scholarly journals Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin E. LaVigne ◽  
Ryan Hecksel ◽  
Attila Keresztes ◽  
John M. Streicher
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Behavioral Effects ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
Effect Hypothesis ◽  
Cannabinoid Agonist ◽  
Mixed Mechanism

AbstractLimited evidence has suggested that terpenes found in Cannabis sativa are analgesic, and could produce an “entourage effect” whereby they modulate cannabinoids to result in improved outcomes. However this hypothesis is controversial, with limited evidence. We thus investigated Cannabis sativa terpenes alone and with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212 using in vitro and in vivo approaches. We found that the terpenes α-humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene produced cannabinoid tetrad behaviors in mice, suggesting cannabimimetic activity. Some behaviors could be blocked by cannabinoid or adenosine receptor antagonists, suggesting a mixed mechanism of action. These behavioral effects were selectively additive with WIN55,212, suggesting terpenes can boost cannabinoid activity. In vitro experiments showed that all terpenes activated the CB1R, while some activated other targets. Our findings suggest that these Cannabis terpenes are multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands that provide conceptual support for the entourage effect hypothesis and could be used to enhance the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.

scholarly journals Cannabis sativa Terpenes are Cannabimimetic and Provide Support for the Entourage Effect Hypothesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin E. LaVigne ◽  
Ryan Hecksel ◽  
Attila Keresztes ◽  
John M. Streicher
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Behavioral Effects ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
Effect Hypothesis ◽  
Cannabinoid Agonist ◽  
Mixed Mechanism

AbstractLimited evidence has suggested that terpenes found in Cannabis sativa are analgesic, and could produce an “entourage effect” whereby they modulate cannabinoids to result in improved outcomes. However this hypothesis is controversial, with limited evidence. We thus investigated Cannabis sativa terpenes alone and with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212 using in vitro and in vivo approaches. We found that the terpenes α-humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene produced cannabinoid tetrad behaviors in mice, suggesting cannabimimetic activity. Some behaviors could be blocked by cannabinoid or adenosine receptor antagonists, suggesting a mixed mechanism of action. These behavioral effects were additive with WIN55,212, providing support for a terpene “entourage effect.” In vitro experiments showed that all terpenes activated the CB1R, while some activated other targets. Our findings suggest that these Cannabis terpenes are multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands that provide support for the entourage effect hypothesis and could be used to enhance the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.

scholarly journals Toll-like receptor-9 stimulated plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors suppress autoimmune neuroinflammation in a murine model of multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Letscher ◽  
Viviane A. Agbogan ◽  
Sarantis Korniotis ◽  
Pauline Gastineau ◽  
Emmanuel Tejerina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Hematopoietic Progenitors ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Hematopoietic Precursor ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune

AbstractEarly innate education of hematopoietic progenitors within the bone marrow (BM) stably primes them for either trained immunity or instead immunoregulatory functions. We herein demonstrate that in vivo or in vitro activation within the BM via Toll-like receptor-9 generates a population of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) precursors (CpG-pre-pDCs) that, unlike pDC precursors isolated from PBS-incubated BM (PBS-pre-pDCs), are endowed with the capacity to halt progression of ongoing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. CpG activation enhances the selective migration of pDC precursors to the inflamed spinal cord, induces their immediate production of TGF-β, and after migration, of enhanced levels of IL-27. CpG-pre-pDC derived TGF-β and IL-27 ensure protection at early and late phases of the disease, respectively. Spinal cords of CpG-pre-pDC-protected recipient mice display enhanced percentages of host-derived pDCs expressing TGF-β as well as an accumulation of IL-10 producing B cells and of CD11c+ CD11b+ dendritic cells. These results reveal that pDC precursors are conferred stable therapeutic properties by early innate activation within the BM. They further extend to the pDC lineage promising perspectives for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases with innate activated hematopoietic precursor cells.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal stem cells versus their extracellular vesicles in treatment of liver fibrosis: Is it possible to compare?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha Attia ◽  
Yasmine Khalifa ◽  
Dina Rostom ◽  
Mohamed Mashal
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Secretory Proteins ◽  
Apoptotic Bodies ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Dose Determination

