scholarly journals Is It Time to Test the Antiseizure Potential of Palmitoylethanolamide in Human Studies? A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Riccardo Bortoletto ◽  
Matteo Balestrieri ◽  
Sagnik Bhattacharyya ◽  
Marco Colizzi
Keyword(s):  
Safety Profile ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Human Study ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Acute Seizures ◽  
Cannabinoid Compounds ◽  
Seizure Episode ◽  
Animal Models Of Epilepsy ◽  
Significant Attention

Antiseizure medications are the cornerstone pharmacotherapy for epilepsy. They are not devoid of side effects. In search for better-tolerated antiseizure agents, cannabinoid compounds and other N-acylethanolamines not directly binding cannabinoid receptors have drawn significant attention. Among these, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has shown neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. All studies examining PEA’s role in epilepsy and acute seizures were systematically reviewed. Preclinical studies indicated a systematically reduced PEA tone accompanied by alterations of endocannabinoid levels. PEA supplementation reduced seizure frequency and severity in animal models of epilepsy and acute seizures, in some cases, similarly to available antiseizure medications but with a better safety profile. The peripheral-brain immune system seemed to be more effectively modulated by subchronic pretreatment with PEA, with positive consequences in terms of better responding to subsequent epileptogenic insults. PEA treatment restored the endocannabinoid level changes that occur in a seizure episode, with potential preventive implications in terms of neural damage. Neurobiological mechanisms for PEA antiseizure effect seemed to include the activation of the endocannabinoid system and the modulation of neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity. Although no human study was identified, there is ground for testing the antiseizure potential of PEA and its safety profile in human studies of epilepsy.

scholarly journals Cannabinoid signalling in embryonic and adult neurogenesis: possible implications for psychiatric and neurological disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rúbia W. de Oliveira ◽  
Cilene L. Oliveira ◽  
Francisco S. Guimarães ◽  
Alline C. Campos
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Adult Neurogenesis ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
System Development ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Cannabinoid Compounds ◽  
Anxiety Depression

AbstractCannabinoid signalling modulates several aspects of brain function, including the generation and survival of neurons during embryonic and adult periods. The present review intended to summarise evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system on the control of neurogenesis and neurogenesis-dependent functions. Studies reporting participation of cannabinoids on the regulation of any step of neurogenesis and the effects of cannabinoid compounds on animal models possessing neurogenesis-dependent features were selected from Medline. Qualitative evaluation of the selected studies indicated that activation of cannabinoid receptors may change neurogenesis in embryonic or adult nervous systems alongside rescue of phenotypes in animal models of different psychiatric and neurological disorders. The text offers an overview on the effects of cannabinoids on central nervous system development and the possible links with psychiatric and neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, brain ischaemia/stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. An understanding of the mechanisms by which cannabinoid signalling influences developmental and adult neurogenesis will help foster the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.

scholarly journals Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation from Acetaminophen Use May Lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder: Could Cannabinoid Treatment Be Efficacious?

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1845
Author(s):  
Stephen Schultz ◽  
Georgianna G. Gould ◽  
Nicola Antonucci ◽  
Anna Lisa Brigida ◽  
Dario Siniscalco
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
Arachidonoyl Glycerol

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, are the core items characterizing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strong inflammation states have been reported to be associated with ASD. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in ASD pathophysiology. This complex network of lipid signaling pathways comprises arachidonic acid and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-derived compounds, their G-protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) and the associated enzymes. Alterations of the ECS have been reported in both the brain and the immune system of ASD subjects. ASD children show low EC tone as indicated by low blood levels of endocannabinoids. Acetaminophen use has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of ASD. This drug can act through the ECS to produce analgesia. It may be that acetaminophen use in children increases the risk for ASD by interfering with the ECS.This mini-review article summarizes the current knowledge on this topic.

scholarly journals Pros and Cons of the Cannabinoid System in Cancer: Focus on Hematological Malignancies

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3866
Author(s):  
Natasha Irrera ◽  
Alessandra Bitto ◽  
Emanuela Sant’Antonio ◽  
Rita Lauro ◽  
Caterina Musolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Hematological Malignancies ◽  
Antitumor Agents ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Novel Approach

