scholarly journals New Perspectives on the Use of Cannabis in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders

Medicines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Scherma ◽  
Paolo Masia ◽  
Matteo Deidda ◽  
Walter Fratta ◽  
Gianluigi Tanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions

Following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for various pathological conditions, growing interest led researchers to investigate the role of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes. The compounds Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most abundant phytocannabinoids found in cannabis extracts, as well as the most studied. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence for their beneficial effects in treating psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to clarify many pending issues, especially those relative to the assessment of benefits and risks when using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, thereby also helping national and federal jurisdictions to remain updated.

scholarly journals The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Laezza ◽  
Cristina Pagano ◽  
Giovanna Navarra ◽  
Olga Pastorino ◽  
Maria Chiara Proto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Anticancer Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
System A ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Signaling Mechanisms

In recent years, the endocannabinoid system has received great interest as a potential therapeutic target in numerous pathological conditions. Cannabinoids have shown an anticancer potential by modulating several pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids is limited to the treatment of chemotherapy-induced symptoms or cancer pain, but their use as anticancer drugs in chemotherapeutic protocols requires further investigation. In this paper, we reviewed the role of cannabinoids in the modulation of signaling mechanisms implicated in tumor progression.

Dietary Carotenoids in Managing Metabolic Syndrome and Role of PPARs in the Process

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 846-853
Author(s):  
Raghunandan Purohith ◽  
Nagendra P.M. Nagalingaswamy ◽  
Nanjunda S. Shivananju
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Dietary Antioxidants ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Established Relationship ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Metabolic syndrome is a collective term that denotes disorder in metabolism, symptoms of which include hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction. Diet is a major predisposing factor in the development of metabolic syndrome, and dietary intervention is necessary for both prevention and management. The bioactive constituents of food play a key role in this process. Micronutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, flavonoids, minerals, and aromatic pigment molecules found in fruits, vegetables, spices, and condiments are known to have beneficial effects in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. There exists a well-established relationship between oxidative stress and major pathological conditions such as inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Consequently, dietary antioxidants are implicated in the remediation of these complications. The mechanism of action and targets of dietary antioxidants as well as their effects on related pathways are being extensively studied and elucidated in recent times. This review attempts a comprehensive study of the role of dietary carotenoids in alleviating metabolic syndromewith an emphasis on molecular mechanism-in the light of recent advances.

Endocannabinoid system in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons: implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-geng Song ◽  
Xin Kang ◽  
Fang Yang ◽  
Wan-qing Du ◽  
Jia-jia Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Inhibitory Neurons ◽  
Gabaergic Interneurons ◽  
Neural Stem Progenitor Cells ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Interneuron Development

Abstract In mature mammalian brains, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the functioning of neural networks. Besides, the ECS also contributes to the neurodevelopment of the central nervous system. Due to the increase in the medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is inevitable and essential to elaborate the roles of the ECS on neurodevelopment. GABAergic interneurons represent a group of inhibitory neurons that are vital in controlling neural network activity. However, the role of the ECS in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the ECS and interneuron diversity. We focus on the process of interneuron development and the role of ECS in the modulation of interneuron development, from the expansion of the neural stem/progenitor cells to the migration, specification and maturation of interneurons. We further discuss the potential implications of the ECS and interneurons in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

scholarly journals Current Evidence for a Role of Neuropeptides in the Regulation of Autophagy

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Catalani ◽  
Clara De Palma ◽  
Cristiana Perrotta ◽  
Davide Cervia
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Intercellular Signalling ◽  
Physiological Homeostasis ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Autophagic Process ◽  
Regulatory Functions

Neuropeptides drive a wide diversity of biological actions and mediate multiple regulatory functions involving all organ systems. They modulate intercellular signalling in the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the cross talk among nervous and endocrine systems. Indeed, neuropeptides can function as peptide hormones regulating physiological homeostasis (e.g., cognition, blood pressure, feeding behaviour, water balance, glucose metabolism, pain, and response to stress), neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. We aim here to describe the recent advances on the role exerted by neuropeptides in the control of autophagy and its molecular mechanisms since increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of autophagic process is related to different pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

scholarly journals Chemoprevention of cancer: current evidence and future prospects

F1000Research ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vassiliki Benetou ◽  
Areti Lagiou ◽  
Pagona Lagiou
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Chemoprevention ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Chemopreventive Agents ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
The Future ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Genetic Profiles

Cancer chemoprevention refers to the use of agents for the inhibition, delay, or reversal of carcinogenesis before invasion. In the present review, agents examined in the context of cancer chemoprevention are classified in four major categories—hormonal, medications, diet-related agents, and vaccines—and the main representatives of each category are presented. Although there are serious constraints in the documentation of effectiveness of chemopreventive agents, mainly stemming from the long latency of the condition they are addressing and the frequent lack of intermediate biomarkers, there is little disagreement about the role of aspirin, whereas a diet rich in vegetables and fruits appears to convey more protection than individual micronutrients. Among categories of cancer chemopreventive agents, hormonal ones and vaccines might hold more promise for the future. Also, the identification of individuals who would benefit most from chemopreventive interventions on the basis of their genetic profiles could open new prospects for cancer chemoprevention.

