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Deng MY, Cheng J, Gao N, Li XY, Liu H, Wang YX. Dexamethasone attenuates neuropathic pain through spinal microglial expression of dynorphin A via the cAMP/PKA/p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:36-50. [PMID: 38555991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the opioid mechanisms underlying dexamethasone-induced pain antihypersensitive effects in neuropathic rats. Dexamethasone (subcutaneous and intrathecal) and membrane-impermeable Dex-BSA (intrathecal) administration dose-dependently inhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats. Dexamethasone and Dex-BSA treatments increased expression of dynorphin A in the spinal cords and primary cultured microglia. Dexamethasone specifically enhanced dynorphin A expression in microglia but not astrocytes or neurons. Intrathecal injection of the microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline blocked dexamethasone-stimulated spinal dynorphin A expression; intrathecal minocycline, the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist Dex-21-mesylate, dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist GNTI completely blocked dexamethasone-induced mechanical antiallodynia and thermal antihyperalgesia. Additionally, dexamethasone elevated spinal intracellular cAMP levels, leading to enhanced phosphorylation of PKA, p38 MAPK and CREB. The specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor DDA, PKA inhibitor H89, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and CREB inhibitor KG-501 completely blocked dexamethasone-induced anti-neuropathic pain and increased microglial dynorphin A exprression. In conclusion, this study reveal that dexamethasone mitigateds neuropathic pain through upregulation of dynorphin A in spinal microglia, likely involving the membrane glucocorticoid receptor/cAMP/PKA/p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Deng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Na Gao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xin-Yan Li
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China.
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2
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Zhou X, Stine C, Prada PO, Fusca D, Assoumou K, Dernic J, Bhat MA, Achanta AS, Johnson JC, Pasqualini AL, Jadhav S, Bauder CA, Steuernagel L, Ravotto L, Benke D, Weber B, Suko A, Palmiter RD, Stoeber M, Kloppenburg P, Brüning JC, Bruchas MR, Patriarchi T. Development of a genetically encoded sensor for probing endogenous nociceptin opioid peptide release. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5353. [PMID: 38918403 PMCID: PMC11199706 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (N/OFQ) is a recently appreciated critical opioid peptide with key regulatory functions in several central behavioral processes including motivation, stress, feeding, and sleep. The functional relevance of N/OFQ action in the mammalian brain remains unclear due to a lack of high-resolution approaches to detect this neuropeptide with appropriate spatial and temporal resolution. Here we develop and characterize NOPLight, a genetically encoded sensor that sensitively reports changes in endogenous N/OFQ release. We characterized the affinity, pharmacological profile, spectral properties, kinetics, ligand selectivity, and potential interaction with intracellular signal transducers of NOPLight in vitro. Its functionality was established in acute brain slices by exogeneous N/OFQ application and chemogenetic induction of endogenous N/OFQ release from PNOC neurons. In vivo studies with fibre photometry enabled direct recording of NOPLight binding to exogenous N/OFQ receptor ligands, as well as detection of endogenous N/OFQ release within the paranigral ventral tegmental area (pnVTA) during natural behaviors and chemogenetic activation of PNOC neurons. In summary, we show here that NOPLight can be used to detect N/OFQ opioid peptide signal dynamics in tissue and freely behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carrie Stine
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patricia Oliveira Prada
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Fusca
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kevin Assoumou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jan Dernic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Musadiq A Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ananya S Achanta
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph C Johnson
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda Loren Pasqualini
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanjana Jadhav
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Corinna A Bauder
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luca Ravotto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dietmar Benke
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Azra Suko
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Kloppenburg
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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3
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Zhou X, Stine C, Prada PO, Fusca D, Assoumou K, Dernic J, Bhat MA, Achanta AS, Johnson JC, Pasqualini AL, Jadhav S, Bauder CA, Steuernagel L, Ravotto L, Benke D, Weber B, Suko A, Palmiter RD, Stoeber M, Kloppenburg P, Brüning JC, Bruchas MR, Patriarchi T. Development of a genetically encoded sensor for probing endogenous nociceptin opioid peptide release. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.26.542102. [PMID: 37292957 PMCID: PMC10245933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (N/OFQ) is a recently appreciated critical opioid peptide with key regulatory functions in several central behavioral processes including motivation, stress, feeding, and sleep. The functional relevance of N/OFQ action in the mammalian brain remains unclear due to a lack of high-resolution approaches to detect this neuropeptide with appropriate spatial and temporal resolution. Here we develop and characterize NOPLight, a genetically encoded sensor that sensitively reports changes in endogenous N/OFQ release. We characterized the affinity, pharmacological profile, spectral properties, kinetics, ligand selectivity, and potential interaction with intracellular signal transducers of NOPLight in vitro. Its functionality was established in acute brain slices by exogeneous N/OFQ application and chemogenetic induction of endogenous N/OFQ release from PNOC neurons. In vivo studies with fibre photometry enabled direct recording of NOPLight binding to exogenous N/OFQ receptor ligands, as well as detection of endogenous N/OFQ release within the paranigral ventral tegmental area (pnVTA) during natural behaviors and chemogenetic activation of PNOC neurons. In summary, we show here that NOPLight can be used to detect N/OFQ opioid peptide signal dynamics in tissue and freely behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Carrie Stine
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patricia Oliveira Prada
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Debora Fusca
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, DE
| | - Kevin Assoumou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, CH
| | - Jan Dernic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Musadiq A Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Ananya S Achanta
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph C Johnson
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda Loren Pasqualini
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanjana Jadhav
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Corinna A Bauder
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Luca Ravotto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Dietmar Benke
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Azra Suko
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, CH
| | - Peter Kloppenburg
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, DE
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
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4
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Petrella M, Borruto AM, Curti L, Domi A, Domi E, Xu L, Barbier E, Ilari A, Heilig M, Weiss F, Mannaioni G, Masi A, Ciccocioppo R. Pharmacological blockage of NOP receptors decreases ventral tegmental area dopamine neuronal activity through GABA B receptor-mediated mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109866. [PMID: 38364970 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its receptor NOP are highly expressed within several regions of the mesolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Evidence indicates that the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is involved in reward processing and historically it has been proposed that activation of NOP receptors attenuates the motivation for substances of abuse. However, recent findings demonstrated that drug self-administration and relapse to drug-seeking are also attenuated after administration of NOP receptor antagonists. Here, to shed light on the mechanisms through which NOP receptor blockers modulate these processes, we utilized ex vivo patch-clamp recordings to investigate the effect of the selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 on VTA dopaminergic (DA) function in male rats. Results showed that, similar to the endogenous NOP receptor agonist N/OFQ, LY2817412 reduced the spontaneous basal firing discharge of VTA DA neurons. Consistently, we found that NOP receptors are expressed both in VTA DA and GABA cells and that LY2817412 slice perfusion increased GABA release onto VTA DA cells. Finally, in the attempt to dissect the role of postsynaptic and presynaptic NOP receptors, we tested the effect of N/OFQ and LY2817412 in the presence of GABA receptors blockers. Results showed that the effect of LY2817412 was abolished following pretreatment with GABABR, but not GABAAR, blockers. Conversely, inhibition of DA neuronal activity by N/OFQ was unaffected by blockade of GABA receptors. Altogether, these results suggest that both NOP receptor agonists and antagonists can decrease VTA DA neuronal activity, but through distinct mechanisms of action. The effect of NOP receptor antagonists occurs through a GABABR-mediated mechanism while NOP receptor agonists seem to act via a direct effect on VTA DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Curti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Esi Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy; Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Li Xu
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Estelle Barbier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Alice Ilari
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
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5
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Cole RH, Moussawi K, Joffe ME. Opioid modulation of prefrontal cortex cells and circuits. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109891. [PMID: 38417545 PMCID: PMC10939756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Several neurochemical systems converge in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to regulate cognitive and motivated behaviors. A rich network of endogenous opioid peptides and receptors spans multiple PFC cell types and circuits, and this extensive opioid system has emerged as a key substrate underlying reward, motivation, affective behaviors, and adaptations to stress. Here, we review the current evidence for dysregulated cortical opioid signaling in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. We begin by providing an introduction to the basic anatomy and function of the cortical opioid system, followed by a discussion of endogenous and exogenous opioid modulation of PFC function at the behavioral, cellular, and synaptic level. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of endogenous opioid targets in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, synthesizing clinical reports of altered opioid peptide and receptor expression and activity in human patients and summarizing new developments in opioid-based medications. This article is part of the Special Issue on "PFC circuit function in psychiatric disease and relevant models".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Cole
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Khaled Moussawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Max E Joffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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6
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Gach-Janczak K, Biernat M, Kuczer M, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Kluczyk A. Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design. Molecules 2024; 29:1544. [PMID: 38611824 PMCID: PMC11013236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gach-Janczak
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Monika Biernat
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
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7
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Cipriano A, Kapil RP, Zhou M, Shet MS, Whiteside GT, Willsie SK, Harris SC. Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Single- and Multiple-Ascending Doses of Sunobinop in Healthy Participants. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2024. [PMID: 38476082 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1394] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Sunobinop is an investigational, potent, selective partial agonist at the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor in vitro. Three phase 1 studies were conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of escalating single- and multiple-dose administration of sunobinop in healthy participants. Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-ascending dose study. Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending dose study. Study 3 was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, 4-way crossover study of oral and sublingual sunobinop comparing morning (AM) and bedtime (PM) administration. Seventy participants were included. Systemic exposure (peak plasma concentration [Cmax ], area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the time of last quantifiable concentration [AUC0-t ], and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity [AUCinf ]) of sunobinop was characterized by dose proportionality from 0.6 to 2 mg and increased less than proportionally from 3 to 30 mg. The PKs of sunobinop were similar, regardless of AM or PM administration, for both the oral and sublingual formulations. The majority of absorbed sunobinop was excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours of dosing, thereby showing rapid elimination with no appreciable accumulation following 14 consecutive days of once-daily dosing and suggesting exclusive renal elimination. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild in severity; 1 severe TEAE occurred and all TEAEs resolved by the end of the studies. Sunobinop was generally well-tolerated and safe across the range of doses evaluated and presents a clinical profile suitable for continued development.
