Tag Archives: treatment

The Molecular targets of Cannabinoids in the treatment of Cancer and Inflammation

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“In this review we discuss the emerging evidence for the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer and inflammation. The remarkable effects complete the traditional evidence for their successful application in the treatment of pain and cancer-related side effects.

Results: Cannabinoids are described in three different forms, comprising endo- phyto- and synthetic compounds that exert biological effects. The molecular and cellular pathways of endogenous cannabinoids in the maintenance of homeostasis are well documented. In addition to classical cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2, Vanilloid receptors and G protein-coupled receptor 55 were identified as common receptors. Subsequently, the effectiveness of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids mediated by cannabinoid receptors has been demonstrated in the treatment of inflammatory diseases including neurodegenerative diseases as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory inflammations.

Another accepted property of cannabinoids is their anti-cancer effects. Cannabinoids were found to be effective in the treatment of lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, pancreas and hepatic cancers. The anticancer effects of cannabinoids were characterized by their anti-proliferative property, inhibition of cancer cells migration, suppression of vascularization and induction of apoptosis.

Conclusion: The current review provides and overview the role of endocannabinoid system in the mediation of physiological functions, the type and expression of cannabinoids receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. In additions, the molecular pathways involved in the effects of cannabinoids and the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of inflammations and cancers are highlighted.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33902407/

https://www.eurekaselect.com/193013/article

Cannabidiol Treatment Results in a Common Gene Expression Response Across Aggressive Cancer Cells from Various Origins

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View details for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research cover image“We previously reported that cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid with a low toxicity profile, downregulated the expression of the prometastatic gene inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1) in cancer cells, leading to inhibition of tumor progression in vivo. While CBD is broadly used, including in the self-medication of cancer patients, and CBD-based therapies are undergoing clinical evaluation for cancer treatment, its mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. 

Methods: In this study, using microarray analysis and Western blot analysis for validation, we attempted to identify the full spectrum of genes regulated by CBD across various aggressive cancer cell lines, including the breast, brain, head and neck, and prostate. 

Results: We confirmed that ID1 was a major target downregulated by CBD and also discovered that CBD inhibited FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1), a transcriptional activator involved in cell proliferation, while simultaneously upregulating GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), a cytokine associated with tissue differentiation. 

Conclusion: Our results suggest that, by modulating expression of shared key cancer-driving genes, CBD could represent a promising nontoxic therapeutic for treating tumors of various origins.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33912679/

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2019.0081

In silico inquest reveals the efficacy of Cannabis in the treatment of post-Covid-19 related neurodegeneration

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Publication Cover “Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the Covid-19 pandemic has proved itself as the deadliest pathogen. A major portion of the population has become susceptible to this strain. Scientists are pushing their limits to formulate a vaccine against Covid-19 with the least side effects.

Although the recent discoveries of vaccines have shown some relief from the covid infection rate, however, physical fatigue, mental abnormalities, inflammation and other multiple organ damages are arising as post-Covid symptoms. The long-term effects of these symptoms are massive. Patients with such symptoms are known as long-haulers and treatment strategy against this condition is still unknown.

In this study, we tried to explore a strategy to deal with the post-Covid symptoms. We targeted three human proteins namely ACE2, Interleukin-6, Transmembrane serine protease and NRP1 which are already reported to be damaged via Covid-19 proteins and upregulated in the post-Covid stage. Our target plant in this study is Cannabis (popularly known as ‘Ganja’ in India).

The molecular docking and simulation studies revealed that Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabivarin (CVN) obtained from Cannabis can bind to post-Covid symptoms related central nervous system (CNS) proteins and downregulate them which can be beneficial in post-covid symptoms treatment strategy. Thus we propose Cannabis as an important therapeutic plant against post-Covid symptoms.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33810774/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07391102.2021.1905556?journalCode=tbsd20

Efficacy of cannabinoids against glioblastoma multiforme: A systematic review

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Phytomedicine

“INTRODUCTION

: The increased incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive and most common primary brain tumour, is evident worldwide. Survival rates are reaching only 15 months due to its high recurrence and resistance to current combination therapies including oncotomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Light has been shed in the recent years on the anticancer properties of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa.

OBJECTIVE

: To determine whether cannabinoids alone or in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy inhibit tumour progression, induce cancer cell death, inhibit metastasis and invasiveness and the mechanisms that underlie these actions.

METHOD

: PubMed and Web of Science were used for a systemic search to find studies on the anticancer effects of natural cannabinoids on glioma cancer cells in vitro and/or in vivo.

RESULTS

: A total of 302 papers were identified, of which 14 studies were found to fit the inclusion criteria. 5 studies were conducted in vitro, 2 in vivo and 7 were both in vivo and in vitro. 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and TMZ, 1 study examined CBD and radiation, 2 studies examined efficacy of THC only and 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD only. 1 study examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and radiotherapy, 2 studies examined the combination of CBD and THC and 2 more studies examined the efficacy of CBD and TMZ.

