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Ramos‐Gonzalez N, Groom S, Sutcliffe KJ, Bancroft S, Bailey CP, Sessions RB, Henderson G, Kelly E. Carfentanil is a β-arrestin-biased agonist at the μ opioid receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2341-2360. [PMID: 37005796 PMCID: PMC10952505 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16084] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The illicit use of fentanyl-like drugs (fentanyls), which are μ opioid receptor agonists, and the many overdose deaths that result, has become a major problem. Fentanyls are very potent in vivo, leading to respiratory depression and death. However, the efficacy and possible signalling bias of different fentanyls is not clearly known. Here, we compared the relative efficacy and bias of a series of fentanyls. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For agonist signalling bias and efficacy measurements, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer experiments were undertaken in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with μ opioid receptors, to assess Gi protein activation and β-arrestin 2 recruitment. Agonist-induced cell surface receptor loss was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whilst agonist-induced G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel current activation was measured electrophysiologically from rat locus coeruleus slices. Ligand poses in the μ opioid receptor were determined in silico using molecular dynamics simulations. KEY RESULTS Relative to the reference ligand DAMGO, carfentanil was β-arrestin-biased, whereas fentanyl, sufentanil and alfentanil did not display bias. Carfentanil induced potent and extensive cell surface receptor loss, whilst the marked desensitisation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in the continued presence of carfentanil in neurones was prevented by a GRK2/3 inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested unique interactions of carfentanil with the orthosteric site of the receptor that could underlie the bias. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Carfentanil is a β-arrestin-biased opioid drug at the μ receptor. It is uncertain how such bias influences in vivo effects of carfentanil relative to other fentanyls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam Groom
- Department of Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Katy J. Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Sukhvinder Bancroft
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Chris P. Bailey
- Department of Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of BathBathUK
| | | | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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2
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Lunghini F, Fava A, Pisapia V, Sacco F, Iaconis D, Beccari AR. ProfhEX: AI-based platform for small molecules liability profiling. J Cheminform 2023; 15:60. [PMID: 37296454 DOI: 10.1186/s13321-023-00728-6] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Off-target drug interactions are a major reason for candidate failure in the drug discovery process. Anticipating potential drug's adverse effects in the early stages is necessary to minimize health risks to patients, animal testing, and economical costs. With the constantly increasing size of virtual screening libraries, AI-driven methods can be exploited as first-tier screening tools to provide liability estimation for drug candidates. In this work we present ProfhEX, an AI-driven suite of 46 OECD-compliant machine learning models that can profile small molecules on 7 relevant liability groups: cardiovascular, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal, pulmonary and immune system toxicities. Experimental affinity data was collected from public and commercial data sources. The entire chemical space comprised 289'202 activity data for a total of 210'116 unique compounds, spanning over 46 targets with dataset sizes ranging from 819 to 18896. Gradient boosting and random forest algorithms were initially employed and ensembled for the selection of a champion model. Models were validated according to the OECD principles, including robust internal (cross validation, bootstrap, y-scrambling) and external validation. Champion models achieved an average Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.84 (SD of 0.05), an R2 determination coefficient of 0.68 (SD = 0.1) and a root mean squared error of 0.69 (SD of 0.08). All liability groups showed good hit-detection power with an average enrichment factor at 5% of 13.1 (SD of 4.5) and AUC of 0.92 (SD of 0.05). Benchmarking against already existing tools demonstrated the predictive power of ProfhEX models for large-scale liability profiling. This platform will be further expanded with the inclusion of new targets and through complementary modelling approaches, such as structure and pharmacophore-based models. ProfhEX is freely accessible at the following address: https://profhex.exscalate.eu/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Lunghini
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80123, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Fava
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80123, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pisapia
- Professional Service Department, SAS Institute, Via Darwin 20/22, 20143, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Sacco
- Professional Service Department, SAS Institute, Via Darwin 20/22, 20143, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80123, Naples, Italy
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3
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Kelly E, Sutcliffe K, Cavallo D, Ramos-Gonzalez N, Alhosan N, Henderson G. The anomalous pharmacology of fentanyl. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:797-812. [PMID: 34030211 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a key therapeutic, used in anaesthesia and pain management. It is also increasingly used illicitly and is responsible for a large and growing number of opioid overdose deaths, especially in North America. A number of factors have been suggested to contribute to fentanyl's lethality, including rapid onset of action, in vivo potency, ligand bias, induction of muscle rigidity and reduced sensitivity to reversal by naloxone. Some of these factors can be considered to represent 'anomalous' pharmacological properties of fentanyl when compared with prototypical opioid agonists such as morphine. In this review, we examine the nature of fentanyl's 'anomalous' properties, to determine whether there is really a pharmacological basis to support the existence of such properties, and also discuss whether such properties are likely to contribute to overdose deaths involving fentanyls. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Damiana Cavallo
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Norah Alhosan
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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4
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Xie B, Goldberg A, Shi L. A comprehensive evaluation of the potential binding poses of fentanyl and its analogs at the µ-opioid receptor. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2309-2321. [PMID: 35615021 PMCID: PMC9123087 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogs are selective agonists of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR). Among novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), they dominate the recreational drug market and are the main culprits for the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By taking advantage of the crystal structures of the MOR, several groups have investigated the binding mechanism of fentanyl, but have not reached a consensus, in terms of both the binding orientation and the fentanyl conformation. Thus, the binding mechanism of fentanyl at the MOR remains an unsolved and challenging question. Here, we carried out a systematic computational study to investigate the preferred fentanyl conformations, and how these conformations are being accommodated in the MOR binding pocket. We characterized the free energy landscape of fentanyl conformations with metadynamics simulations, and compared and evaluated several possible fentanyl binding conditions in the MOR with long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations. Our results indicate that the most preferred binding pose in the MOR binding pocket corresponds well with the global minimum on the energy landscape of fentanyl in the absence of the receptor, while the energy landscape can be reconfigured by modifying the fentanyl scaffold. The interactions with the receptor may stabilize a slightly unfavored fentanyl conformation in an alternative binding pose. By extending similar investigations to fentanyl analogs, our findings establish a structure–activity relationship of fentanyl binding at the MOR. In addition to providing a structural basis to understand the potential toxicity of the emerging NSOs, such insights will contribute to developing new, safer analgesics.