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8
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Luo M, Han X, Li H, Zhou G, Chen H, Gao F. Effects of Remifentanil Gradual Withdrawal Combined with Postoperative Infusion on Postoperative Hyperalgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A Factorial Design, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:583-595. [PMID: 38436039 PMCID: PMC10908282 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s451913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) increases the risk of persistent postoperative pain, making early postoperative analgesic therapy ineffective and affecting postoperative patient satisfaction. This study aimed to verify the effects of gradual withdrawal of remifentanil combined with postoperative pump infusion of remifentanil on postoperative hyperalgesia and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Methods This trial was a factorial design, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly allocated to the control group, postoperative pump infusion of remifentanil group, gradual withdrawal of remifentanil group, or gradual withdrawal plus postoperative pump infusion of remifentanil group (n = 35 each). The primary outcome was postoperative mechanical pain thresholds in the medial forearm. The secondary outcomes included postoperative mechanical pain thresholds around the incision, pain numeric rating scale scores, analgesic utilization, awakening agitation or sedation scores, a 15-item quality of recovery survey, and postoperative complications. Results Gradual withdrawal of remifentanil significantly increased postoperative pain thresholds versus abrupt discontinuation (P < 0.05), whereas postoperative infusion did not show significant differences compared to the absence of infusion (P > 0.05). The combined gradual withdrawal and postoperative infusion group exhibited the highest thresholds and had the lowest postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements as well as the highest quality of recovery scores (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for agitation scores, sedation scores, or complication rates (P > 0.05). Conclusion The novel combined gradual withdrawal and postoperative infusion of remifentanil uniquely attenuates postoperative hyperalgesia, pain severity, analgesic necessity, and improves recovery quality after laparoscopic hysterectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangyue Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoxuan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Pandey V, Yadav V, Srivastava A, Gaglani P, Singh R, Subhashini. Blocking μ-opioid receptor by naltrexone exaggerates oxidative stress and airway inflammation via the MAPkinase pathway in a murine model of asthma. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:94-116. [PMID: 38142953 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Opioids regulate various physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. They have been used for centuries as a treatment for severe pain, binding to opioid receptors a specific G protein-coupled receptor. Common opioids, like β-endorphin, [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), and dynorphins, have analgesic effects. The use of a potent antagonist, like naltrexone hydrochloride, to block the effects of mu Opioid Receptor (μOR) may result in the withdrawal of physiological effects and could potentially impact immune responses in many diseases including respiratory disease. Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, stress generation and release of various cytokines. Airway inflammation leads recruitment and activation of immune cells releasing mediators, including opioids, which may modulate inflammatory response by binding to their respective receptors. The study aims to explore the role of μOR antagonist (naltrexone) in regulating asthma pathophysiology, as the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in asthma remains unclear. Balb/c mice were sensitized intranasally by 1% TDI and challenged with 2.5% TDI. Naltrexone hydrochloride (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered through intraperitoneal route 1 h before TDI induction. Blocking μOR by naltrexone exacerbates airway inflammation by recruiting inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils), enhancing intracellular Reactive oxygen species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inflammatory mediator (histamine, Eosinophil peroxidase and neutrophil elastase) in lungs. Naltrexone administration modulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A), and enhanced IgE and CRP levels. Naltrexone administration also increased the expression of NF-κB, and phosphorylated p-P38, p-Erk, p-JNK and NF-κB by inhibiting the μOR. Docking study revealed good binding affinity of naltrexone with μOR compared to δ and κ receptors. In future it might elucidate potential therapeutic against many respiratory pathological disorders. In conclusion, μOR blocking by naltrexone regulates and implicates inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and lung physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Pandey
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Vandana Yadav
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Atul Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Pratikkumar Gaglani
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Rashmi Singh
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Subhashini
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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10
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Buchanan WW, Rainsford KD, Kean CA, Kean WF. Narcotic analgesics. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:23-28. [PMID: 37515654 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
There is documentation of the use of opium derived products in the ancient history of the Assyrians: the Egyptians; in the sixth century AD by the Roman Dioscorides; and by Avicenna (980-1037). Reference to opium like products is made by Paracelsus and by Shakespeare. Charles Louis Derosne and Fredrich Wilhelm Adam Serturner isolated morphine from raw opium in 1802 and 1806 respectively, and it was Sertürner who named the substance morphine, after Morpheus, the Greek God of dreams. By the middle 1800s, Opium and related opioid derived products were the source of a major addiction in USA, and to some extent in the United Kingdom. Opioid products are of major therapeutic value in the treatment of pain from injury, post surgery, intractable pain conditions, and some forms of terminal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Watson Buchanan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | | | - Colin A Kean
- Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, 400 Broad Street, Dunnville, ON, N1A 2P7, Canada
| | - Walter F Kean
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada.
- Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, 400 Broad Street, Dunnville, ON, N1A 2P7, Canada.
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11
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Tache S, Kerr PL, Sirbu C. The Foundational Science of Endogenous Opioids and Their Receptors. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 35:9-26. [PMID: 38874716 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45493-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The function of endogenous opioids spans from initiating behaviors that are critical for survival, to responding to rapidly changing environmental conditions. A network of interconnected systems throughout the body characterizes the endogenous opioid system (EOS). EOS receptors for beta-endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin, and endomorphin underpin the diverse functions of the EOS across biological systems. This chapter presents a succinct yet comprehensive summary of the structure of the EOS, EOS receptors, and their relationship to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tache
- Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Patrick L Kerr
- West Virginia University School of Medicine-Charleston, Charleston, WV, USA.
| | - Cristian Sirbu
- Center for Cancer Research, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV, USA
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12
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Wang A, Murphy J, Shteynman L, Daksla N, Gupta A, Bergese S. Novel Opioids in the Setting of Acute Postoperative Pain: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:29. [PMID: 38256863 PMCID: PMC10819619 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010029] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Although traditional opioids such as morphine and oxycodone are commonly used in the management of acute postoperative pain, novel opioids may play a role as alternatives that provide potent pain relief while minimizing adverse effects. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action, findings from preclinical studies and clinical trials, and potential advantages of several novel opioids. The more established include oliceridine (biased ligand activity to activate analgesia and downregulate opioid-related adverse events), tapentadol (mu-opioid agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), and cebranopadol (mu-opioid agonist with nociceptin opioid peptide activity)-all of which have demonstrated success in the clinical setting when compared to traditional opioids. On the other hand, dinalbuphine sebacate (DNS; semi-synthetic mu partial antagonist and kappa agonist), dual enkephalinase inhibitors (STR-324, PL37, and PL265), and endomorphin-1 analog (CYT-1010) have shown good efficacy in preclinical studies with future plans for clinical trials. Rather than relying solely on mu-opioid receptor agonism to relieve pain and risk opioid-related adverse events (ORAEs), novel opioids make use of alternative mechanisms of action to treat pain while maintaining a safer side-effect profile, such as lower incidence of nausea, vomiting, sedation, and respiratory depression as well as reduced abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (A.W.); (N.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Jasper Murphy
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (J.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Lana Shteynman
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (J.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Neil Daksla
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (A.W.); (N.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (A.W.); (N.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Sergio Bergese
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (A.W.); (N.D.); (A.G.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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13
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Han Y, Chen S, Yang Q, Xie M, Liang Y, Li J, Zhang LZ. Non-peptide orphanin receptor antagonist activity in rat myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 685:149160. [PMID: 37922788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the causes of sudden cardiac death is arrhythmia after acute myocardial ischemia. After ischemia, endogenous orphanin (N/OFQ) plays a role in the development of arrhythmias. It is discussed in this paper how nonpeptide orphanin receptor (ORL1) antagonists such as J-113397, SB-612111 and compound-24 (C-24) affect arrhythmia in rats following acute myocardial ischemia and what the optimal concentrations for these antagonists are. The electrocardiogram of the rat was recorded as part of the experiment. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the myocardium were measured following euthanasia. Following the use of three antagonists, we found the lowest inflammatory factor concentrations and the smallest number of ischemic arrhythmia episodes. All of them had a small impact on cardiac function. LF/HF values were significantly reduced in all three antagonist groups, suggesting that they are involved in the regulation of sympathetic nerves. In conclusion, pretreatment with the three antagonist groups can effectively reduce the concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β, and the occurrence of arrhythmias after ischemia can also be significantly reduced. Inflammation and sympathetic activity may be related to the mechanism of action of antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China; College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
| | - Sikun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linfen People's Hospital, Linfen, 041000, China
| | - Qixing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linfen People's Hospital, Linfen, 041000, China
| | - Mengli Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi 'an Honghui Hospital, Xian, 710000, China
| | - Yuzhang Liang
- School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Endocrine, Central Hospital of China Railway 12th Bureau Group, 182 Yingze Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China; College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China
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14
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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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15
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Meyer ME, Doshi A, Polgar WE, Zaveri NT. Discovery and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a novel class of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 92:117421. [PMID: 37573822 PMCID: PMC10491432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of SAR around substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) ligands led to the discovery of a novel series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that provide both selective NOP full agonists and bifunctional NOP full agonists-μ opioid (MOP) receptor partial agonists. 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles have improved potency at the NOP receptor and are NOP full agonists, compared to our previously reported 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that are selective NOP partial agonists. SAR in this series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles shows that 2-substitution versus 3-substitution on the indole moiety affects their intrinsic activity and opioid receptor selectivity. Molecular docking of these 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles in an active-state NOP homology model and MOP receptor structures provides a rationale for the differences observed in the binding, functional profiles and selectivity of 2-substituted versus 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Willma E Polgar
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
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16
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Koob GF, Vendruscolo L. Theoretical Frameworks and Mechanistic Aspects of Alcohol Addiction: Alcohol Addiction as a Reward Deficit/Stress Surfeit Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37421551 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be defined by a compulsion to seek and take alcohol, the loss of control in limiting intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when access to alcohol is prevented. Alcohol use disorder impacts multiple motivational mechanisms and can be conceptualized as a disorder that includes a progression from impulsivity (positive reinforcement) to compulsivity (negative reinforcement). Compulsive drug seeking that is associated with AUD can be derived from multiple neuroadaptations, but the thesis argued herein is that a key component involves the construct of negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is defined as drug taking that alleviates a negative emotional state. The negative emotional state that drives such negative reinforcement is hypothesized to derive from the dysregulation of specific neurochemical elements that are involved in reward and stress within basal forebrain structures that involve the ventral striatum and extended amygdala, respectively. Specific neurochemical elements in these structures include decreases in reward neurotransmission (e.g., decreases in dopamine and opioid peptide function in the ventral striatum) and the recruitment of brain stress systems (e.g., corticotropin-releasing factor [CRF]) in the extended amygdala, which contributes to hyperkatifeia and greater alcohol intake that is associated with dependence. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids may play a role in sensitizing the extended amygdala CRF system. Other components of brain stress systems in the extended amygdala that may contribute to the negative motivational state of withdrawal include norepinephrine in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dynorphin in the nucleus accumbens, hypocretin and vasopressin in the central nucleus of the amygdala, and neuroimmune modulation. Decreases in the activity of neuropeptide Y, nociception, endocannabinoids, and oxytocin in the extended amygdala may also contribute to hyperkatifeia that is associated with alcohol withdrawal. Such dysregulation of emotional processing may also significantly contribute to pain that is associated with alcohol withdrawal and negative urgency (i.e., impulsivity that is associated with hyperkatifeia during hyperkatifeia). Thus, an overactive brain stress response system is hypothesized to be activated by acute excessive drug intake, to be sensitized during repeated withdrawal, to persist into protracted abstinence, and to contribute to the compulsivity of AUD. The combination of the loss of reward function and recruitment of brain stress systems provides a powerful neurochemical basis for a negative emotional state that is responsible for the negative reinforcement that at least partially drives the compulsivity of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Koob
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Leandro Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Hsu YT, Chen SR, Chang YC, Chang HF, Yeh TK, Chuang JY, Loh HH, Hsieh HP, Ueng SH, Yeh SH. A dual nociceptin and mu opioid receptor agonist exhibited robust antinociceptive effect with decreased side effects. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115608. [PMID: 37437352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115608] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The compelling demand of a consummate analgesic medication without addiction is rising due to the clinical mistreatment. Additionally, the series of severe untoward effects usually deterred the utilization while coping with serious pain. As a possible turning point, we revealed that compound 14 is a dual agonist of mu opioid receptor (MOR) and nociceptin-orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor in this study. More importantly, compound 14 achieves pain relieving at very small doses, meanwhile, reduces several unwanted side effects such as constipation, reward, tolerance and withdrawal effects. Here, we evaluated the antinociception and side effects of this novel compound from wild type and humanized mice to further develop a safer prescription analgesic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC; The Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, 110, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shen-Ren Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yung-Chiao Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Fu Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jian-Ying Chuang
- The Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, 110, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Horace H Loh
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 10005, China; Department of Pharmacology, Medical School University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455-0217, USA
| | - Hsing-Pang Hsieh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shau-Hua Ueng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shiu-Hwa Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, ROC; The Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, 110, Taiwan, ROC.
