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Flores A, Nguyen NM, Devanaboyina M, Sanketh S, Athota P, Jagadesan S, Guda C, Yelamanchili SV, Pendyala G. Neurobehavioral Characterization of Perinatal Oxycodone-Exposed Offspring in Early Adolescence. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:29. [PMID: 38874861 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has received considerable attention, but the impact on perinatal opioid-exposed (POE) offspring remains underexplored. This study addresses the emerging public health challenge of understanding and treating POE children. We examined two scenarios using preclinical models: offspring exposed to oxycodone (OXY) in utero (IUO) and acute postnatal OXY (PNO). We hypothesized exposure to OXY during pregnancy primes offspring for neurodevelopmental deficits and severity of deficits is dependent on timing of exposure. Notable findings include reduced head size and brain weight in offspring. Molecular analyses revealed significantly lower levels of inflammasome-specific genes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) highlighted the enrichment of genes associated with mitochondrial and synapse dysfunction in POE offspring. Western blot analysis validated IPA predictions of mitochondrial dysfunction in PFC-derived synaptosomes. Behavioral studies identified significant social deficits in POE offspring. This study presents the first comparative analysis of acute PNO- and IUO-offspring during early adolescence finding acute PNO-offspring have considerably greater deficits. The striking difference in deficit severity in acute PNO-offspring suggests that exposure to opioids in late pregnancy pose the greatest risk for offspring well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Flores
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Nghi M Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Murali Devanaboyina
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Samarth Sanketh
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Pranavi Athota
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | | | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sowmya V Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA.
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2
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Ferrante JR, Blendy JA. Advances in animal models of prenatal opioid exposure. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:367-382. [PMID: 38614891 PMCID: PMC11096018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a growing public health concern. The complexity of in utero opioid exposure in clinical studies makes it difficult to investigate underlying mechanisms that could ultimately inform early diagnosis and treatments. Clinical studies are unable to dissociate the influence of maternal polypharmacy or the environment from direct effects of in utero opioid exposure, highlighting the need for effective animal models. Early animal models of prenatal opioid exposure primarily used the prototypical opioid, morphine, and opioid exposure that was often limited to a narrow period during gestation. In recent years, the number of preclinical studies has grown rapidly. Newer models utilize both prescription and nonprescription opioids and vary the onset and duration of opioid exposure. In this review, we summarize novel prenatal opioid exposure models developed in recent years and attempt to reconcile results between studies while critically identifying gaps within the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Ferrante
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Zhang Y, Butelman ER, Kreek MJ. Effect of prenatal and early post-natal oxycodone exposure on the reinforcing and antinociceptive effects of oxycodone in adult C57BL/6 J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:359-377. [PMID: 38086926 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Abuse of opioids (mu-opioid agonists such as oxycodone) among parents during the gestation and early post-natal period is a concern for the long-term health of the offspring, beyond potential neonatal withdrawal symptoms. However, there is only limited information on such effects. OBJECTIVES We examined how prenatal, and early-post natal oxycodone exposure affected opioid addiction behaviors. METHODS Adult male and female C57BL/CJ mice housed separately were first injected with ascending doses of oxycodone 1 time/day (1 mg/kg × 10 days, 1.5 mg/kg × 10 days, 2 mg/kg × 10 days, s.c.) whereas control mice were injected with saline. Newly formed parental dyads were then housed together and continued to receive ascending doses of oxycodone (3 mg/kg × 10 days, 4 mg/kg × 10 days, 5 mg/kg × 10 days, 6 mg/kg × 10 days or saline, s.c.) or saline during mating and gestation until the birth of the litter. The dams continued to receive oxycodone or saline through lactation, until F1 offspring were weaned. Upon reaching adulthood (12 weeks of age), male and female F1 offspring were examined in intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of oxycodone, on oxycodone-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and oxycodone-induced antinociception. RESULTS Adult F1 male and female offspring of parental dyads exposed to oxycodone self-administered more oxycodone, compared to offspring of control parental dyads. Ventral and dorsal striatal mRNA levels of genes such as Fkbp5 and Oprm1 were altered following oxycodone self-administration. CONCLUSION Prenatal and early post-natal oxycodone exposure enhanced oxycodone self-administration during adulthood in the C57BL/6 J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 171, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 171, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 171, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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4
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Flores A, Nguyen NM, Pendyala G. Developmental outcomes with perinatal exposure (DOPE) to prescription opioids. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:339-351. [PMID: 38058996 PMCID: PMC10696573 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have found considerable evidence in the past 20 years that perinatal opioid exposure leads to an increased risk of developmental disorders in offspring that persist into adulthood. The use of opioids to treat pain concerning pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum complications has been rising. As a result, communities have reported a 300-400 % increase in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). NOWS represents the initial stage of several behavioral, phenotypic, and synaptic deficits. This review article summarizes the Developmental Outcomes of Perinatal Exposure (DOPE) to prescription opioids. Moreover, we also seek to connect these findings to clinical research that describes DOPE at multiple stages of life. Since specific mechanisms that underlie DOPE remain unclear, this article aims to provide a framework for conceptualizing across all ages and highlight the implications they may have for longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Flores
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nghi M. Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
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5
