scholarly journals Endocannabinoids in Bladder Sensory Mechanisms in Health and Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Christie ◽  
Simon Brookes ◽  
Vladimir Zagorodnyuk

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.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3389
Author(s):  
Ishtiaq Ahmed ◽  
Saif Ur Rehman ◽  
Shiva Shahmohamadnejad ◽  
Muhammad Anjum Zia ◽  
Muhammad Ahmad ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejando Fuerte-Hortigón ◽  
Jaime Gonçalves ◽  
Laura Zeballos ◽  
Rubén Masa ◽  
Ricardo Gómez-Nieto ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7693
Author(s):  
Dhanush Haspula ◽  
Michelle A. Clark

The identification of the human cannabinoid receptors and their roles in health and disease, has been one of the most significant biochemical and pharmacological advancements to have occurred in the past few decades. In spite of the major strides made in furthering endocannabinoid research, therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system has often been a challenging task. An impaired endocannabinoid tone often manifests as changes in expression and/or functions of type 1 and/or type 2 cannabinoid receptors. It becomes important to understand how alterations in cannabinoid receptor cellular signaling can lead to disruptions in major physiological and biological functions, as they are often associated with the pathogenesis of several neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review focusses mostly on the pathophysiological roles of type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors, and it attempts to integrate both cellular and physiological functions of the cannabinoid receptors. Apart from an updated review of pre-clinical and clinical studies, the adequacy/inadequacy of cannabinoid-based therapeutics in various pathological conditions is also highlighted. Finally, alternative strategies to modulate endocannabinoid tone, and future directions are also emphasized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivonne Bazwinsky-Wutschke ◽  
Alexander Zipprich ◽  
Faramarz Dehghani

There is growing evidence that glucose metabolism in the liver is in part under the control of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is also supported by its presence in this organ. The ECS consists of its cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and enzymes that are responsible for endocannabinoid production and metabolism. ECS is known to be differentially influenced by the hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, e.g., cannabinoid receptor type 1(CB1) antagonist can improve the glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Interestingly, our own study shows that expression patterns of CBRs are influenced by the light/dark cycle, which is of significant physiological and clinical interest. The ECS system is highly upregulated during chronic liver disease and a growing number of studies suggest a mechanistic and therapeutic impact of ECS on the development of liver fibrosis, especially putting its receptors into focus. An opposing effect of the CBRs was exerted via the CB1 or CB2 receptor stimulation. An activation of CB1 promoted fibrogenesis, while CB2 activation improved antifibrogenic responses. However, underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the context of liver diseases, the ECS is considered as a possible mediator, which seems to be involved in the synthesis of fibrotic tissue, increase of intrahepatic vascular resistance and subsequently development of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is the main event that leads to complications of the disease. The main complication is the development of variceal bleeding and ascites, which have prognostic relevance for the patients. The present review summarizes the current understanding and impact of the ECS on glucose metabolism in the liver, in association with the development of liver cirrhosis and hemodynamics in cirrhosis and its complication, to give perspectives for development of new therapeutic strategies.


Author(s):  
C. Fede ◽  
G. Albertin ◽  
L. Petrelli ◽  
M.M. Sfriso ◽  
C. Biz ◽  
...  

Cannabinoid receptors have been localized in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as on cells of the immune system, but recent studies on animal tissue gave evidence for the presence of cannabinoid receptors in different types of tissues. Their presence was supposed also in myofascial tissue, suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may help resolve myofascial trigger points and relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, until now the expression of CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2) in fasciae has not yet been established. Small samples of fascia were collected from volunteers patients during orthopedic surgery. For each sample were done a cell isolation, immunohistochemical investigation (CB1 and CB2 antibodies) and real time RT-PCR to detect the expression of CB1 and CB2. Both cannabinoid receptors are expressed in human fascia and in human fascial fibroblasts culture cells, although to a lesser extent than the control gene. We can assume that the expression of mRNA and protein of CB1 and CB2 receptors in fascial tissue are concentrated into the fibroblasts. This is the first demonstration that the fibroblasts of the muscular fasciae express CB1 and CB2. The presence of these receptors could help to provide a description of cannabinoid receptors distribution and to better explain the role of fasciae as pain generator and the efficacy of some fascial treatments. Indeed the endocannabinoid receptors of fascial fibroblasts can contribute to modulate the fascial fibrosis and inflammation.


Author(s):  
Mary K Swinton ◽  
Erin E Sundermann ◽  
Lauren Pedersen ◽  
Jacques Nguyen ◽  
David Grelotti ◽  
...  

