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Zhang M, Xu B, Li N, Zhang R, Zhang Q, Shi X, Xu K, Xiao J, Chen D, Niu J, Shi Y, Fang Q. Development of Multifunctional and Orally Active Cyclic Peptide Agonists of Opioid/Neuropeptide FF Receptors that Produce Potent, Long-Lasting, and Peripherally Restricted Antinociception with Diminished Side Effects. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13394-13409. [PMID: 34465090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that a multifunctional opioid/neuropeptide FF receptor agonist, DN-9, achieved peripherally restricted analgesia with reduced side effects. To develop stable and orally bioavailable analogues of DN-9, eight lactam-bridged cyclic analogues of DN-9 between positions 2 and 5 were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. In vitro cAMP assays revealed that these analogues, except 7, were multifunctional ligands that activated opioid and neuropeptide FF receptors. Analogue 1 exhibited improved potency for κ-opioid and NPFF2 receptors. All analogues exhibited potent, long-lasting, and peripherally restricted antinociception in the tail-flick test without tolerance development after subcutaneous administration and produced oral analgesia. Oral administration of the optimized compound analogue 1 exhibited powerful, peripherally restricted antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. Remarkably, orally administered analogue 1 had no significant side effects, such as tolerance, dependence, constipation, or respiratory depression, at effective analgesic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Xuerui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Kangtai Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Jiandong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Yonghang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
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Zhou J, Zhao L, Wei S, Wang Y, Zhang X, Ma M, Wang K, Liu X, Wang R. Contribution of the μ opioid receptor and enkephalin to the antinociceptive actions of endomorphin-1 analogs with unnatural amino acid modifications in the spinal cord. Peptides 2021; 141:170543. [PMID: 33794284 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Endomorphin analogs containing unnatural amino acids have demonstrated potent analgesic effects in our previous studies. In the present study, the differences in antinociception and the mechanisms thereof for analogs 1-3 administered intracerebroventricularly and intrathecally were explored. All analogs at different routes of administration produced potent analgesia compared to the parent peptide endomorphin-1. Multiple antagonists and antibodies were used to explore the mechanisms of action of these analogs, and it was inferred that analogs 1-3 stimulated the μ opioid receptor to induce antinociception. Moreover, the antibody data suggested that analog 2 may induce the release of immunoreactive [Leu5]-enkephaline and [Met5]-enkephaline to produce a secondary component of antinociception at the spinal level and analog 3 may stimulate the the release of immunoreactive [Met5]-enkephaline at the spinal level. Finally, analogs 2 and 3 produced no acute tolerance in the spinal cord. We hypothesize that the unique characteristics of the endomorphin analogs result from their capacities to stimulate the release of endogenous antinociceptive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Mengtao Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Kairong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Liu X, Zhao L, Wang Y, Zhou J, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Wang Z, Yang D, Mou L, Wang R. MEL-N16: A Series of Novel Endomorphin Analogs with Good Analgesic Activity and a Favorable Side Effect Profile. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2180-2193. [PMID: 28732166 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid peptides are neuromodulators that bind to opioid receptors and reduce pain sensitivity. Endomorphins are among the most active endogenous opioid peptides, and they have good affinity and selectivity toward the μ opioid receptor. However, their clinical usage is hindered by their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and their poor in vivo activity after peripheral injection. In order to overcome these defects, we have designed and synthesized a series of novel endomorphin analogs with multiple site modifications. Radioligand binding, cAMP accumulation, and β-arrestin-2 recruitment assays were employed to determine the activity of synthesized endomorphin analogs toward opioid receptors. The blood-brain barrier permeability and antinociceptive effect of these analogs were determined in several rodent models of acute and persistent pain. In addition, the side effects of the analogs were examined. The radioligand binding assay and functional activity examination indicated that the MEL-N16 series of compounds were more active agonists against μ opioid receptor than were the parent peptides. Notably, the analogs displayed biased downstream signaling toward G-protein pathways over β-arrestin-2 recruitment. The analogs showed highly potent antinociceptive effects in the tested nociceptive models. In comparison with endomorphins, the synthesized analogs were better able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exerted their pain regulatory activity in the central nervous system after peripheral injection. These analogs also have lower tendency to cause side effects than morphine does at similar or equal antinociceptive doses. The MEL-N16 compounds have highly potent and efficacious analgesic effects in various pain models with a favorable side effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zhaojuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Dongxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Lingyun Mou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical
Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology,
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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