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Grodin EN. Neuroimmune modulators as novel pharmacotherapies for substance use disorders. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100744. [PMID: 38435721 PMCID: PMC10906159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
One promising avenue of research is the use of neuroimmune modulators to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). Neuroimmune modulators target the interactions between the nervous system and immune system, which have been found to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of SUDs. Multiple classes of substances produce alterations to neuroimmune signaling and peripheral immune function, including alcohol, opioids, and psychostimulants Preclinical studies have shown that neuroimmune modulators can reduce drug-seeking behavior and prevent relapse in animal models of SUDs. Additionally, early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of using neuroimmune modulators as a treatment for SUDs in humans. These therapeutics can be used as stand-alone treatments or as adjunctive. This review summarizes the current state of the field and provides future directions with a specific focus on personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica N. Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mason BJ, Estey D, Roberts A, de Guglielmo G, George O, Light J, Stoolmiller M, Quello S, Skinner M, Shadan F, Begovic A, Kyle MC, Harris RA. A reverse translational study of PPAR-α agonist efficacy in human and rodent models relevant to alcohol use disorder. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100604. [PMID: 38292518 PMCID: PMC10825428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder affecting an estimated 283 million individuals worldwide, with substantial health and economic consequences. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly PPAR-α and PPAR-γ, have shown promise in preclinical studies as potential therapeutic targets for AUD. In this human laboratory study, we aimed to translate preclinical findings on the PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate to a human population with current AUD. We hypothesized that, relative to placebo, fenofibrate at the highest FDA-approved dose of 145 mg/d would attenuate responsiveness to in vivo alcohol cues in the lab and reduce drinking under natural conditions. However, the results did not show significant differences in craving and alcohol consumption between the fenofibrate and placebo groups. Reverse translational studies in rodent models confirmed the lack of fenofibrate effect at human-equivalent doses. These findings suggest that inadequate translation of drug dose from rodents to humans may account for the lack of fenofibrate effects on alcohol craving and consumption in humans with AUD. The results highlight the need for new brain-penetrant PPAR-α agonists to adequately test the therapeutic potential of PPAR-α agonists for AUD, and the importance of reverse translational approaches and selection of human-equivalent doses in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Mason
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Estey
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Roberts
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Giordano de Guglielmo
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Light
- Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Mike Stoolmiller
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Susan Quello
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Skinner
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Farhad Shadan
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adnan Begovic
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark C. Kyle
- Pearson Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R. Adron Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Ibáñez C, Acuña T, Quintanilla ME, Pérez-Reytor D, Morales P, Karahanian E. Fenofibrate Decreases Ethanol-Induced Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress and Reduces Alcohol Relapse in Rats by a PPAR-α-Dependent Mechanism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1758. [PMID: 37760061 PMCID: PMC10525752 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High ethanol consumption triggers neuroinflammation, implicated in sustaining chronic alcohol use. This inflammation boosts glutamate, prompting dopamine release in reward centers, driving prolonged drinking and relapse. Fibrate drugs, activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), counteract neuroinflammation in other contexts, prompting investigation into their impact on ethanol-induced inflammation. Here, we studied, in UChB drinker rats, whether the administration of fenofibrate in the withdrawal stage after chronic ethanol consumption reduces voluntary intake when alcohol is offered again to the animals (relapse-type drinking). Furthermore, we determined if fenofibrate was able to decrease ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Animals treated with fenofibrate decreased alcohol consumption by 80% during post-abstinence relapse. Furthermore, fenofibrate decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, and of an oxidative stress-induced gene (heme oxygenase-1), in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. Animals treated with fenofibrate showed an increase M2-type microglia (with anti-inflammatory proprieties) and a decrease in phagocytic microglia in the hippocampus. A PPAR-α antagonist (GW6471) abrogated the effects of fenofibrate, indicating that they are dependent on PPAR-α activation. These findings highlight the potential of fenofibrate, an FDA-approved dyslipidemia medication, as a supplementary approach to alleviating relapse severity in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) during withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ibáñez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Tirso Acuña
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - María Elena Quintanilla
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Diliana Pérez-Reytor
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
| | - Paola Morales
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
