Targeting the endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor system for treating obesity in Prader–Willi syndrome

“Extreme obesity is a core phenotypic feature of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Among numerous metabolic regulators, the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is critically involved in controlling feeding, body weight, and energy metabolism, and a globally acting cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) blockade reverses obesity both in animals and humans.

We studied eCB ‘tone’ in individuals with PWS and in the Magel2-null mouse model that recapitulates the major metabolic phenotypes of PWS and determined the efficacy of a peripherally restricted CB1R antagonist, JD5037 in treating obesity in these mice.

 Dysregulation of the eCB/CB1R system may contribute to hyperphagia and obesity in Magel2-null mice and in individuals with PWS. Our results demonstrate that treatment with peripherally restricted CB1R antagonists may be an effective strategy for the management of severe obesity in PWS.
In conclusion, the current study provides the first evidence that the eCB system may contribute to severe obesity both in PWS children and adults and in an established mouse model for this syndrome. Our results confirm that the eCB system contributes to the metabolic phenotype associated with PWS. Moreover, specifically targeting the peripheral eCB system in obese Magel2-null mice was found to be as efficacious as in DIO animals, and, therefore, it may represent a novel approach to treating obesity and its complications in PWS. This would also provide the rationale for the development and clinical testing of peripherally restricted CB1R antagonists for treating obesity in PWS.”  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5123200/

“Cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) blockers as medicines: beyond obesity and cardiometabolic disorders to substance abuse/drug addiction with CB1R neutral antagonists.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22335400

“The phytocannabinoid, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), can block cannabinoid CB(1) receptors” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931567/]]>

Transient Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade during Immunization Heightens Intensity and Breadth of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses in Young and Aged mice.

 

Image result for Sci Rep. “The hallmark of vaccines is their ability to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens and thereby serve as invaluable public health tool. Despite their medical relevance, there is a gap in our understanding of the physiological factors that mediate innate and adaptive immune response to vaccines. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a critical modulator of homeostasis in vertebrates. Our results indicate that macrophages and dendritic cells produce the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) upon antigen activation. We have also established that 2-AG levels are upregulated in the serum and in the lymph node of mice during vaccination. We hypothesized that the intrinsic release of eCBs from immune cells during activation by pathogenic antigens mitigate inflammation, but also suppress overall innate and adaptive immune response. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that transient administration of the cannabinoid receptor 2 antagonist AM630 (10 mg/kg) or inverse agonist JTE907 (3 mg/kg) during immunization heightens the intensity and breadth of antigen-specific immune responses in young and aged mice through the upregulation of immunomodulatory genes in secondary lymphoid tissues.”
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