1
|
Raghav JG, Kumar H, Ji L, Vemuri K, Makriyannis A, Suh J, Leonard MZ, Dang V, Ty C, Marandola S, Kane N, Witt AS, Shaqour S, Miczek KA. The neutral CB1 antagonist AM6527 reduces ethanol seeking, binge-like consumption, reinforcing, and withdrawal effects in male and female mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:427-443. [PMID: 38001264 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06500-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating physiological and psychiatric disorder which affects individuals globally. The current pharmacological interventions to treat AUD are limited, and hence there is an urgent need for a novel pharmacological therapy which can be effective and safe across the population. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate a novel neutral cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R) antagonist, AM6527, in several preclinical models of ethanol consumption using male and female C57BL6/J mice. METHODS Independent groups of male and female mice were subjected to repeated cycles of drinking in the dark (DID), or intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) procedures. Twenty minutes prior to ethanol access in each procedure, animals were treated with intraperitoneal injections of either 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg of AM6527 or its respective vehicle. Acamprosate (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) or its respective vehicle was used as a positive control. Separate groups of male mice were subjected to a chain schedule of ethanol reinforcement to gain access to ethanol wherein completion of a fixed interval (FI; 5 min) schedule (link 1: "Seeking") was reinforced with continuous access to ethanol (fixed ratio; FR1) for up to 1.8 g/kg (link 2: "consumption"). All the animals were treated with 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg of AM6527 or its respective vehicle 20 mins prior to the start of the FI chain of the procedure. Separately, AM6527 was also evaluated in male and female mice undergoing acute ethanol withdrawal following 8 weeks of intermittent or continuous access to 20% ethanol drinking. RESULTS In both DID and IAA procedures, AM6527 reduced ethanol consumption in a dose-related manner in both male and female mice. AM6527 produced no tolerance in the DID procedure; mice treated with 3 mg/kg of AM6527 for 3 weeks continuously drank significantly smaller amounts of ethanol as compared to vehicle-treated mice over a period of three DID cycles. Moreover, in the IAA procedure, AM6527 caused an increase in water intake over the 24-h period. Acamprosate transiently reduced ethanol intake in male mice in both the DID and the IAA procedures but failed to produce any significant effect in female mice. AM6527 also produced a decrease in the FI responding ("ethanol seeking") in animals trained to self-administer ethanol. Lastly, AM6527 mitigated neurological withdrawal signs, i.e., handling induced convulsions (HIC) in mice undergoing acute ethanol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Current findings support previous studies with CB1R neutral antagonist in reducing voluntary ethanol intake and seeking behavior. Based on results shown in this work, AM6527 can be developed as a first in class CB1R neutral antagonist to treat AUD in both males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimit Girish Raghav
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hritik Kumar
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lipin Ji
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kiran Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Junghyup Suh
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Mclean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Michael Z Leonard
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Vivi Dang
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Chelsea Ty
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Stephen Marandola
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Natalie Kane
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Annika S Witt
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Samar Shaqour
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Klaus A Miczek
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Dept. of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Ave (Bacon Hall), Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin S, Lin C, Wang Y, Wang H, Wen X, Xiao P, Li X, Peng Y, Sun J, Lu Y, Wang X. Cannabidiol Analogue CIAC001 for the Treatment of Morphine-Induced Addiction by Targeting PKM2. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11498-11516. [PMID: 37531582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Opioid addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder that causes critical public health problems. Currently, there is a lack of effective drug treatment. Herein, one cannabidiol derivative, CIAC001, was discovered as an effective agent for treating morphine-induced addiction. In vitro, CIAC001 exhibited significantly improved anti-neuroinflammatory activity with lower toxicity. In vivo, CIAC001 ameliorated the morphine-induced withdrawal reaction, behavioral sensitization, and conditional position preference by inhibiting morphine-induced microglia activation and neuroinflammation. Target fishing for CIAC001 by activity-based protein profiling led to the identification of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as the target protein. CIAC001 bound to the protein-protein interface of the PKM2 dimer and promoted the tetramerization of PKM2. Moreover, CIAC001 exhibited an anti-neuroinflammatory effect by reversing the decrease of the PKM2 tetramer and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of PKM2. In summary, this study identified CIAC001 as a lead compound in targeting PKM2 to treat morphine-induced addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Jin
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Cong Lin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Hongshuang Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Beijing Changping Huayou Hospital, Beijing 102299, China
| | - Yinghua Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animal, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130112, China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yuyuan Lu
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown KT, Levis SC, O'Neill CE, Levy C, Rice KC, Watkins LR, Bachtell RK. Toll-like receptor 4 antagonists reduce cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug seeking. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1587-1600. [PMID: 37286899 PMCID: PMC10732226 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06392-w] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cocaine can increase inflammatory neuroimmune markers, including chemokines and cytokines characteristic of innate inflammatory responding. Prior work indicates that the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) initiates this response, and administration of TLR4 antagonists provides mixed evidence that TLR4 contributes to cocaine reward and reinforcement. OBJECTIVE These studies utilize (+)-naltrexone, the TLR4 antagonist, and mu-opioid inactive enantiomer to examine the role of TLR4 on cocaine self-administration and cocaine seeking in rats. METHODS (+)-Naltrexone was continuously administered via an osmotic mini-pump during the acquisition or maintenance of cocaine self-administration. The motivation to acquire cocaine was assessed using a progressive ratio schedule following either continuous and acute (+)-naltrexone administration. The effects of (+)-naltrexone on cocaine seeking were assessed using both a cue craving model and a drug-primed reinstatement model. The highly selective TLR4 antagonist, lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-Rs), was administered into the nucleus accumbens to determine the effectiveness of TLR4 blockade on cocaine-primed reinstatement. RESULTS (+)-Naltrexone administration did not alter the acquisition or maintenance of cocaine self-administration. Similarly, (+)-naltrexone was ineffective at altering the progressive ratio responding. Continuous administration of (+)-naltrexone during forced abstinence did not impact cued cocaine seeking. Acute systemic administration of (+)-naltrexone dose-dependently decreased cocaine-primed reinstatement of previously extinguished cocaine seeking, and administration of LPS-Rs into the nucleus accumbens shell also reduced cocaine-primed reinstatement of cocaine seeking. DISCUSSION These results complement previous studies suggesting that the TLR4 plays a role in cocaine-primed reinstatement of cocaine seeking, but may have a more limited role in cocaine reinforcement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle T Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Sophia C Levis
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Casey E O'Neill
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Catherine Levy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Linda R Watkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Ryan K Bachtell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Margolis EB, Moulton MG, Lambeth PS, O'Meara MJ. The life and times of endogenous opioid peptides: Updated understanding of synthesis, spatiotemporal dynamics, and the clinical impact in alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109376. [PMID: 36516892 PMCID: PMC10548835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opioid G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) strongly modulate many of the central nervous system structures that contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders including pain, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. To better treat these and related diseases, it is essential to understand the signaling of their endogenous ligands. In this review, we focus on what is known and unknown about the regulation of the over two dozen endogenous peptides with high affinity for one or more of the opioid receptors. We briefly describe which peptides are produced, with a particular focus on the recently proposed possible synthesis pathways for the endomorphins. Next, we describe examples of endogenous opioid peptide expression organization in several neural circuits and how they appear to be released from specific neural compartments that vary across brain regions. We discuss current knowledge regarding the strength of neural activity required to drive endogenous opioid peptide release, clues about how far peptides diffuse from release sites, and their extracellular lifetime after release. Finally, as a translational example, we discuss the mechanisms of action of naltrexone (NTX), which is used clinically to treat alcohol use disorder. NTX is a synthetic morphine analog that non-specifically antagonizes the action of most endogenous opioid peptides developed in the 1960s and FDA approved in the 1980s. We review recent studies clarifying the precise endogenous activity that NTX prevents. Together, the works described here highlight the challenges and opportunities the complex opioid system presents as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Madelyn G Moulton
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip S Lambeth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J O'Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neurochemical Evidence of Preclinical and Clinical Reports on Target-Based Therapy in Alcohol Used Disorder. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:491-507. [PMID: 31898084 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder, which enforces a person to compulsively seek alcohol, restricting control over alcohol intake leads to emergence of an undesired emotional state during abstinence. There are recent advances for better understanding of neurocircuitry involved in the pathophysiology of AUD. Alcohol interaction with neuronal membrane proteins results in changes in neuronal circuits. It is also linked with the potential medication and their clinical validation concerning their pharmacological targets for alcoholic abstinence. This review covers research work from the past few decades on the therapeutic advances on treatment of alcohol dependence; further detailing the fundamental neurochemical mechanisms after alcohol administration. It also covers interaction of alcohol with GABAergic, glutaminergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and opioid systems. This review further elaborated the neurobiology of noradrenergic, cholinergic and cannabinoid systems and their interaction with AUD. Elaborative information of potential drug targets under current exploration for AUD treatment with their mechanisms are reported here along with clinical outcomes and the associated side effects.
Collapse
|
7
|
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene A Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Alexander J McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hansson AC, Gründer G, Hirth N, Noori HR, Spanagel R, Sommer WH. Dopamine and opioid systems adaptation in alcoholism revisited: Convergent evidence from positron emission tomography and postmortem studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 106:141-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
9
|
Miguel E, Vekovischeva O, Kuokkanen K, Vesajoki M, Paasikoski N, Kaskinoro J, Myllymäki M, Lainiola M, Janhunen SK, Hyytiä P, Linden A, Korpi ER. GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulators with different efficacies affect neuroadaptation to and self-administration of alcohol and cocaine. Addict Biol 2019; 24:1191-1203. [PMID: 30421860 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse induce widespread synaptic adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons. Such drug-induced neuroadaptations may constitute an initial cellular mechanism eventually leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. To evaluate the impact of GABAB receptors on addiction-related persistent neuroplasticity, we tested the ability of orthosteric agonist baclofen and two positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAB receptors to suppress neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and reward-related behaviors induced by ethanol and cocaine. A novel compound (S)-1-(5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-4-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one (ORM-27669) was found to be a GABAB PAM of low efficacy as agonist, whereas the reference compound (R,S)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-3H-benzofuran-2-one (rac-BHFF) had a different allosteric profile being a more potent PAM in the calcium-based assay and an agonist, coupled with potent PAM activity, in the [35 S] GTPγS binding assay in rat and human recombinant receptors. Using autoradiography, the high-efficacy rac-BHFF and the low-efficacy ORM-27669 potentiated the effects of baclofen on [35 S] GTPγS binding with identical brain regional distribution. Treatment of mice with baclofen, rac-BHFF, or ORM-27669 failed to induce glutamate receptor neuroplasticity in the VTA DA neurons. Pretreatment with rac-BHFF at non-sedative doses effectively reversed both ethanol- and cocaine-induced plasticity and attenuated cocaine i.v. self-administration and ethanol drinking. Pretreatment with ORM-27669 only reversed ethanol-induced neuroplasticity and attenuated ethanol drinking but had no effects on cocaine-induced neuroplasticity or self-administration. These findings encourage further investigation of GABAB receptor PAMs with different efficacies in addiction models to develop novel treatment strategies for drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Olga Vekovischeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Katja Kuokkanen
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Marja Vesajoki
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Nelli Paasikoski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Janne Kaskinoro
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Mikko Myllymäki
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Mira Lainiola
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | | | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Anni‐Maija Linden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Esa R. Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gál BI, Kilencz T, Albert A, Demeter I, Hegedűs KM, Janka Z, Csifcsák G, Álmos PZ. Mild Effect of Nalmefene on Alcoholic Cue-Induced Response Invigoration in Alcohol Use Disorder Without Accompanying Changes in Electrophysiological Signatures of Early Visual Processing and Executive Control. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1087. [PMID: 31611789 PMCID: PMC6775761 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nalmefene is approved for as-needed pharmacological treatment in alcohol use disorder (AUD) by the European Medicines Agency. While the cellular effects of nalmefene have been thoroughly investigated, data are very limited on how this agent influences neural signals associated with inhibitory control and the visual analysis of environmental cues. This double-blind crossover study assessed the behavioral and neural effects of acute nalmefene administration in patients diagnosed with AUD. In experiment 1, we validated our experimental paradigm (electroencephalography combined with a modified Go/NoGo task using images of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as prime stimuli) in 20 healthy adults to ensure that our protocol is suitable for assessing the behavioral and neural aspects of executive control. In experiment 2, we recruited 19 patients with AUD, and in a double-blind crossover design, we investigated the effects of nalmefene versus placebo on task performance (response accuracy, the sensitivity index, and reaction times), visual responses to appetitive cues (occipital P1, N1, and P2 components), and electrophysiological markers of conflict detection and response inhibition (frontal N2 and P3 waveforms). Under placebo, patients produced faster reaction times to alcohol-primed Go stimuli, an effect that was weak despite being statistically significant. However, the effect of alcoholic cues on the speed of response initiation disappeared after receiving nalmefene. We found no placebo versus nalmefene difference regarding our patients’ ability to accurately inhibit responses to NoGo stimuli or for occipital and frontal event-related potentials. Our results suggest that nalmefene might be potent in reducing the vigor to act upon alcoholic cues in AUD patients, but this effect is most probably mediated via subcortical (rather than cortical) neural circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett I Gál
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tünde Kilencz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Cognitive and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anita Albert
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Demeter
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Klára Mária Hegedűs
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Janka
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csifcsák
- Department of Cognitive and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Péter Z Álmos
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Söderpalm B, Lidö HH, Ericson M. The Glycine Receptor-A Functionally Important Primary Brain Target of Ethanol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:1816-1830. [PMID: 28833225 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Identification of ethanol's (EtOH) primary molecular brain targets and determination of their functional role is an ongoing, important quest. Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, that is, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 , and the glycine receptor (GlyR), are such targets. Here, aspects of the structure and function of these receptors and EtOH's interaction with them are briefly reviewed, with special emphasis on the GlyR and the importance of this receptor and its ligands for EtOH pharmacology. It is suggested that GlyRs are involved in (i) the dopamine-activating effect of EtOH, (ii) regulating EtOH intake, and (iii) the relapse preventing effect of acamprosate. Exploration of the GlyR subtypes involved and efforts to develop subtype specific agonists or antagonists may offer new pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helga H Lidö
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Ericson
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nalmefene in Alcohol Use Disorder Subjects with Psychiatric Comorbidity: A Naturalistic Study. Adv Ther 2017; 34:1636-1649. [PMID: 28540656 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-017-0546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nalmefene is the first drug to be approved for reducing alcohol consumption in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients at high drinking risk. In real-world settings, there is a high prevalence of concurrent psychiatric disorders in AUD subjects, with associated increased morbidity and worse prognosis. This study evaluated the use of nalmefene in AUD patients with stabilized psychiatric comorbidity previously treated unsuccessfully for alcohol dependence, and assessed craving reduction and safety. METHODS Sixty-five AUD outpatients treated with as-needed 18 mg nalmefene for 24 weeks were included. Primary outcome measures were: changes in heavy drinking days (HDDs) and total alcohol consumption (TAC, g/day). Secondary outcome measures were: changes in drinking risk level and craving (obsessive-compulsive drinking scale and visual analogue scale for craving). RESULTS Forty-two AUD subjects (64.6%) had one or more stabilized psychiatric comorbidity. There was a significant reduction in HDDs, TAC and craving measures (p < 0.001), with no differences between subjects with and without psychiatric comorbidity. Nalmefene was safe and well tolerated in all patients. CONCLUSION As-needed nalmefene reduced drinking and craving in AUD subjects with and without psychiatric comorbidity. These findings suggest that nalmefene is a valid therapeutic option in real-world clinical settings, where comorbid conditions are common, and has the potential to engage AUD patients who may otherwise not have sought help. FUNDING Lundbeck Italia S.P.A.