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Gano A, Deak T, Pautassi RM. A review on the reciprocal interactions between neuroinflammatory processes and substance use and misuse, with a focus on alcohol misuse. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:269-282. [PMID: 37148274 PMCID: PMC10524510 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2201944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: The last decade has witnessed a surge of findings implicating neuroinflammatory processes as pivotal players in substance use disorders. The directionality of effects began with the expectation that the neuroinflammation associated with prolonged substance misuse contributes to long-term neuropathological consequences. As the literature grew, however, it became evident that the interactions between neuroinflammatory processes and alcohol and drug intake were reciprocal and part of a pernicious cycle in which disease-relevant signaling pathways contributed to an escalation of drug intake, provoking further inflammation-signaling and thereby exacerbating the neuropathological effects of drug misuse.Objectives: The goal of this review and its associated special issue is to provide an overview of the emergent findings relevant to understanding these reciprocal interactions. The review highlights the importance of preclinical and clinical studies in testing and validation of immunotherapeutics as viable targets for curtailing substance use and misuse, with a focus on alcohol misuse.Methods: A narrative review of the literature on drug and neuroinflammation was conducted, as well as articles published in this Special Issue on Alcohol- and Drug-induced Neuroinflammation: Insights from Pre-clinical Models and Clinical Research.Results: We argue that (a) demographic variables and genetic background contribute unique sensitivity to drug-related neuroinflammation; (b) co-morbidities between substance use disorders and affect dysfunction may share common inflammation-related signatures that predict the efficacy of immunotherapeutic drugs; and (c) examination of polydrug interactions with neuroinflammation is a critical area where greater research emphasis is needed.Conclusions: This review provides an accessible and example-driven review of the relationship between drug misuse, neuroinflammatory processes, and their resultant neuropathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Gano
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, United States of America
| | - Terrence Deak
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC – CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
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Meredith LR, Burnette EM, Grodin EN, Irwin MR, Ray LA. Immune treatments for alcohol use disorder: A translational framework. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:349-364. [PMID: 34343618 PMCID: PMC9044974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While the immune system is essential for survival, an excessive or prolonged inflammatory response, such as that resulting from sustained heavy alcohol use, can damage the host and contribute to psychiatric disorders. A growing body of literature indicates that the immune system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). As such, there is enthusiasm for treatments that can restore healthy levels of inflammation as a mechanism to reduce drinking and promote recovery. In this qualitative literature review, we provide a conceptual rationale for immune therapies and discuss progress in medications development for AUD focused on the immune system as a treatment target. This review is organized into sections based on primary signaling pathways targeted by the candidate therapies, namely: (a) toll-like receptors, (b) phosphodiesterase inhibitors, (c) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, (d) microglia and astrocytes, (e) other immune pharmacotherapies, and (f) behavioral therapies. As relevant within each section, we examine the basic biological mechanisms of each class of therapy and evaluate preclinical research testing the role of the therapy on mitigating alcohol-related behaviors in animal models. To the extent available, translational findings are reviewed with discussion of completed and ongoing randomized clinical trials and their findings to date. An applied and clinically focused approach is taken to identify the potential clinical applications of the various treatments reviewed. We conclude by delineating the most promising candidate treatments and discussing future directions by considering opportunities for immune treatment development and personalized medicine for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay R Meredith
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Burnette
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erica N Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Irwin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Villavicencio-Tejo F, Flores-Bastías O, Marambio-Ruiz L, Pérez-Reytor D, Karahanian E. Fenofibrate (a PPAR-α Agonist) Administered During Ethanol Withdrawal Reverts Ethanol-Induced Astrogliosis and Restores the Levels of Glutamate Transporter in Ethanol-Administered Adolescent Rats. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:653175. [PMID: 33959021 PMCID: PMC8093785 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
High-ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response, which has been proposed as responsible for the maintenance of chronic ethanol consumption. Neuroinflammation decreases glutamate transporter (GLT-1) expression, increasing levels of glutamate that trigger dopamine release at the corticolimbic reward areas, driving long-term drinking behavior. The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by fibrates inhibits neuroinflammation, in models other than ethanol consumption. However, the effect of fibrates on ethanol-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been studied. We previously reported that the administration of fenofibrate to ethanol-drinking rats decreased ethanol consumption. Here, we studied whether fenofibrate effects are related to a decrease in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and to the normalization of the levels of GLT-1. Rats were administered ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (2 g/kg/day). After ethanol withdrawal, fenofibrate was administered for 14 days (50 mg/kg/day) and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated NF-κB-inhibitory protein (pIκBα) and GLT-1, were quantified in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Ethanol treatment increased the levels of GFAP in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating a clear astrocytic activation. Similarly, ethanol increased the levels of pIκBα in the three areas. The administration of fenofibrate decreased the expression of GFAP and pIκBα in the three areas. These results indicate that fenofibrate reverts both astrogliosis and NF-κB activation. Finally, ethanol decreased GLT-1 expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Fenofibrate normalized the levels of GLT-1 in both areas, suggesting that its effect in reducing ethanol consumption could be due to the normalization of glutamatergic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Osvaldo Flores-Bastías
