Cannabinoids in Glaucoma Patients: The Never-Ending Story

Glaucoma is one of the principal causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Yet, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main modifiable risk factor for disease progression. In the never-ending challenge to develop new and effective drugs, several molecules have been tested as anti-glaucoma agents thanks to their pressure-lowering capabilities. Among these molecules, the cannabinoids have been investigated as possible anti-glaucoma drugs since the early 1970s. Cannabinoids are a large class of chemical compounds that exploit their effects by interaction with cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2. These receptors are widely expressed in the human retina where they may influence important functions such as photo-transduction, amacrine cell network maintenance, and IOP regulation. Therefore, in past years several studies have been conducted in order to assess the IOP lowering effects of cannabinoids. PRISMA guidelines have been used to perform a literature search on Pubmed and Scopus aiming to investigate the mechanism of IOP lowering effects and the potential benefits of orally administered, inhaled, topical, and intravenous cannabinoids in the treatment of glaucoma patients.

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Physical Exercise and Yoga: as an alternative approach towards COVID-19 management

Current Traditional Medicine ◽

10.2174/2215083807666210322152352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 07 ◽

Author(s):

Saurabh Kumar ◽

Sakshi Sudha ◽

Madhu Chopra ◽

Famida Khan ◽

Kanupriya Sharma

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Literature Search ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

World Population ◽

Cd8 Cells ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Background: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly contagious ssRNA +Ve sense virus that emerged in late 2019, has created a global panic. With no effective therapy available, the virus has significantly affected the world population causing millions of death. Therefore, it is the utmost need to look towards all the possible strategies to benefit the community. Objectives: In view of the current global pandemic, we tried to discuss the potential benefits of two cost-effective alternative approaches, i.e., physical exercise and yoga. Method: The editorial is based on a literature search available on PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO portal. Search terminologies include “yoga”, “physical exercise”, “COVID-19”, “viral infections”, and a combination of these words. Results: A literature search defines yoga and physical exercise efficacy in different viral diseases, including HIV, influenza, and HSV. It ameliorates the quality of life (QoL) by improving both the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. This is mainly done by promoting the better functioning of the immune system (increases CD4+ and CD8+ cells and reduces pro-inflammatory response). Conclusions: Regular involvement of these activities in day-to-day life may limit latent virus reactivations and reduce infection chances.

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A user’s guide to cannabinoid therapies in oncology

Current Oncology ◽

10.3747/co.23.3487 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 398 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

V. Maida ◽

P.J. Daeninck

Keyword(s):

Malignant Disease ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Direct Effects ◽

Management Options ◽

Disease Trajectory ◽

Multiple Symptoms

“Cannabinoid” is the collective term for a group of chemical compounds that either are derived from the Cannabis plant, are synthetic analogues, or occur endogenously. Although cannabinoids interact mostly at the level of the currently recognized cannabinoid receptors, they might have cross reactivity, such as at opioid receptors.Patients with malignant disease represent a cohort within health care that have some of the greatest unmet needs despite the availability of a plethora of guideline-driven disease-modulating treatments and pain and symptom management options. Cannabinoid therapies are varied and versatile, and can be offered as pharmaceuticals (nabilone, dronabinol, and nabiximols), dried botanical material, and edible organic oils infused with cannabis extracts. Cannabinoid therapy regimens can be creative, involving combinations of all of the aforementioned modalities. Patients with malignant disease, at all points of their disease trajectory, could be candidates for cannabinoid therapies whether as monotherapies or as adjuvants.The most studied and established roles for cannabinoid therapies include pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and anorexia. Moreover, given their breadth of activity, cannabinoids could be used to concurrently optimize the management of multiple symptoms, thereby reducing overall polypharmacy. The use of cannabinoid therapies could be effective in improving quality of life and possibly modifying malignancy by virtue of direct effects and in improving compliance or adherence with disease-modulating treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

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Cyanobacteria as Valuable Tool in Biotechnology

Catalysts ◽

10.3390/catal11111259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1259

Author(s):

Agnieszka Śliżewska ◽

Ewa Żymańczyk-Duda

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Pharmaceutical Industry ◽

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Environmental Conditions ◽

Single Cells ◽

Cell Structure ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Chemical Waste ◽

