Background and Aims Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect for 30-40% of patients undergoing neurotoxic chemotherapy, Paclitaxel (PTX) being responsible for over 70% of these cases. Previous studies have shown that cannabinoids could improve CIPN symptoms. Therefore, we screened several natural or synthetic cannabinoids that could be used for treating Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, using an in-vitro neural model.

Methods Dorsal root ganglions (DRG) from adult mice were harvested and subjected to several enzymatic reactions, followed by isolation of neurons using a concentration gradient. Subsequently, neurons were treated with a solution of PTX and different cannabinoids, then monitored for 72h, with images taken at different time points, with special interest in axonal length. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results When added to the PTX treatment, the selected cannabinoids showed a variably positive, concentration and time-dependent effect vs PTX treatment alone on axon length shortening. The cannabinoids reduced the toxic effects on the neurites of treated neurons, at all-time points and concentrations, significant for a neuroprotective effect that could impact CIPN.

Conclusions The study focused on screening the influence of several natural and synthetic cannabinoids, on the neuronal morphology under the PTX toxic effects. Our findings highlight that the selected cannabinoids could have a protective effect on Paclitaxel treated DRG neurons. Consequently, these types of compounds could be potential new candidates for the treatment of Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Finally, these preliminary results will be the groundwork of further in vitro and in vivo studies, in order to fully prove our hypothesis.

Aviz etica nov