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Zheng H, Kim M, Kim C, Kim Y, Cho PS, Lim JY, Lee H, Yun HI, Choi J, Hwang SW. GnRH peripherally modulates nociceptor functions, exacerbating mechanical pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1160435. [PMID: 38783903 PMCID: PMC11111891 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1160435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of peripheral nociceptors, the neurons that relay pain signals to the brain, are frequently tuned by local and systemic modulator substances. In this context, neurohormonal effects are emerging as an important modulatory mechanism, but many aspects remain to be elucidated. Here we report that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a brain-specific neurohormone, can aggravate pain by acting on nociceptors in mice. GnRH and GnRHR, the receptor for GnRH, are expressed in a nociceptor subpopulation. Administration of GnRH and its analogue, localized for selectively affecting the peripheral neurons, deteriorated mechanical pain, which was reproducible in neuropathic conditions. Nociceptor function was promoted by GnRH treatment in vitro, which appears to involve specific sensory transient receptor potential ion channels. These data suggest that peripheral GnRH can positively modulate nociceptor activities in its receptor-specific manner, contributing to pain exacerbation. Our study indicates that GnRH plays an important role in neurohormonal pain modulation via a peripheral mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Perisic M, Woolcock K, Hering A, Mendel H, Muttenthaler M. Oxytocin and vasopressin signaling in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:361-377. [PMID: 38418338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.010] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurohypophysial peptides are ancient and evolutionarily highly conserved neuropeptides that regulate many crucial physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. The human neurohypophysial oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling system with its four receptors has become an attractive drug target for a variety of diseases, including cancer, pain, cardiovascular indications, and neurological disorders. Despite its promise, drug development faces hurdles, including signaling complexity, selectivity and off-target concerns, translational interspecies differences, and inefficient drug delivery. In this review we dive into the complexity of the OT/VP signaling system in health and disease, provide an overview of relevant pharmacological probes, and discuss the latest trends in therapeutic lead discovery and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Perisic
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrina Woolcock
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Hering
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia.
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3
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László K, Vörös D, Correia P, Fazekas CL, Török B, Plangár I, Zelena D. Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2603. [PMID: 37892977 PMCID: PMC10603886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather common, presenting with prevalent early problems in social communication and accompanied by repetitive behavior. As vasopressin was implicated not only in salt-water homeostasis and stress-axis regulation, but also in social behavior, its role in the development of ASD might be suggested. In this review, we summarized a wide range of problems associated with ASD to which vasopressin might contribute, from social skills to communication, motor function problems, autonomous nervous system alterations as well as sleep disturbances, and altered sensory information processing. Beside functional connections between vasopressin and ASD, we draw attention to the anatomical background, highlighting several brain areas, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial preoptic area, lateral septum, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and even the cerebellum, either producing vasopressin or containing vasopressinergic receptors (presumably V1a). Sex differences in the vasopressinergic system might underline the male prevalence of ASD. Moreover, vasopressin might contribute to the effectiveness of available off-label therapies as well as serve as a possible target for intervention. In this sense, vasopressin, but paradoxically also V1a receptor antagonist, were found to be effective in some clinical trials. We concluded that although vasopressin might be an effective candidate for ASD treatment, we might assume that only a subgroup (e.g., with stress-axis disturbances), a certain sex (most probably males) and a certain brain area (targeting by means of virus vectors) would benefit from this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Eisenach JC, Curry RS, Houle TT. Preliminary results from a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial of intrathecal oxytocin for neuropathic pain. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:1058-1065. [PMID: 37084261 PMCID: PMC10472486 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compare intrathecal oxytocin, 100 µg to placebo on ongoing neuropathic pain and mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over. SETTING Clinical research unit. SUBJECTS Individuals aged 18 to 70 years with neuropathic pain for at least 6 months. METHODS Individuals received intrathecal injections of oxytocin and saline, separated by at least 7 days, and ongoing pain in neuropathic area (VAS [visual analog scale]) and areas of hypersensitivity to von Frey filament and cotton wisp brushing were measured for 4 hours. Primary outcome was VAS pain in the first 4 hours after injection, analyzed by linear mixed effects model. Secondary outcomes were verbal pain intensity scores at daily intervals for 7 days and areas of hypersensitivity and elicited pain for 4 hours after injections. RESULTS The study was stopped early after completion of 5 of 40 subjects planned due to slow recruitment and funding limitations. Pain intensity prior to injection was 4.75 ± 0.99 and modeled pain intensity decreased more after oxytocin than placebo to 1.61 ± 0.87 and 2.49 ± 0.87, respectively (P = .003). Daily pain scores were lower in the week following injection of oxytocin than saline (2.53 ± 0.89 vs 3.66 ± 0.89; P = .001). Allodynic area decreased by 11%, but hyperalgesic area increased by 18% after oxytocin compared to placebo. There were no study drug related adverse effects. CONCLUSION Although limited by the small number of subjects studied, oxytocin reduced pain more than placebo in all subjects. Further study of spinal oxytocin in this population is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 03/27/2014 (NCT02100956). The first subject was studied on 06/25/2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Eisenach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Regina S Curry