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Falconnier C, Caparros-Roissard A, Decraene C, Lutz PE. Functional genomic mechanisms of opioid action and opioid use disorder: a systematic review of animal models and human studies. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4568-4584. [PMID: 37723284 PMCID: PMC10914629 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, over-prescription of opioids for pain management has driven a steep increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) and death by overdose, exerting a dramatic toll on western countries. OUD is a chronic relapsing disease associated with a lifetime struggle to control drug consumption, suggesting that opioids trigger long-lasting brain adaptations, notably through functional genomic and epigenomic mechanisms. Current understanding of these processes, however, remain scarce, and have not been previously reviewed systematically. To do so, the goal of the present work was to synthesize current knowledge on genome-wide transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of opioid action, in primate and rodent species. Using a prospectively registered methodology, comprehensive literature searches were completed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Of the 2709 articles identified, 73 met our inclusion criteria and were considered for qualitative analysis. Focusing on the 5 most studied nervous system structures (nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex, whole striatum, dorsal striatum, spinal cord; 44 articles), we also conducted a quantitative analysis of differentially expressed genes, in an effort to identify a putative core transcriptional signature of opioids. Only one gene, Cdkn1a, was consistently identified in eleven studies, and globally, our results unveil surprisingly low consistency across published work, even when considering most recent single-cell approaches. Analysis of sources of variability detected significant contributions from species, brain structure, duration of opioid exposure, strain, time-point of analysis, and batch effects, but not type of opioid. To go beyond those limitations, we leveraged threshold-free methods to illustrate how genome-wide comparisons may generate new findings and hypotheses. Finally, we discuss current methodological development in the field, and their implication for future research and, ultimately, better care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Falconnier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alba Caparros-Roissard
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Charles Decraene
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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6
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Gowen AM, Yi J, Stauch K, Miles L, Srinivasan S, Odegaard K, Pendyala G, Yelamanchili SV. In utero and post-natal opioid exposure followed by mild traumatic brain injury contributes to cortical neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in juvenile rats. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 32:100669. [PMID: 37588011 PMCID: PMC10425912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal opioid use poses a significant health concern not just to the expectant mother but also to the fetus. Notably, increasing numbers of children born suffering from neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) further compounds the crisis. While epidemiological research has shown the heightened risk factors associated with NOWS, little research has investigated what molecular mechanisms underly the vulnerabilities these children carry throughout development and into later life. To understand the implications of in utero and post-natal opioid exposure on the developing brain, we sought to assess the response to one of the most common pediatric injuries: minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Using a rat model of in utero and post-natal oxycodone (IUO) exposure and a low force weight drop model of mTBI, we show that not only neonatal opioid exposure significantly affects neuroinflammation, brain metabolites, synaptic proteome, mitochondrial function, and altered behavior in juvenile rats, but also, in conjunction with mTBI these aberrations are further exacerbated. Specifically, we observed long term metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation, alterations in synaptic mitochondria, and impaired behavior were impacted severely by mTBI. Our research highlights the specific vulnerability caused by IUO exposure to a secondary stressor such as later life brain injury. In summary, we present a comprehensive study to highlight the damaging effects of prenatal opioid abuse in conjunction with mild brain injury on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M. Gowen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jina Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kelly Stauch
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Luke Miles
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sanjay Srinivasan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Katherine Odegaard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sowmya V. Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
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7
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Flores A, Gowen A, Schaal VL, Koul S, Hernandez JB, Yelamanchili SV, Pendyala G. Impact of Adolescent Nicotine Exposure in Pre- and Post-natal Oxycodone Exposed Offspring. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:413-426. [PMID: 37351737 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to prescription opioids pose a critical public health risk. Notably, research has found significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits between in utero (IUO) and postnatal (PNO) oxycodone-exposed offspring but there is a notable gap in knowledge regarding the interaction of these groups to other drug exposure, particularly nicotine exposure. Nicotine's widespread use represents a ubiquitous clinical interaction that current research does not address. Children often experiment with drugs and risky behavior; therefore, adolescence is a key timepoint to characterize. This study employed an integrated systems approach to investigate escalating nicotine exposure in adolescence and subsequent nicotine withdrawal in the IUO- and PNO-offspring. Western blot analysis found synaptic protein alterations, especially upregulation of synaptophysin in IUO-withdrawal animals. RT-qPCR further validated immune dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). Peripheral nicotine metabolism was consistent with increased catabolism of nicotine concerning IUO animals. Lastly, behavioral assays found subtle deficits to withdrawal in nociception and anxiety-like behavior. This study showed, for the first time, the vulnerabilities of PNO- and IUO-exposed groups concerning nicotine use during early adolescence and withdrawal. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Flores
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Austin Gowen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Victoria L Schaal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sneh Koul
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Sowmya V Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Child Health Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA.
