The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2015/16: G protein-coupled receptors

Single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetics of clomipramine, yohimbine and clomipramine/yohimbine combination: A clinical drug-drug interaction study

AIMS

Clomipramine (CLOMI) has shown effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation but is linked to erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. Yohimbine (YOH), by contrast, is effective in treating erectile dysfunction and may improve libido. Combining CLOMI and YOH could potentially leverage the benefits of both drugs. This study aimed to investigate the interactions between these drugs and to evaluate their safety profile.

METHODS

A prospective, open-labelled, single-centre, pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-drug interaction study was performed in 15 healthy male subjects. Single-dose and steady-state PK were investigated using noncompartmental analysis after mono- and combination therapy of the 2 orally applied drugs. Plasma sampling was performed at baseline, 0.5 (YOH), 1, 1.5 (YOH), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h (CLOMI). Differences in the area under the curve after multiple dosing (MD) were determined using an equivalence boundary of 80-125%.

RESULTS

The geometric mean ratio of the area under the curve up to 12 h for MD CLOMI (combination vs. monotherapy) was 112% (90% confidence interval: 104-120%), whereas for MD YOH this ratio was 137% (90% confidence interval: 112-168%). The study drugs were safe and well tolerated as mono- and combination therapy, with no major adverse events reported.

CONCLUSION

A PK assessment of clomipramine and yohimbine indicated a clinically significant drug-drug interaction for MD YOH in combination with CLOMI. This might be explained by competitive, CLOMI-related inhibition of YOH metabolism, probably mediated by cytochrome P450 2D6. However, according to European Medicines Agency guidelines, the effect can be classified as interaction absent (<1,25 fold) or minor (>1.25-<2-fold). Given the complimentary mechanisms of action and the favourable safety profiles, the findings pave the way for future efficacy studies.

Resolution pharmacology and the treatment of infectious diseases

Inflammation is elicited by the host in response to microbes, and is believed to be essential for protection against infection. However, we have previously hypothesized that excessive or misplaced inflammation may be a major contributor to tissue dysfunction and death associated with viral and bacterial infections. The resolutive phase of inflammation is a necessary condition to achieve homeostasis after acute inflammation. It is possible that targeting inflammation resolution may be beneficial for the host during infection. In this review, we summarize the evidence demonstrating the expression, roles and effects of the best described pro-resolving molecules in the context of bacterial and viral infections. Pro-resolving molecules play a pivotal role in modulating a spectrum of pathways associated with tissue inflammation and damage during both viral and bacterial infections. These molecules offer a blend of anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and sometimes anti-infective benefits, all the while circumventing the undesired and immune-suppressive unwanted effects associated with glucocorticoids. Whether these beneficial effects will translate into benefits to patients clearly deserve further investigation.

Multi-biological functions of intermedin in diseases

Intermedin (IMD) is a member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)/calcitonin (CT) superfamily, and it is expressed extensively throughout the body. The typical receptors for IMD are complexes composed of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP), which leads to a biased activation towards Gαs. As a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, IMD regulates the initiation and metastasis of multiple tumors. Additionally, IMD functions as a proangiogenic factor that can restrain excessive vascular budding and facilitate the expansion of blood vessel lumen, ultimately resulting in the fusion of blood vessels. IMD has protective roles in various diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, metabolic disease, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases. This review systematically elucidates IMD's expression, structure, related receptors and signal pathway, as well as its comprehensive functions in the context of acute kidney injury, obesity, diabetes, heart failure and sepsis. However, the precise formation process of IMD short peptides in vivo and their downstream signaling pathway have not been fully elucidated yet. Further in-depth studies are need to translate IMD research into clinical applications.

Gut microbiota regulates blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function and Aβ pathology

Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In contrast, the influence of gut microbiota on the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier has not yet been studied. Here, we report that mice lacking gut microbiota display increased blood-CSF barrier permeability associated with disorganized tight junctions (TJs), which can be rescued by recolonization with gut microbiota or supplementation with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Our data reveal that gut microbiota is important not only for the establishment but also for the maintenance of a tight barrier. Also, we report that the vagus nerve plays an important role in this process and that SCFAs can independently tighten the barrier. Administration of SCFAs in AppNL-G-F mice improved the subcellular localization of TJs at the blood-CSF barrier, reduced the β-amyloid (Aβ) burden, and affected microglial phenotype. Altogether, our results suggest that modulating the microbiota and administering SCFAs might have therapeutic potential in AD via blood-CSF barrier tightening and maintaining microglial activity and Aβ clearance.

Molecular Mechanisms of PTH/PTHrP Class B GPCR Signaling and Pharmacological Implications

The classical paradigm of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling via G proteins is grounded in a view that downstream responses are relatively transient and confined to the cell surface, but this notion has been revised in recent years following the identification of several receptors that engage in sustained signaling responses from subcellular compartments following internalization of the ligand-receptor complex. This phenomenon was initially discovered for the parathyroid hormone (PTH) type 1 receptor (PTH1R), a vital GPCR for maintaining normal calcium and phosphate levels in the body with the paradoxical ability to build or break down bone in response to PTH binding. The diverse biological processes regulated by this receptor are thought to depend on its capacity to mediate diverse modes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. These include transient signaling at the plasma membrane and sustained signaling from internalized PTH1R within early endosomes mediated by PTH. Here we discuss recent structural, cell signaling, and in vivo studies that unveil potential pharmacological outputs of the spatial versus temporal dimension of PTH1R signaling via cAMP. Notably, the combination of molecular dynamics simulations and elastic network model-based methods revealed how precise modulation of PTH signaling responses is achieved through structure-encoded allosteric coupling within the receptor and between the peptide hormone binding site and the G protein coupling interface. The implications of recent findings are now being explored for addressing key questions on how location bias in receptor signaling contributes to pharmacological functions, and how to drug a difficult target such as the PTH1R toward discovering nonpeptidic small molecule candidates for the treatment of metabolic bone and mineral diseases.

G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disorders with diverse aetiological factors. Identifying treatment targets is challenging because the diseases are resulting from heterogeneous biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) opens a new possibility in drug discovery. Harnessing our knowledge of molecular mechanisms and structural information of GPCRs will be advantageous for developing effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Besides, we highlight the emerging opportunities of novel GPCR targets and address recent progress in GPCR drug development.

Effect of capmatinib on the pharmacokinetics of substrates of CYP3A (midazolam) and CYP1A2 (caffeine) in patients with MET-dysregulated solid tumours

BACKGROUND

Preclinical studies showed that capmatinib reversibly inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP1A2 in a time-dependent manner. In this study, we evaluated the effect of capmatinib on the exposure of sensitive substrates of CYP3A (midazolam) and CYP1A2 (caffeine) in patients with mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET)-dysregulated solid tumours. Besides pharmacokinetics, we assessed treatment response and safety.

