Abstract
Both the kynurenine and the endocannabinoid systems are involved in several neurological disorders, such as migraine and there are increasing number of reports demonstrating that there are interactions of two systems. Although their cooperation has not yet been implicated in migraine, there are reports suggesting this possibility. Additionally, the individual role of the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system in migraine is reviewed here first, focusing on endocannabinoids, kynurenine metabolites, in particular kynurenic acid. Finally, the function of NMDA and cannabinoid receptors in the trigeminal system—which has a crucial role in the pathomechanisms of migraine—will also be discussed. The interaction of the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system has been demonstrated to be therapeutically relevant in a number of pathological conditions, such as cannabis addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Accordingly, the cross-talk of these two systems may imply potential mechanisms related to migraine, and may offer new approaches to manage the treatment of this neurological disorder.
Highlights
The endocannabinoid system is involved in several neurological pathological conditions including neuropathic pain, inflammatory diseases, movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease) and multiple sclerosis [1,2,3]
The aim of this review is to demonstrate the interaction between the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system in relation to migraine
Blocking the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme by irreversible inhibitors such as URB597 has been reported to be a promising treatment for smoking addiction [66,81,82] and it enhanced opioid analgesia [83,84]. 2-AG is formed from the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid and glycerol [79]. 2-AG can be found in relatively high concentration in the nervous system [85] and it is mainly degraded by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) [86,87]
Summary
The endocannabinoid system is involved in several neurological pathological conditions including neuropathic pain, inflammatory diseases, movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease) and multiple sclerosis [1,2,3]. Growing evidence implies that endocannabinoid and glutamatergic systems are connected to migraine pathophysiology. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that migraine could alsobe linked to the kynurenine pathway (KP) itself [8]. KYNA has a neuroprotective function and it might prove to be a future candidate in the treatment of migraine possibly by its NMDA antagonism. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the interaction between the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system in relation to migraine. The review will discuss the involvement of each system in migraine separately, focusing on glutamate, kynurenines, endocannabinoids and the role of NMDA and cannabinoid receptors in the trigeminal system. We will cover the already demonstrated or possible interactions of the kynurenine and endocannabinoid systems, which can be potentially relevant to migraine
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