1
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Perlikowska R, Silva J, Alves C, Susano P, Zakłos-Szyda M, Skibska A, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Wtorek K, do Rego JC, do Rego JL, Kluczyk A, Pedrosa R. Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rubiscolin-6 Analogs with Proline Surrogates in Position 2. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:895-918. [PMID: 38117448 PMCID: PMC10901950 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04070-z] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring peptides, such as rubiscolins derived from spinach leaves, have been shown to possess some interesting activities. They exerted central effects, such as antinociception, memory consolidation and anxiolytic-like activity. The fact that rubiscolins are potent even when given orally makes them very promising drug candidates. The present work tested whether rubiscolin-6 (R-6, Tyr-Pro-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe) analogs have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These hypotheses were tested in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injury model of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Caspase-3 activity, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production allowed us to determine the effects of peptides on hallmarks related to Parkinson's Disease (PD) and inflammation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of R-6 analogs on serine-threonine kinase (also known as protein kinase B, AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. The treatment with analogs 3 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH), 5 (Dmt-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH) and 7 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-NH2) most effectively prevented neuronal death via attenuation of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and Caspase-3 activity. Peptides 5 and 7 significantly increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR). Additionally, selected analogs could also ameliorate LPS-mediated inflammation in macrophages via inhibition of intracellular generation of ROS and NO production. Our findings suggest that R-6 analogs exert protective effects, possibly related to an anti-oxidation mechanism in in vitro model of PD. The data shows that the most potent peptides can inhibit 6-OHDA injury by activating the PI3-K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thus playing a neuroprotective role and may provide a rational and robust approach in the design of new therapeutics or even functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Joana Silva
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-630, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Celso Alves
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-614, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Patricia Susano
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-630, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skibska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jean-Claude do Rego
- Platform of Behavioural Analysis (SCAC), Inserm US51 - CNRS UAR2026 HeRaCLes, Institute For Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Luc do Rego
- Platform of Behavioural Analysis (SCAC), Inserm US51 - CNRS UAR2026 HeRaCLes, Institute For Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rui Pedrosa
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-614, Peniche, Portugal
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2
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Gach-Janczak K, Biernat M, Kuczer M, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Kluczyk A. Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design. Molecules 2024; 29:1544. [PMID: 38611824 PMCID: PMC11013236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071544] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gach-Janczak
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Monika Biernat
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
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3
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Zhang Q, Xu B, Chen D, Wu S, Hu X, Zhang X, Yu B, Zhang S, Yang Z, Zhang M, Fang Q. Structure-Activity Relationships of a Novel Cyclic Hexapeptide That Exhibits Multifunctional Opioid Agonism and Produces Potent Antinociceptive Activity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:272-288. [PMID: 38118143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic peptide c[d-Lys2, Asp5]-DN-9 has recently been identified as a multifunctional opioid/neuropeptide FF receptor agonist, displaying potent analgesic activity with reduced side effects. This study utilized Tyr-c[d-Lys-Gly-Phe-Asp]-d-Pro-NH2 (0), a cyclic hexapeptide derived from the opioid pharmacophore of c[d-Lys2, Asp5]-DN-9, as a chemical template. We designed, synthesized, and characterized 22 analogs of 0 with a single amino acid substitution to investigate its structure-activity relationship. Most of these cyclic hexapeptide analogs exhibited multifunctional activity at μ and δ opioid receptors (MOR and DOR, respectively) and produced antinociceptive effects following subcutaneous administration. The lead compound analog 15 showed potent agonistic activities at the MOR, κ opioid receptor (KOR), and DOR in vitro and produced a strong and long-lasting analgesic effect through peripheral MOR and KOR in the tail-flick test. Further biological evaluation identified that analog 15 did not cause significant side effects such as tolerance, withdrawal, or reward liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Shuyuan Wu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xuanran Hu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xiaodi Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Zhenyun Yang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Quan Fang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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4
