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Bensing PC, Moye C, Leong KC. Oxytocin attenuates cocaine-associated place preference via the dorsal hippocampus in male and female rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 282:114599. [PMID: 38823754 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114599] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is the third largest cause of overdose-related deaths in the United States. Research investigating therapeutic targets for cocaine reward processes is key to combating this issue. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been shown to reduce cocaine reward processes, though specific mechanisms are not understood. This study examines the effect of intra-dorsal hippocampal (DH) OXT on the expression of cocaine context associations using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. In this paradigm, one of two visually distinct chambers is paired with a drug. With repeated pairings, control animals display preference for the drug-associated context by spending more time in that context at test. In the present study, four conditioning days took place where male and female rats were injected with either cocaine or saline and placed into the corresponding chamber. On test day, rats received infusions of OXT or saline (VEH) into the DH and were allowed access to both chambers. The results show that while VEH-infused rats displayed cocaine CPP, OXT-infused rats did not prefer the cocaine-paired chamber. These findings implicate the DH as necessary in the mechanism by which OXT acts to block the expression of cocaine-context associations, providing insight into how OXT may exert its therapeutic effect in cocaine reward processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige C Bensing
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chase Moye
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kah-Chung Leong
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.
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2
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Nohesara S, Mostafavi Abdolmaleky H, Thiagalingam S. Substance-Induced Psychiatric Disorders, Epigenetic and Microbiome Alterations, and Potential for Therapeutic Interventions. Brain Sci 2024; 14:769. [PMID: 39199463 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080769] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex biopsychosocial diseases that cause neurocognitive deficits and neurological impairments by altering the gene expression in reward-related brain areas. Repeated drug use gives rise to alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression of microRNAs in several brain areas that may be associated with the development of psychotic symptoms. The first section of this review discusses how substance use contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms via epigenetic alterations. Then, we present more evidence about the link between SUDs and brain epigenetic alterations. The next section presents associations between paternal and maternal exposure to substances and epigenetic alterations in the brains of offspring and the role of maternal diet in preventing substance-induced neurological impairments. Then, we introduce potential therapeutic agents/approaches such as methyl-rich diets to modify epigenetic alterations for alleviating psychotic symptoms or depression in SUDs. Next, we discuss how substance use-gut microbiome interactions contribute to the development of neurological impairments through epigenetic alterations and how gut microbiome-derived metabolites may become new therapeutics for normalizing epigenetic aberrations. Finally, we address possible challenges and future perspectives for alleviating psychotic symptoms and depression in patients with SUDs by modulating diets, the epigenome, and gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Nohesara
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14535, Iran
| | - Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Surgery, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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3
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Socha J, Grochecki P, Marszalek-Grabska M, Skrok A, Smaga I, Slowik T, Prazmo W, Kotlinski R, Filip M, Kotlinska JH. Cannabidiol Protects against the Reinstatement of Oxycodone-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Adolescent Male but Not Female Rats: The Role of MOR and CB1R. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6651. [PMID: 38928357 PMCID: PMC11204276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126651] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, appeared to satisfy several criteria for a safe approach to preventing drug-taking behavior, including opioids. However, most successful preclinical and clinical results come from studies in adult males. We examined whether systemic injections of CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during extinction of oxycodone (OXY, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) induced conditioned place preference (CPP) could attenuate the reinstatement of CPP brought about by OXY (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) priming in adolescent rats of both sexes, and whether this effect is sex dependent. Accordingly, a priming dose of OXY produced reinstatement of the previously extinguished CPP in males and females. In both sexes, this effect was linked to locomotor sensitization that was blunted by CBD pretreatments. However, CBD was able to prevent the reinstatement of