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Beltran-Casanueva R, Hernández-García A, Serrano-Castro PJ, Sánchez-Pérez JA, Barbancho-Fernández MA, García-Casares N, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela DO, Narváez M. Long-term enhancements in antidepressant efficacy and neurogenesis: Effects of intranasal co-administration of neuropeptide Y 1 receptor (NPY1R) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonists in the ventral hippocampus. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23595. [PMID: 38572811 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400087r] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the sustained antidepressant-like effects and neurogenic potential of a 3-day intranasal co-administration regimen of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonist M1145 and neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31, Pro34]NPY in the ventral hippocampus of adult rats, with outcomes analyzed 3 weeks post-treatment. Utilizing the forced swimming test (FST), we found that this co-administration significantly enhances antidepressant-like behaviors, an effect neutralized by the GALR2 antagonist M871, highlighting the synergistic potential of these neuropeptides in modulating mood-related behaviors. In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) indicated a significant increase in GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes in the ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus, suggesting a molecular basis for the behavioral outcomes observed. Moreover, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunolabeling revealed increased cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, specifically in neuroblasts as evidenced by co-labeling with doublecortin (DCX), without affecting quiescent neural progenitors or astrocytes. The study also noted a significant uptick in the number of DCX-positive cells and alterations in dendritic morphology in the ventral hippocampus, indicative of enhanced neuronal differentiation and maturation. These morphological changes highlight the potential of these agonists to facilitate the functional integration of new neurons into existing neural circuits. By demonstrating the long-lasting effects of a brief, 3-day intranasal administration of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists, our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of neuropeptide-mediated neuroplasticity and herald novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of depression and related mood disorders, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of targeting neurogenesis and neuronal maturation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasiel Beltran-Casanueva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Aracelis Hernández-García
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Docencia e Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín, Hospital Pedíatrico Universitario Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Pedro Jesús Serrano-Castro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jose Andrés Sánchez-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Natalia García-Casares
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasiel O Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Narváez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
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Arrabal-Gómez C, Serrano-Castro P, Sánchez-Pérez JA, Garcia-Casares N, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela D, Narváez M. Potentiation of antidepressant effects: NPY1R agonist and ketamine synergy enhances TrkB signaling and neurogenesis in the ventral hippocampus. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:309-322. [PMID: 38626283 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2342524] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) poses a significant challenge to global health, with current treatments often limited by efficacy and onset delays. This study explores the synergistic antidepressant-like effects of an NPY1R agonist and Ketamine, targeting their neurobiological interactions within the ventral hippocampus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Utilizing a preclinical model, this study administered Neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPY1R) agonist and Ketamine, both separately and in combination, through intracerebroventricular (icv) and intranasal (i.n.) routes. The Forced Swimming Test (FST) was employed to assess antidepressant-like activity, while in situ Proximity Ligation Assay and immunohistochemistry were used to examine NPY1R/TrkB heteroreceptor complexes and BDNF expression in the ventral dentate gyrus (DG), along with neurogenesis markers. RESULTS The combined treatment significantly reduced immobility in the FST, indicative of enhanced antidepressant-like effects, correlated with increased formation of NPY1R/TrkB complex and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the ventral DG. These molecular alterations were associated with increased neurogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The coadministration of an NPY1R agonist and Ketamine in a rodent model demonstrated potentiated antidepressant responses through synergistic neurobiological pathways, including TrkB signaling and hippocampal neurogenesis. This indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for MDD, warranting further clinical investigation to fully understand its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Arrabal-Gómez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Castro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jose Andrés Sánchez-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Malaga, Spain
| | - Natalia Garcia-Casares
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasiel Borroto-Escuela
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain disorders lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Narváez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
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3
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Alvarez‐Contino JE, Díaz‐Sánchez E, Mirchandani‐Duque M, Sánchez‐Pérez JA, Barbancho MA, López‐Salas A, García‐Casares N, Fuxe K, Borroto‐Escuela DO, Narváez M. GALR2 and Y1R agonists intranasal infusion enhanced adult ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant-like effects involving BDNF actions. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:459-474. [PMID: 36599082 PMCID: PMC10952952 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis is linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), with more than 300 million people diagnosed and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accumulating evidence for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and galanin (GAL) interaction was shown in various limbic system regions at molecular-, cellular-, and behavioral-specific levels. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the proliferating role of GAL2 receptor (GALR2) and Y1R agonists interaction upon intranasal infusion in the ventral hippocampus. We studied their hippocampal proliferating actions using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on neuroblasts or stem cells and the expression of the brain-derived neurothrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, we studied the formation of Y1R-GALR2 heteroreceptor complexes and analyzed morphological changes in hippocampal neuronal cells. Finally, the functional outcome of the NPY and GAL interaction on the ventral hippocampus was evaluated in the forced swimming test. We demonstrated that the intranasal infusion of GALR2 and the Y1R agonists promotes neuroblasts proliferation in the dentate gyrus of the ventral hippocampus and the induction of the neurotrophic factor BDNF. These effects were mediated by the increased formation of Y1R-GALR2 heteroreceptor complexes, which may mediate the neurites outgrowth observed on neuronal hippocampal cells. Importantly, BDNF action was found necessary for the antidepressant-like effects after GALR2 and the Y1R agonists intranasal administration. Our data may suggest the translational development of new heterobivalent agonist pharmacophores acting on Y1R-GALR2 heterocomplexes in the ventral hippocampus for the novel therapy of MDD or depressive-affecting diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Erik Alvarez‐Contino
