Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2023-09
The Effect of the Synthetic Cannabinoid AB-CHMINACA on the Roles of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor,Angiopoietin-1,and Angiopoietin-2 in Brain Angiogenesis
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are new psychoactive compound that mimic the actions of tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from previously existing vessels, which is crucial in a variety of physiological and pathological circumstances, including drug addiction.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a specific SC compound (AB-CHMINACA) on angiogenesis and the gene expression of proangiogenic stimulators in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs).
Methods:
HBMVECs were cultured in 500 mL of DMEM media supplemented with specific additives as per the instructions provided in the endothelial cell growth kit. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The migration rates of HBMVECs were evaluated using the wound healing assay. In vitro tube formation was performed to assess the angiogenic ability of endothelial cells. The expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta and various pro-angiogenic stimulators were quantified using western blot, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques.
Results:
AB-CHMINACA enhanced angiogenic activities, including endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and capillary tube-like formation in HBMVECs. Furthermore, it stimulated the expression of proangiogenic stimulators at both the RNA and protein levels.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that AB-CHMINACA promotes angiogenic processes in the human brain, including endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Additionally, it upregulates the expression of proangiogenic stimulators at the molecular level. These results suggest that AB-CHMINACA could be considered an inducer of brain angiogenesis and may contribute to the development of innovative treatment strategies for disorders associated with abnormal angiogenesis.
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