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Sánchez ML, Rodríguez FD, Coveñas R. Involvement of the Opioid Peptide Family in Cancer Progression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1993. [PMID: 37509632 PMCID: PMC10377280 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071993] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides mediate cancer progression favoring the mitogenesis, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, promoting metastasis and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, and facilitating angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis. Tumor cells overexpress peptide receptors, crucial targets for developing specific treatments against cancer cells using peptide receptor antagonists and promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Opioids exert an antitumoral effect, whereas others promote tumor growth and metastasis. This review updates the findings regarding the involvement of opioid peptides (enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins) in cancer development. Anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting the opioid peptidergic system and the main research lines to be developed regarding the topic reviewed are suggested. There is much to investigate about opioid peptides and cancer: basic information is scarce, incomplete, or absent in many tumors. This knowledge is crucial since promising anticancer strategies could be developed alone or in combination therapies with chemotherapy/radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lisardo Sánchez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco D Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Group GIR-USAL: BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Group GIR-USAL: BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Perioperative administration of propranolol to women undergoing ovarian cancer surgery: A pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2017; 60:170-177. [PMID: 28344958 PMCID: PMC5364099 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.2.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was done to evaluate whether perioperative propranolol (ß-blocker) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing debulking surgery reduced perioperative tumor growth induced by surgical stress. Methods This was a prospective randomized single institution analysis. The primary objective was to compare the changes in CA 125 level (changes between preoperation day 2 and postoperative day 7). As a study arm, patients received a low dose of propranolol 40 mg/day (4×10 mg) starting two days before surgery and 40 mg twice daily for three days following surgery. Results Twenty-two patients were enrolled and 16 were evaluable for efficacy. The drug was well tolerated. The mean decrease of CA 125 during the seven perioperative days was 83.1±8.9% in the propranolol group and 72.4±14.7% in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.044). The change of C-reactive protein, cortisol, and anxiety score (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-X1) were not different between the two groups. Conclusion This preliminary result is the first to directly test the role of perioperative propranolol on tumor growth. Even with the small sample size and short term use of the drug, perioperative propranolol was effective in reducing tumor burden (as measured by CA 125) suggesting its potential benefits in decreasing perioperative tumor growth.
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Babcock J, Herrera A, Coricor G, Karch C, Liu AH, Rivera-Gines A, Ko JL. Mechanism Governing Human Kappa-Opioid Receptor Expression under Desferrioxamine-Induced Hypoxic Mimic Condition in Neuronal NMB Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010211. [PMID: 28117678 PMCID: PMC5297840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular adaptation to hypoxia is a protective mechanism for neurons and relevant to cancer. Treatment with desferrioxamine (DFO) to induce hypoxia reduced the viability of human neuronal NMB cells. Surviving/attached cells exhibited profound increases of expression of the human kappa-opioid receptor (hKOR) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The functional relationship between hKOR and HIF-1α was investigated using RT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase reporter, mutagenesis, siRNA and receptor-ligand binding assays. In surviving neurons, DFO increased HIF-1α expression and its amount in the nucleus. DFO also dramatically increased hKOR expression. Two (designated as HIFC and D) out of four potential HIF response elements of the hKOR gene (HIFA-D) synergistically mediated the DFO response. Mutation of both elements completely abolished the DFO-induced effect. The CD11 plasmid (containing HIFC and D with an 11 bp spacing) produced greater augmentation than that of the CD17 plasmid (HIFC and D with a 17 bp-spacing), suggesting that a proper topological interaction of these elements synergistically enhanced the promoter activity. HIF-1α siRNA knocked down the increase of endogenous HIF-1α messages and diminished the DFO-induced increase of hKOR expression. Increased hKOR expression resulted in the up-regulation of hKOR protein. In conclusion, the adaptation of neuronal hKOR under hypoxia was governed by HIF-1, revealing a new mechanism of hKOR regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Babcock
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - Alberto Herrera
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - George Coricor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - Christopher Karch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - Alexander H Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - Aida Rivera-Gines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
| | - Jane L Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.