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a worldwide health problem that is associated with a range of complications and high mortality. Due to the scarcity of liver donors, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy emerged as an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, it is widely accepted that most of the transplanted MSCs exhibit their therapeutic impact mainly via a bystander paracrine (medicinal) capacity. In addition to their secretory proteins, MSCs also produce various types of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are classified into three main subtypes: microvesicles, exosomes and apoptotic bodies. Thanks to their peculiar cargo composition (e.g., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids), EVs serve as an advantageous candidate for cell-free therapy. Recently, MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) have gained the podium due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory effect. In mitigation/treatment of LF, a plethora of recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and cytoprotective effects of both MSCs and MSC-EVs in various in vitro and in vivo models of LF. However, despite the limited evidence, we sought in this mini review to sort out the established data and formulate several challenging questions that must be answered to pave the way for further clinical applications. One of the major questions to ask is “Which is the best therapeutic approach, MSCs or MSC-EVs?” We tried to highlight how difficult it might be to compare the two approaches while our understanding of both candidates is still deficient. Among the major obstacles against such comparison is the inaccurate equivalent dose determination, the unknown in vivo behavior, and the undetermined lifespan/fate of each. Currently, the fields of MSCs and MSC-EVs seem to be rich in ideas but lacking in appropriate technologies to test these ideas. Nevertheless, continuous efforts are likely to help resolve some of the challenges listed here.

Use of Medium Potency Statins Is Associated with Improved Outcomes after Frontline RCHOP in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Sushanth Gouni ◽  
Paolo Strati ◽  
Jason Westin ◽  
Loretta J. Nastoupil ◽  
Raphael E Steiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Response Assessment ◽  
Cholesterol Content ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Pre-clinical studies show that statins may improve the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy in patients with DLBCL, through interference with cell membrane-initiated signaling pathways. Clinical retrospective studies, however, yield conflicting data, due to heterogeneous properties of statins, including potency and hydrophilicity. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with previously untreated, advanced stage DLBCL, non-double hit, treated with frontline R-CHOP between 01/01/2000 and 09/01/2019 (data cut-off 04/15/2020) at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and for whom data regarding statin use at time of initiation of treatment were available. Lugano 2014 response criteria were applied retrospectively for response assessment. Cellular cholesterol levels were analyzed in 6 DLBCL cell lines using an Amplex red fluorometric assay. A doxorubicin (DXR)-resistant cell line was generated exposing SUDHL4 cells to escalating doses of DXR; a DXR-resistant DLBCL patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was established through serial transplantation and exposure to DXR. Results: 271 patients were included in the analysis, 182 (67%) were older than 60 years, 134 (49%) were male, 212 (72%) had stage IV disease, and 217 (80%) had an IPI score > 3; upon pathological review, 38 (36%) cases