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Loan Nguyen TM, Guilloux JP, Defaix C, Mendez-David I, Etting I, Alvarez JC, McGowan JC, Highland JN, Zanos P, Lovett J, Moaddel R, Corruble E, David DJ, Gould TD, Denny CA, Gardier AM. Ketamine metabolism via hepatic CYP450 isoforms contributes to its sustained antidepressant actions. Neuropharmacology 2024; 258:110065. [PMID: 39004413 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110065] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
(R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) has rapid and sustained antidepressant (AD) efficacy at sub-anesthetic doses in depressed patients. A metabolite of ketamine, including (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((6)-HNKs) has been reported to exert antidepressant actions in rodent model of anxiety/depression. To further understand the specific role of ketamine's metabolism in the AD actions of the drug, we evaluated the effects of inhibiting hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes on AD responses. We assessed whether pre-treatment with fluconazole (10 and 20 mg/kg, i. p.) 1 h prior to ketamine or HNKs (10 mg/kg, i. p.) administration would alter behavioral and neurochemical actions of the drugs in male BALB/cJ mice with a highly anxious phenotype. Extracellular microdialysate levels of glutamate and GABA (Gluext, GABAext) were also measured in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Pre-treatment with fluconazole altered the pharmacokinetic profile of ketamine, by increasing both plasma and brain levels of ketamine and (R,S)-norketamine, while robustly reducing those of (6)-HNKs. At 24 h post-injection (t24 h), fluconazole prevented the sustained AD-like response of ketamine responses in the forced swim test and splash test, as well as the enhanced cortical GABA levels produced by ketamine. A single (2R,6R)-HNK administration resulted in prevention of the effects of fluconazole on the antidepressant-like activity of ketamine in mice. Overall, these findings are consistent with an essential contribution of (6)-HNK to the sustained antidepressant-like effects of ketamine and suggest potential interactions between pharmacological CYPIs and ketamine during antidepressant treatment in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Mai Loan Nguyen
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Guilloux
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Céline Defaix
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Indira Mendez-David
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Isabelle Etting
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaires AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm U-1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Jean-Claude Alvarez
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaires AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm U-1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Josephine C McGowan
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) /New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Jaclyn N Highland
- Departments of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Departments of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Physiology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
| | - Jacqueline Lovett
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Corruble
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 94270 Bicêtre Hospital, 94270 Le Kremin-Bicêtre, France; Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Denis J David
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Todd D Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Physiology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Neurobiology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine A Denny
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) /New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alain M Gardier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm UMR 1018, CESP, MOODS Team, 91400 Orsay, France.
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Chang L, Wei Y, Qu Y, Zhao M, Zhou X, Long Y, Hashimoto K. Role of oxidative phosphorylation in the antidepressant effects of arketamine via the vagus nerve-dependent spleen-brain axis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106573. [PMID: 38901783 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, exhibits antidepressant-like effects in mice, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. It has been shown to reduce splenomegaly and depression-like behaviors in the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model of depression. This study investigated whether the spleen contributes to the antidepressant-like effects of arketamine in the CSDS model. We found that splenectomy significantly inhibited arketamine's antidepressant-like effects in CSDS-susceptible mice. RNA-sequencing analysis identified the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as a key mediator of splenectomy's impact on arketamine's effects. Furthermore, oligomycin A, an inhibitor of the OXPHOS pathway, reversed the suppressive effects of splenectomy on arketamine's antidepressant-like effects. Specific genes within the OXPHOS pathways, such as COX11, UQCR11 and ATP5e, may contribute to these inhibitory effects. Notably, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, along with COX11, appears to modulate the suppressive effects of splenectomy and contribute to arketamine's antidepressant-like effects. Additionally, SRI-01138, an agonist of the TGF-β1 receptor, alleviated the inhibitory effects of splenectomy on arketamine's antidepressant-like effects. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy also counteracted the inhibitory effects of splenectomy on arketamine's antidepressant-like effects in CSDS-susceptible mice. These findings suggest that the OXPHOS pathway and TGF-β1 in the PFC play significant roles in the antidepressant-like effects of arketamine, mediated through the spleen-brain axis via the vagus nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Chang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yan Wei
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, (Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases), Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China; Department of Thyroid and Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yang Long
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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3
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Jiang Y, Dong Y, Hu H. The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypothesis of ketamine's antidepressant action: evidence and controversies. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230225. [PMID: 38853549 PMCID: PMC11343275 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial clinical evidence has unravelled the superior antidepressant efficacy of ketamine: in comparison to traditional antidepressants targeting the monoamine systems, ketamine, as an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, acts much faster and more potently. Surrounding the antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine, there is ample evidence supporting an NMDAR-antagonism-based hypothesis. However, alternative arguments also exist, mostly derived from the controversial clinical results of other NMDAR inhibitors. In this article, we first summarize the historical development of the NMDAR-centred hypothesis of rapid antidepressants. We then classify different NMDAR inhibitors based on their mechanisms of inhibition and evaluate preclinical as well as clinical evidence of their antidepressant effects. Finally, we critically analyse controversies and arguments surrounding ketamine's NMDAR-dependent and NMDAR-independent antidepressant action. A better understanding of ketamine's molecular targets and antidepressant mechanisms should shed light on the future development of better treatment for depression. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Jiang
- Department of Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, People's Republic of China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou311100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyan Dong
- Department of Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailan Hu
- Department of Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, People's Republic of China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou311100, People's Republic of China
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4
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Zhao LY, Zhang GF, Lou XJ, Hashimoto K, Yang JJ. Ketamine and its enantiomers for depression: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01809-9. [PMID: 38662093 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01809-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Ketamine has demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, marking its emergence as an innovative treatment of depression. Despite the growing number of preclinical and clinical studies exploring the antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field has yet to be conducted. This study employs bibliometric methods and visualization tools to examine the literature and identify key topics related to the antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers. We sourced publications on the antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. Tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace and the R package "bibliometrix" were utilized for visual analysis. The study included 4,274 publications, with a notable increase in publications peaking in 2022. Co-occurrence analysis highlighted two primary research focal points: the efficacy and safety of ketamine and its enantiomers in treating depression, and the mechanisms behind their antidepressant effects. In conclusion, this analysis revealed a significant increase in research on the antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers over the past two decades, leading to the approval of esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. The rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine have spurred further studies into its mechanisms of action and the search for new antidepressants with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Guang-Fen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xue-Jie Lou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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Hillhouse TM, Partridge KJ, Garrett PI, Honeycutt SC, Porter JH. Effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in assays of acute pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors in mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301848. [PMID: 38640139 PMCID: PMC11029659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301848] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ketamine has been shown to produce analgesia in various acute and chronic pain states; however, abuse liability concerns have limited its utility. The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) has been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects similar to ketamine without abuse liability concerns. (2R,6R)-HNK produces sustained analgesia in models of chronic pain, but has yet to be evaluated in models of acute pain. The present study evaluated the efficacy of acute (2R,6R)-HNK administration (one injection) in assays of pain-stimulated (52- and 56-degree hot plate test and acetic acid writhing) and pain-depressed behavior (locomotor activity and rearing) in male and female C57BL/6 mice. In assays of pain-stimulated behaviors, (2R,6R)-HNK (1-32 mg/kg) failed to produce antinociception in the 52- and 56-degree hot plate and acetic acid writhing assays. In assays of pain-depressed behaviors, 0.56% acetic acid produced a robust depression of locomotor activity and rearing that was not blocked by pretreatment of (2R,6R)-HNK (3.2-32 mg/kg). The positive controls morphine (hot plate test) and ketoprofen (acetic acid writhing, locomotor activity, and rearing) blocked pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors. Finally, the effects of intermittent (2R,6R)-HNK administration were evaluated in 52-degree hot plate and pain-depressed locomotor activity and rearing. Intermittent administration of (2R,6R)-HNK also did not produce antinociceptive effects in the hot plate or pain-depressed locomotor activity assays. These results suggest that (2R,6R)-HNK is unlikely to have efficacy in treating acute pain; however, the efficacy of (2R,6R)-HNK in chronic pain states should continue to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M. Hillhouse
