Smoking and vaping alter genes related to mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity.

Evidence for the impact of smoking on COVID-19 is contradictory, and there is little research on vaping. Here we provide greater clarity on mechanisms perturbed by tobacco cigarette, electronic cigarette and nicotine exposures that may impact the risks of infection and/or disease severity.Following PRISMA guidelines, OVID and Web of Science databases were searched. Study design and exposure-induced gene expression changes were extracted. Each study was quality assessed and higher confidence scores were assigned to genes consistently changed across multiple studies following the same exposure. These genes were used to explore pathways significantly altered following exposure.125 studies provided data on 480 genes altered by exposure to tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine or SARS-CoV-2. Genes involved in both SARS-CoV-2 viral-entry and inflammation were changed following exposure. Pathway analysis revealed that many of those genes with high confidence scores are involved in common cellular processes relating to hyperinflammatory immune responses.Exposure to tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine, may therefore impact initial host-pathogen interactions and disease severity. Smokers and vapers of e-cigarettes with nicotine, could potentially be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated cytokine storm, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, further research is required, particularly on e-cigarettes, to determine the biological mechanisms involved in perturbation of viral-entry genes and host-pathogen interactions and subsequent responses within the respiratory tract. This will improve our physiological understanding of the impact of smoking and vaping on COVID-19, informing public health advice and providing improved guidance for management of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.

Identification of Novel Predictive Biomarkers for Endometrial Malignancies: N-Acylethanolamines.

Objective: To identify new biochemical markers for endometrial cancer (EC). Recent evidence suggests that members of the endocannabinoid system (N-acylethanolamines) that bind to and activate receptors that are dysregulated in EC are involved in this tumour's biology. These observations suggest increased N-acylethanolamine levels in the tissue that might appear in plasma and could be used as disease biomarkers. Methods: N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and the N-acylethanolamine substances, N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) were quantified in plasma and endometrial tissue collected from 31 EC and seven atrophic controls using UHPLC-MS/MS. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) and logistic regression were used to determine diagnostic accuracy. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) protein levels were determined by specific immunohistochemistry and histomorphometric analyses. Correlations between plasma and tissue levels of the three N-acylethanolamines and tissue levels of the three N-acylethanolamines and CB1 and CB2 receptor expression levels were determined using correlation analysis. Results: Plasma and tissue AEA and PEA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in EC than controls whilst OEA levels were significantly elevated in type 1 EC tissues but not in plasma. There were significant positive correlations between plasma and tissue levels of AEA (R 2 = 0.302, p = 0.008) and PEA (R 2 = 0.182, p = 0.047), but not for OEA (R 2 = 0.022, p = 0.506). The diagnostic accuracies for EC were: sensitivity of 53.3%, specificity of 100% for plasma AEA (>1.36 nM); sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 100% for plasma PEA (>27.5 nM); and sensitivity of 93.3%, specificity of 28.6% for plasma OEA (>4.97 nM). Logistic regression increased the area under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.781 for AEA, 0.857 for PEA, and 0.543 for OEA to a combined AUC of 0.933 for EC diagnosis. Significant inverse correlations between tissue AEA (R 2 = 0.343, p = 0.003) and PEA (R 2 = 0.384, p < 0.0001) levels and CB1 expression were observed. No correlation between tissue levels of OEA and CB1 and tissue levels of any of the three N-acylethanolamines and CB2 protein expression were observed, except in the type 1 EC patients. Conclusion: Since plasma AEA and PEA are significantly elevated in patients with EC and a reflection of production by the endometrial tumour, then these lipids have the potential to be useful biomarkers for the early diagnosis of EC.

