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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:642-659. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Denaro S, Pasquinucci L, Turnaturi R, Alberghina C, Longhitano L, Giallongo S, Costanzo G, Spoto S, Grasso M, Zappalà A, Li Volti G, Tibullo D, Vicario N, Parenti R, Parenti C. Sigma-1 Receptor Inhibition Reduces Mechanical Allodynia and Modulate Neuroinflammation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2672-2685. [PMID: 37922065 PMCID: PMC11043107 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03717-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most debilitating forms of chronic pain, resulting from an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, which induces abnormal painful sensations including allodynia and hyperalgesia. Available treatments are limited by severe side-effects and reduced efficacy in the chronic phase of the disease. Sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) has been identified as a chaperone protein, which modulate opioid receptors activities and the functioning of several ion channels, exerting a role in pain transmission. As such, it represents a druggable target to treat neuropathic pain. This study aims at investigating the therapeutic potential of the novel compound (+)-2R/S-LP2, a σ1R antagonist, in reducing painful behaviour and modulating the neuroinflammatory environment. We showed that repeated administration of the compound significantly inhibited mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats, increasing the withdrawal threshold as compared to CCI-vehicle rats. Moreover, we found that (+)-2R/S-LP2-mediated effects resolve the neuroinflammatory microenvironment by reducing central gliosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression levels. This effect was coupled with a significant reduction of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression levels and gap junctions/hemichannels mediated microglia-to-astrocyte communication. These results suggest that inhibition of σ1R significantly attenuates neuropathic pain chronicization, thus representing a viable effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Denaro
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Alberghina
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Longhitano
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Costanzo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Spoto
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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3
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Jin Y, Zhou J, Fang Y, Song H, Lin S, Pan B, Liu L, Xiong B. Electroacupuncture prevents the development or establishment of chronic pain via IL-33/ST2 signaling in hyperalgesic priming model rats. Neurosci Lett 2024; 820:137611. [PMID: 38142925 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is acomplexhealth issue. Compared to acute pain, which has a protective value, chronic pain is defined as persistent pain after tissue injury. Few clinical advances have been made to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA), the most common form of acupuncture, is widely used in clinical practice to relieve pain. METHODS The hyperalgesic priming model, established via a carrageenan injection followed by a prostaglandin E2 injection, was used to investigate the development or establishment of chronic pain. We observed the hyperalgesic effect of EA on rats and investigated the expression p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and its receptor ST2 in astrocytes in the L4-L6 spinal cord dorsal horns (SDHs) after EA. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in SDH is associated with the development of chronic pain. RESULTS EA can reverse the pain threshold in hyperalgesic priming model rats and regulates the expression of phosphorylated p38, IL-33, and ST2 in astrocytes in the L4-L6 SDHs. We discovered that EA raises the pain threshold. This suggests that EA can prevent the development or establishment of chronic pain by inhibiting IL-33/ST2 signaling in the lower central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS EA can alleviate the development or establishment of chronic pain by modulating IL-33/ST2 signaling in SDHs. Our findings will help clinicians understand the mechanisms of EA analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 219 Moganshan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310005, China
| | - Yinfeng Fang
- The School of Communication Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Hongyun Song
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Shiming Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Bowen Pan
- Department of Traumatology, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Children's Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Lanying Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210029, China.
| | - Bing Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China.
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4
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He Y, Su Q, Zhao L, Zhang L, Yu L, Shi J. Historical perspectives and recent advances in small molecule ligands of selective/biased/multi-targeted μ/δ/κ opioid receptor (2019-2022). Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106869. [PMID: 37797454 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The opioids have been used for more than a thousand years and are not only the most widely prescribed drugs for moderate to severe pain and acute pain, but also the preferred drugs. However, their non-analgesic effects, especially respiratory depression and potential addiction, are important factors that plague the safety of clinical use and are an urgent problem for pharmacological researchers to address. Current research on analgesic drugs has evolved into different directions: de-opioidization; application of pharmacogenomics to individualize the use of opioids; development of new opioids with less adverse effects. The development of new opioid drugs remains a hot research topic, and with the in-depth study of opioid receptors and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms, new research ideas have been provided for the development of new opioid analgesics with less side effects and stronger analgesic effects. The development of novel opioid drugs in turn includes selective opioid receptor ligands, biased opioid receptor ligands, and multi-target opioid receptor ligands and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) or antagonists and the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors. PAMs strategies are also getting newer and are the current research hotspots, including the BMS series of compounds and others, which are extensive and beyond the scope of this review. This review mainly focuses on the selective/biased/multi-targeted MOR/DOR/KOR (mu opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor/kappa opioid receptor) small molecule ligands and involves some cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) and structure-based approaches as well as the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors from 2019 to 2022, including discovery history, activities in vitro and vivo, and clinical studies, in an attempt to provide ideas for the development of novel opioid analgesics with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Liyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China.
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5
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Li Y, Eans SO, Ganno-Sherwood M, Eliasof A, Houghten RA, McLaughlin JP. Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of a Low-Liability Antinociceptive Bifunctional MOR/DOR Cyclic Peptide. Molecules 2023; 28:7548. [PMID: 38005269 PMCID: PMC10674865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227548] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based opioid ligands are important candidates for the development of novel, safer, and more effective analgesics to treat pain. To develop peptide-based safer analgesics, we synthesized a mixture-based cyclic pentapeptide library containing a total of 24,624 pentapeptides and screened the mixture-based library samples using a 55 °C warm water tail-withdrawal assay. Using this phenotypic screening approach, we deconvoluted the mixture-based samples to identify a novel cyclic peptide Tyr-[D-Lys-Dap(Ant)-Thr-Gly] (CycloAnt), which produced dose- and time-dependent antinociception with an ED50 (and 95% confidence interval) of 0.70 (0.52-0.97) mg/kg i.p. mediated by the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Additionally, higher doses (≥3 mg/kg, i.p.) of CycloAnt antagonized delta-opioid receptors (DOR) for at least 3 h. Pharmacological characterization of CycloAnt showed the cyclic peptide did not reduce breathing rate in mice at doses up to 15 times the analgesic ED50 value, and produced dramatically less hyperlocomotion than the MOR agonist, morphine. While chronic administration of CycloAnt resulted in antinociceptive tolerance, it was without opioid-induced hyperalgesia and with significantly reduced signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, which suggested reduced physical dependence compared to morphine. Collectively, the results suggest this dual MOR/DOR multifunctional ligand is an excellent lead for the development of peptide-based safer analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmei Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Shainnel O. Eans
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Michelle Ganno-Sherwood
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA; (M.G.-S.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Abbe Eliasof
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Richard A. Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA; (M.G.-S.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Jay P. McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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6
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Rehrauer KJ, Cunningham CW. IUPHAR Review - Bivalent and bifunctional opioid receptor ligands as novel analgesics. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106966. [PMID: 37865129 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106966] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Though efficacious in managing chronic, severe pain, opioid analgesics are accompanied by significant adverse effects including constipation, tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression. The life-threatening risks associated with µ opioid receptor agonist-based analgesics challenges their use in clinic. A rational approach to combatting these adverse effects is to develop agents that incorporate activity at a second pharmacologic target in addition to µ opioid receptor activation. The promise of such bivalent or bifunctional ligands is the development of an analgesic with an improved side effect profile. In this review, we highlight ongoing efforts in the development of bivalent and bifunctional analgesics that combine µ agonism with efficacy at κ and δ opioid receptors, the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, σ receptors, and cannabinoid receptors. Several examples of bifunctional analgesics in preclinical and clinical development are highlighted, as are strategies being employed toward the rational design of novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Rehrauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA
| | - Christopher W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA; CUW Center for Structure-Based Drug Discovery and Development, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA.