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Fundamental Principles of Cancer Biology: Does it have relevance to the perioperative period? CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 5:250-256. [PMID: 26388704 DOI: 10.1007/s40140-015-0122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to metastasize, which is the main cause of cancer-related mortality. Besides intrinsic alternations in cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor growth and metastasis. Ample evidence suggests that the perioperative period and the excision of the primary tumor can promote the development of metastases and can influence long-term cancer patient outcomes. The role of cancer biology and its impact on the perioperative period are of increasing interest. This review will present evidence regarding fundamental principles of cancer biology, especially tumor microenvironment, and discuss new therapeutic opportunities in the perioperative timeframe. We will also discuss the regulatory signaling that could be relevant to various aspects of surgery and surgical responses, which could facilitate the metastatic process by directly or indirectly affecting malignant tissues and the tumor microenvironment. We address the influences of surgery-related stress, anesthetic and analgesic agents, blood transfusion, hypothermia, and β-adrenergic blockade administration on tumor growth and metastasis. Through an improved understanding of these processes, we will provide suggestions for potential new perioperative approaches aimed at improving treatment outcomes of cancer patients.
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Horowitz M, Neeman E, Sharon E, Ben-Eliyahu S. Exploiting the critical perioperative period to improve long-term cancer outcomes. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2015; 12:213-26. [PMID: 25601442 PMCID: PMC5497123 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that the perioperative period and the excision of the primary tumour can promote the development of metastases—the main cause of cancer-related mortality. This Review first presents the assertion that the perioperative timeframe is pivotal in determining long-term cancer outcomes, disproportionally to its short duration (days to weeks). We then analyse the various aspects of surgery, and their consequent paracrine and neuroendocrine responses, which could facilitate the metastatic process by directly affecting malignant tissues, and/or through indirect pathways, such as immunological perturbations. We address the influences of surgery-related anxiety and stress, nutritional status, anaesthetics and analgesics, hypothermia, blood transfusion, tissue damage, and levels of sex hormones, and point at some as probable deleterious factors. Through understanding these processes and reviewing empirical evidence, we provide suggestions for potential new perioperative approaches and interventions aimed at attenuating deleterious processes and ultimately improving treatment outcomes. Specifically, we highlight excess perioperative release of catecholamines and prostaglandins as key deleterious mediators of surgery, and we recommend blockade of these responses during the perioperative period, as well as other low-risk, low-cost interventions. The measures described in this Review could transform the perioperative timeframe from a prominent facilitator of metastatic progression, to a window of opportunity for arresting and/or eliminating residual disease, potentially improving long-term survival rates in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Horowitz
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sharet Building, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Elad Neeman
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sharet Building, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Eran Sharon
- Department of Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach-Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sharet Building, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Bundscherer A, Malsy M, Bitzinger D, Graf BM. [Interaction of anesthetics and analgesics with tumor cells]. Anaesthesist 2014; 63:313-25. [PMID: 24584840 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-014-2310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The results of preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the perioperative period is a vulnerable period for cancer progression and metastasis. The risk of cancer cell dissemination is enhanced by the combination of surgical manipulation and perioperative immunosuppression. Whether the oncological outcome of cancer patients can be influenced by the choice of anesthetic techniques is still a matter of debate. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of cancer and interaction of anesthetic and analgesic drugs with cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bundscherer
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz Josef Strauß Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland,
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Mika J, Popiolek-Barczyk K, Rojewska E, Makuch W, Starowicz K, Przewlocka B. Delta-opioid receptor analgesia is independent of microglial activation in a rat model of neuropathic pain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104420. [PMID: 25105291 PMCID: PMC4126741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The analgesic effect of delta-opioid receptor (DOR) ligands in neuropathic pain is not diminished in contrast to other opioid receptor ligands, which lose their effectiveness as analgesics. In this study, we examine whether this effect is related to nerve injury-induced microglial activation. We therefore investigated the influence of minocycline-induced inhibition of microglial activation on the analgesic effects of opioid receptor agonists: morphine, DAMGO, U50,488H, DPDPE, Deltorphin II and SNC80 after chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in rats. Pre-emptive and repeated administration of minocycline (30 mg/kg, i.p.) over 7 days significantly reduced allodynia and hyperalgesia as measured on day 7 after CCI. The antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of intrathecally (i.t.) administered morphine (10–20 µg), DAMGO (1–2 µg) and U50,488H (25–50 µg) were significantly potentiated in rats after minocycline, but no such changes were observed after DPDPE (10–20 µg), deltorphin II (1.5–15 µg) and SNC80 (10–20 µg) administration. Additionally, nerve injury-induced down-regulation of all types of opioid receptors in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia was not influenced by minocycline, which indicates that the effects of opioid ligands are dependent on other changes, presumably neuroimmune interactions. Our study of rat primary microglial cell culture using qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of mu-opioid receptors (MOR) and kappa-opioid receptors (KOR), further we provide the first evidence for the lack of DOR on microglial cells. In summary, DOR analgesia is different from analgesia induced by MOR and KOR receptors because it does not dependent on injury-induced microglial activation. DOR agonists appear to be the best candidates for new drugs to treat neuropathic pain.