New Insights of Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis: Endocannabinoid System.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine if components of the endocannabinoid system are modulated in uterine leiomyomas (fibroids). Components studied included cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2); the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55; transient potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and the endocannabinoid modulating enzymes N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and their N-acylethanolamine (NAE) ligands: N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and N-palmityolethanaolamine (PEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Transcript levels of CB1, CB2, TRPV1, GPR55, NAPE-PLD, and FAAH were measured using RT-PCR and correlated with the tissue levels of the 3 NAEs in myometrial tissues. The tissues studied were: 1) fibroids, 2) myometrium adjacent/juxtaposed to the fibroid lesions, and 3) normal myometrium. Thirty-seven samples were processed for NAE measurements and 28 samples were used for RT-PCR analyses. RESULTS FAAH expression was significantly lower in fibroids, resulting in a NAPE-PLD: FAAH ratio that favors higher AEA levels in pre-menopausal tissues, whilst PEA levels were significantly lower, particularly in post-menopausal women, suggesting PEA protects against fibroid pathogenesis. The CB1: CB2 ratio was lower in fibroids, suggesting that loss of CB1 expression affects the fibroid cell phenotype. Significant correlations between reduced FAAH, CB1, and GPR55 expression and PEA in fibroids indicate that the loss of these endocannabinoid system components are biomarkers of leiomyomata. CONCLUSIONS Loss of expression of CB1, FAAH, GPR55, and PEA production are linked to the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids and further understanding of this might eventually lead to better disease indicators or the development of therapeutic potentials that might eventually be used in the management of uterine fibroids.

The effect of mifepristone (RU486) on the endocannabinoid system in human plasma and first-trimester trophoblast of women undergoing termination of pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: High anandamide (AEA) concentrations are detrimental for implantation and early pregnancy. Progesterone, essential for pregnancy, may keep AEA levels low by increasing fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) expression. Here the effect of RU486, a P4 antagonist used to initiate medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP), on plasma AEA concentrations and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in trophoblasts was examined. OBJECTIVE: Quantification of the endocannabinoid concentrations and expression of the ECS in trophoblast tissue of MTOP women and women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (STOP). DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective study at the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust. PATIENTS AND METHODS: AEA, N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and N-palmitolylethanolamine (PEA) concentrations in trophoblast tissues and blood samples from 68 MTOP and 15 STOP were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ECS expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Concentrations of AEA, OEA, and PEA were significantly higher in MTOP than STOP trophoblasts (P = .0062, P = .016, and P = .0029, respectively), whereas no significant differences in plasma AEA, OEA, and PEA concentrations were observed even though plasma AEA and PEA concentrations were significantly (P = .005 and P = .025, respectively) increased the day after RU486 administration in women undergoing MTOP. Changes in the immunohistochemical densities of the AEA modifying enzymes N-acylphophatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and FAAH, and the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) were observed with increased NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and CB1 expression seen in the trophoblast of MTOP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Trophoblast after MTOP demonstrated high AEA concentrations with increased expression of NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and CB1.

Anandamide produced by Ca(2+)-insensitive enzymes induces excitation in primary sensory neurons.

The endogenous lipid agent N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), among other effects, has been shown to be involved in nociceptive processing both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Anandamide is thought to be synthesised by several enzymatic pathways both in a Ca(2+)-sensitive and Ca(2+)-insensitive manner, and rat primary sensory neurons produce anandamide. Here, we show for the first time, that cultured rat primary sensory neurons express at least four of the five known Ca(2+)-insensitive enzymes implicated in the synthesis of anandamide, and that application of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-arachidonoyl, the common substrate of the anandamide-synthesising pathways, results in anandamide production which is not changed by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). We also show that anandamide, which has been synthesised in primary sensory neurons following the application of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-arachidonoyl induces a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel-mediated excitatory effect that is not inhibited by concomitant activation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor. Finally, we show that sub-populations of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel-expressing primary sensory neurons also express some of the putative Ca(2+)-insensitive anandamide-synthesising enzymes. Together, these findings indicate that anandamide synthesised by primary sensory neuron via a Ca(2+)-insensitive manner has an excitatory rather than an inhibitory role in primary sensory neurons and that excitation is mediated predominantly through autocrine signalling. Regulation of the activity of the Ca(2+)-insensitive anandamide-synthesising enzymes in these neurons may be capable of regulating the activity of these cells, with potential relevance to controlling nociceptive processing.

