APPLICATION OF GENISTEIN AND ITS PHOSPHATE ESTER DERIVATIVE AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING THE SAME

The present invention provides an application of genistein and its phosphate ester derivative for treating or preventing diseases mediated by the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) in an individual. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing CB1 receptor-mediated diseases, comprising an effective amount of genistein and its phosphate ester derivative.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical technology and pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising genistein and its phosphate ester derivatives, as well as their uses, particularly for the treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases.

2. Description of Related Art

Marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs worldwide. The growing legalization of marijuana is expected to increase the use of marijuana, highlighting the need to learn about its adverse effects, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular systems.

Retrospective studies indicate that marijuana increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction (MI), angina, and arrhythmias. Marijuana exposure is known to induce endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, and metabolic dysfunction in animal models. Nevertheless, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two synthetic cannabinoids for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and HIV-associated anorexia: dronabinol and nabilone (Whiting et al., 2015). However, synthetic cannabinoids are also associated with adverse cardiovascular effects (Pacher et al., 2018).

The main active ingredient contained in marijuana is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which interacts with specific receptors in the human body, such as: cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 receptor) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2 receptor), both of which belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to exogenous Δ9-THC, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that exists naturally in the human body also has a similar effect. The endocannabinoid anandamide is made on-demand, unlike classical neurotransmitters, and causes vasodilation, bradycardia, and hypotension (Movahed et al., 2005). By binding to the cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids can play a role in regulating physiological functions such as metabolism, memory, emotion, pain and immunity in the body.

In addition to being abundantly expressed in the brain, CB1 receptor is also expressed in other peripheral tissues such as the heart, vasculature, and smooth muscle. Previous studies found that CB1 receptor activation is proatherogenic by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress that cause endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the development of antagonists of CB1 receptor can be used for anti-atherosclerosis (Pacher et al., 2018; Ibsen et al., 2017).

CB1 receptor signaling is also involved in various pathophysiological processes, including obesity, smoking cessation, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and cancer (Sugamura et al., 2009). In 2006, rimonabant became the first CB1 antagonist approved for treating obesity (Després et al., 2005), which has a good effect on weight loss and improvement of metabolic symptoms. However, because rimonabant can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), its negative effect on the brain and nervous system would cause some patients have serious psychiatric side effects such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies, which made the drug unsuccessful in marketing in the United States, and was even withdrawn in Europe in 2008 (Onakpoya et al., 2016; Moreira et al., 2009). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop CB1 antagonists that lack psychiatric side effects would be clinically significant for treating obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and CVD.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This part of the specification aims to provide a brief summary of the invention so as to enable a basic understanding of the invention. The brief summary of the invention is neither a complete description of the invention nor intended to point out the important or key elements of certain embodiments of the invention or define the scope of the invention.

Based on the prior art, it is known that cannabinoids may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, this may be attributed to the binding of cannabinoids to CB1 receptors, causing vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis. In view of this, the inventors of the present invention believe that CB1 antagonists that do not induce negative effects on brain neurons are of crucial importance.

In view of the demand for CB1 antagonists, the present invention uses genistein in soybean isoflavones as a lead drug to alleviate atherosclerosis induced by Δ9-THC, and develops a new generation of CB1 receptor antagonists, which can be used as a drug for CB1 receptor-related diseases.

An aspect of the present invention provides a use of a genistein and its phosphate ester derivative for the preparation of a medicament for treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) in an individual.

In some embodiments, the treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases in the individual involves alleviating oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone.

In some embodiments, the oxidative stress involves a decrease in the expression levels of antioxidant genes and an increase in the expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes: the antioxidant genes include superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene, catalase (CAT) gene, or glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) gene, and the ROS-related genes involve the expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) or inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2).

In some embodiments, the medicament alleviates inflammation induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone.

In some embodiments, the medicament reduces mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone.

In some embodiments, the CB1 receptor-mediated diseases are diseases or conditions associated with the coupling of CB1 receptor with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone.

In some embodiments, the cardiovascular diseases include atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and carotid artery stenosis.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases, comprising an effective amount of genistein and its phosphate ester derivative.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one other therapeutic agent.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is used for the treatment of chronic dependence, alcohol dependence, or drug abuse.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is used for the treatment of cannabis abuse.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition enhances the analgesic activity of analgesic drugs or anesthetic drugs.