- National Strategic Research Institute, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Dunn AD, Robinson SA, Nwokafor C, Estill M, Ferrante J, Shen L, Lemchi CO, Creus-Muncunill J, Ramirez A, Mengaziol J, Brynildsen JK, Leggas M, Horn J, Ehrlich ME, Blendy JA. Molecular and long-term behavioral consequences of neonatal opioid exposure and withdrawal in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1202099. [PMID: 37424750 PMCID: PMC10324024 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1202099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at high risk of exhibiting Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), a combination of somatic withdrawal symptoms including high pitched crying, sleeplessness, irritability, gastrointestinal distress, and in the worst cases, seizures. The heterogeneity of in utero opioid exposure, particularly exposure to polypharmacy, makes it difficult to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms that could inform early diagnosis and treatment of NOWS, and challenging to investigate consequences later in life. Methods To address these issues, we developed a mouse model of NOWS that includes gestational and post-natal morphine exposure that encompasses the developmental equivalent of all three human trimesters and assessed both behavior and transcriptome alterations. Results Opioid exposure throughout all three human equivalent trimesters delayed developmental milestones and produced acute withdrawal phenotypes in mice reminiscent of those observed in infants. We also uncovered different patterns of gene expression depending on the duration and timing of opioid exposure (3-trimesters, in utero only, or the last trimester equivalent only). Opioid exposure and subsequent withdrawal affected social behavior and sleep in adulthood in a sex-dependent manner but did not affect adult behaviors related to anxiety, depression, or opioid response. Discussion Despite marked withdrawal and delays in development, long-term deficits in behaviors typically associated with substance use disorders were modest. Remarkably, transcriptomic analysis revealed an enrichment for genes with altered expression in published datasets for Autism Spectrum Disorders, which correlate well with the deficits in social affiliation seen in our model. The number of differentially expressed genes between the NOWS and saline groups varied markedly based on exposure protocol and sex, but common pathways included synapse development, the GABAergic and myelin systems, and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia D. Dunn
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shivon A. Robinson
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, United States
| | - Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Molly Estill
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Julia Ferrante
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Crystal O. Lemchi
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jordi Creus-Muncunill
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Angie Ramirez
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juliet Mengaziol
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Julia K. Brynildsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mark Leggas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Jamie Horn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Julie A. Blendy
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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9
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Flores A, Gowen A, Schaal VL, Koul S, Hernandez JB, Yelamanchili SV, Pendyala G. An Integrated Systems Approach to Decode the Impact of Adolescent Nicotine Exposure in Utero and Postnatally Oxycodone Exposed Offspring. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2753084. [PMID: 37066266 PMCID: PMC10104203 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2753084/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to prescription opioids pose a critical public health risk. Notably, research has found significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits between in utero (IUO) and postnatal (PNO) oxycodone-exposed offspring but there is a notable gap in knowledge regarding the interaction of these groups to other drug exposure, particularly nicotine exposure. Nicotine's widespread use represents a ubiquitous clinical interaction that current research does not address. Children often experiment with drugs and risky behavior; therefore, adolescence is a key timepoint to characterize. This study employed an integrated systems approach to investigate escalating nicotine exposure in adolescence and subsequent nicotine withdrawal in the IUO- and PNO-offspring. Western blot analysis found alterations of the blood-brain barrier (B.B.B.) and synaptic proteins. RT-qPCR further validated immune dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) consistent with compromised B.B.B. Peripheral nicotine metabolism was consistent with increased catabolism of nicotine concerning PNO & IUO, a predictor of greater addiction risk. Lastly, behavioral assays found subtle deficits to withdrawal in nociception and anxiety-like behavior. This study showed, for the first time, the vulnerabilities of PNO- and IUO-exposed groups concerning nicotine use during early adolescence and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sneh Koul