were non-GCB type, and 18 (28%) were double-expressors; 214 (79%) were able to complete all planned 6 cycles of RCHOP. Seventy-nine (29%) patients received statins at time of initiation of chemoimmunotherapy: 15 patients received low potency statin, 51 medium and 13 high; 18 patients received hydrophilic statins and 61 lipophilic. Patients receiving statins were significantly older as compared to patients who did not (p<0.001); no other significant difference in baseline characteristics was observed when comparing the 2 groups. Overall, 265 out of 271 patients were evaluable for response, as 6 stopped treatment because of toxicity before first response assessment. Among these, ORR was 95% (252/265) and CR rate was 62% (165/265). ORR rate was identical in patients who were treated with statin and those who did not (95% both, p=1). After a median follow-up of 77 months (95% CI, 70-84 months), 119 patients progressed/died, median PFS was not reached and 6-year PFS was 57%. 6-year PFS rate according to statin intensity was: 48% (low), 72% (medium), 57% (high). PFS. 6-year PFS rate was 64% for hydrophilic and 72% for lipophilic statins. Patients treated with statins had a trend for longer PFS (p=0.06), significantly longer for patients receiving medium potency statins (p=0.04). No significant difference in PFS was observed when comparing patients treated with lipophilic statins to all others (not reached vs 84 months, p=0.22). To confirm these clinical data, in-vitro and in-vivo studies were performed. Six cell lines were tested: 4 with high cholesterol content (SUDHL4, HBL1, HT, and U2932; 5.0-8.0 µg/mg protein), and 2 with low cholesterol content (DOHH2 and OCI-LY19; 1.5-2.0 µg/mg protein); the latter showed the highest sensitivity to DXR-mediated killing. The combination of lovastatin and DXR (10nM) was tested in all 4 cell lines with high cholesterol content, resulting in more cell death than either treatment alone. Lovastatin (at the nanomolar range) resensitized DXR-resistant SUDHL4 cells to DXR. Finally, in a DXR-resistant PDX model, the combination of lovastatin and DXR resulted in delayed tumor growth as compared to chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Use of medium potency statins is associated with improved outcomes after frontline RCHOP in patients with DLBCL. This was further confirmed in functional in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Future interventional studies, aimed at improving outcomes in these patients using this novel combination, are warranted. Disclosures Westin: Amgen: Consultancy; 47: Research Funding; Kite: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Morphosys: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Curis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding. Nastoupil:Gamida Cell: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead/KITE: Honoraria. Neelapu:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Merck: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: personal fees; Celgene: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: personal fees; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; N/A: Other; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Patents & Royalties; Acerta: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Legend Biotech: Other; Adicet Bio: Other; Allogene Therapeutics: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Cell Medica/Kuur: Other: personal fees; Calibr: Other; Incyte: Other: personal fees; Unum Therapeutics: Other, Research Funding. Landgraf:NCI/NIH: Research Funding. Vega:NCI: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Chromatographic Analyses, In Vitro Biological Activities, and Cytotoxicity of Cannabis sativa L. Essential Oil: A Multidisciplinary Study