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
| | - Estela Díaz‐Sánchez
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
- Grupo Hospitalario VithasVithas MálagaMálagaSpain
| | - Marina Mirchandani‐Duque
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
| | - Jose Andrés Sánchez‐Pérez
- Unit of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de MálagaHospital Universitario Virgen de la VictoriaMálagaSpain
| | - Miguel A. Barbancho
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
| | - Alexander López‐Salas
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
| | - Natalia García‐Casares
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Dasiel O. Borroto‐Escuela
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
- Department of NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Section of PhysiologyUniversity of UrbinoUrbinoItaly
| | - Manuel Narváez
- Laboratorio NeuronLab, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de MálagaMalagaSpain
- Grupo Hospitalario VithasVithas MálagaMálagaSpain
- Department of NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
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Zhai X, Zhou D, Han Y, Han MH, Zhang H. Noradrenergic modulation of stress resilience. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106598. [PMID: 36481260 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Resilience represents an active adaption process in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. Investigations of neurobiological mechanisms of resilience opens an innovative direction for preclinical research and drug development for various stress-related disorders. The locus coeruleus norepinephrine system has been implicated in mediating stress susceptibility versus resilience. It has attracted increasing attention over the past decades with the revolution of modern neuroscience technologies. In this review article, we first briefly go over resilience-related concepts and introduce rodent paradigms for segregation of susceptibility and resilience, then highlight recent literature that identifies the neuronal and molecular substrates of active resilience in the locus coeruleus, and discuss possible future directions for resilience investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Zhai
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Dongyu Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yi Han
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 518055, China; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
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5
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Bose M, Farias Quipildor G, Ehrlich ME, Salton SR. Intranasal Peptide Therapeutics: A Promising Avenue for Overcoming the Challenges of Traditional CNS Drug Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223629. [PMID: 36429060 PMCID: PMC9688574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has, among all organ systems in the human body, the highest failure rate of traditional small-molecule drug development, ranging from 80-100% depending on the area of disease research. This has led to widespread abandonment by the pharmaceutical industry of research and development for CNS disorders, despite increased diagnoses of neurodegenerative disorders and the continued lack of adequate treatment options for brain injuries, stroke, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric illness. However, new approaches, concurrent with the development of sophisticated bioinformatic and genomic tools, are being used to explore peptide-based therapeutics to manipulate endogenous pathways and targets, including "undruggable" intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The development of peptide-based therapeutics was previously rejected due to systemic off-target effects and poor bioavailability arising from traditional oral and systemic delivery methods. However, targeted nose-to-brain, or intranasal (IN), approaches have begun to emerge that allow CNS-specific delivery of therapeutics via the trigeminal and olfactory nerve pathways, laying the foundation for improved alternatives to systemic drug delivery. Here we review a dozen promising IN peptide therapeutics in preclinical and clinical development for neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), neuropsychiatric (depression, PTSD, schizophrenia), and neurodevelopmental disorders (autism), with insulin, NAP (davunetide), IGF-1, PACAP, NPY, oxytocin, and GLP-1 agonists prominent among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Bose
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gabriela Farias Quipildor
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephen R. Salton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-824-9308
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6
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Antidepressant Effect of Neuropeptide Y in Models of Acute and Chronic Stress. Sci Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for potential effective antidepressants with minimal side effects is necessary. Peptides are possible applicants for this role. We investigated the antidepressant effect of neuropeptide Y (NY), alone and in combination with clomipramine, in models of acute and chronic stress induced by ultrasound of variable frequencies. Rats were divided into the following groups: the control group, stress group, and stress groups with intranasal administration of NY (100 μg/kg) or clomipramine (7.5 mg/kg), or their combination. Rat behavior was evaluated using a sucrose preference test and forced swimming test in an acute stress model, and a sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, social interaction test, open field test, and Morris water maze test in a chronic stress model. The results of our experiment demonstrated a protective effect of intranasal NY in a model of acute stress, which was comparable to the antidepressant effect of clomipramine. When the same dose was chronically administered, NY also demonstrated an antidepressant action, although expressed in a lesser degree than clomipramine. The combination of NY and clomipramine was much less effective in the chronic stress paradigm compared to the separated drug administration, but was just as effective in the acute stress paradigm. Until now, there was no convincing evidence for the efficacy of the chronic administration of neuropeptide Y; we demonstrated its effectiveness in the animal model of depressive-like behavior. However, our hypothesis that neuropeptide Y can enhance the effect of a classical antidepressant was not confirmed.