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7
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Li GZ, Hu YH, Lu YN, Yang QY, Fu D, Chen F, Li YM. CaMKII and Ca V3.2 T-type calcium channel mediate Connexin-43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:679-702. [PMID: 34286406 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), an alkaloid isolated from vinca, is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. However, VCR therapy can lead to dose-dependent peripheral neurotoxicity, mainly manifesting as neuropathic pain, which is one of the dominant reasons for limiting its utility. Experimentally, we discovered that VCR-induced neuropathic pain (VINP) was accompanied by astrocyte activation; the upregulation of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), CaV3.2, and Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression; and the production and release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spinal cord. Similar situations were also observed in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, these alterations were all reversed by intrathecal injection of KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or L-Ascorbic acid (a CaV3.2 inhibitor). In addition, KN-93 and L-Ascorbic acid inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with astrocyte activation. We also verified that knocking down or inhibiting Cx43 level via intrathecal injection of Cx43 siRNA or Gap27 (a Cx43 mimetic peptide) relieved pain hypersensitivity and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; however, they did not affect astrocyte activation or p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expression. Besides, the overexpression of Cx43 through the transfection of the Cx43 plasmid did not affect p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expressions in vitro. Therefore, CaMKII and CaV3.2 may activate astrocytes by increasing [Ca2+]i, thereby mediating Cx43-dependent inflammation in VINP. Moreover, we demonstrated that the CaMKII signalling pathway was involved in VCR-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. Collectively, our findings show a novel mechanism by which CaMKII and CaV3.2 mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in neuropathic pain induced by VCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Zhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya-Hui Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yi-Ni Lu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing-Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Di Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun-Man Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Akbar S, Subhan F, Akbar A, Habib F, Shahbaz N, Ahmad A, Wadood A, Salman S. Targeting Anti-Inflammatory Pathways to Treat Diabetes-Induced Neuropathy by 6-Hydroxyflavanone. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112552. [PMID: 37299516 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is evident that inflammation and metabolic syndrome instigated by diabetes mellitus can precipitate diabetes-induced neuropathy (DIN) and pain. In order to find an effective therapeutic method for diabetes-related problems, a multi-target-directed ligand model was used. 6-Hydroxyflavanone (6-HF) carrying anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic pain potential due to its quadruplicate mechanisms, targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and opioid and GABA-A receptors was investigated. The anti-inflammatory potential of the test drug was confirmed utilizing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tests. A molecular simulation approach was utilized to observe the interaction of 6-HF with the inflammatory enzyme COX-2 as well as opioid and GABA-A receptors. The same was confirmed via in vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays. In vivo tests were performed to analyze the thermal anti-nociception in the hot-plate analgesiometer and anti-inflammatory action in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rodents. The potential anti-nociceptive effect of 6-HF was evaluated in the DIN model in rats. The Naloxone and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) antagonists were used to confirm the underlying mechanism of 6-HF. The molecular modeling studies revealed a favorable interaction of 6-HF with the identified protein molecules. In vitro inhibitory studies revealed that 6-HF inhibited the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes significantly. The 6-HF at dosages of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg substantially reduced heat nociception in a hot plate analgesiometer as well as carrageenan-induced paw edema in rodent models. The authors discovered that 6-HF had anti-nociception properties in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy model. According to the findings of this study, 6-HF was demonstrated to diminish inflammation caused by diabetes as well as its anti-nociception effect in DIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Akbar
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Subhan
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Aroosha Akbar
- North West Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Habib
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Naila Shahbaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Ashfaq Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Shankar Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Saad Salman
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
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9
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Li L, Chen J, Li YQ. The Downregulation of Opioid Receptors and Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065981. [PMID: 36983055 PMCID: PMC10053236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065981] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to pain caused by primary or secondary damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of 7-10% of the general population. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP are complex; as such, NP has been a hot topic in clinical medicine and basic research for a long time, with researchers aiming to find a cure by studying it. Opioids are the most commonly used painkillers in clinical practice but are regarded as third-line drugs for NP in various guidelines due to the low efficacy caused by the imbalance of opioid receptor internalization and their possible side effects. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate the role of the downregulation of opioid receptors in the development of NP from the perspective of dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, and supraspinal regions. We also discuss the reasons for the poor efficacy of opioids, given the commonness of opioid tolerance caused by NP and/or repeated opioid treatments, an angle that has received little attention to date; in-depth understanding might provide a new method for the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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10
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Peng HR, Zhang YK, Zhou JW. The Structure and Function of Glial Networks: Beyond the Neuronal Connections. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:531-540. [PMID: 36481974 PMCID: PMC10043088 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells, consisting of astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and microglia, account for >50% of the total number of cells in the mammalian brain. They play key roles in the modulation of various brain activities under physiological and pathological conditions. Although the typical morphological features and characteristic functions of these cells are well described, the organization of interconnections of the different glial cell populations and their impact on the healthy and diseased brain is not completely understood. Understanding these processes remains a profound challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that glial cells can form highly complex interconnections with each other. The astroglial network has been well described. Oligodendrocytes and microglia may also contribute to the formation of glial networks under various circumstances. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of glial networks and their pathological relevance to central nervous system diseases. We also highlight opportunities for future research on the glial connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Rong Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Kai Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia-Wei Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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A Novel Multi-Target Mu/Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist, HAGD, Produced Potent Peripheral Antinociception with Limited Side Effects in Mice and Minimal Impact on Human Sperm Motility In Vitro. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28010427. [PMID: 36615612 PMCID: PMC9824695 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a common clinical symptom among patients. Although various opioid analgesics have been developed, their side effects hinder their application. This study aimed to develop a novel opioid analgesic, HAGD (H-Tyr-D-AIa-GIy-Phe-NH2), with limited side effects. In vivo studies on mouse models as well as in vitro studies on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors (CHOhMOP, CHOhDOP, and CHOhKOP, respectively) and human sperm were conducted. Compared with subcutaneous morphine (10 mg/kg), subcutaneous HAGD (10 mg/kg) produced equipotent or even greater antinociception with a prolonged duration by activating mu/delta opioid receptors in preclinical mouse pain models. The analgesic tolerance, rewarding effects (i.e., conditioned place preference and acute hyperlocomotion), and gastrointestinal transit inhibition of HAGD were significantly reduced compared with those of morphine. Both HAGD and morphine exhibited a withdrawal response and had no impacts on motor coordination. In CHOhMOP and CHOhDOP, HAGD showed specific and efficient intracellular Ca2+ stimulation. HAGD had minimal impact on human sperm motility in vitro, whereas 1 × 10-7 and 1 × 10-8 mol/L of morphine significantly declined sperm motility at 3.5 h. Overall, HAGD may serve as a promising antinociceptive compound.
