1
|
Arillotta D, Floresta G, Papanti Pelletier GD, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Martinotti G, Schifano F. Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci 2024; 14:617. [PMID: 38928616 PMCID: PMC11202225 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060617] [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] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in a range of central and peripheral pathways related to appetitive behavior. Hence, this study explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on substance and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, psychostimulants, compulsive shopping, and sex drive/libido. Data were collected from various social platforms. Keywords related to GLP-1 RAs and substance/behavioral addiction were used to extract relevant comments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze online discussions posted from December 2019 to June 2023 and collected using a specialized web application. Reddit entries were the focus here due to limited data from other platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube. A total of 5859 threads and related comments were extracted from six subreddits, which included threads about GLP-1 RAs drugs and associated brand names. To obtain relevant posts, keywords related to potential substance use and compulsive behavior were selected. Further analysis involved two main steps: (1) manually coding posts based on users' references to the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs on substance use and non-substance habits, excluding irrelevant or unclear comments; (2) performing a thematic analysis on the dataset of keywords, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. Second, a thematic analysis was performed on the keyword-related dataset, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. In total, 29.75% of alcohol-related; 22.22% of caffeine-related; and 23.08% of nicotine-related comments clearly stated a cessation of the intake of these substances following the start of GLP-1 RAs prescription. Conversely, mixed results were found for cannabis intake, and only limited, anecdotal data were made available for cocaine, entactogens, and dissociative drugs' misuse. Regarding behavioral addictions, 21.35% of comments reported a compulsive shopping interruption, whilst the sexual drive/libido elements reportedly increased in several users. The current mixed-methods approach appeared to be a useful tool in gaining insight into complex topics such as the effects of GLP-1 RAs on substance and non-substance addiction-related disorders; some GLP-1 RA-related mental health benefits could also be inferred from here. Overall, it appeared that GLP-1 RAs may show the potential to target both substance craving and maladaptive/addictive behaviors, although further empirical research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - G. Duccio Papanti Pelletier
- Tolmezzo Community Mental Health Centre, ASUFC Mental Health Department, Via Giuliano Bonanni, 2, 33028 Tolmezzo, Italy;
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK;
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology (ITAB), University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 21, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao Y, Yu Z, Song Y, Fan L, Lei T, He Y, Hu S. The Regulatory Network of CREB3L1 and Its Roles in Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:123-136. [PMID: 38164349 PMCID: PMC10750332 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.90189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
CREB3 subfamily belongs to the bZIP transcription factor family and comprises five members. Normally they are located on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes and proteolytically activated through RIP (regulated intramembrane proteolysis) on Golgi apparatus to liberate the N-terminus to serve as transcription factors. CREB3L1 acting as one of them transcriptionally regulates the expressions of target genes and exhibits distinct functions from the other members of CREB3 family in eukaryotes. Physiologically, CREB3L1 involves in the regulation of bone morphogenesis, neurogenesis, neuroendocrine, secretory cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Pathologically, CREB3L1 implicates in the modulation of osteogenesis imperfecta, low grade fibro myxoid sarcoma (LGFMS), sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF), glioma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and tissue fibrosis. This review summarizes the upstream and downstream regulatory network of CREB3L1 and thoroughly presents our current understanding of CREB3L1 research progress in both physiological and pathological conditions with special focus on the novel findings of CREB3L1 in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yajuan Song
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Liumeizi Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yinbin He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tsugiyama LE, Moraes RCM, Moraes YAC, Francis-Oliveira J. Promising new pharmacological targets for depression: The search for efficacy. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103804. [PMID: 37865307 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) still relies on the use of serotonergic drugs, despite their limited efficacy. A few mechanistically new drugs have been developed in recent years, but many fail in clinical trials. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain MDD pathophysiology, indicating that physiological processes such as neuroplasticity, circadian rhythms, and metabolism are potential targets. Here, we review the current state of pharmacological treatments for MDD, as well as the preclinical and clinical evidence for an antidepressant effect of molecules that target non-serotonergic systems. We offer some insights into the challenges facing the development of new antidepressant drugs, and the prospect of finding more effectiveness for each target discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Emiko Tsugiyama
- Kansai Medical University, Graduate School of Medicine, iPS Cell Applied Medicine, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ruan Carlos Macedo Moraes
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Birmingham, AL, USA; Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Human Physiology, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jose Francis-Oliveira
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Birmingham, AL, USA; Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Human Physiology, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aranäs C, Edvardsson CE, Shevchouk OT, Zhang Q, Witley S, Blid Sköldheden S, Zentveld L, Vallöf D, Tufvesson-Alm M, Jerlhag E. Semaglutide reduces alcohol intake and relapse-like drinking in male and female rats. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104642. [PMID: 37295046 PMCID: PMC10363436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have been found to reduce alcohol drinking in rodents and overweight patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the probability of low semaglutide doses, an agonist with higher potency and affinity for GLP-1R, to attenuate alcohol-related responses in rodents and the underlying neuronal mechanisms is unknown. METHODS In the intermittent access model, we examined the ability of semaglutide to decrease alcohol intake and block relapse-like drinking, as well as imaging the binding of fluorescently marked semaglutide to nucleus accumbens (NAc) in both male and female rats. The suppressive effect of semaglutide on alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation and in vivo dopamine release in NAc was tested in male mice. We evaluated effect of semaglutide on the in vivo release of dopamine metabolites (DOPAC and HVA) and gene expression of enzymes metabolising dopamine (MAOA and COMT) in male mice. FINDINGS In male and female rats, acute and repeated semaglutide administration reduced alcohol intake and prevented relapse-like drinking. Moreover, fluorescently labelled semaglutide was detected in NAc of alcohol-drinking male and female rats. Further, semaglutide attenuated the ability of alcohol to cause hyperlocomotion and to elevate dopamine in NAc in male mice. As further shown in male mice, semaglutide enhanced DOPAC and HVA in NAc when alcohol was onboard and increased the gene expression of COMT and MAOA. INTERPRETATION Altogether, this indicates that semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking behaviours, possibly via a reduction in alcohol-induced reward and NAc dependent mechanisms. As semaglutide also decreased body weight of alcohol-drinking rats of both sexes, upcoming clinical studies should test the plausibility that semaglutide reduces alcohol intake and body weight in overweight AUD patients. FUNDING Swedish Research Council (2019-01676), LUA/ALF (723941) from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Swedish brain foundation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cajsa Aranäs
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian E Edvardsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olesya T Shevchouk
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sarah Witley
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Blid Sköldheden
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lindsay Zentveld
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Vallöf
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maximilian Tufvesson-Alm
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|