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lucas Marambio-Ruiz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diliana Pérez-Reytor
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Namba MD, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Nagy EK, Olive MF, Neisewander JL. Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Novel Treatment Targets for Substance Use Disorders and Associated Comorbidities. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:650785. [PMID: 33935636 PMCID: PMC8082184 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.650785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies examining the neurobiology of substance abuse have revealed a significant role of neuroimmune signaling as a mechanism through which drugs of abuse induce aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and contribute to substance abuse-related behaviors. Immune signaling within the brain and the periphery critically regulates homeostasis of the nervous system. Perturbations in immune signaling can induce neuroinflammation or immunosuppression, which dysregulate nervous system function including neural processes associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). In this review, we discuss the literature that demonstrates a role of neuroimmune signaling in regulating learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, emphasizing specific cytokine signaling within the central nervous system. We then highlight recent preclinical studies, within the last 5 years when possible, that have identified immune mechanisms within the brain and the periphery associated with addiction-related behaviors. Findings thus far underscore the need for future investigations into the clinical potential of immunopharmacology as a novel approach toward treating SUDs. Considering the high prevalence rate of comorbidities among those with SUDs, we also discuss neuroimmune mechanisms of common comorbidities associated with SUDs and highlight potentially novel treatment targets for these comorbid conditions. We argue that immunopharmacology represents a novel frontier in the development of new pharmacotherapies that promote long-term abstinence from drug use and minimize the detrimental impact of SUD comorbidities on patient health and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Namba
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | - Erin K. Nagy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Song XY, Li RH, Liu WW, Hayashi T, Mizuno K, Hattori S, Fujisaki H, Ikejima T. Effect of silibinin on ethanol- or acetaldehyde-induced damge of mouse primary hepatocytes in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 70:105047. [PMID: 33137447 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.105047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Silibinin, one of the flavonoids isolated from milk thistle seeds of Silybum marianum, has hepatoprotective properties against toxins in clinical. However, the detailed mechanisms have remained unclear. This study investigates the underlying mechanism of silibinin in the protection against ethanol- or acetaldehyde-induced damage of neonatal mouse primary hepatocytes in vitro. The results show that ethanol inhibited proliferation of hepatocytes in a time (12, 24, 36 h) and dose-dependent (0-800 mM) manner. However, silibinin did not show protective effect on ethanol (500 mM)-induced suppression of hepatocyte proliferation. Acetaldehyde, the toxic metabolite of ethanol, appearing immediately in individuals after drink also inhibited the proliferation of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent (0-12 mM) manner. Surprisingly, silibinin significantly increased the cell viability and reduced the leakage of alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) in acetaldehyde-treated hepatocytes, suggesting that silibinin protected cell injury caused by acetaldehyde treatment. The apoptosis-inducing effect of acetaldehyde was demonstrated by the increased number of cells in sub-G1 phase as well as caspase-3 activation. Further study shows that acetaldehyde induced autophagy in the hepatocytes. The autophagy inhibitors, 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), further decreased the viability of cells treated with acetaldehyde, suggesting that autophagy plays a protective role against apoptosis. Consistently, silibinin (20 μM) significantly reduced the activation of caspase 3 or apoptosis and increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II or autophagy. Taken together, it is concluded that silibinin does not repress the ethanol- induced hepatocyte injury, whereas silibinin reduces acetaldehyde-caused hepatocyte injury through down-regulation of apoptosis and up-regulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Song
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Rong-Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Toshihiko Hayashi
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China; Department of Chemistry and Life Science, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin University, 2665-1, Nakanomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan; Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
| | - Kazunori Mizuno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
| | - Hitomi Fujisaki
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikejima
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China; Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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Matheson J, Le Foll B. Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists in Substance Use Disorders: A Synthesis of Preclinical and Human Evidence. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051196. [PMID: 32408505 PMCID: PMC7291117 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has received increasing interest as a potential strategy to treat substance use disorders due to the localization of PPARs in addiction-related brain regions and the ability of PPAR ligands to modulate dopamine neurotransmission. Robust evidence from animal models suggests that agonists at both the PPAR-α and PPAR-γ isoforms can reduce both positive and negative reinforcing properties of ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and possibly psychostimulants. A reduction in the voluntary consumption of ethanol following treatment with PPAR agonists seems to be the most consistent finding. However, the human evidence is limited in scope and has so far been less promising. There have been no published human trials of PPAR agonists for treatment of alcohol use disorder, despite the compelling preclinical evidence. Two trials of PPAR-α agonists as potential smoking cessation drugs found no effect on nicotine-related outcomes. The PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone showed some promise in reducing heroin, nicotine, and cocaine craving in two human laboratory studies and one pilot trial, yet other outcomes were unaffected. Potential explanations for the discordance between the animal and human evidence, such as the potency and selectivity of PPAR ligands and sex-related variability in PPAR physiology, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Matheson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada;
