“The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are localized in the urinary bladder and play a role in the regulation of its function. We investigated the pathomechanisms through which hyperosmolarity induces detrusor overactivity (DO)…
These results demonstrate that hyperosmolar-induced DO is mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptors. Therefore, the cannabinoid pathway could potentially be a target for the treatment of urinary bladder dysfunction.”
“No compound has generated more attention in both the scientific and recently in the political arena as much as cannabinoids.
These diverse groups of compounds referred collectively as cannabinoids have both been vilified due to its dramatic and potentially harmful psychotropic effects and glorified due to its equally dramatic and potential application in a number of acute and chronic neurological conditions.
Previously illegal to possess, cannabis, the plant where natural form of cannabinoids are derived, is now accepted in a growing number of states for medicinal purpose, and some even for recreational use, increasing opportunities for more scientific experimentation.
The purpose of this review is to summarize the growing body of literature on cannabinoids and to present an overview of our current state of knowledge of the human endocannabinoid system in the hope of defining the future of cannabinoids and its potential applications in disorders of the central nervous system, focusing on stroke.”
“Cannabinoids have been used medicinally for centuries, and in the last decade, attention has focused on their broad therapeutic potential particularly in seizure management.
While some cannabinoids have demonstrated anticonvulsant activity in experimental studies, their efficacy for managing clinical seizures has not been fully established.
This commentary will touch on our understanding of the brain endocannabinoid system’s regulation of synaptic transmission in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and review the findings from both experimental and clinical studies on the effectiveness of cannabinoids to suppress epileptic seizures.
At present, there is preliminary evidence that non-psychoactive cannabinoids may be useful as anticonvulsants, but additional clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of these compounds for the treatment of epilepsy.”
“The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) system is described to modulate various pathological conditions, including inflammation and fibrosis.
A series of new heterocyclic small-molecule CB2 receptor agonists were identified from a high-throughput screen…
A significant depletion of the three measured kidney markers indicated a protective role of CB2 receptor activation toward inflammatory kidney damage. Compound 39 was also protective in a model of renal fibrosis.
Oral treatment with 39 at 3 mg kg-1 per day significantly decreased the amount of fibrosis by ∼40 % which was induced by unilateral ureter obstruction.”
“G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a lysophospholipid receptor responsive to certain cannabinoids.
The role of GPR55 in inflammatory processes of the gut is largely unknown. Using the recently characterized GPR55 inhibitor CID16020046, we determined the role of GPR55 in experimental intestinal inflammation and explored possible mechanisms of action…
Pharmacological blockade of GPR55 reduces experimental intestinal inflammation by reducing leukocyte migration and activation, in particular that of macrophages. Therefore, CID16020046 represents a possible drug for the treatment of bowel inflammation.”
“Hippocampal neurogenesis plays a very important role in learning and memory functions.
In a search for best neurological drugs that protect neuronal cells and stimulate neurogenesis with no side effects, cannabinoids proved to be a strong group of substances having many beneficial properties.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ACEA (arachidonyl-2′-chloroethylamide – a highly selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist) combined with a classical antiepileptic drug sodium valproate (VPA) on neural precursor cells’ proliferation and differentiation in the mouse brain.
VPA administered alone decreased the number of newly born neurons with no significant impact on neurogenesis.
These data provide substantial evidence that VPA administered chronically slightly decreases the proliferation and differentiation of newly born cells while combination of VPA+ACEA significantly increases the level of newborn neurons in the dentate subgranular zone.”
“The endocannabinoid system plays protective roles against the growth and the spreading of several types of carcinomas.
Because estrogens regulate this system both in physiological states and cancer, in this paper we evaluated its involvement in endometrial carcinoma, a well-known estrogen-dependent tumor.
In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system seems to play an important role in human endometrial carcinoma, and modulation of CB(2) activity/expression may account for a tumor-suppressive effect.”
“In this review, I will consider the dual nature of Cannabis and cannabinoids.
The duality arises from the potential and actuality of cannabinoids in the laboratory and clinic and the ‘abuse’ of Cannabis outside the clinic.
The therapeutic areas currently best associated with exploitation of Cannabis-related medicines include pain, epilepsy, feeding disorders, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma.
As with every other medicinal drug of course, the ‘trick’ will be to maximise the benefit and minimise the cost.
After millennia of proximity and exploitation of the Cannabis plant, we are still playing catch up with an understanding of its potential influence for medicinal benefit.”
“Cannabinoid pharmacology has proven nettlesome with issues of promiscuity a common theme among both agonists and antagonists.
One recourse is to develop allosteric ligands to modulate cannabinoid receptor signaling.
Cannabinoids have come late to the allosteric table…
In summary, three of the allosteric modulators evaluated function in a manner consistent with allosterism in a neuronal 2-AG-based model of endogenous cannabinoid signaling.”
“Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cell death after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor is expressed in neuronal mitochondrial membranes (mtCB1R) and involved in regulating mitochondrial functions under physiological conditions…
In purified neuronal mitochondria, mtCB1R activation attenuated Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial injury.
In conclusion, mtCB1R is involved in ACEA-induced protective effects on neurons and mitochondrial functions, suggesting mtCB1R may be a potential novel target for the treatment of brain ischemic injury.”