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Olivero G, Grilli M, Marchi M, Pittaluga A. Metamodulation of presynaptic NMDA receptors: New perspectives for pharmacological interventions. Neuropharmacology 2023; 234:109570. [PMID: 37146939 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Metamodulation shifted the scenario of the central neuromodulation from a simplified unimodal model to a multimodal one. It involves different receptors/membrane proteins physically associated or merely colocalized that act in concert to control the neuronal functions influencing each other. Defects or maladaptation of metamodulation would subserve neuropsychiatric disorders or even synaptic adaptations relevant to drug dependence. Therefore, this "vulnerability" represents a main issue to be deeply analyzed to predict its aetiopathogenesis, but also to propose targeted pharmaceutical interventions. The review focusses on presynaptic release-regulating NMDA receptors and on some of the mechanisms of their metamodulation described in the literature. Attention is paid to the interactors, including both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, transporters and intracellular proteins, which metamodulate their responsiveness in physiological conditions but also undergo adaptation that are relevant to neurological dysfunctions. All these structures are attracting more and more the interest as promising druggable targets for the treatment of NMDAR-related central diseases: these substances would not exert on-off control of the colocalized NMDA receptors (as usually observed with NMDAR full agonists/antagonists), but rather modulate their functions, with the promise of limiting side effects that would favor their translation from preclinic to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Grilli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy; Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 16148, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Mario Marchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy; Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 16148, Genoa, Italy
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Martos D, Tuka B, Tanaka M, Vécsei L, Telegdy G. Memory Enhancement with Kynurenic Acid and Its Mechanisms in Neurotransmission. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040849. [PMID: 35453599 PMCID: PMC9027307 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan (Trp) metabolite known to possess neuroprotective property. KYNA plays critical roles in nociception, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. A lower level of KYNA is observed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases or psychiatric disorders such as depression and autism spectrum disorders, whereas a higher level of KYNA is associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Little is known about the optimal concentration for neuroprotection and the threshold for neurotoxicity. In this study the effects of KYNA on memory functions were investigated by passive avoidance test in mice. Six different doses of KYNA were administered intracerebroventricularly to previously trained CFLP mice and they were observed for 24 h. High doses of KYNA (i.e., 20–40 μg/2 μL) significantly decreased the avoidance latency, whereas a low dose of KYNA (0.5 μg/2 μL) significantly elevated it compared with controls, suggesting that the low dose of KYNA enhanced memory function. Furthermore, six different receptor blockers were applied to reveal the mechanisms underlying the memory enhancement induced by KYNA. The series of tests revealed the possible involvement of the serotonergic, dopaminergic, α and β adrenergic, and opiate systems in the nootropic effect. This study confirmed that a low dose of KYNA improved a memory component of cognitive domain, which was mediated by, at least in part, four systems of neurotransmission in an animal model of learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diána Martos
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged (MTA-SZTE), Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.M.); (B.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Bernadett Tuka
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged (MTA-SZTE), Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.M.); (B.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged (MTA-SZTE), Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.M.); (B.T.); (M.T.)