OXY-induced CPP only in adolescent males and this outcome was associated with an increased cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and a decreased mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The reinstatement of CCP in females was associated with a decreased MOR expression, but no changes were detected in CB1R in the hippocampus (HIP). Moreover, CBD administration during extinction significantly potentialized the reduced MOR expression in the PFC of males and showed a tendency to potentiate the reduced MOR in the HIP of females. Additionally, CBD reversed OXY-induced deficits of recognition memory only in males. These results suggest that CBD could reduce reinstatement to OXY seeking after a period of abstinence in adolescent male but not female rats. However, more investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Socha
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Pawel Grochecki
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Skrok
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Tymoteusz Slowik
- Experimental Medicine Center, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Prazmo
- Breast Surgery Department, Provincial Specialist Hospital, Al. Krasnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Robert Kotlinski
- Clinical Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rzeszow, Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
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Marie N, Noble F. Oxycodone, an opioid like the others? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1229439. [PMID: 38152360 PMCID: PMC10751306 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1229439] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The over-prescription of opioid analgesics is a growing problem in the field of addiction, which has reached epidemic-like proportions in North America. Over the past decade, oxycodone has gained attention as the leading opioid responsible for the North America opioid crisis. Oxycodone is the most incriminated drug in the early years of the epidemic of opioid use disorder in USA (roughly 1999-2016). The number of preclinical articles on oxycodone is rapidly increasing. Several publications have already compared oxycodone with other opioids, focusing mainly on their analgesic properties. The aim of this review is to focus on the genomic and epigenetic regulatory features of oxycodone compared with other opioid agonists. Our aim is to initiate a discussion of perceptible differences in the pharmacological response observed with these various opioids, particularly after repeated administration in preclinical models commonly used to study drug dependence potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florence Noble
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Pharmacologie et Thérapies des Addictions, Paris, France
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Brice-Tutt AC, Montgomery DS, Kramer CM, Novotny PM, Malphurs WL, Sharma A, Caudle RM, Bruijnzeel AW, Setlow B, Neubert JK, Murphy NP. An ethogram analysis of cutaneous thermal pain sensitivity and oxycodone reward-related behaviors in rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10482. [PMID: 37380739 PMCID: PMC10307779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36729-6] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-relationships between pain sensitivity, drug reward, and drug misuse are of considerable interest given that many analgesics exhibit misuse potential. Here we studied rats as they underwent a series of pain- and reward-related tests: cutaneous thermal reflex pain, induction and extinction of conditioned place preference to oxycodone (0.56 mg/kg), and finally the impact of neuropathic pain on reflex pain and reinstatement of conditioned place preference. Oxycodone induced a significant conditioned place preference that extinguished throughout repeated testing. Correlations identified of particular interest included an association between reflex pain and oxycodone-induced behavioral sensitization, and between rates of behavioral sensitization and extinction of conditioned place preference. Multidimensional scaling analysis followed by k-clustering identified three clusters: (1) reflex pain, rate of behavioral sensitization and rate of extinction of conditioned place preference (2) basal locomotion, locomotor habituation, acute oxycodone-stimulated locomotion and rate of change in reflex pain during repeated testing, and (3) magnitude of conditioned place preference. Nerve constriction injury markedly enhanced reflex pain but did not reinstate conditioned place preference. These results suggest that high rates of behavioral sensitization predicts faster rates of extinction of oxycodone seeking/reward, and suggest that cutaneous thermal reflex pain may be predictive of both.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cassidy M Kramer
- Departments of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter M Novotny
- Departments of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wendi L Malphurs
- Departments of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert M Caudle
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John K Neubert
- Departments of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Niall P Murphy
