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The Potential of JWH-133 to Inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Uterine Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Nihal Inandiklioglu1, Taylan Onat2, Kayode Yomi Raheem3
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Yozgat Bozok University, 66200 Yozgat, Türkiye.
Abstract:
In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the biological and molecular pathways that regulate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, despite these developments, various pharmacological agents are still being tested to either protect against or mitigate the damage caused by the IR's harmful consequences. JWH133 is a CB2R-selective agonist and belongs to the class of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. The present study aimed to determine the in vivo effect of JWH-133 on uterine IR injury via the TLR4/NF-κB, pathway. Female Wistar albino rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into five groups. Three different doses of JWH-133 (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg) were administered to the rats. RNA was isolated from uterine tissue samples, and gene expression was measured by RT-PCR using specific primers. The interaction energies and binding affinities of JWH-133 with IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TLR-4, and TNF-α were calculated through molecular docking analysis. The expression analysis revealed that JWH-133 administration significantly reduced the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TLR-4, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). Notably, in the 1 mg/kg JWH-133 group, all of the gene expression levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The molecular docking results showed that JWH-133 formed hydrogen bonds with GLU64 of IL-1β, SER226 of IL-6, and SER62 of TNF-α. This study highlights the molecular binding affinity of JWH-133 and its potential effects on inflammation in IR injury. These results pave the way for future research on its potential as a therapeutic target.
Insights
JWH-133, a CB2R agonist, significantly reduced inflammation markers in uterine ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Molecular docking confirmed JWH-133
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries cause significant damage, with ongoing research into protective pharmacological agents.
- Understanding the molecular pathways of I/R injury is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of JWH-133, a selective CB2 receptor agonist, on uterine I/R injury.
- To explore the role of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in mediating JWH-133's protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups and treated with varying doses of JWH-133 (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg).
- Gene expression of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TLR-4, TNF-α) was analyzed using RT-PCR.
- Molecular docking was employed to assess the binding affinity of JWH-133 with key inflammatory proteins.
Main Results:
- JWH-133 administration significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TLR-4, and TNF-α in uterine tissues (p < 0.05).
- The 1 mg/kg JWH-133 dose showed the most significant reduction in all measured inflammatory gene expression levels.
- Molecular docking revealed hydrogen bond interactions between JWH-133 and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Conclusions:
- JWH-133 demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in mitigating uterine ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of JWH-133 appear to be mediated through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
- JWH-133's molecular binding characteristics suggest its promise as a novel therapeutic target for I/R-related inflammation.