In some embodiments, the phosphate ester derivative of genistein is genistein 7-O-phosphate (G7P) or genistein 4′-O-phosphate (G4′P).

In some embodiments, the phosphate ester derivative of genistein is obtained by microbial fermentation of genistein or by contacting or culturing genistein with a polyphenolic flavonoid phosphate synthase.

In some embodiments, the microorganism comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having a homologous protein sequence with a similarity of at least 70% to the polyphenolic flavonoid phosphate synthase (SEQ ID NO: 1), said polypeptide comprising a conserved region, said conserved region being based on SEQ ID NO: 1 and sequentially comprising: an ATP binding region, including active catalytic sites of lysine 27 (Lys27), arginine 102 (Arg102), and glutamic acid 282 (Glu282): a substrate binding region, including a conserved motif DDHHFYIDAMLDAKAR (SEQ ID NO: 2), and active catalytic sites of aspartic acid 627 (Asp627), histidine 629 (His629), and histidine 630 (His630); and a phosphorylated histidine catalytic region, including an active catalytic site of histidine 795 (His795).

Genistein and its phosphate ester derivatives of the present invention can bind to CB1 receptors and exert preventive and therapeutic effects on CB1 receptor-mediated diseases without penetrating the blood-brain barrier, thereby improves the shortcomings of previous drugs and represents a new generation of superior CB1 receptor antagonists. Additionally, the present invention utilizes the phosphate ester derivatives of genistein to enhance bioavailability and water solubility, further enhancing the efficacy of genistein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description and the technical contents of the present invention are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for easier illustrating, the drawings of the present invention are not a certainly the practical proportion and are not limited to the scope of the present invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. As used throughout the instant application, the following terms shall have the following meanings.

The use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. The use of “comprise” means not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, or elements to the described components, steps, operations, or elements, respectively. Similarly, “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising” “include,” “includes,” and “including” are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. The terms “a”, “an,” “the,” “one or more,” and “at least one,” for example, can be used interchangeably herein.

The present invention provides a use of genistein and its phosphorylated form (that is, the phosphate ester derivative produced after phosphorylation), which is used for the preparation of a medicament for treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) in an individual. The structure of the genistein is as follows.

Specifically, the use of genistein phosphate ester derivatives effectively improves water solubility and bioavailability, thereby enhancing the pharmacological benefits of genistein when administered to individuals. Further details can be found in Taiwan Patent Publication No. I756495B.

The term “treatment” as used herein is defined as maintaining or reducing the symptoms of a pre-existing condition when administered genistein or its phosphate ester derivative conjugate compared to the same symptom in the subject prior to the administration of genistein or its phosphate ester derivative conjugate to the subject. The term “prevention” is defined as delaying the onset of a CB1-mediated disease in an individual.

Specifically, said treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases in the individual involves alleviating oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone. Further, said oxidative stress involves a decrease in the expression levels of antioxidant genes and an increase in the expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes, wherein the antioxidant genes include superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene, catalase (CAT) gene, or glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) gene, and the ROS-related genes involve the expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) or inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2).

In some embodiment, said treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases in the individual involves alleviates inflammation induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone. Specifically, the medicament reduces mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dronabinol, or nabilone.

The term “cellular inflammatory cytokines” as used herein refers to cytokines that promote inflammatory responses in cells. Common cellular inflammatory cytokines include interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The term “chemotactic factors” can also be referred to as chemotactic hormones, chemotaxins, or chemokines, which are signaling proteins secreted by cells. The main function of chemotactic factors is to induce the migration of cells, whereby cells move towards the source of the chemotactic factor in response to its increasing concentration.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases, comprising an effective amount of genistein and its phosphate ester derivative. The phosphate ester derivative of genistein is genistein 7-O-phosphate (G7P) of the following formula (I), or genistein 4′-O-phosphate (G4′P) of the following formula (II). Specifically, the phosphate ester derivative of genistein can effectively improve the water solubility and bioavailability of genistein. In a preferred embodiment, genistein phosphate ester was biotransformed from isoflavone byBacillus subtilisvar. natto BCRC 80517 (Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Taiwan), and the preparation method can be found in Hsu et al., Food Research International 53 (2013) 487-495.

