Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows

Background The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting and influencing fetal development.We compared the effects of prepartum supplementation with omega-3(n-3)fatty acid(FA)sources,flaxseed oil(FLX)and fish oil(FO),on the expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism,inflammation,oxidative stress,and the endocannabinoid system(ECS)in the expelled placenta,as well as on FA profile and inflammatory response of neonates.Late-pregnant Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with saturated fat(CTL),FLX,or FO.Placental cotyledons(n=5)were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted RNA and proteins were analyzed by RTPCR and proteomic analysis.Neonatal blood was assessed for FA composition and concentrations of inflammatory markers.Results FO increased the gene expression of fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4),interleukin 10(IL-10),catalase(CAT),cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1),and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)compared with CTL placenta.Gene expression of ECS-enzyme FA-amide hydrolase(FAAH)was lower in FLX and FO than in CTL.Proteomic analysis identified 3,974 proteins;of these,51–59 were differentially abundant between treatments(P≤0.05,|fold change|≥1.5).Top canonical pathways enriched in FLX vs.CTL and in FO vs.CTL were triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory processes.Both n-3 FA increased the placental abundance of FA binding proteins(FABPs)3 and 7.The abundance of CNR1 cannabinoid-receptor-interacting-protein-1(CNRIP1)was reduced in FO vs.FLX.In silico modeling affirmed that bovine FABPs bind to endocannabinoids.The FLX increased the abundance of inflammatory CD44-antigen and secreted-phosphoprotein-1,whereas prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 was decreased in FO vs.CTL placenta.Maternal FO enriched neonatal plasma with n-3 FAs,and both FLX and FO reduced interleukin-6 concentrations compared with CTL.Conclusion Maternal n-3 FA from FLX and FO differentially affected the bovine placenta;both enhanced lipid metabolism and modulated oxidative stress,however,FO increased some transcriptional ECS components,possibly related to the increased FABPs.Maternal FO induced a unique balance of pro-and anti-inflammatory components in the placenta.Taken together,different sources of n-3 FA during late pregnancy enhanced placental immune and metabolic processes,which may affect the neonatal immune system.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on components of the endocannabinoid system and metabolic and inflammatory responses in adipose and liver of peripartum dairy cows

Background:Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the activation of the endocannabinoid system(ECS)by decreasing the availability of arachidonic acid,thus lowering endocannabinoids(e CBs)levels.The ECS is a modulator of energy metabolism,stress response and inflammation in mammals,yet there is little information on the roles of the ECS in transition dairy cows.During the periparturient period,the adipose tissue and liver are the main metabolic organs that participate in the adaptations of dairy cows to onset of lactation;however,exceeded adipose tissue lipolysis and accumulation of lipids in the liver have adverse effects on cows'physiology.Here we aimed to examine whether omega-3 supplementation during the transition period will modulate ECS activation and affect metabolic and inflammatory indices in postpartum dairy cows,by supplementing twenty-eight transition Holstein dairy cows with either saturated fat(CTL)or encapsulated flaxseed oil(FLX).Components of the ECS,metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured in blood,liver,and subcutaneous adipose tissue.Results:FLX supplementation reduced feed intake by 8.1%(P<0.01)and reduced plasma levels of arachidonic acid(by 44.2%;P=0.02)and anandamide(by 49.7%;P=0.03)postpartum compared to CTL.The m RNA transcription levels of the cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1/CB1)tended to be lower(2.5 folds)in white blood cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.10),and protein abundance of ECS enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase was higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.04).In adipose tissue,palmitoylethanolamide levels were lower in FLX than in CTL(by 61.5%;P=0.02),relative m RNA transcription of lipogenic genes were higher,and the protein abundance of cannabinoid receptor 2(P=0.08)and monoacylglycerol lipase(P=0.10)tended to be higher in FLX compared to CTL.Hepatic 2-arachidonoylglycerol tended to be higher(by 73.1%;P=0.07),and interlukin-6 m RNA transcription level was 1.5 folds lower in liver of FLX than in CTL(P=0.03).Conclusions:Nutritional supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids seems to partly modulate ECS activation,which could be related to lower feed intake.The altered ECS components in blood,adipose tissue and liver are associated with moderate modulations in lipid metabolism in the adipose and inflammation in liver of peripartum dairy cows.

