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Published on: December 15, 2023
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Cannabinoids in experimental stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Timothy J England1, William H Hind1, Nadiah A Rasid1
1Department of Vascular Medicine, Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.
Summary
Cannabinoids (CBs) significantly reduce stroke-related infarct volume and improve neurological function in preclinical models. This systematic review highlights their neuroprotective potential, guiding future research for stroke treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Stroke Research
Background:
- Cannabinoids (CBs) are being investigated for their neuroprotective properties.
- Some CBs are already approved for human use in other medical conditions.
- Preclinical stroke models offer a platform to evaluate the efficacy of CBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of cannabinoids on experimental stroke.
- To guide future experimental protocols for cannabinoid research in stroke.
- To analyze the impact of CBs on infarct volume and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled studies on acute cannabinoid administration in experimental stroke.
- Data extraction on lesion volume, functional outcome, and study quality.
- Analysis using random-effect models, expressing results as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids significantly reduced infarct volume in both transient and permanent experimental stroke models.
- Various subclasses of cannabinoids, including endocannabinoids, CB1/CB2 ligands, CB2 ligands, cannabidiol, and tetrahydrocannabinol, demonstrated efficacy.
- Significant improvements were observed in both early and late neuroscores, with no impact on survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of stroke, reducing infarct volume and improving functional outcomes.
- Further research is warranted in more complex models, including aged and female animals with comorbidities, to translate these findings.
- The findings support the continued investigation of cannabinoids as a therapeutic strategy for stroke.
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