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Dagher M, Alayoubi M, Sigal GH, Cahill CM. Unveiling the link between chronic pain and misuse of opioids and cannabis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:563-580. [PMID: 38570361 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02765-3] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Over 50 million Americans endure chronic pain where many do not receive adequate treatment and self-medicate to manage their pain by taking substances like opioids and cannabis. Research has shown high comorbidity between chronic pain and substance use disorders (SUD) and these disorders share many common neurobiological underpinnings, including hypodopaminergic transmission. Drugs commonly used for self-medication such as opioids and cannabis relieve emotional, bothersome components of pain as well as negative emotional affect that perpetuates misuse and increases the risk of progressing towards drug abuse. However, the causal effect between chronic pain and the development of SUDs has not been clearly established. In this review, we discuss evidence that affirms the proposition that chronic pain is a risk factor for the development of opioid and cannabis use disorders by outlining the clinical evidence and detailing neurobiological mechanisms that link pain and drug misuse. Central to the link between chronic pain and opioid and cannabis misuse is hypodopaminergic transmission and the modulation of dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic pathway by opioids and cannabis. Moreover, we discuss the role of kappa opioid receptor activation and neuroinflammation in the context of dopamine transmission, their contribution to opioid and cannabis withdrawal, along with potential new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Dagher
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Myra Alayoubi
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gabriella H Sigal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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2
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Estave PM, Albertson SE, Karkhanis AN, Jones SR. Co-targeting the kappa opioid receptor and dopamine transporter reduces motivation to self-administer cocaine and partially reverses dopamine system dysregulation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6509. [PMID: 38499566 PMCID: PMC10948819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53463-9] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cocaine disrupts dopamine (DA) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system activity, with long-term exposure reducing inhibiton of DA uptake by cocaine and increasing KOR system function. Single treatment therapies have not been successful for cocaine use disorder; therefore, this study focuses on a combination therapy targeting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and KOR. Sprague Dawley rats self-administered 5 days of cocaine (1.5 mg/kg/inf, max 40 inf/day, FR1), followed by 14 days on a progressive ratio (PR) schedule (0.19 mg/kg/infusion). Behavioral effects of individual and combined administration of phenmetrazine and nBNI were then examined using PR. Additionally, ex vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry was then used to assess alterations in DA and KOR system activity in the nucleus accumbens before and after treatments. Chronic administration of phenmetrazine as well as the combination of phenmetrazine and nBNI-but not nBNI alone-significantly reduced PR breakpoints. In addition, the combination of phenmetrazine and nBNI partially reversed cocaine-induced neurodysregulations of the KOR and DA systems, indicating therapeutic benefits of targeting the DA and KOR systems in tandem. These data highlight the potential benefits of the DAT and KOR as dual-cellular targets to reduce motivation to administer cocaine and reverse cocaine-induced alterations of the DA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Estave
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake University Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Steven E Albertson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake University Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Anushree N Karkhanis
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University - State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Sara R Jones
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake University Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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3
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Didik S, Golosova D, Xu B, Staruschenko A. Opioids and the Kidney: A Compendium. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:1816-1823. [PMID: 37927032 PMCID: PMC10758516 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are a class of medications used in pain management. Unfortunately, long-term use, overprescription, and illicit opioid use have led to one of the greatest threats to mankind: the opioid crisis. Accompanying the classical analgesic properties of opioids, opioids produce a myriad of effects including euphoria, immunosuppression, respiratory depression, and organ damage. It is essential to ascertain the physiological role of the opioid/opioid receptor axis to gain an in-depth understanding of the effects of opioid use. This knowledge will aid in the development of novel therapeutic interventions to combat the increasing mortality rate because of opioid misuse. This review describes the current knowledge of opioids, including the opioid epidemic and opioid/opioid receptor physiology. Furthermore, this review intricately relates opioid use to kidney damage, navigates kidney structure and physiology, and proposes potential ways to prevent opioid-induced kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Didik
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Daria Golosova
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Biyang Xu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida
- Hypertension and Kidney Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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4
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Olson KM, Hillhouse TM, Burgess GE, West JL, Hallahan JE, Dripps IJ, Ladetto AG, Rice KC, Jutkiewicz EM, Traynor JR. Delta Opioid Receptor-Mediated Antidepressant-Like Effects of Diprenorphine in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:343-352. [PMID: 36456196 PMCID: PMC9976798 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a highly common disorder, with a lifetime prevalence in the United States of approximately 21%. Traditional antidepressant treatments are limited by a delayed onset of action and minimal efficacy in some patients. Ketamine is effective and fast-acting, but there are concerns over its abuse liability. Thus, there is a need for safe, fast-acting antidepressant drugs. The opioid buprenorphine shows promise but also has abuse liability due to its mu-agonist component. Preclinical evidence indicates that the delta-opioid system contributes to mood disorders, and delta-opioid agonists are effective in preclinical models of depression- and anxiety-like states. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the mu-opioid antagonist diprenorphine by virtue of its partial delta opioid agonist activity may offer a beneficial profile for an antidepressant medication without abuse liability. Diprenorphine was confirmed to bind with high affinity to all three opioid receptors, and functional experiments for G protein activation verified diprenorphine to be a partial agonist at delta- and kappa-opioid receptors and a mu-antagonist. Studies in C57BL/6 mice demonstrated that an acute dose of diprenorphine produced antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test and the novelty-induced hypophagia test that were inhibited in the presence of the delta-selective antagonist, naltrindole. Diprenorphine did not produce convulsions, a side effect of many delta agonists but rather inhibited convulsions caused by the full delta agonist SNC80; however, diprenorphine did potentiate pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. Diprenorphine, and compounds with a similar pharmacological profile, may provide efficient and safe rapidly acting antidepressants. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The management of major depressive disorder, particularly treatment-resistant depression, is a significant unmet medical need. Here we show that the opioid diprenorphine, a compound with mu-opioid receptor antagonist activity and delta- and kappa-opioid receptor partial agonist activities, has rapid onset antidepressant-like activity in animal models. Diprenorphine and compounds with a similar pharmacological profile to diprenorphine should be explored as novel antidepressant drugs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Depressive Disorder, Major
- Diprenorphine/pharmacology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Opioid
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Seizures/chemically induced
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Todd M Hillhouse
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Gwendolyn E Burgess
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Joshua L West
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - James E Hallahan
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Isaac J Dripps
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Allison G Ladetto
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center (K.M.O., T.M.H., G.E.B., J.L.W., J.E.H., I.J.D., A.G.L., E.M.J., J.R.T.) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry (J.R.T.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
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5
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Estave PM, Sun H, Peck EG, Holleran KM, Chen R, Jones SR. Cocaine self-administration augments kappa opioid receptor system-mediated inhibition of dopamine activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:129-137. [PMID: 36748012 PMCID: PMC9898071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies examining the effects of cocaine on the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system primarily focus on non-contingent cocaine exposure, but the effects of self-administration, which more closely reflects human drug-taking behaviors, are not well studied. In this study we characterized the effects of escalated intravenous cocaine self-administration on the functional state of the Dyn/KOR system and its interaction with mesolimbic dopamine signaling. Rats self-administered cocaine in an extended access, limited intake cocaine procedure, in which animals obtained 40 infusions per day (1.5 mg/kg/inf) for 5 consecutive days to ensure comparable consumption levels. Following single day tests of cue reactivity and progressive ratio responding, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure levels of Oprk and Pdyn transcripts in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. Additionally, after self-administration, ex vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the NAc was used to examine the ability of the KOR agonist U50,488 to inhibit dopamine release. We found that KOR-induced inhibition of dopamine release was enhanced in animals that self-administered cocaine compared to controls, suggesting upregulated Dyn/KOR activity after cocaine self-administration. Furthermore, expression levels of Pdyn in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, and Oprk in the nucleus accumbens, were elevated in cocaine animals compared to controls. Additionally, Pdyn expression in the nucleus accumbens was negatively correlated with progressive ratio breakpoints, a measure of motivation to self-administer cocaine. Overall, these data suggest that cocaine self-administration elevates KOR/Dyn system activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara R. Jones
- Correspondence to: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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6
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Haun HL, Lebonville CL, Solomon MG, Griffin WC, Lopez MF, Becker HC. Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor Activity Within the Extended Amygdala Contributes to Stress-Enhanced Alcohol Drinking in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:1019-1028. [PMID: 35190188 PMCID: PMC9167153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is high comorbidity of stress-related disorders and alcohol use disorder, few effective treatments are available and elucidating underlying neurobiological mechanisms has been hampered by a general lack of reliable animal models. Here, we use a novel mouse model demonstrating robust and reproducible stress-enhanced alcohol drinking to examine the role of dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (DYN/KOR) activity within the extended amygdala in mediating this stress-alcohol interaction. METHODS Mice received repeated weekly cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure alternating with weekly drinking sessions ± forced swim stress exposure. Pdyn messenger RNA expression was measured in the central amygdala (CeA), and DYN-expressing CeA neurons were then targeted for chemogenetic inhibition. Finally, a KOR antagonist was microinjected into the CeA or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to examine the role of KOR signaling in promoting stress-enhanced drinking. RESULTS Stress (forced swim stress) selectively increased alcohol drinking in mice with a history of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure, and this was accompanied by elevated Pdyn messenger RNA levels in the CeA. Targeted chemogenetic silencing of DYN-expressing CeA neurons blocked stress-enhanced drinking, and KOR antagonism in the CeA or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis significantly reduced stress-induced elevated alcohol consumption without altering moderate intake in control mice. CONCLUSIONS Using a novel and robust model of stress-enhanced alcohol drinking, a significant role for DYN/KOR activity within extended amygdala circuitry in mediating this effect was demonstrated, thereby providing further evidence that the DYN/KOR system may be a valuable target in the development of more effective treatments for individuals presenting with comorbidity of stress-related disorders and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold L Haun
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christina L Lebonville
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Matthew G Solomon
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William C Griffin
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marcelo F Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina.