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Malfacini D, Djeujo FM, Marconato C, Wtorek K, Calo' G, Janecka A. Functional selectivity of EM-2 analogs at the mu-opioid receptor. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1133961. [PMID: 36909169 PMCID: PMC9998502 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1133961] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor agonists are the most efficacious pain controlling agents but their use is accompanied by severe side effects. More recent developments indicate that some ligands can differentially activate receptor downstream pathways, possibly allowing for dissociation of analgesia mediated through the G protein from the opioid-related side effects mediated by β-arrestin pathway. In an effort to identify such biased ligands, here we present a series of thirteen endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogs with modifications in positions 1, 2, and/or 3. All obtained analogs behaved as mu receptor selective agonists in calcium mobilization assay carried out on cells expressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) approach was employed to determine the ability of analogs to promote the interaction of the mu opioid receptor with G protein or β-arrestin 2. Nearly half of the developed analogs showed strong bias towards G protein, in addition four compounds were nearly inactive towards β-arrestin 2 recruitment while blocking the propensity of EM-2 to evoke mu-β-arrestin 2 interaction. The data presented here contribute to our understanding of EM-2 interaction with the mu opioid receptor and of the transductional propagation of the signal. In addition, the generation of potent and selective mu receptor agonists strongly biased towards G protein provides the scientific community with novel tools to investigate the in vivo consequences of biased agonism at this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francine Medjiofack Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chantal Marconato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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5
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Lee YS. Peptidomimetics and Their Applications for Opioid Peptide Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091241. [PMID: 36139079 PMCID: PMC9496382 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite various advantages, opioid peptides have been limited in their therapeutic uses due to the main drawbacks in metabolic stability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and bioavailability. Therefore, extensive studies have focused on overcoming the problems and optimizing the therapeutic potential. Currently, numerous peptide-based drugs are being marketed thanks to new synthetic strategies for optimizing metabolism and alternative routes of administration. This tutorial review briefly introduces the history and role of natural opioid peptides and highlights the key findings on their structure-activity relationships for the opioid receptors. It discusses details on opioid peptidomimetics applied to develop therapeutic candidates for the treatment of pain from the pharmacological and structural points of view. The main focus is the current status of various mimetic tools and the successful applications summarized in tables and figures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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6
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Smith MT, Kong D, Kuo A, Imam MZ, Williams CM. Analgesic Opioid Ligand Discovery Based on Nonmorphinan Scaffolds Derived from Natural Sources. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1612-1661. [PMID: 34995453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strong opioid analgesics, including morphine, are the mainstays for treating moderate to severe acute pain and alleviating chronic cancer pain. However, opioid-related adverse effects, including nausea or vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, pruritus (itch), analgesic tolerance, and addiction and abuse liability, are problematic. In addition, the use of opioids to relieve chronic noncancer pain is controversial due to the "opioid crisis" characterized by opioid misuse or abuse and escalating unintentional death rates due to respiratory depression. Hence, considerable research internationally has been aimed at the "Holy Grail" of the opioid analgesic field, namely the discovery of novel and safer opioid analgesics with improved opioid-related adverse effects. In this Perspective, medicinal chemistry strategies are addressed, where structurally diverse nonmorphinan-based opioid ligands derived from natural sources were deployed as lead molecules. The current state of play, clinical or experimental status, and novel opioid ligand discovery approaches are elaborated in the context of retaining analgesia with improved safety and reduced adverse effects, especially addiction liability.
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7
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Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Cyclic Opioid Peptidomimetics Containing β3-Lysine. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010151. [PMID: 35011383 PMCID: PMC8747000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our formerly described pentapeptide opioid analog Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (designated RP-170), showing high affinity for the mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors, was much more stable than endomorphine-2 (EM-2) in the rat brain homogenate and displayed remarkable antinociceptive activity after central (intracerebroventricular) and peripheral (intravenous ) administration. In this report, we describe the further modification of this analog, which includes the incorporation of a β3-amino acid, (R)- and (S)-β3-Lys, instead of D-Lys in position 2. The influence of such replacement on the biological properties of the obtained analogs, Tyr-c[(R)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (RP-171) and Tyr-c[(S)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, (RP-172), was investigated in vitro. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional calcium mobilization assays were performed to measure binding affinity and receptor activation of the new analogs. The obtained data revealed that only one of the diastereoisomeric peptides, RP-171, was able to selectively bind and activate MOR. Molecular modeling (docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations) suggests that both compounds should be accommodated in the MOR binding site. However, in the case of the inactive isomer RP-172, fewer hydrogen bonds, as well as instability of the canonical ionic interaction to Asp147, could explain its very low MOR affinity.
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8
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Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Lipiński PFJ, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Pharmacological Profile and Molecular Modeling of Cyclic Opioid Analogues Incorporating Various Phenylalanine Derivatives. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1322-1329. [PMID: 32412162 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based agonists of the μ opioid receptor (μOR) are promising therapeutic candidates for pain relief with reduced side effects compared to morphine. A deep understanding of μOR-ligand interactions is necessary for future design of peptide-based opioid analgesics. To explore the requirements of the μOR binding pocket, eight new analogues of our cyclic peptide Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 displaying high μOR affinity were synthesized, in which Phe in either the third or fourth position was replaced by various derivatives of this amino acid (β3 -Phe, homoPhe, β3 -homoPhe and PhGly). The aim of this research was to examine the structural effects of such modifications on the bioactivity, and both experimental and theoretical methods were used. The binding of the cyclic analogues to all three OR types (μ, δ, κ) was assessed by radioligand competitive binding assay, and their functional activity was determined in a calcium mobilization assay. In order to provide structural hypotheses explaining the obtained experimental affinities, the complexes of the cyclic peptides with μOR were subjected to molecular modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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9
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Imam MZ, Kuo A, Ghassabian S, Cai Y, Qin Y, Li T, Smith MT. Intracerebroventricular administration of CYX-6, a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist, a δ- and κ-opioid receptor antagonist and a biased ligand at μ, δ & κ-opioid receptors, evokes antinociception with minimal constipation and respiratory depression in rats in contrast to morphine. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 871:172918. [PMID: 31958457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mu opioid receptor (MOPr) agonists are thought to produce analgesia via modulation of G-protein-coupled intracellular signalling pathways whereas the β-arrestin2 pathway is proposed to mediate opioid-related adverse effects. Here, we report the antinociception, constipation and respiratory depressant profile of CYX-6, a potent MOPr agonist that is also a delta and a kappa opioid receptor (DOPr/KOPr) antagonist and that lacks β-arrestin2 recruitment at each of the MOPr, DOPr and the KOPr. In anaesthetised male Sprague Dawley rats, an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) guide cannula was stereotaxically implanted. After 5-7 days post-surgical recovery, rats received a single i.c.v. bolus dose of CYX-6 (3-30 nmol), morphine (100 nmol) or vehicle. Antinociception was assessed using the warm water tail flick test (52.5 ± 0.5 °C). Constipation was assessed using the charcoal meal gut motility test and the castor oil-induced diarrhoea test. Respiratory depression was measured by whole-body plethysmography in awake, freely moving animals, upon exposure to a hypercapnic gas mixture (8% CO2, 21% O2 and 71% N2). The intrinsic pharmacology of CYX-6 given by the i.c.v. route in rats showed that it produced dose-dependent antinociception. It also produced respiratory stimulation rather than depression and it had a minimal effect on intestinal motility in contrast to the positive control, morphine. CYX-6 is an endomorphin-2 analogue that dissociates antinociception from constipation and respiratory depression in rats. Our findings provide useful insight to inform the discovery and development of novel opioid analgesics with a superior tolerability profile compared with morphine.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects
- Analgesics, Opioid/metabolism
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Constipation/chemically induced
- Infusions, Intraventricular
- Ligands
- Male
- Morphine/adverse effects
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Opioid Peptides/drug effects
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Respiratory Insufficiency/chemically induced
- Nociceptin
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zafar Imam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Kuo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sussan Ghassabian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yunxin Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajuan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingyou Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maree T Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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10
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Wtorek K, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Ferrari F, Ruzza C, Kluczyk A, Piasecka-Zelga J, Calo’ G, Janecka A. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Hybrids Targeting Opioid and Neurokinin Receptors. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244460. [PMID: 31817441 PMCID: PMC6943619 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine, which acts through opioid receptors, is one of the most efficient analgesics for the alleviation of severe pain. However, its usefulness is limited by serious side effects, including analgesic tolerance, constipation, and dependence liability. The growing awareness that multifunctional ligands which simultaneously activate two or more targets may produce a more desirable drug profile than selectively targeted compounds has created an opportunity for a new approach to developing more effective medications. Here, in order to better understand the role of the neurokinin system in opioid-induced antinociception, we report the synthesis, structure–activity relationship, and pharmacological characterization of a series of hybrids combining opioid pharmacophores with either substance P (SP) fragments or neurokinin receptor (NK1) antagonist fragments. On the bases of the in vitro biological activities of the hybrids, two analogs, opioid agonist/NK1 antagonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Asn-d-Trp-Phe-d-Trp-Leu-Nle-NH2 (2) and opioid agonist/NK1 agonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 (4), were selected for in vivo tests. In the writhing test, both hybrids showed significant an antinociceptive effect in mice, while neither of them triggered the development of tolerance, nor did they produce constipation. No statistically significant differences in in vivo activity profiles were observed between opioid/NK1 agonist and opioid/NK1 antagonist hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Piasecka-Zelga