- Departments of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Zhornitsky S, Oliva HNP, Jayne LA, Allsop ASA, Kaye AP, Potenza MN, Angarita GA. Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1197890. [PMID: 37435405 PMCID: PMC10331617 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce "transformative experiences" where individuals experience enhanced states of awareness. This enhanced awareness can lead to changes in preexisting behavioral patterns which could be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that ketamine and psychedelics may alter markers associated with synaptic density, and that these changes may underlie effects such as sensitization, conditioned place preference, drug self-administration, and verbal memory performance. In this scoping review, we examined studies that measured synaptic markers in animals and humans after exposure to ketamine and/or psychedelics. Methods A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, through PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science, based on a published protocol (Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/43FQ9). Both in vivo and in vitro studies were included. Studies on the following synaptic markers were included: dendritic structural changes, PSD-95, synapsin-1, synaptophysin-1, synaptotagmin-1, and SV2A. Results Eighty-four studies were included in the final analyses. Seventy-one studies examined synaptic markers following ketamine treatment, nine examined psychedelics, and four examined both. Psychedelics included psilocybin/psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, and ibogaine/noribogaine. Mixed findings regarding synaptic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been reported when ketamine was administered in a single dose under basal conditions. Similar mixed findings were seen under basal conditions in studies that used repeated administration of ketamine. However, studies that examined animals during stressful conditions found that a single dose of ketamine counteracted stress-related reductions in synaptic markers in the hippocampus and PFC. Repeated administration of ketamine also counteracted stress effects in the hippocampus. Psychedelics generally increased synaptic markers, but results were more consistently positive for certain agents. Conclusion Ketamine and psychedelics can increase synaptic markers under certain conditions. Heterogeneous findings may relate to methodological differences, agents administered (or different formulations of the same agent), sex, and type of markers. Future studies could address seemingly mixed results by using meta-analytical approaches or study designs that more fully consider individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Henrique N. P. Oliva
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura A. Jayne
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Aza S. A. Allsop
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alfred P. Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Hartford, CT, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gustavo A. Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
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Jiang Y, Wei D, Xie Y. Functional modular networks identify the pivotal genes associated with morphine addiction and potential drug therapies. BMC Anesthesiol 2023; 23:151. [PMID: 37138216 PMCID: PMC10155436 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-023-02111-2] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic morphine usage induces lasting molecular and microcellular adaptations in distinct brain areas, resulting in addiction-related behavioural abnormalities, drug-seeking, and relapse. Nonetheless, the mechanisms of action of the genes responsible for morphine addiction have not been exhaustively studied. METHODS We obtained morphine addiction-related datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and screened for Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) functional modularity constructs were analyzed for genes associated with clinical traits. Venn diagrams were filtered for intersecting common DEGs (CDEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis for functional annotation. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and CytoHubba were used to screen for hub genes. Potential treatments for morphine addiction were figured out with the help of an online database. RESULTS Sixty-five common differential genes linked to morphine addiction were identified, and functional enrichment analysis showed that they were primarily involved in ion channel activity, protein transport, the oxytocin signalling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and other signalling pathways. Based on the PPI network, ten hub genes (CHN2, OLIG2, UGT8A, CACNB2, TIMP3, FKBP5, ZBTB16, TSC22D3, ISL1, and SLC2A1) were checked. In the data set GSE7762, all of the Area Under Curve (AUC) values for the hub gene Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were greater than 0.8. We also used the DGIdb database to look for eight small-molecule drugs that might be useful for treating morphine addiction. CONCLUSIONS The hub genes are crucial genes associated with morphine addiction in the mouse striatum. The oxytocin signalling pathway may play a vital role in developing morphine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yage Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Donglei Wei
- Department of Traumatology Orthopedic Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Yubo Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