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Timothy T Houle
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02441, United States
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Borisova B, Nocheva H, Gérard S, Laronze-Cochard M, Dobrev S, Angelova S, Petrin S, Danalev D. Synthesis, In Silico Log p Study, and In Vitro Analgesic Activity of Analogs of Tetrapeptide FELL. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1183. [PMID: 37631098 PMCID: PMC10458596 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inflammatory process represents a specific response of the organism's immune system. More often, it is related to the rising pain in the affected area. Independently of its origin, pain represents a complex and multidimensional acute or chronic subjective unpleasant perception. Currently, medical doctors prescribe various analgesics for pain treatment, but unfortunately, many of them have adverse effects or are not strong enough to suppress the pain. Thus, the search for new pain-relieving medical drugs continues. METHODS New tetrapeptide analogs of FELL with a generaanalgesic-Glu-X3-X4-Z, where X = Nle, Ile, or Val and Z = NH2 or COOH, containing different hydrophobic amino acids at positions 3 and 4, were synthesized by means of standard solid-phase peptide synthesis using the Fmoc/OtBu strategy in order to study the influence of structure and hydrophobicity on the analgesic activity. The purity of all compounds was monitored by HPLC, and their structures were proven by ESI-MS. Logp values (partition coefficient in octanol/water) for FELL analogs were calculated. Analgesic activity was examined by the Paw-pressure test (Randall-Selitto test). RESULTS The obtained results reveal that Leu is the best choice as a hydrophobic amino acid in the FELL structure. CONCLUSIONS The best analgesic activity is found in the parent compound FELL and its C-terminal amide analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boryana Borisova
- Biotechnology Department, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria; (B.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Hristina Nocheva
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sv. Georgi Sofiyski Blvd. 1, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Stéphane Gérard
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR)-UMR CNRS 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR Pharmacie, 51 Rue Cognacq-Jay, 51096 Reims, France; (S.G.); (M.L.-C.)
| | - Marie Laronze-Cochard
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR)-UMR CNRS 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR Pharmacie, 51 Rue Cognacq-Jay, 51096 Reims, France; (S.G.); (M.L.-C.)
| | - Stefan Dobrev
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 109, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Angelova
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 109, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Stoyko Petrin
- Biotechnology Department, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria; (B.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Dancho Danalev
- Biotechnology Department, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria; (B.B.); (S.P.)
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Szabó L, Tanguturi P, Goodman HJ, Sprőber S, Liu C, Al-Obeidi F, Bartlett MJ, Falk T, Kumirov VK, Heien ML, Streicher JM, Polt R. Structure-Based Design of Glycosylated Oxytocin Analogues with Improved Selectivity and Antinociceptive Activity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:163-170. [PMID: 36793431 PMCID: PMC9923833 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic pain is often treated with opioids despite the negative side effects of constipation, physical dependence, respiratory depression, and overdose. The misuse of opioid analgesics has given rise to the opioid crisis/epidemic, and alternate nonaddictive analgesics are urgently needed. Oxytocin, a pituitary hormone, is an alternative to the small molecule treatments available and has been used as an analgesic as well as for the treatment and prevention of opioid use disorder (OUD). Clinical implementation is limited by its poor pharmacokinetic profile, a result of the labile disulfide bond between two cysteine residues in the native sequence. Stable brain penetrant oxytocin analogues have been synthesized by replacement of the disulfide bond with a stable lactam and glycosidation of the C-terminus. These analogues show exquisite selectivity for the oxytocin receptor and potent in vivo antinociception in mice following peripheral (i.v.) administration, supporting further study of their clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos
Z. Szabó
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | | | - Hannah J. Goodman
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | - Sára Sprőber
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
- Visiting
Student, Budapest University of Technology
and Economics, 1111Budapest, Műegyetem
rkp. 3, Hungary
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | - Fahad Al-Obeidi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | - Mitchell J. Bartlett
- Department
of Neurology, College of Medicine, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85724, United
States
| | - Torsten Falk
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85724, United States
- Department
of Neurology, College of Medicine, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85724, United
States
| | - Vlad K. Kumirov
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | - M. Leandro Heien
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
- Comprehensive
Pain and Addiction Center, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85724, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
- Comprehensive
Pain and Addiction Center, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85724, United States
| | - Robin Polt
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