Photosynthetic Microorganisms ◽

Effective Drugs

Cyanobacteria constitute an interesting group of photosynthetic microorganisms due to their morphological and genetic diversity that is related to their extremely long evolution process, which created the need for them to adapt to immensely heterogeneous environmental conditions. Cyanobacteria grow in salt and fresh waters as well as on the surface of soils and rocks. The diverse cell structure is characterized by the fact that they occur in many morphological forms, from small single cells through to larger ones as well as branches, threads, or spirals. Taking into account the presence of cyanobacteria in virtually all possible conditions and places on Earth, cyanobacteria represent an unexplored potential that is worth investigating. This review presents the possibilities of using algae in chosen areas of biotechnology: e.g., as biocatalysts or in industries such as the pharmaceutical industry. It covers the characteristics of secondary metabolites along with their division and the potential of using them as sources of effective drugs for many diseases. It presents an overview of the possibilities of using cyanobacteria in biotransformation processes. These processes are of great importance in the case of, for example, the neutralization of municipal, industrial, or chemical waste, the amount of which is constantly growing every year, and they are also an easier and cheaper path to obtain chemical compounds.

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Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology ◽

10.1155/2011/174163 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 627-633 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Agnieszka Swidnicka-Siergiejko ◽

Eugeniusz Wróblewski ◽

Andrzej Dabrowski

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

English Language ◽

Literature Search ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Bridge To Surgery ◽

Obesity And Overweight ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Treatment Of Obesity ◽

Endoscopic Methods ◽

Malabsorptive Procedures

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents will be reflected by the imminent increase in the number of obese patients who require more definitive methods of treatment. There is great interest in new, safe, simple, nonsurgical procedures for weight loss.OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of new endoscopic methods for the treatment of obesity.METHODS: An English-language literature search on endoscopic interventions, endoscopically placed devices and patient safety was performed in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases.RESULTS: The literature search yielded the following weight loss methods: space-occupying devices (widely used), gastric capacity reduction, modifying gastric motor function and malabsorptive procedures. A commercially available intragastric balloon was the most commonly used device for weight loss. In specific subgroups of patients, it improved quality of life, decreased comorbidities and served as a bridge to surgery. More evidence regarding the potential benefits and safety of other commercially available intragastric balloons is needed to clarify whether they are superior to the most commonly used one. Moreover, early experiences with transoral gastroplasty, the duodenaljejunal bypass sleeve and an adjustable, totally implantable intragastric prosthesis, indicate that they may be viable options for obesity treatment. Other agents, such as botulinum toxin and a device known as the ‘butterfly’, are currently at the experimental stage.CONCLUSION: New endoscopic methods for weight loss may be valuable in the treatment of obesity; however, more clinical experience and technical improvements are necessary before implementing their widespread use.

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Dopaminergic modulation of tracer coupling in a ganglion-amacrine cell network

Visual Neuroscience ◽

10.1017/s0952523807070575 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 593-608 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

STEPHEN L. MILLS ◽

XIAO-BO XIA ◽

HIDEO HOSHI ◽

SALLY I. FIRTH ◽

MARGARET E. RICE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gap Junctions ◽

Ganglion Cell ◽

Dopamine Receptor ◽

Dopamine Release ◽

Amacrine Cell ◽

Ganglion Cells ◽

Amacrine Cells ◽

Rabbit Retina ◽

Cell Network ◽

Stimulation Of

Many retinal ganglion cells are coupled via gap junctions with neighboring amacrine cells and ganglion cells. We investigated the extent and dynamics of coupling in one such network, the OFF α ganglion cell of rabbit retina and its associated amacrine cells. We also observed the relative spread of Neurobiotin injected into a ganglion cell in the presence of modulators of gap junctional permeability. We found that gap junctions between amacrine cells were closed via stimulation of a D1 dopamine receptor, while the gap junctions between ganglion cells were closed via stimulation of a D2 dopamine receptor. The pairs of hemichannels making up the heterologous gap junctions between the ganglion and amacrine cells were modulated independently, so that elevations of cAMP in the ganglion cell open the ganglion cell hemichannels, while elevations of cAMP in the amacrine cell close its hemichannels. We also measured endogenous dopamine release from an eyecup preparation and found a basal release from the dark-adapted retina of approximately 2 pmol/min during the day. Maximal stimulation with light increased the rate of dopamine release from rabbit retina by 66%. The results suggest that coupling between members of the OFF α ganglion cell/amacrine cell network is differentially modulated with changing levels of dopamine.

