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Köhne S, Hillemacher T, Glahn A, Bach P. Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38606899 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2342951] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD, but also their communities and society at large. Even though pharmacotherapy is an integral part of AUD treatment, the few available substances show limited efficacy and limited clinical impact. Thus, there is a need for new innovative pharmacotherapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED This paper provides a comprehensive review of drugs approved for the treatment of AUD as well as those currently in phase II and III development. Data from recent clinical trials has been reviewed and supplemented by additional literature based on a systematic search of the PubMed database and clinical trials registries. Compounds discussed include disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosat, baclofen, sodium oxybate, doxazosin, varenicline, zonisamide, gabapentin, apremilast, ibudilast, ivermectin, tolcapone, mifepristone, suvorexant, ketamine, psilocybin, semaglutide, oxytocin and cannabidiol. EXPERT OPINION Even though the majority of the discussed compounds lack sufficient evidence to support their efficacy, multiple promising new treatment options are currently under investigation. Future research has to consider specific phenotypes and subgroups of AUD as well as a possible enhancement of the effects of psychotherapy through combination with pharmacotherapy. Practitioners should be encouraged to use available compounds to support existing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Wadsworth HA, Warnecke AMP, Barlow JC, Robinson JK, Steimle E, Ronström JW, Williams PE, Galbraith CJ, Baldridge J, Jakowec MW, Davies DL, Yorgason JT. Ivermectin increases striatal cholinergic activity to facilitate dopamine terminal function. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:50. [PMID: 38632622 PMCID: PMC11025261 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01228-2] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is a commonly prescribed antiparasitic treatment with pharmacological effects on invertebrate glutamate ion channels resulting in paralysis and death of invertebrates. However, it can also act as a modulator of some vertebrate ion channels and has shown promise in facilitating L-DOPA treatment in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease. The pharmacological effects of IVM on dopamine terminal function were tested, focusing on the role of two of IVM's potential targets: purinergic P2X4 and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Ivermectin enhanced electrochemical detection of dorsal striatum dopamine release. Although striatal P2X4 receptors were observed, IVM effects on dopamine release were not blocked by P2X4 receptor inactivation. In contrast, IVM attenuated nicotine effects on dopamine release, and antagonizing nicotinic receptors prevented IVM effects on dopamine release. IVM also enhanced striatal cholinergic interneuron firing. L-DOPA enhances dopamine release by increasing vesicular content. L-DOPA and IVM co-application further enhanced release but resulted in a reduction in the ratio between high and low frequency stimulations, suggesting that IVM is enhancing release largely through changes in terminal excitability and not vesicular content. Thus, IVM is increasing striatal dopamine release through enhanced cholinergic activity on dopamine terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary A Wadsworth
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Alicia M P Warnecke
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Joshua C Barlow
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - J Kayden Robinson
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Emma Steimle
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Joakim W Ronström
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Pacen E Williams
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Christopher J Galbraith
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Jared Baldridge
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Michael W Jakowec
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Daryl L Davies
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jordan T Yorgason
- Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology, and Neuroscience Program, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
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Raghav PK, Mann Z, Ahluwalia SK, Rajalingam R. Potential treatments of COVID-19: Drug repurposing and therapeutic interventions. J Pharmacol Sci 2023; 152:1-21. [PMID: 37059487 PMCID: PMC9930377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infection is caused when Spike-protein (S-protein) present on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human cell surface receptor, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This binding facilitates SARS-CoV-2 genome entry into the human cells, which in turn causes infection. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many different therapies have been developed to combat COVID-19, including treatment and prevention. This review is focused on the currently adapted and certain other potential therapies for COVID-19 treatment, which include drug repurposing, vaccines and drug-free therapies. The efficacy of various treatment options is constantly being tested through clinical trials and in vivo studies before they are made medically available to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar Raghav
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Simran Kaur Ahluwalia
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Raja Rajalingam