The phosphorylation stated herein refers to the addition of a phosphate group to a protein or another type of molecule. This reaction plays an important role in energy metabolism and signal transduction in a living body and is a critical to biochemistry. Currently known phosphorylation entails kinase (which is a phophotransferase) or phosphorylase, both falling within the EC 2.7 category, and the reaction requires ATP as the source of energy and Mg2+ions as a cofactor. Generally, the aforesaid enzymes hydrolyze ATP and transfer γ-phosphate to the substrate. Protein kinase is the most common large-molecule phosphorylation enzyme, is responsible for modifying, through phosphorylation, a wide range of proteins with different functions, and is an essential means for regulating signal transduction in a living body. More and more physiological phenomena, such as whether an enzyme is activated or not, have been found to be related to the phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of protein. Certain amino acid sites on a protein molecule, such as the —OH functional group of serine, threonine, or tyrosine, or the imidazole ring of histidine, can be modified by protein kinase through phosphorylation such that the molecule is activated by the addition of phosphoric acid, and this phosphoric acid can be subsequently removed with protein phosphatase to render the molecule deactivated. There are also many examples in which similar reactions produce the opposite effects. As to small-molecule phosphorylation enzymes such as acetokinase, glycerol kinase, arginine kinase, shikimate kinase, mevalonate kinase, and nucleoside kinase, they are responsible for such crucial catalytic reactions in the metabolic pathways in a living body as glycolysis, the biosynthesis of amino acids, the biosynthesis of cholesterol, and the biosynthesis of nucleotides. Phosphorylation enzymes can also be divided by the source of the phosphate group into the following two types. The first type uses a phosphoric acid monoester as the phosphate donor and is generally capable of hydrolyzing ATP and transferring γ-phosphate to the substrate. The second type uses a phosphonate diester or pyrophosphate as the phosphate donor instead.

In a preferred embodiment, the phosphate ester derivative of genistein is obtained by microbial fermentation of genistein or by contacting or culturing genistein with a polyphenolic flavonoid phosphate synthase.

In some embodiments, the microorganism comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding (or expressing) a polypeptide having a homologous protein sequence with a similarity of at least 70% to the polyphenolic flavonoid phosphate synthase (SEQ ID NO: 1), said polypeptide comprising a conserved region, said conserved region being based on SEQ ID NO: 1 and sequentially comprising: an ATP binding region, including active catalytic sites of lysine 27 (Lys27), arginine 102 (Arg102), and glutamic acid 282 (Glu282): a substrate binding region, including a conserved motif DDHHFYIDAMLDAKAR (SEQ ID NO: 2), and active catalytic sites of aspartic acid 627 (Asp627), histidine 629 (His629), and histidine 630 (His630); and a phosphorylated histidine catalytic region, including an active catalytic site of histidine 795 (His795).

The term “microorganism” as used herein refers to tiny organisms that are not easily visible to the naked eye. This includes microorganisms with cellular structures such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa, algae, and other microorganisms. It also includes organisms without complete cellular structures such as viruses, rickettsiae, and chlamydiae. The above-mentioned microorganism can normally express the nucleic acid sequence after transfer or transformation of the genetic material of the above-mentioned polypeptide (sequentially comprising the amino acid sequence of the ATP-binding domain, the substrate-binding domain and the phosphorylated histidine catalytic domain) through genetic engineering or molecular biotechnology.

The aforementioned microorganism may be a microorganism that has been genetically modified to express the aforementioned polypeptide, which may include genetic modification of the organism to enhance or enhance the production of the polypeptide in the organism. A genetically modified microorganism may be a genetically modified bacterium, unicellular organisms, microalgae, fungi, etc. This genetically modified microorganism has a genome modified (i.e. mutated or altered) from its normal form (i.e. wild-type or naturally occurring) such that the desired result can be achieved. Genetic modification of microorganisms can be accomplished using typical strain development and/or molecular genetic techniques. Such techniques are known in the art and are generally disclosed for use with microorganisms. A genetically modified microorganism may be a microorganism in which a nucleic acid molecule has been inserted, deleted, or modified (i.e. mutated; such as by nucleotide insertions, deletions, substitutions, and/or inversions) in such a way that this kind of modifications can provide the desired effect on the microorganism.