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 34727)
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada;
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
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Shehata AHF, Ahmed ASF, Abdelrehim AB, Heeba GH. The impact of single and combined PPAR-α and PPAR-γ activation on the neurological outcomes following cerebral ischemia reperfusion. Life Sci 2020; 252:117679. [PMID: 32325134 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM The neuronal damage and accompanied functional deficits induced by cerebral ischemia are among the most common causes of disabilities in adults. Activation of subtypes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs); PPAR-α and PPAR-γ have shown neuroprotective effects in different neurodegenerative diseases including stroke. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of two different agonists: PPAR-α (fenofibrate) and PPAR-γ (pioglitazone) as well as the effect of their combination in ameliorating post-ischemia behavioral deficits. METHODS Male Wistar rats were either pretreated with vehicle, fenofibrate (100 mg/kg/day p.o), pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day p.o) or their combination for 14 days prior to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion for 24 hoursh. The sensory motor functions of rats were assessed, then rats were sacrificed to determine infarct volume and histopathological changes as well as oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers in the brain tissue. KEY FINDINGS Pre-treatment with fenofibrate and pioglitazone in addition to their combination improved neurobehavioral dysfunction, reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated inflammatory and apoptotic markers and ameliorated histopathological changes in I/R injured rats. The effect of pioglitazone in cerebral cortex was higher than its corresponding effect in fenofibrate while the combined administration of both drugs had additive neuroprotective effect and normalized inflammatory and apoptotic mediators in ischemic rats. SIGNIFICANCE The study compared the neuroprotective effects of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ agonists, and tested the impact of their combination. We concluded that no additional benefits on the functional outcomes might be gained upon their combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa H F Shehata
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Al-Shaimaa F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt.
| | - Amany B Abdelrehim
- Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Gehan H Heeba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt
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Melbourne JK, Thompson KR, Peng H, Nixon K. Its complicated: The relationship between alcohol and microglia in the search for novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 167:179-221. [PMID: 31601404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with wide-ranging health consequences. Alcohol targets the central nervous system producing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive and behavioral deficits, but the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. Recently, evidence has been mounting for the role of neuroimmune activation in the pathogenesis of AUDs, but our nascent state of knowledge about the interaction of alcohol with the neuroimmune system supports that the relationship is complicated. As the resident macrophage of the central nervous system, microglia are a central focus. Human and animal research on the interplay between microglia and alcohol in AUDs has proven to be complex, and though early research focused on a pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia, the anti-inflammatory and homeostatic roles of microglia must be considered. How these new roles for microglia should be incorporated into our thinking about the neuroimmune system in AUDs is discussed in the context of developing novel pharmacotherapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Melbourne
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - K Ryan Thompson
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hui Peng
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kimberly Nixon
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States.
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12
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Erickson EK, Grantham EK, Warden AS, Harris RA. Neuroimmune signaling in alcohol use disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 177:34-60. [PMID: 30590091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread disease with limited treatment options. Targeting the neuroimmune system is a new avenue for developing or repurposing effective pharmacotherapies. Alcohol modulates innate immune signaling in different cell types in the brain by altering gene expression and the molecular pathways that regulate neuroinflammation. Chronic alcohol abuse may cause an imbalance in neuroimmune function, resulting in prolonged perturbations in brain function. Likewise, manipulating the neuroimmune system may change alcohol-related behaviors. Psychiatric disorders that are comorbid with AUD, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and other substance use disorders, may also have underlying neuroimmune mechanisms; current evidence suggests that convergent immune pathways may be involved in AUD and in these comorbid disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of major neuroimmune cell-types and pathways involved in mediating alcohol behaviors, discuss potential mechanisms of alcohol-induced neuroimmune activation, and present recent clinical evidence for candidate immune-related drugs to treat AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Erickson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA.