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5
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Opioid Receptors and Protonation-Coupled Binding of Opioid Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413353. [PMID: 34948150 PMCID: PMC8707250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) part of cell signaling paths of direct interest to treat pain. Pain may associate with inflamed tissue characterized by acidic pH. The potentially low pH at tissue targeted by opioid drugs in pain management could impact drug binding to the opioid receptor, because opioid drugs typically have a protonated amino group that contributes to receptor binding, and the functioning of GPCRs may involve protonation change. In this review, we discuss the relationship between structure, function, and dynamics of opioid receptors from the perspective of the usefulness of computational studies to evaluate protonation-coupled opioid-receptor interactions.
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6
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Giannos T, Lešnik S, Bren U, Hodošček M, Domratcheva T, Bondar AN. CHARMM Force-Field Parameters for Morphine, Heroin, and Oliceridine, and Conformational Dynamics of Opioid Drugs. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3964-3977. [PMID: 34351148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Opioid drug binding to specialized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can lead to analgesia upon activation via downstream Gi protein signaling and to severe side effects via activation of the β-arrestin signaling pathway. Knowledge of how different opioid drugs interact with receptors is essential, as it can inform and guide the design of safer therapeutics. We performed quantum and classical mechanical computations to explore the potential energy landscape of four opioid drugs: morphine and its derivatives heroin and fentanyl and for the unrelated oliceridine. From potential energy profiles for bond twists and from interactions between opioids and water, we derived a set of force-field parameters that allow a good description of structural properties and intermolecular interactions of the opioids. Potential of mean force profiles computed from molecular dynamics simulations indicate that fentanyl and oliceridine have complex energy landscapes with relatively small energy penalties, suggesting that interactions with the receptor could select different binding poses of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Giannos
- Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Samo Lešnik
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Milan Hodošček
- Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatiana Domratcheva
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.,Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms, Max-Planck-Institut fur Medizinische Forschung, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomiştilor 405, Măgurele 077125, Romania.,Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5/INM-9), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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7
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Seth R, Kuppalli SS, Nadav D, Chen G, Gulati A. Recent Advances in Peripheral Opioid Receptor Therapeutics. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:46. [PMID: 33970352 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-021-00951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although opioids are excellent analgesics, they are associated with severe short- and long-term side effects that are especially concerning for the treatment of chronic pain. Peripherally acting opioid receptor agonists promise to mitigate the more serious centrally mediated side effects of opioids, and the goal of this paper is to identify and elaborate on recent advances in these peripheral opioid receptor therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS Peripheral opioid receptor agonists are effective analgesics that at the same time circumvent the problem of centrally mediated opioid side effects by (1) preferentially targeting peripheral opioid receptors that are often the source of the pain and (2) their markedly diminished permeability or activity across the blood-brain barrier. Recent novel bottom-up approaches have been notable for the design of therapeutics that are either active only at inflamed tissue, as in the case of fentanyl-derived pH-sensitive opioid ligands, or too bulky or hydrophilic to cross the blood-brain barrier, as in the case of morphine covalently bound to hyperbranched polyglycerols. Recent innovations in peripheral opioid receptor therapeutics of pH-sensitive opioid ligands and limiting opioid permeability across the blood-brain barrier have had promising results in animal models. While this is grounds for optimism that some of these therapeutics will be efficacious in human subjects at a future date, each drug must undergo individualized testing for specific chronic pain syndromes to establish not only the nuances of each drug's therapeutic effect but also a comprehensive safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Seth
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Sumanth S Kuppalli
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Danielle Nadav
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grant Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amitabh Gulati
- Department of Anesthesiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Ricarte A, Dalton JAR, Giraldo J. Structural Assessment of Agonist Efficacy in the μ-Opioid Receptor: Morphine and Fentanyl Elicit Different Activation Patterns. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1251-1274. [PMID: 33448226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the opioid epidemic in the United States and Canada has evidenced the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of medications used to fight pain. Morphine and fentanyl are widely used in opiate-mediated analgesia for the treatment of chronic pain. These compounds target the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In light of described higher efficacy of fentanyl with respect to morphine, we have performed independent μs-length unbiased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of MOR complexes with each of these ligands, including the MOR antagonist naltrexone as a negative control. Consequently, MD simulations totaling 58 μs have been conducted to elucidate at the atomic level ligand-specific receptor activity and signal transmission in the MOR. In particular, we have identified stable binding poses of morphine and fentanyl, which interact differently with the MOR. Different ligand-receptor interaction landscapes directly induce sidechain conformational changes of orthosteric pocket residues: Asp1493.32, Tyr1503.33, Gln1262.60, and Lys2355.39. The induced conformations determine Asp1493.32-Tyr3287.43 sidechain-sidechain interactions and Trp2956.48-Ala2425.46 sidechain-backbone H-bond formations, as well as Met1533.36 conformational changes. In addition to differences in ligand binding, different intracellular receptor conformational changes are observed as morphine preferentially activates transmembrane (TM) helices: TM3 and TM5, while fentanyl preferentially activates TM6 and TM7. As conformational changes in TM6 and TM7 are widely described as being the most crucial aspect in GPCR activation, this may contribute to the greater efficacy of fentanyl over morphine. These computationally observed functional differences between fentanyl and morphine may provide new avenues for the design of safer but not weaker opioid drugs because it is desirable to increase the safety of medicines without sacrificing their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Ricarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - James A R Dalton