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7
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In Vitro, In Vivo and In Silico Characterization of a Novel Kappa-Opioid Receptor Antagonist. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060680. [PMID: 35745598 PMCID: PMC9229160 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists are promising innovative therapeutics for the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The new scaffold opioid ligand, Compound A, was originally found as a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist but its binding/selectivity and activation profile at the KOR and delta-opioid receptor (DOR) remain elusive. In this study, we present an in vitro, in vivo and in silico characterization of Compound A by revealing this ligand as a KOR antagonist in vitro and in vivo. In the radioligand competitive binding assay, Compound A bound at the human KOR, albeit with moderate affinity, but with increased affinity than to the human MOR and without specific binding at the human DOR, thus displaying a preferential KOR selectivity profile. Following subcutaneous administration in mice, Compound A effectively reverse the antinociceptive effects of the prototypical KOR agonist, U50,488. In silico investigations were carried out to assess the structural determinants responsible for opioid receptor subtype selectivity of Compound A. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic pharmacophore (dynophore) generation revealed differences in the stabilization of the chlorophenyl moiety of Compound A within the opioid receptor binding pockets, rationalizing the experimentally determined binding affinity values. This new chemotype bears the potential for favorable ADMET properties and holds promise for chemical optimization toward the development of potential therapeutics.
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8
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Aldrich JV, McLaughlin JP. Peptide Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Their Potential for Drug Development. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:197-220. [PMID: 34463847 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ligands for kappa opioid receptors (KOR) have potential uses as non-addictive analgesics and for the treatment of pruritus, mood disorders, and substance abuse. These areas continue to have major unmet medical needs. Significant advances have been made in recent years in the preclinical development of novel opioid peptides, notably ones with structural features that inherently impart stability to proteases. Following a brief discussion of the potential therapeutic applications of KOR agonists and antagonists, this review focuses on two series of novel opioid peptides, all-D-amino acid tetrapeptides as peripherally selective KOR agonists for the treatment of pain and pruritus without centrally mediated side effects, and macrocyclic tetrapeptides based on CJ-15,208 that can exhibit different opioid profiles with potential applications such as analgesics and treatments for substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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9
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Borbély É, Simon M, Fuchs E, Wiborg O, Czéh B, Helyes Z. Novel drug developmental strategies for treatment-resistant depression. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1146-1186. [PMID: 34822719 PMCID: PMC9303797 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Because conventional therapies are ineffective in many patients, novel strategies are needed to overcome treatment‐resistant depression (TRD). Limiting factors of successful drug development in the last decades were the lack of (1) knowledge of pathophysiology, (2) translational animal models and (3) objective diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we review novel drug targets and drug candidates currently investigated in Phase I–III clinical trials. The most promising approaches are inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission by NMDA and mGlu5 receptor antagonists, modulation of the opioidergic system by κ receptor antagonists, and hallucinogenic tryptamine derivates. The only registered drug for TRD is the NMDA receptor antagonist, S‐ketamine, but add‐on therapies with second‐generation antipsychotics, certain nutritive, anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective agents seem to be effective. Currently, there is an intense research focus on large‐scale, high‐throughput omics and neuroimaging studies. These results might provide new insights into molecular mechanisms and potential novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Borbély
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mária Simon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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10
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Zhang H, Zhou D, Gu J, Qu M, Guo K, Chen W, Miao C. Targeting the mu-Opioid Receptor for Cancer Treatment. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:111. [PMID: 34342720 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Opioids are still the most effective and widely used treatments for acute and chronic pain in cancer patients. This review focuses on the impact of opioids and mu-opioid receptors (MOR) on tumor progression and providing new ideas for targeting the MOR in cancer treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Studies estimated that opioids facilitate tumor progression and are related to the worse prognosis in cancer patients. As the primary receptor of opioids, MOR is involved in the regulation of malignant transformation of tumors and participating in proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. MOR may be a new molecular marker of malignant tumors and thus become a new target for cancer therapy, which may be beneficial to the outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiahui Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengdi Qu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kefang Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wankun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Fudan Zhangjiang Institute, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Improving the Utility of a Dynorphin Peptide Analogue Using Mannosylated Glycoliposomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157996. [PMID: 34360762 PMCID: PMC8348236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide therapeutics offer numerous advantages in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, they are not without limitations, especially in terms of their pharmacokinetics where their metabolic lability and low blood–brain barrier penetration hinder their application. Targeted nanoparticle delivery systems are being tapped for their ability to improve the delivery of therapeutics into the brain non-invasively. We have developed a family of mannosylated glycoliposome delivery systems for targeted drug delivery applications. Herein, we demonstrate via in vivo distribution studies the potential of these glycoliposomes to improve the utility of CNS active therapeutics using dynantin, a potent and selective dynorphin peptide analogue antagonist of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). Glycoliposomal entrapment protected dynantin against known rapid metabolic degradation and ultimately improved brain levels of the peptide by approximately 3–3.5-fold. Moreover, we linked this improved brain delivery with improved KOR antagonist activity by way of an approximately 30–40% positive modulation of striatal dopamine levels 20 min after intranasal administration. Overall, the results clearly highlight the potential of our glycoliposomes as a targeted delivery system for therapeutic agents of the CNS.
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