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Underutilization Versus Nutritional-Nutraceutical Potential of the Amaranthus Food Plant: A Mini-Review

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11156879 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (15) ◽

pp. 6879

Author(s):

Olusanya N. Ruth ◽

Kolanisi Unathi ◽

Ngobese Nomali ◽

Mayashree Chinsamy

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Evidence for only depolarizing rod bipolar cells in the primate retina

Visual Neuroscience ◽

10.1017/s0952523800012311 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 421-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Robert P. Dolan ◽

Peter H. Schiller

Keyword(s):

Amacrine Cell ◽

Bipolar Cells ◽

Visual Behavior ◽

Cell Network ◽

Rod Bipolar Cells

AbstractThe mammalian rod bipolar, for which only one class has been identified, has been described as being hyperpolarizing by some investigators and depolarizing by others. We now report the effects of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB), a potent blocker of depolarizing bipolar cells, on visual behavior in the dark-adapted monkey. While in mesopic and photopic conditions only the monkeys' ability to detect incremental stimuli is impaired, under scotopic conditions all light mediated response in the monkey is eliminated. Assuming APB is acting on rod bipolars in the same fashion as it does on cone bipolars, we conclude that the primate rod bipolars all depolarize to light and that the ON and OFF channels are formed by the amacrine cell network.

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Can Hemp Help? Low-THC Cannabis and Non-THC Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers12041033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 1033 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Farjana Afrin ◽

Mengna Chi ◽

Andrew L. Eamens ◽

Ryan J. Duchatel ◽

Alicia M. Douglas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Utility ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Redox Homeostasis ◽

G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Potential Efficacy ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

G Protein Coupled ◽

Cancerous Cells

Cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of disease for thousands of years. However, social and political biases have limited effective interrogation of the potential benefits of cannabis and polarised public opinion. Further, the medicinal and clinical utility of cannabis is limited by the psychotropic side effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC). Evidence is emerging for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, with potential efficacy as an analgesic and antiemetic for the management of cancer-related pain and treatment-related nausea and vomiting, respectively. An increasing number of preclinical studies have established that ∆9-THC can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells through the modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), but clinical confirmation remains lacking. In parallel, the anti-cancer properties of non-THC cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are linked to the modulation of non-CB1R/CB2R G-protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptors, and ligand-regulated transcription factors, which together modulate oncogenic signalling and redox homeostasis. Additional evidence has also demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, and this may prove relevant in the context of peritumoural oedema and the tumour immune microenvironment. This review aims to document the emerging mechanisms of anti-cancer actions of non-THC cannabinoids.

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The Potential Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide in Palliation: A Qualitative Systematic Review

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® ◽

10.1177/1049909119850807 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (12) ◽

pp. 1134-1154

Author(s):

Mellar P. Davis ◽

Bertrand Behm ◽

Zankhana Mehta ◽

Carlos Fernandez

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Randomized Trials ◽

Streptococcal Infections ◽

Qualitative Systematic Review ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Egg Yolks ◽

Cb2 Receptors ◽

Poor Children ◽

Cb1 And Cb2 Receptors

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a nutraceutical endocannabinoid that was retrospectively discovered in egg yolks. Feeding poor children with known streptococcal infections prevented rheumatic fever. Subsequently, it was found to alter the course of influenza. Unfortunately, there is little known about its pharmacokinetics. Palmitoylethanolamide targets nonclassical cannabinoid receptors rather than CB1 and CB2 receptors. Palmitoylethanolamide will only indirectly activate classical cannabinoid receptors by an entourage effect. There are a significant number of prospective and randomized trials demonstrating the pain-relieving effects of PEA. There is lesser evidence of benefit in patients with nonpain symptoms related to depression, Parkinson disease, strokes, and autism. There are no reported drug–drug interactions and very few reported adverse effects from PEA. Further research is needed to define the palliative benefits to PEA.

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Targeting Diet and Exercise for Neuroprotection and Neurorecovery in Glaucoma

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10020295 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 295

Author(s):

James R. Tribble ◽

Flora Hui ◽

Melissa Jöe ◽

Katharina Bell ◽

Vicki Chrysostomou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽

Visual Information ◽

Clinical Evidence ◽

Ganglion Cells ◽

Therapeutic Benefit ◽

Retinal Ganglion ◽

Diet And Exercise ◽

Pressure Lowering ◽

Potential Benefits

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In glaucoma, a progressive dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells occurs, eliminating transfer of visual information to the brain. Currently, the only available therapies target the lowering of intraocular pressure, but many patients continue to lose vision. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that metabolic deficiencies and defects may play an important role in glaucoma pathophysiology. While pre-clinical studies in animal models have begun to mechanistically uncover these metabolic changes, some existing clinical evidence already points to potential benefits in maintaining metabolic fitness. Modifying diet and exercise can be implemented by patients as an adjunct to intraocular pressure lowering, which may be of therapeutic benefit to retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

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