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Volkova YA, Rassokhina IV, Kondrakhin EA, Rossokhin AV, Kolbaev SN, Tihonova TB, Kh. Dzhafarov M, Schetinina MA, Chernoburova EI, Vasileva EV, Dmitrenok AS, Kovalev GI, Sharonova IN, Zavarzin IV. Synthesis and Evaluation of Avermectin–Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Hybrids as Potent GABAA Receptor Modulators. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105904. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
The P2X7 receptor has been proposed as a novel drug target for different types of diseases associated with inflammation, including brain diseases, peripheral inflammation, and cancers. Structurally diverse P2X7 receptor antagonists, mainly negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), have been developed in recent years, and several P2X7 receptor antagonists are currently evaluated in clinical trials. The P2X7 receptor requires high micro- to even millimolar ATP concentrations to be activated. Selective agonists for the P2X7 receptor are not available. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been described, but PAMs with high potency and selectivity are still lacking. This chapter discusses medicinal chemistry approaches toward the development of P2X7 receptor modulators and presents a selection of recommended tool compounds for studying P2X7 receptors in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Vigneshwaran Namasivayam
- Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Silva J, Carry E, Xue C, Zhang J, Liang J, Roberge JY, Davies DL. A Novel Dual Drug Approach That Combines Ivermectin and Dihydromyricetin (DHM) to Reduce Alcohol Drinking and Preference in Mice. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061791. [PMID: 33810134 PMCID: PMC8004700 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects over 18 million people in the US. Unfortunately, pharmacotherapies available for AUD have limited clinical success and are under prescribed. Previously, we established that avermectin compounds (ivermectin [IVM] and moxidectin) reduce alcohol (ethanol/EtOH) consumption in mice, but these effects are limited by P-glycoprotein (Pgp/ABCB1) efflux. The current study tested the hypothesis that dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural product suggested to inhibit Pgp, will enhance IVM potency as measured by changes in EtOH consumption. Using a within-subjects study design and two-bottle choice study, we tested the combination of DHM (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and IVM (0.5–2.5 mg/kg; i.p.) on EtOH intake and preference in male and female C57BL/6J mice. We also conducted molecular modeling studies of DHM with the nucleotide-binding domain of human Pgp that identified key binding residues associated with Pgp inhibition. We found that DHM increased the potency of IVM in reducing EtOH consumption, resulting in significant effects at the 1.0 mg/kg dose. This combination supports our hypothesis that inhibiting Pgp improves the potency of IVM in reducing EtOH consumption. Collectively, we demonstrate the feasibility of this novel combinatorial approach in reducing EtOH consumption and illustrate the utility of DHM in a novel combinatorial approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Silva
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (J.S.); (C.X.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Eileen Carry
- Molecular Design and Synthesis Group, Rutgers University Biomedical Research Innovation Core, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (E.C.); (J.Y.R.)
| | - Chen Xue
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (J.S.); (C.X.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (J.S.); (C.X.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jing Liang
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (J.S.); (C.X.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jacques Y. Roberge
- Molecular Design and Synthesis Group, Rutgers University Biomedical Research Innovation Core, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (E.C.); (J.Y.R.)
| | - Daryl L. Davies
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (J.S.); (C.X.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +13-23-442-1427
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Warnecke AMP, Kang MS, Jakowec MW, Davies DL. The macrocyclic lactones ivermectin and moxidectin show differential effects on rotational behavior in the 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2020; 393:112804. [PMID: 32668263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112804] [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: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and cognitive deficits, the result of dopamine (DA)-depletion within the basal ganglia. Currently, DA replacement therapy in the form of Sinemet (L-DOPA plus Carbidopa) provides symptomatic motor benefits and remains the "gold standard" for treatment. Several pharmacological approaches can enhance DA neurotransmission including the administration of DA receptor agonists, the inhibition of DA metabolism, and enhancing pre-synaptic DA release. DA neurotransmission is regulated by several receptor subtypes including signaling through the purinergic system. P2 × 4 receptors (P2 × 4Rs) are a class of cation-permeable ligand-gated ion channels activated by the synaptic release of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). P2 × 4Rs are expressed throughout the central nervous system including the dopaminergic circuitry of the substantia nigra, basal ganglia, and related reward networks. Previous studies have demonstrated that P2 × 4Rs can modulate several DA-dependent characteristics including motor, cognitive, and reward behaviors. Ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX) are two macrocyclic lactones that can potentiate P2 × 4Rs. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of P2 × 4Rs in mediating DA neurotransmission by exploring their impact on DA-dependent behavior, specifically rotation frequency in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mouse model of DA-depletion. While we did not observe any differences in the degree of lesioning based on immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase between sexes, male mice displayed a greater number of rotations with L-DOPA compared to female mice. In contrast, we observed that IVM plus L-DOPA increased the number of rotations (per 10 min) in female, but not male mice. These findings highlight the potential role of pharmacologically targeting the purinergic receptor system in modulating DA neurotransmission as well as the importance of sex differences impacting outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M P Warnecke
