Tag Archives: THC

The dual effects of delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol on cholangiocarcinoma cells: anti-invasion activity at low concentration and apoptosis induction at high concentration.

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“Currently, only gemcitabine plus platinum demonstrates the considerable activity for cholangiocarcinoma.

The anticancer effect of Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal active component of cannabinoids has been demonstrated in various kinds of cancers.

We therefore evaluate the antitumor effects of THC on cholangiocarcinoma cells.

Both cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and surgical specimens from cholangiocarcinoma patients expressed cannabinoid receptors.

THC inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis.

THC also decreased actin polymerization and reduced tumor cell survival in anoikis assay. pMEK1/2 and pAkt demonstrated the lower extent than untreated cells.

Consequently, THC is potentially used to retard cholangiocarcinoma cell growth and metastasis.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19916793 

“Cholangiocarcinoma is an epithelial cell malignancy arising from varying locations within the biliary tree showing markers of cholangiocyte differentiation. The most contemporary classification based on anatomical location includes intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma… Understanding of cholangiocarcinoma biology, the oncogenic landscape of this disease, and its complex interaction with the tumour microenvironment could lead to optimum therapies with improvement in patient survival… Hopefully, personalised or precision medicine is in the near future for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4069226/

 “Cholangiocarcinomas (bile duct cancers) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic, perihilar and extrahepatic bile ducts.”   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731530/

“Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy after hepatocellular cancer. CC accounts for approximately 10%-25% of all hepatobiliary malignancies. CC is a rare malignancy in Western countries, but more common in Asia. There are several established risk factors for CC, including parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary-duct cysts, hepatolithiasis, and toxins. Other less-established potential risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, and host genetic polymorphisms.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3125451/

“Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant cancer of the biliary tract with a poor prognosis, which often arises from conditions causing long-term inflammation, injury, and reparative biliary epithelial cell proliferation. Several conditions are known to be major risk factors for cancer in the biliary tract or gallbladder, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infection, pancreaticobiliary maljunction, and chemical exposure in proof-printing workers.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24895231

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/cholangiocarcinoma/

(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.”

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.”

Endocannabinoid signaling in female reproductive events: a potential therapeutic target?

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“Nearly 30 years after the discovery in 1964 of the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis (Cannabis sativa), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, its endogenous counterparts were discovered and collectively termed endocannabinoids (eCBs): N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) in 1992 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in 1995.

Since then, intense research has identified additional eCBs and an ensemble of proteins that bind, synthesize and degrade them, the so-called eCB system.

Altogether, these new compounds have been recognized as key mediators of several aspects of human pathophysiology, and in particular of female fertility.

Here, the main features of the eCB system are presented, in order to put in a better perspective the relevance of eCB signaling in virtually all steps of human reproduction and to highlight emerging hopes that elements of this system might indeed become novel targets to combat fertility problems.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26126134

Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits growth and metastasis of lung cancer.

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“Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.

Many of these over-express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and are usually highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy.

Recent studies have shown that Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major component of Cannabis sativa, possess anti-tumor properties against various types of cancers.

However, not much is known about its effect on lung cancer. In this study, we sought to characterize the effect of THC on EGF-induced growth and metastasis of human non small lung cancer cell (NSCLC) lines A549 and SW-1573.

We demonstrate that these cell lines and primary tumor samples derived from lung cancer patients express cannabinoids receptors CB1 and CB2, the known targets for THC action.

We further show that THC inhibits EGF-induced growth in these cell lines.

In addition THC attenuated EGF-stimulated chemotaxis and chemoinvasion.

Next we characterized the effect of THC on in vivo lung cancer growth and metastasis in a murine model. A549 cells were implanted in SCID mice (n=6 per group) through subcutaneous and intravenous injections to generate subcutaneous and lung metastatic cancer, respectively. THC (5mg/kg body wt.) was administered once daily through intraperitoneal injections for 21 days. The mice were analyzed for tumor growth and lung metastasis.

A significant reduction (~50%) in tumor weight and volume were observed in THC treated animals compared to the vehicle treated animals.

THC treated animals also showed a significant (~60%) reduction in macroscopic lesions on the lung surface in comparison to vehicle treated control.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor samples from THC treated animals revealed anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects of THC with significant reduction in staining for Ki67, a proliferative marker and CD31, an endothelial marker indicative of vascularization. Investigation into the signaling events associated with reduced EGF-induced functional effects revealed that THC also inhibits EGF-induced Akt phosphorylation. Akt is a central signaling molecule of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways and it regulates a diverse array of cellular functions, including proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and apoptosis.

Cumulatively, these studies indicate that THC has anti-tumorigenic and anti-metastatic effects against lung cancer. Novel therapies against EGFR overexpressing, aggressive and chemotherapy resistant lung cancers may include targeting the cannabinoids receptors.”