Plasma anandamide and related n-acylethanolamide levels are not elevated in pregnancies complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVES: Cannabinoids are effective antiemetics and the "endogenous cannabinoids" (endocannabinoids) are thought to modulate emesis in both humans and animal models. Endocannabinoids, their receptors and their metabolising enzymes are present in peripheral blood and a reduction in blood endocannabinoid concentration has been observed in individuals with excessive nausea and vomiting following parabolic flight manoeuvres. We tested the hypothesis that plasma endocannabinoid levels are similarly perturbed in women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition where the aetiopathogenesis is still unknown, compared to normal pregnant controls. METHODS: Plasma N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-oleoylethanolamide and N-palmitoylethanolamide were quantified in women with HG (n = 15) and matched normal pregnant controls (n = 30) using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS utilising an isotope dilution method and selective ion monitoring. RESULTS: No significant differences in anandamide, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide levels were observed between the two groups. There were no significant correlations between these endocannabinoids and plasma haematocrit and serum urea or sodium concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: These results would suggest that either the circulating endocannabinoids quantified may not be key modulating factors in HG or that the expected endocannabinoid system response to the stress induced by nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy remain unchanged in women with HG.

The endocannabinoid system and sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers.

The "endocannabinoid system (ECS)" comprises the endocannabinoids, the enzymes that regulate their synthesis and degradation, the prototypical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), some noncannabinoid receptors, and an, as yet, uncharacterised transport system. Recent evidence suggests that both cannabinoid receptors are present in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancer tissues and potentially play an important role in those malignancies. Sex steroid hormones regulate the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids prevent tumour development through putative protective mechanisms that prevent cell growth and migration, suggesting an important role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of sex hormone-dependent tumours and metastasis. Here, the role of the endocannabinoid system in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers is described and the potential for novel therapies assessed.

Anandamide levels fluctuate in the bovine oviduct during the oestrous cycle.

Mammalian oviduct acts as a reservoir for spermatozoa and provides an environment in which they may compete for the opportunity to fertilize the oocyte. Whilst in the oviduct spermatozoa undergo capacitation essential for fertilization. Sperm-oviduct interaction is essential for sperm capacitation and is a tightly regulated process influenced by the local microenvironment. Previously we reported that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) regulates sperm release from epithelial oviductal cells by promoting sperm capacitation. The aims of this work were to measure the AEA content and to characterize the main AEA metabolic pathway in the bovine oviduct and determine how these change through the oestrous cycle. In this study, the levels of AEA and two other N-acylethanolamines, N-oleoylethanolamine and N-palmitoylethanolamine, were measured in bovine oviduct collected during different stages of oestrous cycle by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicated that intracellular oviductal epithelial levels of all three N-acylethanolamines fluctuate during oestrous cycle. Anandamide from oviductal fluid also varied during oestrous cycle, with the highest values detected during the periovulatory period. Endocannabinoid levels from ipsilateral oviduct to ovulation were higher than those detected in the contralateral one, suggesting that levels of oviductal AEA may be regulated by ovarian hormones. The expression and localization of N-acylethanolamines metabolizing enzymes in bovine oviduct were also determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry but no change was found during the oestrous cycle. Furthermore, nanomolar levels of AEA were detected in follicular fluids, suggesting that during ovulation the mature follicle may contribute to oviductal AEA levels to create an endocannabinoid gradient conducive to the regulation of sperm function for successful fertilization.

Elevated anandamide and related N-acylethanolamine levels occur in the peripheral blood of women with ectopic pregnancy and are mirrored by changes in peripheral fatty acid amide hydrolase activity.