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Abdulmalek S, Hardiman G. Genetic and epigenetic studies of opioid abuse disorder - the potential for future diagnostics. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:361-373. [PMID: 37078260 PMCID: PMC10257799 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2190022] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global problem that often begins with prescribed medications. The available treatment and maintenance plans offer solutions for the consumption rate by individuals leaving the outstanding problem of relapse, which is a major factor hindering the long-term efficacy of treatments. AREAS COVERED Understanding the neurobiology of addiction and relapse would help identifying the core causes of relapse and distinguish vulnerable from resilient individuals, which would lead to more targeted and effective treatment and provide diagnostics to screen individuals who have a propensity to OUD. In this review, we cover the neurobiology of the reward system highlighting the role of multiple brain regions and opioid receptors in the development of the disorder. We also review the current knowledge of the epigenetics of addiction and the available screening tools for aberrant use of opioids. EXPERT OPINION Relapse remains an anticipated limitation in the way of recovery even after long period of abstinence. This highlights the need for diagnostic tools that identify vulnerable patients and prevent the cycle of addiction. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the available screening tools and propose possible solutions for the discovery of addiction diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Abdulmalek
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, NI, UK
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, NI, UK
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 135 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29425
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Wan YX, Shi G, Jian LY, Fan XY. Blockade of endocannabinoid system by oxytocin attenuates memory deficits in oxycodone-treated rats. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13260. [PMID: 36577736 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13260] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxycodone is a highly prescribed opioid and its abuse has been rampant. Accumulating evidence shows that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) plays a key role in mediating rewarding effects to opioids. However, the downstream signalling of CB1R induced by oxycodone remains unclear. The neuropeptide oxytocin is well known as a potential remedy for drug addiction. Thus, our study aims to explore the mechanism of oxycodone-induced learning and memory deficits underlying the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the effect of oxytocin. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with oxycodone once a day for eight consecutive day. Novel object recognition, resident-intruder and Morris Water Maze tests were employed to assess the cognitive, social and spatial memory of the rats after oxycodone withdrawal. The (co-)expression of CB1R, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), regulatory protein p25, tau and phosphorylated tau was measured 1 day after the last behavioural test. The histopathological staining and synaptic density in the hippocampus were observed as well. We found that oxycodone upregulated the expression of p-GSK3β, co-expression of p-Cdk5 and p25 through CB1R. This finding was accompanied by elevation of pSer396, pSer404 in the tau, and reduction of the number of neurons, dendritic spines and synaptic density in the hippocampus. Furthermore, i.c.v. treatment with oxytocin ameliorates memory deficits in oxycodone-treated rats through inhibition of the ECS. We propose further studies on the clinical use of this neuropeptide, which may potentially cure drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiao Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling-Yan Jian
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin-Yu Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Hypermethylation in the promoter region of the ADRA1A gene is associated with opioid use disorder in Han Chinese. Brain Res 2022; 1793:148050. [PMID: 35964682 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a chronic brain disease influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, accounting for approximately 50% of the liability. Adrenergic signaling is involved in opioid use disorder. To demonstrate the associations between methylation alterations in the alpha-1-adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A) gene and opioid use disorder, in the present study, we first examined and compared the methylation levels of 97 CpG sites in the promoter region of the ADRA1A gene in the peripheral blood in 120 patients with heroin use disorder and 111 healthy controls. Correlations between methylation levels and duration of heroin/methadone use were then analyzed. Finally, the predicted binding transcription factors (TFs) and their target sequences in the promoter region of the ADRA1A gene, which include the selected CpG sites, were screened in the JASPAR database. Our results demonstrated that hypermethylation in the promoter region of the ADRA1A gene in the blood was associated with opioid use disorder. Correlations between methylation levels of several CpG sites and duration of heroin/methadone use were observed. TFs TFAP2A and RUNX1 were predicted to bind to the target sequences, which include the CpG sites selected in the current study, in the promoter region of the ADRA1A gene. Our findings further extend the associations between methylation alterations in the ADRA1A gene and opioid use disorder potentially through mechanisms of gene expression regulations in the ADRA1A gene.