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn J. Partridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Patrick I. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sarah C. Honeycutt
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph H. Porter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Michigan, Marquette, Michigan, United States of America
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Zhang S, Pu Y, Liu J, Li L, An C, Wu Y, Zhang W, Zhang W, Qu S, Yan W. Exploring the multifaceted potential of (R)-ketamine beyond antidepressant applications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337749. [PMID: 38666026 PMCID: PMC11043571 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(R, S)- and (S)-ketamine have made significant progress in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and have become a research focus in recent years. However, they both have risks of psychomimetic effects, dissociative effects, and abuse liability, which limit their clinical use. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that (R)-ketamine has a more efficient and lasting antidepressant effect with fewer side effects compared to (R, S)- and (S)-ketamine. However, a recent small-sample randomized controlled trial found that although (R)-ketamine has a lower incidence of adverse reactions in adult TRD treatment, its antidepressant efficacy is not superior to the placebo group, indicating its antidepressant advantage still needs further verification and clarification. Moreover, an increasing body of research suggests that (R)-ketamine might also have significant applications in the prevention and treatment of medical fields or diseases such as cognitive disorders, perioperative anesthesia, ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, substance use disorders, inflammatory diseases, COVID-19, and organophosphate poisoning. This article briefly reviews the mechanism of action and research on antidepressants related to (R)-ketamine, fully revealing its application potential and development prospects, and providing some references and assistance for subsequent expanded research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senbing Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yanzhu Pu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianning Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lewen Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chibing An
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yumin Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenxia Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Song Qu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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7
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Zhou L, Duan J. The role of NMDARs in the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14464. [PMID: 37680076 PMCID: PMC11017467 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a phencyclidine (PCP) analog, ketamine can generate rapid-onset and substantial anesthetic effects. Contrary to traditional anesthetics, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and can induce loss of consciousness in patients. Recently, the subanaesthetic dose of ketamine was found to produce rapid-onset and lasting antidepressant effects. AIM However, how different concentrations of ketamine can induce diverse actions remains unclear. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the NMDAR-mediated anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine are not fully understood. METHOD In this review, we have introduced ketamine and its metabolism, summarized recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying NMDAR inhibition in the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine, explored the possible functions of NMDAR subunits in the effects of ketamine, and discussed the future directions of ketamine-based anesthetic and antidepressant drugs. RESULT Both the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine were thought to be mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition. CONCLUSION The roles of NMDARs have been extensively studied in the anaesthetic effects of ketamine. However, the roles of NMDARs in antidepressant effects of ketamine are complicated and controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSunYat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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8
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Lewis V, Rurak G, Salmaso N, Aguilar-Valles A. An integrative view on the cell-type-specific mechanisms of ketamine's antidepressant actions. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:195-208. [PMID: 38220554 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Over the past six decades, the use of ketamine has evolved from an anesthetic and recreational drug to the first non-monoaminergic antidepressant approved for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). Subanesthetic doses of ketamine and its enantiomer (S)-ketamine (esketamine) directly bind to several neurotransmitter receptors [including N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), κ and μ opioid receptor (KOR and MOR)] widely distributed in the brain and across different cell types, implicating several potential molecular mechanisms underlying the action of ketamine as an antidepressant. This review examines preclinical studies investigating cell-type-specific mechanisms underlying the effects of ketamine on behavior and synapses. Cell-type-specific approaches are crucial for disentangling the critical mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effect of ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vern Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Health Sciences Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Gareth Rurak
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Health Sciences Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Natalina Salmaso
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Health Sciences Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Argel Aguilar-Valles
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Health Sciences Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
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9
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Ren L. The mechanistic basis for the rapid antidepressant-like effects of ketamine: From neural circuits to molecular pathways. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110910. [PMID: 38061484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110910] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional antidepressants that target monoaminergic receptors require several weeks to be efficacious. This lag represents a significant problem in the currently available treatments for serious depression. Ketamine, acting as an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, was shown to have rapid antidepressant-like effects, marking a significant advancement in the study of mood disorders. However, serious side effects and adverse reactions limit its clinical use. Considering the limitations of ketamine, it is crucial to further define the network targets of ketamine. The rapid action of ketamine an as antidepressant is thought to be mediated by the glutamate system. It is believed that synaptic plasticity is essential for the rapid effects of ketamine as an antidepressant. Other mechanisms include the involvement of the γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic), 5-HTergic systems, and recent studies have linked astrocytes to ketamine's rapid antidepressant-like effects. The interactions between these systems exert a synergistic rapid antidepressant effect through neural circuits and molecular mechanisms. Here, we discuss the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying the action of ketamine. This work will help explain how molecular and neural targets are responsible for the effects of rapidly acting antidepressants and will aid in the discovery of new therapeutic approaches for major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ren
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu 611137, China.
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10
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Yokoyama R, Higuchi M, Tanabe W, Tsukada S, Igarashi H, Seiriki K, Nakazawa T, Kasai A, Ago Y, Hashimoto H. Long-lasting anti-despair and anti-anhedonia effects of (S)-norketamine in social isolation-reared mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 154:72-76. [PMID: 38246730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.12.005] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternatives to ketamine without psychotomimetic properties for the treatment of depression have attracted much attention. Here, we examined the anti-despair and anti-anhedonia effects of the ketamine metabolites (S)-norketamine ((S)-NK), (R)-NK, (2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine, and (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in a mouse model of depression induced by social isolation. All ketamine metabolites examined had acute (30 min after administration) anti-despair-like effects in the forced swim test, but only (S)-NK showed a long-lasting (1 week) effect. Additionally, only (S)-NK improved reduced motivation both 30 min and 24 h after injection in the female encounter test. These results suggest that (S)-NK has potent and long-lasting antidepressant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Yokoyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Momoko Higuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wataru Tanabe
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukada
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hisato Igarashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kaoru Seiriki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takanobu Nakazawa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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11
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Wu Y, Zhang Y, Xie B, Zhang X, Wang G, Yuan S. Esketamine mitigates cognitive impairment following exposure to LPS by modulating the intestinal flora/subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve/spleen axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111284. [PMID: 38016344 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111284] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Susceptibility to secondary infection often increases after primary infection. Secondary infections can lead to more severe inflammatory injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether esketamine treatment immediately after primary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure could alleviate cognitive impairment caused by secondary infection. METHODS Mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with LPS (5 mg/kg) 10 days apart. Esketamine (10, 15, or 30 mg/kg) was administered IP immediately after the primary LPS injection. Splenectomy or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) was performed 7 days before secondary LPS exposure or broad-spectrum antibiotic administration. RESULTS Splenomegaly was observed after the primary LPS injection on Days 3 and 10. Splenomegaly was attenuated by treatment with 30 mg/kg esketamine. Esketamine treatment prevented increased plasma proinflammatory cytokines levels and cognitive dysfunction induced by secondary LPS exposure. Mice that underwent splenectomy or SDV had lower proinflammatory cytokines levels, higher hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and improved cognitive function 1 day after secondary infection, which was not further improved by esketamine. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from endotoxic mice treated with esketamine attenuated hippocampal BDNF downregulation and cognitive dysfunction only in pseudo germ-free (PGF) mice without splenectomy. FMT with fecal suspensions from esketamine-treated endotoxic mice abrogated splenomegaly only in PGF mice without SDV. Blocking BDNF signaling blocked esketamine's ameliorating effects on secondary LPS exposure-induced cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSION The intestinal flora/subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve/spleen axis-mediated hippocampal BDNF downregulation significantly affected secondary LPS-induced systemic inflammation and cognitive dysfunction. Esketamine preserves cognitive function via this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Guangzhi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
| | - Shiying Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China.
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12
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Zhang X, He T, Wu Z, Wang Y, Liu H, Zhang B, Yang S, Wang D, Huang C, Duan J, Xu X, Xu X, Hashimoto K, Jiang R, Yang L, Yang C. The role of CD38 in inflammation-induced depression-like behavior and the antidepressant effect of (R)-ketamine. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:64-79. [PMID: 37793489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.026] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD38 is involved in immune responses, cell proliferation, and has been identified in the brain, where it is implicated in inflammation processes and psychiatric disorders. We hypothesized that dysfunctional CD38 activity in the brain may contribute to the pathogenesis of depression. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like model and conducted behavioral tests, molecular and morphological methods, along with optogenetic techniques. We microinjected adeno-associated virus into the hippocampal CA3 region with stereotaxic instrumentation. Our results showed a marked increase in CD38 expression in both the hippocampus and cortex of LPS-treated mice. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockout of CD38 effectively alleviated neuroinflammation, microglia activation, synaptic defects, and Sirt1/STAT3 signaling, subsequently improving depression-like behaviors. Moreover, optogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons of hippocampal CA3 reduced the susceptibility of mice to depression-like behaviors, accompanied by reduced CD38 expression. We also found that (R)-ketamine, which displayed antidepressant effects, was linked to its anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing increased CD38 expression and reversing synaptic defects. In conclusion, hippocampal CD38 is closely linked to depression-like behaviors in an inflammation model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for antidepressant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Teng He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zifeng Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hanyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Bingyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chaoli Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Nhwa Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xiangqing Xu
- Nhwa Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Riyue Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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13
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Wu G, Xu H. A synopsis of multitarget therapeutic effects of anesthetics on depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176032. [PMID: 37660970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176032] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a profound mental disorder that dampens the mood and undermines volition, which exhibited an increased incidence over the years. Although drug-based interventions remain the primary approach for depression treatment, the available medications still can't satisfy the patients. In recent years, the newly discovered therapeutic targets such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor, and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) have brought new breakthroughs in the development of antidepressant drugs. Moreover, it has come to light that certain anesthetics possess pharmacological mechanisms intricately linked to the aforementioned therapeutic targets for depression. At present, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have explored the therapeutic effects of anesthetic drugs such as ketamine, isoflurane, N2O, and propofol, on depression. These investigations suggested that these drugs can swiftly ameliorate patients' depression symptoms and engender long-term effects. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the research progress and potential molecular mechanisms of various anesthetic drugs for depression treatment. By shedding light on this subject, we aim to facilitate the development and clinical implementation of new antidepressant drugs based on anesthetic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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14
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Hashimoto K. Arketamine for cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1513-1525. [PMID: 36786865 PMCID: PMC9925943 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment has been observed in patients with various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BD). Although modern therapeutic drugs can improve certain symptoms (i.e., psychosis, depression) in these patients, these drugs have not been found to improve cognitive impairment. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist (R,S)-ketamine has attracted attention as a rapidly acting antidepressant. In addition to its robust antidepressant effects, (R,S)-ketamine has been suggested to improve cognitive impairment in patients with MDD and BD, despite causing cognitive impairment in healthy control subjects. (R,S)-ketamine is a racemic mixture of equal amounts of (R)-ketamine (or arketamine) and (S)-ketamine (or esketamine). Arketamine has been found to have more potent antidepressant-like actions than esketamine in rodents. Interestingly, arketamine, but not esketamine, has been suggested to improve phencyclidine-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Furthermore, arketamine has been suggested to ameliorate cognitive deficits in rodent offspring after maternal immune activation. In the current article, it is proposed that arketamine has therapeutic potential for treating cognitive impairment in patients with psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the potential role of the gut-microbiome-brain axis in cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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15
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Ma L, Wang L, Qu Y, Wan X, Hashimoto K. A role of splenic heme biosynthesis pathway in the persistent prophylactic actions of arketamine in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:269. [PMID: 37491335 PMCID: PMC10368680 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse is common in remitted patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Arketamine, an (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, has persistent prophylactic actions in an inflammatory model of depression. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these prophylactic actions remain unknown. Given the role of the brain-spleen axis in depression, we sought to identify splenic molecular targets that play a role in the prophylactic actions of arketamine. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.0 mg/kg) was administered 6 days after a single injection of arketamine (10 mg/kg) or saline. RNA-sequencing analysis found altered expression in the heme biosynthesis II pathway. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that pretreatment with arketamine blocked increased expression of genes involved in the heme biosynthesis II pathway in LPS-treated mice, namely, 5-aminolevulinase synthase 2 (Alas2), ferrochelatase (Fech), hydroxymethylbilane synthase (Hmbs). Interestingly, there were positive correlations between the expression of these genes and spleen weight or plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also found higher expression of ALAS2 and FECH in the spleen from MDD patients. Pretreatment with a key intermediate precursor of heme, 5-aminolaevulinic acid (300 mg/kg/day for 3 days), caused splenomegaly, higher plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and depression-like behavior in low-dose LPS (0.1 mg/kg)-treated mice. Interestingly, pretreatment with a heme biosynthesis inhibitor, succinyl acetone (120 mg/kg/day for 3 days), had prophylactic effects in LPS (1.0 mg/kg)-treated mice. These data suggest a novel role for the heme biosynthesis II pathway in the spleen for inflammation-related depression. Therefore, the heme biosynthesis pathway could be a new target for the prevention of relapse in MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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16
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Hashimoto K, Chaki S. Ketamine and its metabolites: Potential as novel treatments for depression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 230:109492. [PMID: 36889434 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Shigeyuki Chaki
- Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama, 331-9530, Japan.
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17
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Johnston JN, Henter ID, Zarate CA. The antidepressant actions of ketamine and its enantiomers. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 246:108431. [PMID: 37146727 PMCID: PMC10213151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist first developed as an anesthetic, has shown significant promise as a medication with rapid antidepressant properties in treatment-resistant depression. However, concerns such as adverse side effects and potential misuse liability have limited its widespread use. Racemic ketamine has two enantiomers-(S)- and (R)-ketamine-that appear to have disparate underlying mechanisms. This brief review summarizes some of the most recent preclinical and clinical research regarding the convergent and divergent prophylactic, immediate, and sustained antidepressant effects of (S)- and (R)-ketamine while addressing potential differences in their side effect and misuse liability profiles. Preclinical research suggests divergent mechanisms underlying (S)- and (R)-ketamine, with (S)-ketamine more directly affecting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and (R)-ketamine more directly affecting extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling. Clinical research suggests that (R)-ketamine has a milder side effect profile than (S)-ketamine and decreases depression rating scale scores, but recent randomized, controlled trials found that it had no significant antidepressant efficacy compared to placebo, suggesting that caution is warranted in interpreting its therapeutic potential. Future preclinical and clinical research is needed to maximize the efficacy of each enantiomer, either by optimizing dose, route of administration, or administration paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, United States.
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, United States
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, United States
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18
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Adzic M, Lukic I, Mitic M, Glavonic E, Dragicevic N, Ivkovic S. Contribution of the opioid system to depression and to the therapeutic effects of classical antidepressants and ketamine. Life Sci 2023:121803. [PMID: 37245840 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) afflicts approximately 5 % of the world population, and about 30-50 % of patients who receive classical antidepressant medications do not achieve complete remission (treatment resistant depressive patients). Emerging evidence suggests that targeting opioid receptors mu (MOP), kappa (KOP), delta (DOP), and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) may yield effective therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders. As depression and pain exhibit significant overlap in their clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms involved, it is not a surprise that opioids, historically used to alleviate pain, emerged as promising and effective therapeutic options in the treatment of depression. The opioid signaling is dysregulated in depression and numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials strongly suggest that opioid modulation can serve as either an adjuvant or even an alternative to classical monoaminergic antidepressants. Importantly, some classical antidepressants require the opioid receptor modulation to exert their antidepressant effects. Finally, ketamine, a well-known anesthetic whose extremely efficient antidepressant effects were recently discovered, was shown to mediate its antidepressant effects via the endogenous opioid system. Thus, although opioid system modulation is a promising therapeutical venue in the treatment of depression further research is warranted to fully understand the benefits and weaknesses of such approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dragicevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ivkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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19
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Leal GC, Souza-Marques B, Mello RP, Bandeira ID, Caliman-Fontes AT, Carneiro BA, Faria-Guimarães D, Guerreiro-Costa LNF, Jesus-Nunes AP, Silva SS, Lins-Silva DH, Fontes MA, Alves-Pereira R, Cordeiro V, Rugieri-Pacheco S, Santos-Lima C, Correia-Melo FS, Vieira F, Sanacora G, Lacerda ALT, Quarantini LC. Arketamine as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A placebo-controlled pilot study. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:7-15. [PMID: 36871913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racemic ketamine is a mixture of (R)-ketamine (arketamine) and (S)-ketamine (esketamine), with the latter regarded as the main isomer for antidepressant effects. However, preclinical data and one open-label human trial suggest arketamine might exert a more potent and longer-lasting antidepressant effect with fewer side effects. We aimed to explore the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of arketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to assess its efficacy and safety compared to placebo. METHODS This is a, randomized, double-blind, crossover, pilot trial (n = 10). All participants received saline and arketamine (0.5 mg/kg) with a one-week interval. Treatment effects were analyzed with a linear mixed effects (LME) model. RESULTS Our analysis suggested the presence of a carryover effect, so the main efficacy analysis was limited to the first week, which demonstrated a main effect of time (p = 0.038) but not for treatment (p = 0.40) or their interaction (p = 0.95). This indicates that depression improved over time, but without significant difference between arketamine and placebo. Analyzing the two weeks together, findings were the same. Dissociation and other adverse events were minimal. LIMITATIONS This was a pilot study with a small sample and underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Arketamine was not superior to placebo for TRD but demonstrated to be extremely safe. Our findings reinforce the importance of continuing studies with this drug, with better powered clinical trials, perhaps considering a parallel design with higher or flexible doses and repeated administrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo C Leal
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Breno Souza-Marques
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo P Mello