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Astrocytic connexin 43 deletion ameliorates SNI-induced neuropathic pain by reducing microglia activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 638:192-199. [PMID: 36462493 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic disease caused by damage to the peripheral or central nervous system. Connexin 43 (Cx43), the primary connexin expressed by astrocytes, has been reported to be significantly increased in NP. However, the roles and mechanisms of Cx43 in the development and maintenance of NP remain largely unknown, while microglia activation has been commonly regarded as a key factor of NP. In the present study, we found that Cx43 deletion significantly ameliorated spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced NP and suppressed SNI induced c-Fos expression in the spinal cord. Notably, Cx43 deletion led to much less SNI-induced microglia activation in the spinal cord. These results suggest that astrocyte Cx43 may play a significant role in regulating microglial activation and NP.
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GJA1/CX43 High Expression Levels in the Cervical Spinal Cord of ALS Patients Correlate to Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammatory Profile. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092246. [PMID: 36140348 PMCID: PMC9496195 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motoneurons (MNs) with a fatal outcome. The typical degeneration of cortico-spinal, spinal, and bulbar MNs, observed in post-mortem biopsies, is associated with the activation of neuroimmune cells. GJA1, a member of the connexins (Cxs) gene family, encodes for connexin 43 (Cx43), a core gap junctions (GJs)- and hemichannels (HCs)-forming protein, involved in cell death, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, Cx43 expression was found to play a role in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we used microarray and RNA-seq datasets from the NCBI of the spinal cord of control (NDC) and ALS patients, which were stratified according to the GJA1 gene expression. Genes that positively or negatively correlated to GJA1 expression were used to perform a genomic deconvolution analysis (GDA) using neuroimmune signatures. Expression analysis revealed a significantly higher GJA1 expression in the MNs of ALS patients as compared to NDC. Gene deconvolution analysis revealed that positively correlated genes were associated with microglia activation, whereas negatively correlated genes were associated with neuronal activation profiles. Moreover, gene ontology analysis, performed on genes characterizing either microglia or neuronal signature, indicated immune activation or neurogenesis as main biological processes. Finally, using a synthetic analysis of drugs able to revert the GJA1 transcriptomic signatures, we found a specific drug profile for ALS patients with high GJA1 expression levels, composed of amlodipine, sertraline, and prednisolone. In conclusion, our exploratory study suggests GJA1 as a new neuro-immunological gene correlated to microglial cellular profile in the spinal cord of ALS patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of drugs able to revert typical GJA1/CX43 signature in ALS patients
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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Turnaturi R, Chiechio S, Pasquinucci L, Spoto S, Costanzo G, Dichiara M, Piana S, Grasso M, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Parenti C. Novel N-normetazocine Derivatives with Opioid Agonist/Sigma-1 Receptor Antagonist Profile as Potential Analgesics in Inflammatory Pain. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165135. [PMID: 36014375 PMCID: PMC9413390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common drugs used in persistent pain treatment; they have shown many side effects. The development of new analgesics endowed with mu opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor (MOR/DOR) activity represents a promising alternative to MOR-selective compounds. Moreover, new mechanisms, such as sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) antagonism, could be an opioid adjuvant strategy. The in vitro σ1R and σ2R profiles of previous synthesized MOR/DOR agonists (−)-2R/S-LP2 (1), (−)-2R-LP2 (2), and (−)-2S-LP2 (3) were assayed. To investigate the pivotal role of N-normetazocine stereochemistry, we also synthesized the (+)-2R/S-LP2 (7), (+)-2R-LP2 (8), and (+)-2S-LP2 (9) compounds. (−)-2R/S-LP2 (1), (−)-2R-LP2 (2), and (−)-2S-LP2 (3) compounds have Ki values for σ1R ranging between 112.72 and 182.81 nM, showing a multitarget opioid/σ1R profile. Instead, (+)-2R/S-LP2 (7), (+)-2R-LP2 (8), and (+)-2S-LP2 (9) isomers displayed a nanomolar affinity for σ1R, with significative selectivity vs. σ2R and opioid receptors. All isomers were evaluated using an in vivo formalin test. (−)-2S-LP2, at 0.7 mg/kg i.p., showed a significative and naloxone-reversed analgesic effect. The σ1R selective compound (+)-2R/S-LP2 (7), at 5.0 mg/kg i.p., decreased the second phase of the formalin test, showing an antagonist σ1R profile. The multitarget or single target profile of assayed N-normetazocine derivatives could represent a promising pharmacological strategy to enhance opioid potency and/or increase the safety margin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-738-4273
| | - Salvatore Spoto
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Dichiara
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Piana
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Amata
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Mu and Delta Opioid Receptor Targeting Reduces Connexin 43-Based Heterocellular Coupling during Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115864. [PMID: 35682543 PMCID: PMC9180638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain emerges from either central or peripheral lesions inducing spontaneous or amplified responses to non-noxious stimuli. Despite different pharmacological approaches to treat such a chronic disease, neuropathic pain still represents an unmet clinical need, due to long-term therapeutic regimens and severe side effects that limit application of currently available drugs. A critical phenomenon involved in central sensitization is the exchange of signalling molecules and cytokines, between glia and neurons, driving the chronicization process. Herein, using a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain, we evaluated the efficacy of the mu (M-) and delta (D-) opioid receptor (-OR) targeting agent LP2 in modulating connexin-based heterocellular coupling and cytokine levels. We found that long-term efficacy of LP2 is consequent to MOR-DOR targeting resulting in the reduction of CCI-induced astrocyte-to-microglia heterocellular coupling mediated by connexin 43. We also found that single targeting of DOR reduces TNF and IL-6 levels in the chronic phase of the disease, but the peripheral and central discharge as the primary source of excitotoxic stimulation in the spinal cord requires a simultaneous MOR-DOR targeting to reduce CCI-induced neuropathic pain.