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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9
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Lešnik S, Hodošček M, Bren U, Stein C, Bondar AN. Potential Energy Function for Fentanyl-Based Opioid Pain Killers. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:3566-3576. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samo Lešnik
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Milan Hodošček
- National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia, Theory Department, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Christoph Stein
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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10
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Assessment of structure-activity relationships and biased agonism at the Mu opioid receptor of novel synthetic opioids using a novel, stable bio-assay platform. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113910. [PMID: 32179045 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fentanyl and morphine are agonists of the Mu opioid receptor (MOR), which is a member of the GPCR family. Their analgesic effects are associated with unwanted side effects. On a signaling level downstream from MOR, it has been hypothesized that analgesia may be mediated through the G protein pathway, whereas the undesirable effects of opioids have been linked to the β-arrestin (βarr) pathway. Despite being an increasingly debated subject, little is known about a potential 'bias' (i.e. the preferential activation of one pathway over the other) of the novel synthetic opioids (NSO) - including fentanyl analogs - that have emerged on the illegal drug market. We have therefore developed and applied a novel, robust bio-assay platform to study the activity of 21 NSO, to evaluate to what extent these MOR agonists show biased agonism and to investigate the potential correlation with their structure. In addition, we evaluated the functional selectivity of TRV130, a purported G protein-biased agonist. We applied newly established stable bio-assays in HEK293T cells, based on the principle of functional complementation of a split nanoluciferase, to assess MOR activation via recruitment of a mini-Gi protein (GTPase domain of Gαi subunit) or βarr2. All but two of the tested NSO demonstrated a concentration-dependent response at MOR in both bio-assays. The developed bio-assays allow to gain insight into the βarr2 or G protein recruitment potential of NSO, which may eventually help to better understand why certain opioids are associated with higher toxicity. Adding to the recent discussion about the relevance of the biased agonism concept for opioids, we did not observe a significant bias for any of the evaluated compounds, including TRV130.
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11
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Meyer J, Del Vecchio G, Seitz V, Massaly N, Stein C. Modulation of μ-opioid receptor activation by acidic pH is dependent on ligand structure and an ionizable amino acid residue. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4510-4520. [PMID: 31355457 PMCID: PMC6932940 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Adverse side effects of conventional opioids can be avoided if ligands selectively activate peripheral opioid receptors in injured tissue. Injury and inflammation are typically accompanied by acidification. In this study, we examined influences of low pH and mutation of the ionizable amino acid residue H2976.52 on μ‐opioid receptor binding and signalling induced by the μ‐opioid receptor ligands fentanyl, DAMGO, and naloxone. Experimental Approach HEK 293 cells stably transfected with μ‐opioid receptors were used to study opioid ligand binding, [35S]‐GTPγS binding, and cAMP reduction at physiological and acidic pH. We used μ‐opioid receptors mutated at H2976.52 to A (MOR‐H2976.52A) to delineate ligand‐specific interactions with H2976.52. Key Results Low pH and the mutant receptor MOR‐H2976.52A impaired naloxone binding and antagonism of cAMP reduction. In addition, DAMGO binding and G‐protein activation were decreased under these conditions. Fentanyl‐induced signalling was not influenced by pH and largely independent of H2976.52. Conclusions and Implications Our investigations indicate that low pH selectively impairs μ‐opioid receptor signalling modulated by ligands capable of forming hydrogen bonds with H2976.52. We propose that protonation of H2976.52 at acidic pH reduces binding and subsequent signalling of such ligands. Novel agonists targeting opioid receptors in injured tissue might benefit from lack of hydrogen bond formation with H2976.52.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Meyer
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanna Del Vecchio
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Viola Seitz
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Stein
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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12
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are the oldest and most potent drugs for the treatment of severe pain but they are burdened by detrimental side effects, such as respiratory depression, addiction potential, sedation, nausea and constipation. Their clinical application is undisputed in the treatment of acute (e.g. perioperative) and cancer pain but their long-term use in chronic pain has met increasing criticism and has contributed to the current "opioid crisis". OBJECTIVES This article reviews the pharmacological principles and new research strategies aiming at novel opioids with reduced side effects. The basic mechanisms underlying pain and opioid analgesia and other effects of opioids are outlined. To illustrate the clinical situation and medical problems, the plasticity of opioid receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, endogenous and exogenous opioid receptor ligands, central and peripheral sites of analgesic and side effects are discussed. CONCLUSION The epidemic of opioid misuse has shown that there is a lack of fundamental knowledge about the characteristics and management of chronic pain, that conflicts of interest and validity of models must be more intensively considered in the context of drug development and that novel analgesics with less addictive potential are urgently needed. Currently, the most promising perspectives appear to be augmenting endogenous opioid actions and the selective activation of peripheral opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Stein
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Deutschland.