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Igor D Bandeira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Ana Teresa Caliman-Fontes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Beatriz A Carneiro
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniela Faria-Guimarães
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lívia N F Guerreiro-Costa
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Jesus-Nunes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Samantha S Silva
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniel H Lins-Silva
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Fontes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Raíza Alves-Pereira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Vivian Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Sidelcina Rugieri-Pacheco
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Cássio Santos-Lima
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Correia-Melo
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Flavia Vieira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Acioly L T Lacerda
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Quarantini
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
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20
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Lv S, Yao K, Zhang Y, Zhu S. NMDA receptors as therapeutic targets for depression treatment: Evidence from clinical to basic research. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109378. [PMID: 36539011 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine, functioning as a channel blocker of the excitatory glutamate-gated N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, displays compelling fast-acting and sustained antidepressant effects for treatment-resistant depression. Over the past decades, clinical and preclinical studies have implied that the pathology of depression is associated with dysfunction of glutamatergic transmission. In particular, the discovery of antidepressant agents modulating NMDA receptor function has prompted breakthroughs for depression treatment compared with conventional antidepressants targeting the monoaminergic system. In this review, we first summarized the signalling pathway of the ketamine-mediated antidepressant effects, based on the glutamate hypothesis of depression. Second, we reviewed the hypotheses of the synaptic mechanism and network of ketamine antidepressant effects within different brain areas and distinct subcellular localizations, including NMDA receptor antagonism on GABAergic interneurons, extrasynaptic and synaptic NMDA receptor-mediated antagonism, and ketamine blocking bursting activities in the lateral habenula. Third, we reviewed the different roles of NMDA receptor subunits in ketamine-mediated cognitive and psychiatric behaviours in genetically-manipulated rodent models. Finally, we summarized the structural basis of NMDA receptor channel blockers and discussed NMDA receptor modulators that have been reported to exert potential antidepressant effects in animal models or in clinical trials. Integrating the cutting-edge technologies of cryo-EM and artificial intelligence-based drug design (AIDD), we expect that the next generation of first-in-class rapid antidepressants targeting NMDA receptors would be an emerging direction for depression therapeutics. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Ketamine and its Metabolites'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Lv
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kejie Yao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Youyi Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shujia Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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21
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Toki H, Yamaguchi JI, Mizuno-Yasuhira A, Endo H. Chiral LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of (R,S)-ketamine, (R,S)-norketamine, and (2R,6R;2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine in mouse plasma and brain. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 224:115168. [PMID: 36473323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115168] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A convenient LC-MS/MS assay method to simultaneously and sensitively determine (R,S)-ketamine (Ket), (R,S)-norketamine (NK), and (2R,6R;2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) enantiomers in plasma and brain from mice was developed. This method enables the chiral separations of these six enantiomers in one analysis by constructing a column-switching system composed of one achiral column and two chiral columns with a relatively short analysis time (17 min). The chromatography involves the separation of (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK from (R,S)-Ket and (R,S)-NK on an octadecyl-silica column, followed by chiral separations on a CHIRALPAK AY-RH column for (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK or on a CHIRALPAK AS-RH column for the other analytes. The calibration curves for plasma and brain showed a good linearity in the range of 3-1000 ng/mL and 1.5-500 ng/g, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 90.0% to 104.0% in within-run and between-run. This validated method was applicable to determine the stereoselective pharmacokinetic profiles of (R,S)-Ket, (R,S)-NK, and (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK in plasma and brain collected from individual mice after a single intraperitoneal dosing of racemic Ket at an antidepressant dose. It is hoped that this assay will greatly help for understanding the relationship between the antidepressant actions of (R,S)-Ket enantiomers or their metabolites and their pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoh Toki
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403, Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichi Yamaguchi
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403, Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Akiko Mizuno-Yasuhira
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403, Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Hiromi Endo
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403, Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
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22
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Ago Y, Yokoyama R, Asano S, Hashimoto H. Roles of the monoaminergic system in the antidepressant effects of ketamine and its metabolites. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109313. [PMID: 36328065 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While the molecular target of (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) is thought to be the NMDA receptor, subanesthetic doses of ketamine have been known to modulate monoaminergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Although the involvement of the serotonergic system in the antidepressant effects of ketamine has been reported in most studies of this topic, some recent studies have reported that the dopaminergic system plays a key role in the effects of ketamine. Additionally, several lines of evidence suggest that the antidepressant-like effects of (R)-ketamine might be independent of the monoaminergic system. Ketamine metabolites also differ considerably in their ability to regulate monoamine neurotransmitters relative to (S)-ketamine and (R)-ketamine, while (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine might share common serotonergic signaling mechanisms with ketamine. In the current review, we summarize the effects of ketamine and its metabolites on monoamine neurotransmission in the brain and discuss the potential roles of the monoaminergic system in the mechanism of action of ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Rei Yokoyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Asano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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23
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Chaki S, Watanabe M. Antidepressants in the post-ketamine Era: Pharmacological approaches targeting the glutamatergic system. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109348. [PMID: 36423706 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of currently available medications for depression is unsatisfactory, and that has spurred the development of novel antidepressants based on a hypothesis other than the monoamine hypothesis. Recent studies have revealed the importance of the glutamatergic system as a drug target for depression, and the validity of this hypothesis has been underpinned by the discovery of the antidepressant effects of ketamine, leading to the market launch of Spravato® nasal spray which delivers (S)-ketamine (esketamine). However, both ketamine and esketamine have unwanted adverse effects that hinder their routine use in daily practice. Extensive studies have elucidated the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of ketamine, and that has encouraged numerous drug discovery activities to search for agents that retain a ketamine-like antidepressant profile but with lesser adverse effect liabilities. The discovery activities have included attempts to identify 1) the active substance(s) in the circulation after ketamine administration and 2) agents that act on the proposed mechanisms of action of ketamine. Clinical trials of agents discovered in the course of these activities are underway, and in 2022, AUVELITY™ (AXS-05; dextromethorphan with bupropion) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Drug development of post-ketamine agents should provide novel antidepressants that are safer, but as potent and rapidly acting as ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyuki Chaki
- Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama 331-9530, Japan.
| | - Mai Watanabe
- Taisho Pharmaceutical R&D Inc., 350 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA.
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24
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Malikowska-Racia N, Golebiowska J, Nikiforuk A, Khoo SYS, Popik P. Effects of ketamine optical isomers, fluoxetine and naloxone on timing in differential reinforcement of low-rate response (DRL) 72-s task in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 67:37-52. [PMID: 36476352 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.11.007] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
(S)-ketamine-induced rapid-acting antidepressant effects have revolutionized the pharmacotherapy of major depression; however, this medication also produces psychotomimetic effects such as timing distortion. While (R)-ketamine produces fewer dissociative effects, its antidepressant actions are less studied. Depression is associated with time overestimation (i.e., subjectively, time passes slowly). Our recent report suggests that while (S)-ketamine induces an opposite effect, i.e., time underestimation, the (R)-isomer does not affect timing. It has been suggested that opioid receptors are involved in the antidepressant effect of ketamine. In the present study we tested (R)- and (S)-ketamine, and fluoxetine as a positive control in the differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) 72-s schedule of reinforcement in male rats following naloxone pretreatment. DRL classic metrics as well as peak deviation analyses served to determine antidepressant-like actions and those associated with timing. We report antidepressant-like effects of (S)-ketamine (30-60 mg/kg) that resemble fluoxetine's (2.5-10 mg/kg), as both compounds increased reinforcement rate and peak location (suggesting increased performance), reduced premature responses (suggesting time underestimation) and decreased Weber's fraction (suggesting increased timing precision). (R)-ketamine (30, but not 60 mg/kg) increased only the reinforcement rate and peak location but did not affect timing. Only fluoxetine decreased burst responses, suggesting decreased impulsivity. Naloxone pretreatment did not block ketamine enantiomers' actions, but unexpectedly, increased fluoxetine' performance. Thus, while all three medications produced antidepressant-like effects in DRL 72-s, fluoxetine- and (S)- but not (R)- ketamine-induced time underestimation (the subject experiences the time as passing quickly). The potentiation of DRL performance of fluoxetine by naloxone was unexpected and warrants clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malikowska-Racia
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Golebiowska
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nikiforuk
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Shaun Yon-Seng Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Piotr Popik
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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25
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Ketamine, benzoate, and sarcosine for treating depression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109351. [PMID: 36423705 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effects of sarcosine, benzoate, and ketamine (including esketamine and arketamine) on depression. These drugs mainly act by modulating N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) and reducing inflammation in the brain. Although ketamine, benzoate, and sarcosine act differently as the antagonists or coagonists of NMDARs, they all have demonstrated efficacy in animal models or human trials. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that sarcosine, benzoate, and ketamine exert their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting microglial activity. This review summarizes and compares the efficacy of the possible therapeutic mechanisms of sarcosine, benzoate, ketamine, esketamine, and arketamine. These compounds act as both NMDAR modulators and anti-inflammatory drugs and thus can be effective in the treatment of depression.
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26
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Role of mTOR1 signaling in the antidepressant effects of ketamine and the potential of mTORC1 activators as novel antidepressants. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109325. [PMID: 36334763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Conventional antidepressant medications act on monoaminergic systems and have important limitations, including a therapeutic delay of weeks to months and low rates of efficacy. Recently, clinical findings have indicated that ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that blocks N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor channel activity, causes rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. Although the exact mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of ketamine are not fully known, preclinical studies have demonstrated a key role for mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and a subsequent increase in synapse formation in the medial prefrontal cortex. In this review, we discuss the role of mTORC1 and its subsequent signaling cascade in the antidepressant effects of ketamine and other compounds with glutamatergic mechanisms of action. We also present the possibility that mTORC1 signaling itself is a drug discovery target.
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27
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Qu Y, Chang L, Ma L, Wan X, Hashimoto K. Rapid antidepressant-like effect of non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog lisuride, but not hallucinogenic psychedelic DOI, in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173500. [PMID: 36476377 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Classical psychedelics with 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonism have rapid antidepressant actions in patients with depression. However, there is an ongoing debate over the role of 5-HT2AR in the antidepressant-like actions of psychedelics. In this study, we compared the effects of DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine: a hallucinogenic psychedelic drug with potent 5-HT2AR agonism), lisuride (non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog with 5-HT2AR and 5-HT1AR agonisms), and the novel antidepressant (R)-ketamine on depression-like behavior and the decreased dendritic spine density in the brain of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. Saline (10 ml/kg), DOI (2.0 mg/kg), lisuride (1.0 mg/kg), or (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to LPS (0.5 mg/kg, 23 h before)-treated mice. Both lisuride and (R)-ketamine significantly ameliorated the increased immobility time of forced swimming test, and the decreased dendritic spine density in the prelimbic region of medial prefrontal cortex, CA3 and dentate gyrus of hippocampus of LPS-treated mice. In contrast, DOI did not improve these changes produced after LPS administration. This study suggests that antidepressant-like effect of lisuride in LPS-treated mice is not associated with 5-HT2AR-related psychedelic effects. It is, therefore, unlikely that 5-HT2AR may play a major role in rapid-acting antidepressant actions of psychedelics although further detailed study is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Lijia Chang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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28
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Zhang K, Yao Y, Hashimoto K. Ketamine and its metabolites: Potential as novel treatments for depression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109305. [PMID: 36354092 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a well-known serious mental illness, and the onset of treatment using traditional antidepressants is frequently delayed by several weeks. Moreover, numerous patients with depression fail to respond to therapy. One major breakthrough in antidepressant therapy is that subanesthetic ketamine doses can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms within hours of administering a single dose, even in treatment-resistant patients. However, specific mechanisms through which ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects remain elusive, leading to concerns regarding its rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists like ketamine are reportedly associated with serious side effects, such as dissociative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and abuse potential, limiting the large-scale clinical use of ketamine as an antidepressant. Herein, we reviewed the pharmacological properties of ketamine and the mechanisms of action underlying the rapid antidepressant efficacy, including the disinhibition hypothesis and synaptogenesis, along with common downstream effector pathways such as enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin-related kinase B signaling, activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and transforming growth factor β1. We focused on evidence supporting the relevance of these potential mechanisms of ketamine and its metabolites in mediating the clinical efficacy of the drug. Given its reported antidepressant efficacy in preclinical studies and limited undesirable adverse effects, (R)-ketamine may be a safer, more controllable, rapid antidepressant. Overall, understanding the potential mechanisms of action of ketamine and its metabolites in combination with pharmacology may help develop a new generation of rapid antidepressants that maximize antidepressant effects while avoiding unfavorable adverse effects. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Ketamine and its Metabolites'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Yitan Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
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Ma L, Wang L, Chang L, Shan J, Qu Y, Wang X, Fujita Y, Hashimoto K. A role of microRNA-149 in the prefrontal cortex for prophylactic actions of (R)-ketamine in inflammation model. Neuropharmacology 2022; 219:109250. [PMID: 36088985 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (or miRNAs) are short, regulatory RNAs that act as post-transcriptional repressors of gene expression. Recently, we reported that the nuclear factor of activated T cells 4 (NFATc4) signaling might contribute to sustained prophylactic effects of new antidepressant (R)-ketamine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated inflammation model of depression. In this study, we examined the role of miRNAs (miR-149 and miR-7688-5p) which can regulate NFATc4 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male mice after administration of LPS (1.0 mg/kg). There was a positive correlation between the expression of Nfatc4 and the expression of miR-149 in the PFC. There was also a negative correlation between gene expression of Nfatc4 and gene expression of miR-7688-5p in the PFC. Gut microbiota analysis showed that pretreatment with (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg) could restore altered composition of gut microbiota in LPS-treated mice. A network analysis showed that gut microbiota may regulate gene expression of Nfatc4 and miR-149 (or miR-7688-5p) in the PFC. Finally, inhibition of miR-149 by antagomiR-149 blocked LPS-induced depression-like behavior by attenuating LPS-induced expression of NFATc4 in the PFC. These findings suggest that the regulation of NFATc4 signaling by miR-149 might play a role in persistent prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine, and that gut microbiota may regulate the gene expression of miRNAs in the PFC through gut-microbiota-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lijia Chang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Jiajing Shan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xingming Wang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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30
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Ma L, Wang L, Chang L, Shan J, Qu Y, Wang X, Wan X, Fujita Y, Hashimoto K. A key role of miR-132-5p in the prefrontal cortex for persistent prophylactic actions of (R)-ketamine in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:417. [PMID: 36171191 PMCID: PMC9519951 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02192-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
(R,S)-ketamine is known to elicit persistent prophylactic effects in rodent models of depression. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its action remain elusive. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we searched for novel molecular target(s) that contribute to the prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine, a more potent enantiomer of (R,S)-ketamine in chronic restraint stress (CRS) model. Pretreatment with (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg, 1 day before CRS) significantly ameliorated body weight loss, increased immobility time of forced swimming test, and decreased sucrose preference of sucrose preference test in CRS-exposed mice. RNA-sequencing analysis of prefrontal cortex (PFC) revealed that several miRNAs such as miR-132-5p might contribute to sustained prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine. Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is known to regulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that (R)-ketamine significantly attenuated altered expression of miR-132-5p and its regulated genes (Bdnf, Mecp2, Tgfb1, Tgfbr2) in the PFC of CRS-exposed mice. Furthermore, (R)-ketamine significantly attenuated altered expression of BDNF, MeCP2, TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1), and synaptic proteins (PSD-95, and GluA1) in the PFC of CRS-exposed mice. Administration of agomiR-132-5p decreased the expression of Bdnf and Tgfb1 in the PFC, resulting in depression-like behaviors. In contrast, administration of antagomiR-132-5p blocked the increased expression of miR-132-5p and decreased expression of Bdnf in the PFC of CRS-exposed mice, resulting in antidepressant-like effects. In conclusion, our data show a novel role of miR-132-5p in the PFC underlying depression-like phenotypes in CRS model and the sustained prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan ,grid.412632.00000 0004 1758 2270Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province China
| | - Long Wang
- grid.412632.00000 0004 1758 2270Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province China
| | - Lijia Chang
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jiajing Shan
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xingming Wang
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujita
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
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Hua H, Huang C, Liu H, Xu X, Xu X, Wu Z, Liu C, Wang Y, Yang C. Depression and antidepressant effects of ketamine and its metabolites: The pivotal role of gut microbiota. Neuropharmacology 2022; 220:109272. [PMID: 36170927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the robust antidepressant actions of ketamine is regarded as one of the greatest advancements in depression treatment in the past 60 years. Recent findings have provided strong evidence for the presence of bidirectional communication networks between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain in depression. Moreover, increasing evidence supports the antidepressant role of ketamine in regulating the gut microbiome and microbiota-derived molecules; however, the mechanisms underpinning such effects are still ambiguous. This review summarizes the current understanding of the anti-depressant mechanisms of ketamine and its metabolites regarding the bidirectional regulation by microbiota-gut-brain axis. We review the relationship between gut microbiota and the antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine, and discuss the role of stress response, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory effect and neurotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China
| | - Chaoli Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hanyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Nhwa Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Xiangqing Xu
- Nhwa Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Zifeng Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China
| | - Cunming Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Tian H, Hu Z, Xu J, Wang C. The molecular pathophysiology of depression and the new therapeutics. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e156. [PMID: 35875370 PMCID: PMC9301929 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling disorder. Despite the many hypotheses proposed to understand the molecular pathophysiology of depression, it is still unclear. Current treatments for depression are inadequate for many individuals, because of limited effectiveness, delayed efficacy (usually two weeks), and side effects. Consequently, novel drugs with increased speed of action and effectiveness are required. Ketamine has shown to have rapid, reliable, and long-lasting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant MDD patients and represent a breakthrough therapy for patients with MDD; however, concerns regarding its efficacy, potential misuse, and side effects remain. In this review, we aimed to summarize molecular mechanisms and pharmacological treatments for depression. We focused on the fast antidepressant treatment and clarified the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ketamine and its metabolites for the MDD treatment, along with a review of the potential pharmacological mechanisms, research challenges, and future clinical prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihua Tian
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology School of Medicine Ningbo University Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine Ningbo Kangning Hospital Ningbo Zhejiang China
| | - Zhenyu Hu
- Department of Child Psychiatry Ningbo Kanning Hospital Ningbo Zhejiang China
| | - Jia Xu
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology School of Medicine Ningbo University Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology School of Medicine Ningbo University Ningbo Zhejiang China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China
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Rueda Carrillo L, Garcia KA, Yalcin N, Shah M. Ketamine and Its Emergence in the Field of Neurology. Cureus 2022; 14:e27389. [PMID: 36046286 PMCID: PMC9419113 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest for a safe and effective anesthetic medication in the mid-20th century led to the discovery of CI-581, which was later named ketamine. Ketamine was labeled a “dissociative anesthetic” due to the state of sensory deprivation that it induces in the subjects receiving it. Although it enjoyed widespread use at the beginning of the Vietnam war, its use rapidly waned due to its psychedelic effect and it became more popular as a recreational drug, and in the field of veterinary medicine. However, as we gained more knowledge about its multiple sites of action, it has reemerged as a useful anesthetic/analgesic agent. In the last decade, the field of neurology has witnessed the growing use of ketamine for the treatment of several neurological conditions including migraine, status epilepticus, stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ketamine acts primarily as a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. The binding of ketamine to NMDA receptors leads to decreased frequency and duration of Ca+2 channel opening and thus inhibits glutaminergic transmission. This mechanism has proven to be neuroprotective in several neurological conditions. Ketamine does not increase intracranial pressure (ICP), and it maintains cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) by increasing cerebral blood flow. Ketamine has also been shown to inhibit massive slow waves of neurological depolarizations called cortical spreading depolarizations (CSD), usually seen during acute neurological injury and are responsible for further neurological deterioration. Unlike other anesthetic agents, ketamine does not cause cardiac or respiratory suppression. All these favorable mechanisms and cerebral/hemodynamic actions have led to increased interest among clinicians and researchers regarding the novel uses of ketamine. This review will focus on the use of ketamine for various neurological indications.