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17
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Fidilio A, Grasso M, Turnaturi R, Caruso G, Spitale FM, Vicario N, Parenti R, Spoto S, Musso N, Marrazzo A, Chiechio S, Caraci F, Pasquinucci L, Parenti C. The Multimodal MOPr/DOPr Agonist LP2 Reduces Allodynia in Chronic Constriction Injured Rats by Rescue of TGF-β1 Signalling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:749365. [PMID: 34690781 PMCID: PMC8526862 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.749365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most disabling forms of chronic pain and it is characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia linked to an aberrant processing of pain transmission and to neuroinflammation. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which protects against neuroinflammation. It has been demonstrated that TGF-β1 and opioid receptors signalling crosstalk results in an improvement of endogenous opioid analgesia, but it is not known whether mu opioid peptide receptor (MOPr) or delta opioid peptide receptor (DOPr) agonists can positively modulate TGF-β1 pathway. In the present study, we examined the correlation between anti-allodynic effect of LP2, a dual-target MOPr/DOPr agonist, and TGF-β1 signalling in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. We detected a significant decrease of active TGF-β1 and of its type II receptor TGFβ-R2 levels in the spinal cord from CCI rats and a selective deficit of TGF-β1 in microglia cells both at days 11 and 21 post-ligature, as assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. LP2, when administered from the 11 days post-ligature to 21 days, was able to reduce CCI-induced mechanical allodynia by rescue of TGF-β1 and TGFβ-R2 levels. Our data suggest that the rescue of TGF-β1 signalling by dual-target MOPr/DOPr agonist LP2 could be mediated by DOPr activation in spinal microglia, thus the dual-target approach could represent a novel pharmacological approach to increase the analgesic efficacy of MOPr agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Spoto
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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18
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Reiss D, Maurin H, Audouard E, Martínez-Navarro M, Xue Y, Herault Y, Maldonado R, Cabañero D, Gaveriaux-Ruff C. Delta Opioid Receptor in Astrocytes Contributes to Neuropathic Cold Pain and Analgesic Tolerance in Female Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:745178. [PMID: 34602984 PMCID: PMC8483180 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.745178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The delta opioid receptor (DOR) contributes to pain control, and a major challenge is the identification of DOR populations that control pain, analgesia, and tolerance. Astrocytes are known as important cells in the pathophysiology of chronic pain, and many studies report an increased prevalence of pain in women. However, the implication of astrocytic DOR in neuropathic pain and analgesia, as well as the influence of sex in this receptor activity, remains unknown. Experimental Approach: We developed a novel conditional knockout (cKO) mouse line wherein DOR is deleted in astrocytes (named GFAP-DOR-KO), and investigated neuropathic mechanical allodynia as well as analgesia and analgesic tolerance in mutant male and female mice. Neuropathic cold allodynia was also characterized in mice of both sexes lacking DOR either in astrocytes or constitutively. Results: Neuropathic mechanical allodynia was similar in GFAP-DOR-KO and floxed DOR control mice, and the DOR agonist SNC80 produced analgesia in mutant mice of both sexes. Interestingly, analgesic tolerance developed in cKO males and was abolished in cKO females. Cold neuropathic allodynia was reduced in mice with decreased DOR in astrocytes. By contrast, cold allodynia was exacerbated in full DOR KO females. Conclusions: These findings show that astrocytic DOR has a prominent role in promoting cold allodynia and analgesic tolerance in females, while overall DOR activity was protective. Altogether this suggests that endogenous- and exogenous-mediated DOR activity in astrocytes worsens neuropathic allodynia while DOR activity in other cells attenuates this form of pain. In conclusion, our results show a sex-specific implication of astrocytic DOR in neuropathic pain and analgesic tolerance. These findings open new avenues for developing tailored DOR-mediated analgesic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reiss
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Hervé Maurin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Emilie Audouard
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Miriam Martínez-Navarro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yaping Xue
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Cabañero
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Claire Gaveriaux-Ruff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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19
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Connexin 43 and Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Interplay in Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation and Migration. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10080767. [PMID: 34439999 PMCID: PMC8389699 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma is the product of accumulated genetic and epigenetic alteration where tumor cells support each other through cellular communication mechanisms and deregulated signalling processes. The autocrine and paracrine pathways between the intracellular and extracellular milieu is mediated by connexin 43, the main gap junction-forming protein driving glioblastoma progression. In this scenario, sonic hedgehog pathway, a key deregulated pathway involved in cell network signalling may affect connexin 43 expression, promoting glioblastoma pathobiology. In this study, we sought to explore how the modulation of the sonic hedgehog affects connexin 43 inducing glioblastoma hallmarks. To do this we evaluated biological effects of sonic hedgehog pathway modulation by purmorphamine and cyclopamine, a smoothened agonist and antagonist, respectively. We revealed that cell migration and proliferation are associated with connexin 43 expression upon sonic hedgehog modulation. Our study suggests that sonic hedgehog and connexin 43 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common primary brain tumor within the adult population. Current therapeutic options are still limited by high rate of recurrences and signalling axes that promote GBM aggressiveness. The contribution of gap junctions (GJs) to tumor growth and progression has been proven by experimental evidence. Concomitantly, tumor microenvironment has received increasing interest as a critical process in dysregulation and homeostatic escape, finding a close link between molecular mechanisms involved in connexin 43 (CX43)-based intercellular communication and tumorigenesis. Moreover, evidence has come to suggest a crucial role of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signalling pathway in GBM proliferation, cell fate and differentiation. Herein, we used two human GBM cell lines, modulating SHH signalling and CX43-based intercellular communication in in vitro models using proliferation and migration assays. Our evidence suggests that modulation of the SHH effector smoothened (SMO), by using a known agonist (i.e., purmorphamine) and a known antagonist (i.e., cyclopamine), affects the CX43 expression levels and therefore the related functions. Moreover, SMO activation also increased cell proliferation and migration. Importantly, inhibition of CX43 channels was able to prevent SMO-induced effects. SHH pathway and CX43 interplay acts inducing tumorigenic program and supporting cell migration, likely representing druggable targets to develop new therapeutic strategies for GBM.
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20
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Pasquinucci L, Parenti C, Georgoussi Z, Reina L, Tomarchio E, Turnaturi R. LP1 and LP2: Dual-Target MOPr/DOPr Ligands as Drug Candidates for Persistent Pain Relief. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144168. [PMID: 34299443 PMCID: PMC8305117 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although persistent pain is estimated to affect about 20% of the adult population, current treatments have poor results. Polypharmacology, which is the administration of more than one drug targeting on two or more different sites of action, represents a prominent therapeutic approach for the clinical management of persistent pain. Thus, in the drug discovery process the "one-molecule-multiple targets" strategy nowadays is highly recognized. Indeed, multitarget ligands displaying a better antinociceptive activity with fewer side effects, combined with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, have already been shown. Multitarget ligands possessing non-opioid/opioid and opioid/opioid mechanisms of action are considered as potential drug candidates for the management of various pain conditions. In particular, dual-target MOPr (mu opioid peptide receptor)/DOPr (delta opioid peptide receptor) ligands exhibit an improved antinociceptive profile associated with a reduced tolerance-inducing capability. The benzomorphan-based compounds LP1 and LP2 belong to this class of dual-target MOPr/DOPr ligands. In the present manuscript, the structure-activity relationships and the pharmacological fingerprint of LP1 and LP2 compounds as suitable drug candidates for persistent pain relief is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (R.T.); Tel.: +39-095-738-4273 (L.P. & R.T.)
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Ag. Paraskevi-Attikis, 15310 Athens, Greece;
| | - Lorena Reina
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology University of Catania, via S. Sofia n. 97, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Emilia Tomarchio
- Postgraduate School of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (R.T.); Tel.: +39-095-738-4273 (L.P. & R.T.)
