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Wang Y, Song Z, Han Q, Luo F, Jiang C, Zhang Z, Wang N, Zou N, Liu G, Long M, Liu H, Xiao Q, Yue F, Xia J, He C, Hu Z, Ren S. Melatonin targets the paraventricular thalamus to promote non-rapid eye movement sleep in C3H/HeJ mice. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3792-3803.e5. [PMID: 39096908 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is an important circadian signal for sleep regulation, but the neural circuitries underlying the sleep-promoting effects of MLT are poorly understood. The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a critical thalamic area for wakefulness control and expresses MLT receptors, raising a possibility that PVT neurons may mediate the sleep-promoting effects of MLT. Here, we found that MLT receptors were densely expressed on PVT neurons and exhibited circadian-dependent variations in C3H/HeJ mice. Application of exogenous MLT decreased the excitability of PVT neurons, resulting in hyperpolarization of membrane potential and reduction of action potential firing. MLT also inhibited the spontaneous activity of PVT neurons at both population and single-neuron levels in freely behaving mice. Furthermore, pharmacological manipulations revealed that local infusion of exogeneous MLT into the PVT promoted non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and increased NREM sleep duration, whereas MLT receptor antagonists decreased NREM sleep. Moreover, we found that selectively knocking down endogenous MLT receptors in the PVT decreased NREM sleep and correspondingly increased wakefulness, with particular changes shortly after the onset of the dark or light phase. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PVT is an important target of MLT for promoting NREM sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Zhenbo Song
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qi Han
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fenlan Luo
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chenggang Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Zehui Zhang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Na Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Nan Zou
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing 400064, China
| | - Guoying Liu
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing 400064, China
| | - Meiling Long
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hanshu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Faguo Yue
- Sleep and Psychology Center, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402760, China
| | - Jianxia Xia
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhian Hu
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing 400064, China.
| | - Shuancheng Ren
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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2
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Li S, Li X, Lu M, Chen Q, Yao D, Yu X, Li Z, Ge WP, Wang N, Jin J, Wang Y, Liao Y, Luo F, Yan J, Chen X, Jiang C, Yue F, Gao D, Tang X, Guo H, Wang Y, Chen X, Xia J, Xu M, Ren S, He C, Hu Z. Homeostatic Shrinkage of Dendritic Spines Requires Melatonin Type 3 Receptor Activation During Sleep. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400253. [PMID: 39119847 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
High-frequency oscillatory activity in cognition-related neural circuits during wakefulness consistently induces the growth of dendritic spines and axonal terminals. Although these structural changes are essential for cognitive functions, it is hypothesized that if these newly expanded structures fail to establish functional connections, they may become superfluous. Sleep is believed to facilitate the reduction of such redundant structures to maintain neural homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying this pruning process during sleep remain poorly understood. In this study, that melatonin type 3 receptors (MT3Rs) are selectively expressed in the stellate neurons of the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is demonstrated, an area where high melatonin levels are detected during sleep. Activation of MT3Rs during sleep initiates the shrinkage of dendritic spines in stellate neurons by downregulating neural network activity and dephosphorylating synaptic proteins in the MEC. This process is disrupted when MT3R expression is knocked down or when MT3Rs are blocked during sleep. Notably, interference with MT3Rs in the MEC during sleep impairs the acquisition of spatial memory but does not affect object memory acquisition following sleep. These findings reveal novel molecular mechanisms involving melatonin and MT3Rs in the regulation of dendritic spine shrinkage during sleep, which is crucial for the acquisition and consolidation of spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyin Li
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Minmin Lu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Quanhui Chen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Di Yao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaoqian Yu
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Woo-Ping Ge
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jiehua Jin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yixiang Liao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fenlan Luo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuedan Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chenggang Jiang
- Department of Sleep and Psychology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Faguo Yue
- Sleep and Psychology Center, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402760, China
| | - Dong Gao
- Department of Sleep and Psychology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400062, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yanjiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
- Brain Research Center, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianxia Xia
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Min Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shuancheng Ren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhian Hu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
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3
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López-Canul M, He Q, Sasson T, Ettaoussi M, Gregorio DD, Ochoa-Sanchez R, Catoire H, Posa L, Rouleau G, Beaulieu JM, Comai S, Gobbi G. Selective Enhancement of REM Sleep in Male Rats through Activation of Melatonin MT 1 Receptors Located in the Locus Ceruleus Norepinephrine Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0914232024. [PMID: 38744530 PMCID: PMC11255427 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0914-23.2024] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders affect millions of people around the world and have a high comorbidity with psychiatric disorders. While current hypnotics mostly increase non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), drugs acting selectively on enhancing rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) are lacking. This polysomnographic study in male rats showed that the first-in-class selective melatonin MT1 receptor partial agonist UCM871 increases the duration of REMS without affecting that of NREMS. The REMS-promoting effects of UCM871 occurred by inhibiting, in a dose-response manner, the firing activity of the locus ceruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) neurons, which express MT1 receptors. The increase of REMS duration and the inhibition of LC-NE neuronal activity by UCM871 were abolished by MT1 pharmacological antagonism and by an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, which selectively knocked down MT1 receptors in the LC-NE neurons. In conclusion, MT1 receptor agonism inhibits LC-NE neurons and triggers REMS, thus representing a novel mechanism and target for REMS disorders and/or psychiatric disorders associated with REMS impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha López-Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Qianzi He
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Tania Sasson
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Mohamed Ettaoussi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Rafael Ochoa-Sanchez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Helene Catoire
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Guy Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Jean Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
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4
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Bruni O, Breda M, Nobili L, Fietze I, Capdevila ORS, Gronfier C. European expert guidance on management of sleep onset insomnia and melatonin use in typically developing children. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:2955-2964. [PMID: 38625388 PMCID: PMC11192690 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05556-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Sleeping problems are prevalent among children and adolescents, often leading to frequent consultations with pediatricians. While cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness, especially in the short term, there is a lack of globally endorsed guidelines for the use of pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter remedies in managing sleep onset insomnia. An expert panel of pediatric sleep specialists and chronobiologists met in October 2023 to develop practical recommendations for pediatricians on the management of sleep onset insomnia in typically developing children. When sleep onset insomnia is present in otherwise healthy children, the management should follow a stepwise approach. Practical sleep hygiene indications and adaptive bedtime routine, followed by behavioral therapies, must be the first step. When these measures are not effective, low-dose melatonin, administered 30-60 min before bedtime, might be helpful in children over 2 years old. Melatonin use should be monitored by pediatricians to evaluate the efficacy as well as the presence of adverse effects. Conclusion: Low-dose melatonin is a useful strategy for managing sleep onset insomnia in healthy children who have not improved or have responded insufficiently to sleep hygiene and behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Breda
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ingo Fietze
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sleep Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Southwest Medical University Affiliated Zigong Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Oscar Ramon Sans Capdevila
- Sleep Unit at the Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital in Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- International University of Catalonia (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claude Gronfier
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), Neurocampus, Waking Team, Inserm UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, 69000, Lyon, France
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5
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van Dorp R, Rolleri E, Deboer T. Sleep and the sleep electroencephalogram in C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14062. [PMID: 37803888 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14062] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Different mouse strains used in biomedical research show different phenotypes associated with their genotypes. Two mouse strains commonly used in biomedical sleep research are C57Bl/6 and C3H/He, the strains differ in numerous aspects, including their ability to secrete melatonin as well as the expression of several sleep-related genes. However, sleep regulation has only limitedly been compared between C3H/HeN and C57Bl/6 mice. We therefore compared sleep-wake behaviour and EEG-measured spectral brain activity for C57bl/6 and C3H/HeN mice during a 12:12 h light: dark baseline and during and after a 6 h sleep deprivation. The C3H mice spent more time in NREM sleep around the light-dark transition and more time in REM sleep during the dark phase compared with C57bl/6 mice. The C3H mice also showed more EEG activity in the 4.5-7.5 Hz range during all stages and a stronger 24 h modulation of EEG power density in almost all EEG frequencies during NREM sleep. After the sleep deprivation, C3H mice showed a stronger recovery response, which was expressed in both a larger increase in EEG slow wave activity (SWA) and more time spent in NREM sleep. We show large differences regarding sleep architecture and EEG activity between C3H and C57bl/6 mice. These differences include the amount of waking during the late dark phase, the 24 h amplitude in EEG power density, and the amount of REM sleep during the dark phase. We conclude that differences between mouse strains should be considered when selecting a model strain to improve the generalisability of studies investigating biomedical parameters related to sleep and circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick van Dorp
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Rolleri
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Deboer
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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6
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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7
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Yang YQ, Tiliwaerde M, Gao NN, Zhang TT, Ji HX, Gu W, Jin ZL. Mechanism of GW117 antidepressant action: melatonin receptor-mediated regulation of sleep rhythm. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176299. [PMID: 38160931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176299] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in circadian sleep patterns constitute a salient manifestation in major depressive disorder. GW117, an emergent antidepressant, functions as an agonist for melatonin 1 and melatonin 2 (MT1/MT2) receptors, in tandem with antagonism of the serotonin (5-HT) 2C receptor. The present investigation is dedicated to elucidating the role and underlying mechanisms by which GW117 ameliorates circadian sleep disruptions. Utilizing an adapted chronic unpredictable mild stress protocol, we induced a depressive-like phenotype and perturbed circadian rhythms in rodent models. Our methodological approach integrated quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in real-time, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunoblotting techniques to probe alterations in the expression of core circadian genes and homeostatic sleep markers. The impact of GW117 was assessed across various dosages (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) on these molecular signatures. In a parallel examination, we evaluated the influence of GW117 (administered at 15, 40, and 60 mg/kg) on the sleep patterns of healthy mice. The results showed that GW117 significantly improved sleep-wake circadian rhythms, altered sleep architecture, and shortened sleep latency. Furthermore, GW117 increased the expression of several clock genes in the hypothalamus of chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats and normal mice. It also regulated circadian biomarkers, including melatonin and cortisol. Based on our findings, we propose that the beneficial effects of GW117 on sleep rhythms may be due to the melatonin system-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Murezati Tiliwaerde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Na-Na Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Captial Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China.
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Captial Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Hong-Xian Ji
- Beijing Guangwei Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Beijing Guangwei Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zeng-Liang Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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8
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Jia C, Tian L, Cheng C, Zhang J, Al-Nusaif M, Li T, Yang H, Lin Y, Li S, Le W. α-Synuclein reduces acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase mediated melatonin biosynthesis by microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta-related degradation pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:61. [PMID: 38279053 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05053-7] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that α-synuclein (α-SYN) is closely associated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) related to several neurodegenerative disorders. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still rarely investigated. In the present study, we found that in the α-SYNA53T induced RBD-like behavior mouse model, the melatonin level in the plasma and pineal gland were significantly decreased. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of α-SYN-induced melatonin reduction, we investigated the effect of α-SYN in melatonin biosynthesis. Our findings showed that α-SYN reduced the level and activity of melatonin synthesis enzyme acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) in the pineal gland and in the cell cultures. In addition, we found that microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) as an important autophagy adapter is involved in the degradation of ASMT. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that α-SYN increases the binding between LC3B and ASMT, leading to ASMT degradation and a consequent reduction in melatonin biosynthesis. Collectively, our results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of α-SYN in melatonin biosynthesis, indicating that melatonin is an important molecule involved in the α-SYN-associated RBD-like behaviors, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for RBD of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Jia
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Lulu Tian
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Murad Al-Nusaif
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Tianbai Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Huijia Yang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Yushan Lin
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Song Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Weidong Le
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China.
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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9
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Wang Y, Chen Z, Davis B, Lipman W, Xing S, Zhang L, Wang T, Hafiz P, Xie W, Yan Z, Huang Z, Song J, Bai W. Digital automation of transdermal drug delivery with high spatiotemporal resolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:511. [PMID: 38218967 PMCID: PMC10787768 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery is of vital importance for medical treatments. However, user adherence to long-term repetitive drug delivery poses a grand challenge. Furthermore, the dynamic and unpredictable disease progression demands a pharmaceutical treatment that can be actively controlled in real-time to ensure medical precision and personalization. Here, we report a spatiotemporal on-demand patch (SOP) that integrates drug-loaded microneedles with biocompatible metallic membranes to enable electrically triggered active control of drug release. Precise control of drug release to targeted locations (<1 mm2), rapid drug release response to electrical triggers (<30 s), and multi-modal operation involving both drug release and electrical stimulation highlight the novelty. Solution-based fabrication ensures high customizability and scalability to tailor the SOP for various pharmaceutical needs. The wireless-powered and digital-controlled SOP demonstrates great promise in achieving full automation of drug delivery, improving user adherence while ensuring medical precision. Based on these characteristics, we utilized SOPs in sleep studies. We revealed that programmed release of exogenous melatonin from SOPs improve sleep of mice, indicating potential values for basic research and clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Wang
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zeka Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brayden Davis
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Will Lipman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sicheng Xing
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Priyash Hafiz
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Wanrong Xie
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zijie Yan
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zhili Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juan Song
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Wubin Bai
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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10
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Wang Y, Deboer T. Hypnotic effects of melatonin depend on the environmental lighting conditions in the rat. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12928. [PMID: 38031385 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12928] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute effects of exogenous melatonin have been widely reported to promote sleep or induce drowsiness in human. However, testing of the hypnotic effects of melatonin in nocturnal rodents has yielded contradictory results. The latter may be associated with differences in concentration, lighting conditions, time of administration of melatonin, and possibly the type of analysis. In this study, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram were recorded in pigmented male Brown Norway rats under both light-dark (LD) and constant dark (DD) conditions. Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally at a moderate dose of 3 mg/kg, at either 1 h after lights on under LD condition or 1 h after the activity offset under DD condition. The dosage is known to be able to entrain nocturnal rodents in DD conditions, but does not change sleep in rodents in LD. Only the rats under DD conditions showed a significant reduction in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep latency, while the NREM sleep power spectrum remained unaffected. Under LD condition, melatonin did not alter NREM and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency, and had only minor effects on the NREM sleep EEG. Regardless of lighting conditions, melatonin administration resulted in less, but longer episodes for all vigilance states suggesting increased vigilance state consolidation. In the discussion, we compare our results with a summary of previously published data concerning the hypnotic effects of melatonin in polysomnographic/EEG-confirmed sleep in humans and nocturnal rodents. In conclusion, the hypnotic effect of exogenous melatonin in nocturnal rodents not only depends on the time of day, and concentration, but is also influenced by the lighting conditions. Regardless of inducing sleep or not, melatonin may consolidate sleep and through that enhance sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Wang
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Deboer
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Xia TJ, Wang Z, Jin SW, Liu XM, Liu YG, Zhang SS, Pan RL, Jiang N, Liao YH, Yan MZ, Du LD, Chang Q. Melatonin-related dysfunction in chronic restraint stress triggers sleep disorders in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1210393. [PMID: 37408758 PMCID: PMC10318904 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1210393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress may trigger sleep disorders and are also risk factors for depression. The study explored the melatonin-related mechanisms of stress-associated sleep disorders on a mouse model of chronic stress by exploring the alteration in sleep architecture, melatonin, and related small molecule levels, transcription and expression of melatonin-related genes as well as proteins. Mice undergoing chronic restraint stress modeling for 28 days showed body weight loss and reduced locomotor activity. Sleep fragmentation, circadian rhythm disorders, and insomnia exhibited in CRS-treated mice formed sleep disorders. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were increased in the hypothalamus, while melatonin level was decreased. The transcription and expression of melatonin receptors were reduced, and circadian rhythm related genes were altered. Expression of downstream effectors to melatonin receptors was also affected. These results identified sleep disorders in a mice model of chronic stress. The alteration of melatonin-related pathways was shown to trigger sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ji Xia
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Wei Jin
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yong-Guang Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Le Pan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Hong Liao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Yan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Da Du
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Innovative Pharmaceutics, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, TO, Canada
| | - Qi Chang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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12
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Maurer JJ, Choi A, An I, Sathi N, Chung S. Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder: Animal models, neural mechanisms, and therapeutics. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100095. [PMID: 37188242 PMCID: PMC10176270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is crucial for brain development. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strikingly, these sleep problems are positively correlated with the severity of ASD core symptoms such as deficits in social skills and stereotypic behavior, indicating that sleep problems and the behavioral characteristics of ASD may be related. In this review, we will discuss sleep disturbances in children with ASD and highlight mouse models to study sleep disturbances and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In addition, we will review neuromodulators controlling sleep and wakefulness and how these neuromodulatory systems are disrupted in animal models and patients with ASD. Lastly, we will address how the therapeutic interventions for patients with ASD improve various aspects of sleep. Together, gaining mechanistic insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in children with ASD will help us to develop better therapeutic interventions.