CONCLUSION

: The evidence in this systematic review leads to the conclusion that cannabinoids possess anticancer potencies against glioma cells, however this effect varies with the combinations and dosages used. Studies so far were conducted on cells in culture and on mice as well as a small number of studies that were conducted on humans. Hence in order to have more accurate results, higher quality studies mainly including human clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessitated urgently for GBM treatment.”

HTTPS://WWW.SCIENCEDIRECT.COM/SCIENCE/ARTICLE/ABS/PII/S0944711321000751

The effect of cannabis in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a pregnant patient – extensive case report and literature review

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pubmed logo“Purpose: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is the fourth most frequent cancer diagnosis among pregnant females. A multidisciplinary team is mandatory to obtain the best treatment and prognosis for the mother and for the baby. Here, we present the case of a patient diagnosed with HL and its evolution during 2 pregnancies.

Case presentation: Herein we present the case of a 21-year-old female Caucasian patient, with free history, diagnosed with HL stage IIB. The patient started first line chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with incomplete remission. She refused any other treatment. Five years later, the patient became pregnant and was offered chemotherapy in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, that she refused, and delivered by C-section at 37 weeks. In the same year, the patient became pregnant again and was proposed termination of pregnancy, that she also refused. The MRI scan revealed progression of HL and she was admitted in the hospital several times for altered general condition, respiratory infections and increased need of painkillers including opioids.

At 26 weeks of pregnancy, the patient began on her own a treatment with pure cannabis. Her pain and general status got better and the tumor tissue decreased.

She delivered by C-section at 34 weeks a boy that presented in the first 24 h postpartum a withdrawal syndrome and intestinal invagination, requiring care in NICU and surgery with bowel resection.

Conclusion: Therefore, we can conclude that cannabis could be part of oncological treatment. No other case like this, as far as we know, has been previously reported.”

Unveiling the mechanism of action behind the anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids in ER + breast cancer cells: impact on aromatase and steroid receptors

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The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. In the last years, cannabinoids have gained attention in the clinical setting and clinical trials with cannabinoid-based preparations are underway. However, contradictory anti-tumour properties have also been reported. Thus, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind their anti-tumour efficacy is crucial to better understand its therapeutic potential.

Considering this, our work aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer properties of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and of the phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells that overexpress aromatase (MCF-7aro). Their in vitro effects on cell proliferation, cell death and activity/expression of aromatase, ERα, ERβ and AR were investigated.

Our results demonstrated that cannabinoids disrupted MCF-7aro cell cycle progression. Unlike AEA and THC that induced apoptosis, CBD triggered autophagy to promote apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, all cannabinoids reduced aromatase and ERα expression levels in cells. On the other hand, AEA and CBD not only exhibited high anti-aromatase activity but also induced up-regulation of ERβ. Therefore, all cannabinoids, albeit by different actions, target aromatase and ERs, impairing, in that way, the growth of ER+ breast cancer cells, which is dependent on estrogen signalling.

As aromatase and ERs are key targets for ER+ breast cancer treatment, cannabinoids can be considered as potential and attractive therapeutic compounds for this type of cancer, being CBD the most promising one. Thus, from an in vitro perspective, this work may contribute to the growing mass of evidence of cannabinoids and cannabinoids-based medicines as potential anti-cancer drugs.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33722705/

“AEA and THC induce apoptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells, while CBD trigger autophagy to promote apoptosis. AEA, THC and CBD impair growth of ER+ breast cancer cells, by disrupting cycle progression. AEA, THC and CBD affect aromatase and ERα expression levels in ER+ breast cancer cells. AEA and CBD strongly inhibited aromatase activity and up-regulated ERβ levels. Cannabinoids are considered potential therapeutic compounds for ER+ breast cancer, being CBD the most promising one.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960076021000698?via%3Dihub

Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response

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bioRxiv“The rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments.

Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound produced by the cannabis plant, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, but not congeneric cannabinoids, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells.

CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription. CBD induces interferon expression and up-regulates its antiviral signaling pathway. A cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence of up to an order of magnitude relative to matched pairs or the general population.

This study highlights CBD, and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 at early stages of infection.”

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.10.432967v1

“Cannabis compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells”   https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210314/Cannabis-compound-inhibits-SARS-CoV-2-replication-in-human-lung-cells.aspx

Cannabinoids as Key Regulators of Inflammasome Signaling: A Current Perspective

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Segura Lab - New publication in Frontiers in Immunology“Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic inflammatory signaling protein complexes that detect microbial materials, sterile inflammatory insults, and certain host-derived elements. Inflammasomes, once activated, promote caspase-1-mediated maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, leading to pyroptosis. Current advances in inflammasome research support their involvement in the development of chronic inflammatory disorders in contrast to their role in regulating innate immunity.