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Xu S, Yao X, Li B, Cui R, Zhu C, Wang Y, Yang W. Uncovering the Underlying Mechanisms of Ketamine as a Novel Antidepressant. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:740996. [PMID: 35872836 PMCID: PMC9301111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.740996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder which exacts enormous personal and social-economic burdens. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, has been discovered to exert rapid and sustained antidepressant-like actions on MDD patients and animal models. However, the dissociation and psychotomimetic propensities of ketamine have limited its use for psychiatric indications. Here, we review recently proposed mechanistic hypotheses regarding how ketamine exerts antidepressant-like actions. Ketamine may potentiate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated transmission in pyramidal neurons by disinhibition and/or blockade of spontaneous NMDAR-mediated neurotransmission. Ketamine may also activate neuroplasticity- and synaptogenesis-relevant signaling pathways, which may converge on key components like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). These processes may subsequently rebalance the excitatory/inhibitory transmission and restore neural network integrity that is compromised in depression. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning ketamine’s antidepressant-like actions at cellular and neural circuit level will drive the development of safe and effective pharmacological interventions for the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songbai Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Cuilin Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Cuilin Zhu, ; Yao Wang, ; Wei Yang,
| | - Yao Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Cuilin Zhu, ; Yao Wang, ; Wei Yang,
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Cuilin Zhu, ; Yao Wang, ; Wei Yang,
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(R)-ketamine as prophylactic and therapeutic drug for neurological disorders: beyond depression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104762. [PMID: 35779628 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The increasing social and economic burdens of neurological disorders are driven by global population growth and aging. Depression is a common psychiatric symptom in numerous neurological disorders. It is also a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias, Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke. The rapid-acting and sustained antidepressant actions of (R,S)-ketamine for severe depression was accidentally discovered. Interestingly, (R)-ketamine has greater potency and longer-lasting antidepressant-like effects than (S)-ketamine in rodents. Importantly, its side effects in rodents and humans are lower than those of (R,S)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine. Furthermore, (R)-ketamine could elicit beneficial actions in various rodent models of neurological disorders, including PD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke. In this article, we review the potential of (R)-ketamine as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for neurological disorders including AD and other dementias, PD, MS, and stroke.
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Lewis V, Rodrigue B, Arsenault E, Zhang M, Taghavi-Abkuh FF, Silva WCC, Myers M, Matta-Camacho E, Aguilar-Valles A. Translational control by ketamine and its implications for comorbid cognitive deficits in depressive disorders. J Neurochem 2022. [PMID: 35680556 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine has shown antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) resistant to first-line treatments and approved for use in this patient population. Ketamine induces several forms of synaptic plasticity, which are proposed to underlie its antidepressant effects. However, the molecular mechanism of action directly responsible for ketamine's antidepressant effects remains under active investigation. It was recently demonstrated that the effectors of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway, namely, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding proteins 1 and 2 (4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2), are central in mediating ketamine-induced synaptic plasticity and behavioural antidepressant-like effect. 4E-BPs are a family of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) translation repressors inactivated by mTORC1. We observed that their expression in inhibitory interneurons mediates ketamine's effects in the forced swim and novelty suppressed feeding tests and the long-lasting inhibition of GABAergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus. In addition, another effector pathway that regulates translation elongation downstream of mTORC1, the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), has been implicated in ketamine's behavioural effects. We will discuss how ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect depends on the activation of neuronal mRNA translation through 4E-BP1/2 and eEF2K. Furthermore, given that these pathways also regulate cognitive functions, we will discuss the evidence of ketamine's effect on cognitive function in MDD. Overall, the data accrued from pre-clinical research have implicated the mRNA translation pathways in treating mood symptoms of MDD. However, it is yet unclear whether the pro-cognitive potential of subanesthetic ketamine in rodents also engages these pathways and whether such an effect is consistently observed in the treatment-resistant MDD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vern Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Rodrigue
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Arsenault
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Molly Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Mysa Myers
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edna Matta-Camacho
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Ju L, Yang J, Zhu T, Liu P, Yang J. BDNF-TrkB signaling-mediated upregulation of Narp is involved in the antidepressant-like effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in a chronic restraint stress mouse model. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35291971 PMCID: PMC8922900 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies have indicated that the ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is a rapid-acting antidepressant drug with limited dissociation properties and low abuse potential. However, its effects and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, we examined the involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and Narp in the antidepressant-like actions of (2R,6R)-HNK in a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model. METHODS C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to CRS for 8 h per day for 14 consecutive days. Open field, forced swimming, novelty suppressed feeding, and tail suspension tests were performed after administering (2R,6R)-HNK (10 mg/kg), a combination of (2R,6R)-HNK and NBQX (an alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist; 10 mg/kg), or a combination of (2R,6R)-HNK and ANA-12 (a TrkB receptor antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg). The mRNA levels of Bdnf and Narp in the hippocampus were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blotting was used to determine the hippocampal protein levels of GluA1, GluA2, BDNF, Narp, PSD95, and synaptophysin, as well as the p-TrkB/TrkB protein ratio. RESULTS (2R,6R)-HNK had rapid antidepressant-like effects in CRS mice. Furthermore, (2R,6R)-HNK significantly ameliorated CRS-induced downregulation of GluA1, GluA2, BDNF, Narp, PSD95, and the p-TrkB/TrkB protein ratio in the hippocampus. The effects of (2R,6R)-HNK were blocked by combinations with NBQX or ANA-12. CONCLUSION BDNF-TrkB signaling-mediated upregulation of Narp in the hippocampus may play a key role in the antidepressant-like effect of (2R,6R)-HNK in the CRS model of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingsha Ju
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Jiaojiao Yang
- grid.263826.b0000 0004 1761 0489Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Panmiao Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Three Birds, One Excipient: Development of an Improved pH, Isotonic, and Buffered Ketamine Formulation for Subcutaneous Injection. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030556. [PMID: 35335932 PMCID: PMC8955626 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Subcutaneous (SC) ketamine has been found to be effective in pain management, though reports of injection site irritation and sterile abscesses exist with currently available ketamine HCl formulations. Such adverse SC reactions are commonly associated with low pH, high osmolality and/or high injection volumes. An optimal SC formulation of ketamine would thus have a pH and osmolality close to physiological levels, without compromising on concentration and, thus, injection volume. Such a formulation should also be buffered to maintain the pH at the acceptable level for extended time periods. As many of these physicochemical properties are interrelated, achieving these aims represented a significant challenge in formulation development. We describe the development of a novel Captisol®-based formulation strategy to achieve an elevated pH, isosmotic and buffered formulation of ketamine (hence, three birds, one excipient) without compromising on concentration. This strategy has the potential to be readily adapted to other amine-based APIs.