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13
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Molecular dynamics of fentanyl bound to μ-opioid receptor. J Mol Model 2019; 25:144. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-019-3999-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. The newly designed, pH-dependent opioid agonist NFEPP induced analgesia exclusively through peripheral opioid receptors in models of neuropathic and abdominal pain. Recently, (±)-N-(3-fluoro-1-phenethylpiperidine-4-yl)-N-phenyl propionamide (NFEPP), a newly designed μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist with a low pKa, has been shown to produce injury-restricted analgesia in models of inflammatory and postoperative pain, without exhibiting typical opioid side effects. Here, we investigated MOR binding of NFEPP in brain and dorsal root ganglia, pH in injured tissues, and the analgesic efficacy of NFEPP compared with fentanyl in a chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain, and in the acetic acid–induced abdominal writhing assay in rats. Binding experiments revealed significantly lower affinity of NFEPP compared with fentanyl at pH 7.4. In vivo, pH significantly dropped both at injured nerves after chronic constriction injury and in the abdominal cavity after acetic acid administration. Intravenous NFEPP as well as fentanyl dose-dependently diminished neuropathy-induced mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, and acetic acid–induced abdominal constrictions. In both models, NFEPP-induced analgesia was fully reversed by naloxone methiodide, a peripherally restricted opioid receptor antagonist, injected at the nerve injury site or into the abdominal cavity. Our results indicate that NFEPP exerts peripheral opioid receptor–mediated analgesia exclusively in damaged tissue in models of neuropathic and abdominal pain.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are the oldest and most potent drugs for the treatment of severe pain but they are burdened by detrimental side effects, such as respiratory depression, addiction potential, sedation, nausea and constipation. Their clinical application is undisputed in the treatment of acute (e.g. perioperative) and cancer pain but their long-term use in chronic pain has met increasing criticism and has contributed to the current "opioid crisis". OBJECTIVES This article reviews the pharmacological principles and new research strategies aiming at novel opioids with reduced side effects. The basic mechanisms underlying pain and opioid analgesia and other effects of opioids are outlined. To illustrate the clinical situation and medical problems, the plasticity of opioid receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, endogenous and exogenous opioid receptor ligands, central and peripheral sites of analgesic and side effects are discussed. CONCLUSION The epidemic of opioid misuse has shown that there is a lack of fundamental knowledge about the characteristics and management of chronic pain, that conflicts of interest and validity of models must be more intensively considered in the context of drug development and that novel analgesics with less addictive potential are urgently needed. Currently, the most promising perspectives appear to be augmenting endogenous opioid actions and the selective activation of peripheral opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Stein
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Deutschland.