BACKGROUND: Studies from knockout mice suggest that perturbations in oviductal endocannabinoid levels, endocannabinoid receptors, or endocannabinoid degrading enzyme [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)] expression result in infertility secondary to physical trapping of embryos. Similar observations have been made in ectopic pregnant women together with a suggestion that the endocannabinoid receptor gene polymorphism 1359G/A (rs1049353) is associated with ectopic pregnancy. These observations led to the hypothesis that ectopic pregnancy is associated with a perturbation in levels of endocannabinoids and FAAH activity and that such changes are associated with impaired tubal function. AIMS: The objective of the study was to quantify the plasma levels of endocannabinoids (anandamide, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide) and evaluate blood endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme activities FAAH and N-acyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) in ectopic pregnancy and normal pregnant controls and relate that to ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels. Additionally, we wanted to examine the effect of endocannabinoids on cilia beat frequency in Fallopian tube epithelial cells ex vivo. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Whole blood collected from ectopic and normal pregnancies was used for quantification of plasma endocannabinoid levels by ultra-HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry of FAAH and NAPE-PLD enzyme activities by radiometric assays, and ß-hCG by immunoassay. Fallopian tube epithelial cells from healthy volunteers were treated with endocannabinoids and cilia beat frequency analyzed using a high-speed digital camera and CiliaFA software. RESULTS: FAAH activity (P < .05) but not NAPE-PLD activity was significantly reduced in ectopic pregnancies. All 3 endocannabinoids levels were significantly higher (P < .05) in ectopic pregnancy. There was no correlation between endocannabinoids, enzyme activity, and ß-hCG levels. Oleoylethanolamide (P < .05), but not methanandamide or palmitoylethanolamide, significantly decreased cilia beat frequency in Fallopian tube epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Elevated endocannabinoid levels and reduced FAAH activity are associated with ectopic pregnancy and may modulate tubal function, suggesting dysfunctional endocannabinoid action in ectopic implantation. Oleoylethanolamide may play a critical role in embryo-tubal transport.

Dietary intake of rosmarinic acid by Apc(Min) mice, a model of colorectal carcinogenesis: levels of parent agent in the target tissue and effect on adenoma development.

SCOPE: Rosmarinic acid (RA), a constituent of culinary herbs is considered to possess cancer chemopreventive properties. It has been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in preclinical models but data are conflicting and whether it can protect against gastrointestinal malignancies in vivo has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RA on the development of intestinal adenomas in the Apc(Min) mouse model of colorectal carcinogenesis, and to correlate efficacy with levels of RA achieved in the plasma and gastrointestinal tract. METHODS AND RESULTS: RA inhibited the growth of APC10.1 cells derived from Apc(Min) mouse adenomas, with an IC50 of 43 µM. Consumption of dietary RA (0.3%) by Apc(Min) mice for 8 weeks post weaning decreased adenoma burden by ∼35%, but the difference from controls was not significant. Although RA significantly decreased the frequency of large adenomas, the number of small ones increased. Using a novel validated HPLC assay, average levels of RA in the plasma and intestinal mucosa of these mice were found to be 1.1 µM and 38 nmol/g, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chronic consumption of RA furnished quantifiable levels of parent compound in the plasma and intestinal tract of Apc(Min) mice and may slow adenoma development.

Characterisation of the endocannabinoid system in rat haemochorial placenta.

Trophoblast cells that comprise the placenta play a crucial role in the complex cross-talk between fetus and maternal tissues. Although anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the best studied endocannabinoids, affect trophoblast attachment and outgrowth, the functional significance of the endocannabinoid system in the development of placenta has not been established. We investigated the correlation between endocannabinoid levels and the pattern of expression of the receptors and metabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoid system during rat placental development. Here, we showed that all the endocannabinoid machinery is dynamically expressed in the functionally distinct basal and labyrinth zones of the rat placenta. Indeed, endocannabinoid levels are shown to increase with the progression of pregnancy. Together, these data support a role for the endocannabinoid system in normal placental function and evidence for a potential novel cellular target for the deleterious action of cannabis-derived compounds during the second half of pregnancy.