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7
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Díaz-Hung ML, Hetz C. Proteostasis and resilience: on the interphase between individual's and intracellular stress. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:305-317. [PMID: 35337729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.02.003] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A long proportion of the population is resilient to the negative consequences of stress. Glucocorticoids resulting from endocrine responses to stress are essential adaptive mediators, but also drive alterations to brain function, negatively impacting neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and memory-related processes. Recent evidence has indicated that organelle function and cellular stress responses are relevant determinant of vulnerability and resistance to environmental stress. At the molecular level, a fundamental mechanism of cellular stress adaptation is the maintenance of proteostasis, which also have key roles in sustaining basal neuronal function. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that proteostasis unbalance at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum, the main site for protein folding in the cell, represents a possible mechanistic link between individuals and cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Li Díaz-Hung
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
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8
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Nahvi RJ, Tanelian A, Nwokafor C, Hollander CM, Peacock L, Sabban EL. Intranasal Neuropeptide Y as a Potential Therapeutic for Depressive Behavior in the Rodent Single Prolonged Stress Model in Females. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:705579. [PMID: 34566592 PMCID: PMC8456029 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.705579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility to stress-elicited disorders is markedly influenced by sex. Women are twice as likely as men to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and social impairments following exposure to traumatic stress. However, most of the studies in animal models examining putative therapeutics for stress-triggered impairments, including single prolonged stress (SPS), were performed predominantly with males. Previous studies in males demonstrated that intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY) can provide therapeutic relief of many SPS-triggered behaviors, but is ineffective in females at the same dose. Thus, females may need a higher dose of exogenous NPY to attain a therapeutically significant concentration since the overwhelming majority of studies found that NPY levels in females in many brain regions are lower than in male rodents. Here, we examined SPS as an appropriate model to elicit many PTSD-associated symptoms in females and whether intranasal NPY at higher doses than with males is able to alter the development of SPS-triggered behavioral impairments. Sprague-Dawley female rats were exposed to SPS only, or in a separate cohort after SPS stressors were immediately infused intranasally with one of several doses of NPY, starting with 600 μg/rat—four times the dose effective in males. In the third cohort of animals, females were infused intranasally with either 600 μg NPY, omarigliptin [a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitor], or both right after the SPS stressors. After 19 days they were tested on several behavioral tests. SPS elicited significant depressive/despair like behavior on the forced swim test (FST), anxiety behavior on the elevated plus maze (EPM), as well as impaired social interaction. On the FST, there was a dose-response effect of intranasal NPY, with 1,200 μg, but not 600 μg, preventing the development of the SPS-elicited depressive-like behavior. The omarigliptin and 600 μg NPY combined treatment, but neither alone, was also sufficient at preventing depressive-like behavior on the FST. The results demonstrate that: (1) SPS elicits several behavioral manifestations of PTSD in females; (2) early intervention with a high dose of intranasal NPY has therapeutic potential also for females; and (3) NPY cleavage by DPP4 may play a role in the higher dose requirement for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna J Nahvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Arax Tanelian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Callie M Hollander
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Lauren Peacock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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9
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Fogle BM, Tsai J, Mota N, Harpaz-Rotem I, Krystal JH, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study: A Narrative Review and Future Directions. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:538218. [PMID: 33362593 PMCID: PMC7755975 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.538218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
United States (U.S.) veterans are substantially older than their non-veteran counterparts. However, nationally representative, population-based data on the unique health needs of this population are lacking. Such data are critical to informing the design of large-scale outreach initiatives, and to ensure the effectiveness of service care delivery both within and outside of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) is a contemporary, nationally representative, prospective study of two independent cohorts (n = 3,157 and n = 1,484) of U.S. veterans, which is examining longitudinal changes, and key risk and protective factors for several health outcomes. In this narrative review, we summarize the main findings of all NHRVS studies (n = 82) published as of June 2020, and discuss the clinical implications, limitations, and future directions of this study. Review of these articles was organized into six major topic areas: post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, aging, resilience and post-traumatic growth, special topics relevant to veterans, and genetics and epigenetics. Collectively, results of these studies suggest that while a significant minority of veterans screen positive for mental disorders, the majority are psychologically resilient. They further suggest that prevention and treatment efforts designed to promote protective psychosocial characteristics (i.e., resilience, gratitude, purpose in life), and social connectedness (i.e., secure attachment, community integration, social engagement) help mitigate risk for mental disorders, and promote psychological resilience and post-traumatic growth in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brienna M. Fogle