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MESH Headings
- 3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer/administration & dosage
- 3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer/therapeutic use
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
- Cells, Cultured
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/administration & dosage
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Male
- Microglia/cytology
- Microglia/drug effects
- Microglia/metabolism
- Minocycline/administration & dosage
- Minocycline/therapeutic use
- Morphine/administration & dosage
- Morphine/therapeutic use
- Neuralgia/drug therapy
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mika
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
- * E-mail: (BP); (JM)
| | | | - Ewelina Rojewska
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
- * E-mail: (BP); (JM)
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Brewer KL, Baran CA, Whitfield BR, Jensen AM, Clemens S. Dopamine D3 receptor dysfunction prevents anti-nociceptive effects of morphine in the spinal cord. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:62. [PMID: 24966815 PMCID: PMC4052813 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) modulates spinal reflexes, including nociceptive reflexes, in part via the D3 receptor subtype. We have previously shown that mice lacking the functional D3 receptor (D3KO) exhibit decreased paw withdrawal latencies from painful thermal stimuli. Altering the DA system in the CNS, including D1 and D3 receptor systems, reduces the ability of opioids to provide analgesia. Here, we tested if the increased pain sensitivity in D3KO might result from a modified μ-opioid receptor (MOR) function at the spinal cord level. As D1 and D3 receptor subtypes have competing cellular effects and can form heterodimers, we tested if the changes in MOR function may be mediated in D3KO through the functionally intact D1 receptor system. We assessed thermal paw withdrawal latencies in D3KO and wild type (WT) mice before and after systemic treatment with morphine, determined MOR and phosphorylated MOR (p-MOR) protein expression levels in lumbar spinal cords, and tested the functional effects of DA and MOR receptor agonists in the isolated spinal cord. In vivo, a single morphine administration (2 mg/kg) increased withdrawal latencies in WT but not D3KO, and these differential effects were mimicked in vitro, where morphine modulated spinal reflex amplitudes (SRAs) in WT but not D3KO. Total MOR protein expression levels were similar between WT and D3KO, but the ratio of pMOR/total MOR was higher in D3KO. Blocking D3 receptors in the isolated WT cord precluded morphine's inhibitory effects observed under control conditions. Lastly, we observed an increase in D1 receptor protein expression in the lumbar spinal cord of D3KO. Our data suggest that the D3 receptor modulates the MOR system in the spinal cord, and that a dysfunction of the D3 receptor can induce a morphine-resistant state. We propose that the D3KO mouse may serve as a model to study the onset of morphine resistance at the spinal cord level, the primary processing site of the nociceptive pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kori L Brewer
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Christine A Baran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Brian R Whitfield
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
| | - A Marley Jensen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stefan Clemens
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
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Meta-analysis of the effects of beta blocker on survival time in cancer patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 140:1179-88. [PMID: 24671228 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was to elucidate the potential benefit of beta blockers on cancer survival. METHODS We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to April 2013. Two authors independently screened and reviewed the eligibility of each study and coded the participants, treatment, and outcome characteristics. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Twelve studies published between 1993 and 2013 were included in the final analysis. Four papers reported results from 10 independent groups, resulting in a total of 18 comparisons based on data obtained from 20,898 subjects. Effect sizes (hazard ratios, HR) were heterogeneous, and random-effects models were used in the analyses. The meta-analysis demonstrated that beta blocker use is associated with improved OS (HR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.67-0.93; p = 0.004) and DFS (HR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.53-0.91; p = 0.009). Although statistically not significant, the effect size was greater in patients with low-stage cancer or cancer treated primarily with surgery than in patients with high-stage cancer or cancer treated primarily without surgery (HR 0.60 vs. 0.78, and 0.60 vs. 0.80, respectively). Although only two study codes were analyzed, the studies using nonselective beta blockers showed that there was no overall effect on OS (HR 0.52, 95 % CI 0.09-3.04). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides evidence that beta blocker use can be associated with the prolonged survival of cancer patients, especially patients with early-stage cancer treated primarily with surgery.