METHODS

This open-label, multicentre, single-sequence study consisted of a molecular prescreening period, a screening/baseline period of ≤28 days and a drug-drug interaction (DDI) phase of 12 days. On day 1 of the DDI phase, 37 patients received a single oral dose of midazolam 2.5 mg and caffeine 100 mg as a two-drug cocktail. Capmatinib 400 mg bid was administered from day 4 on a continuous dosing schedule. On day 9 of the DDI phase, patients were re-exposed to midazolam and caffeine. After the DDI phase, patients received capmatinib on continuous 21-day cycles until disease progression at the discretion of the investigator.

RESULTS

A 22% (90% confidence interval [CI] 7-38%) increase in the midazolam maximum plasma concentration (C_max ) was noted when administered with capmatinib, but this was deemed not clinically meaningful. Co-administration with capmatinib resulted in 134% (90% CI 108-163%) and 122% (90% CI 95-153%) increases in the caffeine area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC_inf ) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable point (AUC_last ), respectively, with no change in C_max . Adverse events were consistent with the known capmatinib safety profile. No new safety signals were reported in this study.

CONCLUSION

The data from this study demonstrated that capmatinib is a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor. Capmatinib administration did not cause any clinically relevant changes in midazolam exposure.

Microbial-derived metabolites induce actin cytoskeletal rearrangement and protect blood-brain barrier function

The gut microbiota influences host brain function, but the underlying gut-brain axis connections and molecular processes remain unclear. One pathway along this bidirectional communication system involves circulating microbially derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which include butyrate and propionate. Brain endothelium is the main interface of communication between circulating signals and the brain, and it constitutes the main component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we used a well-established in vitro BBB model treated with physiologically relevant concentrations of butyrate and propionate with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to examine the effects of SCFAs on the actin cytoskeleton and tight junction protein structure. Both SCFAs induced distinct alterations to filamentous actin directionality. SCFAs also increased tight junction protein spikes and protected from LPS-induced tight-junction mis-localization, improved BBB integrity, and modulated mitochondrial network dynamics. These findings identify the actin cytoskeletal dynamics as another target further illuminating how SCFAs can influence BBB physiology.

Autoantibodies and Cardiomyopathy: Focus on Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies

ABSTRACT

Antibody response to self-antigens leads to autoimmune response that plays a determinant role in cardiovascular disease outcomes including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the origins of the self-reactive endogenous autoantibodies are not well-characterized, it is believed to be triggered by tissue injury or dysregulated humoral response. Autoantibodies that recognize G protein-coupled receptors are considered consequential because they act as modulators of downstream receptor signaling displaying a wide range of unique pharmacological properties. These wide range of pharmacological properties exhibited by autoantibodies has cellular consequences that is associated with progression of disease including DCM. Increase in autoantibodies recognizing beta-1 adrenergic receptor (β1AR), a G protein-coupled receptor critical for cardiac function, is observed in patients with DCM. Cellular and animal model studies have indicated pathological roles for the β1AR autoantibodies but less is understood about the molecular basis of their modulatory effects. Despite the recognition that β1AR autoantibodies could mediate deleterious outcomes, emerging evidence suggests that not all β1AR autoantibodies are deleterious. Recent clinical studies show that β1AR autoantibodies belonging to the IgG3 subclass is associated with beneficial cardiac outcomes in patients. This suggests that our understanding on the roles the β1AR autoantibodies play in mediating outcomes is not well-understood. Technological advances including structural determinants of antibody binding could provide insights on the modulatory capabilities of β1AR autoantibodies in turn, reflecting their diversity in mediating β1AR signaling response. In this study, we discuss the significance of the diversity in signaling and its implications in pathology.

An overview of the use and misuse/abuse of opioid analgesics in different world regions and future perspectives

Opioids are an important therapeutic option for severe resistant chronic pain but, in the absence of proper oversight, their use has risks. The level of prescription opioid misuse/abuse differs among countries, due to differences in healthcare systems and pain management approaches. However, evaluating the true dimension of prescription opioid misuse/abuse is complicated by statistical reporting which often does not differentiate between prescription and illicit opioid use, or between prescription opioid use by patients and nonpatients, highlighting a need for greater uniformity. Parallel efforts to educate patients and the general public about opioid risks, facilitate appropriate analgesic prescribing and identify alternative formulations or options to use instead of or with opioids, may contribute to optimizing prescription opioid use for pain management.

Tapping into 5-HT3 Receptors to Modify Metabolic and Immune Responses

5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT₃) receptors are ligand gated ion channels, which clearly distinguish their mode of action from the other G-protein coupled 5-HT or serotonin receptors. 5-HT₃ receptors are well established targets for emesis and gastrointestinal mobility and are used as adjunct targets in treating schizophrenia. However, the distribution of these receptors is wider than the nervous system and there is potential that these additional sites can be targeted to modulate inflammatory and/or metabolic conditions. Recent progress in structural biology and pharmacology of 5-HT₃ receptors have provided profound insights into mechanisms of their action. These advances, combined with insights into clinical relevance of mutations in genes encoding 5-HT₃ subunits and increasing understanding of their implications in patient's predisposition to diseases and response to the treatment, open new avenues for personalized precision medicine. In this review, we recap on the current status of 5-HT₃ receptor-based therapies using a biochemical and physiological perspective. We assess the potential for targeting 5-HT₃ receptors in conditions involving metabolic or inflammatory disorders based on recent findings, underscoring the challenges and limitations of this approach.

Commensal microbe-derived acetate suppresses NAFLD/NASH development via hepatic FFAR2 signalling in mice

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Alterations in the gut microbiome have been implicated in the development of NAFLD/NASH, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

RESULTS

We found that the consumption of the prebiotic inulin markedly ameliorated the phenotype of NAFLD/NASH, including hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, in mice. Inulin consumption resulted in global changes in the gut microbiome, including concomitant enrichment of the genera Bacteroides and Blautia, and increased concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetate, in the gut lumen and portal blood. The consumption of acetate-releasing resistant starch protected against NAFLD development. Colonisation by Bacteroides acidifaciens and Blautia producta in germ-free mice resulted in synergetic effects on acetate production from inulin. Furthermore, the absence of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), an acetate receptor, abolished the protective effect of inulin, as indicated by the more severe liver hypertrophy, hypercholesterolaemia and inflammation. These effects can be attributed to an exacerbation of insulin resistance in the liver, but not in muscle or adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that the commensal microbiome-acetate-FFAR2 molecular circuit improves insulin sensitivity in the liver and prevents the development of NAFLD/NASH. Video abstract.