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jack Tsai
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Natalie Mota
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - John H. Krystal
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Steven M. Southwick
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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10
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Nahvi RJ, Sabban EL. Sex Differences in the Neuropeptide Y System and Implications for Stress Related Disorders. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091248. [PMID: 32867327 PMCID: PMC7564266 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders by intranasal delivery to the brain. However, the vast majority of underlying research has been performed with males despite females being twice as susceptible to many stress-triggered disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety disorders. Here, we review sex differences in the NPY system in basal and stressed conditions and how it relates to varied susceptibility to stress-related disorders. The majority of studies demonstrate that NPY expression in many brain areas under basal, unstressed conditions is lower in females than in males. This could put them at a disadvantage in dealing with stress. Knock out animals and Flinders genetic models show that NPY is important for attenuating depression in both sexes, while its effects on anxiety appear more pronounced in males. In females, NPY expression after exposure to stress may depend on age, timing, and nature and duration of the stressors and may be especially pronounced in the catecholaminergic systems. Furthermore, alterations in NPY receptor expression and affinity may contribute to the sex differences in the NPY system. Overall, the review highlights the important role of NPY and sex differences in manifestation of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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11
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A multi-staged neuropeptide response to traumatic brain injury. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2020; 48:507-517. [DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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12
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Serova LI, Hansson E, Sabban EL. Effect of intranasal administration of neuropeptide Y and single prolonged stress on food consumption and body weight in male rats. Neuropeptides 2020; 82:102060. [PMID: 32600666 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that intranasal delivery of neuropeptide Y (NPY) to the brain has therapeutic potential for management of stress-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we aimed to determine how intranasal administration of NPY, either before or immediately after, traumatic stress in single prolonged stress (SPS) rodent model of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts food consumption and body weight. SPS stressors suppressed food consumption for at least two days in the vehicle-treated animals. When given prior to SPS stressors, intranasal NPY prevented the SPS-elicited reduction in food intake only for several hours afterwards. When given after the SPS stressors, under conditions shown to prevent behavioral and biochemical impairments, intranasal NPY had no effect on food intake. Although all groups showed circadian variation, the SPS-exposed rats ate less than unstressed animals during the dark (active) phase. Seven days after exposure to SPS stressors, there were no differences in food intake, although body weight was still lower than unstressed controls in all the experimental groups. Thus, traumatic stress has pronounced effect on food consumption during the rodent's active phase, and a prolonged effect on body weight. Single intranasal infusion of NPY, which was previously shown to prevent development of several PTSD associated behavioral and neuroendocrine impairments, did not elicit prolonged changes in stress triggered food consumption nor regulation of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
| | - Evelyn Hansson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
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13
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Panek M, Kawalec P, Pilc A, Lasoń W. Developments in the discovery and design of intranasal antidepressants. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1145-1164. [PMID: 32567398 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1776697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression remains a major cause of morbidity worldwide; consequently, there is a need in neuropsychiatry for new antidepressants with a rapid onset of action. Intranasal administration of antidepressants is an attractive and promising approach to the treatment of mental disorders, as this route is noninvasive, offers a fast onset of action and improved drug bioavailability, allows a drug dose reduction, as well as gives the possibility to bypass the blood-brain barrier and reduce the number of systemic side effects. AREAS COVERED This review is a comprehensive discussion of the available intranasal drugs that have found application as antidepressants. The results of relevant clinical studies are presented. Additionally, the use of nanotechnology-based formulations for enhancing the intranasal delivery of antidepressants is briefly described. EXPERT OPINION Intranasal drug delivery has a huge potential for antidepressant administration, but its use in the treatment of central nervous system disorders is currently very limited. The nasal route of antidepressant delivery is noninvasive, improves drug bioavailability, as well as allows to overcome the problem with the blood-brain barrier, gastrointestinal absorption, and first-pass metabolism. In our opinion, fast-acting intranasal antidepressants will be widely used in the treatment of mental disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Panek
- Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture , Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Kawalec
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków, Poland.,Drug Management Department, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University , Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków, Poland.,Drug Management Department, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University , Kraków, Poland
| | - Władysław Lasoń
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków, Poland
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14
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Tural U, Iosifescu DV. Neuropeptide Y in PTSD, MDD, and chronic stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:950-963. [PMID: 32048334 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels may be altered in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic stress. We investigated, through systematic review and meta-analysis, whether the mean levels of NPY are significantly different in patients with MDD, PTSD or chronic stress, compared to controls. The main outcome was the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals between cases and controls, using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. Thirty-five studies met eligibility criteria. Meta-regression determined that medication and sex could explain 27% of the between-study variance. Females and participants currently prescribed psychotropic medications had significantly higher levels of NPY. NPY levels were significantly lower in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in PTSD patients versus controls. Patients with MDD had significantly lower levels of NPY in plasma compared to controls, but not in the CSF. The magnitudes of the decrease in plasma NPY levels were not significantly different between PTSD and MDD. However, chronic stress patients had significantly higher plasma NPY levels compared to controls, PTSD or MDD. Our findings may imply a shared role of NPY in trauma and depression: nevertheless, it is not clear that the association is specific to these disorders. Psychotropic medications may help restore NPY levels. Further controlled studies are needed to better delineate the contribution of confounding variables such as type of depression, body mass index, appetite or sleep architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umit Tural
- Clinical Research Division, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Dan V Iosifescu
- Clinical Research Division, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA.,Psychiatry Department, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Comeras LB, Herzog H, Tasan RO. Neuropeptides at the crossroad of fear and hunger: a special focus on neuropeptide Y. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:59-80. [PMID: 31271235 PMCID: PMC6899945 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Survival in a natural environment forces an individual into constantly adapting purposive behavior. Specified interoceptive neurons monitor metabolic and physiological balance and activate dedicated brain circuits to satisfy essential needs, such as hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, fear, or anxiety. Neuropeptides are multifaceted, central components within such life‐sustaining programs. For instance, nutritional depletion results in a drop in glucose levels, release of hormones, and activation of hypothalamic and brainstem neurons. These neurons, in turn, release several neuropeptides that increase food‐seeking behavior and promote food intake. Similarly, internal and external threats activate neuronal pathways of avoidance and defensive behavior. Interestingly, specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and extended amygdala are activated by both hunger and fear. Here, we introduce the relevant neuropeptides and describe their function in feeding and emotional‐affective behaviors. We further highlight specific pathways and microcircuits, where neuropeptides may interact to identify prevailing homeostatic needs and direct respective compensatory behaviors. A specific focus will be on neuropeptide Y, since it is known for its pivotal role in metabolic and emotional pathways. We hypothesize that the orexigenic and anorexigenic properties of specific neuropeptides are related to their ability to inhibit fear and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Comeras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ramon O Tasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Nwokafor C, Serova LI, Sabban EL. Preclinical findings on the potential of intranasal neuropeptide Y for treating hyperarousal features of PTSD. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:149-159. [PMID: 31250475 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic startle response (ASR) assesses hyperarousal, a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY) administration was shown to prevent hyperarousal in single prolonged stress (SPS) rodent PTSD model. However, it is unclear how ASR itself alters responses to stress. Rats (A-S-A) were exposed to acoustic startle (AS) 1 day before SPS (ASR1) and 2 weeks afterward (ASR2). Other groups were exposed in parallel to either AS (A-A) or SPS or neither. SPS enhanced ASR2. In relevant brain areas, mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR. In mediobasal hypothalamus, AS or SPS each increased CRH mRNA levels without an additive effect. Exposure to AS appeared to dampen some responses to SPS. The SPS-triggered reduction of GR and FKBP5 gene expression was not observed in A-S-A group. In locus coeruleus, SPS increased CRHR1 and reduced Y2R mRNAs, but not in A-S-A group. In both regions, AS altered NPY receptor gene expression, which may mediate dampening responses to SPS. In second experiment, intranasal NPY administered 2 weeks after SPS reversed hyperarousal symptoms for at least 7 days. This study reveals important effects of AS on the NPY system and demonstrates that intranasal NPY elicits long-lasting reversal of traumatic stress-triggered hyperarousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