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 3266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gokhan Zengin ◽  
Luigi Menghini ◽  
Antonella Di Sotto ◽  
Romina Mancinelli ◽  
Francesca Sisto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Volatile Component ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds

Due to renewed interest in the cultivation and production of Italian Cannabis sativa L., we proposed a multi-methodological approach to explore chemically and biologically both the essential oil and the aromatic water of this plant. We reported the chemical composition in terms of cannabinoid content, volatile component, phenolic and flavonoid pattern, and color characteristics. Then, we demonstrated the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant cultivated in Italy as a source of antioxidant compounds toward a large panel of enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterases) and selected clinically relevant, multidrug-sensible, and multidrug-resistant microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, Candida, and Malassezia spp.), evaluating the cytotoxic effects against normal and malignant cell lines. Preliminary in vivo cytotoxicity was also performed on Galleria mellonella larvae. The results corroborate the use of this natural product as a rich source of important biologically active molecules with particular emphasis on the role exerted by naringenin, one of the most important secondary metabolites.

scholarly journals Efficient Clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus in Murine Lungs by an Ultrashort Antimicrobial Lipopeptide, Palmitoyl-Lys-Ala-dAla-Lys

2008 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 3118-3126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Vallon-Eberhard ◽  
Arik Makovitzki ◽  
Anne Beauvais ◽  
Jean-Paul Latgé ◽  
Steffen Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Aspergillosis ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
New Family ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
Survival Assay ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. The inefficiency of antifungal agents and high mortality rate resulting from invasive aspergillosis remain major clinical concerns. Recently, we reported on a new family of ultrashort cationic lipopeptides active in vitro against fungi. Mode of action studies supported a membranolytic or a detergent-like effect. Here, we screened several lipopeptides in vitro for their anti-A. fumigatus activity. To investigate the therapeutic properties of the selected peptides in vivo, we challenged immunosuppressed C57BL/6 wild-type mice intranasally with DsRed-labeled A. fumigatus conidia and subsequently treated the animals locally with the lipopeptides. Confocal microscopic analysis revealed the degradation of DsRed-labeled hyphal forms and residual conidia in the lungs of the mice. The most efficient peptide was tested further using a survival assay and was found to significantly prolong the life of the treated animals, whereas no mice survived with the current standard antifungal treatment with amphotericin B. Moreover, as opposed to the drug-treated lungs, the peptide-treated lungs did not display any toxicity of the peptide. Our results highlight the potential of this family of lipopeptides for the treatment of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis.

Multifunctionalized carbon nanotubes as advanced multimodal nanomaterials for biomedical applications

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lamanna ◽  
Alessia Battigelli ◽  
Cécilia Ménard-Moyon ◽  
Alberto Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Diagnostic Imaging ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
New Strategies ◽  
Combine Diagnosis

AbstractThe increasing importance of nanotechnology in the field of biomedical applications has encouraged the development of new nanomaterials endowed with multiple functions. Novel nanoscale drug delivery systems with diagnostic, imaging and therapeutic properties hold many promises for the treatment of different types of diseases, including cancer, infection and neurodegenerative syndromes. Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most recent type of nanomaterial developed in biomedicine as they can be designed and imparted with multimodal capabilities. Indeed, the possibility of inserting different functionalities on CNTs is opening the possibility to exploit them on new strategies that combine diagnosis with improved therapeutic efficacies. In this review, we describe the different approaches that have been recently developed to generate multifunctionalized CNTs for biomedical applications. In particular, covalent and non-covalent double and triple functionalization methods are discussed, putting in evidence their use in vitro and in vivo and highlighting the advantages and the drawbacks of these new systems. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that multifunctional CNTs are highly promising when combining diagnostic, imaging and therapeutic modalities.

scholarly journals Effect of a composite mixture of native and oligomeric forms of the α-synuclein protein upon intranasal administration on aging mouse behavior

2018 ◽  
pp. 51-57
Author(s):  
О.А. Соловьева ◽  
М.А. Грудень ◽  
И.А. Калинин ◽  
А.М. Ратмиров ◽  
В.В. Шерстнев
Keyword(s):  
Motor Activity ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Behavioral Effects ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Composite Mixture ◽  
Oligomeric Forms

