2-AG
Marijuana Like Compound in Brain Shows Fragile X Syndrome May Be Treatable
The federal government has shown an unwillingness to entertain operational changes. In particular, federal authorities still prefer to suppress the monumental potential of medical marijuana as it is an uncomfortable topic because it may require regulation, rescheduling, and the admission of an almost 100 year mistake.
Medical marijuana breakthroughs are occurring at a frequent rate. Last week alone, marijuana.net reported on a breakthrough that showed cannabis had the potential to fight epilepsy. Perhaps even more groundbreaking was a study that showed components of marijuana had the ability to slow the spreading of cancer cells. Of course this builds on years research that have shown marijuana to be a miracle of sorts, and has demonstrated promise in fighting chronic pain, muscle conditions, MS, complications related to chemotherapy, glaucoma, the spreading of HIV/AIDS, nausea, PTSD etc (it would take too much time to list them all).
Fragile X Syndrome now joins the constantly growing list of medical conditions that may benefit from marijuana research. This complex condition is associated with autism and mental retardation in men and considered the most common cause of both. Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene in the X chromosome that is passed on by the mother. This mutation can result in mental disability, hyperactivity, physical disability, and language deficiencies.
The main problem has to do with messages and receptors in the brain. Researchers have now found that 2-AG, a marijuana like compound and endocannabinoid transmitter is showing considerable promise in reducing fragile x syndrome symptoms. Daniele Piomelli, a professor at UC Irvine was the lead researcher of the study and recently said “This compound is so important in regulating neural transmission in the brain that it seemed possible that it might be involved in a disease that is so devastating on brain function.” When the 2-AG signal is boosted, it appears the brain will relay the correct messages, at least in lab mice. Proffessor Piomelli explained “We asked, ‘If we boost a little bit of that 2-AG signal, will it be enough to correct the problems that occur in fragile X mice? The answer was a resounding, Yes. We corrected the physiology, but most importantly, we corrected their behavior. The animals behaved just like normal animals. They didn’t have the fears and movement problems of those with fragile X.”
We are only now seeing the tip of the iceberg as decades of potential research have been lost due to senseless marijuana regulations. However, as groundbreaking discoveries that have eluded modern medicine for decades are coming through marijuana research, how long can we truly afford to look the other way. As politicians are desperate not to admit mistakes (see Mitt Romney Campaign), there is something admirable about those who stand up, admit fault, and reverse a century long problem.
The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System
Today we take time to inspect the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). Whuh? Yes, after many years of research around the Cannabis plant, researchers recognized that the body (really most vertebrates or even a couple of invertebrates too) come with an organs and circulatory system that creates chemicals similar in structure and effect as individuals based in the world’s most versatile plant. In 1964, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was isolated and thought as the active chemical in marijuana that triggers individuals to get high. Ever since then, discoveries in chemistry and biology have brought to several breakthroughs about intricacies from the human body and mind. Actually, you could reason that marijuana itself has spurred a larger knowledge of ourselves. It works out that endocannabinoids are complex molecules that act at intercellular level on most of the body’s systems. They’re transmitters that act on receptors in your body, “Endocannabinoid receptors are highly expressed within the brain, and also have been also present in organs and tissue from the body involved with energy homeostasis, for example adipose tissue, liver, intestinal tract, and skeletal muscle.” We began off considering nerve effects also it works out they’re type in energy regulation, body fat storage, memory and discomfort management and can also have an affect on fertility. You will find several established cannabinoids and scientists are finding brand new ones his or her projects continue. Although researchers have been studying cannabinoids for several years, the very first endocannabinoid wasn’t discovered and isolated before the early 1990’s, Anandimide (arachidonoyl ethanolamide, AEA). Another chemical 2-Arachindonoylglycerol (2-AG) was referred to in 1994.
AEA’s effects could be observed in the mind in addition to peripheral systems, whereas 2-AG exists in high levels within the nervous system. Presently the are three other recognized endogenous cannabinoids 2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether (noladin ether), virodhamine, along with the lately-discovered N-arachidonoyl-dopamine (NADA). These chemicals float around our physiques, launched as necessary and do something about receptor sites CB1 and CB2. The body is really a remarkably complex system that relays signals throughout itself using a number of techniques. Basically, the body is a huge sodium pump that utilizes electrochemical stimulation to effect changes based on stimuli. Some signals are relayed over nerves, firing electric. Others depend on these chemicals known as chemicals to complete the job. To be able to keep your chaos low, a number of these chemicals act only in specific sites. Think about it as being a number of locks and secrets. To be able to prevent AEA from leading to responses inside your brain and stomach and toes simultaneously, it may only open doorways to particular areas like CB1 and CB2 sites. The neurochemicals are furnished with some secrets that unlock specific doorways.
CB1 receptors are based in the brain, adipose (fatty tissue), liver, muscles, GI tract and pancreas. Studies have proven that it’s integral to energy management and food and calorie consumption. It accounts for impacting on hunger and appetite urges (munchies) and hunger satiety and palatability. So, the activation of CB1 can trigger individuals urges for sweets while intoxicated by marijuana. Additionally, it may incite hunger in patients whose illnesses cause appetite loss, or it may negate hunger and assist with weight reduction. Focusing on how these chemicals operate in our physiques can result in doctors dealing with an array of illnesses from weight problems, anorexia, diabetes, and help chemotherapy patients. New research has says adipose tissue is integral to energy management and putting on weight/loss. Future remedies may benefit individuals with (or who’re vulnerable to) diabetes and weight problems.
CB2 receptor sites are located in high concentration within the brain and peripheral nervous systems, intestinal and natureal defenses. By learning cannabinoids trigger reactions within scalping strategies we’ll have the ability to treat many troublesome illnesses. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are a couple of very debilitating GI illnesses which have basis in immune response. To put it simply, your body responds adversely to a lot of stimuli and attacks itself, leading to massive inflammation and attacking your personal organs. By unleashing the strategies of these chemicals doctors will have the ability to treat these awful conditions and return quality of existence to suffering patients.
Case a newbie as to the science can perform once we gain further knowledge of these chemicals and our physiques. It’s amazing to consider that many of these fields of research were opened up up through the cannabis plant. The majority of it’s because of the efforts from the medicinal marijuana movement. 1000’s of doctors, researchers and scientists have devoted themselves to growing our understanding. With the aid of countless active supporters pushing for brand new laws and regulations and grants or loans we are able to continue this effort. You never know what enlightenment is going to be based in the a long time?