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17
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Vitorino C, Silva S, Bicker J, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Antidepressants and nose-to-brain delivery: drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1911-1923. [PMID: 31181188 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Why is nose-to-brain delivery considered to be a strategy that directly allows the access of antidepressants to the brain? In which circumstances can the intranasal pathway be applicable? Are there any requirements to follow? What triggers the antidepressant market? Which constraints are imposed during discovery programs? What opportunities can arise and what is their current status of development? Are they already translated into clinical practice? Which challenges are expected from recent development strategies? This review aims at providing a critical appraisal of nose-to-brain delivery of antidepressants, framed within a comprehensive analysis of drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Soraia Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT/ICNAS - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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18
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Nahvi RJ, Nwokafor C, Serova LI, Sabban EL. Single Prolonged Stress as a Prospective Model for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Females. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:17. [PMID: 30804766 PMCID: PMC6378310 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex plays an important role in susceptibility to stress triggered disorders. Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating psychiatric disorder developed after exposure to a traumatic event, is two times more prevalent in women than men. However, the vast majority of animal models of PTSD, including single prolonged stress (SPS), were performed mostly with males. Here, we evaluated SPS as an appropriate PTSD model for females in terms of anxiety, depressive symptoms and changes in gene expression in the noradrenergic system in the brain. In addition, we examined intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a possible treatment in females. Female rats were subjected to SPS and given either intranasal NPY or vehicle in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, stressed females were compared to unstressed controls on forced swim test (FST) and for levels of expression of several genes in the locus coeruleus (LC) 12 days after SPS exposure. Using a separate cohort of animals, experiment two examined stressed females and unstressed controls on the elevated plus maze (EPM) and LC gene expression 7 days after SPS stressors. SPS led to increased anxiety-like behavior on EPM and depressive-like behavior on FST. Following FST, the rats displayed elevated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), CRHR1 and Y1R mRNA levels in the LC, consistent with increased activation of the noradrenergic system. The expression level of these mRNAs was unchanged following EPM, except Y1R. Intranasal NPY at the doses shown to be effective in males, did not prevent development of depressive or anxiety-like behavior or molecular changes in the LC. The results indicate that while SPS could be an appropriate PTSD model for females, sex differences, such as response to NPY, are important to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna J Nahvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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19
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Saleh N, Kleinau G, Heyder N, Clark T, Hildebrand PW, Scheerer P. Binding, Thermodynamics, and Selectivity of a Non-peptide Antagonist to the Melanocortin-4 Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:560. [PMID: 29910730 PMCID: PMC5992272 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a potential drug target for treatment of obesity, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Crystal structures for MC4R are not yet available, which has hindered successful structure-based drug design. Using microsecond-scale molecular-dynamics simulations, we have investigated selective binding of the non-peptide antagonist MCL0129 to a homology model of human MC4R (hMC4R). This approach revealed that, at the end of a multi-step binding process, MCL0129 spontaneously adopts a binding mode in which it blocks the agonistic-binding site. This binding mode was confirmed in subsequent metadynamics simulations, which gave an affinity for human hMC4R that matches the experimentally determined value. Extending our simulations of MCL0129 binding to hMC1R and hMC3R, we find that receptor subtype selectivity for hMC4R depends on few amino acids located in various structural elements of the receptor. These insights may support rational drug design targeting the melanocortin systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureldin Saleh
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Computational Modelling and Dynamics of Molecular Complexes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Heyder
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemie-Centrum, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter W Hildebrand
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Computational Modelling and Dynamics of Molecular Complexes, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
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