<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. Extract Increases COX-1, COX-2 and TNF-α in the Hippocampus of Rats with Neuropathic Pain

Inflammation is the critical component of neuropathic pain; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effects of <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. extracts in a vincristine-induced model of neuropathic pain. The effects of different doses (5.0–40.0 mg/kg) of two <i...

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Main Authors: Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, Małgorzata Jamka, Radosław Kujawski, Marcin Hołysz, Agnieszka Bienert, Kamila Czora-Poczwardowska, Michał Szulc, Przemysław Mikołajczak, Anna Bogacz, Anna-Maria Wizner, Karolina Wielgus, Ryszard Słomski, Edyta Mądry
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/194
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Summary:Inflammation is the critical component of neuropathic pain; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effects of <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. extracts in a vincristine-induced model of neuropathic pain. The effects of different doses (5.0–40.0 mg/kg) of two <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. extracts (B and D) on COX-1, COX-2, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA and protein levels were examined in the rat hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and blood lymphocytes. There were statistically significant differences in COX-1, COX-2, and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, with significant differences in COX-2 and TNF-α in the lymphocytes. Extract D dose-dependently increased COX-1 mRNA and protein in the hippocampus and cortex. In contrast, Extract B dose-dependently increased COX-1 mRNA and decreased COX-2 mRNA (in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg) and TNF-α protein levels in the cortex. <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. extracts significantly influenced the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins, with effects varying based on dose and tissue type. The increased expression of COX-1, COX-2, and TNF-α (in comparison to groups receiving NaCl, vincristine, and gabapentin) in the rat hippocampus and COX-1 in the cerebral cortex suggests that <i>Cannabis</i> may have a pro-inflammatory effect. Due to species specificity, the results of our research based on rats require confirmation in humans. However, <i>Cannabis sativa</i> should be recommended with caution for treating pain with an inflammatory component.
ISSN:1420-3049