The term “sequence” refers to the nitrogenous bases in a nucleic acid structure, of which there are four types: A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine). These bases can be linearly arranged in infinite combinations to express genes, and each gene has a unique base sequence.

The terms “polypeptide,” “polypeptide fragment,” “peptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of amino acid residues, and variants and synthetic analogs thereof. Accordingly, these terms apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues are synthetic non-naturally occurring amino acids, such as chemical analogs corresponding to naturally occurring amino acids, and polymers suitable for naturally occurring amino acids. In certain aspects, polypeptides can include enzymatic polypeptides (or “enzymes”), which typically catalyze (i.e. increasing the rate of) various chemical reactions.

The terms “Conserved” as used herein refers to the situation in biology that is similar or identical within a nucleic acid sequence, protein sequence, protein structure or polysaccharide sequence: it may occur between species, or between different molecules arising from the same organism. From an evolutionary point of view, it means a state in which a particular sequence continues to be preserved during the process of speciation.

As used herein, “identity” of an amino acid sequence refers to the degree to which two sequences are mutually indistinguishable, and “similarity” refers to the same ratio and/or retention ratio between the two sequences. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that the long-chain amino acids of polypeptides and proteins are only partially functional in their amino acid sequences, which are called functional motifs. Proteins have the same function when they have the same functional motif; in general, when the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide or protein is at least 40% identical, it has the same function (refer to How Proteins Work, Williamson, 2011).

In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one other therapeutic agent, wherein the at least one other therapeutic agent is anti-obesity agents, appetite suppressants, anti-diabetic agents, anti-hyperlipidemic agents, lipid-lowering agents, blood cholesterol-lowering agents, fat-modulating agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, fat-reducing agents, high-density lipoprotein-raising agents, anti-hypertensive agents, preparations for treating sleep disorders, preparations for treating substance abuse or addiction disorders, anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, antipsychotic agents, cognitive enhancers, preparations for treating cognitive disorders, preparations for treating Alzheimer's disease, preparations for treating Parkinson's disease, anti-inflammatory agents, preparations for treating neurodegenerative disorders, preparations for treating arteriosclerosis, preparations for treating respiratory conditions, preparations for treating intestinal diseases, preparations for treating liver cirrhosis, or antineoplastic agents.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is used for the treatment of chronic dependence, alcohol dependence, or drug abuse. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is used for the treatment of cannabis abuse.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition enhances the analgesic activity of analgesic drugs or anesthetic drugs.

Embodiments

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications or changes therefrom will be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that such modifications or changes will be included within the spirit and scope of the application and within the scope of the attached claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Screening of CB1 Receptor Antagonists

Previous studies have shown that cannabis use is associated with cardiovascular disease, and analysis based on the UK Biobank (UKB) confirmed that cannabis users showed a higher risk of myocardial infarction than non-cannabis users (DeFilippis et al., 2018). Based on this correlation, the inventors of the present invention further used the SWEETLEAD chemical database to screen four specific CB1 receptor antagonists (rimonabant, otenabant, AM251 and DBPR-211) using the ROCS software suite (as shown inFIG.1A). In addition, using ligand-based high-throughput virtual screening technology and chemical databases, 62 chemical compounds that were structurally homologous with the 4 selective CB1 antagonists were found. For further screening, molecular docking analysis was performed to probe the interactions between the chemical compounds and the CB1 receptor with the selective CB1 antagonist AM6538 as a positive control. The results showed that genistein, an abundant isoflavone compound in beans, can bind to the CB1 receptor (as shown inFIG.1B); and the shape of genistein is similar to the structure of the specific CB1 antagonist mentioned above (FIG.1C). Furthermore, please refer toFIG.1D, an in vitro GTPase assay found that genistein functions as a neutral antagonist. Moreover, radioligand binding assays for predicted targets of genistein binding revealed that genistein binds human CB1 with an IC50of 150 nM (not shown in the figure).

