World journal of gastroenterology
Optimal cannabinoid-terpene combination ratios suppress mutagenicity of gastric reflux in normal and metaplastic esophageal cells
By Goldman A, Gonzalez G, Karpova SA and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) frequently arises from chronic exposure to acid and bile reflux, with secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), contributing to its pathogenesis through mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative DNA damage, and resistance to apoptosis. The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates diverse anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic pathways implicated in disease modulation and may counteract the harmful effects of gastroesophageal reflux. Despite its therapeutic promise, effective pharmacological activation of the ECS remains challenging.
Aim
To evaluate whether specific cannabinoid-terpene combinations targeting the ECS could attenuate the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of bile acid-induced stress in esophageal cell models, and to assess the clinical significance of ECS-related protein receptors in the progression of EAC.