A proposed modulatory role of the endocannabinoid system on adipose tissue metabolism and appetite in periparturient dairy cows

To sustain the nutrient demands of rapid fetal growth,parturition,and milk synthesis,periparturient dairy cows mobilize adipose tissue fatty acid stores through lipolysis.This process induces an inflammatory response within AT that is resolved as lactation progresses;however,excessive and protracted lipolysis compounds the risk for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.The suppression of lipolytic action and inflammation,along with amplification of adipogenesis and lipogenesis,serve as prospective therapeutic targets for improving the health of periparturient dairy cows.Generally,the activation of cannabinoid receptors by endocannabinoids enhances adipogenesis and lipogenesis,suppresses lipolysis,and increases appetite in mammals.These biological effects of activating the endocannabinoid system open the possibility of harnessing the endocannabinoid system through nutritional intervention in dairy herds as a potential tool to improve dairy cows’health,although much is still to be revealed in this context.This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the components of the endocannabinoid system,elaborates on the metabolic effects of its activation,and explores the potential to modulate its activity in periparturient dairy cows.

Role of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in modulation of diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic complications,chiefly seen in long-term situations,are persistently deleterious to a large extent,requiring multi-factorial risk reduction strategies beyond glycemic control.Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common deleterious diabetic complications,being the leading cause of mortality among diabetic patients.The mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy are multi-factorial,involving increased oxidative stress,accumulation of advanced glycation end products(AGEs),activation of various pro-inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways,and changes in the composition of extracellular matrix with enhanced cardiac fibrosis.The novel lipid signaling system,the endocannabinoid system,has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications through its two main receptors:Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and cannabinoid receptor type 2,alongside other components.However,the role of the endocannabinoid system in diabetic cardiomyopathy has not been fully investigated.This review aims to elucidate the possible mechanisms through which cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system could interact with the pathogenesis and the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.These mechanisms include oxidative/nitrative stress,inflammation,accumulation of AGEs,cardiac remodeling,and autophagy.A better understanding of the role of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in diabetic cardiomyopathy may provide novel strategies to manipulate such a serious diabetic complication.

Function of the Endocannabinoid System in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancers

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive degeneration and/or death of neuronal cells and results in a wide array of cognitive impairments and other serious neurological defects. The signaling pathways and definite cause underlying the development of neurodegenerative nerve diseases have not been well defined. There is evidence of mechanisms within the endocannabinoid system that may suggest important pathways involved the progression of neurodegenerative diseases as well as some cancers. The endocannabinoid system is an endogenous ubiquitous neuromodulatory system that plays a critical in the development of the central nervous system (CNS), synaptic plasticity, as well as other primary neuronal functions. The recent identification of various cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands has generated an interest and significant increase in research of the endocannabinoid system and its role in human health and diseases. The Endocannabinoid system possesses essential endogenous receptors—cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R)—which are involved in mechanisms that contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers. In this review, we discuss the role of the endocannabinoid system in various neurodegenerative diseases as well as some cancers, and its promise as a targeted pharmacological therapy for patients of neurodegenerative diseases.

Endocannabinoid system: A newer molecular target for the treatment of alcohol-related behaviors

The cannabinoid （CB） receptors, endocannabinoids （eCB） and their synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes and the proteins involved in their transport, constitute what is now recognized as the eCB system. The eCBs are a class of lipids that have been identifed as retro-grade messengers and produce their effects via presyn-aptic CB receptors. The major function of the eCBs has been suggested to be that of modulating the release of several neurotransmitters implicated in a number of biological functions that include reward and reinforce-ment. There is now significant evidence to suggest that the eCB system plays an important role in the development of alcohol tolerance, dependence and relapse. Recent studies suggest that the pharmacological manipulation of the eCB system has the potential not only to block the direct reinforcing properties of alcohol but also alleviate behavioral abnormalities associated with relapse. There is also accumulating evidence that points to the possible utility of the eCB system targeted drugs in the treatment of alcoholism-related behavioral disorders. The agents that block CB1 receptor function or inhibit the synthesis of eCBs are attractive candidate drugs that need to be explored. Further understanding of the role of the eCB system in molecular mechanism/s that underlies alcoholism-related behaviors should lead to a better treatment of this devastating disorder.

Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids as therapeutics for nervous system disorders:preclinical models and clinical studies

Cannabinoids are lipophilic substances derived from Cannabis sativa that can exert a variety of effects in the human body.They have been studied in cellular and animal models as well as in human clinical trials for their therapeutic benefits in several human diseases.Some of these include central nervous system(CNS)diseases and dysfunctions such as forms of epilepsy,multiple sclerosis,Parkinson’s disease,pain and neuropsychiatric disorders.In addition,the endogenously produced cannabinoid lipids,endocannabinoids,are critical for normal CNS function,and if controlled or modified,may represent an additional therapeutic avenue for CNS diseases.This review discusses in vitro cellular,ex vivo tissue and in vivo animal model studies on cannabinoids and their utility as therapeutics in multiple CNS pathologies.In addition,the review provides an overview on the use of cannabinoids in human clinical trials for a variety of CNS diseases.Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids hold promise for use as disease modifiers and therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

The endocannabinoid system： ＇NO＇ longer anonymous in the control of nitrergic signalling？

The endocannabinoid system （ECS） is a key cellular signalling system that has been implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular functions. Importantly, growing evidence suggests that the biological actions of the ECS may, in part, be mediated through its ability to regulate the production and/or release of nitric oxide, a ubiquitous bioactive molecule, which functions as a versatile signalling intermediate. Herein, we review and discuss evidence pertaining to ECS-mediated regulation of nitric oxide production, as well as the involvement of reactive nitrogen species in regulating ECS-induced signal transduction by highlighting emerging work support- ing nitrergic modulation of ECS function. Importantly, the studies outlined reveal that interactions between the ECS and nitrergic sig- nalling systems can be both stimulatory and inhibitory in nature, depending on cellular context. Moreover, such crosstalk may act to maintain proper cell function, whereas abnormalities in either system can undermine cellular homoeostasis and contribute to vari- ous pathologies associated with their dysregulation. Consequently, future studies targeting these signalling systems may provide new insights into the potential role of the ECS-nitric oxide signalling axis in disease development and/or lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of nitrosative stress-related neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders.

The endocannabinoid system:A new pharmacological target for obesity treatment?

Being a great threaten for human health, obesity has become a pandemic chronic disease. There have been several therapeutic treatments for this social health issue, including diet and exercise therapy, medication and surgery, among which the diet is still the most common way. However, none of these therapeutic measures available is ideal, making it necessary to find an effective medical treatment. The endocannabinoid system, which is well known for its contributions in certain mental processes such as relaxation, amelioration of pain and anxiety, and sedation initiation, has been recently reported to play an essential role in regulating appetite and metabolism to maintain energy balance, leading to the belief that endocannabinoid system is closely related to obesity. This new discovery deepens our understanding of obesity, and provides us with a new direction for clinical obesity treatment. Rimonabant is an antagonist for CB1, and has entered the market in some countries. However, although effective as an anti-obesity drug, rimonabant also causes obviously adverse side-effects, thus is being doubted and denied for medical usage.

SPME as a green sample-preparation technique for the monitoring of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids in complex matrices

The endocannabinoid system(ECS),particularly its signaling pathways and ligands,has garnered considerable interest in recent years.Along with clinical work investigating the ECS’functions,including its role in the development of neurological and inflammatory conditions,much research has focused on developing analytical protocols enabling the precise monitoring of the levels and metabolism of the most potent ECS ligands:exogenous phytocannabinoids(PCs)and endogenous cannabinoids(endocannabinoids,ECs).Solid-phase microextraction(SPME)is an advanced,non-exhaustive sample-preparation technique that facilitates the precise and efficient isolation of trace amounts of analytes,thus making it appealing for the analysis of PCs and ECs in complex matrices of plant and animal/human origin.In this paper,we review recent forensic medicine and toxicological studies wherein SPME has been applied to monitor levels of PCs and ECs in complex matrices,determine their effects on organism physiology,and assess their role in the development of several diseases.