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a composite cell-signaling system that allows endogenous cannabinoid ligands to control cell functions through the interaction with cannabinoid receptors. Modifications of the ECS might contribute to the pathogenesis of different diseases, including cancers. However, the use of these compounds as antitumor agents remains debatable. Pre-clinical experimental studies have shown that cannabinoids (CBs) might be effective for the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Specifically, CBs may activate programmed cell death mechanisms, thus blocking cancer cell growth, and may modulate both autophagy and angiogenesis. Therefore, CBs may have significant anti-tumor effects in hematologic diseases and may synergistically act with chemotherapeutic agents, possibly also reducing chemoresistance. Moreover, targeting ECS might be considered as a novel approach for the management of graft versus host disease, thus reducing some symptoms such as anorexia, cachexia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and neuropathic pain. The aim of the present review is to collect the state of the art of CBs effects on hematological tumors, thus focusing on the essential topics that might be useful before moving into the clinical practice.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3389
Author(s):  
Ishtiaq Ahmed ◽  
Saif Ur Rehman ◽  
Shiva Shahmohamadnejad ◽  
Muhammad Anjum Zia ◽  
Muhammad Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Autoimmune Disorders ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Different Cell Types

In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer—both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials—has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.

Early safety and efficacy from a phase I open-label clinical trial of CD137(4-1BB) agonistic antibody LVGN6051 as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2521-2521
Author(s):  
Siqing Fu ◽  
Wael A. Harb ◽  
Sapna Pradyuman Patel ◽  
Charles Lu ◽  
Daniel M. Halperin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Antitumor Activity ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Human Study ◽  
Hepatic Metastases ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Favorable Safety

2521 Background: LVGN6051, a monoclonal antibody against CD137 (also known as 4-1BB or TNFRSF9) with an engineered Fc capable of selectively binding to the Fcγ receptor IIB, acts as a conditional CD137 agonist, resulting in immune activation optimally in tumor microenvironment ( Qi, Nat. Commun. 2019 ). In preclinical models, LVGN6051 demonstrated robust anti-tumor efficacy and safety as a single agent and in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies. Therefore, we have initiated this first-in-human study of LVGN6051 alone or in combination with pembrolizumab for the treatment of advanced or metastatic malignancy. Methods: This study includes accelerated dose escalation monotherapy up to 2 mg/kg of LVGN6051, and traditional 3 + 3 design for higher doses of LVGN6051 alone or in combination with pembrolizumab. Then, this study will enroll patients with specific types of malignancies following Simon’s two-stage design. Both agents are administered once every 3 weeks. Primary objectives of this study were to define the safety profile and to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of LVGN6051 alone or in combination with pembrolizumab. Pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy will be also evaluated. Results: At the cut-off date on January 18, 2021, 16 subjects have been enrolled into the monotherapy cohorts (n=12, no DLT observed up to 7 mg/kg), and the combination cohort (n=4, ongoing at LVGN6051 2 mg/kg and pembrolizumab 200 mg, one DLT observed). No treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was observed in monotherapy. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) in combination included increased ALT/AST, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue. In the combination cohort, one patient with predominant hepatic metastases and history of intermittent grade 2 hepatic impairment experienced grade 3 increased ALT/AST (DLT) on cycle 1 day 15 that were resolved to her baseline without corticosteroids on cycle 1 day 18. TRAE included increased ALT/AST, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea and fatigue. Seven of 10 evaluable patients in the monotherapy cohorts demonstrated stable disease with the longest treatment being 8+ months. Tumor reductions by >10% were observed in melanoma and neuroendocrine tumor on monotherapy. One patient with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who had progressed on an anti-PD-L1 based therapy showed an immune partial response (iPR) for 6+ months to the combination therapy. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence showed that LVGN6051 was well tolerated and tumor shrinkages were observed. While we continue assessing its safety profile, antitumor activity was observed in the LVGN6051 and pembrolizumab cohort. The favorable safety profile and preliminary antitumor activity warrant further evaluation in patients with advanced malignancies. Clinical trial information: NCT04130542.

scholarly journals From the Clinic to the Laboratory, and Back Again: Investigations on Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoid System Modulators for Treating Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Leroy Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Experimental Drugs ◽  
First Results