Novel Functionalized Amino Acids as Inhibitors of GABA Transporters with Analgesic Activity

Neuropathic pain resistance to pharmacotherapy has encouraged researchers to develop effective therapies for its treatment. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters 1 and 4 (mGAT1 and mGAT4) have been increasingly recognized as promising drug targets for neuropathic pain (NP) associated with imbalances in inhibitory neurotransmission. In this context, we designed and synthesized new functionalized amino acids as inhibitors of GABA uptake and assessed their activities toward all four mouse GAT subtypes (mGAT1–4). According to the obtained results, compounds 2RS,4RS-39c (pIC₅₀ (mGAT4) = 5.36), 50a (pIC₅₀ (mGAT2) = 5.43), and 56a (with moderate subtype selectivity that favored mGAT4, pIC₅₀ (mGAT4) = 5.04) were of particular interest and were therefore evaluated for their cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. In a set of in vivo experiments, both compounds 50a and 56a showed antinociceptive properties in three rodent models of NP, namely, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain models (the oxaliplatin model and the paclitaxel model) and the diabetic neuropathic pain model induced by streptozotocin; however compound 56a demonstrated predominant activity. Since impaired motor coordination is also observed in neuropathic pain conditions, we have pointed out that none of the test compounds induced motor deficits in the rotarod test.

Molecular Properties and Therapeutic Targeting of the EBV-Encoded Receptor BILF1

The γ-herpesvirus Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) establishes lifelong infections in approximately 90% of adults worldwide. Up to 1,000,000 people yearly are estimated to suffer from health conditions attributed to the infection with this virus, such as nasopharyngeal and gastric carcinomas as well as several forms of B, T and NK cell lymphoma. To date, no EBV-specific therapeutic option has reached the market, greatly reducing the survival prognoses of affected patients. Similar to other herpesviruses, EBV encodes for a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), BILF1, affecting a multitude of cellular signaling pathways. BILF1 has been identified to promote immune evasion and tumorigenesis, effectively ensuring a life-long persistence of EBV in, and driving detrimental health conditions to its host. This review summarizes the epidemiology of EBV-associated malignancies, their current standard-of-care, EBV-specific therapeutics in development, GPCRs and their druggability, and most importantly consolidates the findings of over 15 years of research on BILF1 in the context of EBV-specific drug development. Taken together, BILF1 constitutes a promising target for the development of novel EBV-specific therapeutics.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CX. Classification of Receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine; Pharmacology and Function

5-HT receptors expressed throughout the human body are targets for established therapeutics and various drugs in development. Their diversity of structure and function reflects the important role 5-HT receptors play in physiologic and pathophysiological processes. The present review offers a framework for the official receptor nomenclature and a detailed understanding of each of the 14 5-HT receptor subtypes, their roles in the systems of the body, and, where appropriate, the (potential) utility of therapeutics targeting these receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive account of the classification and function of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, including how they are targeted for therapeutic benefit.

A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide identified from the starfish Astropecten scoparius

A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) in starfish was the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin responsible for final gamete maturation. An RGP ortholog was newly identified from Astropecten scoparius of the order Paxillosida. The A. scoparius RGP (AscRGP) precursor is encoded by a 354 base pair open reading frame and is a 118 amino acid (aa) protein consisting of a signal peptide (26 aa), B-chain (21 aa), C-peptide (47 aa), and A-chain (24 aa). There are three putative processing sites (Lys-Arg) between the B-chain and C-peptide, between the C-peptide and A-chain, and within the C-peptide. This structural organization revealed that the mature AscRGP is composed of A- and B-chains with two interchain disulfide bonds and one intrachain disulfide bond. The C-terminal residues of the B-chain are Gln-Gly-Arg, which is a potential substrate for formation of an amidated C-terminal Gln residue. Non-amidated (AscRGP-GR) and amidated (AscRGP-NH₂ ) peptides were chemically synthesized and their effect on gamete shedding activity was examined using A. scoparius ovaries. Both AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH₂ induced oocyte maturation and ovulation in similar dose-dependent manners. This is the first report on a C-terminally amidated functional RGP. Collectively, these results suggest that AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH₂ act as a natural gonadotropic hormone in A. scoparius.

Neuropeptide signalling systems - An underexplored target for venom drug discovery

Neuropeptides are signalling molecules mainly secreted from neurons that act as neurotransmitters or peptide hormones to affect physiological processes and modulate behaviours. In humans, neuropeptides are implicated in numerous diseases and understanding their role in physiological processes and pathologies is important for therapeutic development. Teasing apart the (patho)physiology of neuropeptides remains difficult due to ligand and receptor promiscuity and the complexity of the signalling pathways. The current approach relies on a pharmacological toolbox of agonists and antagonists displaying high selectivity for independent receptor subtypes, with the caveat that only few selective ligands have been discovered or developed. Animal venoms represent an underexplored source for novel receptor subtype-selective ligands that could aid in dissecting human neuropeptide signalling systems. Multiple endogenous-like neuropeptides as well as peptides acting on neuropeptide receptors are present in venoms. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on neuropeptides and discuss venoms as a source for ligands targeting neuropeptide signalling systems.

Anticonvulsant valproic acid and other short-chain fatty acids as novel anticancer therapeutics: Possibilities and challenges

Results from numerous pre-clinical studies suggest that a well known anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) and other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) cause significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by modulating multiple signaling pathways. First of all, they act as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs), being involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Afterward, VPA is shown to induce apoptosis and cell differentiation, as well as regulate Notch signaling. Moreover, it up-regulates the expression of certain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are involved in various signaling pathways associated with cancer. As a consequence, some pre-clinical and clinical trials were carried out to estimate anticancer effectiveness of VPA, in monotherapy and in new drug combinations, while other SCFAs were tested in pre-clinical studies. The present manuscript summarizes the most important information from the literature about their potent anticancer activities to show some future perspectives related to epigenetic therapy.

The potential anti-depressant properties of dexmedetomidine infusion: a review of mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition for which the currently available treatments are not fully effective. Existing unmet needs include rapid onset of action and optimal management of concurrent agitation. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective and potent α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist, with unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. In this review, we discuss pre-clinical and clinical studies which focused on DEX in the context of its putative antidepressant effects for the management of MDD. Preliminary data support DEX as an antidepressant with fast onset of action, which would be especially helpful for patients experiencing treatment resistant depression, and agitation. We further explore the mechanistic and clinical implications of considering DEX as a putative antidepressant agent, and the next steps to explore the efficacy of low dose DEX infusion among patients with treatment resistant depression.