Одним из важнейших патогенетических звеньев развития синуклеинопатий - группы хронических нейродегенеративных заболеваний, таких как болезнь Паркинсона, деменции с тельцами Леви и других является гиперпродукция белка α-синуклеина с последующей его агрегацией и образованием различающихся по размеру и структуре амилоидогенных форм белка, которые инициируют гибель нервных или глиальных клеток. В настоящее время для более полного понимания происходящих in vivo патологических процессов актуально изучение на моделях животных поведенческих эффектов как нативного белка α-синуклеина, так и его отдельных амилоидогенных структур (олигомеров и фибрилл), полученных и охарактеризованных in vitro, а также композиционных смесей данных белковых конформаций. Целью данной работы явилось изучение влияния композиционной смеси нативного белка α-синуклеина и олигомеров α-синуклеина при хроническом интраназальном введении на двигательную активность, кратковременную и долговременную память, а также тревожность стареющих мышей. Методы. Опыты проводили на 12- месячных самцах мышей C57Bl/6, которым на протяжении 14 дней один раз в сутки вводили отдельно в каждую ноздрю раствор α-синуклеина и его олигомеров, либо физиологический раствор. В тестах «Открытое поле», «Распознавание нового объекта», «Условная реакция пассивного избегания» и «Приподнятый крестообразный лабиринт» оценивали двигательную активность, кратко- и долговременную память, и тревожность животных. Результаты. Показано, что исследованная композиционная смесь конформаций α-синуклеина не вызывает статистически значимых изменений регистрируемых поведенческих показателей у стареющих мышей. Вместе с тем, ранее нами было документировано, что в условиях аналогичного экспериментального протокола нативный α-синуклеин инициирует снижение двигательной активности, а олигомеры α-синуклеина - угнетение двигательной активности, нарушение долговременной памяти и тревожности животных. Заключение. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о менее выраженных поведенческих эффектах композиционной смеси нативной и олигомерной форм α-синуклеина, по сравнению с отдельными ее компонентами. Рассматриваются возможные механизмы выявленных особенностей влияния исследованной композиционной смеси конформаций α-синуклеина на поведенческом уровне. One of the most important steps in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and others, is overproduction of α-synuclein protein, followed by its aggregation and formation of amyloidogenic protein species, which differ in their size and structure and initiate death of nerve or glial cells. At present, better understanding of in vivo pathological processes requires studying behavioral effects of both the native α-synuclein protein and its individual amyloidogenic structures (oligomers and fibrils) obtained and characterized in vitro on animal models, as well as composite mixtures of these protein conformations. The aim of this work was to study effects of chronic nasal application of a composite mixture of native α-synuclein protein and α-synuclein oligomers on motor activity, short-term and long-term memory, and anxiety of aging mice. Methods. Experiments were carried out on 12-month old male C57Bl/6 mice, which received a solution of α-synuclein and its oligomers or a saline solution separately into each nostril for 14 days daily. Motor activity, short- and long-term memory and anxiety of animals were evaluated in Open Field, Novel Object Recognition, Conditioned Passive Avoidance, and Elevated Plus Maze tests. Results. The studied composite mixture of α-synuclein conformations did not induce statistically significant changes in behavioral indices of aging mice. At the same time, we have previously documented that in a similar experimental protocol, native α-synuclein initiates a decrease in motor activity, and α-synuclein oligomers - inhibition of motor activity and disorders of long-term memory and anxiety. Conclusion. The results indicated less pronounced behavioral effects of the composite mixture of native and oligomeric forms of α-synuclein compared with its individual components. The authors discussed possible mechanisms of the behavioral effects of the studied composite mixture of α-synuclein confirmations.

scholarly journals >bi/i/bi/ii/i<

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Gomes de Menezes Benevenuto
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa

scholarly journals Scientific Evaluation of Dhuma Yoga (An Ayurvedic Fumigation Medicine) as Preventive and Curative on Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
Siva Ram
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Explanation ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Scientific Evaluation ◽  
Systematic Effects ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Fast Acting

Covid-19, an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes where the viruses are active in the environment within the suspended micro droplets. Sanitization of environment to weaken/terminate the virus and halting the replication of virus inside the host along with symptomatic treatment is the primary approach to end the pandemic. In Ayurveda, Dhupana (medicated fumigation of vicinity) and Dhumapana (medicated smoking) therapies done by drugs of herbal/animal/mineral origin are a swift way to decontaminate the environment and Respiratory system. Dhuma (medicated fumes) is a unique drug delivery system acting directly on respiratory tissues which can deliver quick results in this Covid-19 pandemic by its local and systematic effects recommended by AYUSH ministry in the guidelines for Covid-19. We intend to put forward the scientific explanation of powerful Ayurvedic Cannabis based polyherbal dhumapana (medicated smoking) medication named Dhuma Yoga available in the market as an alternate remedy for Covid-19 whose four out of five herbal ingredients are in the list of WHO manual of traditional medicine. We emphasized on Vijaya (Cannabis sativa Linn.) as the centre of formulation because it is a Rasayana (rejuvenative) herb having Vyavayi (fast acting) and Yogavahi (synergetic) properties. Phytochemicals of all the herbal ingredients of Dhuma Yoga formulation are studied through in silico, In vitro and In vivo studies for Covid-19 with favourable outcomes.

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