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21
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Vicario N, Spitale FM, Tibullo D, Giallongo C, Amorini AM, Scandura G, Spoto G, Saab MW, D'Aprile S, Alberghina C, Mangione R, Bernstock JD, Botta C, Gulisano M, Buratti E, Leanza G, Zorec R, Vecchio M, Di Rosa M, Li Volti G, Lazzarino G, Parenti R, Gulino R. Clobetasol promotes neuromuscular plasticity in mice after motoneuronal loss via sonic hedgehog signaling, immunomodulation and metabolic rebalancing. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:625. [PMID: 34135312 PMCID: PMC8209072 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuronal loss is the main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although pathogenesis is extremely complex involving both neural and muscle cells. In order to translationally engage the sonic hedgehog pathway, which is a promising target for neural regeneration, recent studies have reported on the neuroprotective effects of clobetasol, an FDA-approved glucocorticoid, able to activate this pathway via smoothened. Herein we sought to examine functional, cellular, and metabolic effects of clobetasol in a neurotoxic mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. We found that clobetasol reduces muscle denervation and motor impairments in part by restoring sonic hedgehog signaling and supporting spinal plasticity. These effects were coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrogliosis, reduced muscle atrophy, and support of mitochondrial integrity and metabolism. Our results suggest that clobetasol stimulates a series of compensatory processes and therefore represents a translational approach for intractable denervating and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Federica M Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela M Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Scandura
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam W Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aprile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Alberghina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Renata Mangione
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Cirino Botta
- Hematology Unit, Annunziata Hospital, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Rodolico, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences,Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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22
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Carbenoxolone has the potential to ameliorate acute incision pain in rats. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:520. [PMID: 34013377 PMCID: PMC8160483 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbenoxolone (CBX) is primarily used to relieve various types of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, little is known concerning the role of CBX in acute pain and its functional mechanisms therein and this was investigated in the present study. Rats underwent toe incision and behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical hypersensitivity. The expression levels of pannexin 1 (Px1) and connexin 43 (Cx43) were detected using western blot analysis 2, 4, 6 or 24 h after toe incision, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and P substance (SP) was determined by ELISA; Px1 and Cx43 expression was also examined by immunofluorescence staining. At 2, 6 and 12 h post-toe incision, the postoperative pain threshold was significantly reduced, which was subsequently recovered at 2 and 6 h post-surgery following pretreatment with CBX or pannexin 1 mimetic inhibitory peptide. CBX reduced Px1 levels at 4 and 24 h post-incision. However, Cx43 levels were reduced by CBX as little as 2 h post-surgery. Furthermore, CBX not only distinctly decreased the levels of Px1 and Cx43, but also reduced the co-localization of Px1 or Cx43 with glial fibrillary acidic protein, 2 h after incision. It was also observed that the protein levels of inflammatory makers (IL-1β, SP and TNF-α) showed a tendency to decline at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after incision. Collectively, the expression of Px1 and Cx43 in astrocytes may be involved in pain behaviors diminished by CBX, and CBX potentially reduces acute pain by decreasing Px1 and Cx43 levels. Px1 and Cx43 from spinal astrocytes may serve important roles in the early stages and maintenance of acute pain, while preoperative injection of CBX has the potential to relieve hyperalgesia.
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23
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Chang C, Liu HK, Yeh CB, Yang ML, Liao WC, Liu CH, Tseng TJ. Cross-Talk of Toll-Like Receptor 5 and Mu-Opioid Receptor Attenuates Chronic Constriction Injury-Induced Mechanical Hyperalgesia through a Protein Kinase C Alpha-Dependent Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1891. [PMID: 33673008 PMCID: PMC7918001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a family of pattern recognition receptors, are reported as potential modulators for neuropathic pain; however, the desired mechanism is still unexplained. Here, we operated on the sciatic nerve to establish a pre-clinical rodent model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) in Sprague-Dawley rats, which were assigned into CCI and Decompression groups randomly. In Decompression group, the rats were performed with nerve decompression at post-operative week 4. Mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were obviously attenuated after a month. Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5)-immunoreactive (ir) expression increased in dorsal horn, particularly in the inner part of lamina II. Additionally, substance P (SP) and isolectin B4 (IB4)-ir expressions, rather than calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP)-ir expression, increased in their distinct laminae. Double immunofluorescence proved that increased TLR5-ir expression was co-expressed mainly with IB4-ir expression. Through an intrathecal administration with FLA-ST Ultrapure (a TLR5 agonist, purified flagellin from Salmonella Typhimurium, only the CCI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was attenuated dose-dependently. Moreover, we confirmed that mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and phospho-protein kinase Cα (pPKCα)-ir expressions but not phospho-protein kinase A RII (pPKA RII)-ir expression, increased in lamina II, where they mostly co-expressed with IB4-ir expression. Go 6976, a potent protein kinase C inhibitor, effectively reversed the FLA-ST Ultrapure- or DAMGO-mediated attenuated trend towards mechanical hyperalgesia by an intrathecal administration in CCI rats. In summary, our current findings suggest that nerve decompression improves CCI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia that might be through the cross-talk of TLR5 and MOR in a PKCα-dependent manner, which opens a novel opportunity for the development of analgesic therapeutics in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
| | - Hung-Kai Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
| | - Chao-Bin Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lin Yang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chieh Liao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Hui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - To-Jung Tseng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan; (C.C.); (H.-K.L.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-C.L.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 40201 Taichung, Taiwan
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24
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Mannino G, Vicario N, Parenti R, Giuffrida R, Lo Furno D. Connexin expression decreases during adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:9951-9958. [PMID: 33141287 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05950-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) represent a valuable tool for regenerative medicine being able to differentiate toward several cell lines, such as adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes. During ASC adipogenic differentiation, changes in connexin (Cx) expression were evaluated in the present study. Three different Cxs were investigated: Cx43, Cx32 and Cx31.9. Cx43 is the most abundant in human tissues, Cx32 is prevalently found in nervous tissue and Cx31.9 is found at the myocardial level. Human ASCs undergoing adipogenic differentiation were isolated from raw lipoaspirate and characterized as mesenchymal stem cells. After multiple days of culture (1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days), adipogenic differentiation was assessed by Oil Red O staining and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) levels by western blotting. Cx expression was evaluated by western blotting at the same time points. In treated ASCs, lipidic vacuoles were detected from day 7 of treatment. Their number and size progressively increased over the entire period of observation. A parallel increase of ACC expression was also found. Lower levels of Cx expression were detected during adipogenic differentiation. Such decreases were particularly evident for Cx32, already after the first day of treatment. Cx31.9 and Cx43 also decreased, but starting from day 7. Our results suggest that ASCs may initially be equipped with a variety of Cxs, which is not surprising assuming their multipotential differentiation ability. Although some Cxs may be selectively enhanced depending on specific induction strategies toward different tissues, they seem markedly downregulated during adipogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Mannino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
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25
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Multifunctional Opioid-Derived Hybrids in Neuropathic Pain: Preclinical Evidence, Ideas and Challenges. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235520. [PMID: 33255641 PMCID: PMC7728063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
When the first- and second-line therapeutics used to treat neuropathic pain (NP) fail to induce efficient analgesia—which is estimated to relate to more than half of the patients—opioid drugs are prescribed. Still, the pathological changes following the nerve tissue injury, i.a. pronociceptive neuropeptide systems activation, oppose the analgesic effects of opiates, enforcing the use of relatively high therapeutic doses in order to obtain satisfying pain relief. In parallel, the repeated use of opioid agonists is associated with burdensome adverse effects due to compensatory mechanisms that arise thereafter. Rational design of hybrid drugs, in which opioid ligands are combined with other pharmacophores that block the antiopioid action of pronociceptive systems, delivers the opportunity to ameliorate the NP-oriented opioid treatment via addressing neuropathological mechanisms shared both by NP and repeated exposition to opioids. Therewith, the new dually acting drugs, tailored for the specificity of NP, can gain in efficacy under nerve injury conditions and have an improved safety profile as compared to selective opioid agonists. The current review presents the latest ideas on opioid-comprising hybrid drugs designed to treat painful neuropathy, with focus on their biological action, as well as limitations and challenges related to this therapeutic approach.