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18
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Chen J, Wang Z, Zhang R, Yin H, Wang P, Wang C, Jiang Y. Heterodimerization of apelin and opioid receptor-like 1 receptors mediates apelin-13-induced G protein biased signaling. Life Sci 2023:121892. [PMID: 37364634 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121892] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ) and the opioid-related nociceptin receptor 1 (ORL1) are family A G protein-coupled receptors that participate in a variety of physiological processes. The distribution and function of APJ and ORL1 in the nervous system and peripheral tissues are similar; however, the detailed mechanism of how these two receptors modulate signaling and physiological effects remains unclear. Here, we examined whether APJ and ORL1 form dimers, and investigated signal transduction pathways. The endogenous co-expression of APJ and ORL1 in SH-SY5Y cells was confirmed by western blotting and RT-PCR. Bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, as well as a proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, demonstrated that APJ and ORL1 heterodimerize in HEK293 cells. We found that the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer is selectively activated by apelin-13, which causes the dimer to couple to Gαi proteins and reduce the recruitment of GRKs and β-arrestins to the dimer. We showed that the APJ-ORL1 dimer exhibits biased signaling, in which G protein-dependent signaling pathways override β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that the structural interface of the APJ-ORL1 dimer switches from transmembrane domain TM1/TM2 in the inactive state to TM5 in the active state. We used mutational analysis and BRET assays to identify key residues in TM5 (APJ L2185.55, APJ I2245.61, and ORL1 L2295.52) responsible for the receptor-receptor interaction. These results provide important information on the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer and may assist the design of new drugs targeting biased signaling pathways for treatment of pain and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China; Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Peixiang Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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Lambert DG. Opioids and opioid receptors; understanding pharmacological mechanisms as a key to therapeutic advances and mitigation of the misuse crisis. BJA OPEN 2023; 6:100141. [PMID: 37588171 PMCID: PMC10430815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are a mainstay in acute pain management and produce their effects and side effects (e.g., tolerance, opioid-use disorder and immune suppression) by interaction with opioid receptors. I will discuss opioid pharmacology in some controversial areas of enquiry of anaesthetic relevance. The main opioid target is the µ (mu,MOP) receptor but other members of the opioid receptor family, δ (delta; DOP) and κ (kappa; KOP) opioid receptors also produce analgesic actions. These are naloxone-sensitive. There is important clinical development relating to the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor, an opioid receptor that is not naloxone-sensitive. Better understanding of the drivers for opioid effects and side effects may facilitate separation of side effects and production of safer drugs. Opioids bind to the receptor orthosteric site to produce their effects and can engage monomer or homo-, heterodimer receptors. Some ligands can drive one intracellular pathway over another. This is the basis of biased agonism (or functional selectivity). Opioid actions at the orthosteric site can be modulated allosterically and positive allosteric modulators that enhance opioid action are in development. As well as targeting ligand-receptor interaction and transduction, modulating receptor expression and hence function is also tractable. There is evidence for epigenetic associations with different types of pain and also substance misuse. As long as the opioid narrative is defined by the 'opioid crisis' the drive to remove them could gather pace. This will deny use where they are effective, and access to morphine for pain relief in low income countries.
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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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21
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Adzic M, Lukic I, Mitic M, Glavonic E, Dragicevic N, Ivkovic S. Contribution of the opioid system to depression and to the therapeutic effects of classical antidepressants and ketamine. Life Sci 2023:121803. [PMID: 37245840 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121803] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) afflicts approximately 5 % of the world population, and about 30-50 % of patients who receive classical antidepressant medications do not achieve complete remission (treatment resistant depressive patients). Emerging evidence suggests that targeting opioid receptors mu (MOP), kappa (KOP), delta (DOP), and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) may yield effective therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders. As depression and pain exhibit significant overlap in their clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms involved, it is not a surprise that opioids, historically used to alleviate pain, emerged as promising and effective therapeutic options in the treatment of depression. The opioid signaling is dysregulated in depression and numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials strongly suggest that opioid modulation can serve as either an adjuvant or even an alternative to classical monoaminergic antidepressants. Importantly, some classical antidepressants require the opioid receptor modulation to exert their antidepressant effects. Finally, ketamine, a well-known anesthetic whose extremely efficient antidepressant effects were recently discovered, was shown to mediate its antidepressant effects via the endogenous opioid system. Thus, although opioid system modulation is a promising therapeutical venue in the treatment of depression further research is warranted to fully understand the benefits and weaknesses of such approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dragicevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ivkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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22
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Guan Q, Velho RV, Jordan A, Pommer S, Radde I, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Opioid Peptide-Receptor Expression in the Endometriosis-Associated Nerve Fibers-Possible Treatment Option? Cells 2023; 12:1395. [PMID: 37408230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions of women worldwide. Chronic pelvic pain is one of the main problems of this condition, leading to quality-of-life impairment. Currently, available treatment options are not able to treat these women accurately. A better understanding of the pain mechanisms would be beneficial to integrate additional therapeutic management strategies, especially specific analgesic options. To understand pain in more detail, nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor expression was analyzed in EM-associated nerve fibers (NFs) for the first time. Laparoscopically excised peritoneal samples from 94 symptomatic women (73 with EM and 21 controls) were immunohistochemically stained for NOP, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Peritoneal NFs of EM patients and healthy controls were positive for NOP and often colocalized with SP-, CGRP-, TH-, and VIP-positive nerve fibers, suggesting that NOP is expressed in sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. In addition, NOP expression was increased in EM associate NF. Our findings highlight the potential of NOP agonists, particularly in chronic EM-associated pain syndromes and deserve further study, as the efficacy of NOP-selective agonists in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Guan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Renata Voltolini Velho
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Jordan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Pommer
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Radde
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Li W, Ren Z, Tang Y, Fu Y, Sun S, Ding R, Hou J, Mai Y, Zhan B, Zhu Y, Zuo W, Ye JH, Fu R. Rostromedial tegmental nucleus nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) signaling regulates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in alcohol withdrawn rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:908-919. [PMID: 36329156 PMCID: PMC10156713 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that stimulation of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) can drive a negative affective state and that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) may play a role in affective disorders and drug addiction. The N/OFQ precursor prepronociceptin encoding genes Pnoc are situated in RMTg neurons. To determine whether N/OFQ signaling contributes to the changes in both behavior phenotypes and RMTg activity of alcohol withdrawn (Post-EtOH) rats, we trained adult male Long-Evans rats, randomly assigned into the ethanol and Naïve groups to consume either 20% ethanol or water-only under an intermittent-access procedure. Using the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique combined with retrograde tracing, we show that the ventral tegmental area projecting RMTg neurons express Pnoc and nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptors encoding gene Oprl1. Also, using the laser capture microdissection technique combined with RT-qPCR, we detected a substantial decrease in Pnoc but an increase in Oprl1 mRNA levels in the RMTg of Post-EtOH rats. Moreover, RMTg cFos expression is increased in Post-EtOH rats, which display anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Intra-RMTg infusion of the endogenous NOP agonist nociceptin attenuates the aversive behaviors in Post-EtOH rats without causing any notable change in Naïve rats. Conversely, intra-RMTg infusion of the NOP selective antagonist [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 elicits anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in Naïve but not Post-EtOH rats. Furthermore, intra-RMTg infusion of nociceptin significantly reduces alcohol consumption. Thus, our results show that the deficiency of RMTg NOP signaling during alcohol withdrawal mediates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. The intervention of NOP may help those individuals suffering from alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfu Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yixin Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Shizhu Sun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ruxuan Ding
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Jiawei Hou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yunlin Mai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Bo Zhan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yingxin Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
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24
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Lepreux G, Shinn GE, Wei G, Suko A, Concepcion G, Sirohi S, Soon Go B, Bruchas MR, Walker BM. Recapitulating phenotypes of alcohol dependence via overexpression of Oprk1 in the ventral tegmental area of non-dependent TH::Cre rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109457. [PMID: 36764577 PMCID: PMC10034863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system is involved in dysphoria and negative emotional states. Dysregulation of KOR function promotes maladaptive behavioral regulation during withdrawal associated with alcohol dependence. Mesolimbic dopaminergic (DA) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) innervate the extended amygdala circuitry and presynaptic KORs attenuate DA in these regions leading to an excessive alcohol consumption and negative affective-like behavior, whereas mesocortical KOR-regulated DA projections have been implicated in executive function and decision-making. Thus, the neuroadaptations occurring in DYN/KOR systems are important aspects to consider for the development of personalized therapeutic solutions. Herein, we study the contribution of the VTA DA neuron Oprk1 (KOR gene) in excessive alcohol consumption, negative emotional state, and executive function. To do so, Oprk1 mRNA expression and KOR function were characterized to confirm alcohol dependence-induced dysregulation in the VTA. Then, a transgenic Cre-Lox rat model (male and female TH::Cre rats) was used to allow for conditional and inducible overexpression of Oprk1 in VTA DA neurons. The effect of this overexpression was evaluated on operant alcohol self-administration, negative emotional states, and executive function. We found that VTA Oprk1 overexpression recapitulates some phenotypes of alcohol dependence including escalated alcohol self-administration and depressive-like behavior. However, working memory performance was not impacted following VTA Oprk1 overexpression in TH::Cre rats. This supports the hypothesis that dysregulated KOR signaling within the mesolimbic DA system is an important contributor to symptoms of alcohol dependence and shows that understanding Oprk1-mediated contributions to alcohol use disorder (AUD) should be an important future goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetan Lepreux
- Laboratory of Alcoholism and Addictions Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Grace E Shinn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Gengze Wei
- Laboratory of Alcoholism and Addictions Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Azra Suko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Concepcion
- Laboratory of Alcoholism and Addictions Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sunil Sirohi
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bok Soon Go
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brendan M Walker
- Laboratory of Alcoholism and Addictions Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; USF Health Neuroscience Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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25
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Myagkova MA, Bobrova ZV, Orlova EM, Petrochenko SN. Comparative Determination of Natural Antibodies for the Assessment of the Cardiovascular System and the Level of Human Difficulty. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 509:73-77. [PMID: 37340297 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700096] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of natural antibodies to β-endorphin, angiotensin, dopamine, serotonin, parameters of the cardiovascular system and anxiety levels was carried out for 241 athletes of various qualifications and sports. The obtained indicators of the cardiovascular system were compared with reference values. A significant increase in the level of natural antibodies to angiotensin was established for all groups of athletes. In the case of dopamine, serotonin, these differences are associated with the qualification of the athlete, for β-endorphin, differences in the level of the indicator depending on the sport were found. A group of individuals with high levels of situational and personal anxiety was found among highly qualified athletes. An increase in blood pressure in athletes of cyclic sports and martial arts is adaptive, and in athletes of speed-strength sports it leads to a change in the walls of the myocardium. As a result of the study, the possibility of a comprehensive determination of natural antibodies and functional indicators as diagnostic markers for assessing the state of the human cardiovascular system has been shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Myagkova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Substances Federal Research Center for Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow oblast, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Z V Bobrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Substances Federal Research Center for Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow oblast, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - E M Orlova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Substances Federal Research Center for Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow oblast, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - S N Petrochenko
- Institute of Physiologically Active Substances Federal Research Center for Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow oblast, Chernogolovka, Russia.
