High-CBD cannabis extracts inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors via miRNA-mediated silencing in human small intestinal epithelial cells

Posted on September 4, 2023 by David

“The incidence of chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases is rapidly growing. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has killed over 6,209,000 people globally, while no drug has been proven effective for the disease. Screening natural anti-inflammatory compounds for clinical application has drawn much attention.

In this study, we showed that high-CBD cannabis extracts #1, #5, #7, #169, and #317 suppressed the levels of expression of proinflammatory cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in human small intestinal epithelial cells (HSIEC) in TNFα/IFNγ-triggered inflammation.

We revealed that these extracts, with the exception of extract #169, also profoundly attenuated induction of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or IL-8 proteins through miR-760- and miR-302c-3p-mediated silencing. The prevalent components in extracts #1 and #7 influenced the levels of IL-8 both individually as well as in combination with each other. However, the high-dose cannabis extracts displayed an inhibitory effect in the growth of HSIEC cells.

These results show that our high-CBD cannabis extracts decrease the levels of proinflammatory molecules COX2, IL-6, and IL-8 via transcriptional suppression or miRNA-mediated silencing, highlighting their potential against COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37664748/

“Growing evidence has demonstrated that cannabinoids can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit tumor growth in humans and/or animal models.”

“Our findings reveal certain anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine properties of the several studied cannabis extracts, confirming the anti-COVID-19 potential of these extracts.”

https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)06025-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2405844023060255%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Synthesis of cannabidiol-based compounds as ACE2 inhibitors with potential application in the treatment of COVID-19

Posted on September 2, 2023 by David

“Cannabis is a general name for plants of the genus Cannabis. Used as fiber, medicine, drug, for religious, therapeutic, and hedonistic purposes along the millenia, it is mostly known for its psychoactive properties. One of its major constituents, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive substance, among many other biological activities, has shown potential as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. In this work, three derivatives and an analogue of CBD were synthesized, and cell viability and antiviral activities were evaluated. None of the compounds showed cytotoxicity up to a maximum concentration of 100 μM and, in contrast, displayed a significant antiviral activity, superior to remdesivir and nafamostat mesylate, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 9.4 to 1.9 μM. In order to search for a possible molecular target, the inhibitory activity of the compounds against ACE2 was investigated, with expressive results (IC₅₀ ranging from 3.96 μM to 0.01 μM).”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37657273/

“Although specific antiviral drugs are available, COVID-19 treatment worldwide has not adhered to such available interventions due mostly because of lack of accessibility and cost-effectivity. Therefore, it is essential to search for alternatives in terms of antiviral compounds that would be effective in controlling SARS-CoV-2. In this context, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive major constituent of Cannabis spp. plants, may contribute positively against COVID-19 by interfering with the mechanism of entry of the virus into the cell.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0223523423007274?via%3Dihub

Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Cannabinoid Compounds on Gliomas: A Review with Experimental Approach

Posted on August 31, 2023 by David

“Introduction: Brain tumors have high morbidity and mortality rates, accounting for 1.4% of all cancers. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Currently, several thera-peutic approaches are used; however, they are associated with side effects that affect pa-tients’quality of life. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop novel therapeutic protocols with a more favorable side effect profile. In this context, cannabinoid compounds may serve as potential alternatives.

Objective: This study aimed to review the key enzymatic targets involved in glioma pathophysi-ology and evaluate the potential interaction of these targets with four cannabinoid derivatives through molecular docking simulations.

Methods: Molecular docking simulations were performed using four cannabinoid compounds and six molecular targets associated with glioma pathophysiology.

Results: Encouraging interactions between the selected enzymes and glioma-related targets were observed, suggesting their potential activity through these pathways. In particular, cannabigerol showed promising interactions with epidermal growth factor receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, while Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol showed remarkable interactions with telomerase reverse transcriptase.

Conclusion: The evaluated compounds exhibited favorable interactions with the analyzed enzy-matic targets, thus representing potential candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37649287/

https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/134162

Cannabidiol acts as molecular switch in innate immune cells to promote the biosynthesis of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators

Posted on August 31, 2023 by David

“Cannabinoids are phytochemicals from cannabis with anti-inflammatory actions in immune cells. Lipid mediators (LM), produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are potent regulators of the immune response and impact all stages of inflammation. How cannabinoids influence LM biosynthetic networks is unknown. Here, we reveal cannabidiol (CBD) as a potent LM class-switching agent that stimulates the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) but suppresses pro-inflammatory eicosanoid biosynthesis. Detailed metabololipidomics analysis in human monocyte-derived macrophages showed that CBD (i) upregulates exotoxin-stimulated generation of SPMs, (ii) suppresses 5-lipoxygenase (LOX)-mediated leukotriene production, and (iii) strongly induces SPM and 12/15-LOX product formation in resting cells by stimulation of phospholipase A₂-dependent PUFA release and through Ca²⁺-independent, allosteric 15-LOX-1 activation. Finally, in zymosan-induced murine peritonitis, CBD increased SPM and 12/15-LOX products and suppressed pro-inflammatory eicosanoid levels in vivo. Switching eicosanoid to SPM production is a plausible mode of action of CBD and a promising inflammation-resolving strategy.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37647900/

https://www.cell.com/cell-chemical-biology/fulltext/S2451-9456(23)00249-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2451945623002490%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol modulates pain sensitivity among persons receiving opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorder: A within-subject, randomized, placebo-controlled laboratory study