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products in the GMP Head of Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products, 91-348 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Huhmann S, Koksch B. Fine-Tuning the Proteolytic Stability of Peptides with Fluorinated Amino Acids. European J Org Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201800803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Huhmann
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Freie Universität Berlin; Takustr. 3 14169 Berlin Germany
| | - Beate Koksch
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Freie Universität Berlin; Takustr. 3 14169 Berlin Germany
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12
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Gach-Janczak K, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Wtorek K, Ferrari F, Calo' G, Szymaszkiewicz A, Piasecka-Zelga J, Janecka A. In vitro and in vivo activity of cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH 2, a mu opioid receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin. Peptides 2018; 105:51-57. [PMID: 29684591 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Morphine and related drugs, which are the most effective analgesics for the relief of severe pain, act through activating opioid receptors. The endogenous ligands of these receptors are opioid peptides which cannot be used as antinociceptive agents due to their low bioactivity and stability in biological fluids. The major goal of opioid research is to understand the mechanism of action of opioid receptor agonists in order to improve therapeutic utility of opioids. Analgesic effects of morphine are mediated mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor. However, in the search for safer and more effective drug candidates, analogs with mixed opioid receptor profile gained a lot of interest. Recently, the concept of biased agonists able to differentially activate GPCR downstream pathways, became a new approach in the design of novel drug candidates. It is hypothesized that compounds promoting G-protein signaling may produce analgesia while β-arrestin recruitment may be responsible for opioid side effects. In this report we showed that replacement of the tyrosine residue in the mu-selective ligand Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 with 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) produced a cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 with mu/delta opioid receptor agonist profile. This analog showed improved antinociception in the hot-plate test, probably due to the simultaneous activation of mu and delta receptors but also significantly inhibited the gastrointestinal transit. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that this analog was a mu receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin. β-Arrestin-dependent signaling is most likely responsible for the observed inhibition of gastrointestinal motility exerted by the novel cyclopeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Agata Szymaszkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Piasecka-Zelga
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products in the GMP Head of Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.
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13
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Mollica A, Pieretti S, Fichna J, Szymaszkiewicz A, Zielińska M, Kordek R, Janecka A. Antinociceptive potency of a fluorinated cyclopeptide Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-p-CF 3-Phe-Asp]NH 2. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2018. [PMID: 29513114 PMCID: PMC6010070 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1441839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid peptides and opiate drugs such as morphine, mediate their analgesic effects, but also undesired side effects, mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor. However, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors can also contribute to the analgesic effects of opioids. Recent findings showed that simultaneous activation of multiple opioid receptors may result in additional analgesia with fewer side effects. Here, we evaluated the pharmacological profile of our formerly developed mixed mu/kappa-opioid receptor ligands, Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (C-36) and Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-p-CF3-Phe-Asp]NH2 (F-81). The ability of these peptides to cross the blood–brain barrier was tested in the parallel artificial membrane permeability (PAMPA) assay. On the basis of the hot-plate test in mice after central and peripheral administration, analog F-81 was selected for the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity assessment after peripheral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriano Mollica
- b Department of Pharmacy , University "'G. d'Annunzio"' of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- c Istituto Superiore di Sanità , National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation , Rome , Italy
| | - Jakub Fichna
- d Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Medical University of Lodz , Poland
| | - Agata Szymaszkiewicz
- d Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Medical University of Lodz , Poland
| | - Marta Zielińska
- d Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Medical University of Lodz , Poland
| | - Radzisław Kordek
- e Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- a Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
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14
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Ferrari F, Calo' G, Janecka A. Cyclopeptide Dmt-[D-Lys-p-CF 3-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH 2, a novel G protein-biased agonist of the mu opioid receptor. Peptides 2018; 101:227-233. [PMID: 29196181 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid peptides and alkaloid drugs such as morphine, mediate their analgesic effects, but also undesired side effects, mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. A new important pharmacological concept in the field of GPCRs is biased agonism. Two mu receptor ligands, Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (C-36) and Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-p-CF3-Phe-Asp]NH2 (F-81), were evaluated in terms of their ability to promote or block mu receptor/G protein and mu receptor/β-arrestin interactions. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that C-36 activated both, G protein and β-arrestin pathways. Incorporation of trifluoromethyl group into the aromatic ring of phenylalanine in the sequence of F-81 led to activation of G-protein pathway rather than β-arrestin recruitment. Opioid cyclopeptide F-81 turned out to be a biased G protein mu receptor agonist. Such biased ligands are able to separate the biological actions of an activated receptor and have the potential to become more effective drug candidates with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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15