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26
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Abstract
The management of pain, particularly chronic pain, is still an area of medical need. In this context, opioids remain a gold standard for the treatment of pain. However, significant side effects, mainly of central origin, limit their clinical use. Here, we review recent progress to improve the therapeutic and safety profiles of opioids for pain management. Characterization of peripheral opioid-mediated pain mechanisms have been a key component of this process. Several studies identified peripheral µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, and KOR, respectively) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors as significant players of opioid-mediated antinociception, able to achieve clinically significant effects independently of any central action. Following this, particularly from a medicinal chemistry point of view, main efforts have been directed towards the peripheralization of opioid receptor agonists with the objective of optimizing receptor activity and minimizing central exposure and the associated undesired effects. These activities have allowed the characterization of a great variety of compounds and investigational drugs that show low central nervous system (CNS) penetration (and therefore a reduced side effect profile) yet maintaining the desired opioid-related peripheral antinociceptive activity. These include highly hydrophilic/amphiphilic and massive molecules unable to easily cross lipid membranes, substrates of glycoprotein P (a extrusion pump that avoids CNS penetration), nanocarriers that release the analgesic agent at the site of inflammation and pain, and pH-sensitive opioid agonists that selectively activate at those sites (and represent a new pharmacodynamic paradigm). Hopefully, patients with pain will benefit soon from the incorporation of these new entities.
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27
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Huang SS, Cao S, Lu CE, Qin YB, Yang JP. Effects of nicorandil on p120 expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion of rats with chronic postsurgical pain. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4821-4827. [PMID: 33173987 PMCID: PMC7646919 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) has a high incidence, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Accumulating evidence has suggested that central sensitization is the main mechanism of pain. To study the role of p120 in CPSP, a skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) model was established, and immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to analyze the expression of p120 in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The results demonstrated that SMIR increased the expression of p120 in the DRG and the spinal cord compared with the naive group. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that p120 was mainly distributed in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes in the spinal cord, and in the neurofilament 200-positive medium and large neurons in the DRG. Our previous studies have shown that adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) agonists can reduce postoperative pain in rats. Therefore, the changes in p120 were observed in the DRG and spinal cord of rats following the intraperitoneal injection of nicorandil, a KATP agonist. It was demonstrated that nicorandil administration could relieve mechanical pain experienced following SMIR in rats, and decrease the expression of p120 in the DRG and spinal cord. The results revealed that p120 may contribute to the prophylactic analgesic effect of nicorandil, thus providing a novel insight into the mechanism of CPSP prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Sai Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Su Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Cui E Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Bin Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
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28
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Giallongo C, Tibullo D, Puglisi F, Barbato A, Vicario N, Cambria D, Parrinello NL, Romano A, Conticello C, Forte S, Parenti R, Amorini AM, Lazzarino G, Li Volti G, Palumbo GA, Di Raimondo F. Inhibition of TLR4 Signaling Affects Mitochondrial Fitness and Overcomes Bortezomib Resistance in Myeloma Plasma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12081999. [PMID: 32707760 PMCID: PMC7463509 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12081999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy requiring inflammatory microenvironment signals for cell survival and proliferation. Despite improvements in pharmacological tools, MM remains incurable mainly because of drug resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the implication of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as the potential mechanism of bortezomib (BTZ) resistance. We found that TLR4 activation induced mitochondrial biogenesis and increased mitochondrial mass in human MM cell lines. Moreover, TLR4 signaling was activated after BTZ exposure and was increased in BTZ-resistant U266 (U266-R) cells. A combination of BTZ with TAK-242, a selective TLR4 inhibitor, overcame drug resistance through the generation of higher and extended oxidative stress, strong mitochondrial depolarization and severe impairment of mitochondrial fitness which in turn caused cell energy crisis and activated mitophagy and apoptosis. We further confirmed the efficacy of a TAK-242/BTZ combination in plasma cells from refractory myeloma patients. Consistently, inhibition of TLR4 increased BTZ-induced mitochondrial depolarization, restoring pharmacological response. Taken together, these findings indicate that TLR4 signaling acts as a stress-responsive mechanism protecting mitochondria during BTZ exposure, sustaining mitochondrial metabolism and promoting drug resistance. Inhibition of TLR4 could be therefore be a possible target in patients with refractory MM to overcome BTZ resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (G.L.V.)
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.T.); (A.M.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Fabrizio Puglisi
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Alessandro Barbato
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Daniela Cambria
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Nunziatina Laura Parrinello
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Concetta Conticello
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Stefano Forte
- Fondazione “Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo”, 95029 Catania, Italy;
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.T.); (A.M.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.T.); (A.M.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.T.); (A.M.A.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (G.L.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.B.); (D.C.); (N.L.P.); (A.R.); (C.C.); (F.D.R.)
- Division of Hematology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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29
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Longhitano L, Li Volti G, Giallongo C, Spampinato M, Barbagallo I, Di Rosa M, Romano A, Avola R, Tibullo D, Palumbo GA. The Role of Inflammation and Inflammasome in Myeloproliferative Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2334. [PMID: 32707883 PMCID: PMC7464195 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are rare hematological conditions known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). They are characterized for being BCR-ABL negative malignancies and affected patients often present with symptoms which can significantly impact their quality of life. MPNs are characterized by a clonal proliferation of an abnormal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell. In MPNs; cells of all myeloid lineages; including those involved in the immune and inflammatory response; may belong to the malignant clone thus leading to an altered immune response and an overexpression of cytokines and inflammatory receptors; further worsening chronic inflammation. Many of these cytokines; in particular, IL-1β and IL-18; are released in active form by activating the inflammasome complexes which in turn mediate the inflammatory process. Despite this; little is known about the functional effects of stem cell-driven inflammasome signaling in MPN pathogenesis. In this review we focused on the role of inflammatory pathway and inflammasome in MPN diseases. A better understanding of the inflammatory-state-driving MPNs and of the role of the inflammasome may provide new insights on possible therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (G.L.V.); (M.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (G.L.V.); (M.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Mariarita Spampinato
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (G.L.V.); (M.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Division of Hematology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Roberto Avola
