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Blue-light treatment reduces spontaneous and evoked pain in a human experimental pain model. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e968. [PMID: 34901678 PMCID: PMC8660004 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Blue light reduces pain and shows antihyperalgesic effects in a human experimental pain model. Therefore, blue light may be a novel therapeutic approach for pain in multiple conditions. Introduction: Chronic pain is a frequent severe disease and often associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, disability, and reduced quality of life. This maladaptive condition is further characterized by sensory loss, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. Blue light has been hypothesized to modulate sensory neurons and thereby influence nociception. Objectives: Here, we compared the effects of blue light vs red light and thermal control on pain sensation in a human experimental pain model. Methods: Pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia were induced in 30 healthy volunteers through high-density transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Subsequently, blue light, red light, or thermal control treatment was applied in a cross-over design. The nonvisual effects of the respective light treatments were examined using a well-established quantitative sensory testing protocol. Somatosensory parameters as well as pain intensity and quality were scored. Results: Blue light substantially reduced spontaneous pain as assessed by numeric rating scale pain scoring. Similarly, pain quality was significantly altered as assessed by the German counterpart of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Furthermore, blue light showed antihyperalgesic, antiallodynic, and antihypesthesic effects in contrast to red light or thermal control treatment. Conclusion: Blue-light phototherapy ameliorates pain intensity and quality in a human experimental pain model and reveals antihyperalgesic, antiallodynic, and antihypesthesic effects. Therefore, blue-light phototherapy may be a novel approach to treat pain in multiple conditions.
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Hamers A, Primus CP, Whitear C, Kumar NA, Masucci M, Montalvo Moreira SA, Rathod K, Chen J, Bubb K, Colas R, Khambata RS, Dalli J, Ahluwalia A. 20-HETE is a pivotal endogenous ligand for TRPV1-mediated neurogenic inflammation in the skin. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1450-1469. [PMID: 34755897 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) is localised to sensory C-fibres and its opening leads to membrane depolarization, resulting in neuropeptide release and neurogenic inflammation. However, the identity of the endogenous activator of TRPV1 in this setting is unknown. The arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoyl acid (12-HpETE) and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) have emerged as potential endogenous activators of TRPV1 however, whether these lipids underlie TRPV1-mediated neurogenic inflammation remains unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH we analysed human cantharidin-induced blister samples and inflammatory responses in TRPV1 transgenic mice. KEY RESULTS In a human cantharidin-blister model the potent TRPV1 activators 20-HETE but not 12-HETE (stable metabolite of 12-HpETE) correlated with AA levels. Similarly, in mice levels of 20-HETE (but not 12-HETE) and AA were strongly positively correlated within the inflammatory milieu. Furthermore, LPS-induced oedema formation and neutrophil recruitment were substantially and significantly attenuated by pharmacological block or genetic deletion of TRPV1 channels, inhibition of 20-HETE formation or SP receptor neurokinin 1 (NK1 ) blockade. LPS treatment also increased cytochrome-P450 ώ-hydroxylase gene expression, the enzyme responsible for 20-HETE production. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, our findings suggest that endogenously generated 20-HETE activates TRPV1 causing C-fibre activation and consequent oedema formation. These findings identify a novel pathway that may be useful in the therapeutics of diseases/conditions characterized by a prominent neurogenic inflammation, as in several skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hamers
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Christopher P Primus
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Charlotte Whitear
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Nitin Ajit Kumar
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Michael Masucci
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Shanik A Montalvo Moreira
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Krishnaraj Rathod
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Jianmin Chen
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Kristen Bubb
- Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Romain Colas
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Rayomand S Khambata
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Jesmond Dalli
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
| | - Amrita Ahluwalia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London
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Mini-review: The nociceptive sensory functions of the polymodal receptor Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin Type 1 (TRPA1). Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136286. [PMID: 34624396 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 17 years since its cloning in 2003, the receptor-channel TRPA1 has received increasing attention due to its polymodal features and prominent role in pain signaling in a variety of human disease states. While evidence has been accumulating for non-neuronal TRPA1 expression, it is the presence of this channel in nociceptive nerve endings which has taken centre stage, due to its potential clinical ramifications. As a consequence, we shall focus in this review on the sensory functions of TRPA1 related to its expression in the peripheral nervous system. While substantial research has been focused on the putative role of TRPA1 in detecting irritant compounds, noxious cold and mechanical stimuli, the current overall picture is, to some extent, still cloudy. The chemosensory function of the channel is well demonstrated, as well as its involvement in the detection of oxidative and nitrosative stress; however, the other sensory features of TRPA1 have not been fully elucidated yet. The current state of the experimental evidence for these physiological roles of TRPA1 in mammals, and particularly in humans, will be discussed in this review.
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Palmaers NE, Wiegand SB, Herzog C, Echtermeyer FG, Eberhardt MJ, Leffler A. Distinct Mechanisms Account for In Vitro Activation and Sensitization of TRPV1 by the Porphyrin Hemin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910856. [PMID: 34639197 PMCID: PMC8509749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
TRPV1 mediates pain occurring during sickling episodes in sickle cell disease (SCD). We examined if hemin, a porphyrin released during intravascular hemolysis modulates TRPV1. Calcium imaging and patch clamp were employed to examine effects of hemin on mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and HEK293t cells expressing TRPV1 and TRPA1. Hemin induced a concentration-dependent calcium influx in DRG neurons which was abolished by the unspecific TRP-channel inhibitor ruthenium red. The selective TRPV1-inhibitor BCTC or genetic deletion of TRPV1 only marginally impaired hemin-induced calcium influx in DRG neurons. While hTRPV1 expressed in HEK293 cells mediated a hemin-induced calcium influx which was blocked by BCTC, patch clamp recordings only showed potentiated proton- and heat-evoked currents. This effect was abolished by the PKC-inhibitor chelerythrine chloride and in protein kinase C (PKC)-insensitive TRPV1-mutants. Hemin-induced calcium influx through TRPV1 was only partly PKC-sensitive, but it was abolished by the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). In contrast, hemin-induced potentiation of inward currents was not reduced by DTT. Hemin also induced a redox-dependent calcium influx, but not inward currents on hTRPA1. Our data suggest that hemin induces a PKC-mediated sensitization of TRPV1. However, it also acts as a photosensitizer when exposed to UVA-light used for calcium imaging. The resulting activation of redox-sensitive ion channels such as TRPV1 and TRPA1 may be an in vitro artifact with limited physiological relevance.
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Mihai DP, Ungurianu A, Ciotu CI, Fischer MJM, Olaru OT, Nitulescu GM, Andrei C, Zbarcea CE, Zanfirescu A, Seremet OC, Chirita C, Negres S. Effects of Venlafaxine, Risperidone and Febuxostat on Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination, Behavioral Deficits and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7183. [PMID: 34281235 PMCID: PMC8268376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, autoimmune disease that affects a large number of young adults. Novel therapies for MS are needed considering the efficiency and safety limitations of current treatments. In our study, we investigated the effects of venlafaxine (antidepressant, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), risperidone (atypical antipsychotic) and febuxostat (gout medication, xanthine oxidase inhibitor) in the cuprizone mouse model of acute demyelination, hypothesizing an antagonistic effect on TRPA1 calcium channels. Cuprizone and drugs were administered to C57BL6/J mice for five weeks and locomotor activity, motor performance and cold sensitivity were assessed. Mice brains were harvested for histological staining and assessment of oxidative stress markers. Febuxostat and metabolites of venlafaxine (desvenlafaxine) and risperidone (paliperidone) were tested for TRPA1 antagonistic activity. Following treatment, venlafaxine and risperidone significantly improved motor performance and sensitivity to a cold stimulus. All administered drugs ameliorated the cuprizone-induced deficit of superoxide dismutase activity. Desvenlafaxine and paliperidone showed no activity on TRPA1, while febuxostat exhibited agonistic activity at high concentrations. Our findings indicated that all three drugs offered some protection against the effects of cuprizone-induced demyelination. The agonistic activity of febuxostat can be of potential use for discovering novel TRPA1 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Cosmin I. Ciotu
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (C.I.C.); (M.J.M.F.)
| | - Michael J. M. Fischer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (C.I.C.); (M.J.M.F.)
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Corina Andrei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Cristina Elena Zbarcea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Oana Cristina Seremet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Cornel Chirita
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Simona Negres
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.M.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (C.A.); (C.E.Z.); (A.Z.); (O.C.S.); (C.C.); (S.N.)
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Babes A, Kichko TI, Selescu T, Manolache A, Neacsu C, Gebhardt L, Reeh PW. Psoralens activate and photosensitize Transient Receptor Potential channels Ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) and Vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1). Eur J Pain 2020; 25:122-135. [PMID: 32862473 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PUVA (psoralen UVA) therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as vitiligo psoriasis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, but it is frequently accompanied by phototoxicity leading to burning pain, itch and erythema. METHODS We used a combination of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, patch clamp and neuropeptide release measurement to investigate whether certain ion channels involved in pain and itch signalling could be responsible for these adverese effects of PUVA. RESULTS Clinically used psoralen derivatives 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and 5-methoxypsoralen at physiologically relevant concentrations were able to activate and photosensitize two recombinant thermoTRP (temperature-gated Transient Receptor Potential) ion channels, TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin type 1) and TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 1). 8-MOP enhanced ROS production by UVA light, and the effect of 8-MOP on TRPA1 could be abolished by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine and by removal of critical cysteine residues from the N-terminus domain of the channel. Natively expressed mouse TRPA1 and TRPV1 both contribute to photosensitization of cultured primary afferent neurons by 8-MOP, while direct neuronal activation by this psoralen-derivative is mainly dependent on TRPV1. Both TRPA1 and TRPV1 are to a large extent involved in controlling 8-MOP-induced neuropeptide release from mouse trachea. CONCLUSIONS Taken together our results provide a better understanding of the phototoxicity reported by PUVA patients and indicate a possible therapeutic approach to alleviate the adverse effects associated with this therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Our work provides evidence for the involvement of thermoTRP channels TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the activation and photosensitization of peripheral nociceptors during PUVA (Psoralen UVA) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Babes
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tatjana I Kichko
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tudor Selescu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Manolache
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Neacsu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lisa Gebhardt
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter W Reeh
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
A limited number of peripheral targets generate pain. Inflammatory mediators can sensitize these. The review addresses targets acting exclusively or predominantly on sensory neurons, mediators involved in inflammation targeting sensory neurons, and mediators involved in a more general inflammatory process, of which an analgesic effect secondary to an anti-inflammatory effect can be expected. Different approaches to address these systems are discussed, including scavenging proinflammatory mediators, applying anti-inflammatory mediators, and inhibiting proinflammatory or facilitating anti-inflammatory receptors. New approaches are contrasted to established ones; the current stage of progress is mentioned, in particular considering whether there is data from a molecular and cellular level, from animals, or from human trials, including an early stage after a market release. An overview of publication activity is presented, considering a IuPhar/BPS-curated list of targets with restriction to pain-related publications, which was also used to identify topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin I Ciotu
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael J M Fischer
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Talavera K, Startek JB, Alvarez-Collazo J, Boonen B, Alpizar YA, Sanchez A, Naert R, Nilius B. Mammalian Transient Receptor Potential TRPA1 Channels: From Structure to Disease. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:725-803. [PMID: 31670612 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA) channels are Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels remarkably conserved through the animal kingdom. Mammals have only one member, TRPA1, which is widely expressed in sensory neurons and in non-neuronal cells (such as epithelial cells and hair cells). TRPA1 owes its name to the presence of 14 ankyrin repeats located in the NH2 terminus of the channel, an unusual structural feature that may be relevant to its interactions with intracellular components. TRPA1 is primarily involved in the detection of an extremely wide variety of exogenous stimuli that may produce cellular damage. This includes a plethora of electrophilic compounds that interact with nucleophilic amino acid residues in the channel and many other chemically unrelated compounds whose only common feature seems to be their ability to partition in the plasma membrane. TRPA1 has been reported to be activated by cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli, and its function is modulated by multiple factors, including Ca2+, trace metals, pH, and reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonyl species. TRPA1 is involved in acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation, plays key roles in the pathophysiology of nearly all organ systems, and is an attractive target for the treatment of related diseases. Here we review the current knowledge about the mammalian TRPA1 channel, linking its unique structure, widely tuned sensory properties, and complex regulation to its roles in multiple pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Talavera
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Justyna B Startek
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julio Alvarez-Collazo
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brett Boonen
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yeranddy A Alpizar
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicia Sanchez
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robbe Naert
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bernd Nilius
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
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Computational Drug Repurposing Algorithm Targeting TRPA1 Calcium Channel as a Potential Therapeutic Solution for Multiple Sclerosis. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11090446. [PMID: 31480671 PMCID: PMC6781306 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11090446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) through neurodegeneration and demyelination, leading to physical/cognitive disability and neurological defects. A viable target for treating MS appears to be the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) calcium channel, whose inhibition has been shown to have beneficial effects on neuroglial cells and protect against demyelination. Using computational drug discovery and data mining methods, we performed an in silico screening study combining chemical graph mining, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, and molecular docking techniques in a global prediction model in order to identify repurposable drugs as potent TRPA1 antagonists that may serve as potential treatments for MS patients. After screening the DrugBank database with the combined generated algorithm, 903 repurposable structures were selected, with 97 displaying satisfactory inhibition probabilities and pharmacokinetics. Among the top 10 most probable inhibitors of TRPA1 with good blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, desvenlafaxine, paliperidone, and febuxostat emerged as the most promising repurposable agents for treating MS. Molecular docking studies indicated that desvenlafaxine, paliperidone, and febuxostat are likely to induce allosteric TRPA1 channel inhibition. Future in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm the biological activity of the selected hit molecules.
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