Cannabis (marijuana) is a natural product obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant, and pharmacologically active ingredients of the plant are referred to as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids and cannabis extracts have recently emerged as promising novel drugs for chronic medical conditions. Growing evidence indicates the potent anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids, especially Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and synthetic cannabinoids; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Several attempts have been made to decipher the role of cannabinoids in modulating inflammasome signaling in the etiology of chronic inflammatory diseases.

In this review, we discuss recently published evidence on the effect of cannabinoids on inflammasome signaling. We also discuss the contribution of various cannabinoids in human diseases concerning inflammasome regulation. Lastly, in the milieu of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we confer available evidence linking inflammasome activation to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 suggesting overall, the importance of cannabinoids as possible drugs to target inflammasome activation in or to support the treatment of a variety of human disorders including COVID-19.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33584697/

“Cannabis has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects owing to its constituents, cannabinoids and terpenoids. Overall, cannabinoids hold a great promise as additional therapeutics to support the current treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, along with COVID-19”

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.613613/full

CBD activation of TRPV1 induces oxidative signalling and subsequent ER stress in breast cancer cell lines

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“Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an imbalance between the ER’s protein-folding load and capacity. It can be induced by various physiological conditions, activating the unfolded protein response to re-establish homeostasis, promoting cell survival. Under severe or chronic stress, apoptosis is induced. Normal cells generally do not experience continuous ER stress induction. The stressful conditions experienced in the tumour microenvironment facilitates chronic ER stress and UPR activation, which plays a pivotal role in tumour survival.

Exacerbation of pre-existing ER stress can trigger cancer cell death, with a minimal effect on normal cells.

Current literature suggests that cannabinoid treatment may induce cancer cell death via ER stress; however, little is known about the mechanisms of induction.

This study proposed that cannabidiol (CBD) mechanism that occurred through the influx of Ca2+ via the TRPV1 receptor, and increasing ROS production affects protein folding and induces ER stress. ER stress was induced, and detection and quantification were completed using Thioflavin T staining and GRP78 by western blot analysis. The effect of cannabinoid treatment on ROS production and Ca2+ influx was measured. CBD was the most potent ER stress inducer, significantly increasing Ca2+ and ROS accumulation. Concomitant treatment with CBD and an antioxidant significantly increased cell viability and decreased ER stress induction in the MCF7 cell line. Concomitant treatment with a TRPV1 antagonist increased viability in this cell line.

In conclusion, the data suggested that CBD induced ER stress via Ca2+ influx through the TRPV1 receptor, thereby elevating intracellular ROS levels and disrupting protein folding.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33604949/

https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bab.2119

Cannabigerol Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent in a Novel Combined Therapy for Glioblastoma

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cells-logo“Glioblastoma is the most aggressive cancer among primary brain tumours. As with other cancers, the incidence of glioblastoma is increasing; despite modern therapies, the overall mean survival of patients post-diagnosis averages around 16 months, a figure that has not changed in many years. Cannabigerol (CBG) has only recently been reported to prevent the progression of certain carcinomas and has not yet been studied in glioblastoma. Here, we have compared the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-invasive effects of the purified natural cannabinoid CBG together with CBD and THC on established differentiated glioblastoma tumour cells and glioblastoma stem cells. CBG and THC reduced the viability of both types of cells to a similar extent, whereas combining CBD with CBG was more efficient than with THC. CBD and CBG, both alone and in combination, induced caspase-dependent cell apoptosis, and there was no additive THC effect. Of note, CBG inhibited glioblastoma invasion in a similar manner to CBD and the chemotherapeutic temozolomide. We have demonstrated that THC has little added value in combined-cannabinoid glioblastoma treatment, suggesting that this psychotropic cannabinoid should be replaced with CBG in future clinical studies of glioblastoma therapy.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33562819/

“Among primary brain tumours, glioblastoma is the most aggressive. As early relapses are unavoidable despite standard-of-care treatment, the cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) alone or in combination have been suggested as a combined treatment strategy for glioblastomas. However, the known psychoactive effects of THC hamper its medical applications in these patients with potential cognitive impairment due to the progression of the disease. Therefore, nontoxic cannabigerol (CBG), being recently shown to exhibit anti-tumour properties in some carcinomas, is assayed here for the first time in glioblastoma with the aim to replace THC. We indeed found CBG to effectively impair the relevant hallmarks of glioblastoma progression, with comparable killing effects to THC and in addition inhibiting the invasion of glioblastoma cells. Moreover, CBG can destroy therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem cells, which are the root of cancer development and extremely resistant to various other treatments of this lethal cancer. CBG should present a new yet unexplored adjuvant treatment strategy of glioblastoma.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/2/340