Title:MDMB-FUBINACA Influences Brain Angiogenesis and the Expression of
VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
Author(s): Laith AL-Eitan*Mishael Alkhawaldeh
Affiliation:
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110,
Jordan
Keywords:
MDMDB-FUBINACA, angiogenesis, brain endothelial cells, VEGF, ANG-1, ANG-2.
Abstract:
Aim: This study aims to explore the impact of the synthetic cannabinoid methyl 2-(1-(4-
fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (MDMB-FUBINACA) on the angiogenesis
process in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are substances that mimic the natural components found in
the cannabis plant. SCs are considered prohibited substances that have a clear impact on the central
nervous system (CNS).
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore how MDMB-FUBINACA influences angiogenesis in
human brain microvascular endothelial cells and to clarify the pathways related to the cannabinoid receptors.
Methods: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were grown in the medium containing
Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM/F12) using an endothelial cell growth kit. Endothelial
cell viability was evaluated using the MTT test. Migration ability was measured using the Wound healing
test. The angiogenic capability was measured using a Tube Formation assay. Real-time polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to explore the mRNA concentrations following MDMBFUBINACA
treatment. ELISA and Western blotting were also employed to measure the protein levels.
Results: MDMB-FUBINACA greatly increases tube formation, endothelial cell proliferation, and migration.
Pro-angiogenic factors such as angiopoietins 1 and 2 (ANG-1 and 2) and vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) were shown to be increased at both the RNA and protein levels.
Conclusion: MDMB-FUBINACA induces the progression of the angiogenesis process by inducing the
expression of pro-angiogenic factors. These findings aim toward developing novel treatments for angiogenesis-
related disorders.