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Tavakoli-Yaraki M, Abbasi A, Pishkenari FN, Baranipour S, Jahangirifard A, Mirtajani SB, Mejareh ZN, Vaezi MA, Yavarian J, Abdollahi B, Mokhtari-Azad T, Salimi V. Beyond prediction: unveiling the prognostic power of μ-opioid and cannabinoid receptors, alongside immune mediators, in assessing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:398. [PMID: 38609845 PMCID: PMC11015610 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09280-6] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing the expression levels of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), μ-opioid receptor (MOR), MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin as predictors for the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overarching goal is to delineate the pathogenic mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Using quantitative Real-time PCR, we analyzed the gene expression levels of CB2 and MOR in nasopharynx specimens obtained from patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 46 individuals classified as having severe symptoms and 46 as non-severe. Additionally, we measured the circulating levels of MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin using an ELISA assay. We examined the predictive capabilities of these variables and explored their correlations across all patient groups. RESULTS Our results demonstrated a significant increase in MOR gene expression in the epithelium of patients with severe infection. The expression of CB2 receptor was also elevated in both male and female patients with severe symptoms. Furthermore, we observed concurrent rises in MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin levels in patients, which were linked to disease severity. CB2, MOR, MCP-1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and osteopontin showed strong predictive abilities in distinguishing between patients with varying degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity. Moreover, we identified a significant correlation between CB2 expression and the levels of MOR, MCP-1, osteopontin, and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the interconnected nature of molecular mediators in a sequential manner, suggesting that their overexpression may play a role in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Abbasi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nejat Pishkenari
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Baranipour
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Jahangirifard
- Lung Transplant Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Bashir Mirtajani
- Lung Transplant Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noorani Mejareh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Vaezi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jila Yavarian
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Bahare Abdollahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Talat Mokhtari-Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Iran.
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Lambert DG. Opioids and opioid receptors; understanding pharmacological mechanisms as a key to therapeutic advances and mitigation of the misuse crisis. BJA OPEN 2023; 6:100141. [PMID: 37588171 PMCID: PMC10430815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are a mainstay in acute pain management and produce their effects and side effects (e.g., tolerance, opioid-use disorder and immune suppression) by interaction with opioid receptors. I will discuss opioid pharmacology in some controversial areas of enquiry of anaesthetic relevance. The main opioid target is the µ (mu,MOP) receptor but other members of the opioid receptor family, δ (delta; DOP) and κ (kappa; KOP) opioid receptors also produce analgesic actions. These are naloxone-sensitive. There is important clinical development relating to the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor, an opioid receptor that is not naloxone-sensitive. Better understanding of the drivers for opioid effects and side effects may facilitate separation of side effects and production of safer drugs. Opioids bind to the receptor orthosteric site to produce their effects and can engage monomer or homo-, heterodimer receptors. Some ligands can drive one intracellular pathway over another. This is the basis of biased agonism (or functional selectivity). Opioid actions at the orthosteric site can be modulated allosterically and positive allosteric modulators that enhance opioid action are in development. As well as targeting ligand-receptor interaction and transduction, modulating receptor expression and hence function is also tractable. There is evidence for epigenetic associations with different types of pain and also substance misuse. As long as the opioid narrative is defined by the 'opioid crisis' the drive to remove them could gather pace. This will deny use where they are effective, and access to morphine for pain relief in low income countries.
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Bodnar RJ. Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2021. Peptides 2023; 164:171004. [PMID: 36990387 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the forty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2021 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonizts and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Roncato R, Angelini J, Pani A, Talotta R. Lipid rafts as viral entry routes and immune platforms: A double-edged sword in SARS-CoV-2 infection? Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159140. [PMID: 35248801 PMCID: PMC8894694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2022.159140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipid rafts are nanoscopic compartments of cell membranes that serve a variety of biological functions. They play a crucial role in viral infections, as enveloped viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can exploit rafts to enter or quit target cells. On the other hand, lipid rafts contribute to the formation of immune synapses and their proper functioning is a prerequisite for adequate immune response and viral clearance. In this narrative review we dissect the panorama focusing on this singular aspect of cell biology in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapy. A lipid raft-mediated mechanism can be hypothesized for many drugs recommended or considered for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants and antiviral agents. Furthermore, the additional use of lipid-lowering agents, like statins, may affect the lipid composition of membrane rafts and thus influence the processes occurring in these compartments. The combination of drugs acting on lipid rafts may be successful in the treatment of more severe forms of the disease and should be reserved for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Roncato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), via Gallini, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Jacopo Angelini
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), via Pozzuolo, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Arianna Pani
- Toxicology Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, AOU "Gaetano Martino", University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
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