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
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10
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Minakova E, Mikati MO, Madasu MK, Conway SM, Baldwin JW, Swift RG, McCullough KB, Dougherty JD, Maloney SE, Al-Hasani R. Perinatal oxycodone exposure causes long-term sex-dependent changes in weight trajectory and sensory processing in adult mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3859-3873. [PMID: 36269379 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In utero opioid exposure is associated with lower weight and a neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) at birth, along with longer-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and mood disorders. While NOWS is sometimes treated with continued opioids, clinical studies have not addressed if long-term neurobehavioral outcomes are worsened with continued postnatal exposure to opioids. In addition, pre-clinical studies comparing in utero only opioid exposure to continued post-natal opioid administration for withdrawal mitigation are lacking. OBJECTIVES Here, we sought to understand the impact of continued postnatal opioid exposure on long term behavioral consequences. METHODS We implemented a rodent perinatal opioid exposure model of oxycodone (Oxy) exposure that included Oxy exposure until birth (short Oxy) and continued postnatal opioid exposure (long Oxy) spanning gestation through birth and lactation. RESULTS Short Oxy exposure was associated with a sex-specific increase in weight gain trajectory in adult male mice. Long Oxy exposure caused an increased weight gain trajectory in adult males and alterations in nociceptive processing in females. Importantly, there was no evidence of long-term social behavioral deficits, anxiety, hyperactivity, or memory deficits following short or long Oxy exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that offspring with prolonged opioid exposure experienced some long-term sequelae compared to pups with opioid cessation at birth. These results highlight the potential long-term consequences of opioid administration as a mitigation strategy for clinical NOWS symptomology and suggest alternatives should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Minakova
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marwa O Mikati
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Manish K Madasu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sineadh M Conway
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Justin W Baldwin
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Raylynn G Swift
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Katherine B McCullough
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA. .,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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11
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Distinct Synaptic Vesicle Proteomic Signatures Associated with Pre- and Post-Natal Oxycodone-Exposure. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111740. [PMID: 35681434 PMCID: PMC9179517 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The current opioid crisis, which has ravaged all segments of society, continues to pose a rising public health concern. Importantly, dependency on prescription opioids such as oxycodone (oxy) during and after pregnancy can significantly impact the overall brain development of the exposed offspring, especially at the synapse. A significant knowledge gap that remains is identifying distinct synaptic signatures associated with these exposed offspring. Accordingly, the overall goal of this current study was to identify distinct synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins as signatures for offspring exposed to oxy in utero (IUO) and postnatally (PNO). Using a preclinical animal model that imitates oxycodone exposure in utero (IUO) and postnatally (PNO), we used a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics platform to examine changes in the synaptic vesicle proteome on post-natal day 14 (P14) IUO and PNO offspring. We identified MEGF8, associated with carpenter syndrome, to be downregulated in the IUO offspring while LAMTOR4, associated with the regulator complex involved in lysosomal signaling and trafficking, was found to be upregulated in the PNO groups, respectively. Their respective differential expression was further validated by Western blot. In summary, our current study shows exposure to oxy in utero and postnatally can impact the SV proteome in the exposed offspring and the identification of these distinct SV signatures could further pave the way to further elucidate their downstream mechanisms including developing them as potential therapeutic targets.