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16
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Burns SM, Cunningham CW, Mercer SL. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Fentanyl. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2428-2437. [PMID: 29894151 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl rose to prominence as an alternative analgesic to morphine nearly 50 years ago; today, fentanyl has re-emerged as a dangerous recreational substance. The increased potency and analgesic effect of fentanyl are advantageous in the treatment of pain but are also responsible for the rise in unintentional opioid overdose deaths. In response to this crisis, fentanyl, its analogues, and even precursors are under heightened regulatory scrutiny. Despite this controversial history, derivatization of fentanyl has resulted in numerous synthetic analogues that provide valuable insights into opioid receptor binding and signaling events. In this review, the impact of fentanyl on chemical neuroscience is shown through its synthesis and properties, manufacturing, metabolism, pharmacology, approved and off-label indications, adverse effects, and the responsibility it has in the opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Mallory Burns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee 37204, United States
| | - Christopher W. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097, United States
| | - Susan L. Mercer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee 37204, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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17
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioids are the oldest and most potent drugs for the treatment of severe pain, but they are burdened by detrimental side effects such as respiratory depression, addiction, sedation, nausea, and constipation. Their clinical application is undisputed in acute (e.g. perioperative) and cancer pain, but their long-term use in chronic pain has met increasing scrutiny and has contributed to the current 'opioid crisis.' AREAS COVERED This article reviews pharmacological principles and research strategies aiming at novel opioids with reduced side effects. Basic mechanisms underlying pain, opioid analgesia, and other opioid actions are outlined. To illustrate the clinical situation and medical needs, plasticity of opioid receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, endogenous and exogenous opioid receptor ligands, central and peripheral sites of analgesic, and side effects are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The epidemic of opioid misuse has taught us that there is a lack of fundamental knowledge about the characteristics and management of chronic pain, that conflicts of interest and validity of models must be considered in the context of drug development, and that novel analgesics with less abuse liability are badly needed. Currently, the most promising perspectives appear to be augmenting endogenous opioid actions and selectively targeting pathological conformations of peripheral opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Stein
- a Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Campus Benjamin Franklin , Charité Universitätsmedizin , Berlin , Germany
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18
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Nami M, Salehi P, Dabiri M, Bararjanian M, Gharaghani S, Khoramjouy M, Al-Harrasi A, Faizi M. Synthesis of novel norsufentanil analogs via a four-component Ugi reaction and in vivo, docking, and QSAR studies of their analgesic activity. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 91:902-914. [PMID: 29222847 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Novel substituted amino acid tethered norsufentanil derivatives were synthesized by the four-component Ugi reaction. Norsufentanil was reacted with succinic anhydride to produce the corresponding carboxylic acid. The resulting carboxylic acid has undergone a multicomponent reaction with different aldehydes, amines, and isocyanides to produce a library of the desired compounds. In all cases, amide bond rotation was observed in the NMR spectra. In vivo analgesic activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated by a tail flick test. Very encouraging results were obtained for a number of the synthesized products. Some of the synthesized compounds such as 5a, 5b, 5h, 5j, and 5r were found to be more potent than sufentanil, sufentanil citrate, and norsufentanil. Binding modes between the compounds and mu and delta-opioid receptors were studied by molecular docking method. The relationship between the molecular structural features and the analgesic activity was investigated by a quantitative structure-activity relationship model. The results of the molecular modeling studies and the in vivo analgesic activity suggested that the majority of the synthesized compounds were more potent than sufentanil and norsufentanil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Nami
- Faculty of Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Salehi
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Dabiri
- Faculty of Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Bararjanian
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Gharaghani
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Drug Design (LBD), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Khoramjouy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- UoN Chair of Oman`S Medicinal Plants and Marine Natural, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Mehrdad Faizi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Spahn V, Del Vecchio G, Labuz D, Rodriguez-Gaztelumendi A, Massaly N, Temp J, Durmaz V, Sabri P, Reidelbach M, Machelska H, Weber M, Stein C. A nontoxic pain killer designed by modeling of pathological receptor conformations. Science 2017; 355:966-969. [PMID: 28254944 DOI: 10.1126/science.aai8636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Indiscriminate activation of opioid receptors provides pain relief but also severe central and intestinal side effects. We hypothesized that exploiting pathological (rather than physiological) conformation dynamics of opioid receptor-ligand interactions might yield ligands without adverse actions. By computer simulations at low pH, a hallmark of injured tissue, we designed an agonist that, because of its low acid dissociation constant, selectively activates peripheral μ-opioid receptors at the source of pain generation. Unlike the conventional opioid fentanyl, this agonist showed pH-sensitive binding, heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) subunit dissociation by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate inhibition in vitro. It produced injury-restricted analgesia in rats with different types of inflammatory pain without exhibiting respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, or addiction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Spahn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - G Del Vecchio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - D Labuz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - A Rodriguez-Gaztelumendi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - N Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - J Temp
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - V Durmaz
- Computational Molecular Design, Zuse-Institut Berlin, Takustrasse 7, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - P Sabri
- Computational Molecular Design, Zuse-Institut Berlin, Takustrasse 7, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - M Reidelbach
- Computational Molecular Design, Zuse-Institut Berlin, Takustrasse 7, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - H Machelska
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - M Weber
- Computational Molecular Design, Zuse-Institut Berlin, Takustrasse 7, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - C Stein
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany.
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20
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Noha SM, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Structure-Activity Relationship Explorations of 14-Oxygenated N-Methylmorphinan-6-ones as Potent μ-Opioid Receptor Agonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1327-1337. [PMID: 28125215 PMCID: PMC5481819 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Among opioids, morphinans
are of major importance as the most effective
analgesic drugs acting primarily via μ-opioid receptor (μ-OR)
activation. Our long-standing efforts in the field of opioid analgesics
from the class of morphinans led to N-methylmorphinan-6-ones
differently substituted at positions 5 and 14 as μ-OR agonists
inducing potent analgesia and fewer undesirable effects. Herein we
present the first thorough molecular modeling study and structure–activity
relationship (SAR) explorations aided by docking and molecular dynamics
(MD) simulations of 14-oxygenated N-methylmorphinan-6-ones
to gain insights into their mode of binding to the μ-OR and
interaction mechanisms. The structure of activated μ-OR provides
an essential model for how ligand/μ-OR binding is encoded within
small chemical differences in otherwise structurally similar morphinans.
