Targeting the CB2 receptor and other endocannabinoid elements to delay disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- 24 January 2021
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in British Journal of Pharmacology
- Vol. 178 (6), 1373-1387
- https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15386
Abstract
Cannabinoids form a singular group of plant‐derived compounds, endogenous lipids and synthetic derivatives with multiple therapeutic effects exerted by targeting different elements of the endocannabinoid system. One of their therapeutic applications is the preservation of neuronal integrity exerted by attenuating the multiple neurotoxic events that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will address the potential of cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle denervation, atrophy and paralysis, and progressive deterioration in upper and/or lower motor neurons. The emphasis will be paid on the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor, whose activation limits glial reactivity, but the potential of additional endocannabinoid‐related targets will be also addressed. The evidence accumulated so far at the preclinical level supports the need to soon move towards the patients and initiate clinical trials to confirm the potential of cannabinoid‐based medicines as disease modifiers in ALS.Funding Information
- Comunidad de Madrid (ELA‐Madrid (B2017/BMD‐3813))
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/05/0089)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (RTI2018‐098885‐B‐100)
- GW Pharmaceuticals
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