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Giannotti G, Mottarlini F, Heinsbroek JA, Mandel MR, James MH, Peters J. Oxytocin and orexin systems bidirectionally regulate the ability of opioid cues to bias reward seeking. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:432. [PMID: 36195606 PMCID: PMC9532415 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As opioid-related fatalities continue to rise, the need for novel opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments could not be more urgent. Two separate hypothalamic neuropeptide systems have shown promise in preclinical OUD models. The oxytocin system, originating in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), may protect against OUD severity. By contrast, the orexin system, originating in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), may exacerbate OUD severity. Thus, activating the oxytocin system or inhibiting the orexin system are potential therapeutic strategies. The specific role of these systems with regard to specific OUD outcomes, however, is not fully understood. Here, we probed the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological interventions targeting the orexin or oxytocin system on two distinct metrics of OUD severity in rats-heroin choice (versus choice for natural reward, i.e., food) and cued reward seeking. Using a preclinical model that generates approximately equal choice between heroin and food reward, we examined the impact of exogenously administered oxytocin, an oxytocin receptor antagonist (L-368,899), and a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA-12) on opioid choice. Whereas these agents did not alter heroin choice when rewards (heroin and food) were available, oxytocin and DORA-12 each significantly reduced heroin seeking in the presence of competing reward cues when no rewards were available. In addition, the number of LH orexin neurons and PVN oxytocin neurons correlated with specific behavioral economic variables indicative of heroin versus food motivation. These data identify a novel bidirectional role of the oxytocin and orexin systems in the ability of opioid-related cues to bias reward seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannotti
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jasper A. Heinsbroek
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Mitchel R. Mandel
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Morgan H. James
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Jamie Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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12
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Sagarkar S, Bhat N, Sapre M, Dudhabhate B, Kokare DM, Subhedar NK, Sakharkar AJ. TET1-induced DNA demethylation in dentate gyrus is important for reward conditioning and reinforcement. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5426-5442. [PMID: 35705787 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02917-0] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuroadaptations in neurocircuitry of reward memories govern the persistent and compulsive behaviors. The study of the role of hippocampus in processing of reward memory and its retrieval is critical to our understanding of addiction and relapse. The aim of this study is to probe the epigenetic mechanisms underlying reward memory in the frame of dentate gyrus (DG). To that end, the rats conditioned to the food baited arm of a Y-maze and subjected to memory probe trial. The hippocampus of conditioned rats displayed higher mRNA levels of Ten-eleven translocase 1 (Tet1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) after memory probe trial. The DNA hydroxymethylation and TET1 occupancy at the Bdnf promoters showed concomitant increase. Stereotactic administration of Tet1 siRNA in the DG before and after conditioning inhibited reward memory formation and recall, respectively. Administration of Tet1 siRNA impaired the reward memory recall that was reinstated following administration of exogenous BDNF peptide or after wash-off period of 8 days. Infusion of a MEK/ERK inhibitor, U0126 in the DG inhibited reward memory retrieval. The TET1-induced DNA demethylation at the Bdnf promoters raised BDNF levels in the hippocampus, thereby setting the stage for reward memory retrieval. The study underscores the causative role of TET1 in the DG for reward memory formation and recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Sagarkar
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India.
| | - Nagashree Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Madhura Sapre
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Biru Dudhabhate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India.
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13
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Kaplan G, Xu H, Abreu K, Feng J. DNA Epigenetics in Addiction Susceptibility. Front Genet 2022; 13:806685. [PMID: 35145550 PMCID: PMC8821887 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.806685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Addiction is a chronically relapsing neuropsychiatric disease that occurs in some, but not all, individuals who use substances of abuse. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms which contribute to individual differences in susceptibility to addiction. Neural gene expression regulation underlies the pathogenesis of addiction, which is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA modifications. A growing body of work has demonstrated distinct DNA epigenetic signatures in brain reward regions that may be associated with addiction susceptibility. Furthermore, factors that influence addiction susceptibility are also known to have a DNA epigenetic basis. In the present review, we discuss the notion that addiction susceptibility has an underlying DNA epigenetic basis. We focus on major phenotypes of addiction susceptibility and review evidence of cell type-specific, time dependent, and sex biased effects of drug use. We highlight the role of DNA epigenetics in these diverse processes and propose its contribution to addiction susceptibility differences. Given the prevalence and lack of effective treatments for addiction, elucidating the DNA epigenetic mechanism of addiction vulnerability may represent an expeditious approach to relieving the addiction disease burden.