Posted on August 31, 2023 by David

“The opioid and cannabinoid receptor systems are inextricably linked-overlapping at the anatomical, functional and behavioural levels. Preclinical studies have reported that cannabinoid and opioid agonists produce synergistic antinociceptive effects. Still, there are no experimental data on the effects of cannabinoid agonists among humans who receive opioid agonist therapies for opioid use disorder (OUD). We conducted an experimental study to investigate the acute effects of the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) among persons receiving methadone therapy for OUD. Using a within-subject, crossover, human laboratory design, 25 persons on methadone therapy for OUD (24% women) were randomly assigned to receive single oral doses of THC (10 or 20 mg, administered as dronabinol) or placebo, during three separate 5-h test sessions. Measures of experimental and self-reported pain sensitivity, abuse potential, cognitive performance and physiological effects were collected. Mixed-effects models examined the main effects of THC dose and interactions between THC (10 and 20 mg) and methadone doses (low-dose methadone defined as <90 mg/day; high dose defined as >90 mg/day). Results demonstrated that, for self-reported rather than experimental pain sensitivity measures, 10 mg THC provided greater relief than 20 mg THC, with no substantial evidence of abuse potential, and inconsistent dose-dependent cognitive adverse effects. There was no indication of any interaction between THC and methadone doses. Collectively, these results provide valuable insights for future studies aiming to evaluate the risk-benefit profile of cannabinoids to relieve pain among individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy for OUD, a timely endeavour amidst the opioid crisis.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37644897/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/adb.13317

Therapeutic Potential of Minor Cannabinoids in Dermatological Diseases-A Synthetic Review

Posted on August 28, 2023 by David

“Dermatological diseases pose a significant burden on the quality of life of individuals and can be challenging to treat effectively. In this aspect, cannabinoids are gaining increasing importance due to their therapeutic potential in various disease entities including skin diseases. In this synthetic review, we comprehensively analyzed the existing literature in the field of potential dermatological applications of a lesser-known subgroup of cannabinoids, the so-called minor cannabinoids, such as cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiforol (CBDP), cannabichromene (CBC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabimovone (CBM) or cannabinol (CBN), while drawing attention to their unique pharmacological properties. We systematically searched the available databases for relevant studies and analyzed the data to provide an overview of current thematic knowledge. We looked through the full-text, bibliographic and factographic databases, especially Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Polish Scientific Journals Database, and selected the most relevant papers. Our review highlights that minor cannabinoids exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-itch properties. Several studies have reported their efficacy in mitigating symptoms associated with dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and pruritus. Furthermore, minor cannabinoids have shown potential in regulating sebum production, a crucial factor in acne pathogenesis. The findings of this review suggest that minor cannabinoids hold therapeutic promise in the management of dermatological diseases. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action, determine optimal dosage regimens, and assess long-term safety profiles. Incorporating minor cannabinoids into dermatological therapies could potentially offer novel treatment options of patients and improve their overall well-being.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630401/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/16/6149

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Glaucoma

Posted on August 28, 2023 by David

“Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. To date, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma treatment, but even in treated patients, the disease can progress. Cannabinoids, which have been known to lower IOP since the 1970s, have been shown to have beneficial effects in glaucoma patients beyond their IOP-lowering properties. In addition to the classical cannabinoid receptors CB₁ and CB₂, knowledge of non-classical cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system has increased in recent years. In particular, the CB₂ receptor has been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties, which may represent a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in glaucoma patients. Due to their vasodilatory effects, cannabinoids improve blood flow to the optic nerve head, which may suggest a vasoprotective potential and counteract the altered blood flow observed in glaucoma patients. The aim of this review was to assess the available evidence on the effects and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in glaucoma patients. The pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabinoids on IOP, neuroprotection, and ocular hemodynamics have been discussed.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37631064/

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/8/1149

The Use of CBD and Its Synthetic Analog HU308 in HIV-1-Infected Myeloid Cells

Posted on August 28, 2023 by David

“Currently, there is no cure for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) aids in viral latency and prevents the progression of HIV-1 infection into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). cART has extended many lives, but people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) face lifelong ailments such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) that range from asymptomatic HAND to HIV-1-associated dementia. HAND has been attributed to chronic inflammation and low-level infection within the central nervous system (CNS) caused by proinflammatory cytokines and viral products. These molecules are shuttled into the CNS within extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid bound nanoparticles, and are released from cells as a form of intercellular communication. This study investigates the impact of cannabidiol (CBD), as a promising and potential therapeutic for HAND patients, and a similar synthetic molecule, HU308, on the EVs released from HIV-1-infected myeloid cells as well as HIV-1-infected 3D neurospheres. The data shows that both CBD and HU308 decrease non-coding and coding viral RNA (TAR and env) as well as proinflammatory cytokines as IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA. This decrease in viral RNA occurs in in vitro differentiated primary macrophages, in EVs released from HIV-1-infected cells monocytes, and infected neurospheres. Furthermore, a 3D neurosphere model shows an overall decrease in proinflammatory mRNA with HU308. Finally, using a humanized mouse model of HIV-1 infection, plasma viral RNA was shown to significantly decrease with HU308 alone and was most effective in combination with cART, even when compared to the typical cART treatment. Overall, CBD or HU308 may be a viable option to decrease EV release and associated cytokines which would dampen the virus spread and may be used in effective treatment of HAND in combination with cART.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37631062/

“Taken together, these data indicate that HU308 or CBD decrease viral RNA, and that HU308 and, to some extent, CBD decrease proinflammatory cytokine mRNA released in EVs. Therefore, either CBD or HU308 could potentially be used in combination with cART to target both pro-inflammatory and viral gene expression for the prevention of HAND.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/8/1147

Cannabinoids for symptom management in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Posted on August 28, 2023 by David

“Background: Despite the widespread use of medical cannabis, little is known regarding the safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis products in children with cancer. The objective of this study was to systematically appraise the existing published literature for the use of cannabis products in children with cancer.

Methods: This systematic review, registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020187433), searched four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Abstracts and full texts were screened in duplicate. Data on types of cannabis products, doses, formulations, frequencies, routes of administration, indications, and clinical and demographic details as well as reported efficacy outcomes were extracted. Data on cannabinoid-related adverse events were also summarized.

Results: Out of 34,611 identified citations, 19 unique studies with a total of 1927 participants with cancer were included: eight retrospective chart reviews, seven randomized controlled trials, two open-label studies, and two case reports. The included studies reported the use of various cannabis products for the management of symptoms. Cannabinoids were commonly used for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (11 of 19 [58%]). In controlled studies, somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, and withdrawal due to adverse events were more commonly associated with the use of cannabinoids. Across all included studies, no serious cannabis-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Although there is evidence to support the use of cannabis for symptom management, in children with cancer, there is a lack of rigorous evidence to inform the dosing, safety, and efficacy of cannabinoids. Because of the increasing interest in using cannabis, there is an urgent need for more research on medical cannabis in children with cancer.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37635461/

“In conclusion, cannabinoids have been used for the management of multiple symptoms in children with cancer, including CINV, anorexia, tumor-related epilepsy, and cancer-related pain. Cannabis products may have therapeutic applications for symptom management in children with cancer. “

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.34920

Etoricoxib-Cannabidiol Combo: Potential Role in Glioblastoma Treatment and Development of PLGA-Based Nanoparticles

Posted on August 28, 2023 by David

“Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequently occurring primary malignant central nervous system tumor, with a poor prognosis and median survival below two years. Administration of a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and natural compounds that exhibit a curative or prophylactic effect in cancer is a new approach to GBM treatment. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antitumor activity of etoricoxib (ETO) and cannabidiol (CBD) in a GBM cell line model, and to develop poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) for these two substances.

Methods: The activity of ETO+CBD was determined using the MTT test, cell-cycle distribution assay, and apoptosis analysis using two GBM cell lines, namely, T98G and U-138 MG. The PLGA-based NPs were developed using the emulsification and solvent evaporation method. Their physicochemical properties, such as shape, size, entrapment efficiency (EE%), in vitro drug release, and quality attributes, were determined using scanning electron microscopy, diffraction light scattering, high-performance liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.

Results: The combination of ETO and CBD reduced the viability of cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in both tested GBM cell lines. The developed method allowed for the preparation of ETO+CBD-NPs with a spherical shape, mean particle size (MPS) below 400 nm, zeta potential (ZP) values from -11 to -17.4 mV, polydispersity index (PDI) values in the range from 0.029 to 0.256, and sufficient EE% of both drugs (78.43% for CBD, 10.94% for ETO).

Conclusions: The combination of ETO and CBD is a promising adjuvant therapeutic in the treatment of GBM, and the prepared ETO+CBD-NPs exhibit a high potential for further pharmaceutical formulation development.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37631318/

https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/8/2104