Delineation of molecular determinants for FR900359 inhibition of Gq/11 unlocks inhibition of Gαs

Heterotrimeric G proteins are essential mediators of intracellular signaling of G protein-coupled receptors. The G_q/11 subfamily consists of G_q, G₁₁, G₁₄, and G₁₆ proteins, of which all but G₁₆ are inhibited by the structurally related natural products YM-254890 and FR900359. These inhibitors act by preventing the GDP/GTP exchange, which is necessary for activation of all G proteins. A homologous putative binding site for YM-254890/FR900359 can also be found in members of the other three G protein families, G_s, G_i/o, and G_12/13, but none of the published analogs of YM-254890/FR900359 have shown any inhibitory activity for any of these. To explain why the YM-254890/FR900359 scaffold only inhibits G_q/11/14, the present study delineated the molecular selectivity determinants by exchanging amino acid residues in the YM-254890/FR900359-binding site in G_q and G_s We found that the activity of a G_s mutant with a G_q-like binding site for YM-254890/FR900359 can be inhibited by FR900359, and a minimum of three mutations are necessary to introduce inhibition in G_s In all, this suggests that although the YM-254890/FR900359 scaffold has proven unsuccessful to derive G_s, G_i/o, and G_12/13 inhibitors, the mechanism of inhibition between families of G proteins is conserved, opening up the possibility of targeting by other, novel inhibitor scaffolds. In lack of a selective Gα_s inhibitor, FR900359-sensitive Gα_s mutants may prove useful in studies where delicate control over Gα_s signaling would be of the essence.

Inhibition of neurogenic and thromboxane A2 -induced human prostate smooth muscle contraction by the integrin α2β1 inhibitor BTT-3033 and the integrin-linked kinase inhibitor Cpd22

INTRODUCTION

Prostate smooth muscle contraction is critical for etiology and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Integrins connect the cytoskeleton to membranes and cells to extracellular matrix, what is essential for force generation in smooth muscle contraction. Integrins are composed of different subunits and may cooperate with integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Here, we examined effects of inhibitors for different integrin heterodimers and ILK on contraction of human prostate tissues.

METHODS

Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Integrins and ILK were detected by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and double fluorescence staining. Smooth muscle contractions of prostate strips were studied in an organ bath. Contractions were compared after application of solvent (controls), the ILK inhibitor Cpd22 (N-methyl-3-(1-(4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-(4'-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)propanamide), the integrin α2β1 inhibitor BTT-3033 (1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-[4[[(phenylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide), or the integrin α4β1/α9β1 inhibitor BOP (N-(benzenesulfonyl)- l-prolyl- l-O-(1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)tyrosine sodium salt).

RESULTS

Western blot analyses of prostate tissues using antibodies raised against integrins α2b, α4, α9, β1, and ILK revealed bands matching the expected sizes of corresponding antigens. Expression of integrins and ILK was confirmed by RT-PCR. Individual variations of expression levels occurred independently from divergent degree of BPH, reflected by different contents of prostate-specific antigen. Double fluorescence staining of prostate sections using antibodies raised against integrins α2 and β1, or against ILK resulted in immunoreactivity colocalizing with calponin, suggesting localization in prostate smooth muscle cells. Electric field stimulation (EFS) induced frequency-dependent contractions, which were inhibited by Cpd22 (3 µM) and BTT-3033 (1 µM) (inhibition around 37% by Cpd22 and 46% by BTT-3033 at 32 Hz). The thromboxane A₂ analog U46619-induced concentration-dependent contractions, which were inhibited by Cpd22 and BTT-3033 (around 67% by Cpd22 and 39% by BTT-3033 at 30 µM U46619). Endothelin-1 induced concentration-dependent contractions, which were not affected by Cpd22 or BTT-3033. Noradrenaline and the α₁ -adrenergic agonists methoxamine and phenylephrine-induced concentration-dependent contractions, which were not or very slightly inhibited by Cpd22 and BTT-3033. BOP did not change EFS- or agonist-induced contraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrin α2β1 and ILK inhibitors inhibit neurogenic and thromboxane A₂ -induced prostate smooth muscle contraction in human BPH. A role for these targets for prostate smooth muscle contraction may appear possible.

Virtual Screening of Human Class-A GPCRs Using Ligand Profiles Built on Multiple Ligand-Receptor Interactions

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of integral membrane proteins responsible for cellular signal transductions. Identification of therapeutic compounds to regulate physiological processes is an important first step of drug discovery. We proposed MAGELLAN, a novel hierarchical virtual-screening (VS) pipeline, which starts with low-resolution protein structure prediction and structure-based binding-site identification, followed by homologous GPCR detections through structure and orthosteric binding-site comparisons. Ligand profiles constructed from the homologous ligand-GPCR complexes are then used to thread through compound databases for VS. The pipeline was first tested in a large-scale retrospective screening experiment against 224 human Class A GPCRs, where MAGELLAN achieved a median enrichment factor (EF) of 14.38, significantly higher than that using individual ligand profiles. Next, MAGELLAN was examined on 5 and 20 GPCRs from two public VS databases (DUD-E and GPCR-Bench) and resulted in an average EF of 9.75 and 13.70, respectively, which compare favorably with other state-of-the-art docking- and ligand-based methods, including AutoDock Vina (with EF = 1.48/3.16 in DUD-E and GPCR-Bench), DOCK 6 (2.12/3.47 in DUD-E and GPCR-Bench), PoLi (2.2 in DUD-E), and FINDSITECcomb2.0 (2.90 in DUD-E). Detailed data analyses show that the major advantage of MAGELLAN is attributed to the power of ligand profiling, which integrates complementary methods for ligand-GPCR interaction recognition and thus significantly improves the coverage and sensitivity of VS models. Finally, cases studies on opioid and motilin receptors show that new connections between functionally related GPCRs can be visualized in the minimum spanning tree built on the similarities of predicted ligand-binding ensembles, suggesting a novel use of MAGELLAN for GPCR deorphanization.

Implication of in vivo circulating fibrocytes ablation in experimental pulmonary hypertension murine model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recruitment and involvement of bone-/blood-derived circulating fibrocytes (CF) in the promotion of fibrotic tissue remodelling processes have been shown. However, their direct contribution to pathological changes is not clear. The present study investigates the causal role of CF in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

For selective ablation of CF, we applied the suicidal gene strategy with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) and ganciclovir. The transgenic mice were generated, having HSV-TK-GFP transgene under the collagen 1 promoter. To selectively target CF, HSV-TK-GFP+ bone marrow transplanted into irradiated wild type mice. These chimera mice were subjected to hypoxia for PH induction and ganciclovir for CF ablation.

KEY RESULTS

In vivo CF ablation reduced right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodelling with reduced total collagen content. We quantified the CF recruited in the perivascular area and arterial wall of small pulmonary arteries. There was significant recruitment of CF in the lung in response to hypoxia. The characterization of CF showed the expression of CD45 and collagen1 (GFP) along with α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA).

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data demonstrated that CF ablation has a potential impact on right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodelling in the setting of experimental pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia. The beneficial effects may be related to the direct contribution of fibrocytes or its paracrine effect on other resident cell types. Thus, clinical manipulation of CF may represent a novel therapeutic approach to ameliorate the disease state in pulmonary hypertension.

