Cannabinoids in Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration and Pain: Focus on Non-Neuronal Cells

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Background

The cannabinoid system, consisting of endogenous cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids, as well as their target receptors and biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, has long been considered for its therapeutic potential in diseases associated with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and pain. Not only has it been implicated in the pathogenesis or inflammatory processes of specific diseases or disease models, but there is also evidence that this system may be important in effecting the affective component present in many of these diseases. As recreational and medicinal cannabis use continues to become more widespread, particularly among senior populations (a demographic who have a large incidence of diseases associated with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and pain), understanding the role of the cannabinoid system in these processes represents a key research priority.

This focus of this Research Topic is to highlight recent developments in understanding the role that the cannabinoid system plays in neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and pain states, throughout the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral and enteric nervous systems. Further, a secondary goal is to understand the role that the cannabinoid system in non-neuronal cell types found in the nervous systems. Given the role that many non-neuronal cells have in the pathogenesis, maintenance and/or alleviation of neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and pain states, these cell types represent a key area of study. Furthermore, the role that cannabinoids play in these non-neuronal cells in the steady state or homeostasis is not fully elucidated, therefore understanding how the cannabinoid system affects the baseline functioning of these cells is exceedingly relevant.

In this Research Topic we welcome the following article types: Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Clinical Trial, Case Report and Brief Research Report. We welcome articles that are foundational in nature, to work performed in pre-clinical translational cell or animal models, through to clinical trials, as well as meta-analyses and epidemiological reports. Articles should focus on either: 1) the role of the cannabinoid system in the context of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and/or chronic pain; and/or, 2) the role of the cannabinoid system in non-neuronal cells of the nervous systems; ideally articles could focus on both aspects.

Keywords: Cannabinoids, Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, Pain, Non-neuronal cells, Cannabinoid receptors, Phytocannabinoids, Endocannabinoids

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