Rapid measurement of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in human biological matrices using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Interaction of reactive oxygen species with DNA results in a variety of modifications, including 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), which has been extensively studied as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes relevant to obstetrics and gynecology; however, there is a lack of understanding as to the precise role of oxidative stress in these processes. We aimed to develop a rapid, validated assay for the accurate quantification of 8-oxodG in human urine using solid-phase extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and then investigate the levels of 8-oxodG in several fluids of interest to obstetrics and gynecology. Using UHPLC-MS/MS, 8-oxodG eluted after 3.94 min with an RSD for 15 injections of 0.07%. The method was linear between 0.95 and 95 nmol/L with LOD and LOQ of 5 and 25 fmol on-column, respectively. Accuracy and precision were 98.7-101.0 and <10%, respectively, over three concentrations of 8-oxodG. Recovery from urine was 88% with intra- and interday variations of 4.0 and 10.2%, respectively. LOQ from urine was 0.9 pmol/ml. Rank order from the greatest to lowest 8-oxodG concentration was urine>seminal plasma>amniotic fluid>plasma>serum>peritoneal fluid, and it was not detected in saliva. Urine concentrations normalized to creatinine (n=15) ranged between 0.55 and 1.95 pmol/µmol creatinine. We describe, for the first time, 8-oxodG concentrations in human seminal plasma, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and breast milk, as well as in urine, plasma, and serum, using a rapid UHPLC-MS/MS method that will further facilitate biomonitoring of oxidative stress.

Smoking induces differential miRNA expression in human spermatozoa: a potential transgenerational epigenetic concern?

Recent work has suggested that environmental chemicals, including those contained in cigarette smoke, can have adverse effects on the exposed individuals as well as their future progeny. The mechanisms underlying transmission of environmentally induced phenotypes through the germ line are not well understood. However, a predominant process appears to be the establishment of permanent heritable epigenetic alterations, and a number of studies have implicated microRNAs in such processes. Here, we show that cigarette smoke induces specific differences in the spermatozoal microRNA content of human smokers compared with non-smokers, and that these altered microRNAs appear to predominantly mediate pathways vital for healthy sperm and normal embryo development, particularly cell death and apoptosis. microRNA-mediated perturbation of such pathways may explain how harmful phenotypes can be induced in the progeny of smokers.

Characterization of the endocannabinoid system, CB(1) receptor signalling and desensitization in human myometrium.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The endocannabinoid plays vital roles in several aspects of reproduction, including gametogenesis, fertilization and parturition. However, little is known regarding the presence or role of the endocannabinoid system in myometrial function. Here the presence of the endocannabinoid system and signalling properties of cannabinoid receptors were characterized. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Components of the endocannabinoid system were identified using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical, immunoblotting and radioligand binding experiments. Cannabinoid receptor signalling pathways were characterized using standard MAPK and second messenger assays. KEY RESULTS: Primary myometrium expresses the endocannabinoid synthesizing enzyme N-acyl-phosphatidyl ethanolamine-specific phospholipase D, endocannabinoid degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase and cannabinoid CB(1) , but not CB(2) receptors or transient receptor potential vanilloid-type-1 channels. The CB(1) receptor ligand anandamide caused a Gα(i/o) -dependent inhibition of adenylate cyclase reducing intracellular cAMP levels, and Gα(i/o) , phosphoinositide-3-kinase, Src-kinase-dependent ERK activation. CB(1) receptor-generated signals declined following continual anandamide stimulation, possibly due to ligand metabolism since free anandamide concentrations declined during the experiment from 2.5 µM initially, to 500 nM after >30 min. However, identical loss of CB(1) receptor responsiveness occurred in the presence of the metabolically stable derivative methanandamide. Moreover, RNAi-mediated depletion of arrestin3 (a negative regulator of receptor signalling) prevented loss of CB(1) receptor activity, enhancing and prolonging ERK signals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The myometrium has the capacity to synthesize, respond to and degrade endocannabinoids. Furthermore, reduced CB(1) receptor responsiveness occurs as a consequence of receptor desensitization, not agonist depletion and we identify a key role for arrestin3 in this process.