Cytotoxicity of Δ9-THC on Endothelial Cells

Next, since the psychoactive components of cannabis, Δ9-THC, dronabinol or nabilone, are thought to cause cardiovascular problems by binding to CB1 receptors, Δ9-THC was used to evaluate its cytotoxicity in three different cell types: (1) human endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs] and human coronary artery endothelial cells [HCAECs]), (2) human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (H7 hESC-CMs), and (3) normal human cardiac fibroblasts-ventricular (NHCF-V) cells. As shown inFIG.2A, Δ9-THC induced cytotoxicity in human endothelial cells without any adverse effect on cardiomyocytes or cardiac fibroblasts.

On the other hand, inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to cause endothelial dysfunction, so we next investigated the expression of these genes in HUVECs exposed to Δ9-THC to uncover the mechanism of such endothelial cytotoxicity. The results showed that Δ9-THC induced the expression of inflammation-related genes (FIG.2B) and reduced the antioxidant-related gene expression (FIG.2C). HUVECs were derived from large pools of female patients with environmental exposures that might affect the phenotype with Δ9-THC. However, hiPSC-ECs are free of previous environmental exposures. Therefore, hiPSC-EC lines were generated from 4 healthy individuals through a chemically defined differentiation protocol, and found that Δ9-THC also induced cytotoxicity (FIG.2D). Accordingly, it was confirmed that Δ9-THC induces cytotoxicity in human endothelial cells.

Cytotoxicity of Δ9-THC on hiPSC-ECs

Since antioxidant-related genes were reduced by Δ9-THC treatment in HUVECs (FIG.2C), the expression of these genes in hiPSC-ECs was further evaluated. The results showed that Δ9-THC also decreased mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) in hiPSC-ECs. In addition, ROS-related genes implicated in endothelial dysfunction, such as NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), were upregulated in hiPSC-ECs after Δ9-THC treatment (FIG.2E). The result of immunofluorescence staining of CellROX oxidative stress assay showed that Δ9-THC treatment of hiPSC-ECs also induced cellular oxidative stress (FIG.2F) with increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels (FIG.2G).

Effect of Δ9-THC on the Inflammatory Response of hiPSC-ECs

Numerous previous studies have pointed to the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis and Δ9-THC. The present invention next studying the gene expression related to inflammation in hiPSC-ECs treated with Δ9-THC. The result showed that proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were increased in response to Δ9-THC, while I kappa B (NFKBIA), a specific inhibitor of the NF-κB transcription factor, was inhibited by Δ9-THC (FIG.3A). In addition, after Δ9-THC treatment, TNF-α concentration was increased in the cell culture medium of hiPSC-ECs (FIG.3B). Moreover, by detecting the adhesion of monocytes to hiPSC-ECs after Δ9-THC treatment, it was found that monocytes had increased adhesion to hiPSC-ECs (FIG.3C).

The longitudinal effects of Δ9-THC-induced inflammation were assessed in hiPSC-ECs using wash-out experiments. After treatment with Δ9-THC for 48 hours, the supernatant in hiPSC-ECs was replaced with fresh medium. The expression of inflammation-related genes in hiPSC-ECs was evaluated every other day for 2 weeks. The Δ9-THC-induced expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were sustained for 8 to 10 days after the initial exposure (FIG.3D). Thus, Δ9-THC-induced inflammation persisted four to five times longer than the initial exposure.

Mechanism of Oxidative Stress Induced by Δ9-THC

Herein, the inventor sought to elucidate the mechanisms of how Δ9-THC causes oxidative stress in the vasculature via CB1. The elevated levels of TNF-α suggested that NF-κB could cause activation of inflammatory genes and promote oxidative stress via the nuclear translocation of the p65 component of the complex. The Δ9-THC-binding activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In hiPSC-ECs, Δ9-THC also causes increased phosphorylation of p38 (FIG.4A). Thus, the cellular distribution of NF-κB was subsequently investigated in hiPSC-ECs after Δ9-THC treatment. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that Δ9-THC induced NF-κβ's nuclear translocation of NF-κB (FIG.4B) and phosphorylation of NF-κB in hiPSC-ECs. The Δ9-THC-mediated phosphorylation of NF-κB was abrogated by the selective NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 (FIGS.4C and4D). Based on the above experimental results, the mechanism of Δ9-THC causing oxidative stress is related to its activation of NF-κβ in hiPSC-ECs.