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (G.L.V.); (M.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (G.L.V.); (M.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo
- Department of Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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30
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Spitale FM, Vicario N, Rosa MD, Tibullo D, Vecchio M, Gulino R, Parenti R. Increased expression of connexin 43 in a mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12598-12608. [PMID: 32579130 PMCID: PMC7377853 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common motoneuronal disease, characterized by motoneuronal loss and progressive paralysis. Despite research efforts, ALS remains a fatal disease, with a survival of 2-5 years after disease onset. Numerous gene mutations have been correlated with both sporadic (sALS) and familiar forms of the disease, but the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS onset and progression are still largely uncertain. However, a common profile is emerging in ALS pathological features, including misfolded protein accumulation and a cross-talk between neuroinflammatory and degenerative processes. In particular, astrocytes and microglial cells have been proposed as detrimental influencers of perineuronal microenvironment, and this role may be exerted via gap junctions (GJs)- and hemichannels (HCs)-mediated communications. Herein we investigated the role of the main astroglial GJs-forming connexin, Cx43, in human ALS and the effects of focal spinal cord motoneuronal depletion onto the resident glial cells and Cx43 levels. Our data support the hypothesis that motoneuronal depletion may affect glial activity, which in turn results in reactive Cx43 expression, further promoting neuronal suffering and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.,Rehabilitation Unit, "AOU Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Camiolo G, Barbato A, Giallongo C, Vicario N, Romano A, Parrinello NL, Parenti R, Sandoval JC, García-Moreno D, Lazzarino G, Avola R, Palumbo GA, Mulero V, Li Volti G, Tibullo D, Di Raimondo F. Iron regulates myeloma cell/macrophage interaction and drives resistance to bortezomib. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101611. [PMID: 32863212 PMCID: PMC7327252 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron plays a major role in multiple processes involved in cell homeostasis such as metabolism, respiration and DNA synthesis. Cancer cells exhibit pronounced iron retention as compared to healthy counterpart. This phenomenon also occurs in multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy characterized by terminally differentiated plasma cells (PCs), in which serum ferritin levels have been reported as a negative prognostic marker. The aim of current study is to evaluate the potential role of iron metabolism in promoting drug resistance in myeloma cancer cells with particular regard to the interactions between PCs and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) as a source of iron. Our data showed that myeloma cell lines are able to intake and accumulate iron and thus, increasing their scavenger antioxidant-related genes and mitochondrial mass. We further demonstrated that PCs pre-treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) decreased bortezomib (BTZ)-induced apoptosis in vitro and successfully engrafted in zebrafish larvae treated with BTZ. Treating human macrophages with FAC, we observed a switch toward a M2-like phenotype associated with an increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers such as ARG1, suggesting the establishment of an iron-mediated immune suppressive tumor microenvironment favouring myeloma growth. Using mfap4:tomato mutant zebrafish larvae, we further confirmed the increase of PCs-monocytes interactions after FAC treatment which favour BTZ-resistance. Taken together our data support the hypothesis that targeting iron trafficking in myeloma microenvironment may represent a promising strategy to counteract a tumor-supporting milieu and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Camiolo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbato
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunziatina L Parrinello
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Joaquín Cantón Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de MurciaIMIB-Arrixaca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de MurciaIMIB-Arrixaca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Palumbo
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de MurciaIMIB-Arrixaca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
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Vicario N, Turnaturi R, Spitale FM, Torrisi F, Zappalà A, Gulino R, Pasquinucci L, Chiechio S, Parenti C, Parenti R. Intercellular communication and ion channels in neuropathic pain chronicization. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:841-850. [PMID: 32533221 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is caused by primary lesion or dysfunction of either peripheral or central nervous system. Due to its complex pathogenesis, often related to a number of comorbidities, such as cancer, neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases, neuropathic pain still represents an unmet clinical need, lacking long-term effective treatment and complex case-by-case approach. AIM AND METHODS We analyzed the recent literature on the role of selective voltage-sensitive sodium, calcium and potassium permeable channels and non-selective gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) in establishing and maintaining chronic neuropathic conditions. We finally focussed our review on the role of extracellular microenvironment modifications induced by resident glial cells and on the recent advances in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular environment communication in chronic neuropathies. CONCLUSION In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge of neuropathy chronicization processes with a focus on both neuronal and glial ion channels, as well as on channel-mediated intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Spitale
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Torrisi
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Vigil JM, Montera MA, Pentkowski NS, Diviant JP, Orozco J, Ortiz AL, Rael LJ, Westlund KN. The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Using a Chronic Neuropathic Pain Model. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E69. [PMID: 32443500 PMCID: PMC7281216 DOI: 10.3390/life10050069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few models exist that can control for placebo and expectancy effects commonly observed in clinical trials measuring 'Cannabis' pharmacodynamics. We used the Foramen Rotundum Inflammatory Constriction Trigeminal Infraorbital Nerve injury (FRICT-ION) model to measure the effect of "full-spectrum" whole plant extracted hemp oil on chronic neuropathic pain sensitivity in mice. METHODS Male BALBc mice were submitted to the FRICT-ION chronic neuropathic pain model with oral insertion through an incision in the buccal/cheek crease of 3 mm of chromic gut suture (4-0). The suture, wedged along the V2 trigeminal nerve branch, creates a continuous irritation that develops into secondary mechanical hypersensitivity on the snout. Von Frey filament stimuli on the mouse whisker pad was used to assess the mechanical pain threshold from 0-6 h following dosing among animals (n = 6) exposed to 5 μL of whole plant extracted hemp oil combined with a peanut butter vehicle (0.138 mg/kg), the vehicle alone (n = 3) 7 weeks post-surgery, or a naïve control condition (n = 3). RESULTS Mechanical allodynia was alleviated within 1 h (d = 2.50, p < 0.001) with a peak reversal effect at 4 h (d = 7.21, p < 0.001) and remained significant throughout the 6 h observation window. There was no threshold change on contralateral whisker pad after hemp oil administration, demonstrating the localization of anesthetic response to affected areas. CONCLUSION Future research should focus on how whole plant extracted hemp oil affects multi-sensory and cognitive-attentional systems that process pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Vigil
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (J.M.V.); (N.S.P.); (J.P.D.); (J.O.)
| | - Marena A. Montera
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Nathan S. Pentkowski
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (J.M.V.); (N.S.P.); (J.P.D.); (J.O.)
| | - Jegason P. Diviant
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (J.M.V.); (N.S.P.); (J.P.D.); (J.O.)
| | - Joaquin Orozco
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (J.M.V.); (N.S.P.); (J.P.D.); (J.O.)
| | - Anthony L. Ortiz
- Organic-Energetic Solutions, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA; (A.L.O.); (L.J.R.)
| | - Lawrence J. Rael
- Organic-Energetic Solutions, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA; (A.L.O.); (L.J.R.)
