Category Archives: Uncategorized

Effect of Homocysteine on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Currents in Primary Cultured Rat Caudate Nucleus Neurons and Its Modulation by 2-Arachidonylglycerol.

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“Homocysteine (Hcy) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Caudate nucleus (CN), the largest nucleus in the brain, is also implicated in many neurological disorders.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects from many stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS).

Furthermore, it has been reported that voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are the common targets of many neuronal damages and drugs.

However, it is still not clear whether VGSCs are involved in the neurotoxicity of Hcy and the neuroprotective effect of 2-AG in CN neurons. In the present study, whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to invest the action of Hcy on sodium currents in primary cultured rat CN neurons and its modulation by 2-AG.

The results showed that in cultured CN neurons, pathological concentration of Hcy (100 μM) significantly increased the voltage-gated sodium currents (I Na) and produced a hyperpolarizing shift in the activation-voltage curve of I Na.

The further data demonstrated 2-AG is capable of suppressing elevation of Hcy-induced increase in I Na and hyperpolarizing shift of activation curves most partly through CB1 receptor-dependent way.

Our study provides a better understanding of Hcy-associated neurological disorders and suggests the therapeutic potential for 2-AG for the treatment of these diseases.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26179279

The Endocannabinoid System in Renal Cell: Regulation of Na+ Transport by CB1 Receptors Through Distinct Cell Signaling Pathways.

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“The function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the renal tissue is not completely understood.

We studied the effect of compounds modulating the activity of cannabinoid CB receptors on the active reabsorption of Na+ in LLC-PK1 cells.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: ECS is expressed in LLC-PK1 cells. Both TRPV1 and CB1 regulate (Na++K+)-ATPase activity in these cells, and are modulated by lipid and peptide CB1 ligands, which act via different signaling pathways”

.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25537261

The endocannabinoid system in renal cell: Regulation of Na+ transport by CB1 receptors through distinct cell signaling pathways.

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“The function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the renal tissue is not completely understood. Kidney function is closely related to ion reabsorption in the proximal tubule, the nephron segment responsible for the reabsorption of 70- 80% of the filtrate.

We studied the effect of compounds modulating the activity of cannabinoid CB receptors on the active reabsorption of Na+ in LLC-PK1 cells.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS:

ECS is expressed in LLC-PK1 cells. Both CB1 and TRPV1 regulate (Na+ +K+ )-ATPase activity in these cells, and are modulated by lipid and peptide CB1 ligands, which act via different signaling pathways.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26177675

Selective Reduction of THC’s Unwanted Effects through Serotonin Receptor Inhibition

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“While recreational marijuana users may seek the full range of its effects, broad medical use of THC—including for pain, nausea, and anxiety—is hindered by them.

In a new study, Xavier Viñals, Estefania Moreno, Peter McCormick, Rafael Maldonado, Patricia Robledo, and colleagues demonstrate that the cognitive effects of THC are triggered by a pathway separate from some of its other effects.

That pathway involves both a cannabinoid receptor and a serotonin receptor, and when this pathway is blocked, THC can still exert several beneficial effects, including analgesia, while avoiding impairment of memory.

The results of this study are potentially highly important, in that they identify a way to reduce some of what are usually thought of as THC’s unwanted side effects when used for medicinal purposes while maintaining several important benefits, including pain relief.

The widening acceptance of a role for THC in medicine may be accelerated by the option to reduce those side effects by selective pharmacological disruption or blocking of the heteromer.”

http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002193

(1)H NMR and HPLC/DAD for Cannabis sativa L. chemotype distinction, extract profiling and specification.

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“The medicinal use of different chemovars and extracts of Cannabis sativa L. requires standardization beyond ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with complementing methods.

We investigated the suitability of (1)H NMR key signals for distinction of four chemotypes measured in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide together with two new validated HPLC/DAD methods used for identification and extract profiling based on the main pattern of cannabinoids and other phenolics alongside the assayed content of THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) their acidic counterparts (THCA, CBDA, CBGA), cannabinol (CBN) and cannflavin A and B. Effects on cell viability (MTT assay, HeLa) were tested.

The dominant cannabinoid pairs allowed chemotype recognition via assignment of selective proton signals and via HPLC even in cannabinoid-low extracts from the THC, CBD and CBG type.

Substantial concentrations of cannabinoid acids in non-heated extracts suggest their consideration for total values in chemotype distinction and specifications of herbal drugs and extracts.

Cannflavin A/B are extracted and detected together with cannabinoids but always subordinated, while other phenolics can be accumulated via fractionation and detected in a wide fingerprint but may equally serve as qualitative marker only.