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Moon S Kang
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael W Jakowec
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Daryl L Davies
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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El-Saber Batiha G, Alqahtani A, Ilesanmi OB, Saati AA, El-Mleeh A, Hetta HF, Magdy Beshbishy A. Avermectin Derivatives, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic and Toxic Dosages, Mechanism of Action, and Their Biological Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E196. [PMID: 32824399 PMCID: PMC7464486 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Avermectins are a group of drugs that occurs naturally as a product of fermenting Streptomyces avermitilis, an actinomycetes, isolated from the soil. Eight different structures, including ivermectin, abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin, and selamectin, were isolated and divided into four major components (A1a, A2a, B1a and B2a) and four minor components (A1b, A2b, B1b, and B2b). Avermectins are generally used as a pesticide for the treatment of pests and parasitic worms as a result of their anthelmintic and insecticidal properties. Additionally, they possess anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiviral, antifungal, and are used for treatment of several metabolic disorders. Avermectin generally works by preventing the transmission of electrical impulse in the muscle and nerves of invertebrates, by amplifying the glutamate effects on the invertebrates-specific gated chloride channel. Avermectin has unwanted effects or reactions, especially when administered indiscriminately, which include respiratory failure, hypotension, and coma. The current review examines the mechanism of actions, biosynthesis, safety, pharmacokinetics, biological toxicity and activities of avermectins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Ali Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Guraiger, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Omotayo B. Ilesanmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Otuoke, Otuoke 561, Nigeria;
| | - Abdullah A. Saati
- Department of Community Medicine & Pilgrims Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University Makkah, Mecca 24382, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amany El-Mleeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin Al Kawm 32511, Egypt;
| | - Helal F. Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Amany Magdy Beshbishy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nishi 2-13, Inada-cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
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Silva J, Khoja S, Asatryan L, Pacifici E, Davies DL. A novel pharmacotherapy approach using P-glycoprotein (PGP/ABCB1) efflux inhibitor combined with ivermectin to reduce alcohol drinking and preference in mice. Alcohol 2020; 86:1-8. [PMID: 32278067 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has a major national impact, affecting over 18 million people, causing approximately 88,000 deaths, and costing upward of $250 billion annually in the United States. Unfortunately, FDA-approved AUD pharmaceuticals are few, and clinical benefits are mostly ineffective in patients suffering from AUD. Therefore, the identification of novel targets and/or innovative methods for the development of safe and effective medications represents a critical public health need. Previously, we reported that avermectin compounds (ivermectin [IVM] and moxidectin [MOX]) significantly reduced ethanol intake in male and female mice. However, avermectin compounds are readily effluxed by P-glycoprotein (Pgp/ABCB1) in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in reduced retention time by the drugs in the central nervous system (CNS). As such, the doses of IVM or MOX and the time frame for significant reductions of ethanol intake are not ideal. Here we evaluate a novel combinatorial strategy involving IVM and tariquidar (TQ), a third-generation efflux inhibitor of Pgp, to reduce the dosing necessary for improving alcohol (ethanol) consumption behavior. We tested male C57BL/6J mice using a two-bottle choice study to evaluate ethanol consumption and preference. We found that injecting 10 mg/kg of TQ 30 min prior to IVM resulted in a five-fold improvement in the efficacy of IVM (dosed at 0.5 mg/kg), resulting in a significant reduction in ethanol intake and preference. Notably, the reduction by IVM was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were identified when tested at doses ranging from 0.50 mg/kg to 2.0 mg/kg. Collectively, our findings indicate that IVM, in combination with TQ, increases its efficacy in the CNS for reducing ethanol consumption. This work demonstrates a novel combinatorial drug strategy that allows new opportunities for drugs with poor CNS retention, such as IVM, to demonstrate improved potency and potentially improved safety.