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Scotton E, Antqueviezc B, Vasconcelos M, Dalpiaz G, Paul Géa L, Ferraz Goularte J, Colombo R, Ribeiro Rosa A. Is (R)-ketamine a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Treatment-Resistant Depression with Less Detrimental Side Effects? A Review of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ketamine and its Enantiomers. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114963. [PMID: 35182519 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of individuals with major depressive disorder are resistant to conventional antidepressants (i.e., monoamine-based therapies), and, even among respondents, a proper therapeutic effect may require weeks of treatment. Ketamine, a racemic mixture of the two enantiomers, (R)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine, is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been shown to have rapid-acting antidepressant properties in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although (R)-ketamine has a lower affinity for NMDAR, it presents greater potency and longer-lasting antidepressant properties, with no major side effects, than racemic ketamine or (S)-ketamine in preclinical findings. Thereby, ketamine and its enantiomers have not only an antagonistic effect on NMDAR but also a strong synaptogenic-modulatory effect, which is impaired in TRD pathophysiology. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding the modulation of neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and neural network activity as putative mechanisms of these rapid-acting antidepressants, highlighting differences on intracellular signaling pathways of synaptic proteins such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In addition, we discuss probable mechanisms involved in the side effects of ketamine and its enantiomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Scotton
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara Antqueviezc
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Mailton Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Giovana Dalpiaz
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Luiza Paul Géa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Jéferson Ferraz Goularte
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Colombo
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil.
| | - Adriane Ribeiro Rosa
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Prelimbic cortex miR-34a contributes to (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine-mediated antidepressant-relevant actions. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108984. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Highland JN, Farmer CA, Zanos P, Lovett J, Zarate CA, Moaddel R, Gould TD. Sex-dependent metabolism of ketamine and ( 2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in mice and humans. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:170-182. [PMID: 34971525 PMCID: PMC9904319 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211064922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine is rapidly metabolized to norketamine and hydroxynorketamine (HNK) metabolites. In female mice, when compared to males, higher levels of (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK have been observed following ketamine treatment, and higher levels of (2R,6R)-HNK following the direct administration of (2R,6R)-HNK. AIM The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sex in humans and mice, and gonadal hormones in mice on the metabolism of ketamine to form norketamine and HNKs and in the metabolism/elimination of (2R,6R)-HNK. METHODS In CD-1 mice, we utilized gonadectomy to evaluate the role of circulating gonadal hormones in mediating sex-dependent differences in ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK metabolism. In humans (34 with treatment-resistant depression and 23 healthy controls) receiving an antidepressant dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg i.v. infusion over 40 min), we evaluated plasma levels of ketamine, norketamine, and HNKs. RESULTS In humans, plasma levels of ketamine and norketamine were higher in males than females, while (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK levels were not different. Following ketamine administration to mice (10 mg/kg i.p.), Cmax and total plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine were higher, and those of (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK were lower, in intact males compared to females. Direct (2R,6R)-HNK administration (10 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in higher levels of (2R,6R)-HNK in female mice. Ovariectomy did not alter ketamine metabolism in female mice, whereas orchidectomy recapitulated female pharmacokinetic differences in male mice, which was reversed with testosterone replacement. CONCLUSION Sex is an important biological variable that influences the metabolism of ketamine and the HNKs, which may contribute to sex differences in therapeutic antidepressant efficacy or side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn N. Highland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Cristan A. Farmer
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Lovett
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA.,Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore MD, USA.,Reprint requests: Todd D. Gould, Rm. 936 MSTF 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Nuclear factor of activated T cells 4 in the prefrontal cortex is required for prophylactic actions of (R)-ketamine. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:27. [PMID: 35064103 PMCID: PMC8782904 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(R, S)-ketamine has prophylactic antidepressant-like effects in rodents; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its action remain unknown. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we searched novel molecular target(s) that contribute to the prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine, a more potent enantiomer of (R, S)-ketamine. Pretreatment with (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg, 6 days before) significantly ameliorated body weight loss, splenomegaly, and increased immobility time of forced swimming test in lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 1.0 mg/kg)-treated mice. RNA-sequencing analysis of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and subsequent IPA (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) revealed that the nuclear factor of activated T cells 4 (NFATc4) signaling might contribute to sustained prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that (R)-ketamine significantly attenuated the increased gene expression of NFATc4 signaling (Nfatc4, Cd4, Cd79b, H2-ab1, H2-aa) in the PFC of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with NFAT inhibitors (i.e., NFAT inhibitor and cyclosporin A) showed prophylactic effects in the LPS-treated mice. Similar to (R)-ketamine, gene knockdown of Nfatc4 gene by bilateral injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the mPFC could elicit prophylactic effects in the LPS-treated mice. In conclusion, our data implicate a novel NFATc4 signaling pathway in the PFC underlying the prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine for inflammation-related depression.
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Wei Y, Chang L, Hashimoto K. Molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of arketamine: beyond the NMDA receptor. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:559-573. [PMID: 33963284 PMCID: PMC8960399 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of robust antidepressant actions exerted by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist (R,S)-ketamine has been a crucial breakthrough in mood disorder research. (R,S)-ketamine is a racemic mixture of equal amounts of (R)-ketamine (arketamine) and (S)-ketamine (esketamine). In 2019, an esketamine nasal spray from Johnson & Johnson was approved in the United States of America and Europe for treatment-resistant depression. However, an increasing number of preclinical studies show that arketamine has greater potency and longer-lasting antidepressant-like effects than esketamine in rodents, despite the lower binding affinity of arketamine for the NMDAR. In clinical trials, non-ketamine NMDAR-related compounds did not exhibit ketamine-like robust antidepressant actions in patients with depression, despite these compounds showing antidepressant-like effects in rodents. Thus, the rodent data do not necessarily translate to humans due to the complexity of human psychiatric disorders. Collectively, the available studies indicate that it is unlikely that NMDAR plays a major role in the antidepressant action of (R,S)-ketamine and its enantiomers, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying antidepressant actions of (R,S)-ketamine and its enantiomers remain unclear. In this paper, we review recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of (R,S)-ketamine and its potent enantiomer arketamine. Furthermore, we discuss the possible role of the brain-gut-microbiota axis and brain-spleen axis in stress-related psychiatric disorders and in the antidepressant-like action of arketamine. Finally, we discuss the potential of arketamine as a treatment for cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wei
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan ,grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan China
| | - Lijia Chang
- grid.411500.1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
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Tan Y, Fujita Y, Pu Y, Chang L, Qu Y, Wang X, Hashimoto K. Repeated intermittent administration of (R)-ketamine during juvenile and adolescent stages prevents schizophrenia-relevant phenotypes in adult offspring after maternal immune activation: a role of TrkB signaling. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:693-701. [PMID: 34977960 PMCID: PMC9095544 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) plays a role in the etiology of schizophrenia. MIA by prenatal exposure of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] in rodents caused behavioral and neurobiological changes relevant to schizophrenia in adult offspring. We investigated whether the novel antidepressant (R)-ketamine could prevent the development of psychosis-like phenotypes in adult offspring after MIA. We examined the effects of (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg/day, twice weekly for 4 weeks) during juvenile and adolescent stages (P28-P56) on the development of cognitive deficits, loss of parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and decreased dendritic spine density in the mPFC and hippocampus from adult offspring after prenatal poly(I:C) exposure. Furthermore, we examined the role of TrkB in the prophylactic effects of (R)-ketamine. Repeated intermittent administration of (R)-ketamine during juvenile and adolescent stages significantly blocked the development of cognitive deficits, reduced PV-immunoreactivity in the prelimbic (PrL) of mPFC, and decreased dendritic spine density in the PrL of mPFC, CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus from adult offspring after prenatal poly(I:C) exposure. Furthermore, pretreatment with ANA-12 (TrkB antagonist: twice weekly for 4 weeks) significantly blocked the beneficial effects of (R)-ketamine on cognitive deficits of adult offspring after prenatal poly(I:C) exposure. These data suggest that repeated intermittent administration of (R)-ketamine during juvenile and adolescent stages could prevent the development of psychosis in adult offspring after MIA. Therefore, (R)-ketamine would be a potential prophylactic drug for young subjects with high-risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Tan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yaoyu Pu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Lijia Chang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xinming Wang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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CYP 450 enzymes influence (R,S)-ketamine brain delivery and its antidepressant activity. Neuropharmacology 2021; 206:108936. [PMID: 34965407 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108936] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Esketamine, the S-stereoisomer of (R,S)-ketamine was recently approved by drug agencies (FDA, EMA), as an antidepressant drug with a new mechanism of action. (R,S)-ketamine is a N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist putatively acting on GABAergic inhibitory synapses to increase excitatory synaptic glutamatergic neurotransmission. Unlike monoamine-based antidepressants, (R,S)-ketamine exhibits rapid and persistent antidepressant activity at subanesthetic doses in preclinical rodent models and in treatment-resistant depressed patients. Its major brain metabolite, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is formed following (R,S)-ketamine metabolism by various cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) mainly activated in the liver depending on routes of administration [e.g., intravenous (largely used for a better bioavailability), intranasal spray, intracerebral, subcutaneous, intramuscular or oral]. Experimental or clinical studies suggest that (2R,6R)-HNK could be an antidepressant drug candidate. However, questions still remain regarding its molecular and cellular targets in the brain and its role in (R,S)-ketamine's fast-acting antidepressant effects. The purpose of the present review is: 1) to review (R,S)-ketamine pharmacokinetic properties in humans and rodents and its metabolism by CYP enzymes to form norketamine and HNK metabolites; 2) to provide a summary of preclinical strategies challenging the role of these metabolites by modifying (R,S)-ketamine metabolism, e.g., by administering a pre-treatment CYP inducers or inhibitors; 3) to analyze the influence of sex and age on CYP expression and (R,S)-ketamine metabolism. Importantly, this review describes (R,S)-ketamine pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to alert clinicians about possible drug-drug interactions during a concomitant administration of (R,S)-ketamine and CYP inducers/inhibitors that could enhance or blunt, respectively, (R,S)-ketamine's therapeutic antidepressant efficacy in patients.