We reveal important molecular interactions that these μ-agonists
share and distinguish them. The molecular docking outcomes indicate
the crucial role of the relative orientation of the ligand in the
μ-OR binding site, influencing the propensity of critical non-covalent
interactions that are required to facilitate ligand/μ-OR interactions
and receptor activation. The MD simulations point out minor differences
in the tendency to form hydrogen bonds by the 4,5α-epoxy group,
along with the tendency to affect the 3–7 lock switch. The
emerged SARs reveal the subtle interplay between the substituents
at positions 5 and 14 in the morphinan scaffold by enabling the identification
of key structural elements that determine the distinct pharmacological
profiles. This study provides a significant structural basis for understanding
ligand binding and μ-OR activation by the 14-oxygenated N-methylmorphinan-6-ones, which should be useful for guiding
drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M. Noha
- Computer-Aided
Molecular Design (CAMD) Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck
(CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Opioid
Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute
of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Opioid
Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute
of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Jarończyk M, Lipiński PFJ, Dobrowolski JC, Sadlej J. The FMO analysis of the molecular interaction of fentanyl derivatives with the μ-opioid receptor. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-017-0136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Rees CL, White CM, Ascoli GA. Neurochemical Markers in the Mammalian Brain: Structure, Roles in Synaptic Communication, and Pharmacological Relevance. Curr Med Chem 2017; 24:3077-3103. [PMID: 28413962 PMCID: PMC5646670 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170414163506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of molecular marker (typically protein or mRNA) expression in neural systems can provide insight to the chemical blueprint of signal processing and transmission, assist in tracking developmental or pathological progressions, and yield key information regarding potential medicinal targets. These markers are particularly relevant in the mammalian brain in the light of its unsurpassed cellular diversity. Accordingly, molecular expression profiling is rapidly becoming a major approach to classify neuron types. Despite a profusion of research, however, the biological functions of molecular markers commonly used to distinguish neuron types remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, most molecular markers of mammalian neuron types are also present in other organs, therefore complicating considerations of their potential pharmacological interactions. OBJECTIVE Here, we survey 15 prominent neurochemical markers from five categories, namely membrane transporters, calcium-binding proteins, neuropeptides, receptors, and extracellular matrix proteins, explaining their relation and relevance to synaptic communication. METHOD For each marker, we summarize fundamental structural features, cellular functionality, distributions within and outside the brain, as well as known drug effectors and mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION This essential primer thus links together the cellular complexity of the brain, the chemical properties of key molecular players in neurotransmission, and possible biomedical opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Rees
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Charise M. White
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Giorgio A. Ascoli
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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23
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Monti L, Stefanucci A, Pieretti S, Marzoli F, Fidanza L, Mollica A, Mirzaie S, Carradori S, De Petrocellis L, Schiano Moriello A, Benyhe S, Zádor F, Szűcs E, Ötvös F, Erdei AI, Samavati R, Dvorácskó S, Tömböly C, Novellino E. Evaluation of the analgesic effect of 4-anilidopiperidine scaffold containing ureas and carbamates. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2016; 31:1638-47. [DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2016.1160902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Monti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy,
| | | | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento del Farmaco, Rome, Italy,
| | - Francesca Marzoli
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento del Farmaco, Rome, Italy,
| | - Lorenzo Fidanza
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento del Farmaco, Rome, Italy,
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy,
| | - Sako Mirzaie
- Department of Biochemistry, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran,
| | - Simone Carradori
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy,
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Naples, Italy,
| | - Aniello Schiano Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Naples, Italy,
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Ferenc Ötvös
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Anna I. Erdei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Reza Samavati
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary, and
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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24
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Melent'ev AB, Kataev SS. [Metabolism of designer drugs. The fentanyl derivatives]. Sud Med Ekspert 2015; 58:39-46. [PMID: 26710514 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed201558539-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This literature review is focused on the studies of metabolism of designer drugs, with special reference to fentanyl derivatives. Certain physicochemical characteristics of the main metabolites most frequently encountered in the illegal trade of the fentanyl group analgesics have been calculated. The proposed recommendations include the methods for the identification of certain fentanyl derivatives during analysis of biological media.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Melent'ev
