“Cannabinoid-mediated antinociception is enhanced in rat osteoarthritic (OA) knees… application of the CB(1) agonist significantly reduced the firing rate of afferent nerve fibers… These findings indicate that activation of peripheral CB(1) receptors reduces the mechanosensitivity of afferent nerve fibers in control and OA knee joints. As such, peripheral CB(1) receptors may be important targets in controlling OA pain.”
Author Archives: David Worrell
Characterisation of the cannabinoid receptor system in synovial tissue and fluid in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
“Cannabis-based medicines have a number of therapeutic indications, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects… cannabis-based drugs have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS)…aim of this study was to determine whether the key elements of the endocannabinoid signalling system.. are expressed in the synovia of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or RA… Our data predict that the cannabinoid receptor system present in the synovium may be an important therapeutic target for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with OA and RA.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2453762/?tool=pubmed
Cannabis Use in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Effect on Symptoms Relief and Health-Related Quality of Life
“We observe significant improvement of symptoms of FM in patients using cannabis… knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and the role of the stress system in the pathopysiology of FM suggest a new approach to the suffering of these patients… results together with previous evidence seem to confirm the beneficial effects of cannabinoids on FM symptoms.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080871/?tool=pubmed
Cannabinoids Induce Apoptosis of Pancreatic Tumor Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Related Genes
“The hemp plant Cannabis sativa produces unique compounds known as cannabinoids, of which Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most important… The present study was undertaken to investigate the antitumoral action of cannabinoids in pancreatic cancer and the molecular mechanisms involved in that effect… Cannabinoids induce apoptosis of pancreatic tumor cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes…These findings may contribute to set the basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.”
Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits cell cycle progression in human breast cancer cells through Cdc2 regulation.
” Here, we show that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), through activation of CB(2) cannabinoid receptors, reduces human breast cancer cell proliferation by blocking the progression of the cell cycle and by inducing apoptosis… these data might set the bases for a cannabinoid therapy for the management of breast cancer.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16818634
Cannabis-induced cytotoxicity in leukemic cell lines: the role of the cannabinoid receptors and the MAPK pathway
“We therefore investigated the role of the CB-Rs (CannaBinoid-Receptors) in mediating apoptosis in 3 leukemic cell lines… We have shown that THC is a potent inducer of apoptosis… THC-induced cell death…”
http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/105/3/1214.long
Harvard Study: Marijuana Cuts Lung Cancer Tumor Growth In Half
“The active ingredient in marijuana cuts tumor growth in common lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread, say researchers at Harvard University who tested the chemical in both lab and mouse studies.”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm
Cannabinoids in pancreatic cancer: Correlation with survival and pain
“Cannabinoids exert antiproliferative properties in a variety of malignant tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma … Cannabinoids can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells…Furthermore, they have been shown to decrease invasiveness of cancer cells.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2225529/?tool=pubmed
Anti-tumoral Action of Cannabinoids
“Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active component of marijuana… Here, we show that intratumoral administration of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol…
”Remarkably, cannabinoids kill glioma cells selectively and can protect non-transformed glial cells from death…”
CANNABINOIDS: POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENTS
The study by Manuel Guzmán of Madrid Spain found that cannabinoids, the active components of marijuana, inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. They do so by modulating key cell-signalling pathways, thereby inducing direct growth arrest and death of tumor cells, as well as by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor.