1
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Illuminati D, Trapella C, Zanirato V, Guerrini R, Albanese V, Sturaro C, Stragapede S, Malfacini D, Compagnin G, Catani M, Fantinati A. (L)-Monomethyl Tyrosine (Mmt): New Synthetic Strategy via Bulky 'Forced-Traceless' Regioselective Pd-Catalyzed C(sp 2)-H Activation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1592. [PMID: 38004457 PMCID: PMC10675785 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111592] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The enormous influence in terms of bioactivity, affinity, and selectivity represented by the replacement of (L)-2,6-dimethyl tyrosine (Dmt) instead of Phenylalanine (Phe) into Nociceptin/orphanin (N/OFQ) neuropeptide analogues has been well documented in the literature. More recently, the non-natural amino acid (L)-2-methyl tyrosine (Mmt), with steric hindrance included between Tyr and Dmt, has been studied because of the modulation of steric effects in opioid peptide chains. Here, we report a new synthetic strategy to obtain Mmt based on the well-known Pd-catalyzed ortho-C(sp2)-H activation approach, because there is a paucity of other synthetic routes in the literature to achieve it. The aim of this work was to force only the mono-ortho-methylation process over the double ortho-methylation one. In this regard, we are pleased to report that the introduction of the dibenzylamine moiety on a Tyr aromatic nucleus is a convenient and traceless solution to achieve such a goal. Interestingly, our method provided the aimed Mmt either as N-Boc or N-Fmoc derivatives ready to be inserted into peptide chains through solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Importantly, the introduction of Mmt in place of Phe1 in the sequence of N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 was very well tolerated in terms of pharmacological profile and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Illuminati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.T.); (V.Z.); (R.G.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Vinicio Zanirato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.T.); (V.Z.); (R.G.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.T.); (V.Z.); (R.G.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- U.O. Neurological Clinic, University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.)
| | - Simona Stragapede
- U.O. Neurological Clinic, University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.)
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via 8 Febbraio, 2, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Greta Compagnin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.T.); (V.Z.); (R.G.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.T.); (V.Z.); (R.G.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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2
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Ding H, Kiguchi N, Dobbins M, Romero-Sandoval EA, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin Receptor-Related Agonists as Safe and Non-addictive Analgesics. Drugs 2023; 83:771-793. [PMID: 37209211 PMCID: PMC10948013 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
As clinical use of currently available opioid analgesics is often impeded by dose-limiting adverse effects, such as abuse liability and respiratory depression, new approaches have been pursued to develop safe, effective, and non-addictive pain medications. After the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor more than 25 years ago, NOP receptor-related agonists have emerged as a promising target for developing novel and effective opioids that modulate the analgesic and addictive properties of mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists. In this review, we highlight the effects of the NOP receptor-related agonists compared with those of MOP receptor agonists in experimental rodent and more translational non-human primate (NHP) models and the development status of key NOP receptor-related agonists as potential safe and non-addictive analgesics. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that peptidic and non-peptidic NOP receptor agonists produce potent analgesic effects by intrathecal delivery in NHPs. Moreover, mixed NOP/MOP receptor partial agonists (e.g., BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121) display potent analgesic effects when administered intrathecally or systemically, without eliciting adverse effects, such as respiratory depression, itch behavior, and signs of abuse liability. More importantly, cebranopadol, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist with full efficacy at NOP and MOP receptors, produces robust analgesic efficacy with reduced adverse effects, conferring promising outcomes in clinical studies. A balanced coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors is a strategy that warrants further exploration and refinement for the development of novel analgesics with a safer and effective profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - MaryBeth Dobbins
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, Wakayama, 640-8392, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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3
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Chen T, Sun T, Bian Y, Pei Y, Feng F, Chi H, Li Y, Tang X, Sang S, Du C, Chen Y, Chen Y, Sun H. The Design and Optimization of Monomeric Multitarget Peptides for the Treatment of Multifactorial Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3685-3705. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, College of Regimen and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Chi
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenghu Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Du
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor-Related Ligands as Novel Analgesics. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2878-2888. [PMID: 32384033 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200508082615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite similar distribution patterns and intracellular events observed in the nociceptin/ orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor and other opioid receptors, NOP receptor activation displays unique pharmacological profiles. Several researchers have identified a variety of peptide and nonpeptide ligands to determine the functional roles of NOP receptor activation and observed that NOP receptor- related ligands exhibit pain modality-dependent pain processing. Importantly, NOP receptor activation results in anti-nociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels regardless of the experimental settings in non-human primates (NHPs). Given that the NOP receptor agonists synergistically enhance mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonist-induced anti-nociception, it has been hypothesized that dual NOP and MOP receptor agonists may display promising functional properties as analgesics. Accumulating evidence indicates that the mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonists demonstrate favorable functional profiles. In NHP studies, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) exerted potent anti-nociception via NOP and MOP receptor activation; however, dose-limiting adverse effects associated with the MOP receptor activation, including respiratory depression, itch sensation, physical dependence, and abuse liability, were not observed. Moreover, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, cebranopadol, presented promising outcomes in clinical trials as a novel analgesic. Collectively, the dual agonistic actions on NOP and MOP receptors, with appropriate binding affinities and efficacies, may be a viable strategy to develop innovative and safe analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
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5
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De Neve J, Barlow TMA, Tourwé D, Bihel F, Simonin F, Ballet S. Comprehensive overview of biased pharmacology at the opioid receptors: biased ligands and bias factors. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:828-870. [PMID: 34223156 PMCID: PMC8221262 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00041a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main challenges in contemporary medicinal chemistry is the development of safer analgesics, used in the treatment of pain. Currently, moderate to severe pain is still treated with the "gold standard" opioids whose long-term often leads to severe side effects. With the discovery of biased agonism, the importance of this area of pharmacology has grown exponentially over the past decade. Of these side effects, tolerance, opioid misuse, physical dependence and substance use disorder (SUD) stand out, since these have led to many deaths over the past decades in both USA and Europe. New therapeutic molecules that induce a biased response at the opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, KOR and NOP receptor) are able to circumvent these side effects and, consequently, serve as more advantageous therapies with great promise. The concept of biased signaling extends far beyond the already sizeable field of GPCR pharmacology and covering everything would be vastly outside the scope of this review which consequently covers the biased ligands acting at the opioid family of receptors. The limitation of quantifying bias, however, makes this a controversial subject, where it is dependent on the reference ligand, the equation or the assay used for the quantification. Hence, the major issue in the field of biased ligands remains the translation of the in vitro profiles of biased signaling, with corresponding bias factors to in vivo profiles showing the presence or the lack of specific side effects. This review comprises a comprehensive overview of biased ligands in addition to their bias factors at individual members of the opioid family of receptors, as well as bifunctional ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Thomas M A Barlow
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Frédéric Bihel
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7200, CNRS Université de Strasbourg Illkirch France
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg Illkirch France
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
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6
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Dumitrascuta M, Bermudez M, Trovato O, De Neve J, Ballet S, Wolber G, Spetea M. Antinociceptive Efficacy of the µ-Opioid/Nociceptin Peptide-Based Hybrid KGNOP1 in Inflammatory Pain without Rewarding Effects in Mice: An Experimental Assessment and Molecular Docking. Molecules 2021; 26:3267. [PMID: 34071603 PMCID: PMC8198056 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the most effective analgesics, with most clinically available opioids being agonists to the µ-opioid receptor (MOR). The MOR is also responsible for their unwanted effects, including reward and opioid misuse leading to the current public health crisis. The imperative need for safer, non-addictive pain therapies drives the search for novel leads and new treatment strategies. In this study, the recently discovered MOR/nociceptin (NOP) receptor peptide hybrid KGNOP1 (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2) was evaluated following subcutaneous administration in mouse models of acute (formalin test) and chronic inflammatory pain (Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced paw hyperalgesia), liabilities of spontaneous locomotion, conditioned place preference, and the withdrawal syndrome. KGNOP1 demonstrated dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in the formalin test, and efficacy in attenuating thermal hyperalgesia with prolonged duration of action. Antinociceptive effects of KGNOP1 were reversed by naltrexone and SB-612111, indicating the involvement of both MOR and NOP receptor agonism. In comparison with morphine, KGNOP1 was more potent and effective in mouse models of inflammatory pain. Unlike morphine, KGNOP1 displayed reduced detrimental liabilities, as no locomotor impairment nor rewarding and withdrawal effects were observed. Docking of KGNOP1 to the MOR and NOP receptors and subsequent 3D interaction pattern analyses provided valuable insights into its binding mode. The mixed MOR/NOP receptor peptide KGNOP1 holds promise in the effort to develop new analgesics for the treatment of various pain states with fewer MOR-mediated side effects, particularly abuse and dependence liabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.B.); (G.W.)
| | - Olga Trovato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (S.B.)
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (S.B.)
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.B.); (G.W.)
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.D.); (O.T.)
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7
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Pacifico S, Albanese V, Illuminati D, Marzola E, Fabbri M, Ferrari F, Holanda VAD, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Ruzza C, Trapella C, Preti D, Lo Cascio E, Arcovito A, Della Longa S, Marangoni M, Fattori D, Nassini R, Calò G, Guerrini R. Novel Mixed NOP/Opioid Receptor Peptide Agonists. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6656-6669. [PMID: 33998786 PMCID: PMC8279409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)/N/OFQ receptor (NOP) system
controls different biological functions including pain and cough reflex.
Mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonists elicit similar effects to strong
opioids but with reduced side effects. In this work, 31 peptides with
the general sequence [Tyr/Dmt1,Xaa5]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 were synthesized and pharmacologically characterized for
their action at human recombinant NOP/opioid receptors. The best results
in terms of NOP versus mu opioid receptor potency were obtained by
substituting both Tyr1 and Thr5 at the N-terminal
portion of N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 with the noncanonical amino
acid Dmt. [Dmt1,5]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 has been identified
as the most potent dual NOP/mu receptor peptide agonist so far described.
Experimental data have been complemented by in silico studies to shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which the peptide
binds the active form of the mu receptor. Finally, the compound exerted
antitussive effects in an in vivo model of cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Martina Fabbri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Victor A D Holanda
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Ettore Lo Cascio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Stefano Della Longa
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Pza S. Tommasi 1, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Martina Marangoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Davide Fattori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
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8
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Costanzini A, Ruzza C, Neto JA, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Sternini C, De Giorgio R, Calò G. Pharmacological characterization of naloxegol: In vitro and in vivo studies. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 903:174132. [PMID: 33933466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Opioid-induced constipation is the most prevalent adverse effect of opioid drugs. Peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs), including naloxegol, are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. The aim of this study was the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of naloxegol in comparison with naloxone. In vitro experiments were performed to measure calcium mobilization in cells coexpressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins and mu receptor interaction with G protein and β-arrestin 2 using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. In vivo experiments were performed in mice to measure pain threshold using the tail withdrawal assay and colonic transit using the bead expulsion assay. In vitro, naloxegol behaved as a selective and competitive mu receptor antagonist similarly to naloxone, being 3-10-fold less potent. In vivo, naloxone was effective in blocking fentanyl actions when given subcutaneously (sc), but not per os (po). In contrast, naloxegol elicited very similar effects with sc or po administration counteracting in a dose dependent manner the constipating effects of fentanyl without interfering with the fentanyl mediated analgesia. Thus, a useful PAMORA action could be obtained with naloxegol both after po and sc administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Costanzini
- Department Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Catia Sternini
- Digestive Disease Division, Departments of Medicine and Neurobiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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9
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Wtorek K, Janecka A. Potential of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Analogs for Drug Development. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2000871. [PMID: 33351271 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin receptor (NOP) belongs to the family of opioid receptors but was discovered and characterized much later than the so called classical opioid receptors, μ, δ and κ (or MOP, DOP and KOP, resp.). Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand of this receptor and it controls numerous important functions in the central nervous system and in the periphery, so its analogs may be developed as innovative drugs for the treatment of a variety of conditions and pathological states. Availability of potent and selective ligands with high affinity to NOP receptor is essential to fully understand the role of NOP-N/OFQ system in the body, which in turn may lead to designing novel therapeutics. Here, we have focused on reviewing the structure of potent peptide-based agonists, antagonists, biased analogs and bivalent ligands that target NOP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
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10
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Vieyra-Garcia PA, Wolf P. A deep dive into UV-based phototherapy: Mechanisms of action and emerging molecular targets in inflammation and cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107784. [PMID: 33316286 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UV-based phototherapy (including psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), UVB and UVA1) has a long, successful history in the management of numerous cutaneous disorders. Photoresponsive diseases are etiologically diverse, but most involve disturbances in local (and occasionally systemic) inflammatory cells and/or abnormalities in keratinocytes that trigger inflammation. UV-based phototherapy works by regulating the inflammatory component and inducing apoptosis of pathogenic cells. This results in a fascinating and complex network of simultaneous events-immediate transcriptional changes in keratinocytes, immune cells, and pigment cells; the emergence of apoptotic bodies; and the trafficking of antigen-presenting cells in skin-that quickly transform the microenvironment of UV-exposed skin. Molecular elements in this system of UV recognition and response include chromophores, metabolic byproducts, innate immune receptors, neurotransmitters and mediators such as chemokines and cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and platelet activating factor (PAF) and PAF-like molecules that simultaneously shape the immunomodulatory effects of UV and their interplay with the microbiota of the skin and beyond. Phototherapy's key effects-proapoptotic, immunomodulatory, antipruritic, antifibrotic, propigmentary, and pro-prebiotic-promote clinical improvement in various skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), vitiligo, scleroderma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) as well as prevention of polymorphic light eruption (PLE). As understanding of phototherapy improves, new therapies (UV- and non-UV-based) are being developed that will modify regulatory T-cells (Treg), interact with (resident) memory T-cells and /or utilize agonists and antagonists as well as antibodies targeting soluble molecules such as cytokines and chemokines, transcription factors, and a variety of membrane-associated receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Vieyra-Garcia
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, Graz A-8036, Austria.
| | - Peter Wolf
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, Graz A-8036, Austria.
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Therapeutic potentials of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. J Neurosci Res 2020; 100:191-202. [PMID: 32255240 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Following the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) as an endogenous ligand for the NOP receptor, ample evidence has revealed unique functional profiles of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system. NOP receptors are expressed in key neural substrates involved in pain and reward modulation. In nonhuman primates (NHPs), NOP receptor activation effectively exerts antinociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels. Moreover, NOP receptor activation inhibits dopaminergic transmission and synergistically enhances mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. In this article, we have discussed the functional profiles of ligands with dual NOP and MOP receptor agonist activities and highlight their optimal functional efficacy for pain relief and drug abuse treatment. Through coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor "partial" agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) reveal a wider therapeutic window with fewer side effects. These newly developed ligands potently induce antinociception without MOP receptor agonist-associated side effects such as abuse potential, respiratory depression, itching sensation, and physical dependence. In addition, in both rodent and NHP models, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists can attenuate reward processing and/or the reinforcing effects of opioids and other abused drugs. While a mixed NOP/opioid receptor "full" agonist cebranopadol is undergoing clinical trials, bifunctional NOP/MOP "partial" agonists exhibit promising therapeutic profiles in translational NHP models for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. This class of drugs demonstrates the therapeutic advantage of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation, indicating a greater potential for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, USA
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12
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Pacifico S, Albanese V, Illuminati D, Fantinati A, Marzola E, Ferrari F, Neto JA, Sturaro C, Ruzza C, Calò G, Preti D, Guerrini R. Tetrabranched Hetero-Conjugated Peptides as Bifunctional Agonists of the NOP and Mu Opioid Receptors. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2444-2451. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
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BU10038 as a safe opioid analgesic with fewer side-effects after systemic and intrathecal administration in primates. Br J Anaesth 2019; 122:e146-e156. [PMID: 30916003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The marked increase in mis-use of prescription opioids has greatly affected our society. One potential solution is to develop improved analgesics which have agonist action at both mu opioid peptide (MOP) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors. BU10038 is a recently identified bifunctional MOP/NOP partial agonist. The aim of this study was to determine the functional profile of systemic or spinal delivery of BU10038 in primates after acute and chronic administration. METHODS A series of behavioural and physiological assays have been established specifically to reflect the therapeutic (analgesia) and side-effects (abuse potential, respiratory depression, itch, physical dependence, and tolerance) of opioid analgesics in rhesus monkeys. RESULTS After systemic administration, BU10038 (0.001-0.01 mg kg-1) dose-dependently produced long-lasting antinociceptive and antihypersensitive effects. Unlike the MOP agonist oxycodone, BU10038 lacked reinforcing effects (i.e. little or no abuse liability), and BU10038 did not compromise the physiological functions of primates including respiration, cardiovascular activities, and body temperature at antinociceptive doses and a 10-30-fold higher dose (0.01-0.1 mg kg-1). After intrathecal administration, BU10038 (3 μg) exerted morphine-comparable antinociception and antihypersensitivity without itch scratching responses. Unlike morphine, BU10038 did not cause the development of physical dependence and tolerance after repeated and chronic administration. CONCLUSIONS These in vivo findings demonstrate the translational potential of bifunctional MOP/NOP receptor agonists such as BU10038 as a safe, non-addictive analgesic with fewer side-effects in primates. This study strongly supports that bifunctional MOP/NOP agonists may provide improved analgesics and an alternative solution for the ongoing prescription opioid crisis.
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Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor-related ligands have been demonstrated in preclinical studies for several therapeutic applications. This article highlights (1) how nonhuman primates (NHP) were used to facilitate the development and application of positron emission tomography tracers in humans; (2) effects of an endogenous NOP ligand, nociceptin/orphanin FQ, and its interaction with mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists; and (3) promising functional profiles of NOP-related agonists in NHP as analgesics and treatment for substance use disorders. NHP models offer the most phylogenetically appropriate evaluation of opioid and non-opioid receptor functions and drug effects. Based on preclinical and clinical data of ligands with mixed NOP/MOP receptor agonist activity, several factors including their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP versus MOP receptors and different study endpoints in NHP could contribute to different pharmacological profiles. Ample evidence from NHP studies indicates that bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists have opened an exciting avenue for developing safe, effective medications with fewer side effects for treating pain and drug addiction. In particular, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists hold a great potential as (1) effective spinal analgesics without itch side effects; (2) safe, nonaddictive analgesics without opioid side effects such as respiratory depression; and (3) effective medications for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Calo G, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands and translational challenges: focus on cebranopadol as an innovative analgesic. Br J Anaesth 2018; 121:1105-1114. [PMID: 30336855 PMCID: PMC6208290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are characterised as classical (mu, delta, and kappa) along with the non-classical nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor or NOP. Targeting NOP has therapeutic indications in control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and micturition, and a profile as an antidepressant. For all of these indications, there are translational human data. Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl (activating the mu receptor) are the mainstay of pain treatment in the perioperative period, despite a challenging side-effect profile. Opioids in general have poor efficacy in neuropathic pain. Moreover, longer term use is associated with tolerance. There is good evidence interactions between opioid receptors, and receptor co-activation can reduce side-effects without compromising analgesia; this is particularly true for mu and NOP co-activation. Recent pharmaceutical development has produced a mixed opioid/NOP agonist, cebranopadol. This new chemical entity is effective in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain with greater efficacy in the latter. In animal models, there is little evidence for respiratory depression, and tolerance (compared with morphine) only develops after long treatment periods. There is now early phase clinical development in diabetic neuropathy, cancer pain, and low back pain where cebranopadol displays significant efficacy. In 1996, N/OFQ was formally identified with an innovative analgesic profile. Approximately 20 yr later, cebranopadol as a clinical ligand is advancing through the human trials process.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Calo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
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17
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Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed at both the peripheral and central level where it modulates important biological functions with increasing therapeutic implications. This chapter wants to provide a comprehensive and updated overview focused on the available structure-activity relationship studies on NOP receptor peptide ligands developed through different rational approaches. Punctual modifications and cyclizations of the N/OFQ sequence have been properly combined furnishing potent NOP selective ligands with different pharmacological activities (full and partial agonists, pure antagonists) and enhanced metabolic stability in vivo. The screening of peptide libraries provided a second family of NOP ligands that have been successfully optimized. Moreover, recent findings suggest the possibility to apply different multimerization strategies for the realization of multi-target NOP/opioid receptor ligands or tetrabranched N/OFQ derivatives with extraordinarily prolonged duration of action in vivo. The diverse approaches led to the identification of important pharmacological tools along with drug candidates currently in clinical development such as Rec 0438 (aka UFP-112) for the treatment of overactive bladder and SER 100 (aka ZP120) for the clinical management of systolic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neurosciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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18
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Calo' G, Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Pacifico S, Gavioli EC, Salvadori S, Guerrini R. Peptide welding technology - A simple strategy for generating innovative ligands for G protein coupled receptors. Peptides 2018; 99:195-204. [PMID: 29031796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on their high selectivity of action and low toxicity, naturally occurring peptides have great potential in terms of drug development. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, in particular their half life, are poor. Among different strategies developed for reducing susceptibility to peptidases, and thus increasing the duration of action of peptides, the generation of branched peptides has been described. However, the synthesis and purification of branched peptides are extremely complicated thus limiting their druggability. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides acting as GPCR ligands and their in vitro and vivo pharmacological characterization. Tetrabranched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), N/OFQ related peptides, opioid peptides, tachykinins, and neuropeptide S were generated with the strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) and characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In general, PWT derivatives displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence in terms of affinity, pharmacological activity, potency, and selectivity of action in vitro. More importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that PWT peptides are characterized by increased potency associated with long lasting duration of action. In conclusion, PWT derivatives of biologically active peptides can be viewed as innovative pharmacological tools for investigating those conditions and states in which selective and prolonged receptor stimulation promotes beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo'
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Bianco S, Trapella C, Calo' G. Antinociceptive action of NOP and opioid receptor agonists in the mouse orofacial formalin test. Peptides 2017; 94:71-77. [PMID: 28697954 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) modulates several biological functions, including pain transmission via selective activation of a specific receptor named NOP. The aim of this study was the investigation of the antinociceptive properties of NOP agonists and their interaction with opioids in the trigeminal territory. The orofacial formalin (OFF) test in mice was used to investigate the antinociceptive potential associated to the activation of NOP and opioid receptors. Mice subjected to OFF test displayed the typical biphasic nociceptive response and sensitivity to opioid and NSAID drugs. Mice knockout for the NOP gene displayed a robust pronociceptive phenotype. The NOP selective agonist Ro 65-6570 (0.1-1mgkg-1) and morphine (0.1-10mgkg-1) elicited dose dependent antinociceptive effects in the OFF with the alkaloid showing larger effects; the isobologram analysis of their actions demonstrated an additive type of interaction. The mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist cebranopadol elicited potent (0.01-0.1mgkg-1) and robust antinociceptive effects. In the investigated dose range, all drugs did not modify the motor performance of the mice in the rotarod test. Collectively the results of this study demonstrated that selective NOP agonists and particularly mixed NOP/opioid agonists are worthy of development as innovative drugs to treat painful conditions of the trigeminal territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Pharmacological studies on the NOP and opioid receptor agonist PWT2-[Dmt 1]N/OFQ(1-13). Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 794:115-126. [PMID: 27871910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An innovative chemical strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) has been developed for the facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides. [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 acts as a universal agonist for nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and classical opioid receptors. The present study investigated the pharmacological profile of the PWT derivative of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 (PWT2-[Dmt1]) in several assays in vitro and in vivo after spinal administration in monkeys subjected to the tail withdrawal assay. PWT2-[Dmt1] mimicked the effects of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 displaying full agonist activity, similar affinity/potency and selectivity at human recombinant N/OFQ (NOP) and opioid receptors in receptor binding, stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding, calcium mobilization in cells expressing chimeric G proteins, and BRET studies for measuring receptor/G-protein and receptor/β-arrestin 2 interaction. In vivo in monkeys PWT2-[Dmt1] elicited dose-dependent and robust antinociceptive effects being more potent and longer lasting than [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2. The analgesic action of PWT2-[Dmt1] was sensitive to the NOP receptor antagonist J-113397, but not naltrexone. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the tetrabranched derivative of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 obtained with the PWT technology maintains the in vitro pharmacological profile of the parent peptide but displays higher potency and longer lasting action in vivo.
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21
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A novel orvinol analog, BU08028, as a safe opioid analgesic without abuse liability in primates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E5511-8. [PMID: 27573832 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1605295113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the critical need, no previous research has substantiated safe opioid analgesics without abuse liability in primates. Recent advances in medicinal chemistry have led to the development of ligands with mixed mu opioid peptide (MOP)/nociceptin-orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor agonist activity to achieve this objective. BU08028 is a novel orvinol analog that displays a similar binding profile to buprenorphine with improved affinity and efficacy at NOP receptors. The aim of this preclinical study was to establish the functional profile of BU08028 in monkeys using clinically used MOP receptor agonists for side-by-side comparisons in various well-honed behavioral and physiological assays. Systemic BU08028 (0.001-0.01 mg/kg) produced potent long-lasting (i.e., >24 h) antinociceptive and antiallodynic effects, which were blocked by MOP or NOP receptor antagonists. More importantly, the reinforcing strength of BU08028 was significantly lower than that of cocaine, remifentanil, or buprenorphine in monkeys responding under a progressive-ratio schedule of drug self-administration. Unlike MOP receptor agonists, BU08028 at antinociceptive doses and ∼10- to 30-fold higher doses did not cause respiratory depression or cardiovascular adverse events as measured by telemetry devices. After repeated administration, the monkeys developed acute physical dependence on morphine, as manifested by precipitated withdrawal signs, such as increased respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. In contrast, monkeys did not show physical dependence on BU08028. These in vivo findings in primates not only document the efficacy and tolerability profile of bifunctional MOP/NOP receptor agonists, but also provide a means of translating such ligands into therapies as safe and potentially abuse-free opioid analgesics.
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Rizzi A, Cerlesi MC, Ruzza C, Malfacini D, Ferrari F, Bianco S, Costa T, Guerrini R, Trapella C, Calo' G. Pharmacological characterization of cebranopadol a novel analgesic acting as mixed nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor agonist. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00247. [PMID: 28116100 PMCID: PMC5242173 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of cebranopadol, a novel agonist for opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptors (NOP). In vitro cebranopadol was assayed in calcium mobilization studies in cells coexpressing NOP or opioid receptors and chimeric G‐proteins and in a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay for studying receptor interaction with G‐protein and β‐arrestin 2. The mouse tail withdrawal and formalin tests were used for investigating cebranopadol antinociceptive properties. In calcium mobilization studies cebranopadol showed the following rank order of potency NOP = mu > kappa ≥ delta. In BRET studies, cebranopadol promoted NOP and mu receptors interaction with G‐protein with similar high potency and efficacy. However, cebranopadol did not stimulated NOP–β‐arrestin 2 interactions and displayed reduced potency at mu/β‐arrestin 2. In vivo, cebranopadol exhibits highly potent and extremely long‐lasting antinociceptive effects. The effects of cebranopadol in the tail withdrawal assay were sensitive to both SB‐612111 and naloxone. Collectively the present results confirm and extend previous finding demonstrating that cebranopadol, by acting as mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, elicits robust analgesic effects in different pain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Sara Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Department of Pharmacology Istituto Superiore di Sanita' Rome Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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Bird MF, Cerlesi MC, Brown M, Malfacini D, Vezzi V, Molinari P, Micheli L, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C, Guerrini R, Calò G, Lambert DG. Characterisation of the Novel Mixed Mu-NOP Peptide Ligand Dermorphin-N/OFQ (DeNo). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156897. [PMID: 27272042 PMCID: PMC4896453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid receptors are currently classified as Mu (μ), Delta (δ), Kappa (κ) plus the opioid related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP). Despite compelling evidence for interactions and benefits of targeting more than one receptor type in producing analgesia, clinical ligands are Mu agonists. In this study we have designed a Mu-NOP agonist named DeNo. The Mu agonist component is provided by dermorphin, a peptide isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa frogs and the NOP component by the endogenous agonist N/OFQ. METHODS We have assessed receptor binding profile of DeNo and compared with dermorphin and N/OFQ. In a series of functional screens we have assessed the ability to (i) increase Ca2+ in cells coexpressing recombinant receptors and a the chimeric protein Gαqi5, (ii) stimulate the binding of GTPγ[35S], (iii) inhibit cAMP formation, (iv) activate MAPKinase, (v) stimulate receptor-G protein and arrestin interaction using BRET, (vi) electrically stimulated guinea pig ileum (gpI) assay and (vii) ability to produce analgesia via the intrathecal route in rats. RESULTS DeNo bound to Mu (pKi; 9.55) and NOP (pKi; 10.22) and with reasonable selectivity. This translated to increased Ca2+ in Gαqi5 expressing cells (pEC50 Mu 7.17; NOP 9.69), increased binding of GTPγ[35S] (pEC50 Mu 7.70; NOP 9.50) and receptor-G protein interaction in BRET (pEC50 Mu 8.01; NOP 9.02). cAMP formation was inhibited and arrestin was activated (pEC50 Mu 6.36; NOP 8.19). For MAPK DeNo activated p38 and ERK1/2 at Mu but only ERK1/2 at NOP. In the gpI DeNO inhibited electrically-evoked contractions (pEC50 8.63) that was sensitive to both Mu and NOP antagonists. DeNo was antinociceptive in rats. CONCLUSION Collectively these data validate the strategy used to create a novel bivalent Mu-NOP peptide agonist by combining dermorphin (Mu) and N/OFQ (NOP). This molecule behaves essentially as the parent compounds in vitro. In the antonocicoeptive assays employed in this study DeNo displays only weak antinociceptive properties.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cricetulus
- Guinea Pigs
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Opioid Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/chemical synthesis
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Opioid/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Nociceptin Receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F. Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vanessa Vezzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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24
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Toll L, Bruchas MR, Calo' G, Cox BM, Zaveri NT. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor Structure, Signaling, Ligands, Functions, and Interactions with Opioid Systems. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:419-57. [PMID: 26956246 PMCID: PMC4813427 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOP receptor (nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide receptor) is the most recently discovered member of the opioid receptor family and, together with its endogenous ligand, N/OFQ, make up the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide family. Because of its more recent discovery, an understanding of the cellular and behavioral actions induced by NOP receptor activation are less well developed than for the other members of the opioid receptor family. All of these factors are important because NOP receptor activation has a clear modulatory role on mu opioid receptor-mediated actions and thereby affects opioid analgesia, tolerance development, and reward. In addition to opioid modulatory actions, NOP receptor activation has important effects on motor function and other physiologic processes. This review discusses how NOP pharmacology intersects, contrasts, and interacts with the mu opioid receptor in terms of tertiary structure and mechanism of receptor activation; location of receptors in the central nervous system; mechanisms of desensitization and downregulation; cellular actions; intracellular signal transduction pathways; and behavioral actions with respect to analgesia, tolerance, dependence, and reward. This is followed by a discussion of the agonists and antagonists that have most contributed to our current knowledge. Because NOP receptors are highly expressed in brain and spinal cord and NOP receptor activation sometimes synergizes with mu receptor-mediated actions and sometimes opposes them, an understanding of NOP receptor pharmacology in the context of these interactions with the opioid receptors will be crucial to the development of novel therapeutics that engage the NOP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Brian M Cox
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
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25
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Central N/OFQ-NOP Receptor System in Pain Modulation. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2015; 75:217-43. [PMID: 26920014 PMCID: PMC4944813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Two decades have passed since the peptide, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), and its cognate (NOP) receptor were discovered. Although NOP receptor activation causes a similar pattern of intracellular actions as mu-opioid (MOP) receptors, NOP receptor-mediated pain modulation in rodents are more complicated than MOP receptor activation. This review highlights the functional evidence of spinal, supraspinal, and systemic actions of NOP receptor agonists for regulating pain. In rodents, effects of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in spinal and supraspinal sites for modulating pain are bidirectional depending on the doses, assays, and pain modalities. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists may depend on relative contribution of spinal and supraspinal actions of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor signaling in rodents under different pain states. In stark contrast, NOP receptor agonists produce only antinociception and antihypersensitivity in spinal and supraspinal regions of nonhuman primates regardless of doses and assays. More importantly, NOP receptor agonists and a few bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists do not exhibit reinforcing effects (abuse liability), respiratory depression, itch pruritus, nor do they delay the gastrointestinal transit function (constipation) in nonhuman primates. Depending upon their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists warrant additional investigation in primates regarding their side effect profiles. Nevertheless, NOP receptor-related agonists display a much wider therapeutic window as compared to that of MOP receptor agonists in primates. Both selective NOP receptor agonists and bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists hold great potential as effective and safe analgesics without typical opioid-associated side effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Given its profound analgesic nature, neuraxial opioids are frequently used for pain management. Unfortunately, the high incident rate of itch/pruritus after spinal administration of opioid analgesics reported in postoperative and obstetric patients greatly diminishes patient satisfaction and thus the value of the analgesics. Many endeavors to solve the mystery behind neuraxial opioid-induced itch had not been successful, as the pharmacological antagonism other than the blockade of mu opioid receptors remains elusive. Nevertheless, as the characteristics of all opioid receptor subtypes have become more understood, more studies have shed light on the potential effective treatments. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying neuraxial opioid-induced itch and compares pharmacological evidence in nonhuman primates with clinical findings across diverse drugs. Both nonhuman primate and human studies corroborate that mixed mu/kappa opioid partial agonists seem to be the most effective drugs in ameliorating neuraxial opioid-induced itch while retaining neuraxial opioid-induced analgesia.
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27
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Rizzi A, Sukhtankar DD, Ding H, Hayashida K, Ruzza C, Guerrini R, Calò G, Ko MC. Spinal antinociceptive effects of the novel NOP receptor agonist PWT2-nociceptin/orphanin FQ in mice and monkeys. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3661-70. [PMID: 25828800 PMCID: PMC4507167 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Using an innovative chemical approach, peptide welding technology (PWT), a tetrabranched derivative of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been generated and pharmacologically characterized. Both in vitro and in vivo PWT2-N/OFQ displayed the same pharmacological profile to the natural ligand. It was more potent and produced longer-lasting effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spinal effects of PWT2-N/OFQ in nociceptive and neuropathic pain models in mice and non-human primates. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Tail withdrawal assay in mice and monkeys was used as a nociceptive pain model and mechanical threshold in mice subjected to chronic constriction injury was used as a neuropathic pain model. The antinociceptive effects of spinally administered N/OFQ and PWT2-N/OFQ were assessed in these models. KEY RESULTS PWT2-N/OFQ mimicked the spinal antinociceptive effects of N/OFQ both in nociceptive and neuropathic pain models in mice as well as in non-human primates displaying 40-fold higher potency and a markedly prolonged duration of action. The effects of N/OFQ and PWT2-N/OFQ were sensitive to the N/OFQ receptor (NOP) antagonist SB-612111, but not to opioid receptor antagonists. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present study has demonstrated that PWT2-N/OFQ mimicked the antinociceptive effects of the natural peptide in rodents and non-human primates acting as a potent and longer-lasting NOP-selective agonist. More generally, PWT derivatives of biologically active peptides can be viewed as innovative pharmacological tools for investigating those conditions and states in which selective and prolonged receptor stimulation promotes beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - D D Sukhtankar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - H Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - K Hayashida
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - G Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M C Ko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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28
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Ding H, Hayashida K, Suto T, Sukhtankar DD, Kimura M, Mendenhall V, Ko MC. Supraspinal actions of nociceptin/orphanin FQ, morphine and substance P in regulating pain and itch in non-human primates. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3302-12. [PMID: 25752320 PMCID: PMC4500367 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor agonists display a promising analgesic profile in preclinical studies. However, supraspinal N/OFQ produced hyperalgesia in rodents and such effects have not been addressed in primates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of centrally administered ligands on regulating pain and itch in non-human primates. In particular, nociceptive thresholds affected by intracisternal N/OFQ were compared with those of morphine and substance P, known to provide analgesia and mediate hyperalgesia, respectively, in humans. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intrathecal catheters were installed to allow intracisternal and lumbar intrathecal administration in awake and unanaesthetized rhesus monkeys. Nociceptive responses were measured using the warm water tail-withdrawal assay. Itch scratching responses were scored from videotapes recording behavioural activities of monkeys in their home cages. Antagonist studies were conducted to validate the receptor mechanisms underlying intracisternally elicited behavioural responses. KEY RESULTS Intracisternal morphine (100 nmol) elicited more head scratches than those after intrathecal morphine. Distinct dermatomal scratching locations between the two routes suggest a corresponding activation of supraspinal and spinal μ receptors. Unlike intracisternal substance P, which induced hyperalgesia, intracisternal N/OFQ (100 nmol) produced antinociceptive effects mediated by NOP receptors. Neither peptide increased scratching responses. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, these results demonstrated differential actions of ligands in the primate supraspinal region in regulating pain and itch. This study not only improves scientific understanding of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in pain processing but also supports the therapeutic potential of NOP-related ligands as analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - K Hayashida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - T Suto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - D D Sukhtankar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - M Kimura
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - V Mendenhall
- Preclinical Translational Services, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - M C Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine Research, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
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29
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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30
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Linz K, Christoph T, Tzschentke TM, Koch T, Schiene K, Gautrois M, Schröder W, Kögel BY, Beier H, Englberger W, Schunk S, De Vry J, Jahnel U, Frosch S. Cebranopadol: a novel potent analgesic nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide and opioid receptor agonist. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 349:535-48. [PMID: 24713140 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.213694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cebranopadol (trans-6'-fluoro-4',9'-dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1'(3'H)-pyrano[3,4-b]indol]-4-amine) is a novel analgesic nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) and opioid receptor agonist [Ki (nM)/EC50 (nM)/relative efficacy (%): human NOP receptor 0.9/13.0/89; human mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor 0.7/1.2/104; human kappa-opioid peptide receptor 2.6/17/67; human delta-opioid peptide receptor 18/110/105]. Cebranopadol exhibits highly potent and efficacious antinociceptive and antihypersensitive effects in several rat models of acute and chronic pain (tail-flick, rheumatoid arthritis, bone cancer, spinal nerve ligation, diabetic neuropathy) with ED50 values of 0.5-5.6 µg/kg after intravenous and 25.1 µg/kg after oral administration. In comparison with selective MOP receptor agonists, cebranopadol was more potent in models of chronic neuropathic than acute nociceptive pain. Cebranopadol's duration of action is long (up to 7 hours after intravenous 12 µg/kg; >9 hours after oral 55 µg/kg in the rat tail-flick test). The antihypersensitive activity of cebranopadol in the spinal nerve ligation model was partially reversed by pretreatment with the selective NOP receptor antagonist J-113397[1-[(3R,4R)-1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one] or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, indicating that both NOP and opioid receptor agonism are involved in this activity. Development of analgesic tolerance in the chronic constriction injury model was clearly delayed compared with that from an equianalgesic dose of morphine (complete tolerance on day 26 versus day 11, respectively). Unlike morphine, cebranopadol did not disrupt motor coordination and respiration at doses within and exceeding the analgesic dose range. Cebranopadol, by its combination of agonism at NOP and opioid receptors, affords highly potent and efficacious analgesia in various pain models with a favorable side effect profile.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Arthritis, Experimental/complications
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Bone Neoplasms/complications
- Bone Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- CHO Cells
- Cell Membrane/drug effects