| | - Karin N. Westlund
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
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Pasquinucci L, Parenti C, Ruiz-Cantero MC, Georgoussi Z, Pallaki P, Cobos EJ, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Prezzavento O, Arena E, Dichiara M, Salerno L, Turnaturi R. Novel N-Substituted Benzomorphan-Based Compounds: From MOR-Agonist/DOR-Antagonist to Biased/Unbiased MOR Agonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:678-685. [PMID: 32435370 PMCID: PMC7236032 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modifications at the basic nitrogen of the benzomorphan scaffold allowed the development of compounds able to segregate physiological responses downstream of the receptor signaling, opening new possibilities in opioid drug development. Alkylation of the phenyl ring in the N-substituent of the MOR-agonist/DOR-antagonist LP1 resulted in retention of MOR affinity. Moreover, derivatives 7a, 7c, and 7d were biased MOR agonists toward ERK1,2 activity stimulation, whereas derivative 7e was a low potency MOR agonist on adenylate cyclase inhibition. They were further screened in the mouse tail flick test and PGE2-induced hyperalgesia and drug-induced gastrointestinal transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - M. Carmen Ruiz-Cantero
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience,
Biomedical Research Center, University of
Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
- Teófilo Hernando
Institute for Drug Discovery, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory
of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences
and Applications, National Center for Scientific
Research “Demokritos″, Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalina Pallaki
- Laboratory
of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences
and Applications, National Center for Scientific
Research “Demokritos″, Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Enrique J. Cobos
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience,
Biomedical Research Center, University of
Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
- Teófilo Hernando
Institute for Drug Discovery, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Amata
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Prezzavento
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Arena
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Dichiara
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Viswanath O, Urits I, Burns J, Charipova K, Gress K, McNally A, Urman RD, Welschmeyer A, Berger AA, Kassem H, Sanchez MG, Kaye AD, Eubanks TN, Cornett EM, Ngo AL. Central Neuropathic Mechanisms in Pain Signaling Pathways: Current Evidence and Recommendations. Adv Ther 2020; 37:1946-1959. [PMID: 32291648 PMCID: PMC7467462 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01334-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This is a comprehensive review of the current literature on central neuropathic pain mechanisms that is secondary to spinal cord injury. It reviews recent and seminal findings on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment and compares treatment options and recommendations. Recent Findings Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Chronicity of NP is attributed to increased abundance of inflammatory mediators and ion channel dysfunction leading to afferent nerve sensitization; nerve damage and nerve–glia cross talk have also been implicated. Conventional treatment is medical and has had limited success. Recent studies have made headway in identifying novel biomarkers, including microRNA and psychosocial attributes that can predict progress from SCI to chronic NP (CNP). Recent advances have provided evidence of efficacy for two promising drugs. Baclofen was able to provide good, long-lasting pain relief. Ziconotide, a voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, was studied in a small trial and was able to provide good analgesia in most participants. However, several participants had to be withdrawn because of worrisome creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations, and further studies are required to define its safety profile. Non-medical interventions include brain sensitization and biofeedback techniques. These methods have recently had encouraging results, albeit preliminary. Case reports of non-conventional techniques, such as hypnosis, were also reported. Summary CNP is a common complication of SCI and is a prevalent disorder with significant morbidity and disability. Conventional medical treatment is limited in efficacy. Recent studies identified baclofen and ziconotide as possible new therapies, alongside non-medical interventions. Further research into the pathophysiology is required to identify further therapy candidates. A multidisciplinary approach, including psychosocial support, medical and non-medical interventions, is likely needed to achieve therapeutic effects in this difficult to treat syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Viswanath
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - James Burns
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Kyle Gress
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Richard D Urman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Welschmeyer
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amnon A Berger
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hisham Kassem
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Manuel G Sanchez
- Department of Pain Medicine, Pain Specialty Group, Newington, NH, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Treniece N Eubanks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Elyse M Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Anh L Ngo
- Department of Pain Medicine, Pain Specialty Group, Newington, NH, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Mitochondrial Functions, Energy Metabolism and Protein Glycosylation are Interconnected Processes Mediating Resistance to Bortezomib in Multiple Myeloma Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050696. [PMID: 32365811 PMCID: PMC7277183 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) has emerged as an effective drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma even though many patients relapse from BTZ therapy. The present study investigated the metabolic pathways underlying the acquisition of bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma. We used two different clones of multiple myeloma cell lines exhibiting different sensitivities to BTZ (U266 and U266-R) and compared them in terms of metabolic profile, mitochondrial fitness and redox balance homeostasis capacity. Our results showed that the BTZ-resistant clone (U266-R) presented increased glycosylated UDP-derivatives when compared to BTZ-sensitive cells (U266), thus also suggesting higher activities of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), regulating not only protein O- and N-glycosylation but also mitochondrial functions. Notably, U266-R displayed increased mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics associated with stronger antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, U266-R maintained a significantly higher concentration of substrates for protein glycosylation when compared to U266, particularly for UDP-GlcNac, thus further suggesting the importance of glycosylation in the BTZ pharmacological response. Moreover, BTZ-treated U266-R showed significantly higher ATP/ADP ratios and levels of ECP and also exhibited increased mitochondrial fitness and antioxidant response. In conclusions, our findings suggest that the HBP may play a major role in mitochondrial fitness, driving BTZ resistance in multiple myeloma and thus representing a possible target for new drug development for BTZ-resistant patients.
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Ixazomib Improves Bone Remodeling and Counteracts sonic Hedgehog signaling Inhibition Mediated by Myeloma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020323. [PMID: 32019102 PMCID: PMC7073172 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM), leading to bone loss and BM failure. Osteolytic bone disease is a common manifestation observed in MM patients and represents the most severe cause of morbidity, leading to progressive skeletal damage and disabilities. Pathogenetic mechanisms of MM bone disease are closely linked to PCs and osteoclast (OCs) hyperactivity, coupled with defective osteoblasts (OBs) function that is unable to counteract bone resorption. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Ixazomib, a third-generation proteasome inhibitor, on osteoclastogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. We found that Ixazomib was able to reduce differentiation of human monocytes into OCs and to inhibit the expression of OC markers when added to the OC medium. Concurrently, Ixazomib was able to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), increasing osteogenic markers, either alone or in combination with the osteogenic medium. Given the key role of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling in bone homeostasis, we further investigated Ixazomib-induced SHH pathway activation. This set of experiments showed that Ixazomib, but not Bortezomib, was able to bind the Smoothened (SMO) receptor leading to nuclear translocation of GLI1 in human MSCs. Moreover, we demonstrated that PCs act as GLI1 suppressors on MSCs, thus reducing the potential of MSCs to differentiate in OBs. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Ixazomib regulates bone remodeling by decreasing osteoclastogenesis and prompting osteoblast differentiation via the canonical SHH signaling pathway activation, thus, representing a promising therapeutic option to improve the complex pathological condition of MM patients.
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Turnaturi R, Chiechio S, Salerno L, Rescifina A, Pittalà V, Cantarella G, Tomarchio E, Parenti C, Pasquinucci L. Progress in the development of more effective and safer analgesics for pain management. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111701. [PMID: 31550662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics have been used for thousands of years in the treatment of pain and related disorders, and have become among the most widely prescribed medications. Among opioid analgesics, mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are the most commonly used and are indicated for acute and chronic pain management. However, their use results in a plethora of well-described side-effects. From selective delta opioid receptor (DOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists to multitarget MOR/DOR and MOR/KOR ligands, medicinal chemistry provided different approaches aimed at the development of opioid analgesics with an improved pharmacological and tolerability fingerprint. The emergent medicinal chemistry strategy to develop ameliorated opioid analgesics is based upon the concept that functional selectivity for G-protein signalling is necessary for the therapeutic effect, whether β-arrestin recruitment is mainly responsible for the manifestation of side effects, including the development of tolerance after repeated administrations. This review summarises most relevant biased MOR, DOR, KOR and multitarget MOR/DOR ligands synthesised in the last decade and their pharmacological profile in "in vitro" and "in vivo" studies. Such biased ligands could have a significant impact on modern drug discovery and represent a new strategy for the development of better-tolerated drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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Caraci F, Merlo S, Drago F, Caruso G, Parenti C, Sortino MA. Rescue of Noradrenergic System as a Novel Pharmacological Strategy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Focus on Microglia Activation. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1024. [PMID: 31572196 PMCID: PMC6751320 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Different types of pain can evolve toward a chronic condition characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia, with an abnormal response to normal or even innocuous stimuli, respectively. A key role in endogenous analgesia is recognized to descending noradrenergic pathways that originate from the locus coeruleus and project to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Impairment of this system is associated with pain chronicization. More recently, activation of glial cells, in particular microglia, toward a pro-inflammatory state has also been implicated in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Both α2- and β2-adrenergic receptors are expressed in microglia, and their activation leads to acquisition of an anti-inflammatory phenotype. This review analyses in more detail the interconnection between descending noradrenergic system and neuroinflammation, focusing on drugs that, by rescuing the noradrenergic control, exert also an anti-inflammatory effect, ultimately leading to analgesia. More specifically, the potential efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain of different drugs will be analyzed. On one side, drugs acting as inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, such as duloxetine and venlafaxine, and on the other, tapentadol, inhibitor of the reuptake of noradrenaline, and agonist of the µ-opioid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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