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Hu XH, Yu KY, Li XX, Zhang JN, Jiao JJ, Wang ZJ, Cai HY, Wang L, He YX, Wu MN. Selective Orexin 2 Receptor Blockade Alleviates Cognitive Impairments and the Pathological Progression of Alzheimer's Disease in 3xTg-AD Mice. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glae115. [PMID: 38682858 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glae115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The orexin system is closely related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Orexin-A aggravates cognitive dysfunction and increases amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in AD model mice, but studies of different dual orexin receptor (OXR) antagonists in AD have shown inconsistent results. Our previous study revealed that OX1R blockade aggravates cognitive deficits and pathological progression in 3xTg-AD mice, but the effects of OX2R and its potential mechanism in AD have not been reported. In the present study, OX2R was blocked by oral administration of the selective OX2R antagonist MK-1064, and the effects of OX2R blockade on cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms in 3xTg-AD mice were evaluated via behavioral tests. Then, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to detect Aβ deposition, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, and electrophysiological and wheel-running activity recording were recorded to observe hippocampal synaptic plasticity and circadian rhythm. The results showed that OX2R blockade ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, improved LTP depression, increased the expression of PSD-95, alleviated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and circadian rhythm disturbances in 3xTg-AD mice, and reduced Aβ pathology, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice. These results indicated that chronic OX2R blockade exerts neuroprotective effects in 3xTg-AD mice by reducing AD pathology at least partly through improving circadian rhythm disturbance and the sleep-wake cycle and that OX2R might be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD; however, the potential mechanism by which OX2R exerts neuroprotective effects on AD needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Hu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yue Yu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Xin Li
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Nan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan-Juan Jiao
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Xin He
- Department of Radiology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
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Rebassa JB, Capó T, Lillo J, Raïch I, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Cannabinoid and Orexigenic Systems Interplay as a New Focus of Research in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5378. [PMID: 38791416 PMCID: PMC11121409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant health challenge, with an increasing prevalence globally. Recent research has aimed to deepen the understanding of the disease pathophysiology and to find potential therapeutic interventions. In this regard, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as novel potential therapeutic targets to palliate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Orexin and cannabinoid receptors are GPCRs capable of forming heteromeric complexes with a relevant role in the development of this disease. On the one hand, the hyperactivation of the orexins system has been associated with sleep-wake cycle disruption and Aβ peptide accumulation. On the other hand, cannabinoid receptor overexpression takes place in a neuroinflammatory environment, favoring neuroprotective effects. Considering the high number of interactions between cannabinoid and orexin systems that have been described, regulation of this interplay emerges as a new focus of research. In fact, in microglial primary cultures of APPSw/Ind mice model of AD there is an important increase in CB2R-OX1R complex expression, while OX1R antagonism potentiates the neuroprotective effects of CB2R. Specifically, pretreatment with the OX1R antagonist has been shown to strongly potentiate CB2R signaling in the cAMP pathway. Furthermore, the blockade of OX1R can also abolish the detrimental effects of OX1R overactivation in AD. In this sense, CB2R-OX1R becomes a new potential therapeutic target to combat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Biel Rebassa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Jászberényi M, Thurzó B, Bagosi Z, Vécsei L, Tanaka M. The Orexin/Hypocretin System, the Peptidergic Regulator of Vigilance, Orchestrates Adaptation to Stress. Biomedicines 2024; 12:448. [PMID: 38398050 PMCID: PMC10886661 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The orexin/hypocretin neuropeptide family has emerged as a focal point of neuroscientific research following the discovery that this family plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and behavioral processes. These neuropeptides serve as powerful neuromodulators, intricately shaping autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses across species. Notably, they serve as master regulators of vigilance and stress responses; however, their roles in food intake, metabolism, and thermoregulation appear complementary and warrant further investigation. This narrative review provides a journey through the evolution of our understanding of the orexin system, from its initial discovery to the promising progress made in developing orexin derivatives. It goes beyond conventional boundaries, striving to synthesize the multifaceted activities of orexins. Special emphasis is placed on domains such as stress response, fear, anxiety, and learning, in which the authors have contributed to the literature with original publications. This paper also overviews the advancement of orexin pharmacology, which has already yielded some promising successes, particularly in the treatment of sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Jászberényi
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary; (M.J.); (B.T.); (Z.B.)
| | - Balázs Thurzó
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary; (M.J.); (B.T.); (Z.B.)
- Emergency Patient Care Unit, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary; (M.J.); (B.T.); (Z.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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Brotschi C, Bolli MH, Gatfield J, Roch C, Sifferlen T, Treiber A, Williams JT, Boss C. Pyrazole derivatives as selective orexin-2 receptor antagonists (2-SORA): synthesis, structure-activity-relationship, and sleep-promoting properties in rats. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:344-354. [PMID: 38283232 PMCID: PMC10809354 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00573a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective orexin 2 receptor antagonists (2-SORA) such as seltorexant (15) are in clinical development for the treatment of insomnia and other conditions such as depression. Herein, we report our structure-activity-relationship (SAR) optimization efforts starting from an HTS hit (1) (N-(1-((5-acetylfuran-2-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-(m-tolyl)oxazole-4-carboxamide) that was derived from an unrelated in-house GPCR-agonist program. Medicinal chemistry efforts focused on the optimization of orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) antagonistic activity, stability in liver microsomes, time dependent CYP3A4 inhibition, and aqueous solubility. Compounds were assessed for their brain-penetrating potential in in vivo experiments to select the most promising compounds for our in vivo sleep model. Our lead optimization efforts led to the discovery of the potent, brain penetrating and orally active, 2-SORA (N-(1-(2-(5-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-3-yl)ethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-(m-tolyl)oxazole-4-carboxamide) 43 with efficacy in a sleep model in rats comparable to 15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Brotschi
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Martin H Bolli
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - John Gatfield
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Catherine Roch
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Thierry Sifferlen
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Alexander Treiber
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Jodi T Williams
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
| | - Christoph Boss
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development Hegenheimermattweg 91 4123 Allschwil Basel-Landschaft Switzerland
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Botticelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Bonifazi A, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. The neuromedin U system: Pharmacological implications for the treatment of obesity and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106875. [PMID: 37517560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide produced in the gut and in the brain, with a role in multiple physiological processes. NMU acts by binding and activating two G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the NMU receptor 1 (NMU-R1), which is predominantly expressed in the periphery, and the NMU receptor 2 (NMU-R2), mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, NMU and NMU-R2 are consistently present in the hypothalamus, commonly recognized as the main "feeding center". Considering its distribution pattern, NMU revealed to be an important neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake, with a powerful anorexigenic ability. This has been observed through direct administration of NMU and by studies using genetically modified animals, which revealed an obesity phenotype when the NMU gene is deleted. Thus, the development of NMU analogs or NMU-R2 agonists might represent a promising pharmacological strategy to treat obese individuals. Furthermore, NMU has been demonstrated to influence the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, playing a potential role in binge eating behavior. This review aims to discuss and summarize the current literature linking the NMU system with obesity and binge eating behavior, focusing on the influence of NMU on food intake and the neuronal mechanisms underlying its anti-obesity properties. Pharmacological strategies to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of NMU will also be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy.
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