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26
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Varga B, Streicher JM, Majumdar S. Strategies towards safer opioid analgesics-A review of old and upcoming targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:975-993. [PMID: 34826881 PMCID: PMC9133275 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids continue to be of use for the treatment of pain. Most clinically used analgesics target the μ opioid receptor whose activation results in adverse effects like respiratory depression, addiction and abuse liability. Various approaches have been used by the field to separate receptor-mediated analgesic actions from adverse effects. These include biased agonism, opioids targeting multiple receptors, allosteric modulators, heteromers and splice variants of the μ receptor. This review will focus on the current status of the field and some upcoming targets of interest that may lead to a safer next generation of analgesics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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27
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Pisanò CA, Mercatelli D, Mazzocchi M, Brugnoli A, Morella I, Fasano S, Zaveri NT, Brambilla R, O'Keeffe GW, Neubig RR, Morari M. Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) negatively modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor signalling: Implication for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:927-942. [PMID: 34767639 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4) is a signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signalling. Here, we investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid (NOP) receptor signalling and if this modulation has relevance for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293T cells transfected with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small-molecule NOP agonist AT-403, using D1-stimulated cAMP levels as a readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices were challenged with either N/OFQ or AT-403 in the presence of the experimental RGS4 chemical probe, CCG-203920, and D1-stimulated cAMP or phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK) responses were monitored. In vivo, CCG-203920 was co-administered with AT-403 and l-Dopa to 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured. KEY RESULTS RGS4 expression reduced NOFQ and AT-403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T cells. CCG-203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal neurons and potentiated AT-403 response in mouse striatal slices. CCG-203920 enhanced AT-403-mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor-improving effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of RGS4 levels, which was reversed by l-Dopa. l-Dopa acutely up-regulated RGS4 in the lesioned striatum. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RGS4 physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signalling. CCG-203920 enhanced NOP responses and improved the antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the effects of striatal RGS4 up-regulation occurring during dyskinesia expression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Pisanò
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzocchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry Division, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Morairty SR, Sun Y, Toll L, Bruchas MR, Kilduff TS. Activation of the nociceptin/orphanin-FQ receptor promotes NREM sleep and EEG slow wave activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214171120. [PMID: 36947514 PMCID: PMC10068791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214171120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep/wake control involves several neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems yet the coordination of the behavioral and physiological processes underlying sleep is incompletely understood. Previous studies have suggested that activation of the Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOPR) reduces locomotor activity and produces a sedation-like effect in rodents. In the present study, we systematically evaluated the efficacy of two NOPR agonists, Ro64-6198 and SR16835, on sleep/wake in rats, mice, and Cynomolgus macaques. We found a profound, dose-related increase in non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and electroencephalogram (EEG) slow wave activity (SWA) and suppression of Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM) sleep in all three species. At the highest dose tested in rats, the increase in NREM sleep and EEG SWA was accompanied by a prolonged inhibition of REM sleep, hypothermia, and reduced locomotor activity. However, even at the highest dose tested, rats were immediately arousable upon sensory stimulation, suggesting sleep rather than an anesthetic state. NOPR agonism also resulted in increased expression of c-Fos in the anterodorsal preoptic and parastrial nuclei, two GABAergic nuclei that are highly interconnected with brain regions involved in physiological regulation. These results suggest that the N/OFQ-NOPR system may have a previously unrecognized role in sleep/wake control and potential promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Morairty
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Yu Sun
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Michael R. Bruchas
- Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Thomas S. Kilduff
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
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29
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Li L, Chen J, Li YQ. The Downregulation of Opioid Receptors and Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065981. [PMID: 36983055 PMCID: PMC10053236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to pain caused by primary or secondary damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of 7-10% of the general population. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP are complex; as such, NP has been a hot topic in clinical medicine and basic research for a long time, with researchers aiming to find a cure by studying it. Opioids are the most commonly used painkillers in clinical practice but are regarded as third-line drugs for NP in various guidelines due to the low efficacy caused by the imbalance of opioid receptor internalization and their possible side effects. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate the role of the downregulation of opioid receptors in the development of NP from the perspective of dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, and supraspinal regions. We also discuss the reasons for the poor efficacy of opioids, given the commonness of opioid tolerance caused by NP and/or repeated opioid treatments, an angle that has received little attention to date; in-depth understanding might provide a new method for the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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30
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Margolis EB, Moulton MG, Lambeth PS, O'Meara MJ. The life and times of endogenous opioid peptides: Updated understanding of synthesis, spatiotemporal dynamics, and the clinical impact in alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109376. [PMID: 36516892 PMCID: PMC10548835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opioid G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) strongly modulate many of the central nervous system structures that contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders including pain, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. To better treat these and related diseases, it is essential to understand the signaling of their endogenous ligands. In this review, we focus on what is known and unknown about the regulation of the over two dozen endogenous peptides with high affinity for one or more of the opioid receptors. We briefly describe which peptides are produced, with a particular focus on the recently proposed possible synthesis pathways for the endomorphins. Next, we describe examples of endogenous opioid peptide expression organization in several neural circuits and how they appear to be released from specific neural compartments that vary across brain regions. We discuss current knowledge regarding the strength of neural activity required to drive endogenous opioid peptide release, clues about how far peptides diffuse from release sites, and their extracellular lifetime after release. Finally, as a translational example, we discuss the mechanisms of action of naltrexone (NTX), which is used clinically to treat alcohol use disorder. NTX is a synthetic morphine analog that non-specifically antagonizes the action of most endogenous opioid peptides developed in the 1960s and FDA approved in the 1980s. We review recent studies clarifying the precise endogenous activity that NTX prevents. Together, the works described here highlight the challenges and opportunities the complex opioid system presents as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Madelyn G Moulton
