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Obeng S, Crowley ML, Mottinelli M, León F, Zuarth Gonzalez JD, Chen Y, Gamez-Jimenez LR, Restrepo LF, Ho NP, Patel A, Martin-Rocha J, Alvarez MA, Thadisetti AM, Park CR, Pallares VLC, Milner MJ, Canal CE, Hampson AJ, McCurdy CR, McMahon LR, Wilkerson JL, Hiranita T. The Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) alkaloid mitragynine: analysis of adrenergic α 2 receptor activity in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176863. [PMID: 39068978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176863] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Mitragynine, an alkaloid present in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), has a complex pharmacology that includes low efficacy agonism at μ-opioid receptors (MORs). This study examined the activity of mitragynine at adrenergic α2 receptors (Aα2Rs) in vitro and in vivo. Mitragynine displaced a radiolabeled Aα2R antagonist ([3H]RX821002) from human Aα2ARs in vitro with lower affinity (Ki=1,260 nM) than the agonists (-)-epinephrine (Ki=263 nM) or lofexidine (Ki=7.42 nM). Mitragynine did not significantly stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding at Aα2ARs in vitro, but in rats trained to discriminate 32 mg/kg mitragynine from vehicle (intraperitoneally administered; i.p.), mitragynine exerted an Aα2R agonist-like effect. Both α2R antagonists (atipamezole and yohimbine) and MOR antagonists (naloxone and naltrexone) produced rightward shifts in mitragynine discrimination dose-effect function and Aα2R agonists lofexidine and clonidine produced leftward shifts. In the mitragynine trained rats, Aα2R agonists also produced leftward shifts in discrimination dose-effect functions for morphine and fentanyl. In a separate rat cohort trained to discriminate 3.2 mg/kg i.p. morphine from vehicle, naltrexone produced a rightward shift, but neither an Aα2R agonist or antagonist affected morphine discrimination. In a hypothermia assay, both lofexidine and clonidine produced marked effects antagonized by yohimbine. Mitragynine did not produce hypothermia. Together, these data demonstrate that mitragynine acts in vivo like an Aα2R agonist, although its failure to induce hypothermia or stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding in vitro, suggests that mitragynine maybe a low efficacy Aα2R agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Morgan L Crowley
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marco Mottinelli
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Francisco León
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Julio D Zuarth Gonzalez
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Lea R Gamez-Jimenez
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Luis F Restrepo
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nicholas P Ho
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Avi Patel
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Joelma Martin-Rocha
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Manuel A Alvarez
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Amsha M Thadisetti
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chai R Park
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Victoria L C Pallares
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Megan J Milner
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Aidan J Hampson
- Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Departments of Pharmaceutics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Departments of Translational Drug, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Takato Hiranita
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics, Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2022 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists 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, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Farkas DJ, Inan S, Heydari LN, Johnson CT, Zhao P, Bradshaw HB, Ward SJ, Rawls SM. Cannabinoid mechanisms contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the kratom alkaloid mitragynine against neuropathic, but not inflammatory pain. Life Sci 2023; 328:121878. [PMID: 37392779 PMCID: PMC10527577 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121878] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Mitragynine (MG) is an alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a plant used to self-treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal and pain. Kratom products are commonly used in combination with cannabis, with the self-treatment of pain being a primary motivator of use. Both cannabinoids and kratom alkaloids have been characterized to alleviate symptoms in preclinical models of neuropathic pain such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, the potential involvement of cannabinoid mechanisms in MG's efficacy in a rodent model of CIPN have yet to be explored. MAIN METHODS Prevention of oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and formalin-induced nociception were assessed following intraperitoneal administration of MG and CB1, CB2, or TRPV1 antagonists in wildtype and cannabinoid receptor knockout mice. The effects of oxaliplatin and MG exposure on the spinal cord endocannabinoid lipidome was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS. KEY FINDINGS The efficacy of MG on oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was partially attenuated upon genetic deletion of cannabinoid receptors, and completely blocked upon pharmacological inhibition of CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 channels. This cannabinoid involvement was found to be selective to a model of neuropathic pain, with minimal effects on MG-induced antinociception in a model of formalin-induced pain. Oxaliplatin was found to selectively disrupt the endocannabinoid lipidome in the spinal cord, which was prevented by repeated MG exposure. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that cannabinoid mechanisms contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the kratom alkaloid MG in a model of CIPN, which may result in increased therapeutic efficacy when co-administered with cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laila N Heydari
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clare T Johnson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sara Jane Ward
