Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology

Abstract

With the increase of life expectancy, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming not only a health but also a social burden worldwide. However, due to the multitude of pathophysiological disease states, current treatments fail to meet the desired outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on more integrated, personalized and effective approaches. The prospect of using neural stem cells (NSC) as regenerative therapies is very promising, however several issues still need to be addressed. In particular, the potential actions of pharmacological agents used to modulate NSC activity are highly relevant. With the ongoing discussion of cannabinoid usage for medical purposes and reports drawing attention to the effects of cannabinoids on NSC regulation, there is an enormous, and yet, uncovered potential for cannabinoids as treatment options for several neurological disorders, specifically when combined with stem cell therapy. In this manuscript, we review in detail how cannabinoids act as potent regulators of NSC biology and their potential to modulate several neurogenic features in the context of pathophysiology.

Neural Stem Cells and Cannabinoids in the Spotlight as Potential Therapy for Epilepsy

“…The process of generating functionally integrated neurons originated from NSCs is called neurogenesis, which includes the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. In the adult mammalian brain, there are two well-known neurogenic niches: The Subventricular Zone (SVZ), lining the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles, and the Subgranular Zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal Dentate Gyrus (DG), a brain region highly affected in different types of epilepsy (reviewed in Reference [ 43 ]). The DG is formed by three layers, from the outer to the inner layer: Molecular layer (ML), granule cell layer (GCL), and hilus (also known as a polymorphic layer) [ 44 , 45 ].…”

“…It is relevant to emphasize that just a small fraction of new neurons survive and integrate hippocampal circuitry and the remaining cells suffer apoptosis before establishing connections [ 50 , 51 ]. Importantly, the process of generation and maturation of new neurons has been implicated in hippocampus-dependent spatial learning, formation, and integration of new memories, pattern separation, anxiety- and depressive-related behaviors (reviewed in References [ 43 , 52 , 53 ]).…”

“…How cannabinoids modulate neurogenesis in physiological, epileptic, and other pathological conditions (in both in vitro and in vivo) is further reviewed in References [ 43 , 243 , 251 , 252 ].…”

Future of Cannabis in Dental Practice

“…On the contrary, Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound 8 . Consequent of its non psychoactive character, it is of utmost medical importance 8 .…”

“…On the contrary, Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound 8 . Consequent of its non psychoactive character, it is of utmost medical importance 8 . Studies have proven Cannabidiol of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-epileptic, antirheumatic, anxiolytic and analgesic properties 8,9 .…”