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Ponton E, Turecki G, Nagy C. Sex Differences in the Behavioral, Molecular, and Structural Effects of Ketamine Treatment in Depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:75-84. [PMID: 34894233 PMCID: PMC8756094 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric illness that manifests in sex-influenced ways. Men and women may experience depression differently and also respond to various antidepressant treatments in sex-influenced ways. Ketamine, which is now being used as a rapid-acting antidepressant, is likely the same. To date, the majority of studies investigating treatment outcomes in MDD do not disaggregate the findings in males and females, and this is also true for ketamine. This review aims to highlight that gap by exploring pre-clinical data-at a behavioral, molecular, and structural level-and recent clinical trials. Sex hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, influence the response at all levels examined, and sex is therefore a critical factor to examine when looking at ketamine response. Taken together, the data show females are more sensitive to ketamine than males, and it might be possible to monitor the phase of the menstrual cycle to mitigate some risks associated with the use of ketamine for females with MDD. Based on the studies reviewed in this article, we suggest that ketamine should be administered adhering to sex-specific considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Ponton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Corina Nagy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Correspondence: Corina Nagy, PhD, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3 ()
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Zheng Z, Kyzer JL, Worob A, Wenthur CJ. Family of Structurally Related Bioconjugates Yields Antibodies with Differential Selectivity against Ketamine and 6-Hydroxynorketamine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4113-4122. [PMID: 34652905 PMCID: PMC9358770 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The dissociative-hypnotic compound ketamine is being used in an increasingly wide range of therapeutic contexts, including anesthesia, adjunctive analgesia, treatment-resistant depression, but it also continues to be a notable substance of abuse. No specific antidotes exist for ketamine intoxication or overdose. Immunopharmacotherapy has demonstrated the ability to offer overdose protection through production of highly specific antibodies that prevent psychoactive drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier, although antiketamine antibodies have not yet been assessed or optimized for use in this approach. Moreover, generation of specific antibodies also provides an opportunity to address the role of 6-hydroxynorketamine metabolites in ketamine's rapid-acting antidepressant effect through selective restriction of metabolite access to the central nervous system. Hapten design is a critical element for tuning immune recognition of small molecules, as it affects the presentation of the target antigen and thus the quality and selectivity of the response. Here, we report the synthesis and optimization of carrier protein and conjugation conditions for an initial hapten, norketamine-N-COOH (NK-N-COOH), to optimize vaccination conditions and assess the functional consequences of such vaccination on ketamine-induced behavioral alterations occurring at dissociative-like (50 mg/kg) doses. Iterating from this initial approach, two additional haptens, ketamine-N-COOH (KET-N-COOH) and 6-hydroxynorketamine-N-COOH (HNK-N-COOH), were synthesized to target either ketamine or 6-hydroxynorketamine with greater selectivity. The ability of these haptens to generate antiketamine, antinorketamine, and anti-6-hydroxynorketamine immune responses in mice was then assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and competitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) methods. All three haptens provoked immune responses in vivo, although the KET-N-COOH and 6-HNK-N-COOH haptens yielded antibodies with 5- to 10-fold improvements in affinity for ketamine and/or 6-hydroxynorketamine, as compared to NK-N-COOH. Regarding selectivity, vaccines bearing a KET-N-COOH hapten yielded an antibody response with approximately equivalent Kd values against ketamine (86.4 ± 3.2 nM) and 6-hydroxynorketamine (74.1 ± 7.8 nM) and a 90-fold weaker Kd against norketamine. Contrastingly, 6-HNK-N-COOH generated the highest affinity and most selective antibody profile, with a 38.3 ± 4.7 nM IC50 against 6-hydroxynorketamine; Kd values for ketamine and norketamine were 33- to 105-fold weaker, at 1290 ± 281.5 and 3971 ± 2175 nM, respectively. Overall, these findings support the use of rational hapten design to generate antibodies capable of distinguishing between structurally related, yet mechanistically distinct, compounds arising from the same precursor molecule. As applied to the production of the first-reported anti-6-hydroxynorketamine antibodies to date, this approach demonstrates a promising path forward for identifying the individual and combinatorial roles of ketamine and its metabolites in supporting rewarding effects and/or rapid-acting antidepressant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Jillian L Kyzer
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Adam Worob
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Cody J Wenthur
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Zhang J, Ma L, Hashimoto Y, Wan X, Shan J, Qu Y, Hashimoto K. (R)-Ketamine ameliorates lethal inflammatory responses and multi-organ injury in mice induced by cecum ligation and puncture. Life Sci 2021; 284:119882. [PMID: 34384829 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome arising from infection-induced uncontrolled systemic inflammatory responses. Patients surviving severe sepsis also exhibit increased mortality due to enhanced vulnerability to infections. In this study, we examined whether (R)-ketamine could prevent against lethal sepsis-induced systemic inflammation and inflammatory organ injury. MAIN METHODS Septic model was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery on adult mice. (R)-ketamine (10 or 15 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally (i.p.) 24 h before and/or immediately after CLP. KEY FINDINGS Combined prophylactic and therapeutic use of (R)-ketamine (10 mg/kg), as well as either prophylactic or therapeutic use of (R)-ketamine at a single dose of 15 mg/kg did not reduce 14-day mortality after CLP. However, combined prophylactic and therapeutic use of (R)-ketamine (15 mg/kg) significantly increased 14-day survival rate, attenuated sepsis-induced marked drop in the rectal temperature and increase in the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines [i.e., interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and IL-10] 12 h after CLP. Furthermore, (R)-ketamine alleviated sepsis-induced increase in the organ injury markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), myocardial kinase (CK-MB), and creatinine 24 h after CLP. Moreover, the increased lung wet/dry weight ratio, pulmonary morphological injury and the pulmonary levels of inflammatory cytokines were also attenuated by (R)-ketamine. SIGNIFICANCE Combined prophylactic and therapeutic use of (R)-ketamine could attenuate systemic inflammation and inflammatory multi-organ injury in mice after CLP-induced lethal sepsis. Therefore, (R)-ketamine would be a potential prophylactic and therapeutic drug for patients prone to sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Yaeko Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Department of Respirology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Jiajing Shan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Rafało-Ulińska A, Pałucha-Poniewiera A. The effectiveness of (R)-ketamine and its mechanism of action differ from those of (S)-ketamine in a chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 418:113633. [PMID: 34673124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
(S)-ketamine has been approved as a rapid-acting antidepressant drug (RAAD). Although ketamine has an advantage over classic antidepressants (ADs) due to its rapid action, it remains a controversial drug due to its undesirable effects. Behavioral studies indicate that another enantiomer of ketamine, namely, (R)-ketamine, has been proposed as a safer but still effective RAAD. However, these conclusions have not been confirmed in any model of depression based on chronic environmental stress, which effectively reflects the core symptoms of this disease. Thus, we decided to compare the effects of (R)- and (S)-ketamine on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in mice. Behavioral studies showed that (R)-ketamine induced anti-anhedonic and anti-apathetic efficacy up to seven days after administration, while the (S)-ketamine effect persisted up to 24 h or 3 days after injection. The behavioral effects of (R)-ketamine depended on the activation of TrkB receptors, while the (S)-ketamine effects did not. Western blot analyses showed that (S)-ketamine action might be related to both mTOR and ERK pathway activation and to the increased expression of GluA1 protein in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In contrast, (R)-ketamine did not change ERK phosphorylation in the PFC, while it increased mTOR expression. (S)-Ketamine produced behavioral effects indicative of possible side effects in the dose range studied, while (R)-ketamine did not. This indicates that (R)-ketamine may be more effective, have a longer-lasting effect, and be safer to use than (S)-ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rafało-Ulińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pałucha-Poniewiera
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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Zhang J, Ma L, Wan X, Shan J, Qu Y, Hashimoto K. (R)-Ketamine attenuates LPS-induced endotoxin-derived delirium through inhibition of neuroinflammation. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2743-2753. [PMID: 34313805 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE (R)-Ketamine produced beneficial effects in a variety of models of inflammatory diseases, including low dose of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.5-1.0 mg/kg)-induced endotoxemia. LPS-treated mice have been used as animal model of delirium. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of (R)-ketamine in neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in rodents after administration of high dose of LPS. METHODS LPS (5 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to mice. (R)-Ketamine (10 mg/kg) was administrated i.p. 24 h before and/or 10 min after LPS injection. RESULTS LPS (5.0 mg/kg) caused a remarkable splenomegaly and increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [i.e., interleukin (IL-6), IL-17A, and interferon (IFN)-γ]. There were positive correlations between spleen weight and plasma cytokines levels. Furthermore, LPS led to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Moreover, LPS impaired the natural and learned behaviors, as demonstrated by a decrease in the number of mice's entries and duration in the novel arm in the Y maze test and an increase in the latency of mice to eat the food in the buried food test. Interestingly, the treatment with (R)-ketamine (twice 24 h before and 10 min after LPS injection) significantly attenuated LPS-induced splenomegaly, central and systemic inflammation, and cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION Our results highlighted the importance of combined prophylactic and therapeutic use of (R)-ketamine in the attenuation of LPS-induced systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in mice. It is likely that (R)-ketamine could be a prophylactic drug for delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Jiajing Shan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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