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Farkas DJ, Cooper ZD, Heydari LN, Hughes AC, Rawls SM, Ward SJ. Kratom Alkaloids, Cannabinoids, and Chronic Pain: Basis of Potential Utility and Role in Therapy. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37466474 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic neuropathic pain is as a severe detriment to overall quality of life for millions of Americans. Current pharmacological treatment options for chronic neuropathic pain are generally limited in efficacy and may pose serious adverse effects such as risk of abuse, nausea, dizziness, and cardiovascular events. Therefore, many individuals have resorted to methods of pharmacological self-treatment. This narrative review summarizes the existing literature on the utilization of two novel approaches for the treatment of chronic pain, cannabinoid constituents of Cannabis sativa and alkaloid constituents of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), and speculates on the potential therapeutic benefits of co-administration of these two classes of compounds. Methods: We conducted a narrative review summarizing the primary motivations for use of both kratom and cannabis products based on epidemiological data and summarize the pre-clinical evidence supporting the application of both kratom alkaloids and cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain. Data collection was performed using the PubMed electronic database. The following word combinations were used: kratom and cannabis, kratom and pain, cannabis and pain, kratom and chronic pain, and cannabis and chronic pain. Results: Epidemiological evidence reports that the self-treatment of pain is a primary motivator for use of both kratom and cannabinoid products among adult Americans. Further evidence shows that use of cannabinoid products may precede kratom use, and that a subset of individuals concurrently uses both kratom and cannabinoid products. Despite its growing popularity as a form of self-treatment of pain, there remains an immense gap in knowledge of the therapeutic efficacy of kratom alkaloids for chronic pain in comparison to that of cannabis-based products, with only three pre-clinical studies having been conducted to date. Conclusion: There is sufficient epidemiological evidence to suggest that both kratom and cannabis products are used to self-treat pain, and that some individuals actively use both drugs, which may produce potential additive or synergistic therapeutic benefits that have not yet been characterized. Given the lack of pre-clinical investigation into the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom alkaloids against forms of chronic pain, further research is warranted to better understand its application as a treatment alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laila N Heydari
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda C Hughes
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara Jane Ward
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Prevete E, Kuypers KPC, Theunissen EL, Esposito G, Ramaekers JG, Pasquini M, Corazza O. Clinical Implications of Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa) Use: a Literature Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:317-334. [PMID: 37266188 PMCID: PMC10177737 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This work aims to provide an up-to-date review of the preclinical and clinical scientific literature on the therapeutic value of kratom to better understand the underlying mechanisms related to its use and inform future therapeutic applications. Recent Findings A growing number of studies, mainly of cross-sectional nature, describe the widespread use of kratom by individuals to self-treat pain, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use disorders (SUD) outside a controlled clinical setting. Preclinical evidence suggests kratom is effective as an analgesic agent and might decrease the self-administration of other drugs. A randomized controlled trial has further supported kratom's therapeutic value as an analgesic. Investigations in nonclinical samples of long-term kratom users also indicate its therapeutic benefit in managing SUD symptoms (e.g., craving) and long-term or acute symptoms (e.g., withdrawal) for alcohol, opioids, and other illicit drugs. However, episodes of kratom-related intoxications have also been reported, often due to the adulteration and the contamination of kratom products mainly sold online or mixed toxicities when consumed outside clinical and traditional settings. Summary Evidence on the clinical implications of kratom use is still limited and uncertain, with kratom research constantly evolving. Therefore, further randomized trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Paula Colette Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Eef Lien Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Johannes Gerardus Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Pharmacological and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB UK
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Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor TPPU Alleviates Nab-Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain via Suppressing NF- κB Signalling in the Spinal Cord of a Rat. Pain Res Manag 2023; 2023:9058774. [PMID: 36819745 PMCID: PMC9931472 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9058774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a debilitating and difficult-to-treat side effect of paclitaxel. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) can rapidly metabolize the endogenous anti-inflammatory mediators' epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. This study aimed to assess whether the sEH inhibitor N-(1-(1-oxopropy)-4-piperidinyl]-N'-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)-urea (TPPU) plays a critical role in PIPN of rats and provides a new target for treatment. Methods A Sprague-Dawley male rat model of PIPN induced by nab-paclitaxel was established. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, nab-paclitaxel group, and nab-paclitaxel + TPPU (sEH inhibitor) group, with 36 rats in each group. The effects of the sEH inhibitor TPPU on behavioural assays, apoptosis, glial activation, axonal injury, microstructure, and permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier were detected, and the underlying mechanisms were explored by examining the expression of NF-κB signalling pathways, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Results The results showed that the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of rats were decreased after nab-paclitaxel treatment, accompanied by an increased expression of axonal injury-related proteins, enhanced cell apoptosis, aggravated destruction of vascular permeability, intense glial responses, and elevated inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the L4-L6 spinal cord. TPPU restored the mechanical and thermal thresholds, decreased cell apoptosis, alleviated axonal injury and glial responses, and protected vascular permeability by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins. TPPU relieved PIPN by inhibiting the activation of the sEH and NF-κB signalling pathways by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Conclusion These findings support a role for sEH in PIPN and suggest that the inhibition of sEH represents a potential new therapeutic target for PIPN.
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