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip S Lambeth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J O'Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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31
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Li N, Xiao J, Niu J, Zhang M, Shi Y, Yu B, Zhang Q, Chen D, Zhang N, Fang Q. Synergistic interaction between DAMGO-NH 2 and NOP01 in peripherally acting antinociception in two mouse models of formalin pain. Peptides 2023; 161:170943. [PMID: 36621672 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The most commonly used opioid analgesics are limited by their severe side-effects in the clinical treatment of pain. Preliminary reports indicate that the combination of classical opioids and N/OFQ receptor (NOP) ligands may be an effective strategy to reduce unwanted side-effects and improve antinociception. But the interaction of these two receptor ligands in pain regulation at the peripheral level remains unclear. In this study, the antinociception of a designed amide analogue of the mu opioid receptor (MOP) peptide agonist DAMGO, DAMGO-NH2, and its antinociceptive interaction with the peripherally limited NOP peptide agonist NOP01 was investigated in two mouse models of formalin pain. Our results showed that DAMGO-NH2 acted as a MOP agonist in in vitro functional assays. Moreover, local subcutaneous or intraplantar injection of DAMGO-NH2 exerted dose-related antinociception in both phases of the formalin orofacial and intraplantar pain, which could be mediated by the classical opioid receptor. Peripheral but not central pretreatment with the peripherally restricted opioid antagonist naloxone methiodide inhibited local DAMGO-NH2-induced antinociception, supporting the involvement of the peripheral opioid receptor in local DAMGO-NH2-induced antinociception. Furthermore, co-administration of the inactive doses of DAMGO-NH2 and NOP01 produced effective antinociception. More importantly, isobolographic analysis indicates that the combination of DAMGO-NH2 and NOP01 elicited supra-additive antinociception in these two models of formalin pain. In addition, the combination of DAMGO-NH2 and NOP01 did not change motor function of mice in rotarod test. In conclusion, these data suggest that peripheral DAMGO-NH2 and particularly its combination therapy with NOP01 may be effective for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiandong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yonghang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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32
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Baldo BA, Pham NH. Opioid toxicity: histamine, hypersensitivity, and MRGPRX2. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:359-375. [PMID: 36344690 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Insights into the pathophysiology of many non-immune-mediated drug reactions referred to as toxicities, sensitivities, intolerances, or pseudoallergies have resulted from research identifying the mastocyte-related G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) member X2 (MRGPRX2), a human mast cell receptor mediating adverse reactions without the involvement of antibody priming. Opioid-induced degranulation of mast cells, particularly morphine, provoking release of histamine and other preformed mediators and causing hemodynamic and cutaneous changes seen as flushing, headache and wheal and flare reactions in the skin, is an example of results of MRGPRX2 activation. Opioids including morphine, codeine, dextromethorphan and metazocine as well as endogenous prodynorphin opioid peptides activate MRGPRX2 at concentrations causing mast cell degranulation. Unlike the canonical opioid receptors, MRGPRX2 shows stereochemical recognition preference for dextro rather than levo opioid enantiomers. Opioid analgesic drugs (OADs) display a range of histamine-releasing potencies from the strong releaser morphine to doubtful releasers like hydromorphone and the non-releaser fentanyl. Whether there is a correlation between histamine release by individual OADs, MRGPRX2 activation, and presence or absence of adverse cutaneous effects is not known. To investigate the question, ongoing research with recently pursued methodologies and strategies employing basophil and mast cell tests resulting from MRGPRX2 insights should help to elucidate whether or not an opioid's histamine-releasing potency, and its property of provoking an adverse reaction, are each a reflection of its activation of MRGPRX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Baldo
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Nghia H Pham
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
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Kelly E, Conibear A, Henderson G. Biased Agonism: Lessons from Studies of Opioid Receptor Agonists. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:491-515. [PMID: 36170657 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-052120-091058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In ligand bias different agonist drugs are thought to produce distinct signaling outputs when activating the same receptor. If these signaling outputs mediate therapeutic versus adverse drug effects, then agonists that selectively activate the therapeutic signaling pathway would be extremely beneficial. It has long been thought that μ-opioid receptor agonists that selectively activate G protein- over β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways would produce effective analgesia without the adverse effects such as respiratory depression. However, more recent data indicate that most of the therapeutic and adverse effects of agonist-induced activation of the μ-opioid receptor are actually mediated by the G protein-dependent signaling pathway, and that a number of drugs described as G protein biased in fact may not be biased, but instead may be low-intrinsic-efficacy agonists. In this review we discuss the current state of the field of bias at the μ-opioid receptor and other opioid receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
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Guan Q, Velho RV, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Endometriosis and Opioid Receptors: Are Opioids a Possible/Promising Treatment for Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021633. [PMID: 36675147 PMCID: PMC9864914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM), defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue with surrounding smooth muscle cells outside the uterus, is a disregarded gynecological disease reported to affect 6-10% of women of reproductive age, with 30-50% of them suffering from chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Since the exact pathogenic mechanisms of EM are still unclear, no curative therapy is available. As pain is an important factor in EM, optimal analgesia should be sought, which to date has been treated primarily with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), metamizole or, in extreme cases, opioids. Here, we review the pain therapy options, the mechanisms of pain development in EM, the endogenous opioid system and pain, as well as the opioid receptors and EM-associated pain. We also explore the drug abuse and addiction to opioids and the possible use of NOP receptors in terms of analgesia and improved tolerability as a target for EM-associated pain treatment. Emerging evidence has shown a promising functional profile of bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists as safe and nonaddictive analgesics. However, until now, the role of NOP receptors in EM has not been investigated. This review offers a thought which still needs further investigation but may provide potential options for relieving EM-associated pain.
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Li C, Dai W, Miao S, Xie W, Yu S. Medication overuse headache and substance use disorder: A comparison based on basic research and neuroimaging. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1118929. [PMID: 36937526 PMCID: PMC10017752 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1118929] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has yet to be determined whether medication overuse headache (MOH) is an independent disorder or a combination of primary headache and substance addiction. To further explore the causes of MOH, we compared MOH with substance use disorder (SUD) in terms of the brain regions involved to draw more targeted conclusions. In this review, we selected alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a representative SUD and compared MOH and AUD from two aspects of neuroimaging and basic research. We found that in neuroimaging studies, there were many overlaps between AUD and MOH in the reward circuit, but the extensive cerebral cortex damage in AUD was more serious than that in MOH. This difference was considered to reflect the sensitivity of the cortex structure to alcohol damage. In future research, we will focus on the central amygdala (CeA), prefrontal cortex (PFC), orbital-frontal cortex (OFC), hippocampus, and other brain regions for interventions, which may have unexpected benefits for addiction and headache symptoms in MOH patients.