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12
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 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, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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13
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Nguyen NM, Vellichirammal NN, Guda C, Pendyala G. Decoding the Synaptic Proteome with Long-Term Exposure to Midazolam during Early Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084137. [PMID: 35456952 PMCID: PMC9027542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The intensive use of anesthetic and sedative agents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has raised controversial concerns about the potential neurodevelopmental risks. This study focused on midazolam (MDZ), a common benzodiazepine regularly used as a sedative on neonates in the NICU. Mounting evidence suggests a single exposure to MDZ during the neonatal period leads to learning disturbances. However, a knowledge gap that remains is how long-term exposure to MDZ during very early stages of life impacts synaptic alterations. Using a preclinical rodent model system, we mimicked a dose-escalation regimen on postnatal day 3 (P3) pups until day 21. Next, purified synaptosomes from P21 control and MDZ animals were subjected to quantitative mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, to identify potential proteomic signatures. Further analysis by ClueGO identified enrichment of proteins associated with actin-binding and protein depolymerization process. One potential hit identified was alpha adducin (ADD1), belonging to the family of cytoskeleton proteins, which was upregulated in the MDZ group and whose expression was further validated by Western blot. In summary, this study sheds new information on the long-term exposure of MDZ during the early stages of development impacts synaptic function, which could subsequently perturb neurobehavioral outcomes at later stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghi M. Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.N.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Neetha N. Vellichirammal
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.N.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.N.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.N.V.); (C.G.)
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-559-8690
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14
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Rosenfeld CS. The placenta as a target of opioid drugs†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:676-686. [PMID: 35024817 PMCID: PMC9040663 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are analgesics increasingly being prescribed to control pain associated with a wide range of causes. Usage of pregnant women has dramatically increased in the past decades. Neonates born to these women are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (also referred to as neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome). Negative birth outcomes linked with maternal opioid use disorder include compromised fetal growth, premature birth, reduced birthweight, and congenital defects. Such infants require lengthier hospital stays necessitating rising health care costs, and they are at greater risk for neurobehavioral and other diseases. Thus, it is essential to understand the genesis of such disorders. As the primary communication organ between mother and conceptus, the placenta itself is susceptible to opioid effects but may be key to understanding how these drugs affect long-term offspring health and potential avenue to prevent later diseases. In this review, we will consider the evidence that placental responses are regulated through an endogenous opioid system. However, maternal consumption of opioid drugs can also bind and act through opioid receptors express by trophoblast cells of the placenta. Thus, we will also discuss the current human and rodent studies that have examined the effects of opioids on the placenta. These drugs might affect placental hormones associated with maternal recognition of pregnancy, including placental lactogens and human chorionic gonadotropin in rodents and humans, respectively. A further understanding of how such drugs affect the placenta may open up new avenues for early diagnostic and remediation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Correspondence: Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. E-mail:
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15
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Blackwood CA, Cadet JL. Epigenetic and Genetic Factors Associated With Opioid Use Disorder: Are These Relevant to African American Populations. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:798362. [PMID: 35002733 PMCID: PMC8727544 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.798362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, the number of people suffering from opioid use disorder has skyrocketed in all populations. Nevertheless, observations of racial disparities amongst opioid overdose deaths have recently been described. Opioid use disorder is characterized by compulsive drug consumption followed by periods of withdrawal and recurrent relapses while patients are participating in treatment programs. Similar to other rewarding substances, exposure to opioid drugs is accompanied by epigenetic changes in the brain. In addition, genetic factors that are understudied in some racial groups may also impact the clinical manifestations of opioid use disorder. These studies are important because genetic factors and epigenetic alterations may also influence responses to pharmacological therapeutic approaches. Thus, this mini-review seeks to briefly summarize what is known about the genetic bases of opioid use disorder in African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Blackwood
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Maternal Oxycodone Treatment Results in Neurobehavioral Disruptions in Mice Offspring. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0150-21.2021. [PMID: 34312305 PMCID: PMC8354714 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0150-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are increasingly being prescribed to pregnant women. Such compounds can also bind and activate opioid receptors in the fetal brain, which could lead to long-term brain and behavioral disruptions. We hypothesized that maternal treatment with oxycodone (OXY), the primary opioid at the center of the current crisis, leads to later neurobehavioral disorders and gene expression changes in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of resulting offspring. Female mice were treated daily with 5 mg OXY/kg or saline solution (control; CTL) for two weeks before breeding and then throughout gestation. Male and female offspring from both groups were tested with a battery of behavioral and metabolic tests to measure cognition, exploratory-like, anxiety-like, voluntary physical activity, and socio-communication behaviors. qPCR analyses were performed for candidate gene expression patterns in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of OXY and CTL derived offspring. Developmental exposure to OXY caused socio-communication changes that persisted from weaning through adulthood. Such offspring also showed cognitive impairments, reduced voluntary physical activity, and weighed more than CTL counterparts. In the hippocampus, prenatal exposure to OXY caused sex-dependent differences in expression of genes encoding opioid receptors and those involved in serotonin signaling. OXY exposure induced changes in neuropeptide hormone expression and the epigenetic modulator, Dnmt3a, in the hypothalamus, which could result in epigenetic changes in this brain region. The findings suggest cause for concern that consumption of OXY by pregnant mothers may result in permanent neurobehavioral changes in their offspring. Further work is needed to determine the potential underpinning epigenetic mechanisms.