Cell viability reduction in HeLa was more determined by the total cannabinoid content than by the specific cannabinoid profile.

Therefore the analysis and labeling of total cannabinoids together with the content of THC and 2-4 lead cannabinoids are considered essential.

The suitability of analytical methods and the range of compound groups summarized in group and ratio markers are discussed regarding plant classification and pharmaceutical specification.”

Denaturation and Oxidative Stability of Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Isolate as Affected by Heat Treatment.

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“The present study investigated the impact of heat treatments on the denaturation and oxidative stability of hemp seed protein during simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID).

Heat-denatured hemp protein isolate (HPI) solutions were prepared by heating HPI (2 mg/ml, pH 6.8) to 40, 60, 80 and 100 °C for 10 min. Heat-induced denaturation of the protein isolates was monitored by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Heating HPI at temperatures above 80 °C significantly reduced solubility and led to the formation of large protein aggregates. The isolates were then subjected to in vitro GID and the oxidative stability of the generated peptides was investigated. Heating did not significantly affect the formation of oxidation products during GID.

The results suggest that heat treatments should ideally remain below 80 °C if heat stability and solubility of HPI are to be preserved.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26142888

The safety and efficacy of 3% Cannabis seeds extract cream for reduction of human cheek skin sebum and erythema content.

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“Escalated sebum fabrication is seen with an unattractive look and adds to the growth of acne. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of 3%Cannabis seeds extract cream on human cheek skin sebum and erythema content.

For this purpose, base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract and base (control) were prepared for single blinded and comparative study. Healthy males were instructed to apply the base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract and base twice a day to their cheeks for 12 weeks.

Adverse events were observed to determine skin irritation. Measurements for sebum and erythema content were recorded at baseline, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th week in a control room with Sebumeter and Mexameter.

Base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract was found to be safe in volunteers.

Measurements demonstrated that skin sebum and erythema content of base plus 3%Cannabis seeds extract treated side showed significant decrease (p<0.05) compared with base treated side.

Base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract showed safety.

It was well tolerated for the reduction of skin sebum and erythema content.

Its improved efficacy could be suggested for treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrhea, papules and pustules to get attractive facial appearance.”

Synthetic Cannabinoids.

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“Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs), also known under the brand names of “Spice,” “K2,” “herbal incense,” “Cloud 9,” “Mojo” and many others, are becoming a large public health concern due not only to their increasing use but also to their unpredictable toxicity and abuse potential. There are many types of SCBs, each having a unique binding affinity for cannabinoid receptors.

Although both Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and SCBs stimulate the same receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), studies have shown that SCBs are associated with higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions than is natural cannabis.

This is likely due to SCBs being direct agonists of the cannabinoidreceptors, whereas THC is a partial agonist.

Furthermore, the different chemical structures of SCBs found in Spice or K2 may interact in unpredictable ways to elicit previously unknown, and the commercial products may have unknown contaminants.

The largest group of users is men in their 20s who participate in polydrug use.

The most common reported toxicities with SCB use based on studies using Texas Poison Control records are tachycardia, agitation and irritability, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions, hypertension, nausea, confusion, dizziness, vertigo and chest pain. Acute kidney injury has also been strongly associated with SCB use.

Treatment mostly involves symptom management and supportive care.

More research is needed to identify which contaminants are typically found in synthetic marijuana and to understand the interactions between different SBCs to better predict adverse health outcomes.”

Cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein 1a modulates CB1 receptor signaling and regulation.

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“Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) mediate the presynaptic effects of endocannabinoids in the central nervous system (CNS) and most behavioral effects of exogenous cannabinoids.

Cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) binds to the CB1R C-terminus and can attenuate constitutive CB1R-mediated inhibition of Ca(2+) channel activity.

We now demonstrate cellular colocalization of CRIP1a at neuronal elements in the CNS and show that CRIP1a inhibits both constitutive and agonist-stimulated CB1R-mediated guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G-protein) activity.

These results confirm that CRIP1a inhibits constitutive CB1R activity and demonstrate that CRIP1a can also inhibit agonist-stimulated CB1R signaling and downregulation of CB1Rs. Thus, CRIP1a appears to act as a broad negative regulator of CB1R function.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25657338

Modulatory effects by CB1 receptors on rat spinal locomotor networks after sustained application of agonists or antagonists.

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“Sustained administration of cannabinoid agonists acting on neuronal CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are proposed for treating spasticity and chronic pain…

Our data suggest that CB1Rs may control the circuit gateway regulating the inflow of sensory afferent inputs into the locomotor circuits, indicating a potential site of action for restricting peripheral signals disruptive for locomotor activity.”