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Neeman E, Zmora O, Ben-Eliyahu S. A new approach to reducing postsurgical cancer recurrence: perioperative targeting of catecholamines and prostaglandins. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:4895-902. [PMID: 22753587 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Surgery is a crucial intervention in most cancer patients, but the perioperative period is characterized by increased risks for future outbreak of preexisting micrometastases and the initiation of new metastases-the major cause of cancer-related death. Here we argue that the short perioperative period is disproportionately critical in determining long-term recurrence rates, discuss the various underlying risk factors that act synergistically during this period, and assert that this time frame presents an unexplored opportunity to reduce long-term cancer recurrence. We then address physiologic mechanisms that underlie these risk factors, focusing on excess perioperative release of catecholamines and prostaglandins, which were recently shown to be prominent in facilitating cancer recurrence through their direct impact on the malignant tissue and its microenvironment, and through suppressing antimetastatic immunity. The involvement of the immune system is further discussed in light of accumulating evidence in cancer patients, and given the recent identification of endogenously activated unique leukocyte populations which, if not suppressed, can destroy autologous "immune-resistant" tumor cells. We then review animal studies and human correlative findings, suggesting the efficacy of blocking catecholamines and/or prostaglandins perioperatively, limiting metastasis and increasing survival rates. Finally, we propose a specific perioperative pharmacologic intervention in cancer patients, based on simultaneous β-adrenergic blockade and COX-2 inhibition, and discuss specific considerations for its application in clinical trials, including our approved protocol. In sum, we herein present the rationale for a new approach to reduce long-term cancer recurrence by using a relatively safe, brief, and inexpensive intervention during the perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Neeman
- Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Gabrilovac J, Čupić B, Zapletal E, Brozovic A. IFN-γ up-regulates kappa opioid receptors (KOR) on murine macrophage cell line J774. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 245:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rőszer T, Bánfalvi G. FMRFamide-related peptides: anti-opiate transmitters acting in apoptosis. Peptides 2012; 34:177-85. [PMID: 21524675 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Members of the FMRFamide-related peptide (FaRP) family are neurotransmitters, hormone-like substances and tumor suppressor peptides. In mammals, FaRPs are considered as anti-opiate peptides due to their ability to inhibit opioid signaling. Some FaRPs are asserted to attenuate opiate tolerance. A recently developed chimeric FaRP (Met-enkephalin-FMRFa) mimics the analgesic effects of opiates without the development of opiate-dependence, displaying a future therapeutical potential in pain reduction. In this review we support the notion, that opiates and representative members of the FaRP family show overlapping effects on apoptosis. Binding of FaRPs to opioid receptors or to their own receptors (G-protein linked membrane receptors and acid-sensing ion channels) evokes or suppresses cell death, in a cell- and receptor-type manner. With the dramatically increasing incidence of opiate abuse and addiction, understanding of opioid-induced cell death, and in this context FaRPs will deserve growing attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Rőszer
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology & Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-third consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2010 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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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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14
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Kelm CA, Forbes-Lorman RM, Auger CJ, Riters LV. Mu-opioid receptor densities are depleted in regions implicated in agonistic and sexual behavior in male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) defending nest sites and courting females. Behav Brain Res 2010; 219:15-22. [PMID: 21147175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Social status and resource availability can strongly influence individual behavioral responses to conspecifics. In European starlings, males that acquire nest sites sing in response to females and dominate other males. Males without nest sites sing, but not to females, and they do not interact agonistically with other males. Little is known about the neural regulation of status- or resource-appropriate behavioral responses to conspecifics. Opioid neuropeptides are implicated in birdsong and agonistic behavior, suggesting that opioids may underlie differences in the production of these behaviors in males with and without nest sites. Here, we examined densities of immunolabeled mu-opioid receptors in groups of male starlings. Males that defended nest boxes dominated other males and sang at higher rates when presented with a female than males without nest boxes, independent of testosterone concentrations. Multiple regression analyses showed nest box ownership (not agonistic behavior or singing) predicted the optical density of receptor labeling in the medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus, ventral tegmental area and the medial preoptic nucleus. Compared to males without nest boxes, males with nest boxes had lower densities of immunolabeled mu-opioid receptors in these regions. Singing additionally predicted the area covered by labeling in the ventral tegmental area. The results suggest that elevated opioid activity in these regions suppresses courtship and agonistic behavioral responses to conspecifics in males without nest boxes. The findings are consistent with a dynamic role for opioid receptors in adjusting social behavior so that it is appropriate given the resources available to an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Kelm
- Department of Zoology, 428 Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Avenue, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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