Abstract
Exposure of macrophages and microglia cells to the saturated palmitic acid (PA) leads to reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (), shrinkage of the cells and apoptosis. Here we show that the Cannabis component Cannabidiol (CBD) rescues both macrophages and microglia cells from the detrimental effects of PA. CBD prevents the shrinkage in cell size and the reduction incaused by PA. The protective effect of CBD on the macrophage mitochondria is important for sustaining the macrophage population even under the immunosuppressed conditions caused by this drug. To a similar extent, the antagonistic effect of CBD on PA-mediated microglia cytotoxicity is important for its role in neuroprotection.
Highlights
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to exert strong anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties [1]-[6], besides its well-known anti-microbial activities [7]
We have shown that CBD antagonizes the cytotoxic effects of Palmitic acid (PA) on both macrophages and microglia cells
A recent study has observed a similar protection of hepatocytes from PA-induced apoptosis by CBD [19]
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to exert strong anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties [1]-[6], besides its well-known anti-microbial activities [7]. CBD has been shown to be neuroprotective and possess anti-oxidative activities [8]. These promiscuous properties have made CBD a broad-spectrum attractive drug for the treatment of a wide range of diseases such as autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and for the alleviation of cancer-associated and other disease-associated pain [6] [9]. CBD has been shown to exert anti-epileptic, anxiolytic and anti-psychotic activities [8]. CBD alters microglial gene expression in response to lipopolysaccharides, with a prominent elevation of Nrf2-regulated genes involved in oxidant defense and redox signaling [14]
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