- Chelyabinsk Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454076
| | - S S Kataev
- Perm Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Perm, Russia, 614077
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25
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Silva-Torres L, Veléz C, Álvarez L, Zayas B. Xylazine as a drug of abuse and its effects on the generation of reactive species and DNA damage on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. J Toxicol 2014; 2014:492609. [PMID: 25435874 PMCID: PMC4243599 DOI: 10.1155/2014/492609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human xylazine (XYL) abuse among addicts has received great interest due to its potential toxic effects upon addicts and the need to understand the mechanism of action associated with the potential health effects. XYL is an alpha-2 agonist restricted to veterinarian applications, without human medical applications. Our previous work demonstrated that XYL and its combination with cocaine (COC) and/or 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) induce cell death through an apoptotic mechanism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of xylazine on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as well as DNA damage on endothelial cell. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with XYL (60 μM), COC (160 μM), 6-MAM (160 μM), camptothecin (positive control, 50 μM), XYL/COC (50 μM), XYL/6-MAM (50 μM), and XYL/COC/6-MAM (40 μM) for a period of 24 hours. Generation of intracellular ROS, RNS, and DNA fragmentation were analyzed using a fluorometric assay. Results reveal that XYL and 6-MAM increase levels of ROS; no induction of RNS production was observed. The combination of these drugs shows significant increase in DNA fragmentation in G2/M phase, while XYL, COC, and 6-MAM, without combination, present higher DNA fragmentation in G0/G1 phase. These findings support that these drugs and their combination alter important biochemical events aligned with an apoptotic mechanism of action in HUVEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Silva-Torres
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, P.O. Box 335067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA
- Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Science, PR, USA
| | - Christian Veléz
- School of Environmental Affairs, Universidad Metropolitana, PR, USA
| | - Lyvia Álvarez
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, P.O. Box 335067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA
- Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Science, PR, USA
| | - Beatriz Zayas
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, P.O. Box 335067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA
- School of Environmental Affairs, Universidad Metropolitana, PR, USA
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26
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Vardanyan RS, Hruby VJ. Fentanyl-related compounds and derivatives: current status and future prospects for pharmaceutical applications. Future Med Chem 2014; 6:385-412. [PMID: 24635521 PMCID: PMC4137794 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogs have been mainstays for the treatment of severe to moderate pain for many years. In this review, we outline the structural and corresponding synthetic strategies that have been used to understand the structure-biological activity relationship in fentanyl-related compounds and derivatives and their biological activity profiles. We discuss how changes in the scaffold structure can change biological and pharmacological activities. Finally, recent efforts to design and synthesize novel multivalent ligands that act as mu and delta opioid receptors and NK-1 receptors are discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Fentanyl/chemical synthesis
- Fentanyl/chemistry
- Fentanyl/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Neuralgia/drug therapy
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben S Vardanyan
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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27
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A comparison of the antinociceptive and temperature responses to morphine and fentanyl derivatives in rats. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 36:501-8. [PMID: 23440583 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0072-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In addition to producing antinociception, opioids exert profound effects on body temperature. This study aimed at comparing antinociceptive and hyperthermic responses between two groups of μ-opioid receptor agonists: fentanyl (4-anilinopiperidine-type) and morphine (phenanthrene-type) derivatives in rats. Analgesic activity was assessed by tail immersion test and the body temperature by insertion of a thermometer probe into the colon. Fentanyl (F), (±)-cis-3-methyl fentanyl (CM), (±)-cis-3-carbomethoxy fentanyl (C), (±)trans-3-carbomethoxy fentanyl (T) and (±)-cis-3 butyl fentanyl (B) produced dose-dependent increase in antinociception and hyperthermia. The relative order of analgesic potency was: CM(11.27)>F(1)>C(0.35)≥T(0.11)≥B(0.056). Similar to this, the relative order of hyperthermic potency was: CM(8.43)>F(1)>C(0.46)≥T(0.11)≥B(0.076). Morphine (M), oxycodone (O), thebacon (T) and 6,14-ethenomorphinan-7-methanol, 4,5-epoxy-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-α,α,17-trimethyl-, (5α,7α) (E) also produced dose-dependent increase in antinociception and hyperthermia. Among morphine derivatives the relative order of analgesic potency was: E(56)>O(5)≥T(2.6)>M(1), and similar to this, the relative order of hyperthermic potency was: E(37)>O(3)≥T(2.3)>M(1). Morphine (phenanthrene-type) and fentanyl (4-anilinopiperidine-type) derivatives produced hyperthermia in rats at doses about 2 times lower, and 6-11 times higher, than their median antinociceptive doses, respectively. This study is first to identify difference between these two classes of opioid drugs in their potencies in producing hyperthermia. Further studies are needed to clarify the significance of these findings.