Collapse
|
13
|
Parira T, Laverde A, Agudelo M. Epigenetic Interactions between Alcohol and Cannabinergic Effects: Focus on Histone Modification and DNA Methylation. JOURNAL OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE 2017; 5:259. [PMID: 28730160 PMCID: PMC5515243 DOI: 10.4172/2329-6488.1000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic studies have led to a more profound understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic conditions. In the case of alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 16 million adults suffer from Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Even though therapeutic interventions like behavioral therapy and medications to prevent relapse are currently available, no robust cure exists, which stems from the lack of understanding the mechanisms of action of alcohol and the lack of development of precision medicine approaches to treat AUDs. Another common group of addictive substance, cannabinoids, have been studied extensively to reveal they work through cannabinoid receptors. Therapeutic applications have been found for the cannabinoids and a deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system has been gained over the years. Recent reports of cannabinergic mechanisms in AUDs has opened an exciting realm of research that seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of alcohol-induced end organ diseases and hopefully provide insight into new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AUDs. To date, several epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with alcohol and cannabinoids independently. Therefore, the scope of this review is to compile the most recent literature regarding alcohol and cannabinoids in terms of a possible epigenetic connection between the endocannabinoid system and alcohol effects. First, we will provide an overview of epigenetics, followed by an overview of alcohol and epigenetic mechanisms with an emphasis on histone modifications and DNA methylations. Then, we will provide an overview of cannabinoids and epigenetic mechanisms. Lastly, we will discuss evidence of interactions between alcohol and cannabinergic pathways and possible insights into the novel epigenetic mechanisms underlying alcohol-cannabinergic pathway activity. Finalizing the review will be a discussion of future directions and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiyash Parira
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Alejandra Laverde
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Marisela Agudelo
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Poznanski P, Lesniak A, Korostynski M, Szklarczyk K, Lazarczyk M, Religa P, Bujalska-Zadrozny M, Sadowski B, Sacharczuk M. Delta-opioid receptor antagonism leads to excessive ethanol consumption in mice with enhanced activity of the endogenous opioid system. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:90-101. [PMID: 28322978 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The opioid system modulates the central reinforcing effects of ethanol and participates in the etiology of addiction. However, the pharmacotherapy of ethanol dependence targeted on the opioid system is little effective and varies due to individual patients' sensitivity. In the present study, we used two mouse lines with high (HA) and low (LA) activity of the endogenous opioid system to analyze the effect of opioid receptor blockade on ethanol drinking behavior. We found that LA and HA lines characterized by divergent magnitudes of swim stress-induced analgesia also differ in ethanol intake and preference. Downregulation of the opioid system in LA mice was associated with increased ethanol consumption. Treatment with a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone) had no effect on ethanol intake in this line. Surprisingly, in HA mice, the blockage of opioid receptors led to excessive ethanol consumption. Moreover, naloxone selectively induced high levels of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in HA mice which was attenuated by ethanol. With the use of specific opioid receptor antagonists we showed that the naloxone-induced increase in ethanol drinking in HA mice is mediated mainly by δ and to a lower extent by μ opioid receptors. The effect of δ-opioid receptor antagonism was abolished in HA mice carrying a C320T transition in the δ-opioid receptor gene (EU446125.1), which impairs this receptor's function. Our results indicate that high activity of the opioid system plays a protective role against ethanol dependence. Therefore, its blockage with opioid receptor antagonists may lead to a profound increase in ethanol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Poznanski
- Laboratory of Neurogenomics and Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A Str., 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Anna Lesniak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smetna Str., 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Szklarczyk
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smetna Str., 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marzena Lazarczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Religa
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bogdan Sadowski
- Laboratory of Neurogenomics and Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A Str., 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sacharczuk
- Laboratory of Neurogenomics and Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A Str., 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|