The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury

Abstract

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia–ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic–ischemic brain injury.

The Cannabinoids, CBDA and THCA, Rescue Memory Deficits and Reduce Amyloid-Beta and Tau Pathology in an Alzheimer’s Disease-like Mouse Model

“…Several studies have shown that the activation of cannabinoids has various advantages, such as neuroprotective effects [ 69 ]. More than 120 types of phytocannabinoids exist in hemp, but most studies have focused on CBD and THC [ 70 ].…”

Special Issue: Therapeutic Potential for Cannabis and Cannabinoids

“…Four review articles in this Special Issue summarize information on a wide array of topics related to cannabinoids. Duranti and collaborators review the current literature on the endocannabinoid system with regard to neuroprotection and neuroregeneration [ 18 ]. The focus of their review highlights the potential of modulating the endocannabinoid system to treat hypoxia–ischemia in newborns, which can lead to encephalopathy, a condition for which there are currently limited treatment options.…”

Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzyme Inhibitors as Potential Antipsychotics: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective

“…The exhaustive description of ECS architecture and functioning is beyond the scope of this work; more details can be found elsewhere [24,25]. The right functioning of the ECS In a randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial, CBD exerted antipsychotic properties comparable to the reference drug amisulpride [20,21].…”

“…The exhaustive description of ECS architecture and functioning is beyond the scope of this work; more details can be found elsewhere [24,25]. The right functioning of the ECS is related to the natural balance established between its main components, which are CBRs, the endogenous ligands binding them, and the enzymes involved in the synthesis, transport, and degradation of ECs.…”