Effect of CB1 Receptor on the Action of Δ9-THC and Genistein

The CB1 receptor is implicated in the pathological effects of Δ9-THC on the vasculature. The inventor next employed pharmacologic and genetic inactivation of the CB1 receptor to determine whether the CB1 receptor plays a role in Δ9-THC-induced effects in hiPSC-ECs. The selective CB1 antagonists AM6545, AM251, and NESS-0327 reversed Δ9-THC-induced mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes and oxidative stress protective-related genes (FIG.5A). The Δ9-THC-induced effects were also reversed by the knockdown of CB1 by siRNA (FIG.5B).

Similarly, the inventor also found that CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) of CB1 expression reversed Δ9-THC-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hiPSC-ECs (FIG.5C).

On the other hand, Genistein is known to ameliorate TNF-α-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in endothelial cells. Therefore, the inventor tested if the CB1 receptor was required for genistein to block the effects of TNF-α in hiPSC-ECs using CRISPRi to assess CB1 expression. The result showed that the CB1 receptor was required for genistein to attenuate the inflammatory effects of TNF-α (FIG.5D).

Effects of Genistein on the Responses Induced by Δ9-THC

In this part, the inventor screened a series of antioxidant reagents and found that genistein was the best at preventing Δ9-THC-induced oxidative stress in hiPSC-ECs (FIGS.6A and6B). In hiPSC-ECs, genistein ameliorated the expression profile of antioxidant genes suppressed by Δ9-THC while also having a salutatory effect on NOS2 and NOX1 expression (FIG.6C). The above experimental results confirmed that the putative CB1 antagonist genistein prevents vascular dysfunction caused by Δ9-THC.

With an attenuated inflammatory profile, the inventor postulated that hiPSC-ECs treated with genistein and Δ9-THC was more likely to remain quiescent without contributing to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Genistein not only reversed Δ9-THC-induced monocyte adhesion to hiPSC-ECs but also attenuated NF-κB phosphorylation by using monocyte adhesion assays (FIGS.6D and6E).

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are components of the innate immune system that recognize molecular patterns of microbial components, and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways can contribute to vascular inflammation in endothelial cells. Therefore, the inventor investigated the effects of Δ9-THC and the anti-inflammatory properties of genistein on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. As shown in the experimental results, Δ9-THC induced TLR4 expression in hiPSC-ECs, whereas genistein disrupted its expression (FIGS.6E and6F). Moreover, genistein reversed the Δ9-THC-induced mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (FIG.6G). Cotreatment with genistein also shortened the recovery time of Δ9-THC-induced inflammation from 8-10 days to 4-6 days (FIG.6H), and treatment with genistein after Δ9-THC exposure also reduced the recovery time to 6-8 days (FIG.6I). These experimental results indicated that genistein attenuated Δ9-THC-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in hiPSC-ECs.

Effect of Genistein In Vivo

To evaluate the effects of genistein in vivo, male C57BL/6J mice were treated with vehicle (n=5), Δ9-THC (n=5, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg), or Δ9-THC plus genistein (n=5, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg plus genistein 50 mg/kg). The mouse model produced a plasma concentration of Δ9-THC of ˜100 ng/mL as revealed by LC-MS analysis (not shown in the figure), which is comparable to the concentration from smoking a single marijuana cigarette. Wire myograph revealed that Δ9-THC induced endothelial dysfunction in mice, whereas genistein mitigated the effect (FIG.7A).

Genistein and the known CB1 antagonist rimonabant ameliorated mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes induced by Δ9-THC in mouse thoracic artery tissues (FIG.7B). Analysis of C57BL/6J mouse plasma revealed that IL-6, IL-3, and IL-10, which are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, were elevated after treatment with Δ9-THC, and genistein cotreatment significantly reduced the expression of these inflammatory cytokines (FIG.7C). Genistein also rescued the oxidative stress protective-related gene expression (FIG.7D). In addition, NF-κB phosphorylation and SOD expression in mouse serum were also attenuated with genistein (FIG.7E). Δ9-THC administration decreased circulating levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which was ameliorated with genistein cotreatment (FIG.7F). Collectively, these results indicated that genistein could reverse Δ9-THC-induced effects in vivo.

