Authors: Francisco Carlos Machado Rocha Jair Guilherme dos Santos Júnior Sergio Carlos Stefano Dartiu Xavier da Silveira
Publish Date: 2013/10/20
Volume: 116, Issue: 1, Pages: 11-24
Abstract
To evaluate through a systematic review of the literature the antitumoral effects of cannabinoids on gliomas Research included the following electronic databases PUBMED EMBASE LILACS and The Cochrane Collaboration Controlled Trials Register All published studies involving the antitumoral effects cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids were considered for this review The bibliography search strategy included all publications of each of these databases until December 31 2012 From 2260 initially identified articles 35 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review All the studies included in this systematic review were experimental in vivo and/or in vitro except for one pilot clinical trial phase I/II involving humans In all experimental studies included cannabinoids exerted antitumoral activity in vitro and/or antitumoral evidence in vivo in several models of tumor cells and tumors The antitumor activity included antiproliferative effects cell cycle arrest decreased viability and cell death by toxicity apoptosis necrosis autophagy as well as antiangiogenic and antimigratory effects Antitumoral evidence included reduction in tumor size antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects Additionally most of the studies described that the canabinnoids exercised selective antitumoral action in several distinct tumor models Thereby normal cells used as controls were not affected The safety factor in the cannabinoids’ administration has also been demonstrated in vivo The various cannabinoids tested in multiple tumor models showed antitumoral effects both in vitro and in vivo These findings indicate that cannabinoids are promising compounds for the treatment of gliomas
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