scholarly journals The Potential of Carnosine in Brain-Related Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Schön ◽  
Aya Mousa ◽  
Michael Berk ◽  
Wern L. Chia ◽  
Jozef Ukropec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target

Neurological, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders represent a serious burden because of their increasing prevalence, risk of disability, and the lack of effective causal/disease-modifying treatments. There is a growing body of evidence indicating potentially favourable effects of carnosine, which is an over-the-counter food supplement, in peripheral tissues. Although most studies to date have focused on the role of carnosine in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, the physiological presence of this di-peptide and its analogues in the brain together with their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies suggest carnosine as a promising therapeutic target in brain disorders. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of carnosine in neurological, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders, summarizing current evidence from cell, animal, and human cross-sectional, longitudinal studies, and randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals Dietary Melatonin Supplementation Could Be a Promising Preventing/Therapeutic Approach for a Variety of Liver Diseases

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bonomini ◽  
Elisa Borsani ◽  
Gaia Favero ◽  
Luigi Rodella ◽  
Rita Rezzani
Keyword(s):  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

In the therapeutic strategies, the role of diet is a well-established factor that can also have an important role in liver diseases. Melatonin, identified in animals, has many antioxidant properties and it was after discovered also in plants, named phytomelatonin. These substances have a positive effect during aging and in pathological conditions too. In particular, it is important to underline that the amount of melatonin produced by pineal gland in human decreases during lifetime and its reduction in blood could be related to pathological conditions in which mitochondria and oxidative stress play a pivotal role. Moreover, it has been indicated that melatonin/phytomelatonin containing foods may provide dietary melatonin, so their ingestion through balanced diets could be sufficient to confer health benefits. In this review, the classification of liver diseases and an overview of the most important aspects of melatonin/phytomelatonin, concerning the differences among their synthesis, their presence in foods and their role in health and diseases, are summarized. The findings suggest that melatonin/phytomelatonin supplementation with diet should be considered important in preventing different disease settings, in particular in liver. Currently, more studies are needed to strengthen the potential beneficial effects of melatonin/phytomelatonin in liver diseases and to better clarify the molecular mechanisms of action.

Psychiatric Comorbidity in the Evolution From Migraine to Medication Overuse Headache

Cephalalgia ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 519-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Radat ◽  
C Creac'h ◽  
JD Swendsen ◽  
M Lafittau ◽  
S Irachabal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Psychiatric Comorbidity ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Addictive Disorders ◽  
Substance Related Disorders

We set out to study the role of psychiatric comorbidity in the evolution of migraine to medication overuse headache (MOH) by a comparative study of 41 migraineurs (MIG) and 41 patients suffering from MOH deriving from migraine. There was an excess risk of suffering from mood disorders [odds ratio (OR) = 4.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 13.5], anxiety (OR = 5, 95% CI 1.2, 10.7) and disorders associated with the use of psychoactive substances other than analgesics (OR = 7.6, 95% CI 2.2, 26.0) in MOH compared with MIG. Retrospective study of the order of occurrence of disorders showed that in the MOH group, psychiatric disorders occurred significantly more often before the transformation from migraine into MOH than after. There was no crossed-family transmission between MOH and psychiatric disorders, except for substance-related disorders. MOH patients have a greater risk of suffering from anxiety and depression, and these disorders may be a risk factor for the evolution of migraine into MOH. Moreover, MOH patients have a greater risk of suffering from substance-related disorders than MIG sufferers. This could be due to the fact that MOH is part of the spectrum of addictive disorders.

scholarly journals Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1227
Author(s):  
Marco B. Morelli ◽  
Jessica Gambardella ◽  
Vanessa Castellanos ◽  
Valentina Trimarco ◽  
Gaetano Santulli
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Cardiovascular Disorders ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions

The potential beneficial effects of the antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been investigated in a number of pathological conditions. In this review, we assess both clinical and preclinical studies evaluating the role of vitamin C in cardiac and vascular disorders, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and cerebrovascular diseases. Pitfalls and controversies in investigations on vitamin C and cardiovascular disorders are also discussed.

scholarly journals Protective Role of mTOR in Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Involvement of Inflammation and Autophagy

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Jianrong Guo ◽  
Jian Gu ◽  
Ke Chen ◽  
Huili Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Graft Function ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Liver Graft ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Liver Ischemia ◽  
Pathological Conditions

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is a common phenomenon after liver resection and transplantation, which often results in liver graft dysfunction such as delayed graft function and primary nonfunction. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which coordinates cell growth and metabolism through sensing environmental inputs under physiological or pathological conditions, involved in the pathophysiological process of IR injury. In this review, we mainly present current evidence of the beneficial role of mTOR in modulating inflammation and autophagy under liver IR to provide some evidence for the potential therapies for liver IR injury.

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