| | - Emily K Grantham
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - Anna S Warden
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - R A Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
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13
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Rivera-Meza M, Vásquez D, Quintanilla ME, Lagos D, Rojas B, Herrera-Marschitz M, Israel Y. Activation of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) by ALDA-1 reduces both the acquisition and maintenance of ethanol intake in rats: A dual mechanism? Neuropharmacology 2018; 146:175-183. [PMID: 30521820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A number of pre-clinical studies have shown that brain-generated acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, exerts reinforcing effects that promote the acquisition of ethanol intake, while chronic intake maintenance appears to be mediated by alcohol-induced brain neuroinflammation/oxidative stress. Recently, it was described that N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichlorobenzamide (ALDA-1) activates aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol-derived acetaldehyde to acetate. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ALDA-1 on both the acquisition and the maintenance of alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring UChB rats. For ethanol acquisition studies, naïve UChB rats were treated with five daily doses of ALDA-1 (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) from one day before the start of ethanol exposure. For chronic intake studies, UChB rats exposed for 98 days to a free access to 10% ethanol and water were treated daily with ALDA-1 (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) for five days. The administration of ALDA-1 reduced by 72-90% (p < 0.001) the acquisition of ethanol consumption in naïve rats. At chronic ethanol consumption, ALDA-1 reduced ethanol intake by 61-82% (p < 0.001). ALDA-1 administration increased by 3- and 2.3-fold the activity of ALDH2 in brain and liver, respectively. ALDA-1 did not affect saccharin consumption, nor it modified the rate of ethanol elimination. The study shows that the activation of ALDH2 by ALDA-1 is effective for inhibiting both the acquisition and the maintenance of chronic ethanol intake by alcohol-preferring rats. Thus, the activation of brain ALDH2 may constitute a novel approach in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rivera-Meza
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - David Vásquez
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elena Quintanilla
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Lagos
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Braulio Rojas
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Herrera-Marschitz
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yedy Israel
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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14
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Ferguson LB, Zhang L, Wang S, Bridges C, Harris RA, Ponomarev I. Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Agonists Modulate Transposable Element Expression in Brain and Liver. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:331. [PMID: 30283300 PMCID: PMC6156381 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors that act as transcription factors in response to endogenous lipid messengers. The fibrates and thiazolidinediones are synthetic PPAR agonists used clinically to treat dyslipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, respectively, but also improve symptoms of several other diseases. Transposable elements (TEs), repetitive sequences in mammalian genomes, are implicated in many of the same conditions for which PPAR agonists are therapeutic, including neurodegeneration, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. We tested the hypothesis that there is a link between actions of PPAR agonists and TE expression. We developed an innovative application of microarray data by mapping Illumina mouse WG-6 microarray probes to areas of the mouse genome that contain TEs. Using this information, we assessed the effects of systemic administration of three PPAR agonists with different PPAR subtype selectivity: fenofibrate, tesaglitazar, and bezafibrate, on TE probe expression in mouse brain [prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala] and liver. We found that fenofibrate, and bezafibrate to a lesser extent, up-regulated probes mapped to retrotransposons: Short-Interspersed Elements (SINEs) and Long-Interspersed Elements (LINEs), in the PFC. Conversely, all PPAR agonists down-regulated LINEs and tesaglitazar and bezafibrate also down-regulated SINEs in liver. We built gene coexpression networks that partitioned the diverse transcriptional response to PPAR agonists into groups of probes with highly correlated expression patterns (modules). Most of the differentially expressed retrotransposons were within the same module, suggesting coordinated regulation of their expression, possibly by PPAR signaling. One TE module was conserved across tissues and was enriched with genes whose products participate in epigenetic regulation, suggesting that PPAR agonists affect TE expression via epigenetic mechanisms. Other enriched functional categories included phenotypes related to embryonic development and learning and memory, suggesting functional links between these biological processes and TE expression. In summary, these findings suggest mechanistic relationships between retrotransposons and PPAR agonists and provide a basis for future exploration of their functional roles in brain and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Ferguson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lingling Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Courtney Bridges
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Igor Ponomarev
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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15
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Quiroz G, Guerra-Díaz N, Iturriaga-Vásquez P, Rivera-Meza M, Quintanilla ME, Sotomayor-Zárate R. Erysodine, a competitive antagonist at neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, decreases ethanol consumption in alcohol-preferring UChB rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 349:169-176. [PMID: 29704599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse is a worldwide health problem with high economic costs to health systems. Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may be a therapeutic target for alcohol dependence. In this work, we assess the effectiveness of four doses of erysodine (1.5, 2.0, 4.0 or 8.0 mg/kg/day, i.p.), a competitive antagonist of nAChRs, on voluntary ethanol consumption behavior in alcohol-preferring UChB rats, administered during three consecutive days. Results show that erysodine administration produces a dose-dependent reduction in ethanol consumption respect to saline injection (control group). The highest doses of erysodine (4 and 8 mg/kg) reduce (45 and 66%, respectively) the ethanol intake during treatment period and first day of post-treatment compared to control group. While, the lowest doses of erysodine (1.5 and 2 mg/kg) only reduce ethanol intake during one day of treatment period. These effective reductions in ethanol intake were 23 and 29% for 1.5 and 2 mg/kg erysodine, respectively. Locomotor activity induced by a high dose of erysodine (10 mg/kg) was similar to those observed with saline injection in control rats, showing that the reduction in ethanol intake was not produced by hypolocomotor effect induced by erysodine. This is the first report showing that erysodine reduces ethanol intake in UChB rats in a dose-dependent manner. Our results highlight the role of nAChRs in the reward effects of ethanol and its modulation as a potentially effective pharmacological alternative for alcohol dependence treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Quiroz
