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Indiscernible Cannabinoid Science ~ Publius’ March 2014 Roundup

3/30/2014

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Here are seven 2014 findings on how the cannabinoid system (CS) modulates homeostasis and other systems in our bodies: the roundup links to recent PubMed articles on the vanilloid, neurological, dopamine, visual, skeletal, and endocrine systems.

I. Vanilloid System and the CS
“These data indicate that the eCB system can modulate inflammatory activation of the endothelium and may have important implications for a variety of acute inflammatory disorders that are characterized by EC [Endothelial Cell] activation.”
The endocannabinoid/endovanilloid N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) and synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 abate the inflammatory activation of human endothelial cells.
Wilhelmsen K, Khakpour S, Tran A, Sheehan K, Schumacher M, Xu F, Hellman J.
J Biol Chem. 2014 Mar 18. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24644287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Free Article
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II. Neurological System (Migraines) and the CS
“These findings suggest that the pharmacological manipulation of the CB2 receptor may represent a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of migraine.”
Activation of CB2 receptors as a potential therapeutic target for migraine: evaluation in an animal model.
Greco R, Mangione AS, Sandrini G, Nappi G, Tassorelli C.
J Headache Pain. 2014 Mar 17;15(1):14. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-14.
PMID: 24636539 [PubMed - in process] Free Article
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III. Dopamine System and the CS
“The endocannabinoid system regulates feeding behavior through a modulatory action on different neurotransmitter systems, including the dopaminergic system.”
Involvement of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor in Modulation of Dopamine Output in the Prefrontal Cortex Associated with Food Restriction in Rats.
Dazzi L, Talani G, Biggio F, Utzeri C, Lallai V, Licheri V, Lutzu S, Mostallino MC, Secci PP, Biggio G, Sanna E.
PLoS One. 2014 Mar 14;9(3):e92224. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092224. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 24632810 [PubMed - in process] Free PMC Article
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IV. Neurological System (Alzheimer’s disease) and the CS
“Moreover, endocannabinoid signaling has been demonstrated to modulate numerous concomitant pathological processes, including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress.”
Cannabinoids for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: moving toward the clinic.
Aso E, Ferrer I.
Front Pharmacol. 2014 Mar 5;5:37. eCollection 2014. Review.
PMID: 24634659 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Free PMC Article
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V. Visual System and the CS
“Our findings provide neurophysiologic evidence for a link between cannabinoid-signaling, network dynamics and the function of a canonical cortical circuit.”
Cannabinoid neuromodulation in the adult early visual cortex.
Ohiorhenuan IE, Mechler F, Purpura KP, Schmid AM, Hu Q, Victor JD.
PLoS One. 2014 Feb 19;9(2):e87362. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087362. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 24586271 [PubMed - in process] Free PMC Article
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VI. Skeletal System (Osteoarthritis) and the CS
“The ubiquitous distribution of cannabinoid receptors, together with the physiological role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of pain, inflammation and even joint function further support the therapeutic interest of cannabinoids for osteoarthritis.”
Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in osteoarthritis pain.
La Porta C, Bura SA, Negrete R, Maldonado R.
Eur J Neurosci. 2014 Feb;39(3):485-500. doi: 10.1111/ejn.12468.
PMID: 24494687 [PubMed - in process]
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VII. Endocrine System (HP-axis) and the CS
“Since the endocannabinoid system components are present at sites involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation, several studies were performed in order to investigate the endocannabinoid-mediated neurotransmitters and hormones secretion under physiological and pathological conditions.”
Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Neuroendocrine Responses to Inflammation.
De Laurentiis A, Araujo HA, Rettori V.
Curr Pharm Des. 2014 Jan 30. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24588819 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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~’~
posted by bwb

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Preventing Carcinogenesis Via One’s Cannabinoid System ~ Publius’ March 2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness

3/29/2014

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The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Colorectal (colon) cancer awareness and the cannabinoid system (CS) are the focus of March’s health update from Publius and The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011). This month: PubMed CS science on preventing carcinogenesis, inducing apoptosis, attenuating cancer’s damage, and an estrogen-responsive connection to controlling colon cancer proliferation.

2013 ~ Attenuating Damage and the CS
“These findings support a discrete role for CB2 receptors in the attenuation of detrimental pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated mucosal damage in the human colon without directly affecting mucosal epithelial barrier function.”
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation attenuates cytokine-evoked mucosal damage in a human colonic explant model without changing epithelial permeability.
Harvey BS, Nicotra LL, Vu M, Smid SD.
Cytokine. 2013 Aug;63(2):209-17. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2013.04.032. Epub 2013 May 22.
PMID: 23706402 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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2013 ~ Immunoreactivity (Immune Reaction) and the CS
“The high immunoreactivity of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor is a significant prognostic factor following surgery in stage IV CRC [colorectal cancer].”
Expression of the cannabinoid type I receptor and prognosis following surgery in colorectal cancer.
Jung CK, Kang WK, Park JM, Ahn HJ, Kim SW, Taek Oh S, Choi KY.
Oncol Lett. 2013 Mar;5(3):870-876. Epub 2012 Dec 18.
PMID: 23426698 [PubMed] Free PMC Article
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2012 ~ Preventing Carcinogenesis and the CS
“Cannabidiol, a safe and non-psychotropic ingredient of Cannabis sativa, exerts pharmacological actions (antioxidant and intestinal antinflammatory) and mechanisms (inhibition of endocannabinoid enzymatic degradation) potentially beneficial for colon carcinogenesis.”
Chemopreventive effect of the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid cannabidiol on experimental colon cancer.
Aviello G, Romano B, Borrelli F, Capasso R, Gallo L, Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V, Izzo AA.
J Mol Med (Berl). 2012 Aug;90(8):925-34. doi: 10.1007/s00109-011-0856-x. Epub 2012 Jan 10.
PMID: 22231745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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2011 ~ Inducing Apoptosis and the CS
“Cannabinoid receptor agonists induce phosphatases and phosphatase-dependent apoptosis in cancer cell lines; however, the role of the CB receptor in mediating this response is ligand-dependent.”
Induction of apoptosis by cannabinoids in prostate and colon cancer cells is phosphatase dependent.
Sreevalsan S, Joseph S, Jutooru I, Chadalapaka G, Safe SH.
Anticancer Res. 2011 Nov;31(11):3799-807.
PMID: 22110202 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article
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2008 ~ Silencing Cancer and the CS
“Here we show that CB1 expression was silenced in human colorectal cancer due to methylation of the CB1 promoter.”
Loss of cannabinoid receptor 1 accelerates intestinal tumor growth.
Wang D, Wang H, Ning W, Backlund MG, Dey SK, DuBois RN.
Cancer Res. 2008 Aug 1;68(15):6468-76. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-0896.
PMID: 18676872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article
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2008 ~ Estrogen-Responsive Genes and the CS
“The CB1 receptor can be considered an estrogen-responsive gene in DLD-1, HT-29 and SW620 cells. Up-regulation of CB1 expression by 17beta-estradiol is a further mechanism of estrogens to control colon cancer proliferation.”
Estrogenic induction of cannabinoid CB1 receptor in human colon cancer cell lines.
Notarnicola M, Messa C, Orlando A, Bifulco M, Laezza C, Gazzerro P, Caruso MG.
Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jan;43(1):66-72.
PMID: 18938775 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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2004 ~ Preventing Metastasis and the CS
“Therefore, specific inhibition of tumor cell migration via CB1-R engagement might be a selective tool to prevent metastasis formation without depreciatory effects on the immune system of cancer patients.”
Anandamide is an endogenous inhibitor for the migration of tumor cells and T lymphocytes.
Joseph J, Niggemann B, Zaenker KS, Entschladen F.
Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2004 Aug;53(8):723-8. Epub 2004 Mar 18.
PMID: 15034673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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2003 ~ Inhibiting Cancer and the CS
“The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) inhibit cancer cell proliferation by acting at cannabinoid receptors (CBRs).”
Possible endocannabinoid control of colorectal cancer growth.
Ligresti A, Bisogno T, Matias I, De Petrocellis L, Cascio MG, Cosenza V, D'argenio G, Scaglione G, Bifulco M, Sorrentini I, Di Marzo V.
Gastroenterology. 2003 Sep;125(3):677-87.
PMID: 12949714 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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~ posted by bryan w. brickner

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Passing the Alzheimer’s Test Involves One’s Cannabinoid System

3/28/2014

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Here are five “more” 2014 National Institutes of Health (PubMed) research updates on Alzheimer’s disease and cannabinoids. I mention “more” because of the widely reported research this month, Plasma Phospholipids Identify Antecedent Memory Impairment in Older Adults.

CNN noted the plasma science as Blood test predicts Alzheimer’s disease.

Forbes saw the ability to identify memory impairment before its onset (by measuring various lipids/fats in blood) as double-edged: How A New Alzheimer’s Test Could Kill Long-Term Care Insurance – Or Make It Cheaper.

I also say “more” because this isn’t new news. The sixth item included is a video of CNN Int., reported in March 2008, on how cannabis may be “a boon to Alzheimer’s patients.”

While we wait for the boon (and it has to be a political boon now), the progression of the disease doesn’t. We’d be wise to mimic the strength of Alzheimer’s disease in our resolve to understand its causes and to offer relief: the disease is relentless … we aught to be as well.

I.
The influence of cannabinoids on generic traits of neurodegeneration.
Fagan SG, Campbell VA.
Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Mar;171(6):1347-60. doi: 10.1111/bph.12492.
PMID: 24172185 [PubMed - in process]
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II.
Cannabinoids for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: moving toward the clinic.
Aso E, Ferrer I.
Front Pharmacol. 2014 Mar 5;5:37. eCollection 2014. Review.
PMID: 24634659 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Free PMC Article
Related citations

III.
In vivo type 1 cannabinoid receptor availability in Alzheimer's disease.
Ahmad R, Goffin K, Van den Stock J, De Winter FL, Cleeren E, Bormans G, Tournoy J, Persoons P, Van Laere K, Vandenbulcke M.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014 Feb;24(2):242-50. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.10.002. Epub 2013 Oct 17.
PMID: 24189376 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

IV.
Altered Expression of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Bedse G, Romano A, Cianci S, Lavecchia AM, Lorenzo P, Elphick MR, Laferla FM, Vendemiale G, Grillo C, Altieri F, Cassano T, Gaetani S.
J Alzheimers Dis. 2014 Feb 4. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24496074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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V.
Brain Innate Immunity In The Regulation Of Neuroinflammation: Therapeutic Strategies By Modulating Cd200-Cd200r Interaction Involve The Cannabinoid System.
Hernangomez M, Carrillo-Salinas FJ, Mecha M, Correa F, Mestre L, Loria F, Feliu A, Docagne F, Guaza C.
Curr Pharm Des. 2014 Jan 30. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24588829 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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VI.
Video Archives ~ CNN Int. March 2008 (B4-Obama)
Medical Marijuana Alzheimer, CNN Int. 11 Mar 2008
“Drug could be a boon to Alzheimer’s patients.”

Bryan W. Brickner

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March Madness Modulation: Sports, Sweat and Cannabinoid Rewards

3/17/2014

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March Madness induces coaches, players and fans to intensity. A first sign of intensity, one in every ballgame played during this madness, is traditional and time-tested: the warm-up. This pre-game activity, designed with the players in mind, is really for the body: one has to wake the body up (stress it a bit) to make it intense – to raise consciousness.

One’s heart pumps more, legs stretch, breathing calms, and soon the first drops of intensity … sweat.

Sweat is also a sign of the cannabinoid system (CS). The CS modulates exercise by priming our other systems for activity: the research is exciting (maybe even more than a few of the games) and The National Institutes of Health (PubMed) provides the quotes and play-by-play.

Reward and Warm-up
Wired to run: exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling in humans and cursorial mammals with implications for the 'runner's high'. (2012)

“Humans report a wide range of neurobiological rewards following moderate and intense aerobic activity, popularly referred to as the 'runner's high', which may function to encourage habitual aerobic exercise. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous neurotransmitters that appear to play a major role in generating these rewards by activating cannabinoid receptors in brain reward regions during and after exercise.”

“This study provides the first evidence that inter-specific variation in neurotransmitter signaling may explain differences in locomotor behavior among mammals.”

Reward and Intensity
Exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling is modulated by intensity. (2013)

“Endocannabinoids (eCB) are endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors that are densely expressed in brain networks responsible for reward.”

“Our results are consistent with intensity-dependent psychological state changes with exercise and therefore support the hypothesis that eCB activity is related to neurobiological effects of exercise. Thus, future studies examining the role of exercise-induced eCB signaling on neurobiology or physiology must take exercise intensity into account.”

Reward and Depression
Intense exercise increases circulating endocannabinoid and BDNF levels in humans – possible implications for reward and depression. (2012)

“The endocannabinoid system is known to have positive effects on depression partly through its actions on neurotrophins, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). As BDNF is also considered the major candidate molecule for exercise-induced brain plasticity, we hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system represents a crucial signaling system mediating the beneficial antidepressant effects of exercise.”

“These findings provide evidence in humans that acute exercise represents a physiological stressor able to increase peripheral levels of AEA [anandamide] and that BDNF might be a mechanism by which AEA influences the neuroplastic and antidepressant effects of exercise.”

The CS handles intensities like a play-making point-guard; these ballgames and our enthusiasm involve an ancient biological process genetically developed for millions of years. You’ll recognize its presence in the cards of victory and the flush of defeat.

Oh yeah … the refs. Human too you know ~ meaning CS modulation is involved. So let’em warm-up proper and get prepared, as it’s that time: tip-off!

March Madness Modulation Everyone!

Bryan W. Brickner

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We Shall Dream Again: Women’s Day 2014 and Constitutional Representation

3/7/2014

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We shall dream again.

The “we” is We the People. Women are more than half of We the People yet have only 18% representation in the US House.

The “shall” is constitutional. Counting the people is the purpose of the decennial Census; lawmakers are then to divide by the representation ratio in Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 of the US Constitution: “The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative.”

The “dream” is foundational. The representation ratio is the constitutional definition of We the People.

The “again” is time. 2016’s presidential election is not about a woman in the White House: it’s about women in the US House of Representatives. Congress always added seats (representatives) to the US House after each Census: in 1920, they suddenly stopped.

We shall dream again America ~ as it’s a heritage dream ~ one that represents all of US.

Bryan W. Brickner

Women’s Suffrage Documentary

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Indiscernible Cannabinoid Science ~ Publius’ March 2014 Roundup

Preventing Carcinogenesis Via One’s Cannabinoid System ~ Publius’ March 2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Passing the Alzheimer’s Test Involves One’s Cannabinoid System

March Madness Modulation: Sports, Sweat and Cannabinoid Rewards

We Shall Dream Again: Women’s Day 2014 and Constitutional Representation

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