Cytotoxic Effects of the Synthetic Cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA on Human Glioblastoma U87-MG Cells.
International journal of medical sciences January 1, 2026 Mohammed Mufadhe Alanazi, Fawaz Alasmari, Mohammad M Algahtani et al.
5F-MDMB-PICA, a synthetic cannabinoid with roughly 380 times the binding affinity to the CB1 receptor as Δ9-THC, causes concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in U87-MG astrocyte-like cells. Exposure for 24 hours reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased apoptosis and necrosis, and impaired cell migration. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory genes including P53, Bax, TNF-α, and COX-2. Docking studies identified key CB1 binding pocket residues Phe200 and Ser383 as crucial for interaction. These results indicate neurotoxic effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA, highlighting public health risks from synthetic cannabinoid abuse.