- Programa de Doctorado en Farmacología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Guerra-Díaz
- Programa de Doctorado en Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Iturriaga-Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Farmacoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mario Rivera-Meza
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elena Quintanilla
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neurofarmacología, CENFI, Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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16
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Ferguson LB, Harris RA, Mayfield RD. From gene networks to drugs: systems pharmacology approaches for AUD. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1635-1662. [PMID: 29497781 PMCID: PMC6298603 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The alcohol research field has amassed an impressive number of gene expression datasets spanning key brain areas for addiction, species (humans as well as multiple animal models), and stages in the addiction cycle (binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative effect, and preoccupation/anticipation). These data have improved our understanding of the molecular adaptations that eventually lead to dysregulation of brain function and the chronic, relapsing disorder of addiction. Identification of new medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) will likely benefit from the integration of genetic, genomic, and behavioral information included in these important datasets. Systems pharmacology considers drug effects as the outcome of the complex network of interactions a drug has rather than a single drug-molecule interaction. Computational strategies based on this principle that integrate gene expression signatures of pharmaceuticals and disease states have shown promise for identifying treatments that ameliorate disease symptoms (called in silico gene mapping or connectivity mapping). In this review, we suggest that gene expression profiling for in silico mapping is critical to improve drug repurposing and discovery for AUD and other psychiatric illnesses. We highlight studies that successfully apply gene mapping computational approaches to identify or repurpose pharmaceutical treatments for psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore, we address important challenges that must be overcome to maximize the potential of these strategies to translate to the clinic and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Ferguson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Intitute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Roy Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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17
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Ch’Ng SS, Lawrence AJ. Investigational drugs for alcohol use disorders: a review of preclinical data. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:459-474. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1472763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Ch’Ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Patients who suffer from alcohol use disorders (AUDs) usually go through various socio-behavioral and pathophysiological changes that take place in the brain and other organs. Recently, consumption of unhealthy food and excess alcohol along with a sedentary lifestyle has become a norm in both developed and developing countries. Despite the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption, chronic and/or excessive alcohol intake is reported to negatively affect the brain, liver and other organs, resulting in cell death, organ damage/failure and death. The most effective therapy for alcoholism and alcohol related comorbidities is alcohol abstinence, however, chronic alcoholic patients cannot stop drinking alcohol. Therefore, targeted therapies are urgently needed to treat such populations. Patients who suffer from alcoholism and/or alcohol abuse experience harmful effects and changes that occur in the brain and other organs. Upon stopping alcohol consumption, alcoholic patients experience acute withdrawal symptoms followed by a protracted abstinence syndrome resulting in the risk of relapse to heavy drinking. For the past few decades, several drugs have been available for the treatment of AUDs. These drugs include medications to reduce or stop severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detoxification as well as recovery medications to reduce alcohol craving and support abstinence. However, there is no drug that completely antagonizes the adverse effects of excessive amounts of alcohol. This review summarizes the drugs which are available and approved by the FDA and their mechanisms of action as well as the medications that are under various phases of preclinical and clinical trials. In addition, the repurposing of the FDA approved drugs, such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants and other medications, to prevent alcoholism and treat AUDs and their potential target mechanisms are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akbar
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Mark Egli
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Young-Eun Cho
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Noronha
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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19
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Savarese AM, Lasek AW. Transcriptional Regulators as Targets for Alcohol Pharmacotherapies. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 248:505-533. [PMID: 29594350 PMCID: PMC6242703 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disease that currently afflicts over 15 million adults in the United States. Despite its prevalence, there are only three FDA-approved medications for AUD treatment, all of which show limited efficacy. Because of their ability to alter expression of a large number of genes, often with great cell-type and brain-region specificity, transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers serve as promising new targets for the development of AUD treatments aimed at the neural circuitry that underlies chronic alcohol abuse. In this chapter, we will discuss transcriptional regulators that can be targeted pharmacologically and have shown some efficacy in attenuating alcohol consumption when targeted. Specifically, the transcription factors cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as the epigenetic enzymes, the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy W. Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago,Corresponding author: 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, IL 60612, Tel: (312) 355-1593,
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20