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged (MTA-SZTE), Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.M.); (B.T.); (M.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-342-361
| | - Gyula Telegdy
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 5, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
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Schifano F, Catalani V, Sharif S, Napoletano F, Corkery JM, Arillotta D, Fergus S, Vento A, Guirguis A. Benefits and Harms of 'Smart Drugs' (Nootropics) in Healthy Individuals. Drugs 2022; 82:633-647. [PMID: 35366192 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
'Smart drugs' (also known as 'nootropics' and 'cognitive enhancers' [CEs]) are being used by healthy subjects (i.e. students and workers) typically to improve memory, attention, learning, executive functions and vigilance, hence the reference to a 'pharmaceutical cognitive doping behaviour'. While the efficacy of known CEs in individuals with memory or learning deficits is well known, their effect on non-impaired brains is still to be fully assessed. This paper aims to provide an overview on the prevalence of use; putative neuroenhancement benefits and possible harms relating to the intake of the most popular CEs (e.g. amphetamine-type stimulants, methylphenidate, donepezil, selegiline, modafinil, piracetam, benzodiazepine inverse agonists, and unifiram analogues) in healthy individuals. CEs are generally perceived by the users as effective, with related enthusiastic anecdotal reports; however, their efficacy in healthy individuals is uncertain and any reported improvement temporary. Conversely, since most CEs are stimulants, the related modulation of central noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine levels may lead to cardiovascular, neurological and psychopathological complications. Furthermore, use of CEs can be associated with paradoxical short- and long-term cognitive decline; decreased potential for plastic learning; and addictive behaviour. Finally, the non-medical use of any potent psychotropic raises serious ethical and legal issues, with nootropics having the potential to become a major public health concern. Further studies investigating CE-associated social, psychological, and biological outcomes are urgently needed to allow firm conclusions to be drawn on the appropriateness of CE use in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Valeria Catalani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Safia Sharif
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Flavia Napoletano
- East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), Newham Early Intervention Service, London, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Davide Arillotta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Suzanne Fergus
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Alessandro Vento
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
- Addictions' Observatory (ODDPSS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
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Temerdashev AZ, Zorina MO, Dmitrieva EV, Azaryan AA. A Study of the Metabolism of the New Nootropic Preparation Unifiram by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934821020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Gualtieri F. Unifi nootropics from the lab to the web: a story of academic (and industrial) shortcomings. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2015; 31:187-94. [PMID: 25831025 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2015.1021252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is a review of the work of my former academic group of research in the past 15 years, in the field of cognition enhancers (also called nootropics) that identified two very potent molecules: Unifiram and Sunifiram that for a variety of reasons were not protected by a patent. Some 12 years after their disclosure (2000) I casually found that on the web, there were dozens of sites offering Unifiram and Sunifiram as drugs that improve cognition in healthy individuals even if only few preclinical studies were done and their long-term toxicity was unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Gualtieri
- a Department of Neurosciences , Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence , Sesto Fiorentino (Fi) , Italy
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Substituted piperazines as nootropic agents: 2- or 3-phenyl derivatives structurally related to the cognition-enhancer DM235. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:1700-1704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Moriguchi S, Tanaka T, Narahashi T, Fukunaga K. Novel nootropic drug sunifiram enhances hippocampal synaptic efficacy via glycine-binding site ofN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Hippocampus 2013; 23:942-51. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Moriguchi
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University; Sendai Japan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois
| | - Tomoya Tanaka
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University; Sendai Japan
| | - Toshio Narahashi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University; Sendai Japan
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Moriguchi S, Tanaka T, Tagashira H, Narahashi T, Fukunaga K. Novel nootropic drug sunifiram improves cognitive deficits via CaM kinase II and protein kinase C activation in olfactory bulbectomized mice. Behav Brain Res 2013; 242:150-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Influence of ring size on the cognition-enhancing activity of DM235 and MN19, two potent nootropic drugs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:1936-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Martini E, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Bartolucci G, Bertucci C, Dei S, Ghelardini C, Guandalini L, Manetti D, Scapecchi S, Teodori E, Romanelli MN. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 3,7-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-ones as Potential Nootropic and Analgesic Drugs. J Med Chem 2011; 54:2512-6. [DOI: 10.1021/jm101376k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Martini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Carlo Bertucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Dei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Luca Guandalini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Dina Manetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Serena Scapecchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Teodori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Romanelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Design, synthesis and nootropic activity of new analogues of sunifiram and sapunifiram, two potent cognition-enhancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:7606-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Design, synthesis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of new analogues of DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram) as cognition modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2008; 16:10034-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2008] [Revised: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Romanelli MN, Galeotti N, Ghelardini C, Manetti D, Martini E, Gualtieri F. Pharmacological characterization of DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram), new potent cognition enhancers. CNS DRUG REVIEWS 2006; 12:39-52. [PMID: 16834757 PMCID: PMC6741768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2006.00039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram) are potent cognition-enhancers, which are four order of magnitude more potent than piracetam. These compounds, although not showing affinity in binding studies for the most important central receptors or channels, are able to prevent amnesia induced by modulation of several neurotransmission systems. These compounds are able to increase the release of acetylcholine from rat cerebral cortex, and, as far as unifiram is concerned, to increase the amplitude of fEPSP in rat hippocampal slices. In vitro experiments, performed on hippocampal slices, also supported the hypothesis of a role of the AMPA receptors for the cognition-enhancing properties of unifiram and sunifiram.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Romanelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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