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Review

Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy

by
Bogdan Ionel Tamba
1,
Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
1,*,
Cristina Mariana Urîtu
1,*,
Elena Rezus
2,*,
Raluca Stefanescu
1,
Cosmin Teodor Mihai
1,
Andrei Luca
1,3,
Gabriela Rusu-Zota
4,
Maria-Magdalena Leon-Constantin
5,
Elena Cojocaru
6,
Bogdan Gafton
7 and
Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
1,7
1
Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
2
Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
3
Department of Pneumology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
4
Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
5
Medical Semiology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
6
Morpho-Functional Sciences Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
7
Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Medicina 2020, 56(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56010024
Submission received: 20 November 2019 / Revised: 5 January 2020 / Accepted: 7 January 2020 / Published: 9 January 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Use of Medicinal Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Cannabis has been used in pain management since 2900 BC. In the 20th century, synthetic cannabinoids began to emerge, thus opening the way for improved efficacy. The search for new forms of synthetic cannabinoids continues and, as such, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive tool for the research and development of this promising class of drugs. Methods for the in vitro assessment of cytotoxic, mutagenic or developmental effects are presented, followed by the main in vivo pain models used in cannabis research and the results yielded by different types of administration (systemic versus intrathecal versus inhalation). Animal models designed for assessing side-effects and long-term uses are also discussed. In the second part of this review, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of synthetic cannabinoid biodistribution, together with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric identification of synthetic cannabinoids in biological fluids from rodents to humans are presented. Last, but not least, different strategies for improving the solubility and physicochemical stability of synthetic cannabinoids and their potential impact on pain management are discussed. In conclusion, synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most promising classes of drugs in pain medicine, and preclinical research should focus on identifying new and improved alternatives for a better clinical and preclinical outcome.
Keywords: synthetic cannabinoids; analgesia; animal models; delivery systems; pain therapy synthetic cannabinoids; analgesia; animal models; delivery systems; pain therapy

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Tamba, B.I.; Stanciu, G.D.; Urîtu, C.M.; Rezus, E.; Stefanescu, R.; Mihai, C.T.; Luca, A.; Rusu-Zota, G.; Leon-Constantin, M.-M.; Cojocaru, E.; et al. Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy. Medicina 2020, 56, 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56010024

AMA Style

Tamba BI, Stanciu GD, Urîtu CM, Rezus E, Stefanescu R, Mihai CT, Luca A, Rusu-Zota G, Leon-Constantin M-M, Cojocaru E, et al. Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy. Medicina. 2020; 56(1):24. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56010024

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tamba, Bogdan Ionel, Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu, Cristina Mariana Urîtu, Elena Rezus, Raluca Stefanescu, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Andrei Luca, Gabriela Rusu-Zota, Maria-Magdalena Leon-Constantin, Elena Cojocaru, and et al. 2020. "Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy" Medicina 56, no. 1: 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56010024

APA Style

Tamba, B. I., Stanciu, G. D., Urîtu, C. M., Rezus, E., Stefanescu, R., Mihai, C. T., Luca, A., Rusu-Zota, G., Leon-Constantin, M.-M., Cojocaru, E., Gafton, B., & Alexa-Stratulat, T. (2020). Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy. Medicina, 56(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56010024

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