Effects of Genistein and Δ9-THC on the Heart

While genistein had a protective effect on the vasculature, it did not exhibit any toxicity to various organs (not shown in the figure). The inventor used engineered heart tissues (EHTs) composed of hiPSC-ECs and hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to interrogate the effects of genistein and Δ9-THC on contractility in vitro. The results showed that Δ9-THC and genistein cotreatment had no significant effect on contraction, relaxation, and peak force (FIG.8A). More specifically, Δ9-THC decreased beat rate and increased the contraction-relaxation interval, and genistein cotreatment did not attenuate these effects (FIG.8B). Reflecting the EHT studies, echocardiographic analysis of C57BL/6J revealed that Δ9-THC, genistein, and cotreatment with genistein did not affect cardiac structure or function, with no significant difference in ejection fraction (EF), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular end-diastolic mass (LVEDM). The CB1 antagonist rimonabant, however, reduced HR when used alone or in cotreatment with Δ9-THC but did not affect other cardiac parameters (FIG.8C).

Effects of Δ9-THC and Genistein on the Formation of Chronic Atherosclerosis

In this part, In order to investigate the effect of Δ9-THC and genistein in chronic atherosclerosis formation, LDL receptor knockout mice (B6.129S7-Ldlrtm1Her/J) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and treated with (1) vehicle control (n=10 to 12/group), (2) Δ9-THC (n=10 to 12/group, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg), or (3) Δ9-THC and genistein (n=10 to 12/group, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg plus genistein 50 mg/kg). All groups showed an increase in body weight during the HFD period (FIG.9A). The successful administration of Δ9-THC was confirmed in serum by LC-MS at 12 weeks. Neither Δ9-THC nor cotreatment with Δ9-THC and genistein affected serum lipid profiles or blood pressure (FIG.9B). After 12 weeks of HFD, the mice were euthanized, and the atherosclerotic lesion area was examined by cross-sections of the aortic root and an en face analysis of the thoracic aorta. In the cross-sectional analysis, mice treated with Δ9-THC showed significantly increased plaque size, and cotreatment with genistein ameliorated plaque size (FIG.9C). The improvement of plaque formation by genistein was also observed in en face analysis of the thoracic aorta stained with oil red O (FIG.9D). Macrophage recruitment in the aortic root was analyzed using aortic plaque stained with an anti-CD68 antibody. The CD68-positive area was significantly increased by Δ9-THC administration and rescued by cotreatment with genistein (FIG.9E). These results suggest that Δ9-THC exacerbated atherosclerosis formation and macrophage recruitment in atherosclerotic plaques, which were ameliorated by genistein cotreatment.

Further, an Apoe−/−mouse model was also employed to investigate the effects of Δ9-THC and cotreatment with genistein on atherosclerosis. Partial carotid artery ligation (PCAL) was performed in Apoe−/−mice at 10-16 weeks. After PCAL, the Apoe−/−mice were divided into three groups: (1) vehicle control (n=5/group), (2) Δ9-THC (n=5/group, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg), and (3) Δ9-THC plus genistein (n=5/group, administered Δ9-THC 1 mg/kg plus genistein 50 mg/kg). All mice were fed a HFD for 10 days. At the end of the treatment protocol, the Apoe−/−mice were euthanized and subjected to histological analysis. The ligated carotid artery showed increased fat deposition with oil red O staining compared with the unligated contralateral vessel (FIG.10A). H&E staining suggested neointimal thickening, fat deposition, and increased macrophage recruitment in ligated carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Oil red O staining found that the plaque area was increased by Δ9-THC treatment, whereas Δ9-THC and genistein cotreatment ameliorated the plaque size (FIG.10B). Macrophage recruitment was tested using the macrophage-specific F4/80 antibody and CD68 antibody. As shown inFIG.10C, in the ligated carotid artery, the F4/80-positive area was significantly increased by Δ9-THC administration and decreased by cotreatment with genistein. Immunohistochemical analysis with CD68-specific antibody revealed that the CD68-positive area was significantly increased by Δ9-THC administration and reduced by cotreatment with genistein. Consistent with the Ldlr−/−model findings, the Apoe−/−PCAL mouse model found increased plaque size and increased macrophage recruitment with Δ9-THC, and genistein cotreatment ameliorated these indices of atherosclerosis in ligated carotid arteries.