Physical exercise and synaptic protection in human and pre-clinical models of multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis,only immunomodulato ry and immunosuppressive drugs are recognized as disease-modifying therapies.Howeve r,in recent years,several data from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested a possible role of physical exe rcise as disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis.Current evidence is sparse and often conflicting,and the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and antinflammatory role of exercise in multiple sclerosis have not been fully elucidated.Data,mainly derived from pre-clinical studies,suggest that exe rcise could enhance longterm potentiation and thus neuroplasticity,could reduce neuroinflammation and synaptopathy,and dampen astrogliosis and microgliosis.In humans,most trials focused on direct clinical and MRI outcomes,as investigating synaptic,neuroinflammato ry,and pathological changes is not straightfo rward compared to animal models.The present review analyzed current evidence and limitations in research concerning the potential disease-modifying therapy effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis in animal models and human studies.

内源性大麻素系统对皮脂腺功能的调控作用研究进展

皮脂腺(sebaceous glands)的基本生理功能是产生皮脂以滋润皮肤和毛发,加强皮肤的屏障功能,控制皮肤表面微生物的生长,并参与调节皮肤炎症和免疫应答。皮脂腺的功能失调在痤疮、脂溢性皮炎、特应性皮炎等常见皮肤病的发病机制中起着重要作用。内源性大麻素系统(endocannabinoid system)是一种复杂的稳态调控信号网络,由内源性大麻素、大麻素受体、以及参与内源性大麻素转运、合成和降解的酶组成。近年的研究发现内源性大麻素系统的各组分在皮脂腺中都有表达,并且参与皮脂腺功能的调控,表明其在皮脂腺功能障碍相关皮肤病防治中具有潜在应用前景。本文就内源性大麻素系统对皮脂腺功能的调控作用研究进展进行综述。

△^(9)-四氢大麻酚对血脑屏障作用的研究进展

大麻素的精神活性是众所周知的,关于大麻素在全世界是否可以用于治疗也一直存在争议。而Δ^(9)-四氢大麻酚(Δ^(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol,THC)作为大麻中最主要的精神活性物质,它的神经作用机制直到最近才被发现,但其作用机理仍未完全明确。血脑屏障(blood-brain barrier,BBB)是保护大脑的关键屏障结构,也是外来物质入脑的第一道防线,THC的亲脂性及与内源性大麻素系统的相互作用使其更加容易对BBB产生作用。本文综述了THC的神经毒理作用,聚焦于THC对BBB的作用与机制,为阐明THC的神经作用机制提供理论依据。

大麻素受体1在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征炎症反应中的神经免疫调节作用研究进展

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSA)是一种全身性炎症性疾病,OSA病人睡眠结构的紊乱与下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴的失调相互作用,持续激活HPA轴可诱导免疫细胞的糖皮质激素抵抗,使免疫系统反应转向促炎,导致并发症的加重,其特征性的慢性间歇低氧(CIH)也可通过多种途径激活糖皮质激素抑制核因子-κB(NF-κB)和相关炎症因子的表达,导致氧化应激、炎症、内皮功能障碍。内源性大麻素系统(ECS)在HPA轴活动以及对应激的神经内分泌反应中发挥主要调节作用,为机体提供重要的免疫防御。CIH可引起大麻素受体1(CB1R)表达增加,而CB1R拮抗剂可发挥抗炎作用,减轻CIH引起的器官损伤。CB1R拮抗剂已被证明可作为免疫抑制剂和抗炎剂,通过下调NF-κB信号发挥有益作用。现就CB1R拮抗剂调节OSA炎症反应潜在机制的研究进展进行综述。

情绪护肤的生理学基础综述

对情绪与皮肤相互影响的生理通路进行了总结梳理,将生理通路分为心理应激、昼夜节律、大麻素系统和各类感觉受体进行讨论,并列举了相关的护肤原料和功效检测维度。综述了情绪护肤领域的科学进展和发展趋势,对未来的研究方向提出一些建议。

Homeostatic regulation of brain functions by endocannabinoid signaling

Humans have been using Cannabis and its extracts for a few thousand years as a medicinal and recreational drug. How- ever, the chemical component in Cannabis sativa, △9-tet- rahydrocannabinol （△9-THC）, an exogenous cannabinoid, remained unknown until it was isolated and identified as the main psychoactive ingredient （Gaoni and Mechoulam, 1964）.

<i>Morinda citrifolia</i>(Noni) Fruit Juice Inhibits Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzymes

Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has been shown to have a wide variety of potential health benefits in human clinical trials. It may also influence the endocannabinoid system of the body. Since the main ingredient of the product studied in these clinical trials was juice made from noni fruit puree from French Polynesia, it was evaluated for its ability to inhibit the two major endocannabinoid degradation enzymes in vitro. Noni fruit juice inhibited both fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that it may help maintain anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels. Samples of the puree were also analyzed for the presence of characteristic phytochemical markers of authentic noni fruit such as scopoletin, rutin, quercetin, deacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid, all of which were present. Also present was scandoside, which is reported for the first time as being identified in noni fruit or its juice. Some of these compounds may contribute to the FAAH and MAGL inhibiting activity of noni juice. These results reveal another set of mechanisms by which noni juice possibly supports mental health, maintains joint health, relieves discomfort and modulates the immune system.

The Endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol, Induces Growth Cone Collapse and Neurite Retraction in Growing Peripheral Sensory Neurons

Cannabis has a detrimental impact on the developing nervous system. Therefore, regular consumption of cannabis by pregnant and lactating woman poses a potential risk to neuronal growth in fetuses and infants. Indeed, endogenous cannabis-like molecules called endocannabinoids regulate many physiological processes, including neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity through CB1 receptors. To investigate the physiological role of CB1 receptors on peripheral sensory nerve growth, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol was added to cultured chick dorsal root ganglion neurons. This compound inhibited neurite elongation and induced growth cone collapse in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These data suggest that caution should be exercised regarding maternal cannabis use during pregnancy. Because ectopic sprouting and abnormal neuronal network connections are considered to be a cause of neuropathic pain, our current data imply an additional role of endocannabinoids as inhibitors of the formation of pain-maintenance networks.

Drinking during pregnancy: Potential role of endocannabinoid signaling in fetal alcohol effects

Alcohol is a well-recognized teratogen that can causevariable physical and behavioral effects on the fetus.Alcohol use and abuse during pregnancy is one of the major health and societal problems and has been linked to a wide range of birth defects in the offspring collectively termed as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder(FASD). The severity of abnormalities may depend on a number of factors that include the amount, the frequency, the period during gestation and the route of alcohol administration. The current knowledge about the neurobiological basis of FASD is limited. However, recent studies have suggested that the membrane-derived lipids especially bioactive endogenous cannabinoids(eCB)such as arachidonyl ethanolamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol resulting from alcohol exposure, may play a significant role in modulating neurophysiological and neurobehavioral effects in chronic alcohol exposed adult animals. Based on these findings and on reported studies on the role of eCB signaling in neurodevelopment and behavior, it is speculated that the eC B signaling may play a critical role in fetal alcohol syndrome and FASD-related behavioral effects. The current discussion will touch upon some of the mechanistic explanations about the role of eCB signaling system in FASD and provide further guidance for future direction.

间质性膀胱炎/膀胱疼痛综合征诊治进展

间质性膀胱炎/膀胱疼痛综合征(IC/BPS)是表现为与膀胱相关的疼痛、压迫感或不适且伴有下尿路症状,症状持续6周(或6个月)以上的一组症候群。自首次报道至今,该病始终是临床诊治的难题,也一直经历着认知革新,其涉及疾病分类分型、相关基础研究、影像学、症状评分、膀胱镜检、治疗以及新的潜在治疗靶点内源性大麻素系统等诸多方面,亦是本文要点。