Neuroprotection by the cannabidiol aminoquinone VCE-004.8 in experimental ischemic stroke in mice. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lavayen, Bianca P.; Yang, Changjun; Larochelle, Jonathan; Liu, Lei; Tishko, Ryland J.; de Oliveira, Antonio Carlos Pinheiro; Muñoz, Eduardo; Candelario-Jalil, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Neurochemistry international. Volume 165(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Cannabinoids -- VCE-004.8 -- Neuroinflammation -- Blood-brain barrier -- Ischemic stroke; Neurochemistry -- Periodicals; Neurochemistry -- Periodicals; Neurochimie -- Périodiques; Neurochemistry; Periodicals; 612.804205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-0186

Abstract

Abstract: Synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) derivative VCE-004.8 is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2 ) dual agonist with hypoxia mimetic activity. The oral formulation of VCE-004.8, termed EHP-101, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The activation of PPARγ or CB2 receptors exerts neuroprotective effects by dampening neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke models. However, the effect of a dual PPARγ/CB2 agonist in ischemic stroke models is not known. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with VCE-004.8 confers neuroprotection in young mice subjected to cerebral ischemia. Male C57BL/6J mice, aged 3–4 months, were subjected to 30-min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal VCE-004.8 treatment (10 or 20 mg/kg) either at the onset of reperfusion or 4h or 6h after the reperfusion. Seventy-two hours after ischemia, animals were subjected to behavioral tests. Immediately after the tests, animals were perfused, and brains were collected for histology and PCR analysis. Treatment with VCE-004.8 either at the onset or 4h after reperfusion significantly reduced infarct volume and improved behavioral outcomes. A trend toward reduction in stroke injury was observed in animals receiving the drug starting 6h after recirculation. VCE-004.8 significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines involved in BBB breakdown. Mice receiving VCE-004.8 had significantly lower levels of extravasated IgG in the brain parenchyma, indicating protection against stroke-induced BBB disruption. Lower levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 were found in the brain of drug-treated animals. Our data show that VCE-004.8 is a promising drug candidate for treating ischemic brain injury. Since VCE-004.8 has been shown to be safe in the clinical setting, the possibility of repurposing its use as a delayed treatment option for ischemic stroke adds substantial translational value to our findings. Highlights: Treatment with VCE-004.8 dose-dependently reduces ischemic brain injury. Delayed administration of VCE-004.8 reduces cerebral infarction and improves behavioral outcomes. VCE-004.8 reduces stroke-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in the brain. Treatment with VCE-004.8 significantly reduces blood-brain barrier damage after ischemic stroke.