Quantitative analysis of anandamide and related acylethanolamides in human seminal plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The endocannabinoids anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide have been detected in human seminal plasma and are bioactive lipids implicated in regulation of sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Several methods exist for endocannabinoid quantification but none have been validated for measurement in human seminal plasma. We describe sensitive, robust, reproducible solid phase and isotope-dilution UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods for the extraction and quantification of anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide in human seminal plasma. Precision and accuracy were evaluated using pooled seminal plasma over a 4 day period. For all analytes, the inter- and intraday precision (CV%) was between 6.6-17.7% and 6.3-12.5%, respectively. Analyses were linear over the range 0.237-19nM for anandamide and oleoylethanolamide and 0.9-76nM for PEA. Limits of detection (signal-to-noise >3) were 50, 100 and 100fmol/mL and limits of quantification (signal-to-noise >10) were 100, 200 and 200fmol/mL, respectively for anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide. Anandamide and oleoylethanolamide were stable at -80°C for up to 4 weeks, but palmitoylethanolamide declined significantly. We assessed seminal plasma from 40 human donors with normozoospermia and found mean (inter-quartile range) concentrations of 0.21nM (0.09-0.27), 1.785nM (0.48-2.32) and 15.54nM (7.05-16.31) for anandamide, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide, respectively. Consequently, this UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method represents a rapid, reliable and reproducible technique for the analysis of these endocannabinoids in fresh seminal plasma.

Simultaneous measurement of three N-acylethanolamides in human bio-matrices using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Endocannabinoids including N-acylethanolamides (NAEs) are a family of lipid-related signaling molecules implicated in many physiological and disease states which elicit their activities via the cannabinoid receptors. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) is the most characterized endocannabinoid and has been detected in many tissues and bio-fluids including human plasma and the central nervous system. The endocannabinoid-like NAEs, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) are described as entourage compounds because they illicit similar physiological effects to AEA but have little or no affinity for cannabinoid receptors. As entourage compounds, levels of these NAEs can greatly influence the efficacy of AEA yet there are few studies which measure these compounds in bio-fluids. Here we describe a rapid, highly sensitive, specific and highly reproducible ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of AEA, OEA, and PEA in human bio-fluids including plasma, serum, breast milk, and amniotic fluids. This validated method using deuterated (AEA-d(8), OEA-d(2), and PEA-d(4)) internal standards, represents an improvement over previous analyses in terms of run time (4 min), limit of detection (0.9 fmol on column for AEA and PEA and 4.4 fmol on column for OEA), precision (relative standard deviations of peak areas: 3.1% (AEA), 2.9% (OEA), and 5.4% (PEA) for 133 fmol on column) and accuracy (95.1-104.9%). The sensitivity and precision of the validated method described here suggests that this method is suitable for the analysis of AEA, OEA, and PEA in clinical samples and may be utilized for the investigation of bio-matrices containing limited amounts of NAEs.

Anthocyanin-rich red grape extract impedes adenoma development in the Apc(Min) mouse: pharmacodynamic changes and anthocyanin levels in the murine biophase.

PURPOSE: Red grape pomace extract (oenocyanin) is a cheap and rich source of anthocyanins, the agents suggested to possess cancer chemopreventive properties. Here the hypothesis was tested that oenocyanin added to the diet can interfere with intestinal adenoma development in the Apc(Min) mouse, a model of intestinal carcinogenesis linked to an Apc mutation. METHODS: Mice received oenocyanin (0.3%) in their diet until week 16, when adenoma number and burden were recorded. Expression of Akt and ERK proteins was studied by Western blot in adenomas to discover effects of anthocyanins on cellular signalling via the PI3 and MAP kinase pathways. Levels of anthocyanins were measured by HPLC with visible spectroscopic or mass spectrometric detection. RESULTS: In mice which had consumed oenocyanin, overall adenoma burden was halved and adenoma number was marginally reduced when compared with mice on control diet. The proliferation index in colonic adenomatous crypts, as reflected by Ki-67 staining, was significantly decreased from 88.14% in control mice to 75.6+/-4% in mice on oenocyanin (P=0.014). Expression of Akt in small intestinal adenomas from Apc(Min) mice on oenocyanin was reduced by 54% (P=0.003), when compared to controls. Oenocyanin anthocyanins and glucuronide metabolites were found in the urine and intestine but not in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that oenocyanin may be a viable and economical alternative to anthocyanin-rich berry extracts for chemopreventive intervention. Akt and pErk might be suitable biomarkers of anthocyanin target organ efficacy.