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Female
- Indoles/administration & dosage
- Indoles/adverse effects
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Indoles/therapeutic use
- Male
- Opioid Peptides/agonists
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/etiology
- Pain/metabolism
- Polyneuropathies/complications
- Polyneuropathies/drug therapy
- Polyneuropathies/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Radioligand Assay
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid/agonists
- Rotarod Performance Test
- Spiro Compounds/administration & dosage
- Spiro Compounds/adverse effects
- Spiro Compounds/pharmacology
- Spiro Compounds/therapeutic use
- Nociceptin
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Linz
- Departments of Preclinical Drug Safety (K.L.), Global Preclinical Drug Development (S.F.), Global Preclinical Research and Development (U.J.), Pain Pharmacology (T.C., T.M.T., K.S., B.Y.K., J.D.V.), Molecular Pharmacology (T.K., W.E.), Translational Science (W.S.), Pharmacokinetics (M.G., H.B.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.S.), Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
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31
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Perlikowska R, Malfacini D, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Piekielna J, Floriot L, Henry T, do-Rego JC, Tömböly C, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Pharmacological characterization of endomorphin-2-based cyclic pentapeptides with methylated phenylalanine residues. Peptides 2014; 55:145-50. [PMID: 24632335 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2, we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogs incorporating 2', 3' or 4'-methylphenylalanine (MePhe) residues into positions 3 or 4 of the parent cyclopeptide, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (Dmt=2',6'-dimethyltyrosine). Analogs with MePhe in position 4 showed a row of magnitude increased μ-opioid receptor (MOP receptor) affinity as compared with a parent compound. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. All analogs were strong μ/κ (MOP/KOP) receptor agonists and weak δ (DOP) receptor agonists. In the in vivo hot-plate test in mice, the MePhe(4)-modified peptides showed remarkable antinociceptive activity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration which was most likely due to the concomitant activation of more than one opioid receptor type.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Humans
- Inhibitory Concentration 50
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Male
- Mice
- Oligopeptides/administration & dosage
- Oligopeptides/chemistry
- Phenylalanine/analogs & derivatives
- Phenylalanine/chemistry
- Protein Binding
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Léonore Floriot
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Tiphaine Henry
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Jean Claude do-Rego
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.
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Battisti UM, Corrado S, Sorbi C, Cornia A, Tait A, Malfacini D, Cerlesi MC, Calò G, Brasili L. Synthesis, enantiomeric separation and docking studies of spiropiperidine analogues as ligands of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00082j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sukhtankar DD, Zaveri NT, Husbands SM, Ko MC. Effects of spinally administered bifunctional nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor/μ-opioid receptor ligands in mouse models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:11-22. [PMID: 23652222 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.203984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP) agonists produce antinociceptive effects in animal models after spinal administration and potentiate μ-opioid receptor (MOP)-mediated antinociception. This study determined the antinociceptive effects of spinally administered bifunctional NOP/MOP ligands and the antinociceptive functions of spinal NOP and MOP receptors in mice. Antinociceptive effects of bifunctional NOP/MOP ligands BU08028 [(2S)-2-[(5R,6R,7R,14S)-N-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5-epoxy-6,14-ethano-3-hydroxy-6-methoxymorphinan-7-yl]-3,3-dimethylpentan-2-ol] and SR16435 [1-(1-(2,3,3α,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one] were pharmacologically compared with the putative bifunctional ligand buprenorphine, selective NOP agonist SCH221510 [3-endo-8-[bis(2-methylphenyl)methyl]-3-phenyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol] and selective MOP agonist morphine in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models. Additionally, the degree of tolerance development to the antiallodynic effects of SR16435 and buprenorphine were determined after repeated intrathecal administration. Our data indicated that BU08028 and SR16435 were more potent than morphine and SCH221510 in attenuating nerve injury-induced tactile allodynia and inflammation-induced thermal hyperalgesia. Coadministration of receptor-selective antagonists further revealed that both NOP and MOP in the spinal cord mediated the antiallodynic effects of BU08028 and SR16435, but intrathecal buprenorphine-induced antiallodynic effects were primarily mediated by MOP. Repeated intrathecal administration of SR16435 resulted in reduced and slower development of tolerance to its antiallodynic effects compared with buprenorphine. In conclusion, both NOP and MOP receptors in the spinal cord independently drive antinociception in mice. Spinally administered bifunctional NOP/MOP ligands not only can effectively attenuate neuropathic and inflammatory pain, but also have higher antinociceptive potency with reduced tolerance development to analgesia. Such ligands therefore display a promising profile as spinal analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devki D Sukhtankar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Lin AP, Ko MC. The therapeutic potential of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor agonists as analgesics without abuse liability. ACS Chem Neurosci 2013; 4:214-24. [PMID: 23421672 DOI: 10.1021/cn300124f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mu opioid (MOP) receptor agonists are the most commonly used analgesics for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in the clinic, the side effects of MOP agonists such as abuse liability limit their value as a medication. Research to identify novel analgesics without adverse effects is pivotal to advance the health care of humans. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor, the fourth opioid receptor subtype, mediates distinctive actions in nonhuman primates which suggests the possibility that activity at this receptor may result in strong analgesia in the absence of virtually all of the side effects associated with MOP agonists. The present review highlights the recent progress of pharmacological studies of NOP-related ligands in primates. Selective NOP agonists, either peptidic or nonpeptidic, produce full analgesia in various assays in primates, when delivered systemically or intrathecally. Yet small molecule NOP agonists do not serve as reinforcers, indicating a lack of abuse liability. Given that NOP agonists have low abuse liability and that coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors produces synergistic antinociception, it is worth developing bifunctional NOP/MOP ligands. The outcomes of these studies and recent developments provide new perspectives to establish a translational bridge for understanding the biobehavioral functions of NOP receptors in primates and for facilitating the development of NOP-related ligands as a new generation of analgesics without abuse liability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann P. Lin
- Department of Psychology, School
of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Pharmacology,
Medical School, University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Calo’ G, Guerrini R. Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Biological Actions of Peptide Ligands Selective for the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2013-1131.ch015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
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