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Kim Y, Kim C, Lee H, Kim M, Zheng H, Lim JY, Yun HI, Jeon M, Choi J, Hwang SW. Gpr83 Tunes Nociceptor Function, Controlling Pain. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:325-337. [PMID: 36352334 PMCID: PMC10119354 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01327-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of peripheral nociceptors is frequently tuned by the action of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) that are expressed in them, which contribute to pain alteration. Expanding new information on such GPRs and predicting their potential outcomes can help to construct new analgesic strategies based on their modulations. In this context, we attempted to present a new GPR not yet acknowledged for its pain association. Gpr83 exhibits relatively high expressions in the peripheral nervous system compared to other tissues when we mined and reconstructed Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) metadata, which we confirmed using immunohistochemistry on murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG). When Gpr83 expression was silenced in DRG, neuronal and behavioral nociception were all downregulated. Pathologic pain in hind paw inflammation and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were also alleviated by this Gpr83 knockdown. Dependent on exposure time, the application of a known endogenous Gpr83 ligand PEN showed differential effects on nociceptor responses in vitro. Localized PEN administration mitigated pain in vivo, probably following Gq/11-involved GPR downregulation caused by the relatively constant exposure. Collectively, this study suggests that Gpr83 action contributes to the tuning of peripheral pain sensitivity and thus indicates that Gpr83 can be among the potential GPR targets for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hojin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hye-In Yun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minji Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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Neural Regulations in Tooth Development and Tooth-Periodontium Complex Homeostasis: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214150. [PMID: 36430624 PMCID: PMC9698398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tooth-periodontium complex and its nerves have active reciprocal regulation during development and homeostasis. These effects are predominantly mediated by a range of molecules secreted from either the nervous system or the tooth-periodontium complex. Different strategies mimicking tooth development or physiological reparation have been applied to tooth regeneration studies, where the application of these nerve- or tooth-derived molecules has been proven effective. However, to date, basic studies in this field leave many vacancies to be filled. This literature review summarizes the recent advances in the basic studies on neural responses and regulation during tooth-periodontium development and homeostasis and points out some research gaps to instruct future studies. Deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tooth development and diseases will provide more clues for tooth regeneration.
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Kupcova I, Danisovic L, Grgac I, Harsanyi S. Anxiety and Depression: What Do We Know of Neuropeptides? Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12080262. [PMID: 36004833 PMCID: PMC9405013 DOI: 10.3390/bs12080262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern society, there has been a rising trend of depression and anxiety. This trend heavily impacts the population’s mental health and thus contributes significantly to morbidity and, in the worst case, to suicides. Modern medicine, with many antidepressants and anxiolytics at hand, is still unable to achieve remission in many patients. The pathophysiology of depression and anxiety is still only marginally understood, which encouraged researchers to focus on neuropeptides, as they are a vast group of signaling molecules in the nervous system. Neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of many physiological functions. Some act as neuromodulators and are often co-released with neurotransmitters that allow for reciprocal communication between the brain and the body. Most studied in the past were the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of oxytocin, vasopressin or neuropeptide Y and S, or Substance P. However, in recent years, more and more novel neuropeptides have been added to the list, with implications for the research and development of new targets, diagnostic elements, and even therapies to treat anxiety and depressive disorders. In this review, we take a close look at all currently studied neuropeptides, their related pathways, their roles in stress adaptation, and the etiology of anxiety and depression in humans and animal models. We will focus on the latest research and information regarding these associated neuropeptides and thus picture their potential uses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Kupcova
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (I.K.); (L.D.)
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (I.K.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Grgac
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Stefan Harsanyi
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (I.K.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-59357-299
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10
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Carter CS. Oxytocin and love: Myths, metaphors and mysteries. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100107. [PMID: 35755926 PMCID: PMC9216351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide molecule with a multitude of physiological and behavioral functions. Based on its association with reproduction - including social bonding, sexual behavior, birth and maternal behavior - oxytocin also has been called “the love hormone.” This essay specifically examines association and parallels between oxytocin and love. However, many myths and gaps in knowledge remain concerning both. A few of these are described here and we hypothesize that the potential benefits of both love and oxytocin may be better understood in light of interactions with more ancient systems, including specifically vasopressin and the immune system. Oxytocin is anti-inflammatory and is associated with recently evolved, social solutions to a variety of challenges necessary for mammalian survival and reproduction. The shared functions of oxytocin and love have profound implications for health and longevity, including the prevention and treatment of excess inflammation and related disorders, especially those occurring in early life and during periods of chronic threat or disease. Oxytocin is a peptide molecule with functions that support a sense of safety, sociality, as well as survival and reproduction. Oxytocin is associated with social and neuroimmune solutions to chronic stress. The related, but more primitive, peptide vasopressin supports more individualistic survival strategies. Controversies and myths surround the properties of oxytocin and love.
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