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Flores-Bastías O, Karahanian E. Neuroinflammation produced by heavy alcohol intake is due to loops of interactions between Toll-like 4 and TNF receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and the central melanocortin system: A novel hypothesis and new therapeutic avenues. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:401-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Bell RL, Hauser SR, Liang T, Sari Y, Maldonado-Devincci A, Rodd ZA. Rat animal models for screening medications to treat alcohol use disorders. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:201-243. [PMID: 28215999 PMCID: PMC5659204 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present animal research models that can be used to screen and/or repurpose medications for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence. The focus will be on rats and in particular selectively bred rats. Brief introductions discuss various aspects of the clinical picture, which provide characteristics of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to model in animals. Following this, multiple selectively bred rat lines will be described and evaluated in the context of animal models used to screen medications to treat AUDs. Next, common behavioral tests for drug efficacy will be discussed particularly as they relate to stages in the addiction cycle. Tables highlighting studies that have tested the effects of compounds using the respective techniques are included. Wherever possible the Tables are organized chronologically in ascending order to describe changes in the focus of research on AUDs over time. In general, high ethanol-consuming selectively bred rats have been used to test a wide range of compounds. Older studies usually followed neurobiological findings in the selected lines that supported an association with a propensity for high ethanol intake. Most of these tests evaluated the compound's effects on the maintenance of ethanol drinking. Very few compounds have been tested during ethanol-seeking and/or relapse and fewer still have assessed their effects during the acquisition of AUDs. Overall, while a substantial number of neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory system targets have been assessed; the roles of sex- and age-of-animal, as well as the acquisition of AUDs, ethanol-seeking and relapse continue to be factors and behaviors needing further study. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Bell
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- University of Toledo, Department of Pharmacology, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | | | - Zachary A Rodd
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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22
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Rivera-Meza M, Muñoz D, Jerez E, Quintanilla ME, Salinas-Luypaert C, Fernandez K, Karahanian E. Fenofibrate Administration Reduces Alcohol and Saccharin Intake in Rats: Possible Effects at Peripheral and Central Levels. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:133. [PMID: 28769774 PMCID: PMC5509805 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the administration of fenofibrate to high-drinker UChB rats markedly reduces voluntary ethanol intake. Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, which induces the proliferation of peroxisomes in the liver, leading to increases in catalase levels that result in acetaldehyde accumulation at aversive levels in the blood when animals consume ethanol. In these new studies, we aimed to investigate if the effect of fenofibrate on ethanol intake is produced exclusively in the liver (increasing catalase and systemic levels of acetaldehyde) or there might be additional effects at central level. High drinker rats (UChB) were allowed to voluntary drink 10% ethanol for 2 months. Afterward, a daily dose of fenofibrate (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (as control) was administered orally for 14 days. Voluntary ethanol intake was recorded daily. After that time, animals were deprived of ethanol access for 24 h and administered with an oral dose of ethanol (1 g/kg) for acetaldehyde determination in blood. Fenofibrate reduced ethanol voluntary intake by 60%, in chronically drinking rats, at the three doses tested. Acetaldehyde in the blood rose up to between 80 μM and 100 μM. Considering the reduction of ethanol consumption, blood acetaldehyde levels and body weight evolution, the better results were obtained at a dose of 50 mg fenofibrate/kg/day. This dose of fenofibrate also reduced the voluntary intake of 0.2% saccharin by 35% and increased catalase levels 2.5-fold in the liver but showed no effects on catalase levels in the brain. To further study if fenofibrate administration changes the motivational properties of ethanol, a conditioned-place preference experiment was carried out. Animals treated with fenofibrate (50 mg/kg/day) did not develop ethanol-conditioned place preference (CPP).In an additional experiment, chronically ethanol-drinking rats underwent two cycles of ethanol deprivation/re-access, and fenofibrate (50 mg/kg/day) was given only in deprivation periods; under this paradigm, fenofibrate was also able to generate a prolonged (30 days) decreasing of ethanol consumption, suggesting some effect beyond the acetaldehyde-generated aversion. In summary, reduction of ethanol intake by fenofibrate appears to be a consequence of a combination of catalase induction in the liver and central pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rivera-Meza
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Muñoz
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Erik Jerez
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - María E Quintanilla
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Salinas-Luypaert
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Katia Fernandez
- CIB, Faculty of Health and Dentistry, Universidad Diego PortalesSantiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
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23
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Haile CN, Kosten TA. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate attenuates alcohol self-administration in rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 116:364-370. [PMID: 28088358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibrates are a class of medications used to treat hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia that target nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Studies have shown the PPARα agonist fenofibrate decreases voluntary EtOH consumption however its impact on the reinforcing and motivational effects of EtOH is unknown. We evaluated the ability of fenofibrate (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), to alter EtOH (10%, w/v) and sucrose (2%, w/v) operant self-administration in rats under a FR2 schedule of reinforcement over four days and under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule on day five of treatment. Results showed fenofibrate dose-dependently decreased EtOH self-administration under both schedules of reinforcement with the greatest effects seen after four to five days of treatment. Fenofibrate decreased responding for sucrose only under the PR schedule of reinforcement and this effect was not dose-dependent. These findings provide further evidence for fenofibrate as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin N Haile
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States; Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States.
