Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems in Pain: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms and Use in Clinical Practice, Health, and Fitness
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Genesis and Modulation of Nociception in the Nervous System
2.1. Modulation of the Signal in the Central Nervous System
2.2. The Role of Brain Structures
2.3. Descending Pathways, Bidirectional Control, and DNIC
3. Opioid and Cannabinoid Receptors in Pain: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms
3.1. Opioid Receptors
3.2. Cannabinoid Receptors
3.3. The Epigenetic Modulation of Genes Encoding for Opioid and Cannabinoid Receptors in Pain
4. Emerging Applications of CBD in Pain Management
4.1. Clinical Applications of CBD in Disease
4.2. CBD in Health and Fitness, and Sport
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Gene | Effects on Transcription | Epigenetic Modification | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Oprm1 | ↓ | ↑ H3K9me2 ↑ H3K27me3 ↓ H3K4me3 | [88] |
Oprm1 | ↓ | H3/H4 hypoacethylation | [95] |
Oprm1 | ↓ | ↑ promoter DNA methylation via MBD1-dependent recruitment of DNMT3a | [84] |
Oprm1 and Oprk1 | ↓ | ↑DNA methylation via MBD1-dependent recruitment of DNMT3a for Oprm1 | [96] |
Cnr1 | ↓ | ↑ H3K9me2 at promoter region | [89] |
Cnr2 | ↑ | ↑ H3K4me3 ↑ H3K9ac ↓ H3K9me2 ↓ H3K27me3 No effect on DNA methylation | [97] |
Feature | Opioids | Cannabinoids |
---|---|---|
Main effects | Pain relief | Varies depending on the specific cannabinoid (THC can be psychoactive, CBD is not) |
Mechanism of action | Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and body | Binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body |
Risks | Addiction, overdose, death | Impaired coordination and reaction time, potential for dependence |
Use in sports | Pain management | Pain management, inflammation, anxiety (though prohibited by most anti-doping agencies) |
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Secondulfo, C.; Mazzeo, F.; Pastorino, G.M.G.; Vicidomini, A.; Meccariello, R.; Operto, F.F. Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems in Pain: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms and Use in Clinical Practice, Health, and Fitness. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 9407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179407
Secondulfo C, Mazzeo F, Pastorino GMG, Vicidomini A, Meccariello R, Operto FF. Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems in Pain: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms and Use in Clinical Practice, Health, and Fitness. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(17):9407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179407
Chicago/Turabian StyleSecondulfo, Carmine, Filomena Mazzeo, Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino, Antonella Vicidomini, Rosaria Meccariello, and Francesca Felicia Operto. 2024. "Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems in Pain: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms and Use in Clinical Practice, Health, and Fitness" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25, no. 17: 9407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179407