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13
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Cruz-Sanabria F, Carmassi C, Bruno S, Bazzani A, Carli M, Scarselli M, Faraguna U. Melatonin as a Chronobiotic with Sleep-promoting Properties. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:951-987. [PMID: 35176989 PMCID: PMC10227911 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220217152617] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of exogenous melatonin (exo-MEL) as a sleep-promoting drug has been under extensive debate due to the lack of consistency of its described effects. In this study, we conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on the chronobiotic, sleep-inducing, and overall sleep-promoting properties of exo-MEL. To this aim, we first describe the possible pharmacological mechanisms involved in the sleep-promoting properties and then report the corresponding effects of exo-MEL administration on clinical outcomes in: a) healthy subjects, b) circadian rhythm sleep disorders, c) primary insomnia. Timing of administration and doses of exo-MEL received particular attention in this work. The exo-MEL pharmacological effects are hereby interpreted in view of changes in the physiological properties and rhythmicity of endogenous melatonin. Finally, we discuss some translational implications for the personalized use of exo-MEL in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francy Cruz-Sanabria
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
| | - Simone Bruno
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
| | - Andrea Bazzani
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa – Italy
| | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa - Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Abstract
The pineal gland is a interface between light-dark cycle and shows neuro-endocrine functions. Melatonin is the primary hormone of pineal gland, secreted at night. The night-time melatonin peak regulates the physiological functions at dark. Melatonin has several unique features as it synchronises internal rhythm with daily and seasonal variations, regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. Physiologically melatonin involves in detoxification of free radicals, immune functions, neuro-protection, oncostatic effects, cardiovascular functions, reproduction, and foetal development. The precise functions of melatonin are exhibited by specific receptors. In relation to pathophysiology, impaired melatonin secretion promotes sleep disorder, cancer progression, type-2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Several reports have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of melatonin specially related to cancer protection, sleep disorder, psychiatric disorders, and jet lag problems. This review will touch the most of the area of melatonin-oriented health impacts and its therapeutic aspects.
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15
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Wang XC, Wu GL, Cai YF, Zhang SJ. The safety and efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30874. [PMID: 36181086 PMCID: PMC9524532 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the common signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea, with multiple organ injuries in severe cases. Therefore, finding drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19 is urgently needed and expected by the public. Several studies suggested beneficial effects of melatonin for the relevant prevention and treatment. To explore the effect and safety of melatonin in the treatment and provide theoretical support and reference for seeking the most suitable drug for COVID-19, the meta-analysis was carried out accordingly. METHODS It included randomized clinical trials of patients with COVID-19 treated with melatonin. Total effective rate was the primary outcome, while C-reactive protein (CRP), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), white blood cell count (WBC) were the secondary measures. Random-effect and fixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effect size of some indicators in this meta-analysis. RESULTS Six eligible studies with 338 participants were included. One hundred seventy subjects were treated with melatonin adjuvant therapy and 168 subjects were assigned to the control group, with total excellent effective rate in subjects treated with melatonin [odds ratio = 3.05, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.47, 6.31, P = .003]. Homogeneity was analyzed by fixed effect model (I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in CRP between the melatonin group and the control group (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.36, 95% CI = -3.65, 2.92, P = .83). Significant difference was not existed in SaO2 between the melatonin treatment group and the control group (WMD = 1, 95% CI = -1.21, 3.22, P = .37). In terms of WBC, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (WMD = -1.07, 95% CI = -2.44, 0.30, P = .13). CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis showed that melatonin had the beneficial effects for COVID-19 prevention and treatment as an adjunctive agent in combination with basic treatment for the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Chen Wang
- School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zhaoqing College, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing City, China
| | - Guang-Liang Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye-Feng Cai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ye-Feng Cai, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China (e-mail: )
| | - Shi-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Kholghi G, Eskandari M, Shokouhi Qare Saadlou MS, Zarrindast MR, Vaseghi S. Night shift hormone: How does melatonin affect depression? Physiol Behav 2022; 252:113835. [PMID: 35504318 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is the main hormone secreted by the pineal gland that modulates the circadian rhythm and mood. Previous studies have shown the therapeutic effects of melatonin, or its important analogue, agomelatine, on depression. In this review study, we aimed to discuss the potential mechanisms of melatonin involved in the treatment of depression. It was noted that disrupted circadian rhythm can lead to depressive state, and melatonin via regulating circadian rhythm shows a therapeutic effect. It was also noted that melatonin induces antidepressant effects via promoting antioxidant system and neurogenesis, and suppressing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. The interaction effect between melatonin or agomelatine and serotonergic signaling has a significant effect on depression. It was noted that the psychotropic effects of agomelatine are induced by the synergistic interaction between melatonin and 5-HT2C receptors. Agomelatine also interacts with glutamatergic signaling in brain regions involved in regulating mood and circadian rhythm. Interestingly, it was concluded that melatonin exerts both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, depending on the grade of inflammation. It was suggested that synergistic interaction between melatonin and 5-HT2C receptors may be able to induce therapeutic effects on other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, dualistic role of melatonin in regulating inflammation is an important point that can be examined at different levels of inflammation in animal models of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Maliheh Eskandari
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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17
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Paribello P, Manchia M, Bosia M, Pinna F, Carpiniello B, Comai S. Melatonin and aggressive behavior: A systematic review of the literature on preclinical and clinical evidence. J Pineal Res 2022; 72:e12794. [PMID: 35192237 PMCID: PMC9285357 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The melatonin system and circadian disruption have well-established links with aggressive behaviors; however, the biological underpinnings have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we aimed at examining the current knowledge regarding the neurobiological and psychopharmacological involvement of the melatonin system in aggressive/violent behaviors. To this end, we performed a systematic review on Embase and Pubmed/MEDLINE of preclinical and clinical evidence linking the melatonin system, melatonin, and melatoninergic drugs with aggressive/violent behaviors. Two blinded raters performed an independent screening of the relevant literature. Overall, this review included 38 papers distributed between clinical and preclinical models. Eleven papers specifically addressed the existing evidence in rodent models, five in fish models, and 21 in humans. The data indicate that depending on the species, model, and timing of administration, melatonin may exert a complex influence on aggressive/violent behaviors. Particularly, the apparent contrasting findings on the link between the melatonin system and aggression/violence (with either increased, no, or decreased effect) shown in preclinical models underscore the need for further research to develop more accurate and fruitful translational models. Likewise, the significant heterogeneity found in the results of clinical studies does not allow yet to draw any firm conclusion on the efficacy of melatonin or melatonergic drugs on aggressive/violent behaviors. However, findings in children and in traits associated with aggressive/violent behavior, including irritability and anger, are emerging and deserve empirical attention given the low toxicity of melatonin and melatonergic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Department of PharmacologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Marta Bosia
- Division of NeuroscienceSan Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- School of MedicineVita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Stefano Comai
- Division of NeuroscienceSan Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
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18
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Pfeffer M, von Gall C, Wicht H, Korf HW. The Role of the Melatoninergic System in Circadian and Seasonal Rhythms—Insights From Different Mouse Strains. Front Physiol 2022; 13:883637. [PMID: 35492605 PMCID: PMC9039042 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.883637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The melatoninergic system comprises the neurohormone melatonin and its molecular targets. The major source of melatonin is the pineal organ where melatonin is rhythmically produced during darkness. In mammals, melatonin biosynthesis is controlled by the central circadian rhythm generator in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and photoreceptors in the retina. Melatonin elicits its function principally through two specific receptors called MT1 and MT2. MT1 is highly expressed in the SCN and the hypophysial pars tuberalis (PT), an important interface for control of seasonal functions. The expression of the MT2 is more widespread. The role of the melatoninergic system in the control of seasonal functions, such as reproduction, has been known for more than 4 decades, but investigations on its impact on the circadian system under normal (entrained) conditions started 2 decades later by comparing mouse strains with a fully functional melatoninergic system with mouse strains which either produce insufficient amounts of melatonin or lack the melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2. These studies revealed that an intact melatoninergic system is not required for the generation or maintenance of rhythmic behavior under physiological entrained conditions. As shown by jet lag experiments, the melatoninergic system facilitated faster re-entrainment of locomotor activity accompanied by a more rapid adaptation of the molecular clock work in the SCN. This action depended on MT2. Further studies indicated that the endogenous melatoninergic system stabilizes the locomotor activity under entrained conditions. Notably, these effects of the endogenous melatoninergic system are subtle, suggesting that other signals such as corticosterone or temperature contribute to the synchronization of locomotor activity. Outdoor experiments lasting for a whole year indicate a seasonal plasticity of the chronotype which depends on the melatoninergic system. The comparison between mice with an intact or a compromised melatoninergic system also points toward an impact of this system on sleep, memory and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pfeffer
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Martina Pfeffer,
| | - Charlotte von Gall
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Wicht
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie II, Fachbereich Medizin der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Horst-Werner Korf
- Institute of Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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19
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Structural basis of the ligand binding and signaling mechanism of melatonin receptors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:454. [PMID: 35075127 PMCID: PMC8786939 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2 in humans) are family A G protein-coupled receptors that respond to the neurohormone melatonin to regulate circadian rhythm and sleep. Numerous efforts have been made to develop drugs targeting melatonin receptors for the treatment of insomnia, circadian rhythm disorder, and cancer. However, designing subtype-selective melatonergic drugs remains challenging. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of the MT1-Gi signaling complex with 2-iodomelatonin and ramelteon and the MT2-Gi signaling complex with ramelteon. These structures, together with the reported functional data, reveal that although MT1 and MT2 possess highly similar orthosteric ligand-binding pockets, they also display distinctive features that could be targeted to design subtype-selective drugs. The unique structural motifs in MT1 and MT2 mediate structural rearrangements with a particularly wide opening on the cytoplasmic side. Gi is engaged in the receptor core shared by MT1 and MT2 and presents a conformation deviating from those in other Gi complexes. Together, our results provide new clues for designing melatonergic drugs and further insights into understanding the G protein coupling mechanism.
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Pohanka M. New uses of Melatonin as a Drug, a Review. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:3622-3637. [PMID: 34986763 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220105115755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is a simple compound with a proper chemical name N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine and known as a hormone controlling circadian rhythm. Humans produce melatonin at night which is the reason for sleeping in the night and awakening over the day. Melatonin interacts with melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 but it was also revealed that melatonin is a strong antioxidant and it also has a role in regulation of cell cycle. Currently, melatonin is used as a drug for some types of sleep disorder but the recent research points to the fact that melatonin can also serve for the other purposes including prophylaxis or therapy of lifestyle diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and exposure to chemicals. This review summarizes basic facts and direction of the current research on melatonin. The actual literature was scrutinized for the purpose of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pohanka
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove CZ-50001, Czech Republic
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21
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Abstract
Melatonin is a pleiotropic compound mostly acting through its two G protein-coupled receptors named MT1 and MT2 and known for its role in regulating the sleep/wake cycle and circadian rhythms. Although this is common belief, there has been long debate in the scientific community on whether melatonin or melatonergic compounds are endowed with hypnotic effects. One of the reasons for this debate relied on contrasting findings in the literature in part due to non-standardized methods across studies in examining at preclinical level the effect of melatonin or melatonergic compounds on the sleep/wake cycle. Here, we describe a method in mice and rats to evaluate the effect of melatonin or melatonergic compounds on the different stages of the sleep/wake cycle, providing details concerning the administration of the drug and the analytical procedure for scoring the electroencephalogram/electromyogram (EEG/EMG) recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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22
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Yin W, Zhang J, Guo Y, Wu Z, Diao C, Sun J. Melatonin for premenstrual syndrome: A potential remedy but not ready. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1084249. [PMID: 36699021 PMCID: PMC9868742 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1084249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a recurrent and moderate disorder that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and quickly resolves after menstruation, is characterized by somatic and emotional discomfort that can be severe enough to impair daily activities. Current therapeutic drugs for PMS such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not very satisfying. As a critical pineal hormone, melatonin has increasingly been suggested to modulate PMS symptoms. In this review, we update the latest progress on PMS-induced sleep disturbance, mood changes, and cognitive impairment and provide possible pathways by which melatonin attenuates these symptoms. Moreover, we focus on the role of melatonin in PMS molecular mechanisms. Herein, we show that melatonin can regulate ovarian estrogen and progesterone, of which cyclic fluctuations contribute to PMS pathogenesis. Melatonin also modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor system in PMS. Interpreting the role of melatonin in PMS is not only informative to clarify PMS etiology but also instructive to melatonin and its receptor agonist application to promote female health. As a safe interaction, melatonin treatment can be effective in alleviating symptoms of PMS. However, symptoms such as sleep disturbance, depressive mood, cognitive impairment are not specific and can be easily misdiagnosed. Connections between melatonin receptor, ovarian steroid dysfunction, and PMS are not consistent among past studies. Before final conclusions are drawn, more well-organized and rigorous studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yin
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Laizhou City People’s Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yao Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Shandong Provincial Mental Health Center, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhibing Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Can Diao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinhao Sun
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jinhao Sun,
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23
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Ferlenghi F, Mari M, Gobbi G, Elisi GM, Mor M, Rivara S, Vacondio F, Bartolucci S, Bedini A, Fanini F, Spadoni G. N-(Anilinoethyl)amide Melatonergic Ligands with Improved Water Solubility and Metabolic Stability. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3071-3082. [PMID: 34213063 PMCID: PMC8518537 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The MT2 -selective melatonin receptor ligand UCM765 (N-(2-((3-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)amino)ethyl)acetamide), showed interesting sleep inducing, analgesic and anxiolytic properties in rodents, but suffers from low water solubility and modest metabolic stability. To overcome these limitations, different strategies were investigated, including modification of metabolically liable sites, introduction of hydrophilic substituents and design of more basic derivatives. Thermodynamic solubility, microsomal stability and lipophilicity of new compounds were experimentally evaluated, together with their MT1 and MT2 binding affinities. Introduction of a m-hydroxymethyl substituent on the phenyl ring of UCM765 and replacement of the replacement of the N,N-diphenyl-amino scaffold with a N-methyl-N-phenyl-amino one led to highly soluble compounds with good microsomal stability and receptor binding affinity. Docking studies into the receptor crystal structure provided a rationale for their binding affinity. Pharmacokinetic characterization in rats highlighted higher plasma concentrations for the N-methyl-N-phenyl-amino derivative, consistent with its improved microsomal stability and makes this compound worthy of consideration for further pharmacological investigation.
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MESH Headings
- Acetamides/chemistry
- Acetamides/metabolism
- Acetamides/pharmacokinetics
- Aniline Compounds/chemistry
- Aniline Compounds/metabolism
- Aniline Compounds/pharmacokinetics
- Animals
- Humans
- Ligands
- Male
- Microsomes, Liver/chemistry
- Microsomes, Liver/metabolism
- Molecular Structure
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism
- Solubility
- Thermodynamics
- Water/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferlenghi
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del FarmacoUniversità degli Studi di ParmaParco Area delle Scienze 27/A43124ParmaItaly
| | - Michele Mari
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di Urbino Carlo BoPiazza Rinascimento 661029UrbinoItaly
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQCH3A1A1Canada
- McGill University Health CenterMontrealQCH31A1Canada
| | - Gian Marco Elisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del FarmacoUniversità degli Studi di ParmaParco Area delle Scienze 27/A43124ParmaItaly
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del FarmacoUniversità degli Studi di ParmaParco Area delle Scienze 27/A43124ParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of Parma43124ParmaItaly
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del FarmacoUniversità degli Studi di ParmaParco Area delle Scienze 27/A43124ParmaItaly
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del FarmacoUniversità degli Studi di ParmaParco Area delle Scienze 27/A43124ParmaItaly
| | - Silvia Bartolucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di Urbino Carlo BoPiazza Rinascimento 661029UrbinoItaly
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di Urbino Carlo BoPiazza Rinascimento 661029UrbinoItaly
| | - Fabiola Fanini
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di Urbino Carlo BoPiazza Rinascimento 661029UrbinoItaly
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di Urbino Carlo BoPiazza Rinascimento 661029UrbinoItaly
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24
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Thomson DM, Mitchell EJ, Openshaw RL, Pratt JA, Morris BJ. Mice lacking melatonin MT2 receptors exhibit attentional deficits, anxiety and enhanced social interaction. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1265-1276. [PMID: 34304635 PMCID: PMC8521347 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211032439] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aside from regulating circadian rhythms, melatonin also affects cognitive processes, such as alertness, and modulates the brain circuitry underlying psychiatric diseases, such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, via mechanisms that are not fully clear. In particular, while melatonin MT1 receptors are thought primarily to mediate the circadian effects of the hormone, the contribution of the MT2 receptor to melatonin actions remains enigmatic. AIMS To characterise the contribution of MT2 receptors to melatonin's effects on cognition and anxiety/sociability. METHODS Mice with a genetic deletion of the MT2 receptor, encoded by the Mtnr1b gene, were compared with wild-type littermates for performance in a translational touchscreen version of the continuous performance task (CPT) to assess attentional processes and then monitored over 3 days in an ethological home-cage surveillance system. RESULTS Mtnr1b knockout (KO) mice were able to perform at relatively normal levels in the CPT. However, they showed consistent evidence of more liberal/risky responding strategies relative to control mice, with increases in hit rates and false alarm rates, which were maintained even when the cognitive demands of the task were increased. Assessment in the home-cage monitoring system revealed that female Mtnr1b KO mice have increased anxiety levels, whereas male Mtnr1b KO mice show increased sociability. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm that the MT2 receptor plays a role in cognition and also modulates anxiety and social interactions. These data provide new insights into the functions of endogenous melatonin and will inform future drug development strategies focussed on the MT2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Thomson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma J Mitchell
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rebecca L Openshaw
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Judith A Pratt
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian J Morris
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK,Brian J Morris, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir Joseph Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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25
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Empowering Melatonin Therapeutics with Drosophila Models. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040067. [PMID: 34698120 PMCID: PMC8544433 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040067] [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: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin functions as a central regulator of cell and organismal function as well as a neurohormone involved in several processes, e.g., the regulation of the circadian rhythm, sleep, aging, oxidative response, and more. As such, it holds immense pharmacological potential. Receptor-mediated melatonin function mainly occurs through MT1 and MT2, conserved amongst mammals. Other melatonin-binding proteins exist. Non-receptor-mediated activities involve regulating the mitochondrial function and antioxidant cascade, which are frequently affected by normal aging as well as disease. Several pathologies display diseased or dysfunctional mitochondria, suggesting melatonin may be used therapeutically. Drosophila models have extensively been employed to study disease pathogenesis and discover new drugs. Here, we review the multiple functions of melatonin through the lens of functional conservation and model organism research to empower potential melatonin therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative and renal diseases.
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27
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Ruan W, Yuan X, Eltzschig HK. Circadian rhythm as a therapeutic target. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:287-307. [PMID: 33589815 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00109-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock evolved in diverse organisms to integrate external environmental changes and internal physiology. The clock endows the host with temporal precision and robust adaptation to the surrounding environment. When circadian rhythms are perturbed or misaligned, as a result of jet lag, shiftwork or other lifestyle factors, adverse health consequences arise, and the risks of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases or metabolic disorders increase. Although the negative impact of circadian rhythm disruption is now well established, it remains underappreciated how to take advantage of biological timing, or correct it, for health benefits. In this Review, we provide an updated account of the circadian system and highlight several key disease areas with altered circadian signalling. We discuss environmental and lifestyle modifications of circadian rhythm and clock-based therapeutic strategies, including chronotherapy, in which dosing time is deliberately optimized for maximum therapeutic index, and pharmacological agents that target core clock components and proximal regulators. Promising progress in research, disease models and clinical applications should encourage a concerted effort towards a new era of circadian medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ruan
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Holger K Eltzschig
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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28
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Jia X, Zhang L, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Song Y, Liu C, Yang N, Sun J, Sun Z, Li Z, Shi C, Han Y, Yuan Y, Shi J, Liu Y, Guo X. Melatonin ameliorates the sleep disorder induced by surgery under sevoflurane anaesthesia in aged mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 128:256-267. [PMID: 32975883 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Post-operative sleep disorders induce adverse effects on patients, especially the elderly, which may be associated with surgery and inhalational anaesthetics. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine regulator of the sleep-wake cycle. In this study, we analysed the alterations of post-operative sleep in aged melatonin-deficient (C57BL/6J) mice, and investigated if exogenous melatonin could facilitate entrainment of circadian rhythm after laparotomy under sevoflurane anaesthesia. The results showed that laparotomy under sevoflurane anaesthesia had a greater influence on post-operative sleep than sevoflurane alone. Laparotomy under anaesthesia led to circadian rhythm shifting forward, altered EEG power density and delta power of NREM sleep, and lengthened REM and NREM sleep latencies. In the light phase, the number of waking episodes tended to decline, and wake episode duration elevated. However, these indicators presented the opposite tendency during the dark phase. Melatonin showed significant efficacy for ameliorating the sleep disorder and restoring physiological sleep, and most of the beneficial effect of melatonin was antagonized by luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuonan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengqian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmei Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzheng Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yajie Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyang Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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29
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Lee R, Tapia A, Kaladchibachi S, Grandner MA, Fernandez FX. Meta-analysis of light and circadian timekeeping in rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 123:215-229. [PMID: 33513413 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis of papers published over the past half-century (1964-2017) that quantified the phase-shifting effects of timed light exposure on rodent locomotor rhythms. Descriptive statistics were tabulated in order to explore the extent to which these studies were generalizable across species, sex, age, circadian timing, and light sources. Attempts at understanding photic resetting were primarily targeted at younger male animals, with particular emphases placed on characterizing the pacemaker systems of C57BL/6 mice and Syrian hamsters during the parts of their subjective night most sensitive to delivery of white-fluorescent light. With subsequent analyses restricted to these rodent models, we then assessed the relationship between luminous exposure (via broadspectrum emission) and phase-shifting through a series of linear regressions. Monotonically increasing illuminance-response functions were noted at most circadian times surveyed. In the aggregate, our results show that previous research conducted on light's regulation of circadian timekeeping has been skewed in design with respect to several important biological variables. This bias might limit translation of phototherapy-relevant data to women and older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Amaris Tapia
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Michael A Grandner
- Sleep and Health Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Fabian-Xosé Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; BIO5 and McKnight Brain Research Institutes, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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30
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Posa L, Lopez-Canul M, Rullo L, De Gregorio D, Dominguez-Lopez S, Kaba Aboud M, Caputi FF, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Gobbi G. Nociceptive responses in melatonin MT 2 receptor knockout mice compared to MT 1 and double MT 1 /MT 2 receptor knockout mice. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12671. [PMID: 32430930 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, a neurohormone that binds to two G protein-coupled receptors MT1 and MT2, is involved in pain regulation, but the distinct role of each receptor has yet to be defined. We characterized the nociceptive responses of mice with genetic inactivation of melatonin MT1 (MT1 -/- ), or MT2 (MT2 -/- ), or both MT1 /MT2 (MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- ) receptors in the hot plate test (HPT), and the formalin test (FT). In HPT and FT, MT1 -/- display no differences compared to their wild-type littermates (CTL), whereas both MT2 -/- and MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- mice showed a reduced thermal sensitivity and a decreased tonic nocifensive behavior during phase 2 of the FT in the light phase. The MT2 partial agonist UCM924 induced an antinociceptive effect in MT1 -/- but not in MT2 -/- and MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- mice. Also, the competitive opioid antagonist naloxone had no effects in CTL, whereas it induced a decrease of nociceptive thresholds in MT2 -/- mice. Our results show that the genetic inactivation of melatonin MT2 , but not MT1 receptors, produces a distinct effect on nociceptive threshold, suggesting that the melatonin MT2 receptor subtype is selectively involved in the regulation of pain responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martha Lopez-Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew Kaba Aboud
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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31
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Abstract
Melatonin (Mel) promotes sleep through G protein-coupled receptors. However, the downstream molecular target(s) is unknown. We identified the Caenorhabditis elegans BK channel SLO-1 as a molecular target of the Mel receptor PCDR-1-. Knockout of pcdr-1, slo-1, or homt-1 (a gene required for Mel synthesis) causes substantially increased neurotransmitter release and shortened sleep duration, and these effects are nonadditive in double knockouts. Exogenous Mel inhibits neurotransmitter release and promotes sleep in wild-type (WT) but not pcdr-1 and slo-1 mutants. In a heterologous expression system, Mel activates the human BK channel (hSlo1) in a membrane-delimited manner in the presence of the Mel receptor MT1 but not MT2 A peptide acting to release free Gβγ also activates hSlo1 in a MT1-dependent and membrane-delimited manner, whereas a Gβλ inhibitor abolishes the stimulating effect of Mel. Our results suggest that Mel promotes sleep by activating the BK channel through a specific Mel receptor and Gβλ.
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32
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Comai S, De Gregorio D, Posa L, Ochoa-Sanchez R, Bedini A, Gobbi G. Dysfunction of serotonergic activity and emotional responses across the light-dark cycle in mice lacking melatonin MT 2 receptors. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12653. [PMID: 32239546 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) levels fluctuate according to the external light/dark cycle in both diurnal and nocturnal mammals. We previously demonstrated that melatonin MT2 receptor knockout (MT2 -/- ) mice show a decreased nonrapid eye movement sleep over 24 hours and increased wakefulness during the inactive (light) phase. Here, we investigated the role of MT2 receptors in physiological light/dark cycle fluctuations in the activity of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT) neurons and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. We found that the 5-HT burst-firing activity was tonically reduced across the whole 24 hours in MT2 -/- mice compared with MT2 +/+ mice. Importantly, the physiological changes in the spontaneous firing activity of DRN 5-HT neurons during the light/dark cycle were nullified in MT2 -/- mice, with a higher DRN 5-HT neural firing activity during the light phase in MT2 -/- than in MT2 +/+ mice. The role of MT2 receptors over DRN 5-HT neurons was confirmed by acute pharmacological studies in which the selective MT2 receptors agonist UCM1014 dose dependently inhibited DRN 5-HT activity, mostly during the dark phase. Compared with MT2 +/+ , MT2 -/- mice displayed an anxiety-like phenotype in the novelty-suppressed feeding and in the light/dark box tests; while anxiety levels in the light/dark box test were lower during the dark than during the light phase in MT2 +/+ mice, the opposite was seen in MT2 -/- mice. No differences between MT2 +/+ and MT2 -/- mice were observed for depression-like behavior in the forced swim and in the sucrose preference tests. These results suggest that MT2 receptor genetic inactivation impacts 5-HT neurotransmission and interferes with anxiety levels by perturbing the physiologic light/dark pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rafael Ochoa-Sanchez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Patel N, Huang XP, Grandner JM, Johansson LC, Stauch B, McCorvy JD, Liu Y, Roth B, Katritch V. Structure-based discovery of potent and selective melatonin receptor agonists. eLife 2020; 9:e53779. [PMID: 32118583 PMCID: PMC7080406 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 are involved in synchronizing circadian rhythms and are important targets for treating sleep and mood disorders, type-2 diabetes and cancer. Here, we performed large scale structure-based virtual screening for new ligand chemotypes using recently solved high-resolution 3D crystal structures of agonist-bound MT receptors. Experimental testing of 62 screening candidates yielded the discovery of 10 new agonist chemotypes with sub-micromolar potency at MT receptors, with compound 21 reaching EC50 of 0.36 nM. Six of these molecules displayed selectivity for MT2 over MT1. Moreover, two most potent agonists, including 21 and a close derivative of melatonin, 28, had dramatically reduced arrestin recruitment at MT2, while compound 37 was devoid of Gi signaling at MT1, implying biased signaling. This study validates the suitability of the agonist-bound orthosteric pocket in the MT receptor structures for the structure-based discovery of selective agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilkanth Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Xi Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jessica M Grandner
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Linda C Johansson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Benjamin Stauch
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
| | - Bryan Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical SchoolChapel HillUnited States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
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Tchekalarova J, Kortenska L, Ivanova N, Atanasova M, Marinov P. Agomelatine treatment corrects impaired sleep-wake cycle and sleep architecture and increases MT 1 receptor as well as BDNF expression in the hippocampus during the subjective light phase of rats exposed to chronic constant light. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:503-518. [PMID: 31720718 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05385-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to chronic constant light (CCL) has a detrimental impact on circadian rhythms of motor activity and sleep/wake cycles. Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant showing a chronotropic activity. OBJECTIVES In this study, we explored the role of melatonin (MT) receptors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain in the mechanism underlying the effects of agomelatine on diurnal variations of motor activity, sleep/wake cycle, and sleep architecture in a rat model of CCL. METHODS In Experiment #1, home cage activity was monitored automatically with cameras for a period of 24 h. The diurnal rhythm of MT1, MT2 receptors, and BDNF expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex (FC), was tested using the ELISA test. In Experiment #2, rats were equipped with electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) electrodes and recordings were made under basal conditions (12:12 LD cycle + vehicle), LL + vehicle and LL + agomelatine (40 mg/kg/day for 21 days). RESULTS The rats exposed to CCL showed an impaired diurnal rhythm of motor activity and sleep/wake cycle with reduced NREM sleep and delta power and increased REM sleep and theta power. The duration and number of episodes of the wake were diminished during the subjective dark phase in this group. The circadian rhythm of MT1 and MT2 receptors and their expression did not change in the hippocampus and FC under CCL exposure, while the BDNF levels in the hippocampus decreased during the subjective light phase. Agomelatine restored the diurnal rhythm of motor activity, disturbed sleep/wake cycle, and sleep architecture, which effect was accompanied by an increase in MT1 receptor and BDNF expression in the hippocampus at 10:00 in CCL rats. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the value of agomelatine as an antidepressant that can adjust circadian homeostasis of motor activity and sleep/wake cycle in a CCL model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Tchekalarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Lidia Kortenska
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Natasha Ivanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Atanasova
- Department of Biology, Medical University of Pleven, 5800, Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Pencho Marinov
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, BAS, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Melatonin inhibits GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus consistent with a reduction in wakefulness. Neuroreport 2020; 31:92-98. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Melatonin in der Behandlung von Insomnien und Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmusstörungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter. SOMNOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-019-0210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Huelsmann M, Hecker N, Springer MS, Gatesy J, Sharma V, Hiller M. Genes lost during the transition from land to water in cetaceans highlight genomic changes associated with aquatic adaptations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaw6671. [PMID: 31579821 PMCID: PMC6760925 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw6671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The transition from land to water in whales and dolphins (cetaceans) was accompanied by remarkable adaptations. To reveal genomic changes that occurred during this transition, we screened for protein-coding genes that were inactivated in the ancestral cetacean lineage. We found 85 gene losses. Some of these were likely beneficial for cetaceans, for example, by reducing the risk of thrombus formation during diving (F12 and KLKB1), erroneous DNA damage repair (POLM), and oxidative stress-induced lung inflammation (MAP3K19). Additional gene losses may reflect other diving-related adaptations, such as enhanced vasoconstriction during the diving response (mediated by SLC6A18) and altered pulmonary surfactant composition (SEC14L3), while loss of SLC4A9 relates to a reduced need for saliva. Last, loss of melatonin synthesis and receptor genes (AANAT, ASMT, and MTNR1A/B) may have been a precondition for adopting unihemispheric sleep. Our findings suggest that some genes lost in ancestral cetaceans were likely involved in adapting to a fully aquatic lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Huelsmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikolai Hecker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mark S. Springer
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - John Gatesy
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Division of Vertebrate Zoology and Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Virag Sharma
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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Melatonin MT1 receptor as a novel target in neuropsychopharmacology: MT1 ligands, pathophysiological and therapeutic implications, and perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:343-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Melatonin MT 1 and MT 2 Receptors Exhibit Distinct Effects in the Modulation of Body Temperature across the Light/Dark Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102452. [PMID: 31108968 PMCID: PMC6566544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone that regulates many physiological functions including sleep, pain, thermoregulation, and circadian rhythms. MLT acts mainly through two G-protein-coupled receptors named MT1 and MT2, but also through an MLT type-3 receptor (MT3). However, the role of MLT receptor subtypes in thermoregulation is still unknown. We have thus investigated the effects of selective and non-selective MLT receptor agonists/antagonists on body temperature (Tb) in rats across the 12/12-h light-dark cycle. Rectal temperature was measured every 15 min from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., following subcutaneous injection of each compound at either 5:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. MLT (40 mg/kg) had no effect when injected at 5 a.m., whereas it decreased Tb during the light phase only when injected at 5:00 p.m. This effect was blocked by the selective MT2 receptor antagonist 4P-PDOT and the non-selective MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist, luzindole, but not by the α1/MT3 receptors antagonist prazosin. However, unlike MLT, neither the selective MT1 receptor partial agonist UCM871 (14 mg/kg) nor the selective MT2 partial agonist UCM924 (40 mg/kg) altered Tb during the light phase. In contrast, UCM871 injected at 5:00 p.m. increased Tb at the beginning of the dark phase, whereas UCM924 injected at 5:00 a.m. decreased Tb at the end of the dark phase. These effects were blocked by luzindole and 4P-PDOT, respectively. The MT3 receptor agonist GR135531 (10 mg/kg) did not affect Tb. These data suggest that the simultaneous activation of both MT1 and MT2 receptors is necessary to regulate Tb during the light phase, whereas in a complex but yet unknown manner, they regulate Tb differently during the dark phase. Overall, MT1 and MT2 receptors display complementary but also distinct roles in modulating circadian fluctuations of Tb.
