LECOM is proud to announce the publication of a groundbreaking study in Florida Scientist by a research group led by Dr. Roger G. Biringer, Professor of Biochemistry at LECOM Bradenton. The study, entitled, Regulation of Na+, K+−ATPase by Ouabain-like Compounds, Phytocannabinoids, and Endocannabinoids: A Potential Mechanism of Action in Migraine, explores the potential role of cannabinoids in regulating brain sodium levels as a novel approach to migraine treatment.
The publication, featured in Volume 88, Number 2 of the journal, includes contributions from 12 of Dr. Biringer’s former students, whose hard work and collaboration were vital to the success of this research. The authors of the study are: Emma Barnes, Jack Carter, Min Chae, Zainab Farooq, Morgan Hatlovic, Nhat Huynh, Amish Malli, Alexa Morrow, Genevieve Palmer, Gregory Smith, Marko Velickovic, Jackson Wren, and Dr. Roger Biringer.
A New Perspective on Migraine Treatment
Migraine remains one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years worldwide, with patients often facing debilitating symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life. Traditional treatments primarily focus on pharmacotherapy, aiming either to relieve acute symptoms or to prevent future attacks. However, the underlying biological mechanisms that drive migraine are not fully understood, and there is a critical need for novel approaches to treatment.
The LECOM research team sought to investigate a potential mechanism for migraine by examining the regulation of Na+, K+−ATPase, an enzyme responsible for maintaining sodium balance across cell membranes. The research hypothesized that cannabinoids, such as endocannabinoids (naturally produced in the body) and phytocannabinoids (derived from cannabis), might directly influence Na+, K+−ATPase activity, potentially stabilizing sodium levels in the brain and reducing the frequency or intensity of migraine attacks.
The study revealed that certain cannabinoids were able to regulate Na+, K+−ATPase in laboratory settings (in vitro). While the findings were promising, they also highlighted a key limitation: the binding interactions between the cannabinoids and the enzyme were not strong enough to support the idea of a viable therapeutic mechanism for migraine relief in living organisms. In other words, while cannabinoids do interact with Na+, K+−ATPase, the observed effects may not be sufficient to make this a practical treatment for migraines.
Although these results do not provide immediate solutions, they offer important insights into the complex relationship between cannabinoids and sodium regulation in the brain. The study underscores the need for more advanced experimental models and deeper exploration into whether cannabinoids could play a role in stabilizing sodium levels, potentially leading to new treatment options for migraine sufferers in the future.
This research marks an important step in the exploration of alternative migraine therapies. The LECOM research team hopes that these findings will inspire further studies that may refine our understanding of how cannabinoids might impact neurological conditions, including migraine. With advancements in model systems and cannabinoid research, there remains the potential for these compounds to play a significant role in treating not just migraines, but other neurological disorders as well.
LECOM is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovative research. Dr. Biringer and his students’ publication in Florida Scientist exemplifies this dedication to uncovering new mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in the fight against neurological disorders.
The full article can be found in Florida Scientist, Volume 88, Number 2, pages 23–35.