Anti-carcinogenic activity of anandamide on human glioma in vitro and in vivo

The poor prognosis of gliomas is to a large extent attributed to the markedly proliferative and invasive nature of the disease. Endocannabinoids have emerged as novel potential anti-tumor agents. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-carcinogenic activity of anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid, on glioma cells. To assess the functional role of AEA in glioma, the effects of AEA on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and the cell cycle in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo, were investigated. AEA markedly inhibited the proliferation of U251 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric assays revealed that the apoptosis rate of U251 cells upon treatment with AEA was increased. AEA also suppressed the adhesion, migration and invasion capabilities of the U251 cells. Furthermore, AEA inhibited tumor growth in vivo. These results highlighted the potential role of AEA in the tumorigenesis and progression of glioma, and suggested that AEA exhibits therapeutic potential in the management of human glioma.