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14
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Fan X, Shi G, He X, Li X, Wan Y, Jian L. Oxytocin prevents cue-induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking: Involvement of DNA methylation in the hippocampus. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13025. [PMID: 33609013 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxycodone is one of the most commonly used analgesics in the clinic. However, long-term use can contribute to drug dependence. Accumulating evidence of changes in DNA methylation after opioid relapse has provided insight into mechanisms underlying drug-associated memory. The neuropeptide oxytocin is reported to be a potential treatment for addiction. The present study sought to identify changes in global and synaptic gene methylation after cue-induced reinstatement of oxycodone conditioned place preference (CPP) and the effect of oxytocin. We analyzed hippocampal mRNA of synaptic genes and also synaptic density in response to oxycodone CPP. We determined the mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) and ten-eleven translocations (Tets), observed global 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, and measured DNA methylation status of four synaptic genes implicated in learning and memory (Arc, Dlg1, Dlg4, and Syn1). Both synaptic density and the transcription of 15 hippocampal synaptic genes significantly increased following cue-induced reinstatement of oxycodone CPP. Oxycodone relapse was also related to markedly decreased 5-mC levels and decreased transcription of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b; in contrast, 5-hmC levels and the transcription of Tet1 and Tet3 were increased. Oxycodone exposure induced DNA hypomethylation at the exons of the Arc, Dlg1, Dlg4, and Syn1 genes. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of oxytocin (2.5 μg/μl) specifically blocked oxycodone relapse, possibly by inhibition of Arc, Dlg1, Dlg4, and Syn1 hypomethylation in oxycodone-treated rats. Together, these data indicate the occurrence of epigenetic changes in the hippocampus following oxycodone relapse and the potential role of oxytocin in oxycodone addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin‐Yu Fan
- Department of Pharmacy Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Guang Shi
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Liaoning Province Shenyang China
| | - Xiao‐Jing He
- Department of Pharmacy Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Xin‐Yang Li
- Department of Pharmacy Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Yu‐Xiao Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Ling‐Yan Jian
- Department of Pharmacy Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
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15
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Rung JM, Horta M, Tammi EM, Perez E, Ojeda MC, Lin T, Harris G, Somerville J, Salmeron D, Beltz SE, Sandesara B, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Safety and tolerability of chronic intranasal oxytocin in older men: results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2405-2418. [PMID: 33982141 PMCID: PMC8115997 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Most studies evaluating the safety and tolerability of intranasal oxytocin (OT) have not reported consistent adverse events (AEs), but they have largely focused on young men and single-dose administration. Thus, it is unclear whether these findings translate to older individuals and with longer administration periods. OBJECTIVE Extending previous work, this study investigated the safety and tolerability of chronic intranasal OT in generally healthy older men. METHODS Data were from a randomized, placebo (P)-controlled, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the effects of 4 weeks of self-administered intranasal OT (24 IU twice daily) in older adults with no major physical or cognitive impairments. Heart rate, blood pressure, urine osmolality, and serum metabolic biomarkers were obtained before and at the end of the intervention. AEs were collected during the first 3 weeks and 1 week after cessation of treatment. RESULTS Of 103 participants recruited, 95 were randomized and received the intervention (OT = 49, P = 46). OT had no significant impact on cardiovascular, urine, or serum measures. The AEs reported for both treatments were generally mild and few in number, though one participant assigned to OT and two assigned to P dropped out due to AEs. Relative to P, OT did not significantly increase the likelihood of reporting AEs, nor the number or severity of AEs reported. CONCLUSION Chronic intranasal OT appears safe and well-tolerated in generally healthy older men. These findings provide support for continued human research on potential benefits of chronic OT in older adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M Rung
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Erin M Tammi
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Eliany Perez
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Marite C Ojeda
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Griffin Harris
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jessie Somerville
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dinia Salmeron
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Susan E Beltz
- Investigational Drug Service, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bhanuprasad Sandesara
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Gerra MC, Dallabona C, Arendt-Nielsen L. Epigenetic Alterations in Prescription Opioid Misuse: New Strategies for Precision Pain Management. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081226. [PMID: 34440400 PMCID: PMC8392465 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prescription opioids are used for some chronic pain conditions. However, generally, long-term therapy has unwanted side effects which may trigger addiction, overdose, and eventually cause deaths. Opioid addiction and chronic pain conditions have both been associated with evidence of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Despite intense research interest, many questions about the contribution of epigenetic changes to this typology of addiction vulnerability and development remain unanswered. The aim of this review was to summarize the epigenetic modifications detected in specific tissues or brain areas and associated with opioid prescription and misuse in patients who have initiated prescribed opioid management for chronic non-cancer pain. The review considers the effects of opioid exposure on the epigenome in central and peripheral tissues in animal models and human subjects and highlights the mechanisms in which opioid epigenetics may be involved. This will improve our current understanding, provide the basis for targeted, personalized pain management, and thus balance opioid risks and benefits in managing chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Dallabona
