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ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7615-9372

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Embargo Period

8-9-2023

Degree Program

Nutrition

Year Degree Awarded

2023

Month Degree Awarded

September

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of early diagnosis and treatment options, which could potentially increase the 5-year survival rate, the accessibility of such CRC management measures remains limited due to cost barriers and uneven healthcare infrastructure globally. This underscores an urgent need for effective preventive methods and affordable treatments. Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis, has garnered attention as a potential natural therapeutic agent. This study investigates the influence of CBD on the serotonin pathway and intestinal tumorigenesis. Serotonin, primarily produced in the intestine, is not only a critical neurotransmitter but also has complex and multifaceted biological functions. In this investigation, Caco-2 cells were exposed to CBD, and we observed an increase in serotonin levels. The treatment elevated the expression of several genes related to serotonin such as TPH, SLC6A4, HTR2A, HTR1D, HTR2C, and HTR4, with a notable increase in TPH and HTR2C. Concurrently, CBD exhibited an enhancement in immune response and significant inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway, implying a protective role of CBD in CRC. Given the dual roles of serotonin in CRC - protective in early stages and promotive in later stages — the interaction between serotonin, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the immune system necessitates further research. Our findings shed new light on the potential role of CBD in inflammatory colorectal tumors, suggesting that CBD could be a promising candidate for CRC immunotherapy. Key words: Canabidiol, Colorectal Cancer, Serotonin pathway, Wnt-signaling.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/35927307.0

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