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36
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Caminski ES, Antunes FTT, Souza IA, Dallegrave E, Zamponi GW. Regulation of N-type calcium channels by nociceptin receptors and its possible role in neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 36434658 PMCID: PMC9700961 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP, a.k.a. opioid-like receptor-1, ORL-1) by the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ, leads to G protein-dependent regulation of Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This typically causes a reduction in calcium currents, triggering changes in presynaptic calcium levels and thus neurotransmission. Because of the widespread expression patterns of NOP and VGCCs across multiple brain regions, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the dorsal root ganglia, this results in the alteration of numerous neurophysiological features. Here we review the regulation of N-type calcium channels by the NOP-nociceptin system in the context of neurological conditions such as anxiety, addiction, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Ivana Assis Souza
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
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Hu G, Zhang M, Wang Y, Yu M, Zhou Y. Potential of Heterogeneous Compounds as Antidepressants: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213776. [PMID: 36430254 PMCID: PMC9692659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a globally widespread disorder caused by a complicated interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors. Approximately 280 million people are suffering from depression worldwide. Traditional frontline antidepressants targeting monoamine neurotransmitters show unsatisfactory effects. The development and application of novel antidepressants for dissimilar targets are on the agenda. This review characterizes the antidepressant effects of multiple endogenous compounds and/or their targets to provide new insight into the working mechanism of antidepressants. We also discuss perspectives and challenges for the generation of novel antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonghui Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yuyang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266000, China
- Correspondence:
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Ślusarz MJ. Molecular insights into the mechanism of sugar-modified enkephalin binding to opioid receptors. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 101:107783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Docking of Chimeric Peptides Targeting Opioid and NOP Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012700. [PMID: 36293553 PMCID: PMC9604311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mixed opioid/NOP agonists came to the spotlight for their favorable functional profiles and promising outcomes in clinical trials as novel analgesics. This study reports on two novel chimeric peptides incorporating the fragment Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe]Asp-NH2 (RP-170), a cyclic peptide with high affinity for µ and κ opioid receptors (or MOP and KOP, respectively), conjugated with the peptide Ac-RYYRIK-NH2, a known ligand of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP), yielding RP-170-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-495) and RP-170-Gly3-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-496). In vitro, the chimeric KW-496 gained affinity for KOP, hence becoming a dual KOP/MOP agonist, while KW-495 behaved as a mixed MOP/NOP agonist with low nM affinity. Hence, KW-495 was selected for further in vivo experiments. Intrathecal administration of this peptide in mice elicited antinociceptive effects in the hot-plate test; this action was sensitive to both the universal opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and the selective NOP antagonist SB-612111. The rotarod test revealed that KW-495 administration did not alter the mice motor coordination performance. Computational studies have been conducted on the two chimeras to investigate the structural determinants at the basis of the experimental activities, including any role of the Gly3 spacer.
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Higginbotham JA, Markovic T, Massaly N, Morón JA. Endogenous opioid systems alterations in pain and opioid use disorder. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1014768. [PMID: 36341476 PMCID: PMC9628214 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1014768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research advances have established a central role for endogenous opioid systems in regulating reward processing, mood, motivation, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, and pain relief. Endogenous opioid systems are present ubiquitously throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. They are composed of four families, namely the μ (MOPR), κ (KOPR), δ (DOPR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOPR) opioid receptors systems. These receptors signal through the action of their endogenous opioid peptides β-endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and nociceptins, respectfully, to maintain homeostasis under normal physiological states. Due to their prominent role in pain regulation, exogenous opioids-primarily targeting the MOPR, have been historically used in medicine as analgesics, but their ability to produce euphoric effects also present high risks for abuse. The ability of pain and opioid use to perturb endogenous opioid system function, particularly within the central nervous system, may increase the likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, the opioid crisis represents a major social, economic, and public health concern. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature on the function, expression, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous opioid systems in pain. Additionally, we discuss the adaptations in the endogenous opioid systems upon use of exogenous opioids which contribute to the development of OUD. Finally, we describe the intricate relationship between pain, endogenous opioid systems, and the proclivity for opioid misuse, as well as potential advances in generating safer and more efficient pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Higginbotham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica A. Higginbotham,
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jose A. Morón
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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41
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Kong L, Shu X, Tang S, Ye R, Sun H, Jiang S, Li Z, Chai J, Fang Y, Lan Y, Yu L, Xie Q, Fu W, Wang Y, Li W, Qiu Z, Liu J, Shao L. SLL-627 Is a Highly Selective and Potent κ Opioid Receptor (KOR) Agonist with an Unexpected Nonreduction in Locomotor Activity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10377-10392. [PMID: 35900351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Undue central nervous system (CNS) side effects including dysphoria and sedation remain to be a challenge for the development of κ opioid receptor (KOR) agonists as effective and safe analgesics. On the basis of our previous work on morphinan-based KOR agonists, a series of 7α-methyl-7β-substituted northebaine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically assayed. Among others, compound 4a (SLL-627) has been identified as a highly selective and potent KOR agonist both in vitro and in vivo, and its molecular basis was also examined and discussed. Besides low liability to conditioned place aversion (CPA) test, treatment of SLL-627 was associated with a nonreduction in locomotor activity, compared to most of the other arylacetamide- or morphinan-based KOR agonists which generally exhibited apparently sedative effects. This unexpected finding provides new insights to dissociate analgesia from sedation for future discovery of innovative KOR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuelian Shu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rongrong Ye
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Huijiao Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuang Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingrui Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yun Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yinjie Lan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linqian Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhuibai Qiu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinggen Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liming Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, No. 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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42
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Coluzzi F, Rullo L, Scerpa MS, Losapio LM, Rocco M, Billeci D, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Current and Future Therapeutic Options in Pain Management: Multi-mechanistic Opioids Involving Both MOR and NOP Receptor Activation. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:617-632. [PMID: 35616826 PMCID: PMC9166888 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely used in chronic pain management, despite major concerns about their risk of adverse events, particularly abuse, misuse, and respiratory depression from overdose. Multi-mechanistic opioids, such as tapentadol and buprenorphine, have been widely studied as a valid alternative to traditional opioids for their safer profile. Special interest was focused on the role of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor in terms of analgesia and improved tolerability. Nociceptin opioid peptide receptor agonists were shown to reinforce the antinociceptive effect of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists and modulate some of their adverse effects. Therefore, multi-mechanistic opioids involving both MOR and NOP receptor activation became a major field of pharmaceutical and clinical investigations. Buprenorphine was re-discovered in a new perspective, as an atypical analgesic and as a substitution therapy for opioid use disorders; and buprenorphine derivatives have been tested in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Similarly, cebranopadol, a full MOR/NOP receptor agonist, has been clinically evaluated for its potent analgesic efficacy and better tolerability profile, compared with traditional opioids. This review overviews pharmacological mechanisms of the NOP receptor system, including its role in pain management and in the development of opioid tolerance. Clinical data on buprenorphine suggest its role as a safer alternative to traditional opioids, particularly in patients with non-cancer pain; while data on cebranopadol still require phase III study results to approve its introduction on the market. Other bifunctional MOR/NOP receptor ligands, such as BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121, are currently under pharmacological investigations and could represent promising analgesic agents for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Coluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Scerpa
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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43
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Sazonova EN, Gusev IA, Malofey YB, Lanshakova AV, Vdovenko SV. Effects of Neonatal Administration of Non-Opiate Analogues of Leu-Enkephalin to Heart Tissue Homeostasis of Prepubertal Albino Rats Exposed to Hypoxia. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 173:188-192. [PMID: 35737163 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05516-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (pO2 65 mm Hg, duration 4 h) induced a significant increase in the number of cardiomyocytes expressing р53, beclin-1, endothelial NO synthase and accumulation and degranulation of mast cells in the epicardium in hearts of prepubertal female rats (age 45-47 days); the number of cardiomyocytes with nucleoli decreased, while the number of single-nucleolar cardiomyocytes increased after this exposure. Five-fold administration of non-opiate analogue of leu-enkephalin (NALE peptide: Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg; 100 μg/kg) during the neonatal period reduced the severity of the post-hypoxic changes in the heart. Neonatal administration of NALE (100 μg/kg) against the background of NO synthase blockade with L-NAME (50 mg/kg) did not abolish the cardioprotective effects of the peptide. A similar correction of posthypoxic changes in the heart was observed after neonatal administration of original peptide G (Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly; 100 μg/kg). Thus, NO synthase-NO system and C-terminal amino acid Arg in the molecule of non-opiate analogue of leu-enkephalin are not required for the cardioprotective effects of peptides. Non-opiate leu-enkephalin analogs, peptides NALE and G, can be considered as promising substances for increasing heart resistance to hypoxia during later age periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Sazonova
- Far Eastern State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia.