The present mini-review focuses on animal models of schizophrenia that have explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD; a non-psychoactive component of cannabis) or the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on behavioral and cognitive outcome measures. First, results of some relevant clinical studies in this area are summarized, and then pre-clinical work on animal models of schizophrenia based on NMDA receptor antagonism or neurodevelopmental manipulations are discussed. A brief overview is given of the theoretical framework on which these models are based, along with a concise summary of results that have been obtained. Clinical results using CBD for schizophrenia seem promising and its effects in animal models of schizophrenia support its potential as a useful pharmacotherapy. Animal models have been paramount for elucidating the actions of CBD and the function of the endocannabinoid system and for identifying novel pharmacological targets, such as cannabinoid receptors and anandamide. However, more attention needs to be placed on defining and applying independent variables and outcome measures that are comparable between pre-clinical and clinical studies. The objective of this review is, on the one hand, to emphasize the potential of such models to predict clinical response to experimental drugs, and on the other hand, to highlight areas in which research on such models could be improved.

scholarly journals Distribution of the Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 in the Brain of the Genetically Audiogenic Seizure-Prone Hamster GASH/Sal

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejando Fuerte-Hortigón ◽  
Jaime Gonçalves ◽  
Laura Zeballos ◽  
Rubén Masa ◽  
Ricardo Gómez-Nieto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Audiogenic Seizure ◽  
Type I ◽  
Sound Stimulation ◽  
Differential Distribution ◽  
Central Type ◽  
Anatomical Basis

The endocannabinoid system modulates epileptic seizures by regulating neuronal excitability. It has become clear that agonist activation of central type I cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) reduces epileptogenesis in pre-clinical animal models of epilepsy. The audiogenic seizure-prone hamster GASH/Sal is a reliable experimental model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in response to intense sound stimulation. However, no studies hitherto had investigated CB1R in the GASH/Sal. Although the distribution of CB1R has been extensively studied in mammalian brains, their distribution in the Syrian golden hamster brain also remains unknown. The objective of this research is to determine by immunohistochemistry the differential distribution of CB1R in the brains of GASH/Sal animals under seizure-free conditions, by comparing the results with wild-type Syrian hamsters as controls. CB1R in the GASH/Sal showed a wide distribution in many nuclei of the central nervous system. These patterns of CB1R-immunolabeling are practically identical between the GASH/Sal model and control animals, varying in the intensity of immunostaining in certain regions, being slightly weaker in the GASH/Sal than in the control, mainly in brain regions associated with epileptic networks. The RT-qPCR analysis confirms these results. In summary, our study provides an anatomical basis for further investigating CB1R in acute and kindling audiogenic seizure protocols in the GASH/Sal model as well as exploring CB1R activation via exogenously administered cannabinoid compounds.

scholarly journals Endocannabinoids in Bladder Sensory Mechanisms in Health and Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Christie ◽  
Simon Brookes ◽  
Vladimir Zagorodnyuk
Keyword(s):  
Overactive Bladder ◽  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Sensory Nerves ◽  
Sensory Innervation ◽  
Bladder Function ◽  
Painful Bladder ◽  
Bladder Diseases

The recent surge in research on cannabinoids may have been fueled by changes in legislation in several jurisdictions, and by approval for the use of cannabinoids for treatment of some chronic diseases. Endocannabinoids act largely, but not exclusively on cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CBR1 and CBR2) which are expressed in the bladder mainly by the urothelium and the axons and endings of motor and sensory neurons. A growing body of evidence suggests that endocannabinoid system constitutively downregulates sensory bladder function during urine storage and micturition, under normal physiological conditions. Similarly, exogenous cannabinoid agonists have potent modulatory effects, as do inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation. Results suggest a high potential of cannabinoids to therapeutically ameliorate lower urinary tract symptoms in overactive bladder and painful bladder syndromes. At least part of this may be mediated via effects on sensory nerves, although actions on efferent nerves complicate interpretation. The sensory innervation of bladder is complex with at least eight classes identified. There is a large gap in our knowledge of the effects of endocannabinoids and synthetic agonists on different classes of bladder sensory neurons. Future studies are needed to reveal the action of selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists and/or peripherally restricted synthetic cannabinoid receptor 1 agonists on bladder sensory neurons in animal models of bladder diseases. There is significant potential for these novel therapeutics which are devoid of central nervous system psychotropic actions, and which may avoid many of the side effects of current treatments for overactive bladder and painful bladder syndromes.

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