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17
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Guda RS, Odegaard KE, Tan C, Schaal VL, Yelamanchili SV, Pendyala G. Integrated Systems Analysis of Mixed Neuroglial Cultures Proteome Post Oxycodone Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6421. [PMID: 34203972 PMCID: PMC8232620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid abuse has become a major public health crisis that affects millions of individuals across the globe. This widespread abuse of prescription opioids and dramatic increase in the availability of illicit opioids have created what is known as the opioid epidemic. Pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable group since they are prescribed for opioids such as morphine, buprenorphine, and methadone, all of which have been shown to cross the placenta and potentially impact the developing fetus. Limited information exists regarding the effect of oxycodone (oxy) on synaptic alterations. To fill this knowledge gap, we employed an integrated system approach to identify proteomic signatures and pathways impacted on mixed neuroglial cultures treated with oxy for 24 h. Differentially expressed proteins were mapped onto global canonical pathways using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), identifying enriched pathways associated with ephrin signaling, semaphorin signaling, synaptic long-term depression, endocannabinoid signaling, and opioid signaling. Further analysis by ClueGO identified that the dominant category of differentially expressed protein functions was associated with GDP binding. Since opioid receptors are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), these data indicate that oxy exposure perturbs key pathways associated with synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S. Guda
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Katherine E. Odegaard
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Chengxi Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Victoria L. Schaal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Sowmya V. Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (R.S.G.); (K.E.O.); (C.T.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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18
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Abstract
The inheritance of substance abuse, including opioid abuse, may be influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors related to the environment, such as stress and socioeconomic status. These non-genetic influences on the heritability of a trait can be attributed to epigenetics. Epigenetic inheritance can result from modifications passed down from the mother, father, or both, resulting in either maternal, paternal, or parental epigenetic inheritance, respectively. These epigenetic modifications can be passed to the offspring to result in multigenerational, intergenerational, or transgenerational inheritance. Human and animal models of opioid exposure have shown generational effects that result in molecular, developmental, and behavioral alterations in future generations.
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19
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Odegaard KE, Schaal VL, Clark AR, Koul S, Sankarasubramanian J, Xia Z, Mellon M, Uberti M, Liu Y, Stothert A, Van Hook M, Wang H, Guda C, Lisco SJ, Pendyala G, Yelamanchili SV. A Holistic Systems Approach to Characterize the Impact of Pre- and Post-natal Oxycodone Exposure on Neurodevelopment and Behavior. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:619199. [PMID: 33490084 PMCID: PMC7817773 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Increased risk of oxycodone (oxy) dependency during pregnancy has been associated with altered behaviors and cognitive deficits in exposed offspring. However, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding the effect of in utero and postnatal exposure on neurodevelopment and subsequent behavioral outcomes. Methods: Using a preclinical rodent model that mimics oxy exposure in utero (IUO) and postnatally (PNO), we employed an integrative holistic systems biology approach encompassing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), electrophysiology, RNA-sequencing, and Von Frey pain testing to elucidate molecular and behavioral changes in the exposed offspring during early neurodevelopment as well as adulthood. Results: 1H-MRS studies revealed significant changes in key brain metabolites in the exposed offspring that were corroborated with changes in synaptic currents. Transcriptomic analysis employing RNA-sequencing identified alterations in the expression of pivotal genes associated with synaptic transmission, neurodevelopment, mood disorders, and addiction in the treatment groups. Furthermore, Von Frey analysis revealed lower pain thresholds in both exposed groups. Conclusions: Given the increased use of opiates, understanding the persistent developmental effects of these drugs on children will delineate potential risks associated with opiate use beyond the direct effects in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Odegaard
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Victoria L. Schaal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Alexander R. Clark
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sneh Koul
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | | | - Zhiqiu Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Melissa Mellon
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Mariano Uberti
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Andrew Stothert
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Matthew Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Hanjun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Steven J. Lisco
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sowmya V. Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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