Amylin and beta amyloid proteins interact to form amorphous heterocomplexes with enhanced toxicity in neuronal cells

Human pancreatic islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) and beta amyloid (Aβ) can accumulate in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and evidence suggests that interaction between the two amyloidogenic proteins can lead to the formation of heterocomplex aggregates. However, the structure and consequences of the formation of these complexes remains to be determined. The main objective of this study was to characterise the different types and morphology of Aβ-hIAPP heterocomplexes and determine if formation of such complexes exacerbate neurotoxicity. We demonstrate that hIAPP promotes Aβ oligomerization and formation of small oligomer and large aggregate heterocomplexes. Co-oligomerized Aβ42-hIAPP mixtures displayed distinct amorphous structures and a 3-fold increase in neuronal cell death as compared to Aβ and hIAPP alone. However, in contrast to hIAPP, non-amyloidogenic rat amylin (rIAPP) reduced oligomer Aβ-mediated neuronal cell death. rIAPP exhibited reductions in Aβ induced neuronal cell death that was independent of its ability to interact with Aβ and form heterocomplexes; suggesting mediation by other pathways. Our findings reveal distinct effects of IAPP peptides in modulating Aβ aggregation and toxicity and provide new insight into the potential pathogenic effects of Aβ-IAPP hetero-oligomerization and development of IAPP based therapies for AD and T2D.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Mammalian Blood-Brain Barrier

The mammalian neurovascular unit (NVU) is comprised of neurons, glia, and vascular cells. The NVU is the nexus between the cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS). The central component of the NVU is the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which consists of a monolayer of tightly connected endothelial cells covered by pericytes and further surrounded by astrocytic endfeet. In addition to preventing the diffusion of toxic species into the CNS, the BBB endothelium serves as a dynamic regulatory system facilitating the transport of molecules from the bloodstream to the brain and vis versa. The structural integrity and transport functions of the BBB are maintained, in part, by an orchestra of membrane receptors and transporters including members of the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we provide an overview of GPCRs known to regulate mammalian BBB structure and function and discuss how dysregulation of these pathways plays a role in various neurodegenerative diseases.

Development of the first in vivo GPR17 ligand through an iterative drug discovery pipeline: A novel disease-modifying strategy for multiple sclerosis

The GPR17 receptor, expressed on oligodendroglial precursors (OPCs, the myelin producing cells), has emerged as an attractive target for a pro-myelinating strategy in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the proof-of-concept that selective GPR17 ligands actually exert protective activity in vivo is still missing. Here, we exploited an iterative drug discovery pipeline to prioritize novel and selective GPR17 pro-myelinating agents out of more than 1,000,000 compounds. We first performed an in silico high-throughput screening on GPR17 structural model to identify three chemically-diverse ligand families that were then combinatorially exploded and refined. Top-scoring compounds were sequentially tested on reference pharmacological in vitro assays with increasing complexity, ending with myelinating OPC-neuron co-cultures. Successful ligands were filtered through in silico simulations of metabolism and pharmacokinetics, to select the most promising hits, whose dose and ability to target the central nervous system were then determined in vivo. Finally, we show that, when administered according to a preventive protocol, one of them (named by us as galinex) is able to significantly delay the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. This outcome validates the predictivity of our pipeline to identify novel MS-modifying agents.

Nintedanib Inhibits Wnt3a-Induced Myofibroblast Activation by Suppressing the Src/β-Catenin Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by epithelial cell damage, myofibroblast activation, and collagen deposition. Multiple studies have documented that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is aberrantly activated in IPF and plays a vital role in myofibroblast differentiation and activation. Kinases such as Src initiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling by phosphorylating β-catenin at tyrosine residues, which facilitates β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus and promotion of fibrosis progression. Nintedanib has been approved for the treatment of IPF as a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Nintedanib has been demonstrated to directly block Src, and whether it attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway remains unclear. In this study, we found that nintedanib attenuated myofibroblast activation through inhibiting the expression of genes downstream of Wnt signaling such as Cyclin D1, Wisp1, and S100a4. Further experiments showed that nintedanib inhibited Wnt3a-induced β-catenin nuclear translocation through suppressing Src kinase activation and β-catenin Y654 phosphorylation. Additionally, Src knockdown fibroblasts exhibited a phenotype similar to that of the nintedanib treatment group, and the inhibitory effects of nintedanib were consistent with those of the Src kinase inhibitor KX2-391. In summary, our study shows that nintedanib exhibits an anti-fibrosis effect, partly by inhibiting the Src/β-catenin pathway.

The role of neutrophils in neuro-immune modulation

Neutrophils are peripheral immune cells that represent the first recruited innate immune defense against infections and tissue injury. However, these cells can also induce overzealous responses and cause tissue damage. Although the role of neutrophils activating the immune system is well established, only recently their critical implications in neuro-immune interactions are becoming more relevant. Here, we review several aspects of neutrophils in the bidirectional regulation between the nervous and immune systems. First, the role of neutrophils as a diffuse source of acetylcholine and catecholamines is controversial as well as the effects of these neurotransmitters in neutrophil's functions. Second, neutrophils contribute for the activation and sensitization of sensory neurons, and thereby, in events of nociception and pain. In addition, nociceptor activation promotes an axon reflex triggering a local release of neural mediators and provoking neutrophil activation. Third, the recruitment of neutrophils in inflammatory responses in the nervous system suggests these immune cells as innovative targets in the treatment of central infectious, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Multidisciplinary studies involving immunologists and neuroscientists are required to define the role of the neurons-neutrophils communication in the pathophysiology of infectious, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.

GPCRs show widespread differential mRNA expression and frequent mutation and copy number variation in solid tumors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most widely targeted gene family for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. To assess possible roles for GPCRs in cancer, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data for mRNA expression, mutations, and copy number variation (CNV) in 20 categories and 45 subtypes of solid tumors and quantified differential expression (DE) of GPCRs by comparing tumors against normal tissue from the Gene Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) database. GPCRs are overrepresented among coding genes with elevated expression in solid tumors. This analysis reveals that most tumor types differentially express >50 GPCRs, including many targets for approved drugs, hitherto largely unrecognized as targets of interest in cancer. GPCR mRNA signatures characterize specific tumor types and correlate with expression of cancer-related pathways. Tumor GPCR mRNA signatures have prognostic relevance for survival and correlate with expression of numerous cancer-related genes and pathways. GPCR expression in tumors is largely independent of staging, grading, metastasis, and/or driver mutations. GPCRs expressed in cancer cell lines largely parallel GPCR expression in tumors. Certain GPCRs are frequently mutated and appear to be hotspots, serving as bellwethers of accumulated genomic damage. CNV of GPCRs is common but does not generally correlate with mRNA expression. Our results suggest a previously underappreciated role for GPCRs in cancer, perhaps as functional oncogenes, biomarkers, surface antigens, and pharmacological targets.

Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Postpartum Depressive Symptoms following Cesarean Section in Chinese Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the prophylactic efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to investigate whether the administration of DEX, immediately after delivery and for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA), can attenuate PDS.