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Resolving the Ionotropic P2X4 Receptor Mystery Points Towards a New Therapeutic Target for Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145005. [PMID: 32679900 PMCID: PMC7404342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a primordial versatile autacoid that changes its role from an intracellular energy saver to a signaling molecule once released to the extracellular milieu. Extracellular ATP and its adenosine metabolite are the main activators of the P2 and P1 purinoceptor families, respectively. Mounting evidence suggests that the ionotropic P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) plays pivotal roles in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, yet further therapeutic advances have been hampered by the lack of selective P2X4R agonists. In this review, we provide the state of the art of the P2X4R activity in the cardiovascular system. We also discuss the role of P2X4R activation in kidney and lungs vis a vis their interplay to control cardiovascular functions and dysfunctions, including putative adverse effects emerging from P2X4R activation. Gathering this information may prompt further development of selective P2X4R agonists and its translation to the clinical practice.
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McKee DL, Sternberg A, Stange U, Laufer S, Naujokat C. Candidate drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104859. [PMID: 32360480 PMCID: PMC7189851 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Outbreak and pandemic of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in 2019/2020 will challenge global health for the future. Because a vaccine against the virus will not be available in the near future, we herein try to offer a pharmacological strategy to combat the virus. There exists a number of candidate drugs that may inhibit infection with and replication of SARS-CoV-2. Such drugs comprise inhibitors of TMPRSS2 serine protease and inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Blockade of ACE2, the host cell receptor for the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of TMPRSS2, which is required for S protein priming may prevent cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Further, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, and off-label antiviral drugs, such as the nucleotide analogue remdesivir, HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir and ritonavir, broad-spectrum antiviral drugs arbidol and favipiravir as well as antiviral phytochemicals available to date may limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 and morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariane Sternberg
- Center and Network for Targeted Oncology, Muehlackerweg 8, D-69239, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Stange
- Center and Network for Targeted Oncology, Muehlackerweg 8, D-69239, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf Der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cord Naujokat
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Reyes-Espinosa F, Nieto-Pescador MG, Bocanegra-García V, Lozano-Guzmán E, Rivera G. In Silico Analysis of FDA Drugs as P2X4 Modulators for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Mol Inform 2020; 39:e1900111. [PMID: 32511896 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201900111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the potential application of ivermectins in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ivermectin is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of P2X4R and this molecule exerts its action in the transmembrane region (known as the TM region) of trimeric channel structure (the pocket formed by Asp331, Met336, Trp46, Trp50, and Tyr42). The aim of this study is to identify FDA drugs with potential PAM properties, by exploring the P2X4Rs from four organisms (Danio rerio, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Homo sapiens). The in silico study consists of carrying out the molecular docking of 1656 FDA-approved drugs on the structure of P2X4R, using the commercially available compounds from the ZINC15 database for virtual screening. To strengthen the reliability of the results, two docking protocols were used involving the use of two programs, Autodock 4.2 and Autodock Vina. Nine FDA drugs with potential PAM properties were identified. In addition, eight molecules with potential negative allosteric modulator (NAM) action, and 13 molecules with potential allosteric modulator (AM) action were identified. The FDA drugs identified in this study with PAM, NAM, and AM action, shared in the P2X4Rs of the four organisms, can provide a guideline to proceed with research concerning new drugs for the study and treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Reyes-Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, México
| | - María G Nieto-Pescador
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, 34120, Durango, México
| | - Virgilio Bocanegra-García
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, México
| | - Eduardo Lozano-Guzmán
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, 34120, Durango, México
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, México
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Getachew B, Tizabi Y. Antidepressant effects of moxidectin, an antiparasitic drug, in a rat model of depression. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112220. [PMID: 31513828 PMCID: PMC6783392 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Substantial data indicate that an imbalance in gut microbiome (GM), also referred to as dysbiosis, may play an important role in depression. Moreover, drugs that normalize GM can result in an antidepressant-like effect. It was reported recently that moxidectin (MOX), an antiparasitic drug commonly used in veterinary medicine, has a positive influence on microbiota implicated in mood regulation. We undertook this study to determine whether MOX would actually show antidepressant-like properties in an animal model of depression and whether it would affect the hippocampal and frontal cortex levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, peptides that have been implicated in pathogenesis of depression and effectiveness of various antidepressants. Adult male Wistar-Kyoto rats, a putative animal model of depression, were treated with a single dose of MOX (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and their performance in the open field locomotor activity (OFLA) as well as in the forced swim test (FST) was evaluated at 24 h, one week and two weeks after the single injection. A separate group of rats were injected with 2.5 mg/kg MOX and sacrificed 24 h later for neurochemical evaluations. MOX resulted in a decrease in immobility score after 24 h, whereas OFLA was not affected. Concomitant with the 24 h behavioral effects, the levels of hippocampal and frontal cortical BDNF were significantly increased, whereas the levels of TNF-alpha in both these areas were significantly decreased. The decrease in immobility scores was still evident after one week, but not 2 weeks of rest. These results indicate long lasting antidepressant effects of a single MOX dose and suggest potential utility of this drug in treatment-resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, USA
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, USA.