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
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Sanna F, De Luca MA. The potential role of oxytocin in addiction: What is the target process? Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 58:8-20. [PMID: 33845377 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin regulates a variety of centrally-mediated functions, ranging from socio-sexual behavior, maternal care, and affiliation to fear, stress, anxiety. In the past years, both clinical and preclinical studies characterized oxytocin for its modulatory role on reward-related neural substrates mainly involving the interplay with the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. This suggests a role of this nonapeptide on the neurobiology of addiction raising the possibility of its therapeutic use. Although far from a precise knowledge of the underlying mechanisms, the putative role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis as a key structure where oxytocin may rebalance altered neurochemical processes and neuroplasticity involved in dependence and relapse has been highlighted. This view opens new opportunities to address the health problems related to drug misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
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18
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Fragou D, Chao MR, Hu CW, Nikolaou K, Kovatsi L. Global DNA methylation levels in white blood cells of patients with chronic heroin use disorder. A prospective study. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:337-342. [PMID: 33643851 PMCID: PMC7892979 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid abstinence for 21 days does not affect global DNA methylation levels in white blood cells. All participants in the study completed a 21-day “dry” detoxification program. Findings do not rule out the possibility of site-specific methylation changes.
Background Increasing scientific evidence shows the significant role of epigenetic mechanisms in drug use disorder, abstinence and relapse. Studies on human subjects are limited compared to those on animals, for various reasons such as poly-substance abuse, high drop-out rate and technical difficulties. Objectives Our goal was to evaluate whether a monitored abstinence period of 21 days could induce changes in global DNA methylation in chronic heroin users. Method In the current study, we present data on global DNA methylation on a set of 18 male patients with chronic heroin use disorder, carefully selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, who were hospitalized and closely monitored during a 21-day detoxification program, one of the few where no opioid agonist is administered. The participants were sampled twice, once upon enrolment to the program and once upon completion. Results According to our results, no difference in global DNA methylation was detected between samples collected upon enrolment and samples collected upon completion of the program. Conclusion The findings of this study do not rule out the possibility that the 21-day abstinence period was not long enough to observe changes in global DNA methylation, or that abstinence induced site-specific methylation changes (but not global changes), that certainly merit further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domniki Fragou
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mu-Rong Chao
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Wen Hu
- Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Kakia Nikolaou
- Addiction Department IANOS, General Hospital of Thessaloniki 'G. Papanikolaou'-Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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Patel D, Sundar M, Lorenz E, Leong KC. Oxytocin Attenuates Expression, but Not Acquisition, of Sucrose Conditioned Place Preference in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:603232. [PMID: 33384589 PMCID: PMC7769941 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.603232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maladaptation of reward processing for natural rewards, such as sucrose or sugar, may play a role in the development of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, uncovering mechanisms to disrupt or reverse maladaptation of reward-seeking behaviors for natural reinforcers can provide insight into treatment of such diseases, as well as disorders such as addiction. As such, studying the effects of potential pharmacotherapeutics on maladaptive sugar-seeking behavior offers valuable clinical significance. Sucrose conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigms can offer insight into aspects of reward processes as it provides a way to assess acquisition and expression of context-reward associations. The present study examined the effect of peripheral oxytocin injections on sucrose CPP in rats. Oxytocin, when administered prior to CPP test, attenuated expression of sucrose CPP. However, oxytocin, when administered during sucrose conditioning, did not affect subsequent place preference. These findings suggest oxytocin sufficiently attenuates expression of sucrose-associated place preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Patel
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Megana Sundar
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Eva Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kah-Chung Leong
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
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