- Khabarovsk Branch of the Far Eastern Research Center for Physiology and Pathology of Respiration - Research Institute for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood, Khabarovsk, Russia.
| | - I A Gusev
- Far Eastern State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia
| | - Yu B Malofey
- Far Eastern State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia
| | - A V Lanshakova
- Far Eastern State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia
| | - S V Vdovenko
- Far Eastern State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia
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44
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Bird MF, Hebbes CP, Scott SWM, Willets J, Thompson JP, Lambert DG. A novel bioassay to detect Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ release from single human polymorphonuclear cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268868. [PMID: 35622823 PMCID: PMC9140256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous opioid agonist for the N/OFQ receptor or NOP. This receptor system is involved in pain processing but also has a role in immune regulation. Indeed, polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) express mRNA for N/OFQ precursor and are a potential source for circulating N/OFQ. Current measurements are based on ELISA and RIA techniques. In this study we have designed a bioassay to measure N/OFQ release from single PMNs. Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the human (h) NOP receptor and Gαiq5 chimera force receptor coupling in biosensor cells to increase intracellular Ca2+; this can be measured with FLUO-4 dye. If isolated PMNs from healthy human volunteers are layered next to CHOhNOPGαiq5 biosensor cells then stimulated with the chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) we hypothesise that released N/OFQ will activate the biosensor. PMNs also release ATP and CHO cells express purinergic receptors coupled to elevated Ca2+. In a system where these receptors (P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2X7) are blocked with high concentrations of PPADS and oATP, PMN stimulation with fMLP increases Ca2+ in PMNs then shortly afterwards the biosensor cells. Our data therfore reports detection of single cell N/OFQ release from immune cells. This was absent when cells were preincubated with the selective NOP antagonist; SB-612111. Collectively this is the first description of single cell N/OFQ release. We will deploy this assay with further purified individual cell types and use this to further study the role of the N/OFQ-NOP system in disease; in particular sepsis where there is strong evidence for increased levels of N/OFQ worsening outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. F. Bird
- Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - C. P. Hebbes
- Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - S. W. M. Scott
- Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - J. Willets
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester United Kingdom
| | - J. P. Thompson
- Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - D. G. Lambert
- Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester, United Kingdom
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45
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Opioids and Their Receptors: Present and Emerging Concepts in Opioid Drug Discovery II. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103140. [PMID: 35630616 PMCID: PMC9143373 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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46
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Attenuated G protein signaling and minimal receptor phosphorylation as a biochemical signature of low side-effect opioid analgesics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7154. [PMID: 35504962 PMCID: PMC9065038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-receptor targeting has been proposed as a promising strategy for the development of opioid analgesics with fewer side effects. Cebranopadol and AT-121 are prototypical bifunctional ligands targeting the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP) and µ-opioid receptor (MOP) that elicit potent analgesia in humans and nonhuman primates, respectively. Cebranopadol was reported to produce typical MOP-related side effects such as respiratory depression and reward, whereas AT-121 appeared to be devoid of these liabilities. However, the molecular basis underlying different side effect profiles in opioid analgesics remains unknown. Here, we examine agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation and G protein signaling profiles of a series of chemically diverse mixed MOP/NOP agonists, including cebranopadol and AT-121. We found that these compounds produce strikingly different MOP phosphorylation profiles. Cebranopadol, AT-034 and AT-324 stimulated extensive MOP phosphorylation, whereas AT-201 induced selective phosphorylation at S375 only. AT-121, on the other hand, did not promote any detectable MOP phosphorylation. Conversely, none of these compounds was able to elicit strong NOP phosphorylation and low NOP receptor phosphorylation correlated with partial agonism in a GIRK-channel assay. Our results suggest a close correlation between MOP receptor phosphorylation and side effect profile. Thus, bifunctional MOP/NOP opioid ligands combining low efficacy G protein signaling at both NOP and MOP with no detectable receptor phosphorylation appear to be devoid of side-effects such as respiratory depression, abuse liability or tolerance development, as with AT-121.
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47
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Mechanisms of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2247-2260. [PMID: 35471232 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), the primary cause of opioid-induced death, is the neural depression of respiratory drive which, together with a decreased level of consciousness and obstructive sleep apnea, cause ventilatory insufficiency. Variability of responses to opioids and individual differences in physiological and neurological states (e.g., anesthesia, sleep-disordered breathing, concurrent drug administration) add to the risk. Multiple sites can independently exert a depressive effect on breathing, making it unclear which sites are necessary for the induction of OIRD. The generator of inspiratory rhythm is the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in the ventrolateral medulla. Other important brainstem respiratory centres include the pontine Kölliker-Fuse and adjacent parabrachial nuclei (KF/PBN) in the dorsal lateral pons, and the dorsal respiratory group in the medulla. Deletion of μ opioid receptors from neurons showed that the preBötC and KF/PBN contribute to OIRD with the KF as a respiratory modulator and the preBötC as inspiratory rhythm generator. Glutamatergic neurons expressing NK-1R and somatostatin involved in the autonomic function of breathing, and modulatory signal pathways involving GIRK and KCNQ potassium channels, remain poorly understood. Reversal of OIRD has relied heavily on naloxone which also reverses analgesia but mismatches between the half-lives of naloxone and opioids can make it difficult to clinically safely avoid OIRD. Maternal opioid use, which is rising, increases apneas and destabilizes neonatal breathing but opioid effects on maternal and neonatal respiratory circuits in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are not well understood. Methadone, administered to alleviate symptoms of NAS in humans, desensitizes rats to RD.
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48
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Baker Rogers J, Higa GM. Spoken and Unspoken Matters Regarding the Use of Opioids in Cancer. J Pain Res 2022; 15:909-924. [PMID: 35411188 PMCID: PMC8994621 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s349107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janna Baker Rogers
- Sections of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine and Hospice, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gerald M Higa
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Medicine, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Correspondence: Gerald M Higa, Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Medicine, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA, 26506, Email
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49
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Endogenous Opioids and Their Role in Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Rescue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073819. [PMID: 35409178 PMCID: PMC8998234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are considered the oldest drugs known by humans and have been used for sedation and pain relief for several centuries. Nowadays, endogenous opioid peptides are divided into four families: enkephalins, dynorphins, endorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ. They exert their action through the opioid receptors (ORs), transmembrane proteins belonging to the super-family of G-protein-coupled receptors, and are expressed throughout the body; the receptors are the δ opioid receptor (DOR), μ opioid receptor (MOR), κ opioid receptor (KOR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP). Endogenous opioids are mainly studied in the central nervous system (CNS), but their role has been investigated in other organs, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Here, we revise their role in stem cell (SC) biology, since these cells are a subject of great scientific interest due to their peculiar features and their involvement in cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. In particular, we focus on endogenous opioids’ ability to modulate SC proliferation, stress response (to oxidative stress, starvation, or damage following ischemia–reperfusion), and differentiation towards different lineages, such as neurogenesis, vasculogenesis, and cardiogenesis.
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50
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Al Yacoub ON, Awwad HO, Zhang Y, Standifer KM. Therapeutic potential of nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor modulators for treatment of traumatic brain injury, traumatic stress, and their co-morbidities. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 231:107982. [PMID: 34480968 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor is a member of the opioid receptor superfamily with N/OFQ as its endogenous agonist. Wide expression of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ, both centrally and peripherally, and their ability to modulate several biological functions has led to development of NOP receptor modulators by pharmaceutical companies as therapeutics, based upon their efficacy in preclinical models of pain, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, and substance abuse. Both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are debilitating conditions that significantly affect the quality of life of millions of people around the world. PTSD is often a consequence of TBI, and, especially for those deployed to, working and/or living in a war zone or are first responders, they are comorbid. PTSD and TBI share common symptoms, and negatively influence outcomes as comorbidities of the other. Unfortunately, a lack of effective therapies or therapeutic agents limits the long term quality of life for either TBI or PTSD patients. Ours, and other groups, demonstrated that PTSD and TBI preclinical models elicit changes in the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system, and that administration of NOP receptor ligands alleviated some of the neurobiological and behavioral changes induced by brain injury and/or traumatic stress exposure. Here we review the past and most recent progress on understanding the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in PTSD and TBI neurological and behavioral sequelae. There is still more to understand about this neuropeptide system in both PTSD and TBI, but current findings warrant further examination of the potential utility of NOP modulators as therapeutics for these disorders and their co-morbidities. We advocate the development of standards for common data elements (CDE) reporting for preclinical PTSD studies, similar to current preclinical TBI CDEs. That would provide for more standardized data collection and reporting to improve reproducibility, interpretation and data sharing across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar N Al Yacoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Hibah O Awwad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Kelly M Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America.
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