Biology subjects

Naeini, S. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Naeini, S. E..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Protective role of Cannabidiol against nicotine pouch-induced seizure aggravation and alterations in brain glymphatic biomarkers.

Nicotine pouches are increasingly popular as a smokeless alternative to tobacco, yet their long-term neurological effects remain poorly understood. In this preclinical study, we investigated the time-dependent impact of oral nicotine pouch exposure on seizure susceptibility, glymphatic function, and neuroinflammation in mice, and evaluated the therapeutic potential of inhaled cannabidiol (CBD). Using the Racine scale, we found that acute nicotine exposure transiently reduced seizure severity, while chronic exposure significantly exacerbated seizures and impaired glymphatic integrity, as evidenced by downregulation of aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Chronic nicotine also elevated circulating levels of HMGB1 and IL-6, indicating sustained systemic inflammation. Notably, inhaled CBD reversed these pathological changes, reducing seizure severity, restoring AQP4 expression, and normalizing inflammatory markers. Molecular analyses further revealed upregulation of BDNF and c-FOS with chronic nicotine exposure, which was also mitigated by CBD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that while nicotine pouches may confer short-term neurophysiological modulation, chronic use poses significant risks for seizure vulnerability and glymphatic dysfunction. Inhaled CBD demonstrates strong neuroprotective potential and may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for individuals exposed to prolonged nicotine use. HighlightsO_LIChronic exposure to oral nicotine pouches exacerbates seizure severity in a preclinical model. C_LIO_LINicotine-induced seizures are associated with elevated neuroinflammation and impaired glymphatic function. C_LIO_LIInhaled cannabidiol (CBD) reverses nicotine-induced increases in HMGB1, IL-6, and seizure activity. C_LIO_LICBD restores Aquaporin-4 expression and reestablishes glymphatic integrity disrupted by nicotine. C_LIO_LISystems biology analysis reveals an IL-6-centered protein network targeted by CBD, offering mechanistic insight into its neuroprotective effects. C_LI

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Cannabidiol reverses fentanyl-induced addiction and modulates neuroinflammation

IntroductionFentanyl and non-pharmaceutical fentanyl use have been the leading causes of opioid-induced death worldwide. Being 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, fentanyl is a potent opioid with overdoses causing over 250,000 deaths since 2018 in the US alone. The treatment of fentanyl addiction is a complex process and a clinical challenge. There is a dire need to find other innovative and alternative modalities in the fight against fentanyl crisis. Increasing evidence suggests a correlation between neuroinflammation and symptoms of drug abuse, opening up the possibility of immunoregulatory agents as therapy for fentanyl addiction as well as a other opioid-induced addiction. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-opioid, relatively safe, non-psychoactive phyto-cannabinoid produced by cannabis plants. Importantly, recent reports have documented benefits of CBD in the treatment and management of complications related to opioid withdrawal. We investigated if inhaled CBD could reverse the fentanyl addiction and whether the CBD treatment could ameliorate the addiction symptoms by regulating neuroinflammatory signals and re-establishing the homeostasis in CNS. MethodWe used a fentanyl-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) model in mouse to test whether inhaled CBD could reverse the fentanyl addiction and ameliorate the adversarial symptoms. By employing a combination of flow cytometry as well as behavioral tests, we further assessed the impact of fentanyl addiction on cells and neuroinflammatory signals in CNS and we measured the effects of CBD in the treatment of addiction symptoms and inflammatory signals. ResultsOur findings suggest that CBD inhalation could be used effectively in the treatment of fentanyl addiction. CBD mitigated the excessive fentanyl-induced neuroinflammatory responses and decreased cellular stress and senescence. Conclusioninhaled CBD could alleviate the fentanyl addiction and regulate neuroinflammatory responses. This novel approach is non-invasive, accessible, effective, and warrants further, translational and research.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2024

The synergy between cannabidiol and probiotics curtails the glycemic indicators, enhances insulin production, and alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes continues to challenge healthcare system as one of the most growing epidemics with staggering economic burden. It is estimated that 783 million by 2045 will live with diabetes worldwide, 90% of those cases are type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is a multifaceted disease, its treatment requires a holistic approach, beyond single target medications with high efficacy. There is a dire need to explore and invent new and effective therapeutic modalities for T2D. In this study we tested whether a combined formulation of cannabidiol (CBD) and probiotics could control glycemic indices and alleviate symptoms of T2D. We used a mouse model of T2D, replaced their drinking water with a combination of CBD and probiotics formulated as a commercially available beverage. Our findings demonstrated that combination of CBD and probiotics not only reduced the glycemic indices (HbA1c & FBG), but also altered the microbiome profile, promoted beneficial bacteria. Further, the CBD/probiotic combination reduced peripheral inflammatory cytokines and enhanced insulin production in pancreatic islets. In conclusion, our results suggest that consumption of combined CBD and probiotics could be used as a natural, practical, affordable, and safe alternative and complementary therapeutic modality to treat T2D.

molecular biology↗