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Gobbi G, Comai S. Sleep well. Untangling the role of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in sleep. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12544. [PMID: 30586215 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological potential of targeting selectively melatonin MT1 or MT2 receptors has not yet been exploited in medicine. Research using selective MT1/MT2 receptor ligands and MT1/MT2 receptor knockout mice has indicated that the activation of MT2 receptors selectively increases non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep whereas MT1 receptors seem mostly implicated in the regulation of REM sleep. Moreover, MT1 knockout mice show an increase in NREM sleep, while MT2 knockout a decrease, suggesting an opposite role of these two receptors. A recent paper in mice by Sharma et al (J Pineal Res, 2018, e12498) found that MT1 but not MT2 receptors are expressed on orexin neurons in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PFH). Moreover, after injecting melatonin or luzindole into the mouse PFH, the authors suggest that melatonin promotes NREM sleep because activates PFH MT1 receptors, which in turn inhibit orexin neurons that are important in promoting arousal and maintaining wakefulness. In this commentary, we have critically commented on some of these findings on the bases of previous literature. In addition, we highlighted the fact that no conclusions could be drawn on the melatonin receptor subtype mediating the effects of melatonin on sleep because the authors used the non-selective MT1/MT2 receptors antagonist luzindole. More solid research should further characterize the pharmacological function of these two melatonin receptors in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
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Gobbi G, Comai S. Differential Function of Melatonin MT 1 and MT 2 Receptors in REM and NREM Sleep. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:87. [PMID: 30881340 PMCID: PMC6407453 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological function of the G-protein coupled melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors has not yet been well-clarified. Recent advancements using selective MT1/ MT2 receptor ligands and MT1/MT2 receptor knockout mice have suggested that the activation of the MT1 receptors are mainly implicated in the regulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas the MT2 receptors selectively increase non-REM (NREM) sleep. Studies in mutant mice show that MT1 knockout mice have an increase in NREM sleep and a decrease in REM sleep, while MT2 knockout mice a decrease in NREM sleep. The localization of MT1 receptors is also distinct from MT2 receptors; for example, MT2 receptors are located in the reticular thalamus (NREM area), while the MT1 receptors in the Locus Coeruleus and lateral hypothalamus (REM areas). Altogether, these findings suggest that these two receptors not only have a very specialized function in sleep, but that they may also modulate opposing effects. These data also suggest that mixed MT1-MT2 receptors ligands are not clinically recommended given their opposite roles in physiological functions, confirmed by the modest effects of melatonin or MT1/MT2 non-selective agonists when used in both preclinical and clinical studies as hypnotic drugs. In sum, MT1 and MT2 receptors have specific roles in the modulation of sleep, and consequently, selective ligands with agonist, antagonist, or partial agonist properties could have therapeutic potential for sleep; while the MT2 agonists or partial agonists might be indicated for NREM-related sleep and/or anxiety disorders, the MT1 agonists or partial agonists might be so for REM-related sleep disorders. Furthermore, MT1 but not MT2 receptors seem involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. Future research will help further develop MT1 and/or MT2 receptors as targets for neuropsychopharmacology drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
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The Singularity of Cetacea Behavior Parallels the Complete Inactivation of Melatonin Gene Modules. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020121. [PMID: 30736361 PMCID: PMC6410235 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, the hormone of darkness, is a peculiar molecule found in most living organisms. Emerging as a potent broad-spectrum antioxidant, melatonin was repurposed into extra roles such as the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythmicity, affecting numerous aspects of physiology and behaviour, including sleep entrainment and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the pineal gland—the melatonin synthesising organ in vertebrates—was suggested to be absent or rudimentary in some mammalian lineages, including Cetacea. In Cetacea, pineal regression is paralleled by their unique bio-rhythmicity, as illustrated by the unihemispheric sleeping behaviour and long-term vigilance. Here, we examined the genes responsible for melatonin synthesis (Aanat and Asmt) and signalling (Mtnr1a and Mtnr1b) in 12 toothed and baleen whale genomes. Based on an ample genomic comparison, we deduce that melatonin-related gene modules are eroded in Cetacea.
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Masi G, Fantozzi P, Villafranca A, Tacchi A, Ricci F, Ruglioni L, Inguaggiato E, Pfanner C, Cortese S. Effects of melatonin in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with sleep disorders after methylphenidate treatment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:663-667. [PMID: 30880992 PMCID: PMC6410756 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s193891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Methylphenidate (MPH), the first-line medication in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is associated with increased risk of sleep disorders. Melatonin has both hypnotic and chronobiotic properties that influence circadian rhythm sleep disorders. This study explores the effectiveness of melatonin in children with ADHD who developed sleep problems after starting MPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study, based on a clinical database, included 74 children (69 males, mean age 11.6±2.2 years) naturalistically treated with MPH (mean dosage 33.5±13.5 mg/d). The severity of sleep disorder (sleep onset delay) was recorded at baseline and after a follow-up of at least 4 weeks using a seven-point Likert scale according to the Clinical Global Impression Severity score. Effectiveness of melatonin on sleep (mean dosage 1.85±0.84 mg/d) after 4 weeks was assessed using a seven-point Likert scale according to the Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) score, and patients who scored 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved) were considered responders. RESULTS Clinical severity of sleep disorders was 3.41±0.70 at the baseline and 2.13±1.05 after the follow-up (P<0.001). According to the CGI-I score, 45 patients (60.8%) responded to the treatment with melatonin. Gender and age (children younger and older than 12 years) did not affect the response to melatonin on sleep. Patients with or without comorbidities did not differ according to sleep response. Specific comorbidities with disruptive behavior disorders (oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder), affective (mood and anxiety) disorders and learning disabilities did not affect the efficacy of melatonin on sleep. Treatment was well tolerated, and no side effects related to melatonin were reported. CONCLUSION In children with ADHD with sleep problems after receiving MPH treatment, melatonin may be an effective and safe treatment, irrespective of gender, age and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Pamela Fantozzi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Arianna Villafranca
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Annalisa Tacchi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Federica Ricci
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Laura Ruglioni
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Emanuela Inguaggiato
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Chiara Pfanner
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy,
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Atkin T, Comai S, Gobbi G. Drugs for Insomnia beyond Benzodiazepines: Pharmacology, Clinical Applications, and Discovery. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:197-245. [PMID: 29487083 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the GABAergic benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon) are FDA-approved for insomnia disorders with a strong evidence base, they have many side effects, including cognitive impairment, tolerance, rebound insomnia upon discontinuation, car accidents/falls, abuse, and dependence liability. Consequently, the clinical use of off-label drugs and novel drugs that do not target the GABAergic system is increasing. The purpose of this review is to analyze the neurobiological and clinical evidence of pharmacological treatments of insomnia, excluding the BZDs and Z-drugs. We analyzed the melatonergic agonist drugs, agomelatine, prolonged-release melatonin, ramelteon, and tasimelteon; the dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant; the modulators of the α2δ subunit of voltage-sensitive calcium channels, gabapentin and pregabalin; the H1 antagonist, low-dose doxepin; and the histamine and serotonin receptor antagonists, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, trazodone, olanzapine, and quetiapine. The pharmacology and mechanism of action of these treatments and the evidence-base for the use of these drugs in clinical practice is outlined along with novel pipelines. There is evidence to recommend suvorexant and low-dose doxepin for sleep maintenance insomnia; there is also sufficient evidence to recommend ramelteon for sleep onset insomnia. Although there is limited evidence for the use of the quetiapine, trazodone, mirtazapine, amitriptyline, pregabalin, gabapentin, agomelatine, and olanzapine as treatments for insomnia disorder, these drugs may improve sleep while successfully treating comorbid disorders, with a different side effect profile than the BZDs and Z-drugs. The unique mechanism of action of each drug allows for a more personalized and targeted medical management of insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Atkin
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (T.A., S.C., G.G.); and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy (S.C.)
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (T.A., S.C., G.G.); and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy (S.C.)
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (T.A., S.C., G.G.); and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy (S.C.)