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/67/9_Supplement/4749.short

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/lung-cancer/

Ultralow doses of cannabinoid drugs protect the mouse brain from inflammation-induced cognitive damage.

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“In our previous studies, we found that a single ultralow dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)… protects the brain from different insults that cause cognitive deficits.

Because various insults may trigger a neuroinflammatory response that leads to secondary damage to the brain, the current study tested whether this extremely low dose of THC could protect the brain from inflammation-induced cognitive deficits…

Our results suggest that an ultralow dose of THC that lacks any psychotrophic activity protects the brain from neuroinflammation-induced cognitive damage and might be used as an effective drug for the treatment of neuroinflammatory conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25042014

Chronic administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces intestinal anti-inflammatory microRNA expression during acute simian immunodeficiency virus infection of rhesus macaques.

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“Recreational and medical use of cannabis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals has increased in recent years. In simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques, chronic administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) inhibited viral replication and intestinal inflammation and slowed disease progression…

These results support a role for differential miRNA induction in THC-mediated suppression of intestinal inflammation. Whether similar miRNA modulation occurs in other tissues requires further investigation.

IMPORTANCE:

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract disease/inflammation is a hallmark of HIV/SIV infection.

Previously, we showed that chronic treatment of SIV-infected macaques with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) increased survival and decreased viral replication and infection-induced gastrointestinal inflammation.

Here, we show that chronic THC administration to SIV-infected macaques induced an anti-inflammatory microRNA expression profile in the intestine…

Overall, our results show that selective upregulation of anti-inflammatory miRNA expression contributes to THC-mediated suppression of gastrointestinal inflammation and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25378491

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/hivaids/

The endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system: a new protective mechanism against myocardial ischemia.

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“The pharmacological (and recreational) effects of cannabis have been known for centuries. However, it is only recently that one has identified two subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors, namely CB1 and CB2-receptors, which mediate the numerous effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids.

Logically, the existence of cannabinoid-receptors implies that endogenous ligands for these receptors (endocannabinoids) exist and exert a physiological role. Hence, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and sn-2 arachidonoylglycerol, the first two endocannabinoids identified, are formed from plasma membrane phospholipids and act as CB1 and/or CB2 agonists.

The presence of both CB1 and CB2-receptors in the rat heart is noteworthy.

This endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system is involved in several phenomena associated with cardioprotective effects.

The reduction in infarct size following myocardial ischemia, observed in rats exposed to either LPS or heat stress 24 hours before, is abolished in the presence of a CB2-receptor antagonist.

Endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids, the latter through either CB1 or CB2-receptors, exert direct cardioprotective effects in rat isolated hearts.

The ability of cannabinoids to reduce infarct size has been confirmed in vivo in anesthetized mice and rats. This latter effect appears to be mediated through CB2-receptors.

Thus, the endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system, through activation of CB2-receptors, appears to be an important mechanism of protection against myocardial ischemia.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16618028

An ultra-low dose of tetrahydrocannabinol provides cardioprotection.

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“Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, is a cannabinoid agonist that exerts its effects by activating at least two specific receptors (CB1 and CB2) that belong to the seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family.

Both CB1 and CB2 mRNA and proteins are present in the heart.

THC treatment was beneficial against hypoxia in neonatal cardiomyocytes in vitro.

We also observed a neuroprotective effect of an ultra low dose of THC when applied to mice before brain insults.

The present study was aimed to test and characterize the cardioprotective effects of a very low dose of THC…

All protocols of THC administration were found to be beneficial.

CONCLUSION:

A single ultra low dose of THC before ischemia is a safe and effective treatment that reduces myocardial ischemic damage.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23537701

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol protects cardiac cells from hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation and nitric oxide production.

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“Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system during stress conditions…

The present study was designed to investigate the central (CB1) and the peripheral (CB2)cannabinoid receptor expression in neonatal cardiomyoctes and possible function in the cardioprotection of THC from hypoxia.

The antagonist for the CB2, but not CB1 receptor antagonist abolished the protective effect of THC.

In agreement with these results using RT-PCR, it was shown that neonatal cardiac cells express CB2, but not CB1 receptors.

Involvement of NO in the signal transduction pathway activated by THC through CB2 was examined. It was found that THC induces nitric oxide (NO) production by induction of NO synthase (iNOS) via CB2 receptors.

L-NAME (NOS inhibitor, 100 microM) prevented the cardioprotection provided by THC.

Taken together, our findings suggest that THC protects cardiac cells against hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation by induction of NO production.

An NO mechanism occurs also in the classical pre-conditioning process; therefore, THC probably pre-trains the cardiomyocytes to hypoxic conditions.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16444588