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Melbourne JK, Thompson KR, Peng H, Nixon K. Its complicated: The relationship between alcohol and microglia in the search for novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 167:179-221. [PMID: 31601404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with wide-ranging health consequences. Alcohol targets the central nervous system producing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive and behavioral deficits, but the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. Recently, evidence has been mounting for the role of neuroimmune activation in the pathogenesis of AUDs, but our nascent state of knowledge about the interaction of alcohol with the neuroimmune system supports that the relationship is complicated. As the resident macrophage of the central nervous system, microglia are a central focus. Human and animal research on the interplay between microglia and alcohol in AUDs has proven to be complex, and though early research focused on a pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia, the anti-inflammatory and homeostatic roles of microglia must be considered. How these new roles for microglia should be incorporated into our thinking about the neuroimmune system in AUDs is discussed in the context of developing novel pharmacotherapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Melbourne
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - K Ryan Thompson
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hui Peng
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kimberly Nixon
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States.
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Getachew B, Reyes RE, Davies DL, Tizabi Y. Moxidectin Effects on Gut Microbiota of Wistar-Kyoto Rats: Relevance to Depressive-Like Behavior. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 3:134-142. [PMID: 31321385 PMCID: PMC6639013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The prevalent comorbidity between neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders is believed to be significantly influenced by gut microbiota (GM). GM may also play a substantial role in comorbidity between substance abuse (e.g. Alcohol Use Disorder, AUD) and depression. The anti-parasitic drug Moxidectin (MOX) has been reported to reduce alcohol intake in male and female mice. This effect is purported to be centrally mediated with a significant contribution linked to purinergic, P2X4 purinergic receptors. However, MOX's effects on GM in animal models of depression is not known. METHODS Adult male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (5/group) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for 7 days with MOX (2.5mg/kg), or saline as control group. On day 8, approximately 20 h after the last MOX injection, animals were sacrificed, intestinal stools were collected and stored at -80°C DNA was extracted from the samples for 16S rRNA gene-based GM analysis using 16S Metagenomics application. RESULTS At taxa and species level, MOX affected a number of bacteria including a 30-fold increase in Bifidobacterium cholerium, a bacterium with a strong ability to degrade carbohydrates that resist digestion in the small intestine. There was a minimum of 2-fold increase in: five probiotic species of Lactobacillus, butyrate-forming Rosburia Facies and Butyrivibro proteovlasticus. In contrast, MOX depleted 11 species, including 2 species of Ruminoccus, which are positively associated with severity of irritable bowel syndrome, and 4 species of Provettela, which are closely associated with depressive-like behavior. CONCLUSION Thus, MOX enhanced probiotic species, and suppressed the opportunistic pathogens. Since overall effect of MOX appears to be promoting GM associated with mood enhancement (e.g. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and suppressing GM associated with inflammation (e.g. Ruminoccus), potential antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects of MOX in suitable animal models should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel E. Reyes
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daryl L. Davies
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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