METHODS

A total of 600 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into the control group (infusion with 0.9% normal saline after delivery and PCIA with sufentanil) and the DEX group (DEX infusion 0.5 μg/kg after delivery and PCIA with DEX plus sufentanil). The prevalence of postpartum depressive disorders was indicated by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Postoperative analgesia, sedation, and sleep quality of parturients were also assessed.

RESULTS

Postpartum blues and PDS prevalence in the DEX, versus control, group were significantly lower (5.0% vs 14.1%, p<0.001; 5.7% vs 16.3%, p<0.001, respectively), especially in parturients with antenatal depression or moderate stress during pregnancy. Compared with the control group, the EPDS score at postpartum days 7 and 42 in the DEX group was significantly lower (4.23 ± 4.37 vs 1.93 ± 3.36, p<0.001; 4.68 ± 4.78 vs 1.99 ± 3.18, p<0.001, respectively), as was the incidence of postpartum self-harm ideation at postpartum days 7 and 42 in the DEX group versus the control group (1.1% vs 4.0%, p=0.03; 0.4% vs 2.9%, p=0.04, respectively). The pain score and the sleep quality in the DEX group were better than that in the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The application of DEX in the early postpartum period can significantly attenuate the incidence of postpartum depressive disorders.

Antifibrotic Mechanism of Cinobufagin in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and usually fatal lung disease that is characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling, which result in irreversible distortion of the lung's architecture and the formation of focal fibrous hyperplasia. The molecular mechanism by which pulmonary fibrosis develops is not fully understood, and no satisfactory treatment currently exists. However, many studies consider that aberrant activation of TGF-β1 frequently promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation in pulmonary fibrosis. Cinobufagin (CBG), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for long-term pain relief, cardiac stimulation, and anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic treatments. However, its role in pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been established. We investigated the hypothesis that cinobufagin plays an inhibitory role on TGF-β1 signaling using a luciferase-reporter assay. We further explored the effect of cinobufagin on pulmonary fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments showed that cinobufagin suppresses TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in a dose-dependent manner, attenuates the activation and differentiation of lung fibroblasts and inhibits EMT induced by TGF-β1 in alveolar epithelial cells. The in vivo experiments indicated that cinobufagin significantly alleviates bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and improves pulmonary function. Further study showed that cinobufagin could attenuate bleomycin-induced inflammation and inhibit fibroblast activation and the EMT process in vivo. In summary, cinobufagin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via suppressing inflammation, fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Recent Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations for G Protein-Coupled Receptor Drug Discovery

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critical drug targets. GPCRs convey signals from the extracellular to the intracellular environment through G proteins. Some ligands that bind to GPCRs activate different downstream signaling pathways. G protein activation, or -arrestin biased signaling, involves ligands binding to receptors and stabilizing conformations that trigger a specific pathway. -arrestin biased signaling has become a hot target for structure-based drug discovery. However, challenges include that there are few crystal structures available in the Protein Data Bank and that GPCRs are highly dynamic. Hence, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are especially valuable for obtaining detailed mechanistic information, including identification of allosteric sites and understanding modulators' interactions with receptors and ligands. Here, we highlight recent MD simulation studies and enhanced sampling methods used to study biased G protein-coupled receptor signaling and their conformational dynamics as well as applications to drug discovery.

Simvastatin causes pulmonary artery relaxation by blocking smooth muscle ROCK and calcium channels: Evidence for an endothelium-independent mechanism

Simvastatin reduces pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy in animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is thought to restore endothelial dysfunction. In vivo effects of drugs are complicated by several factors and little is known of the direct effects of statins on pulmonary arteries. This study investigated the direct effects of simvastatin on pulmonary arteries isolated from rats with or without monocrotaline-induced PAH. Simvastatin suppressed contractions evoked by the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619 (30 nM), the α₁–adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (5 μM) and KCl (50 mM) by ~50% in healthy and diseased arteries, but did not reduce contraction evoked by sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase blockers. It relaxed hypertensive arteries in the absence of stimulation. Removing the endothelium or inhibiting eNOS did not prevent the inhibition by simvastatin. Inhibiting RhoA/rho kinase (ROCK) with Y27632 (10 μM) suppressed contractions to U46619 and phenylephrine by ~80% and prevented their inhibition by simvastatin. Y27632 reduced KCl-induced contraction by ~30%, but did not prevent simvastatin inhibition. Simvastatin suppressed Ca²⁺ entry into smooth muscle cells, as detected by Mn²⁺ quench of fura-2 fluorescence. The calcium antagonist, nifedipine (1 μM), almost abolished K⁺-induced contraction with less effect against U46619 and phenylephrine. We conclude that simvastatin relaxes pulmonary arteries by acting on smooth muscle to interfere with signalling through G-protein coupled receptors and voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ entry. Its actions likely include inhibition of ROCK-dependent Ca²⁺ sensitisation and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. These are likely to contribute to the beneficial effects of simvastatin in animal models of PAH.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitors differentially modulate glutamate release and Serine935 LRRK2 phosphorylation in striatal and cerebrocortical synaptosomes

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene have been pathogenically linked to Parkinson's disease, and pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 is being pursued to tackle nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration. However, LRRK2 kinase inhibitors may have manifold actions, affecting not only pathological mechanisms in dopaminergic neurons but also physiological functions in nondopaminergic neurons. Therefore, we investigated whether LRRK2 kinase inhibitors differentially modulate dopamine and glutamate release from the mouse striatum and cerebral cortex. Spontaneous and KCl-evoked [3H]-dopamine and glutamate release from superfused synaptosomes obtained from wild-type and LRRK2 knock-out, kinase-dead or G2019S knock-in mice was measured. Two structurally unrelated inhibitors, LRRK2-IN-1 and GSK2578215A, were tested. LRRK2, phosphoSerine1292 and phosphoSerine935 LRRK2 levels were measured in all genotypes, and target engagement was evaluated by monitoring phosphoSerine935 LRRK2. LRRK2-IN-1 inhibited striatal glutamate but not dopamine release; GSK2578215A inhibited striatal dopamine and cortical glutamate but enhanced striatal glutamate release. LRRK2-IN-1 reduced striatal and cortical phosphoSerine935 levels whereas GSK2578215A inhibited only the former. Neither LRRK2 inhibitor affected neurotransmitter release in LRRK2 knock-out and kinase-dead mice; however, they facilitated dopamine without affecting striatal glutamate in G2019S knock-in mice. GSK2578215A inhibited cortical glutamate release in G2019S knock-in mice. We conclude that LRRK2-IN-1 and GSK2578215A modulate exocytosis by blocking LRRK2 kinase activity, although their effects vary depending on the nerve terminal examined. The G2019S mutation unravels a dopamine-promoting action of LRRK2 inhibitors while blunting their effects on glutamate release, which highlights their positive potential for the treatment of PD, especially of LRRK2 mutation carriers.

