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IACM-Bulletin of September 20, 2015
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IACM — Research presented at the Cannabinoid Conference 2015
The IACM and the European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research hold the Cannabinoid Conference 2015 on 17-19 September 2015 in Sestri Levante, Italy. About 260 people participated in the conference. Unfortunately, registration had to be closed two weeks before the conference since the maximum number of allowed attendees for the conference place was exceeded. The IACM Board of Directors is very sorry that many people, who wanted to attend the conference, could not participate. More than 300 people would have liked to participate. Please find below a few excerpts from the abstract book, which is available for download as a pdf from the conference website.
Gertsch et al. presented research results on novel peptide cannabinoid receptor ligands, which they call pepcans. These peptides bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. In their new research they investigated the effect of pepcans on CB2 receptors and the context of their peripheral release in physiological and pathophysiological conditions (page 17).
Manzoni et al. presented research results on how dietary PUFA (Poly-Unsaturated-Fatty-Acids) modify behaviour and synaptic activity in the neuronal circuits controlling emotion and cognition by influencing endocannabinoids: bad food, bad mood (page 20).
Finn et al. showed that pharmacological inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation enhances fear-induced pain reduction. It is well-known that in rats acute stress and fear suppress pain through the phenomenon of stress/fear-induced pain reduction, while chronic anxiety and depression are often associated with enhanced pain perception/hyperalgesia (page 21).
Desprez et al. presented research results on CB1 receptor, present in brain mitochondria (mtCB1). Their study shows that mtCB1 receptors in the hippocampus are required for cannabinoid-induced memory impairment (page 24).
Baker et al. synthesized a novel compound, similar to a cyclic anandamide, called VSN16R. This compound was shown to be safe and effective in animal models of spasticity and healthy human volunteers (page 38).
Oláh et al. showed that fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors, which increase the concentration of endocannabinoids excerpt anti-acne effects on human sebocytes, cells, which secrete sebum (page 40).
Jadoon et al. showed that cannabidiol (CBD) decreases resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress in healthy volunteers (page 55).
Milz and Grotenhermen presented a case series of 30 patients with attention deficit / hyper activity disorder, who were approved the use of cannabis flowers by the German government between 2012 and 2014, because no other treatment was as effective as cannabis (page 85).
Minoru Arakaki showed that a 1.0% cannabidiol (CBD) ointment was effective in intractable alopecia areata in a case-report. The obvious hair growth was observed within a month Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body (page 129).
Abstract Book of the Cannabinoid Conference 2015
USA — California regulates the medical use of cannabis
California lawmakers passed wide-ranging proposals for regulating the medical cannabis industry, which lays the groundwork for state control of the cultivation and sale of cannabis in the event that voters legalize recreational use of the drug next year. The package of bills, a compromise between legislative leaders and the governor, creates a new state agency to license medical cannabis dispensaries and require cannabis growers to adhere to the laws and regulations imposed on other farmers, including restrictions on pesticides, insecticides and water use.
"This is better than what we have, the status quo, which is the Wild West," said Senator Mike McGuire, one of the architects of the bills. The regulations of the billion-dollar industry were divided between a couple of bills in the Senate and House of Representatives. They will create a new Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation (BMMR) within the state Department of Consumer Affairs.
News in brief
Science/Human — THCV may be useful in obesity
The effects of a single oral dose of THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) were investigated in 20 healthy volunteers. This natural cannabinoid is an antagonist (blocker) at the CB1 receptor and thus may reduce appetite. Researchers found an influence of THCV on the activity of nerves in brain regions, which are known to be altered in obesity.
School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK.
Rzepa E, et al. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015 Sep 10. [in press]
Science/Animal — Endocannabinoids reduce inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease
In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation by FAAH improved memory and this effect was not mediated by the CB1 receptor. In addition, mice lacking FAAH showed reduced levels of soluble amyloid levels and signs of reduced brain inflammation.
Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
Vázquez C, et al. Neurobiol Aging. 2015 Aug 15. [in press]
Science/Animal — Repeated administration of THC causes different degrees of tolerance for different effects
Repeated administration of THC and synthetic agonists at the CB1 receptor to mice caused tolerance to their body temperature reducing effects but not to effects on movements. Authors concluded that these effects are “likely mediated by region-specific downregulation and desensitization” of CB1 receptors.
College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Tai S, et al. Pharmacol Res. 2015 Sep 8. [in press]
Science/Animal — Anandamide is involved in the mediation of optimistic judgement
An increase of anandamide levels induced by an inhibitor of the enzyme FAAH, which is responsible for the degradation of anandamide, biased rats to a more optimistic interpretation of a situation.
Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
Kregiel J, et al. Neuropharmacology. 2015 Sep 9. [in press]
Science/Animal — A fearful event increases 2-AG levels for at least 2 weeks
Rats, who were exposed to fox smell, which is very stressing for rats, presented with an increased level of the endocannabinoid 2-AG in a certain brain region (amygdala). This effect lasted for at least 14 days after the stress has occurred. Authors wrote that their research might open “a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic brain disorders initiated by trauma.”
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Lim J, et al. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Sep 11. [in press]
Science/Animal — An inhibitor of endocannabinoid degradation may be helpful in anxiety disorders
Mice, which received a synthetic inhibitor of endocannabinoid degradation (ST407) presented with reduced anxiety.
Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.