Abstract
Although significant advances have taken place in recent years on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of different neurodegenerative diseases, its translation into effective therapeutic treatments has not been as successful as could be expected. There is still a dramatic lack of curative treatments for the most frequent disorders and only symptomatic relief for many others. Under this perspective, the search for novel therapeutic approaches is demanding and significant attention and efforts have been directed to studying additional neurotransmission systems including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The neuroprotective properties of exogenous as well as endogenous cannabinoids have been known for years and the underlying molecular mechanisms have been recently unveiled. As discussed later, antioxidative, antiglutamatergic and antiinflammatory effects are now recognized as derived from cannabinoid action and are known to be of common interest for many neurodegenerative processes. Thus, these characteristics make cannabinoids attractive candidates for the development of novel therapeutic strategies [1]. The present review will focus on the existing data regarding the possible usefulness of cannabinoid agents for the treatment of relevant neurological pathologies for our society such as Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntingtons disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, neuroprotection, glia
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title: Cannabinoids and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 8 Issue: 6
Author(s): Julian Romero and Jose Martinez-Orgado
Affiliation:
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, neuroprotection, glia
Abstract: Although significant advances have taken place in recent years on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of different neurodegenerative diseases, its translation into effective therapeutic treatments has not been as successful as could be expected. There is still a dramatic lack of curative treatments for the most frequent disorders and only symptomatic relief for many others. Under this perspective, the search for novel therapeutic approaches is demanding and significant attention and efforts have been directed to studying additional neurotransmission systems including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The neuroprotective properties of exogenous as well as endogenous cannabinoids have been known for years and the underlying molecular mechanisms have been recently unveiled. As discussed later, antioxidative, antiglutamatergic and antiinflammatory effects are now recognized as derived from cannabinoid action and are known to be of common interest for many neurodegenerative processes. Thus, these characteristics make cannabinoids attractive candidates for the development of novel therapeutic strategies [1]. The present review will focus on the existing data regarding the possible usefulness of cannabinoid agents for the treatment of relevant neurological pathologies for our society such as Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntingtons disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Romero Julian and Martinez-Orgado Jose, Cannabinoids and Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2009; 8 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152709789824589
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152709789824589 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infectious diseases
Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) can be divided into bacterial, tuberculous, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, etc. Early etiological treatment is often the most crucial means to reduce the mortality rate of patients with central nervous system infections, reduce complications and sequelae, and improve prognosis. The initial clinical ...read more
Techniques of Drug Repurposing: Delivering a new life to Herbs & Drugs
Of late, with the adaptation of innovative approaches and integration of advancements made towards medical sciences as well as the availability of a wide range of tools; several therapeutic challenges are being translated into viable clinical solutions, with a high degree of efficacy, safety, and selectivity. With a better understanding ...read more
Trends and perspectives in the rational management of CNS disorders
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases enforce a significant global health burden, driving ongoing efforts to improve our understanding and effectiveness of therapy. This issue investigates current advances in the discipline, focusing on the understanding as well as therapeutic handling of various CNS diseases. The issue covers a variety of diseases, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Oxidative Stress and Altered Mitochondrial Function in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Lessons From Mouse Models
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Histological and Direct Evidence for the Role of Complement in the Neuroinflammation of AD
Current Alzheimer Research Delivering RNA Interference to the Mammalian Brain
Current Gene Therapy Targeting the Autophagy/Lysosomal Degradation Pathway in Parkinson´s Disease
Current Neuropharmacology Current Therapeutic Molecules and Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases Based on in silico Drug Design
Current Neuropharmacology Pharmacologic Intervention in Axonal Excitability: In Vivo Assessment of Nodal Persistent Sodium Currents in Human Neuropathies
Current Molecular Pharmacology Role of Methylene Blue in Trauma Neuroprotection and Neuropsychiatric Diseases
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Brain Cancer-Activated Microglia: A Potential Role for Sphingolipids
Current Medicinal Chemistry Nanomedicine and its Application in Treatment of Microglia-mediated Neuroinflammation
Current Medicinal Chemistry Update on the Regulation of HIPK1, HIPK2 and HIPK3 Protein Kinases by microRNAs
MicroRNA Inhibitors of the Immunoproteasome: Current Status and Future Directions
Current Pharmaceutical Design Editorial
Current Molecular Medicine Current Therapy of Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Current Neuropharmacology Human PON Promoters: From Similarity to Prediction of Polymorphic Positions within Transcription Factor Elements
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry An Update in the Management of Obesity: The Weight of CNS Targets
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Cancer Stem-Cells Patents in the Context of their Therapeutic Purposes: Exploring the Latest Trends (2011-2015)
Recent Patents on Regenerative Medicine Ethanol and Inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism
Current Drug Targets Progranulin Regulates Inflammation and Tumor
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Genetics of Congenital Heart Disease
Current Cardiology Reviews