Interaction of starfish gonadotropin with its receptor: Effect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides

A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) of starfish Patiria (Asterina) pectinifera is the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin for final gamete maturation. Recently, we found three orthologs of RGP in the class Asteroida; PpeRGP in P. pectinifera, AamRGP in Asterias amurensis, and AjaRGP in Aphelasterias japonica. In this study, nine kinds of RGP derivatives with exchanged each A- and B-chain were synthesized chemically to analyze the interaction of RGP with its receptor. Among these RGP derivatives, PpeRGP and its chimeric RGPs with B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP could induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in P. pectinifera ovaries. In contrast, other RGP derivatives were failed to induce spawning in P. pectinifera ovaries. Circular dichroism spectra of PpeRGP were similar to those of chimeric RGPs with the B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP. Furthermore, the predicted three-dimensional structure models of the B-chains from RGP derivatives have almost the same conformation. These findings suggest that the B-chain of PpeRGP is involved in binding to its receptor. Thus, it is likely that the A-chain of AamRGP or AjaRGP disturbs the binding of the PpeRGP B-chain to its receptor.

Cardiac β3 -adrenoceptors-A role in human pathophysiology?

As β₃ -adrenoceptors were first demonstrated to be expressed in adipose tissue they have received much attention for their metabolic effects in obesity and diabetes. After the existence of this subtype had been suggested to be present in the heart, studies focused on its role in cardiac function. While the presence and functional role of β₃ -adrenoceptors in the heart has not uniformly been detected, there is a broad consensus that they become up-regulated in pathological conditions associated with increased sympathetic activity such as heart failure and diabetes. When detected, the β₃ -adrenceptor has been demonstrated to mediate negative inotropic effects in an inhibitory G protein-dependent manner through the NO-cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. Whether these negative inotropic effects provide protection from the adverse effects induced by overstimulation of β₁ /β₂ -adrenoceptors or in themselves are potentially harmful is controversial, but ongoing clinical studies in patients with congestive heart failure are testing the hypothesis that β₃ -adrenceptor agonism has a beneficial effect. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.

Starfish Gonadotropic Hormone: From Gamete-Shedding Substance to Relaxin-Like Gonad-Stimulating Peptide

The first report of a gonadotropic substance in an invertebrate hot-water extract of radial nerve cords from starfish Asterias forbesi that induced the shedding of gametes when injected into the coelomic cavity in a ripe individual occurred in 1959. The active substance was named gamete-shedding substance (GSS) or radial nerve factor. GSS is the primary mediator of oocyte maturation and ovulation in starfish. However, the effect of GSS is indirect. Resumption of meiosis in immature oocytes and release from the ovary are induced by a second mediator, maturation-inducing hormone, identified as 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde) in starfish. The role of GSS is to induce 1-MeAde production by ovarian follicle cells. Thus, GSS was redesignated as gonad-stimulating substance (also GSS). Although GSS has been characterized biochemically as a peptide hormone, identification of the chemical structure had to wait until 2009. Fifty years after the initial finding, GSS was purified from the radial nerve cords of starfish Patiria pectinifera (P. pectinifera). The purified hormone was a heterodimer composed of A- and B-chains, with disulfide cross-linkages. Based on its cysteine motif, GSS is classified as a member of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/relaxin superfamily. More specifically, phylogenetic sequence analysis revealed that P. pectinifera GSS is a member of the relaxin-type peptide family. Therefore, GSS in starfish has been redesignated as relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP). Subsequently, orthologs of P. pectinifera RGP have been identified in other starfish species, including Asterias amurensis (A. amurensis), and Aphelasterias japonica (A. japonica).

Spinal α2 -adrenoceptors and neuropathic pain modulation; therapeutic target

Neuropathic pain can arise from disease or damage to the nervous system. The most common symptoms of neuropathic pain include spontaneous pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. There is still limited knowledge about the factors that initiate and maintain neuropathic pain. However, ample evidence has proved the antinociceptive role of spinal α-adrenoceptors following nerve injury. It is well-documented that noradrenergic descending pathways from supraspinal loci exert an inhibitory influence on the spinal cord nociceptive neurons, mostly through the activation of spinal α₂ -adrenoceptors. This, in turn, suppresses transmission of pain input and the hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons. There is considerable evidence demonstrating that spinal application of α₂ -adrenoceptor agonists leads to analgesic effects in animal models of neuropathic pain. Today, despite the recent rapid development of neuroscience and drug discovery, effective drugs with clear basic mechanisms have remained a mystery. Here, we give an overview of the cellular mechanisms through which brainstem adrenergic descending inhibitory processing can alter spinal pain transmission to the higher centres, and how these pathways change in neuropathic pain conditions focusing on the role of spinal α₂ -adrenoceptors in the spinal dorsal horn. We then suggest that α₂ -adrenoceptor agonist may be useful to treat neuropathic pain. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.

Is calcitonin gene-related peptide a modulator of menopausal vasomotor symptoms?

PURPOSE

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which is known as a potent vasodilator. Postmenopausal women who experience hot flushes have high levels of plasma CGRP, suggesting its involvement in menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

METHODS

In this review, we describe the biochemical aspects of CGRP and its effects associated with deficiencies of sexual hormones on skin temperature, vasodilatation, and sweating as well as the possible peripheral and central mechanisms involved in these events.

RESULTS

Several studies have shown that the effects of CGRP on increasing skin temperature and inducing vasodilatation are potentiated by a deficiency of sex hormones, a common condition of postmenopausal women. Additionally, the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus, involved in thermoregulation, contains over 25-fold more CGRP-immunoreactive cells in female rodents compared with male rodents, reinforcing the role of female sex hormones on the action of CGRP. Some studies suggest that ovarian hormone deficiency decreases circulating endogenous CGRP, inducing an upregulation of CGRP receptors. Consequently, the high CGRP receptor density, especially in blood vessels, amplifies the stimulatory effects of this neuropeptide to raise skin temperature in postmenopausal women during hot flushes.

CONCLUSIONS

The duration of the perception of each hot flush in a woman is brief, while local reddening after intradermal administration of α-CGRP persists for 1 to 6 h. This contrast remains unclear.

Cardiac effects of 6 months' dietary nitrate and spironolactone in patients with hypertension and with/at risk of type 2 diabetes, in the factorial design, double-blind, randomized controlled VaSera trial

AIMS

The aims of the present study were to explore whether a long-term intervention with dietary nitrate [(NO₃ ^- ), a potential tolerance-free source of beneficial vasoactive nitric oxide] and spironolactone (to oppose aldosterone's potential deleterious cardiovascular effects) improve cardiac structure/function, independently of blood pressure (BP), in patients with/at risk of type 2 diabetes (a population at risk of heart failure).

METHODS

A subsample of participants in our double-blind, randomized, factorial-design intervention (VaSera) trial of active beetroot juice as a nitrate source (≤11.2 mmol) or placebo (nitrate depleted) beetroot juice, and either ≤50 mg spironolactone or ≤16 mg doxazosin (control), had transthoracic cardiac ultrasounds at baseline (n = 105), and at 3 months and 6 months (n = 87) after the start of the intervention. Analysis was by modified intent-to-treat.