Binding of Genistein In Vivo and In Vitro

After finding that genistein attenuated the vascular dysfunction caused by Δ9-THC in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the inventor found direct evidence of genistein-binding CB1 using fluorescently labeled genistein (BODIPY517/547-genistein) (not shown in the figure). In CB1 radioligand binding assays, BODIPY517/547-genistein had an IC50of 375 nM on human CB1 receptors and labeled nearly all hiPSC-ECs cells after 12 hours incubation (FIG.11A). BODIPY517/547-genistein cotreatment attenuates Δ9-THC-induced inflammation-related gene expression and NF-κB phosphorylation and ameliorates oxidative stress protective-related gene expression, SOD expression, and glutathione concentration in mouse serum (FIGS.11B and11C). In vivo binding was investigated using intravenously injected BODIPY517/547-genistein in C57BL/6J mice. After 48 hours, BODIPY517/547-genistein was detected in the abdominal viscera, thoracic aorta, heart, and lungs but was minimally detected in the brain (FIG.11D), which shows genistein has poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration.

Further, the inventor investigated whether genistein is co-localized with the CB1 receptor in vivo using confocal microscopy. Thoracic aortas from mice injected with BODIPY517/547-genistein were permeabilized and stained with an anti-CB1 receptor antibody labeled with Alexa Fluor 488. The mice were imaged with confocal microscopy, and z stacked images revealed co-localization of Alexa Fluor-488-labeled CB1 receptor and BODIPY517/547-genistein in aortic vascular cells (FIGS.12A and12B). The specificity of genistein binding was interrogated by injecting the selective CB1 antagonist rimonabant before BODIPY517/547-genistein. Rimonabant has a stronger binding affinity for the CB1 receptor and reduced BODIPY517/547-genistein binding and fluorescence significantly (0.78±0.08 versus 0.13±0.04, p<0.00001) (FIG.12C).

Effects of Genistein on the Neurobehavioral Effects of Δ9-THC

Despite BODIPY517/547 having excellent bioavailability, genistein has poor BBB penetration, which compelled the inventor to interrogate the neurological effects of Δ9-THC in the context of genistein co-administration. The neurobehavioral effects of Δ9-THC include decreased mobility, analgesia, hypothermia, and sedation. These are described as the Billy Martin tetrad.

Therefore, the neurological effects of Δ9-THC and genistein co-administration were tested in C57BL/6J mice treated with vehicle, genistein, Δ9-THC, or in combination. The tetrad effects were assessed using an activity chamber for mobility, a hot plate for analgesia, a rectal probe for hypothermia, and the bar test for sedation. As shown in theFIG.13, Δ9-THC caused decreased mobility, analgesia, hypothermia, and sedation in C57BL/6J mice. Genistein alone did not affect tetrad effects, and genistein could not attenuate the Δ9-THC neurobehavioral effects in cotreatment.

Based on the aforementioned experimental results, the present invention has first established the correlation between Δ9-THC and pathological conditions such as vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial cell dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it has identified the CB1 receptor as a necessary factor for the effects of Δ9-THC. Additionally, it has been confirmed that genistein can bind to the CB1 receptor and inhibit its activity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed genistein as a neutral antagonist of the CB1 receptor. Subsequent studies have demonstrated that genistein blocks the CB1 receptor and further alleviates the pathological effects caused by Δ9-THC in blood vessels, without penetrating the blood-brain barrier or affecting the neurobehavioral effects of Δ9-THC. Therefore, genistein can serve as a novel and advantageous CB1 receptor antagonist for the treatment or prevention of CB1 receptor-mediated diseases. Additionally, the present invention utilizes the phosphate ester derivatives of genistein to enhance bioavailability and water solubility, further enhancing the efficacy of genistein.

While a detailed description of the present invention has been given above, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are only some preferred ones of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive of the scope of the invention. Any equivalent change or modification that is based on the appended claims shall fall within the scope of the invention.