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Gach-Janczak K, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Perlikowska R, Kruszyński R, Kluczyk A, Krzywik J, Sukiennik J, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Wasilewski A, Zielińska M, Janecka A. Synthesis and activity of opioid peptidomimetics with β 2- and β 3-amino acids. Peptides 2017; 95:116-123. [PMID: 28782637 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Morphiceptin (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro-NH2) is a selective ligand of the mu opioid receptor, an important target in pain regulation. In this study, morphiceptin was modified at positions 2 or 3 by introduction of β2- or β3-amino acids and additionally in position 1 by replacing Tyr by Dmt (2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), which resulted in obtaining enzymatically stable analogs with mixed opioid receptor affinity profiles. An analog of the sequence Dmt-d-Ala-(R)-β2-1-Nal-Pro-NH2 [Nal=3-(1-naphthyl)-alanine] showed very high activity at the mu and delta receptors in the calcium mobilization functional test but did not cross the artificial membrane imitating the blood-brain barrier. In the in vivo test this analog induced strong antinociceptive effect in the writhing test in mice after intraperitioneal but also oral administration and inhibited diarrhea similarly to loperamide. Therefore, it may become an interesting lead compound in the development of peripherally restricted drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rafał Kruszyński
- Department of X-ray Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrzej Wasilewski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Zielińska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.
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16
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Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, De Marco R, Gentilucci L, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Design and characterization of opioid ligands based on cycle-in-macrocycle scaffold. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:2399-2405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Piekielna J, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Tomböly C, Łapiński K, Janecki T, Janecka A. Ring size in cyclic endomorphin-2 analogs modulates receptor binding affinity and selectivity. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 13:6039-46. [PMID: 25948019 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00565e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The study reports the solid-phase synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new side chain-to-side chain cyclized opioid peptide analogs of the general structure Tyr-[D-Xaa-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, where Xaa = Lys (1), Orn (2), Dab (3), or Dap (4) (Dab = 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, Dap = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid), containing 17- to 14-membered rings. The influence of the ring size on binding to the MOP, DOP and KOP opioid receptors was studied. In general, the reduction of the size of the macrocyclic ring increased the selectivity for the MOP receptor. The cyclopeptide incorporating Xaa = Lys displayed subnanomolar MOP affinity but modest selectivity over the KOP receptor, while the analog with the Orn residue showed increased affinity and selectivity for MOP. The analog with Dab was a weak MOP agonist and did not bind to the other two opioid receptors. Finally, the peptide with Xaa = Dap was completely MOP receptor-selective with subnanomolar affinity. Interestingly, the deletion of one Phe residue from 1 led to the 14-membered Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (5), a potent and selective MOP receptor ligand. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in a calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A good correlation between binding and the functional test results was observed. The influence of the ring size, solid support and the N-terminal protecting group on the formation of cyclodimers was studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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18
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Perlikowska R, Piekielna J, Gentilucci L, De Marco R, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Artali R, Tömböly C, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Synthesis of mixed MOR/KOR efficacy cyclic opioid peptide analogs with antinociceptive activity after systemic administration. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 109:276-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-seventh consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2014 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 (endogenous opioids and receptors), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (pain and analgesia); stress and social status (human studies); tolerance and dependence (opioid mediation of other analgesic responses); learning and memory (stress and social status); eating and drinking (stress-induced analgesia); alcohol and drugs of abuse (emotional responses in opioid-mediated behaviors); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (opioid involvement in stress response regulation); mental illness and mood (tolerance and dependence); seizures and neurologic disorders (learning and memory); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (opiates and conditioned place preferences (CPP)); general activity and locomotion (eating and drinking); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (alcohol and drugs of abuse); cardiovascular responses (opiates and ethanol); respiration and thermoregulation (opiates and THC); and immunological responses (opiates and stimulants). This paper is the thirty-seventh consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2014 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 (endogenous opioids and receptors), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (pain and analgesia); stress and social status (human studies); tolerance and dependence (opioid mediation of other analgesic responses); learning and memory (stress and social status); eating and drinking (stress-induced analgesia); alcohol and drugs of abuse (emotional responses in opioid-mediated behaviors); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (opioid involvement in stress response regulation); mental illness and mood (tolerance and dependence); seizures and neurologic disorders (learning and memory); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (opiates and conditioned place preferences (CPP)); general activity and locomotion (eating and drinking); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (alcohol and drugs of abuse); cardiovascular responses (opiates and ethanol); respiration and thermoregulation (opiates and THC); and immunological responses (opiates and stimulants).
