Targeting Trauma-Induced Endocannabinoid System Dysfunction: A Novel Neuroprotective Approach For Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors

Praveen Kumar, Sunishtha Kalra, Himanshu Sachdeva, Balwan Singh, Rishi Pal, Ram Dayal, Govind Singh


Published

August 20, 2023

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary injury results in neuronal damage and initiates secondary injuries like neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and blood-brain barrier disruption. This results in long-term cognitive, behavioral and motor deficits. Existing therapeutic options for TBI focus on symptomatic management rather than directly addressing the cellular processes that drive secondary damage. Novel neuroprotective therapies are urgently needed. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a promising therapeutic target for TBI. The ECS comprises the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG, cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and metabolic enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). It is involved in synaptic function, neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress and neuronal loss. Modulation the ECS through receptor agonists/antagonists, inhibitors of endocannabinoid catabolism, or combination approaches represents a novel neuroprotective strategy in TBI.

Citations

Kumar, P., Kalra, S., Sachdeva, H., Singh, B., Pal, R., Dayal, R., & Singh, G. (2023). Targeting Trauma-Induced Endocannabinoid System Dysfunction: A Novel Neuroprotective Approach For Traumatic Brain Injury. Latin American Journal of Pharmacy, 42(3), 1562-1578.