjak, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study found that hippocampal TRPV1 channels play a role in the modulation of fear memories. Endocannabinoid signaling may mediate the effects of TRPV1 blockers. The intensity of the aversive stimulus affects the regulation of fear memories by TRPV1 channels. TRPV1 blockers also promote the transcription of specific genes, leading to a decrease in fear memory reinstatement.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Fabiola M. Ribeiro
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Maria Carolina Machado da Silva, Lia Parada Iglesias, Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Habibeh Khoshbouei, Fabricio Araujo Moreira, Antonio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
Summary: The use of psychostimulant drugs can modify brain function by affecting the reward system and altering dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions. Microglia and other immune cells may play a role in addiction by influencing neuroplasticity and memory. Recent studies have shown that psychoactive substances can directly affect immune cells, leading to changes in their functions and the release of inflammatory mediators that impact synaptic activity. Understanding the neuroimmune axis involved in addiction can provide potential targets for pharmacotherapy.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Tamara Andrea Alarcon, Sarah Martins Presti-Silva, Ana Paula Toniato Simoes, Fabiola Mara Ribeiro, Rita Gomes Wanderley Pires
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a common movement disorder affecting 1% of people over 60 years old. It is characterized by motor symptoms and the loss of dopaminergic neurons. In addition to neuronal loss, the disease is also characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates. Environmental enrichment, including exercise and cognitive stimulus, has been studied as a potential treatment strategy for Parkinson's disease. It can promote neurogenesis and change gene expression, as well as modulate neurotransmission, providing neuroprotection in animal models.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Caroline Nogueira Souza, Nancy Scardua Binda, Huemara Yuri Almeida, Celio Jose de Castro, Marcus Vinicius Gomez, Fabiola Mara Ribeiro, Juliana Figueira da Silva
Summary: Ion channels play crucial roles in generating and transmitting electrical signals in neurons. Dysfunction of these channels is associated with various health conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain. Spider venom peptides, with their evolutionary-selected high selectivity and potency, have the potential to be used as therapeutic tools for neurodegeneration and pain. This review aims to summarize the effects of spider toxins on ion channels, focusing on their neuroprotective and analgesic properties.
CURRENT PROTEIN & PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Francisco Eliclecio Rodrigues da Silva, Rafaela Carneiro Cordeiro, Camila N. de Carvalho Lima, Pablo Leal Cardozo, Germana Silva Vasconcelos, Aline Santos Monte, Lia Lira Olivier Sanders, Silvania Maria Mendes Vasconcelos, David Freitas de Lucena, Breno Fiuza Cruz, Rodrigo Nicolato, Mary V. Seeman, Fabiola Mara Ribeiro, Danielle S. Macedo
Summary: This study found that females with schizophrenia experience more severe symptoms during the pre-ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, and the administration of estrogen can alleviate these symptoms. The researchers also discovered that alterations in GPER may play a role in the gender differences observed in schizophrenia.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rayssa C. Brianis, Lia P. Iglesias, Lucas G. Bedeschi, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study found that CBD did not decrease the reward memory involved in the formation of cocaine addiction. Further research is needed to investigate the involvement of CBD in other behavioral responses to cocaine and other psychostimulant drugs. However, this study characterized a 5-day CPP protocol for both female and male C57BL/6J mice.
ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lia P. Iglesias, Lucas Bedeschi, Daniele C. Aguiar, Laila Asth, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: Delta(9)-THC and related cannabinoids have complex effects on anxiety-like behavior in humans and experimental animals. This study reviews previous research and finds that cannabinoids tend to reduce anxiety-like behavior at low doses, but can increase anxiety at high doses.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arthur Cassa Macedo, Andre Oliveira Vilela de Faria, Isabella Bizzi, Fabricio A. Moreira, Alessandro Colasanti, Pietro Ghezzi
Summary: The study found that the information available online on medical cannabis is not always aligned with the therapeutic areas for which there is strong scientific evidence. Additionally, the completeness of the information provided is lacking on many websites.
JOURNAL OF CANNABIS RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Lia P. Iglesias, Daniele C. Aguiar, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: The TRPV1 channel plays a crucial role in pain, inflammation, and body temperature regulation, and is expressed in specific brain regions. TRPV1 blockers show promising effects in animal models of anxiety, panic, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
