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Wani SN, Grewal AK, Khan H, Singh TG. Elucidating the molecular symphony: unweaving the transcriptional & epigenetic pathways underlying neuroplasticity in opioid dependence and withdrawal. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1955-1981. [PMID: 39254835 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06684-9] [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: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The persistent use of opioids leads to profound changes in neuroplasticity of the brain, contributing to the emergence and persistence of addiction. However, chronic opioid use disrupts the delicate balance of the reward system in the brain, leading to neuroadaptations that underlie addiction. Chronic cocaine usage leads to synchronized alterations in gene expression, causing modifications in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), a vital part of the reward system of the brain. These modifications assist in the development of maladaptive behaviors that resemble addiction. Neuroplasticity in the context of addiction involves changes in synaptic connectivity, neuronal morphology, and molecular signaling pathways. Drug-evoked neuroplasticity in opioid addiction and withdrawal represents a complicated interaction between environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Identifying specific transcriptional and epigenetic targets that can be modulated to restore normal neuroplasticity without disrupting essential physiological processes is a critical consideration. The discussion in this article focuses on the transcriptional aspects of drug-evoked neuroplasticity, emphasizing the role of key transcription factors, including cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), ΔFosB, NF-kB, Myocyte-enhancing factor 2 (MEF2), Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), E2F3a, and FOXO3a. These factors regulate gene expression and lead to the neuroadaptive changes observed in addiction and withdrawal. Epigenetic regulation, which involves modifying gene accessibility by controlling these structures, has been identified as a critical component of addiction development. By unraveling these complex molecular processes, this study provides valuable insights that may pave the way for future therapeutic interventions targeting the mechanisms underlying addiction and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Nazir Wani
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
- Aman Pharmacy College, Dholakhera, Udaipurwati, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, 333307, India
| | - Amarjot Kaur Grewal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.
| | - Heena Khan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
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Cheng J, Wang B, Hu H, Lin X, Liu Y, Lin J, Zhang J, Niu S, Yan J. Regulation of histone acetylation by garcinol blocks the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116414. [PMID: 38460374 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116414] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-associated long-term memories underlie substance use disorders, including heroin use disorder (HUD), which are difficult to eliminate through existing therapies. Addictive memories may become unstable when reexposed to drug-related cues and need to be stabilized again through protein resynthesis. Studies have shown the involvement of histone acetylation in the formation and reconsolidation of long-term drug-associated memory. However, it remains unknown whether and how histone acetyltransferases (HAT), the essential regulators of histone acetylation, contribute to the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memories. Herein, we investigated the function of HAT in the reconsolidation concerning heroin-conditioned memory by using a rat self-administration model. Systemic administration of the HAT inhibitor garcinol inhibited cue and heroin-priming induced reinstatement of heroin seeking, indicating the treatment potential of garcinol for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Cheng
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Hongkun Hu
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xinzhu Lin
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830001, China
| | - Shuliang Niu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830001, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830001, China.
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Cheng J, Hu H, Ju Y, Liu J, Wang M, Liu B, Zhang Y. Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids and depression: deep insight into biological mechanisms and potential applications. Gen Psychiatr 2024; 37:e101374. [PMID: 38390241 PMCID: PMC10882305 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101374] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem known as the 'second brain'. Composing the microbiota-gut-brain axis, the gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate the central nervous system through neural, endocrine and immune pathways to ensure the normal functioning of the organism, tuning individuals' health and disease status. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main bioactive metabolites of the gut microbiota, are involved in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. SCFAs have essential effects on each component of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression. In the present review, the roles of major SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) in the pathophysiology of depression are summarised with respect to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, host epigenome and neuroendocrine alterations. Concluding remarks on the biological mechanisms related to gut microbiota will hopefully address the clinical value of microbiota-related treatments for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongkun Hu
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumeng Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Mental Health Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
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