From Fertilisation to Implantation in Mammalian Pregnancy-Modulation of Early Human Reproduction by the Endocannabinoid System.

There is an increasing recognition that the endocannabinoid system is the crucial cytokine-hormone system regulating early human pregnancy. The synchronous development of the fertilized embryo and the endometrium to ensure timely implantation has been shown to be one of the pivotal steps to successful implantation. This development is thought to be regulated by a finely balanced relationship between various components of the endocannabinoid system in the endometrium, the embryo and the Fallopian tube. In addition, this system has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of the development and maturation of the gametes prior to fertilization. In this review, we will examine the evidence from animal and human studies to support the role of the endocannabinoid system in gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, early pregnancy maintenance, and in immunomodulation of pregnancy. We will discuss the role of the cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of the key endocannabinoid ligands (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachinoylglycerol) in early reproduction.

Anandamide levels in human female reproductive tissues: solid-phase extraction and measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide), a bioactive lipid, is reported to play a role in pregnancy maintenance and parturition. Our aims were to (1) evaluate AEA levels at the human maternal:fetal interface and (2) validate the use of solid-phase extraction of AEA from tissues. AEA was analyzed in cord and maternal blood, amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal membranes collected during Caesarean section (n=14). Extraction efficiencies were 42 and 36% for the placenta and the fetal membranes, respectively. Tissue AEA was quantified using an isotope-dilution method and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS giving intra- and inter-day variability for tissues spiked with 0.2, 1, and 5pmol/g AEA of less than 12%. Accuracy for these spiked samples was between 95% and 103% for fetal membranes and between 99% and 114% for placenta. Mean AEA concentrations were 2.72 + or - 1.04 pmol/g for placenta and 1.19 + or - 0.68 pmol/g for fetal membranes, and 0.93 + or - 0.28, 0.88 + or - 0.33, 0.77 + or - 0.30, and 0.06 + or - 0.04nM for maternal, umbilical vein, and umbilical artery plasma and amniotic fluid. Higher AEA concentrations were found in placenta compared to fetal membranes (P<0.0001), in umbilical vein compared with umbilical artery (P=0.0015), and in plasma from maternal circulation compared with umbilical artery (P=0.0152). The relevance of these changes in AEA concentrations at the maternal:fetal interface requires further investigation.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the putative cancer chemopreventive agent cyanidin-3-glucoside in mice.

PURPOSE: Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin component of fruits and berries, possesses cancer chemopreventive properties in mouse models of carcinogenesis. Its pharmacokinetics and metabolism in mice have hitherto not been studied. METHODS: C57BL6J mice received C3G by either gavage at 500 mg/kg or tail vein injection at 1 mg/kg. Blood, urine, bile and heart, lung, kidney, liver, prostate, brain and gastrointestinal (gi) mucosal tissues were obtained up to 2 h after administration. Levels of C3G and its anthocyanin metabolites were determined by HPLC with visible detection. Metabolites were identified by LC/MS/MS. RESULTS: After oral administration peak concentrations of anthocyanins occurred within 30 min after administration. Levels were highest in the urine and gi mucosa. In the gi mucosa and liver the predominant flavonoid species after oral administration was C3G, whilst after iv dosing the majority of anthocyanins was C3G metabolites. After oral or iv administration, C3G half-lives in the different biofluids and tissues ranged from 0.7 to 1.8 h and 0.3 to 0.7 h, respectively. Systemic bioavailabilities for parent C3G and total anthocyanins were 1.7 and 3.3%, respectively. The major metabolites of C3G were products of methylation and glucuronidation. Cyanidin was a minor metabolite in the gut. CONCLUSION: C3G and its metabolites were recovered from murine tissues which may be targets for cancer chemopreventive intervention. Anthocyanin levels achieved in the gi mucosa, prostate and the kidneys were of an order of magnitude consistent with pharmacological activity.