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), suggesting underlying systemic and central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory mechanisms. The endogenous cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) modulate inflammatory gene expression and play an important role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Cannabis use is disproportionately high among people with HIV (PWH) and may provide a neuroprotective effect for those on ART due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, expression profiles of CB1 and CB2 in the brains of PWH on ART with HAND have not been reported. In this study, biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine CB1 and CB2 expression in brain specimens of HAND donors. Immunoblot revealed CB1 and CB2 were differentially expressed in frontal cortices from HAND brains compared to neurocognitively unimpaired (NUI) brains from PWH. CB1 expression levels negatively correlated with memory and information processing speed. CB1 was primarily localized to neuronal soma in HAND brains versus a more punctate distribution on neuronal processes of NUI brains. CB1 expression was increased in cells with glial morphology and showed increased colocalization with an astroglial marker. These results suggest that targeting the endocannabinoid system may be a potential therapeutic strategy for HAND.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval ◽  
Caio O. de Sá-Ferreira ◽  
Leo M. Miyakoshi ◽  
Cecilia Hedin-Pereira

Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.


Author(s):  
Jyotpal Singh ◽  
John Patrick Neary

ABSTRACT:Cannabidiol (CBD) has been generating increasing interest in medicine due to its therapeutic properties and an apparent lack of negative side effects. Research has suggested that high dosages of CBD can be taken acutely and chronically with little to no risk. This review focuses on the neuroprotective effects of a CBD, with an emphasis on its implications for recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. CBD has been shown to influence the endocannabinoid system, both by affecting cannabinoid receptors and other receptors involved in the endocannabinoid system such as vanilloid receptor 1, adenosine receptors, and 5-hydroxytryptamine via cannabinoid receptor-independent mechanisms. Concussions can result in many physiological consequences, potentially resulting in post-concussion syndrome. While impairments in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular physiology following concussion have been shown, there is unfortunately still no single treatment available to enhance recovery. CBD has been shown to influence the blood brain barrier, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, cognitive capacity, the cerebrovasculature, cardiovascular physiology, and neurogenesis, all of which have been shown to be altered by concussion. CBD can therefore potentially provide treatment to enhance neuroprotection by reducing inflammation, regulating cerebral blood flow, enhancing neurogenesis, and protecting the brain against reactive oxygen species. Double-blind randomized controlled trials are still required to validate the use of CBD as medication following mild TBIs, such as concussion.


Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimmito ◽  
Stefanucci ◽  
Pieretti ◽  
Minosi ◽  
Dvorácskó ◽  
...  

The endocannabinoid system represents an integrated neuronal network involved in the control of several organisms’ functions, such as feeding behavior. A series of hybrids of 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4-methyl-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (mimonabant), a well-known inverse agonist of the type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), once used as an antiobesity drug, and the N-(2S)-substitutes of 1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]indazole-3-carboxamide with 1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutane (AB-Fubinaca), 1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutane (ADB-Fubinaca), and 3-methylbutanoate (AMB-Fubinaca), endowed with potent agonistic activity towards cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 were in solution as C-terminal amides, acids, methyl esters and N-methyl amides. These compounds have been studied by binding assays to cannabinoid receptors and by functional receptor assays, using rat brain membranes in vitro. The most active among them as an agonist, (S)-1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-N-(3,3-dimethyl-1-(methylamino)-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (LONI11), and an antagonist, (S)-2-(1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-methylbutanoic acid (LONI4), were tested in vivo in mic, to evaluate their ability to stimulate or suppress feeding behavior after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. For a LONI11 formalin test and a tail flick test after an administration by the subcutaneous (s.c.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) routes, respectively, were also carried out in vivo in mice to investigate the antinociceptive property at the central and peripheral levesl. We observed a significant orexant effect for LONI11 and an intense anorexant effect for (S)-methyl 2-(1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (LONI2) and LONI4. In zymosan-induced edema and hyperalgesia, LONI11 reduced the percent of paw volume increase and paw latency after s.c. administration, also suggesting a possible peripheral anti-inflammatory activity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Mabou Tagne

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates a variety of physiological processes, attracting considerable attention as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. This complex system is activated by the lipid-derived mediators anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), which mainly engage the cannabinoid receptor subtypes 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). The biological actions of anandamide and 2-AG are terminated by internalization and intracellular enzymatic hydrolysis catalyzed primarily by the serine hydrolases fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), respectively. Here, we provide an overview of ECS and discuss the implications for advancing pharmacological tools that interfere with such a system as next-generation therapeutics. This review contains 4 figures, 3 tables and 41 references Keywords: Endocannabinoid; anandamide; 2-Arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol; fatty acid amide hydrolase; monoacylglycerol lipase; cannabinoid receptors; N-acylethanolamine acid amidase; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol.


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