| | - Therese A Kosten
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States; Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States
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Blednov YA, Black M, Benavidez JM, Stamatakis EE, Harris RA. PPAR Agonists: I. Role of Receptor Subunits in Alcohol Consumption in Male and Female Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:553-62. [PMID: 26857685 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists reduce voluntary alcohol consumption in rodent models, and evidence suggests that PPARα and γ subunits play an important role in this effect. To define the subunit dependence of this action, we tested selective PPARα and α/γ agonists and antagonists in addition to null mutant mice lacking PPARα. METHODS The effects of fenofibrate (PPARα agonist) and tesaglitazar (PPARα/γ agonist) on continuous and intermittent 2-bottle choice drinking tests were examined in male and female wild-type mice and in male mice lacking PPARα. We compared the ability of MK886 (PPARα antagonist) and GW9662 (PPARγ antagonist) to inhibit the effects of fenofibrate and tesaglitazar in wild-type mice. The estrogen receptor antagonist, tamoxifen, can inhibit PPARγ-dependent transcription and was also studied in male and female mice. RESULTS Fenofibrate and tesaglitazar reduced ethanol (EtOH) consumption and preference in wild-type mice, but these effects were not observed in mice lacking PPARα. MK886 inhibited the action of fenofibrate, but not tesaglitazer, while GW9662 did not inhibit either agonist. The PPAR agonists were more effective in male mice compared to females, and drinking in the continuous 2-bottle choice test was more sensitive to fenofibrate and tesaglitazar compared to drinking in the intermittent access test. Tamoxifen also reduced EtOH consumption in male mice and this action was inhibited by GW9662, but not MK886, suggesting that it acts by activation of PPARγ. CONCLUSIONS Our study using selective PPAR agonists, antagonists, and null mutant mice indicates a key role for PPARα in mediating reduced EtOH consumption by fenofibrate and tesaglitazar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mendy Black
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jillian M Benavidez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Eleni E Stamatakis
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Blednov YA, Black M, Benavidez JM, Stamatakis EE, Harris RA. PPAR Agonists: II. Fenofibrate and Tesaglitazar Alter Behaviors Related to Voluntary Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:563-71. [PMID: 26857541 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the accompanying article, we showed that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling by fenofibrate and tesaglitazar decreases ethanol (EtOH) consumption in mice. In this study, we determined the role of these PPAR agonists in EtOH-related behaviors and other actions that may be important in regulating EtOH consumption. METHODS The effects of fenofibrate (150 mg/kg) and tesaglitazar (1.5 mg/kg) were examined on the following responses in male and female C57BL/6J (B6) and B6 × 129S4 mice: preference for saccharin, EtOH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), conditioned taste aversion (CTA), loss of righting reflex, and withdrawal, acoustic startle reflex, response to novelty, and EtOH clearance. Because the B6 inbred strain usually displays weak EtOH-induced CPP and weak EtOH-induced acute withdrawal, B6 × 129S4 mice were also studied. RESULTS Fenofibrate and tesaglitazar decreased the novelty response and increased acute EtOH withdrawal severity, and fenofibrate increased EtOH-induced CTA. Two important factors for EtOH consumption (saccharin preference and EtOH-induced CPP) were not altered by fenofibrate or tesaglitazar. EtOH clearance was increased by both fenofibrate and tesaglitazar. Response to novelty, acute withdrawal, and EtOH clearance show sex differences and could contribute to the reduced EtOH consumption following fenofibrate administration. CONCLUSIONS These studies indicate the complexity of EtOH-dependent and EtOH-independent behaviors that are altered by PPAR agonists and provide evidence for novel behavioral actions of these drugs that may contribute to PPAR-mediated effects on alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mendy Black
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jillian M Benavidez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Eleni E Stamatakis
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Karahanian E, Rivera-Meza M, Quintanilla ME, Muñoz D, Fernández K, Israel Y. PPARα Agonists Reduce Alcohol Drinking: Do They Act in the Brain or in the Liver? Alcohol Alcohol 2015; 50:717-8. [PMID: 26041608 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agv060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Karahanian
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Rivera-Meza
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elena Quintanilla
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Muñoz
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Katia Fernández
- Faculty of Health and Dentistry, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yedy Israel
- Program of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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