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FGD. Melatonin as a Hormone: New Physiological and Clinical Insights. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:990-1028. [PMID: 30215696 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule present in almost every live being from bacteria to humans. In vertebrates, besides being produced in peripheral tissues and acting as an autocrine and paracrine signal, melatonin is centrally synthetized by a neuroendocrine organ, the pineal gland. Independently of the considered species, pineal hormone melatonin is always produced during the night and its production and secretory episode duration are directly dependent on the length of the night. As its production is tightly linked to the light/dark cycle, melatonin main hormonal systemic integrative action is to coordinate behavioral and physiological adaptations to the environmental geophysical day and season. The circadian signal is dependent on its daily production regularity, on the contrast between day and night concentrations, and on specially developed ways of action. During its daily secretory episode, melatonin coordinates the night adaptive physiology through immediate effects and primes the day adaptive responses through prospective effects that will only appear at daytime, when melatonin is absent. Similarly, the annual history of the daily melatonin secretory episode duration primes the central nervous/endocrine system to the seasons to come. Remarkably, maternal melatonin programs the fetuses' behavior and physiology to cope with the environmental light/dark cycle and season after birth. These unique ways of action turn melatonin into a biological time-domain-acting molecule. The present review focuses on the above considerations, proposes a putative classification of clinical melatonin dysfunctions, and discusses general guidelines to the therapeutic use of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
The aim of the review is to analyze literature data about sleep homeostasis and the role of the one of circadian system key elements – melatonin – in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle in women in menopause. It was shown that the prevalence and structure of sleep disorders depends on the menopausal phase. It was revealed that the melatonin content in the body, determined in various biological media (blood, saliva, urine), depends on age, sex, race, and chronotype. It was shown that morning melatonin can be used as a biological marker for determining the chronotype. Most studies indicated a decrease in melatonin level with aging. Moreover, women have lower melatonin level than men. In case of insomnia, lower melatonin level was found, although the results of the studies are ambiguous. The shift in the peak of hormone secretion in the early morning hours was described in menopausal women. Also, the dependence of melatonin circadian rhythm on the menopausal phase was revealed, which determines different approaches to insomnia therapy. We revealed the association of melatonin secretion circadian rhythms with Clock 3111T/C gene polymorphism in Caucasian patients with insomnia, which allows considering 3111T allele as risky in the formation of melatonin circadian rhythm disturbances in these patients.
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Sharma R, Sahota P, Thakkar MM. Melatonin promotes sleep in mice by inhibiting orexin neurons in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12498. [PMID: 29654707 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin promotes sleep. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Orexin neurons in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PFH) are pivotal for wake promotion. Does melatonin promote sleep by inhibiting orexin neurons? We used C57BL/6J mice and designed 4 experiments to address this question. Experiment 1 used double-labeled immunofluorescence and examined the presence of melatonin receptors on orexin neurons. Second, mice, implanted with bilateral guides targeted toward PFH and sleep-recording electrodes, were infused with melatonin (500 pmole/50 nL/side) at dark onset (onset of active period), and spontaneous bouts of sleep-wakefulness were examined. Third, mice, implanted with bilateral guides into the PFH, were infused with melatonin (500 pmole/50 nL/side) at dark onset and euthanized 2 hours later, to examine the activation of orexin neurons using c-Fos expression in orexin neurons. Fourth, mice, implanted with PFH bilateral guides and sleep-recording electrodes, were infused with melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole (10 pmol/50 nL/side), at light onset (onset of sleep period), and spontaneous bouts of sleep-wakefulness were examined. Our results suggest that orexin neurons express MT1, but not MT2 receptors. Melatonin infusion into the PFH, at dark onset, site-specifically and significantly increased NREM sleep (43.7%, P = .003) and reduced wakefulness (12.3%, P = .013). Local melatonin infusion at dark onset inhibited orexin neurons as evident by a significant reduction (66%, P = .0004) in the number of orexin neurons expressing c-Fos. Finally, luzindole infusion-induced blockade of melatonin receptors in PFH at sleep onset significantly increased wakefulness (44.1%, P = .015). Based on these results, we suggest that melatonin may act via the MT1 receptors to inhibit orexin neurons and promote sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sharma
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pradeep Sahota
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mahesh M Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
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Ng FL, Warren HR, Caulfield MJ. Hypertension genomics and cardiovascular prevention. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:291. [PMID: 30211179 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.06.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension continues to be a major risk factor for global mortality, and recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have expanded in size, leading to the identification of further genetic loci influencing blood pressure. In light of the new knowledge from the largest cardiovascular GWAS to date, we review the potential impact of genomics on discovering potential drug targets, risk stratification with genetic risk scores, drug selection with pharmacogenetics, and exploring insights provided by gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Liang Ng
- William Harvey Research Institute, The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts, Queen Mary University London, London, UK.,Barts BP Centre of Excellence, Barts Heart Centre, The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts, St Bartholomew's Hospital, W Smithfield, London, UK
| | - Helen R Warren
- William Harvey Research Institute, The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - Mark J Caulfield
- William Harvey Research Institute, The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts, Queen Mary University London, London, UK.,Barts BP Centre of Excellence, Barts Heart Centre, The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts, St Bartholomew's Hospital, W Smithfield, London, UK
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49
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Fluyau D, Revadigar N, Manobianco BE. Challenges of the pharmacological management of benzodiazepine withdrawal, dependence, and discontinuation. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2018; 8:147-168. [PMID: 29713452 PMCID: PMC5896864 DOI: 10.1177/2045125317753340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most prescribed sedative hypnotics and among the most misused and abused medications by patients, in parallel with opioids. It is estimated that more than 100 million Benzodiazepine (BZD) prescriptions were written in the United States in 2009. While medically useful, BZDs are potentially dangerous. The co-occurring abuse of opioids and BZD, as well as increases in BZD abuse, tolerance, dependence, and short- and long-term side effects, have prompted a worldwide discussion about the challenging aspects of medically managing the discontinuation of BZDs. Abrupt cessation can cause death. This paper addresses the challenges of medications suggested for the management of BZD discontinuation, their efficacy, the risks of abuse and associated medical complications. The focus of this review is on the challenges of several medications suggested for the management of BZD discontinuation, their efficacy, the risks of abuse, and associated medical complications. METHODS An electronic search was performed of Medline, Worldwide Science, Directory of Open Access Journals, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, and PubMed from 1990 to 2017. The review includes double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for the most part, open-label pilot studies, and animal studies, in addition to observational research. We expand the search to review articles, naturalistic studies, and to a lesser extent, letters to the editor/case reports. We exclude abstract and poster presentations, books, and book chapters. RESULTS The efficacy of these medications is not robust. While some of these medicines are relatively safe to use, some of them have a narrow therapeutic index, with severe, life-threatening side effects. Randomized studies have been limited. There is a paucity of comparative research. The review has several limitations. The quality of the documents varies according to whether they are randomized studies, nonrandomized studies, naturalistic studies, pilot studies, letters to the editors, or case reports. CONCLUSIONS The use of medications for the discontinuation of BZDs seems appropriate. It is a challenge that requires further investigation through randomized clinical trials to maximize efficacy and to minimize additional risks and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimy Fluyau
- Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
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Talpur HS, Chandio IB, Brohi RD, Worku T, Rehman Z, Bhattarai D, Ullah F, JiaJia L, Yang L. Research progress on the role of melatonin and its receptors in animal reproduction: A comprehensive review. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:831-849. [PMID: 29663591 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin and its receptors play a crucial role in the regulation of the animal reproductive process, primarily in follicular development. However, the role that melatonin performs in regulating hormones related with reproduction remains unclear. Melatonin and its receptors are present both in female and male animals' organs, such as ovaries, heart, brain and liver. Melatonin regulates ovarian actions and is a key mediator of reproductive actions. Melatonin has numerous effects on animal reproduction, such as protection of gametes and embryos, response to clock genes, immune-neuroendocrine, reconciliation of seasonal variations in immune function, and silence or blockage of genes. The growth ratio of reproductive illnesses in animals has raised a remarkable concern for the government, animal caretakers and farm managers. In order to resolve this challenging issue, it is very necessary to conduct state-of-the-art research on melatonin and its receptors because melatonin has considerable physiognomies. This review article presents a current contemporary research conducted by numerous researchers from the entire world on the role of melatonin and its receptors in animal reproduction, from the year 1985 to the year 2017. Furthermore, this review shows scientific research challenges related to melatonin receptors and their explanations based on the findings of 172 numerous research articles, and also represents significant proficiencies of melatonin in order to show enthusiastic study direction for animal reproduction researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Talpur
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - I B Chandio
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - R D Brohi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - T Worku
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Z Rehman
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - D Bhattarai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - F Ullah
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - L JiaJia
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - L Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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