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Cannabinoids as anti-ROS in aged pancreatic islet cells

Maryam Baeeri1, Mahban Rahimifard1, Seyed Mojtaba Daghighi1

  • 1Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.

Life Sciences
|June 20, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol reduce cellular aging markers in pancreatic islets. These cannabinoids enhance insulin release and reduce oxidative stress, suggesting a role in healthy cellular aging.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors, influencing the central nervous system.
  • Limited knowledge exists regarding cannabinoids' role in regulating cellular aging.
  • Pancreatic islet function is crucial for metabolic health and is susceptible to aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on aged pancreatic islet cells.
  • To assess the impact of CBD and THC on key markers of cellular aging in pancreatic islets.
  • To explore the potential of these cannabinoids in mitigating age-related functional decline in pancreatic islets.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative assessment of aging hallmarks including p53, p38, p21, p16 gene expression, and β-galactosidase activity.
  • Utilized real-time PCR, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry for gene and protein expression analysis.
  • Compared Pdx1 protein expression, insulin release, and oxidative stress markers in young versus aged rat pancreatic islet cells.

Main Results:

  • CBD and THC treatment reduced the expression of aging markers (p53, p38, p21) and β-galactosidase activity in aged pancreatic islets.
  • Both cannabinoids significantly increased insulin release, Pdx1, Glut2, and thiol molecule expression.
  • A decrease in oxidative stress markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed, correlating with enhanced Pdx1 expression and insulin release.

Conclusions:

  • CBD and THC demonstrate a protective effect against cellular aging in pancreatic islets.
  • These cannabinoids promote healthy cellular aging by reducing oxidative stress and improving islet function.
  • The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for CBD and THC in managing age-related metabolic dysfunction.
Keywords:
CannabidiolCellular agingInsulinIslet cellsOxidative stressROS

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