Neuroprotective

Oleamide and the Endocannabinoid System Protect Against Excitotoxic Damage

A cannabinoid receptor-mediated mechanism participates in the neuroprotective effects of oleamide against excitotoxic damage in rat brain synaptosomes and cortical slices

In Summary

Oleamide, an endocannabinoid-like compound, has been found to work with the endocannabinoid receptors to protect against excitotoxic damage. Utilizing tryptophan metabolite quinolinic acid to induces the overactivations of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAr), eliciting excitotoxic effects. Various doses of oleamide were given to excitotoxic rats, revealing that oleamide did provide protective effects. Further examination confirmed that oleamide served a protective role by working through the endocannabinoid system. Future research should examine other compounds that could enact neuroprotective effects through the endocannabinoid system. 

Researchers continue to find novel targets for treatment within the endocannabinoid system. Although cannabis is not currently supported for medical use by the federal government the endocannabinoid system has far-reaching possibilities that can still be studied in the meantime. By using compounds like oleamide or other others that work on the endocannabinoid system researchers can determine new targets and therapeutic benefits of the endocannabinoid system. Researchers should continue to push for federally funded projects revolved around the endocannabinoid system as the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood considering the potential it holds. 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDOleamide and the Endocannabinoid System Protect Against Excitotoxic Damage
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The Dietary Flavonoid, Luteolin, Negatively Affects Neuronal Differentiation

In Summary:

The Importance of Chemical Structure: Functional Groups of Flavonoids

A recent study has revealed the detrimental effects of the flavonoid luteolin on neuronal differentiation in embryonic stem cells. Luteolin is a dietary flavonoid that has been researched due to its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions and is now being looked into for its supposed neuroprotective qualities. This study found that although luteolin does have some neuroprotective benefits it also has harmful side effects on neuronal development.  Apigenin is a similar flavonoid that also has neuroprotective qualities but does not disrupt differentiation, emphasizing how slight differences in chemical structure can change the effects of a flavonoid. 



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This paper can be reviewed HERE or in the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Dietary Flavonoid, Luteolin, Negatively Affects Neuronal Differentiation
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