RESULTS

Nitrate-containing juice (n = 40) decreased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume {-6.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) -11.1, -1.6] ml} and end-systolic volume [-3.2 (95% CI -5.9, -0.5) ml], and increased end-diastolic mass/volume ratio [+0.04 (95% CI 0.00, 0.07)], relative to placebo juice (n = 47). Spironolactone (n = 44) reduced relative wall thickness compared with doxazosin (n = 43) [-0.01 (95% CI -0.02, -0.00)]. Although spironolactone reduced LV mass index relative to baseline [-1.48 (95% CI -2.08, -0.88) g m^-2.7 ], there was no difference vs. doxazosin [-0.85 (95% CI -1.76, 0.05) g m^-2.7 ]. Spironolactone also decreased the E/A ratio [-0.12 (95% CI -0.19, -0.04)] and increased S' (a tissue-Doppler systolic function index) by 0.52 (95% CI 0.05, 1.0) cm s^-1 . BP did not differ between the juices, or between the drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Six months' dietary nitrate decreased LV volumes ~5%, representing new, sustained, BP-independent benefits on cardiac structure, extending mechanisms characterized in preclinical models of heart failure. Spironolactone's effects on cardiac remodelling and systolic-diastolic function, although confirmatory, were independent of BP.

Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide facilitates adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise via PIPLC/IP3 pathways

PURPOSE

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is formed by alternative transcription of the calcitonin/α-CGRP gene, which also gives rise to calcitonin (CT). Recently, CGRP has been the focus of research for its metabolic effects in vitro. In the present study, the in vivo effects of CGRP on epididymal fat pads lipolysis at rest and during exercise were investigated in trained male Wistar rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were assigned to control and trained groups, which underwent endurance training for 12 weeks. The control (at rest) and trained (during acute exercise) animals were subjected to an intravenous injection of rat recombinant CGRP (2 µg kg^-1) and CGRP-(8-37), a competitive CGRP receptors antagonist, to evaluate if and how CGRP can affect adipose tissue lipolysis at rest and during exercise.

RESULTS

Intravenous injection of rat CGRP recombinant at rest upregulated major lipolysis pathways (cyclic AMP (cAMP), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and phospholipase C (PIPLC/IP₃)) in fat pads, causing an elevation in plasma-free fatty acid (FFA) and a decrease in plasma triglyceride (TG). All the effects were eliminated by pretreating the animals with CGRP-(8-37), suggesting that CGRP receptors were necessary for lipolytic effects of CGRP in fat pads. In trained animals, acute exercise augmented CGRP in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the cortex. Pretreating the animals with CGRP-(8-37) attenuated PIPLC/IP₃ pathway in fat pads and had no effect on cAMP and AMPK pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Epididymal fat pads is a metabolic target for CGRP during exercise and CGRP effects on adipose tissue metabolism during exercise could be related to PIPLC/IP₃ pathway.

The Orphan Receptor GPR35 Contributes to Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

BACKGROUND

The orphan receptor G protein–coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) has been associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. To assess the potential for GPR35 as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease, this study investigated the cardiovascular phenotype of a GPR35 knockout mouse under both basal conditions and following pathophysiological stimulation.

METHODS

Blood pressure was monitored in male wild-type and GPR35 knockout mice over 7–14 days using implantable telemetry. Cardiac function and dimensions were assessed using echocardiography, and cardiomyocyte morphology evaluated histologically. Two weeks of angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion was used to investigate the effects of GPR35 deficiency under pathophysiological conditions. Gpr35 messenger RNA expression in cardiovascular tissues was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in blood pressure, cardiac function, or cardiomyocyte morphology in GPR35 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Following Ang II infusion, GPR35 knockout mice were protected from significant increases in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure or impaired left ventricular systolic function, in contrast to wild-type mice. There were no significant differences in Gpr35 messenger RNA expression in heart, kidney, and aorta following Ang II infusion in wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GPR35 does not appear to influence basal cardiovascular regulation, these findings demonstrate that it plays an important pathological role in the development of Ang II–induced hypertension and impaired cardiac function. This suggests that GPR35 is a potential novel drug target for therapeutic intervention in hypertension.

Importance of the second extracellular loop for melatonin MT1 receptor function and absence of melatonin binding in GPR50

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent crystal structures of GPCRs have emphasized the previously unappreciated role of the second extracellular (E2) loop in ligand binding and gating and receptor activation. Here, we have assessed the role of the E2 loop in the activation of the melatonin MT1 receptor and in the inactivation of the closely related orphan receptor GPR50.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Chimeric MT1 -GPR50 receptors were generated and functionally analysed in terms of 2-[125 I]iodomelatonin binding, Gi /cAMP signalling and β-arrestin2 recruitment. We also used computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

KEY RESULTS

MD simulations of 300 ns revealed (i) the tight hairpin structure of the E2 loop of the MT1 receptor (ii) the most suitable features for melatonin binding in MT1 receptors and (iii) major predicted rearrangements upon MT1 receptor activation, stabilizing interaction networks between Phe179 or Gln181 in the E2 loop and transmembrane helixes 5 and 6. Functional assays confirmed these predictions, because reciprocal replacement of MT1 and GPR50 residues/domains led to the predicted loss- and gain-of-melatonin action of MT1 receptors and GPR50 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our work demonstrated the crucial role of the E2 loop for MT1 receptor and GPR50 function by proposing a model in which the E2 loop is important in stabilizing active MT1 receptor conformations and by showing how evolutionary processes appear to have selected for modifications in the E2 loop in order to make GPR50 unresponsive to melatonin.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc.

Melatonin in regulation of inflammatory pathways in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: involvement of circadian clock genes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the two most prevalent joint diseases. A such, they are important causes of pain and disability in a substantial proportion of the human population. A common characteristic of these diseases is the erosion of articular cartilage and consequently joint dysfunction. Melatonin has been proposed as a link between circadian rhythms and joint diseases including RA and OA. This hormone exerts a diversity of regulatory actions through binding to specific receptors and intracellular targets as well as having receptor-independent actions as a free radical scavenger. Cytoprotective effects of melatonin involve a myriad of prominent receptor-mediated pathways/molecules associated with inflammation, of which the role of omnipresent NF-κB signalling is crucial. Likewise, disturbance of circadian timekeeping is closely involved in the aetiology of inflammatory arthritis. Melatonin is shown to stimulate cartilage destruction/regeneration through direct/indirect modulation of the expression of the main circadian clock genes, such as BMAL, CRY and/or DEC2. In the current article, we review the effects of melatonin on RA and OA, focusing on its ability to regulate inflammatory pathways and circadian rhythms. We also review the possible protective effects of melatonin on RA and OA pathogenesis. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc.