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Maddern XJ, Ursich LT, Bailey G, Pearl A, Anversa RG, Lawrence AJ, Walker LC. Sex Differences in Alcohol Use: Is It All About Hormones? Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae088. [PMID: 39018449 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae088] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Risky alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a rising problem in women, yet a major disparity in our understanding of what drives alcohol consumption in women remains. Historically biomedical research has focused on male subjects; however, recent increases in reporting of females, have highlighted major differences between the sexes. Here we review the current literature of the effect of gonadal steroid hormones (estrogens, androgens, and progestins), neurosteriods, and neurobiological factors on alcohol use in clinical and preclinical studies of both sexes. Further, we briefly discuss how fundamental sex differences in genetics, metabolism, neuroimmune, and stress responses may influence sex differences in alcohol intake. Comparing the sexes could aid in the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat AUD, and implementation of current treatment options in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren T Ursich
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Grace Bailey
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Amy Pearl
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Roberta G Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
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2
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Grodin EN. Neuroimmune modulators as novel pharmacotherapies for substance use disorders. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100744. [PMID: 38435721 PMCID: PMC10906159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
One promising avenue of research is the use of neuroimmune modulators to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). Neuroimmune modulators target the interactions between the nervous system and immune system, which have been found to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of SUDs. Multiple classes of substances produce alterations to neuroimmune signaling and peripheral immune function, including alcohol, opioids, and psychostimulants Preclinical studies have shown that neuroimmune modulators can reduce drug-seeking behavior and prevent relapse in animal models of SUDs. Additionally, early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of using neuroimmune modulators as a treatment for SUDs in humans. These therapeutics can be used as stand-alone treatments or as adjunctive. This review summarizes the current state of the field and provides future directions with a specific focus on personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica N. Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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3
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Ibáñez C, Acuña T, Quintanilla ME, Pérez-Reytor D, Morales P, Karahanian E. Fenofibrate Decreases Ethanol-Induced Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress and Reduces Alcohol Relapse in Rats by a PPAR-α-Dependent Mechanism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1758. [PMID: 37760061 PMCID: PMC10525752 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High ethanol consumption triggers neuroinflammation, implicated in sustaining chronic alcohol use. This inflammation boosts glutamate, prompting dopamine release in reward centers, driving prolonged drinking and relapse. Fibrate drugs, activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), counteract neuroinflammation in other contexts, prompting investigation into their impact on ethanol-induced inflammation. Here, we studied, in UChB drinker rats, whether the administration of fenofibrate in the withdrawal stage after chronic ethanol consumption reduces voluntary intake when alcohol is offered again to the animals (relapse-type drinking). Furthermore, we determined if fenofibrate was able to decrease ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Animals treated with fenofibrate decreased alcohol consumption by 80% during post-abstinence relapse. Furthermore, fenofibrate decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, and of an oxidative stress-induced gene (heme oxygenase-1), in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. Animals treated with fenofibrate showed an increase M2-type microglia (with anti-inflammatory proprieties) and a decrease in phagocytic microglia in the hippocampus. A PPAR-α antagonist (GW6471) abrogated the effects of fenofibrate, indicating that they are dependent on PPAR-α activation. These findings highlight the potential of fenofibrate, an FDA-approved dyslipidemia medication, as a supplementary approach to alleviating relapse severity in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) during withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ibáñez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Tirso Acuña
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - María Elena Quintanilla
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Diliana Pérez-Reytor
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
| | - Paola Morales
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.I.); (D.P.-R.)
- Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
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4
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Grigsby K, Ledford C, Batish T, Kanadibhotla S, Smith D, Firsick E, Tran A, Townsley K, Reyes KAV, LeBlanc K, Ozburn A. Targeting the Maladaptive Effects of Binge Drinking on Circadian Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11084. [PMID: 36232380 PMCID: PMC9569456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies (1) support a role of circadian genes in regulating alcohol intake, and (2) reveal that harmful alcohol use alters circadian rhythms. However, there is minimal knowledge of the effects of chronic alcohol processes on rhythmic circadian gene expression across brain regions important for circadian biology and alcohol intake. Therefore, the present study sought to test the effects of chronic binge-like drinking on diurnal circadian gene expression patterns in the master circadian pacemaker (SCN), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in High Drinking in the Dark-1 (HDID-1) mice, a unique genetic risk model for drinking to intoxication. Consistent with earlier findings, we found that 8 weeks of binge-like drinking reduced the amplitude of several core circadian clock genes in the NAc and SCN, but not the VTA. To better inform the use of circadian-relevant pharmacotherapies in reducing harmful drinking and ameliorating alcohol's effects on circadian gene expression, we tested whether the casein kinase-1 inhibitor, PF-67046, or the phosphodiesterase type-4 (an upstream regulator of circadian signalling) inhibitor, apremilast, would reduce binge-like intake and mitigate circadian gene suppression. PF-67046 did not reduce intake but did have circadian gene effects. In contrast, apremilast reduced drinking, but had no effect on circadian expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolter Grigsby
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Courtney Ledford
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Tanvi Batish
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Snigdha Kanadibhotla
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Delaney Smith
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Evan Firsick
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Alexander Tran
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kayla Townsley
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kaylee-Abril Vasquez Reyes
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Katherine LeBlanc
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Angela Ozburn
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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5
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Meredith LR, Burnette EM, Grodin EN, Irwin MR, Ray LA. Immune treatments for alcohol use disorder: A translational framework. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:349-364. [PMID: 34343618 PMCID: PMC9044974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While the immune system is essential for survival, an excessive or prolonged inflammatory response, such as that resulting from sustained heavy alcohol use, can damage the host and contribute to psychiatric disorders. A growing body of literature indicates that the immune system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). As such, there is enthusiasm for treatments that can restore healthy levels of inflammation as a mechanism to reduce drinking and promote recovery. In this qualitative literature review, we provide a conceptual rationale for immune therapies and discuss progress in medications development for AUD focused on the immune system as a treatment target. This review is organized into sections based on primary signaling pathways targeted by the candidate therapies, namely: (a) toll-like receptors, (b) phosphodiesterase inhibitors, (c) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, (d) microglia and astrocytes, (e) other immune pharmacotherapies, and (f) behavioral therapies. As relevant within each section, we examine the basic biological mechanisms of each class of therapy and evaluate preclinical research testing the role of the therapy on mitigating alcohol-related behaviors in animal models. To the extent available, translational findings are reviewed with discussion of completed and ongoing randomized clinical trials and their findings to date. An applied and clinically focused approach is taken to identify the potential clinical applications of the various treatments reviewed. We conclude by delineating the most promising candidate treatments and discussing future directions by considering opportunities for immune treatment development and personalized medicine for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay R Meredith
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Burnette
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erica N Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Irwin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Monroy-Ramirez HC, Galicia-Moreno M, Sandoval-Rodriguez A, Meza-Rios A, Santos A, Armendariz-Borunda J. PPARs as Metabolic Sensors and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158298. [PMID: 34361064 PMCID: PMC8347792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrates and lipids are two components of the diet that provide the necessary energy to carry out various physiological processes to help maintain homeostasis in the body. However, when the metabolism of both biomolecules is altered, development of various liver diseases takes place; such as metabolic-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infections, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and in more severe cases, hepatocelular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, PPARs are a family of ligand-dependent transcription factors with an important role in the regulation of metabolic processes to hepatic level as well as in other organs. After interaction with specific ligands, PPARs are translocated to the nucleus, undergoing structural changes to regulate gene transcription involved in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. This review aims to provide updated data about PPARs’ critical role in liver metabolic regulation, and their involvement triggering the genesis of several liver diseases. Information is provided about their molecular characteristics, cell signal pathways, and the main pharmacological therapies that modulate their function, currently engaged in the clinic scenario, or in pharmacological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Christian Monroy-Ramirez
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (H.C.M.-R.); (M.G.-M.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Marina Galicia-Moreno
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (H.C.M.-R.); (M.G.-M.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Ana Sandoval-Rodriguez
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (H.C.M.-R.); (M.G.-M.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Alejandra Meza-Rios
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Zapopan 45138, Jalisco, Mexico; (A.M.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Zapopan 45138, Jalisco, Mexico; (A.M.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Juan Armendariz-Borunda
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (H.C.M.-R.); (M.G.-M.); (A.S.-R.)
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Zapopan 45138, Jalisco, Mexico; (A.M.-R.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Villavicencio-Tejo F, Flores-Bastías O, Marambio-Ruiz L, Pérez-Reytor D, Karahanian E. Fenofibrate (a PPAR-α Agonist) Administered During Ethanol Withdrawal Reverts Ethanol-Induced Astrogliosis and Restores the Levels of Glutamate Transporter in Ethanol-Administered Adolescent Rats. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:653175. [PMID: 33959021 PMCID: PMC8093785 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
High-ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response, which has been proposed as responsible for the maintenance of chronic ethanol consumption. Neuroinflammation decreases glutamate transporter (GLT-1) expression, increasing levels of glutamate that trigger dopamine release at the corticolimbic reward areas, driving long-term drinking behavior. The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by fibrates inhibits neuroinflammation, in models other than ethanol consumption. However, the effect of fibrates on ethanol-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been studied. We previously reported that the administration of fenofibrate to ethanol-drinking rats decreased ethanol consumption. Here, we studied whether fenofibrate effects are related to a decrease in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and to the normalization of the levels of GLT-1. Rats were administered ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (2 g/kg/day). After ethanol withdrawal, fenofibrate was administered for 14 days (50 mg/kg/day) and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated NF-κB-inhibitory protein (pIκBα) and GLT-1, were quantified in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Ethanol treatment increased the levels of GFAP in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating a clear astrocytic activation. Similarly, ethanol increased the levels of pIκBα in the three areas. The administration of fenofibrate decreased the expression of GFAP and pIκBα in the three areas. These results indicate that fenofibrate reverts both astrogliosis and NF-κB activation. Finally, ethanol decreased GLT-1 expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Fenofibrate normalized the levels of GLT-1 in both areas, suggesting that its effect in reducing ethanol consumption could be due to the normalization of glutamatergic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Osvaldo Flores-Bastías
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lucas Marambio-Ruiz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diliana Pérez-Reytor
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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8
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Namba MD, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Nagy EK, Olive MF, Neisewander JL. Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Novel Treatment Targets for Substance Use Disorders and Associated Comorbidities. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:650785. [PMID: 33935636 PMCID: PMC8082184 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.650785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies examining the neurobiology of substance abuse have revealed a significant role of neuroimmune signaling as a mechanism through which drugs of abuse induce aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and contribute to substance abuse-related behaviors. Immune signaling within the brain and the periphery critically regulates homeostasis of the nervous system. Perturbations in immune signaling can induce neuroinflammation or immunosuppression, which dysregulate nervous system function including neural processes associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). In this review, we discuss the literature that demonstrates a role of neuroimmune signaling in regulating learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, emphasizing specific cytokine signaling within the central nervous system. We then highlight recent preclinical studies, within the last 5 years when possible, that have identified immune mechanisms within the brain and the periphery associated with addiction-related behaviors. Findings thus far underscore the need for future investigations into the clinical potential of immunopharmacology as a novel approach toward treating SUDs. Considering the high prevalence rate of comorbidities among those with SUDs, we also discuss neuroimmune mechanisms of common comorbidities associated with SUDs and highlight potentially novel treatment targets for these comorbid conditions. We argue that immunopharmacology represents a novel frontier in the development of new pharmacotherapies that promote long-term abstinence from drug use and minimize the detrimental impact of SUD comorbidities on patient health and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Namba
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | - Erin K. Nagy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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9
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Grigsby KB, Savarese AM, Metten P, Mason BJ, Blednov YA, Crabbe JC, Ozburn AR. Effects of Tacrolimus and Other Immune Targeting Compounds on Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking in High Drinking in the Dark Mice. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520975412. [PMID: 33294845 PMCID: PMC7705291 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520975412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High Drinking in the Dark (HDID-1) mice represent a unique genetic risk model of binge-like drinking and a novel means of screening potential pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol use disorders (AUDs). We tested the effects of tacrolimus (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg), sirolimus (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA; 0, 75, 150, and 225 mg/kg), and secukinumab (0, 5, 20, and 60 mg/kg) on binge-like ethanol intake (2-day, "Drinking in the Dark" [DID]) and blood alcohol levels (BALs) in HDID-1 mice. Tacrolimus reduced ethanol intake and BALs. Tacrolimus had no effect on water intake, but reduced saccharin intake. There was no effect of sirolimus, PEA, or secukinumab on ethanol intake or BALs. These results compare and contrast with previous work addressing these compounds or their targeted mechanisms of action on ethanol drinking, highlighting the importance of screening a wide range of models and genotypes to inform the role of neuroimmune signaling in AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolter B Grigsby
- Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University and VA
Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Antonia M Savarese
- Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University and VA
Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pamela Metten
- Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University and VA
Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Barbara J Mason
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The
Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcoholism and
Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - John C Crabbe
- Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University and VA
Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Angela R Ozburn
- Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University and VA
Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
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10
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Further evidence for the involvement of the PPARγ system on alcohol intake and sensitivity in rodents. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2983-2992. [PMID: 32676772 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Peroxisome Proliferator Activator receptors (PPARs) are intracellular receptors that function as transcription factors, which regulate specific metabolic and inflammatory processes. PPARs are broadly distributed in the body and are also expressed in the central nervous system, especially in areas involved in addiction-related behavioral responses. Recent studies support a role of PPARs in alcoholism and pioglitazone: a PPARγ agonist used for treatment of type 2 diabetes showed efficacy in reducing alcohol drinking, stress-induced relapse, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome in rats. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS In the current work, we tested the pharmacological effects of pioglitazone on binge-like alcohol consumption using an intermittent two-bottle choice paradigm in Wistar rats and on the "drinking in the dark" (DID) model in mice with selective deletion of PPARγ in neurons. RESULTS Our data show that repeated administration of pioglitazone (10, 30 mg/kg) reduces high voluntary alcohol consumption in Wistar rats. Pre-treatment with the selective PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (5 mg/kg) completely prevented the effect of pioglitazone, demonstrating that its action is specifically mediated by activation of PPARγ. In line with this result, repeated administration of pioglitazone (30 mg/kg) attenuated binge alcohol consumption in PPARγ(+/+) mice. Whereas in PPARγ(-/-) mice, which exhibit reduced alcohol consumption, pioglitazone had no effect. Of note, PPARγ(-/-) mice exhibited lower patterns of alcohol drinking without showing difference in sucrose (control) intake. Interestingly, PPARγ(-/-) mice displayed a higher sensitivity to the sedative and ataxic effect of alcohol compared with their wild-type counterpart. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data suggest that PPARγ agonists, and specifically pioglitazone, could be potential therapeutics for the treatment of binge alcohol drinking.
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11
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Suárez J, Khom S, Alén F, Natividad LA, Varodayan FP, Patel RR, Kirson D, Arco R, Ballesta A, Bajo M, Rubio L, Martin-Fardon R, de Fonseca FR, Roberto M. Cessation of fluoxetine treatment increases alcohol seeking during relapse and dysregulates endocannabinoid and glutamatergic signaling in the central amygdala. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12813. [PMID: 31339221 PMCID: PMC8050940 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), typically used as antidepressants, induces long-lasting behavioral changes associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the contribution of SSRI (fluoxetine)-induced alterations in neurobiological processes underlying alcohol relapse such as endocannabinoid and glutamate signaling in the central amygdala (CeA) remains largely unknown. We utilized an integrative approach to study the effects of repeated fluoxetine administration during abstinence on ethanol drinking. Gene expression and biochemical and electrophysiological studies explored the hypothesis that dysregulation in glutamatergic and endocannabinoid mechanisms in the CeA underlie the susceptibility to alcohol relapse. Cessation of daily treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) during abstinence resulted in a marked increase in ethanol seeking during re-exposure periods. The increase in ethanol self-administration was associated with (a) reductions in levels of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolomine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the CeA, (b) increased amygdalar gene expression of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1), N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (Nape-pld), fatty acid amid hydrolase (Faah), (c) decreased amygdalar gene expression of ionotropic AMPA (GluA2 and GluA4) and metabotropic (mGlu3) glutamate receptors, and (d) increased glutamatergic receptor function. Overall, our data suggest that the administration of the antidepressant fluoxetine during abstinence dysregulates endocannabinoid signaling and glutamatergic receptor function in the amygdala, facts that likely facilitate alcohol drinking behavior during relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga (IBIMA), Mental Health UGC, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Khom
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francisco Alén
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga (IBIMA), Mental Health UGC, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis A. Natividad
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Florence P. Varodayan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Reesha R. Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dean Kirson
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rocío Arco
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga (IBIMA), Mental Health UGC, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Ballesta
- Department of Psychobiology. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Department of Anatomy and Forensic and Legal Medicine. Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rémi Martin-Fardon
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga (IBIMA), Mental Health UGC, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, CA, USA
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Estrela GR, Arruda AC, Torquato HFV, Freitas-Lima LC, Perilhão MS, Wasinski F, Budu A, Fock RA, Paredes-Gamero EJ, Araujo RC. Gemfibrozil Induces Anemia, Leukopenia and Reduces Hematopoietic Stem Cells via PPAR-α in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145050. [PMID: 32708962 PMCID: PMC7403977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia, also called high cholesterol, is a form of hyperlipidemia, which may be a consequence of diet, obesity or diabetes. In addition, increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Thus, controlling cholesterol levels is commonly necessary, and fibrates have been used as lipid-lowering drugs. Gemfibrozil is a fibrate that acts via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha to promote changes in lipid metabolism and decrease serum triglyceride levels. However, anemia and leukopenia are known side effects of gemfibrozil. Considering that gemfibrozil may lead to anemia and that gemfibrozil acts via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, we treated wild-type and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-knockout mice with gemfibrozil for four consecutive days. Gemfibrozil treatment led to anemia seven days after the first administration of the drug; we found reduced levels of hemoglobin, as well as red blood cells, white blood cells and a reduced percentage of hematocrits. PPAR-alpha-knockout mice were capable of reversing all of those reduced parameters induced by gemfibrozil treatment. Erythropoietin levels were increased in the serum of gemfibrozil-treated animals, and we also observed an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) and erythropoietin in renal tissue, while PPAR-alpha knockout mice treated with gemfibrozil did not present increased levels of serum erythropoietin or tissue HIF-2α and erythropoietin mRNA levels in the kidneys. We analyzed bone marrow and found that gemfibrozil reduced erythrocytes and hematopoietic stem cells in wild-type mice but not in PPAR-alpha-knockout mice, while increased colony-forming units were observed only in wild-type mice treated with gemfibrozil. Here, we show for the first time that gemfibrozil treatment leads to anemia and leukopenia via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rufino Estrela
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Discipline of Hematology and Hematotherapy, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04037002, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (A.C.A.); (M.S.P.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.E.); (R.C.A.); Tel.: +55-11-5576-4859 (R.C.A.)
| | - Adriano Cleis Arruda
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (A.C.A.); (M.S.P.)
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (L.C.F.-L.); (A.B.)
| | - Heron Fernandes Vieira Torquato
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04044020, Brazil; (H.F.V.T.); (E.J.P.-G.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Center Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes 08773380, Brazil
| | | | - Mauro Sérgio Perilhão
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (A.C.A.); (M.S.P.)
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (L.C.F.-L.); (A.B.)
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil;
| | - Alexandre Budu
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (L.C.F.-L.); (A.B.)
| | - Ricardo Ambrósio Fock
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil;
| | - Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04044020, Brazil; (H.F.V.T.); (E.J.P.-G.)
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070900, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Carvalho Araujo
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (A.C.A.); (M.S.P.)
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil; (L.C.F.-L.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.E.); (R.C.A.); Tel.: +55-11-5576-4859 (R.C.A.)
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Matheson J, Le Foll B. Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists in Substance Use Disorders: A Synthesis of Preclinical and Human Evidence. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051196. [PMID: 32408505 PMCID: PMC7291117 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has received increasing interest as a potential strategy to treat substance use disorders due to the localization of PPARs in addiction-related brain regions and the ability of PPAR ligands to modulate dopamine neurotransmission. Robust evidence from animal models suggests that agonists at both the PPAR-α and PPAR-γ isoforms can reduce both positive and negative reinforcing properties of ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and possibly psychostimulants. A reduction in the voluntary consumption of ethanol following treatment with PPAR agonists seems to be the most consistent finding. However, the human evidence is limited in scope and has so far been less promising. There have been no published human trials of PPAR agonists for treatment of alcohol use disorder, despite the compelling preclinical evidence. Two trials of PPAR-α agonists as potential smoking cessation drugs found no effect on nicotine-related outcomes. The PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone showed some promise in reducing heroin, nicotine, and cocaine craving in two human laboratory studies and one pilot trial, yet other outcomes were unaffected. Potential explanations for the discordance between the animal and human evidence, such as the potency and selectivity of PPAR ligands and sex-related variability in PPAR physiology, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Matheson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada;
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 34727)
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada;
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
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Ozburn AR, Metten P, Potretzke S, Townsley KG, Blednov YA, Crabbe JC. Effects of Pharmacologically Targeting Neuroimmune Pathways on Alcohol Drinking in Mice Selectively Bred to Drink to Intoxication. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:553-566. [PMID: 31853996 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent models of high alcohol drinking offer opportunities to better understand factors for alcohol use disorders (AUD) and test potential treatments. Selective breeding was carried out to create 2 unique High Drinking in the Dark (HDID-1, HDID-2) mouse lines that represent models of genetic risk for binge-like drinking. A number of studies have indicated that neuroimmune genes are important for regulation of alcohol drinking. We tested whether compounds shown to reduce drinking in other models also reduce alcohol intake in these unique genetic lines. METHODS We report tests of gabapentin, tesaglitazar, fenofibrate, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), ibrutinib, and rolipram. Although these compounds have different mechanisms of action, they have all been shown to reduce inflammatory responses. We evaluated effects of these compounds on alcohol intake. In order to facilitate comparison with previously published findings for some compounds, we employed similar schedules that were previously used for that compound. RESULTS Gabapentin increased ethanol (EtOH) binge-like alcohol drinking in female HDID-1 and HS/NPT mice. Tesaglitazar and fenofibrate did not alter 2-bottle choice (2BC) drinking in male HDID-1 or HS/NPT mice. However, tesaglitazar had no effect on DID EtOH intake but reduced blood alcohol levels (BAL), and fenofibrate increased DID intake with no effects on BAL. CAPE had no effect on EtOH intake. Ibrutinib reduced intake in female HDID-1 in initial testing, but did not reduce intake in a second week of testing. Rolipram reduced DID intake and BALs in male and female HDID-1, HDID-2, and HS/NPT mice. CONCLUSIONS A number of compounds shown to reduce EtOH drinking in other models, and genotypes are not effective in HDID mice or their genetically heterogeneous founders, HS/NPT. The most promising compound was the PDE4 inhibitor, rolipram. These results highlight the importance of assessing generalizability when rigorously testing compounds for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Ozburn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Pamela Metten
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sheena Potretzke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kayla G Townsley
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - John C Crabbe
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Melbourne JK, Thompson KR, Peng H, Nixon K. Its complicated: The relationship between alcohol and microglia in the search for novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 167:179-221. [PMID: 31601404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with wide-ranging health consequences. Alcohol targets the central nervous system producing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive and behavioral deficits, but the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. Recently, evidence has been mounting for the role of neuroimmune activation in the pathogenesis of AUDs, but our nascent state of knowledge about the interaction of alcohol with the neuroimmune system supports that the relationship is complicated. As the resident macrophage of the central nervous system, microglia are a central focus. Human and animal research on the interplay between microglia and alcohol in AUDs has proven to be complex, and though early research focused on a pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia, the anti-inflammatory and homeostatic roles of microglia must be considered. How these new roles for microglia should be incorporated into our thinking about the neuroimmune system in AUDs is discussed in the context of developing novel pharmacotherapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Melbourne
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - K Ryan Thompson
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hui Peng
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kimberly Nixon
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Austin, TX, United States.
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Locci A, Pinna G. Stimulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α by N-Palmitoylethanolamine Engages Allopregnanolone Biosynthesis to Modulate Emotional Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:1036-1045. [PMID: 30955840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid and neurosteroid systems regulate emotions and stress responses. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α by the endocannabinoid congener N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) regulates pathophysiological systems (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress) and induces peripheral biosynthesis of allopregnanolone, a gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurosteroid implicated in mood disorders. However, effects of PPAR-α on emotional behavior are poorly understood. METHODS We studied the impact of PPAR-α activation on emotional behavior in a mouse model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurosteroid levels before and after PEA treatment were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in relevant brain regions of socially isolated versus group-housed mice exposed to the contextual fear conditioning test, elevated plus maze test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. Neurosteroidogenic enzyme levels were quantified in hippocampus by Western blot. RESULTS PEA administered in a model of conditioned contextual fear reconsolidation blockade facilitated fear extinction and fear extinction retention and induced marked antidepressive- and anxiolytic-like effects in socially isolated mice with reduced brain allopregnanolone levels. These effects were mimicked by the PPAR-α synthetic agonists, fenofibrate and GW7647, and were prevented by PPAR-α deletion, PPAR-α antagonists, and neurosteroid-enzyme inhibitors. Behavioral improvements correlated with PEA-induced upregulation of PPAR-α, neurosteroidogenic enzyme expression, and normalization of corticolimbic allopregnanolone levels. CONCLUSIONS This evidence supports a previously unknown role for PPAR-α in behavior regulation and suggests new strategies for the treatment of neuropsychopathologies characterized by deficient neurosteroidogenesis, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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Erickson EK, Grantham EK, Warden AS, Harris RA. Neuroimmune signaling in alcohol use disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 177:34-60. [PMID: 30590091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread disease with limited treatment options. Targeting the neuroimmune system is a new avenue for developing or repurposing effective pharmacotherapies. Alcohol modulates innate immune signaling in different cell types in the brain by altering gene expression and the molecular pathways that regulate neuroinflammation. Chronic alcohol abuse may cause an imbalance in neuroimmune function, resulting in prolonged perturbations in brain function. Likewise, manipulating the neuroimmune system may change alcohol-related behaviors. Psychiatric disorders that are comorbid with AUD, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and other substance use disorders, may also have underlying neuroimmune mechanisms; current evidence suggests that convergent immune pathways may be involved in AUD and in these comorbid disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of major neuroimmune cell-types and pathways involved in mediating alcohol behaviors, discuss potential mechanisms of alcohol-induced neuroimmune activation, and present recent clinical evidence for candidate immune-related drugs to treat AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Erickson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA.
| | - Emily K Grantham
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - Anna S Warden
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - R A Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
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18
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Ferguson LB, Harris RA, Mayfield RD. From gene networks to drugs: systems pharmacology approaches for AUD. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1635-1662. [PMID: 29497781 PMCID: PMC6298603 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The alcohol research field has amassed an impressive number of gene expression datasets spanning key brain areas for addiction, species (humans as well as multiple animal models), and stages in the addiction cycle (binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative effect, and preoccupation/anticipation). These data have improved our understanding of the molecular adaptations that eventually lead to dysregulation of brain function and the chronic, relapsing disorder of addiction. Identification of new medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) will likely benefit from the integration of genetic, genomic, and behavioral information included in these important datasets. Systems pharmacology considers drug effects as the outcome of the complex network of interactions a drug has rather than a single drug-molecule interaction. Computational strategies based on this principle that integrate gene expression signatures of pharmaceuticals and disease states have shown promise for identifying treatments that ameliorate disease symptoms (called in silico gene mapping or connectivity mapping). In this review, we suggest that gene expression profiling for in silico mapping is critical to improve drug repurposing and discovery for AUD and other psychiatric illnesses. We highlight studies that successfully apply gene mapping computational approaches to identify or repurpose pharmaceutical treatments for psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore, we address important challenges that must be overcome to maximize the potential of these strategies to translate to the clinic and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Ferguson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Intitute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Roy Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Ch’Ng SS, Lawrence AJ. Investigational drugs for alcohol use disorders: a review of preclinical data. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:459-474. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1472763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Ch’Ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Patients who suffer from alcohol use disorders (AUDs) usually go through various socio-behavioral and pathophysiological changes that take place in the brain and other organs. Recently, consumption of unhealthy food and excess alcohol along with a sedentary lifestyle has become a norm in both developed and developing countries. Despite the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption, chronic and/or excessive alcohol intake is reported to negatively affect the brain, liver and other organs, resulting in cell death, organ damage/failure and death. The most effective therapy for alcoholism and alcohol related comorbidities is alcohol abstinence, however, chronic alcoholic patients cannot stop drinking alcohol. Therefore, targeted therapies are urgently needed to treat such populations. Patients who suffer from alcoholism and/or alcohol abuse experience harmful effects and changes that occur in the brain and other organs. Upon stopping alcohol consumption, alcoholic patients experience acute withdrawal symptoms followed by a protracted abstinence syndrome resulting in the risk of relapse to heavy drinking. For the past few decades, several drugs have been available for the treatment of AUDs. These drugs include medications to reduce or stop severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detoxification as well as recovery medications to reduce alcohol craving and support abstinence. However, there is no drug that completely antagonizes the adverse effects of excessive amounts of alcohol. This review summarizes the drugs which are available and approved by the FDA and their mechanisms of action as well as the medications that are under various phases of preclinical and clinical trials. In addition, the repurposing of the FDA approved drugs, such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants and other medications, to prevent alcoholism and treat AUDs and their potential target mechanisms are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akbar
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Mark Egli
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Young-Eun Cho
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Noronha
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Quadir SG, Guzelian E, Palmer MA, Martin DL, Kim J, Szumlinski KK. Complex interactions between the subject factors of biological sex and prior histories of binge-drinking and unpredictable stress influence behavioral sensitivity to alcohol and alcohol intake. Physiol Behav 2017; 203:100-112. [PMID: 28803118 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders, affective disorders and their comorbidity are sexually dimorphic in humans. However, it is difficult to disentangle the interactions between subject factors influencing alcohol sensitivity in studies of humans. Herein, we combined murine models of unpredictable, chronic, mild stress (UCMS) and voluntary binge-drinking to examine for sex differences in the interactions between prior histories of excessive ethanol-drinking and stress upon ethanol-induced changes in motor behavior and subsequent drinking. In Experiment 1, female mice were insensitive to the UCMS-induced increase in ethanol-induced locomotion and ethanol intake under continuous alcohol-access. Experiment 2 revealed interactions between ethanol dose and sex (females>males), binge-drinking history (water>ethanol), and UCMS history (UCMS>controls), with no additive effect of a sequential prior history of both binge drinking and UCMS observed. We also observed an interaction between UCMS history and sex for righting recovery. UCMS history potentiated subsequent binge-drinking in water controls of both sexes and in male binge-drinking mice. Conversely, a prior binge-drinking history increased subsequent ethanol intake in females only, irrespective of prior UCMS history. In Experiment 3, a concurrent history of binge-drinking and UCMS did not alter ethanol intake, nor did it influence the ethanol dose-locomotor response function, but it did augment alcohol-induced sedation and reduced subsequent alcohol intake over that produced by binge-drinking alone. Thus, the subject factors of biological sex, prior stressor history and prior binge-drinking history interact in complex ways in mice to impact sensitivity to alcohol's motor-stimulating, -incoordinating and intoxicating effects, as well as to influence subsequent heavy drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema G Quadir
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Eugenie Guzelian
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Mason A Palmer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Douglas L Martin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Kim
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Karen K Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA; Department of Molecular, Developmental and Cell Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
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22
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Rinker JA, Mulholland PJ. Promising pharmacogenetic targets for treating alcohol use disorder: evidence from preclinical models. Pharmacogenomics 2017; 18:555-570. [PMID: 28346058 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited genetic variants contribute to risk factors for developing an alcohol use disorder, and polymorphisms may inform precision medicine strategies for treating alcohol addiction. Targeting genetic mutations linked to alcohol phenotypes has provided promising initial evidence for reducing relapse rates in alcoholics. Although successful in some studies, there are conflicting findings and the reports of adverse effects may ultimately limit their clinical utility, suggesting that novel pharmacogenetic targets are necessary to advance precision medicine approaches. Here, we describe promising novel genetic variants derived from preclinical models of alcohol consumption and dependence that may uncover disease mechanisms that drive uncontrolled drinking and identify novel pharmacogenetic targets that facilitate therapeutic intervention for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rinker
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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23
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In vivo interactions between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α: Implication for nicotine dependence. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:38-45. [PMID: 28279662 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic tobacco use dramatically increases health burdens and financial costs. Limitations of current smoking cessation therapies indicate the need for improved molecular targets. The main addictive component of tobacco, nicotine, exerts its dependency effects via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Activation of the homomeric α7 nAChR reduces nicotine's rewarding properties in conditioned place preference (CPP) test and i.v. self-administration models, but the mechanism underlying these effects is unknown. Recently, the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor type-α (PPARα) has been implicated as a downstream signaling target of the α7 nAChR in ventral tegmental area dopamine cells. The present study investigated PPARα as a possible mediator of the effect of α7 nAChR activation in nicotine dependence. Our results demonstrate the PPARα antagonist GW6471 blocks actions of the α7 nAChR agonist PNU282987 on nicotine reward in an unbiased CPP test in male ICR adult mice. These findings suggests that α7 nAChR activation attenuates nicotine CPP in a PPARα-dependent manner. To evaluate PPARα activation in nicotine dependence we used the selective and potent PPARα agonist, WY-14643 and the clinically used PPARα activator, fenofibrate, in nicotine CPP and we observed attenuation of nicotine preference, but fenofibrate was less potent. We also studied PPARα in nicotine dependence by evaluating its activation in nicotine withdrawal. WY-14643 reversed nicotine withdrawal signs whereas fenofibrate had modest efficacy. This suggests that PPARα plays a role in nicotine reward and withdrawal and that further studies are warranted to elucidate its function in mediating the effects of α7 nAChRs in nicotine dependence.
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24
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Reilly MT, Noronha A, Goldman D, Koob GF. Genetic studies of alcohol dependence in the context of the addiction cycle. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:3-21. [PMID: 28118990 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Family, twin and adoption studies demonstrate clearly that alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorders are phenotypically complex and heritable. The heritability of alcohol use disorders is estimated at approximately 50-60% of the total phenotypic variability. Vulnerability to alcohol use disorders can be due to multiple genetic or environmental factors or their interaction which gives rise to extensive and daunting heterogeneity. This heterogeneity makes it a significant challenge in mapping and identifying the specific genes that influence alcohol use disorders. Genetic linkage and (candidate gene) association studies have been used now for decades to map and characterize genomic loci and genes that underlie the genetic vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. These approaches have been moderately successful in identifying several genes that contribute to the complexity of alcohol use disorders. Recently, genome-wide association studies have become one of the major tools for identifying genes for alcohol use disorders by examining correlations between millions of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms with diagnosis status. Genome-wide association studies are just beginning to uncover novel biology; however, the functional significance of results remains a matter of extensive debate and uncertainty. In this review, we present a select group of genome-wide association studies of alcohol dependence, as one example of a way to generate functional hypotheses, within the addiction cycle framework. This analysis may provide novel directions for validating the functional significance of alcohol dependence candidate genes. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Reilly
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA.
| | - Antonio Noronha
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - David Goldman
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Chief, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - George F Koob
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Director NIAAA, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
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25
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Haile CN, Kosten TA. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate attenuates alcohol self-administration in rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 116:364-370. [PMID: 28088358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibrates are a class of medications used to treat hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia that target nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Studies have shown the PPARα agonist fenofibrate decreases voluntary EtOH consumption however its impact on the reinforcing and motivational effects of EtOH is unknown. We evaluated the ability of fenofibrate (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), to alter EtOH (10%, w/v) and sucrose (2%, w/v) operant self-administration in rats under a FR2 schedule of reinforcement over four days and under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule on day five of treatment. Results showed fenofibrate dose-dependently decreased EtOH self-administration under both schedules of reinforcement with the greatest effects seen after four to five days of treatment. Fenofibrate decreased responding for sucrose only under the PR schedule of reinforcement and this effect was not dose-dependent. These findings provide further evidence for fenofibrate as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin N Haile
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States; Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States.
| | - Therese A Kosten
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States; Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States
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26
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Kasten CR, Boehm SL. Preclinical Medication Development: New Targets and New Drugs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1418-24. [PMID: 27177689 PMCID: PMC4930385 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R. Kasten
- Department of Psychology and Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University – Purdue University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Stephen L. Boehm
- Department of Psychology and Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University – Purdue University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202
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27
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Blednov YA, Black M, Benavidez JM, Stamatakis EE, Harris RA. PPAR Agonists: I. Role of Receptor Subunits in Alcohol Consumption in Male and Female Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:553-62. [PMID: 26857685 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists reduce voluntary alcohol consumption in rodent models, and evidence suggests that PPARα and γ subunits play an important role in this effect. To define the subunit dependence of this action, we tested selective PPARα and α/γ agonists and antagonists in addition to null mutant mice lacking PPARα. METHODS The effects of fenofibrate (PPARα agonist) and tesaglitazar (PPARα/γ agonist) on continuous and intermittent 2-bottle choice drinking tests were examined in male and female wild-type mice and in male mice lacking PPARα. We compared the ability of MK886 (PPARα antagonist) and GW9662 (PPARγ antagonist) to inhibit the effects of fenofibrate and tesaglitazar in wild-type mice. The estrogen receptor antagonist, tamoxifen, can inhibit PPARγ-dependent transcription and was also studied in male and female mice. RESULTS Fenofibrate and tesaglitazar reduced ethanol (EtOH) consumption and preference in wild-type mice, but these effects were not observed in mice lacking PPARα. MK886 inhibited the action of fenofibrate, but not tesaglitazer, while GW9662 did not inhibit either agonist. The PPAR agonists were more effective in male mice compared to females, and drinking in the continuous 2-bottle choice test was more sensitive to fenofibrate and tesaglitazar compared to drinking in the intermittent access test. Tamoxifen also reduced EtOH consumption in male mice and this action was inhibited by GW9662, but not MK886, suggesting that it acts by activation of PPARγ. CONCLUSIONS Our study using selective PPAR agonists, antagonists, and null mutant mice indicates a key role for PPARα in mediating reduced EtOH consumption by fenofibrate and tesaglitazar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mendy Black
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jillian M Benavidez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Eleni E Stamatakis
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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