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28
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Riches JR, Read RW, Black RM, Cooper NJ, Timperley CM. Analysis of clothing and urine from Moscow theatre siege casualties reveals carfentanil and remifentanil use. J Anal Toxicol 2012; 36:647-56. [PMID: 23002178 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bks078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On October 26, 2002, Russian Special Forces deployed a chemical aerosol against Chechen terrorists to rescue hostages in the Dubrovka theatre. Its use confirmed Russian military interest in chemicals with effects on personnel and caused 125 deaths through a combination of the aerosol and inadequate medical care. This study provides evidence from liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of extracts of clothing from two British survivors, and urine from a third survivor, that the aerosol comprised a mixture of two anaesthetics--carfentanil and remifentanil--whose relative proportions this study was unable to identify. Carfentanil and remifentanil were found on a shirt sample and a metabolite called norcarfentanil was found in a urine sample. This metabolite probably originated from carfentanil.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Riches
- Detection Department, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory-Dstl, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK
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29
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Gentilucci L, Tolomelli A, De Marco R, Spampinato S, Bedini A, Artali R. The Inverse Type II β-Turn on D-Trp-Phe, a Pharmacophoric Motif for MOR Agonists. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1640-53. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Prommer E, Thompson L. Intranasal fentanyl for pain control: current status with a focus on patient considerations. Patient Prefer Adherence 2011; 5:157-64. [PMID: 21573046 PMCID: PMC3090376 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s7665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Of several newer delivery systems under development and investigation for the administration of opioids, the intranasal route has received a substantial amount of attention. Intranasal administration is a convenient form of delivery that is applicable to several opioids. It has the potential for self-administration, combined with a rapid onset of action, allowing for patient-controlled analgesia. In clinical practice, intranasal administration has been found to be a reliable drug delivery method that is familiar to patients. Intranasal opioids have proven to be useful in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital pain management settings. Fentanyl, a highly lipophilic step 3 opioid, has been evaluated for intranasal administration. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of the nasal route of opioid administration and examine the evidence base for the use of fentanyl intranasally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Prommer
- Correspondence: Eric Prommer, Director of Palliative Care, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Assistant Professor, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd, Room 4E 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85054, USA, Tel +1 480 342 2000, Fax +1 480 342 2088, Email
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MICOVIC VUK, JURANIC IVAN. INTERACTION OF BRIDGED PIPERAZINE DERIVATIVES WITH THE μ-OPIOID RECEPTOR — A THEORETICAL MODEL. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219633610005566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The flexible molecular docking was used to study interactions between a series of 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes, 9,10-diazatricyclo[4.2.1.1]decanes, and 2,7-diazatricyclo [4.4.0.0]decanes N-substituted by propanoyl and by arylalkenyl groups, and a model of the μ-opioid receptor. It has been found that the optimal position and orientation of the compounds in the ligand–receptor complex resemble that of fentanyl analogs described earlier.1 This model explains stereochemical effects on binding of the two series of 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes, suggesting that the steric interaction of the bridge methylenic group plays the major role in modulating μ-receptor affinity of those molecules. Ab initio B3LYP method was used to determine electrostatic potentials of different bridged piperazine derivatives, and to estimate electrostatic contribution to the ligand–receptor complex stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- VUK MICOVIC
- Institute for General and Physical Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - IVAN JURANIC
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade and Center of Chemistry, IChTM, Studentski Trg 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Prommer
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
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Yongye AB, Appel JR, Giulianotti MA, Dooley CT, Medina-Franco JL, Nefzi A, Houghten RA, Martínez-Mayorga K. Identification, structure-activity relationships and molecular modeling of potent triamine and piperazine opioid ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:5583-97. [PMID: 19576786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors are important targets for pain management. Here, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of three positional scanning combinatorial libraries, consisting of linear triamines and piperazines. A highly potent (14 nM) and selective (IC(50(mu))/IC(50(kappa))=71; IC(50(delta))/IC(50(kappa))=714) triamine for the kappa-opioid receptor was found. In addition, non-selective mu-kappa binders were obtained, with binding affinities of 54 nM and 22 nM for mu- and kappa-opioid receptors, respectively. Structure-activity relationships of each subset are described. 3D molecular alignments based on shape similarity to internal and external query molecules were carried out. For the combinatorial chemistry dataset studied here a 1.3 similarity cut-off value was observed to be efficient in the rocs-based alignment method. Interactions from the overlays analyzed in the binding sites of homology models of the receptors revealed specific substitution patterns for enhancing binding affinity in the piperazine series. Pharmacophore modeling of the compounds found from the three combinatorial libraries was also performed. The pharmacophore model indicated that the important feature for receptor binding activity with the mu-receptor was the presence of at least one hydrogen bond acceptor and one aromatic hydrophobic group. Whereas for the kappa-receptor two binding modes emerged with one set of compounds employing the hydrogen bond acceptor and aromatic hydrophobic group, and a second set possibly via interactions with the receptor by hydrophobic and ionic salt-bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Yongye
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Room 132, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
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Location of the hydrophobic pocket in the binding site of fentanyl analogs in the µ-opioid receptor. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2007. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc0707643d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fentanyl is a highly potent and clinically widely used narcotic analgesic. The synthesis of its analogs remains a challenge in an attempt to develop highly selective ?-opioid receptor agonists with specific pharmacological properties. In this paper, the use of flexible molecular docking of several specific fentanyl analogs to the ?-opioid receptor model, in order to test the hypothesis that the hydrophobic pocket accommodates alkyl groups at position 3 of the fentanyl skeleton, is described. The stereoisomers of the following compounds were studied: cis- and trans-3-methylfentanyl, 3,3-dimethylfentanyl, cis- and trans-3-ethylfentanyl, cis- and trans-3-propylfentanyl, cis-3-isopropylfentanyl and cis-3-benzylfentanyl. The optimal position and orientation of these fentanyl analogs in the binding pocket of the ?-receptor, explaining their enantiospecific potency, were determined. It was found that the 3-alkyl group of cis-3R,4S and trans-3S,4S stereoisomers of all the active compounds occupies the hydrophobic pocket between TM5, TM6 and TM7, made up of the amino acids Trp318 (TM7), Ile322 (TM7), Ile301 (TM6) and Phe237 (TM5). However, the fact that this hydrophobic pocket can also accommodate the bulky 3-alkyl substituents of the two inactive compounds: cis-3-isopropylfentanyl, and cis-3-benzylfentanyl, indicates that this hydrophobic pocket in the employed receptor model is probably too large. .
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