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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, United States.
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20
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Adamska A, Kolesińska B, Kluczyk A, Kamiński ZJ, Janecka A. Synthesis of linear and cyclic opioid-based peptide analogs containing multipleN-methylated amino acid residues. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:807-10. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry; Medical University of Lodz; Poland, Mazowiecka 6/8 92-215 Lodz Poland
| | - Beata Kolesińska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Lodz University of Technology; Zeromskiego 116 90-924 Lodz Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry; University of Wroclaw; F. Joliot-Curie 14 50-383 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Zbigniew J. Kamiński
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Lodz University of Technology; Zeromskiego 116 90-924 Lodz Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry; Medical University of Lodz; Poland, Mazowiecka 6/8 92-215 Lodz Poland
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21
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Cyclic endomorphin analogs in targeting opioid receptors to achieve pain relief. Future Med Chem 2015; 6:2093-101. [PMID: 25531970 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Endomorphins, the endogenous ligands of the µ-opioid receptor, are attractive candidates for opioid-based pain-relieving agents. These tetrapeptides, with their remarkable affinity for the µ-opioid receptor, display favorable antinociceptive activity when injected directly into the brain of experimental animals. However, the application of endomorphins as clinical analgesics has been impeded by their instability in body fluids and inability to reach the brain after systemic administration. Among numerous modifications of the endomorphin structure aimed at improving their pharmacological properties, cyclization can be viewed as an interesting option. Here, we have summarized recent advances in obtaining endomorphin-based cyclic peptide analogs.
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Piekielna J, Perlikowska R, do-Rego JC, do-Rego JL, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Kluczyk A, Łapiński K, Tömböly C, Janecka A. Synthesis of mixed opioid affinity cyclic endomorphin-2 analogues with fluorinated phenylalanines. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:579-83. [PMID: 26005537 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogues of a general sequence Tyr/Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (where Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), incorporating fluorinated amino acids: 4-fluorophenylalanine (4-F-Phe), 2,4-difluorophenylalanine (2,4-F-Phe), or 4-trifluoromethylphenylalanine (4-CF3-Phe) instead of the Phe residue in position 3 or 4. Depending on the fluorinated amino acid residue and its position in the sequence, analogues were mixed, high affinity MOP/KOP receptor agonists, MOP/DOP/KOP agonists, or selective KOP agonists. The in vitro potencies and efficacies of all novel analogues were assessed in calcium mobilization assay. The most potent analogues, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2 and Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-2,4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2, were tested in vivo in the mouse hot-plate test. They produced strong antinociceptive effect not only after intracerebroventricular but also after intraperitoneal injection, indicating that they were able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jean Claude do-Rego
- Institut de Recherche et d’Innovation
Biomédicale (IRIB), Service Commun d’Analyse Comportementale
(SCAC), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 75794 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Luc do-Rego
- Institut
National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM),
Regional Platform for Cell Imaging (PRIMACEN), Faculté des
Sciences et Techniques, Université de Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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23
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Cyclic side-chain-linked opioid analogs utilizing cis - and trans -4-aminocyclohexyl- d -alanine. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:6545-6551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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