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Flammia R, Huang B, Pagare PP, M St Onge C, Abebayehu A, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Zhang Y. Blocking potential metabolic sites on NAT to improve its safety profile while retaining the pharmacological profile. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107489. [PMID: 38797065 PMCID: PMC11190787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107489] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The number of opioid-related overdose deaths and individuals that have suffered from opioid use disorders have significantly increased over the last 30 years. FDA approved maintenance therapies to treat opioid use disorder may successfully curb drug craving and prevent relapse but harbor adverse effects that reduce patient compliance. This has created a need for new chemical entities with improved patient experience. Previously our group reported a novel lead compound, NAT, a mu-opioid receptor antagonist that potently antagonized the antinociception of morphine and showed significant blood-brain barrier permeability. However, NAT belongs to thiophene containing compounds which are known structural alerts for potential oxidative metabolism. To overcome this, 15 NAT derivatives with various substituents at the 5'-position of the thiophene ring were designed and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These derivatives were characterized for their binding affinity, selectivity, and functional activity at the mu opioid receptor and assessed for their ability to antagonize the antinociceptive effects of morphine in vivo. Compound 12 showed retention of the basic pharmacological attributes of NAT while improving the withdrawal effects that were experienced in opioid-dependent mice. Further studies will be conducted to fully characterize compound 12 to examine whether it would serve as a new lead for opioid use disorder treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Flammia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Celsey M St Onge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Abeje Abebayehu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0059.
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Pereira-Silva R, Teixeira-Pinto A, Neto FL, Martins I. μ-Opioid Receptor Activation at the Dorsal Reticular Nucleus Shifts Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls to Hyperalgesia in Chronic Joint Pain in Male Rats. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:1176-1191. [PMID: 38381969 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dorsal reticular nucleus is a pain facilitatory area involved in diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) through opioidergic mechanisms that are poorly understood. The hypothesis was that signaling of μ-opioid receptors is altered in this area with prolonged chronic inflammatory pain and that this accounts for the loss of DNICs occurring in this condition. METHODS Monoarthritis was induced in male Wistar rats (n = 5 to 9/group) by tibiotarsal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. The immunolabeling of µ-opioid receptors and the phosphorylated forms of µ-opioid receptors and cAMP response element binding protein was quantified. Pharmacologic manipulation of μ-opioid receptors at the dorsal reticular nucleus was assessed in DNIC using the Randall-Selitto test. RESULTS At 42 days of monoarthritis, μ-opioid receptor labeling decreased at the dorsal reticular nucleus, while its phosphorylated form and the phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein increased. [d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin acetate (DAMGO) enhanced DNIC analgesia in normal animals (means ± SD: pre-DNIC: 126.9 ± 7.0 g; DNIC - DAMGO: 147.5 ± 8.0 g vs. DNIC + DAMGO: 198.1 ± 19.3 g; P < 0.001), whereas it produced hyperalgesia in monoarthritis (pre-DNIC: 67.8 ± 7.5 g; DNIC - DAMGO: 70.6 ± 7.7 g vs. DNIC + DAMGO: 32.2 ± 2.6 g; P < 0.001). An ultra-low dose of naloxone, which prevents the excitatory signaling of the μ-opioid receptor, restored DNIC analgesia in monoarthritis (DNIC - naloxone: 60.0 ± 6.1 g vs. DNIC + naloxone: 98.0 ± 13.5 g; P < 0.001), compared to saline (DNIC - saline: 62.5 ± 5.2 g vs. DNIC + saline: 64.2 ± 3.8 g). When injected before DAMGO, it restored DNIC analgesia and decreased the phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein in monoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS The dorsal reticular nucleus is likely involved in a facilitatory pathway responsible for DNIC hyperalgesia. The shift of μ-opioid receptor signaling to excitatory in this pathway likely accounts for the loss of DNIC analgesia in monoarthritis. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Pereira-Silva
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine - Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Teixeira-Pinto
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Kids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fani L Neto
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine - Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Martins
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine - Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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de Melo Cardoso M, Scussel R, da Silva Abel J, Pereira FO, Cruz LA, da Costa Constante F, De Pieri E, Abelaira HM, Ferreira J, Gomez MV, Rigo FK, Machado-de-Ávila RA. Intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1β: Antinociceptive properties and morphine tolerance reversal in a cancer-associated pain model. Toxicon 2024; 243:107717. [PMID: 38614245 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107717] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-related pain is considered one of the most prevalent symptoms for those affected by cancer, significantly influencing quality of life and treatment outcomes. Morphine is currently employed for analgesic treatment in this case, however, chronic use of this opioid is limited by the development of analgesic tolerance and adverse effects, such as digestive and neurological disorders. Alternative therapies, such as ion channel blockade, are explored. The toxin Phα1β has demonstrated efficacy in blocking calcium channels, making it a potential candidate for alleviating cancer-related pain. This study aims to assess the antinociceptive effects resulting from intravenous administration of the recombinant form of Phα1β (r-Phα1β) in an experimental model of cancer-related pain in mice, tolerant or not to morphine. The model of cancer-induced pain was used to evaluate these effects, with the injection of B16F10 cells, followed by the administration of the r-Phα1β, and evaluation of the mechanical threshold by the von Frey test. Also, adverse effects were assessed using a score scale, the rotarod, and open field tests. Results indicate that the administration of r-Phα1β provoked antinociception in animals with cancer-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, with or without morphine tolerance. Previous administration of r-Phα1β was able to recover the analgesic activity of morphine in animals tolerant to this opioid. r-Phα1β was proved safe for these parameters, as no adverse effects related to motor and behavioral activity were observed following intravenous administration. This study suggests that the concomitant use of morphine and r-Phα1β could be a viable strategy for pain modulation in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de Melo Cardoso
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Rahisa Scussel
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jéssica da Silva Abel
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernando Oriques Pereira
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Lidiane Anastácio Cruz
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Franciane da Costa Constante
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Ellen De Pieri
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Helena Mendes Abelaira
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Gomez
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Center of Technology in Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávia Karine Rigo
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of the Extreme South Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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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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Goudsward HJ, Ruiz-Velasco V, Stella SL, Willing LB, Holmes GM. Coexpressed δ-, μ-, and κ-Opioid Receptors Modulate Voltage-Gated Ca 2+ Channels in Gastric-Projecting Vagal Afferent Neurons. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:250-259. [PMID: 38182431 PMCID: PMC10877734 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000774] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid analgesics are frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, nausea, dysphagia, and reduced gastric motility. Though it has been shown that stimulation of opioid receptors expressed in enteric motor neurons contributes to opioid-induced constipation, it remains unclear whether activation of opioid receptors in gastric-projecting nodose ganglia neurons contributes to the reduction in gastric motility and emptying associated with opioid use. In the present study, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to determine the mechanism underlying opioid receptor-mediated modulation of Ca2+ currents in acutely isolated gastric vagal afferent neurons. Our results demonstrate that CaV2.2 channels provide the majority (71% ± 16%) of Ca2+ currents in gastric vagal afferent neurons. Furthermore, we found that application of oxycodone, U-50488, or deltorphin II on gastric nodose ganglia neurons inhibited Ca2+ currents through a voltage-dependent mechanism by coupling to the Gα i/o family of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Because previous studies have demonstrated that the nodose ganglia expresses low levels of δ-opioid receptors, we also determined the deltorphin II concentration-response relationship and assessed deltorphin-mediated Ca2+ current inhibition following exposure to the δ-opioid receptor antagonist ICI 174,864 (0.3 µM). The peak mean Ca2+ current inhibition following deltorphin II application was 47% ± 24% (EC50 = 302.6 nM), and exposure to ICI 174,864 blocked deltorphin II-mediated Ca2+ current inhibition (4% ± 4% versus 37% ± 20%). Together, our results suggest that analgesics targeting any opioid receptor subtype can modulate gastric vagal circuits. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study demonstrated that in gastric nodose ganglia neurons, agonists targeting all three classical opioid receptor subtypes (μ, δ, and κ) inhibit voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in a voltage-dependent mechanism by coupling to Gαi/o. These findings suggest that analgesics targeting any opioid receptor subtype would modulate gastric vagal circuits responsible for regulating gastric reflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Goudsward
- Departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (H.J.G., S.L.S., L.B.W., G.M.H.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (V.R.-V.), Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Victor Ruiz-Velasco
- Departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (H.J.G., S.L.S., L.B.W., G.M.H.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (V.R.-V.), Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Salvatore L Stella
- Departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (H.J.G., S.L.S., L.B.W., G.M.H.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (V.R.-V.), Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa B Willing
- Departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (H.J.G., S.L.S., L.B.W., G.M.H.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (V.R.-V.), Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (H.J.G., S.L.S., L.B.W., G.M.H.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (V.R.-V.), Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. The Cation/Calcium Channel of Sperm (CatSper): A Common Role Played Despite Inter-Species Variation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13750. [PMID: 37762052 PMCID: PMC10531172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main cation/calcium channel of spermatozoa (CatSper), first identified in 2001, has been thoroughly studied to elucidate its composition and function, while its distribution among species and sperm sources is yet incomplete. CatSper is composed of several subunits that build a pore-forming calcium channel, mainly activated in vivo in ejaculated sperm cells by intracellular alkalinization and progesterone, as suggested by the in vitro examinations. The CatSper channel relevance is dual: to maintain sperm homeostasis (alongside the plethora of membrane channels present) as well as being involved in pre-fertilization events, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation of sperm motility and the acrosome reaction, with remarkable species differences. Interestingly, the observed variations in CatSper localization in the plasma membrane seem to depend on the source of the sperm cells explored (i.e., epididymal or ejaculated, immature or mature, processed or not), the method used for examination and, particularly, on the specificity of the antibodies employed. In addition, despite multiple findings showing the relevance of CatSper in fertilization, few studies have studied CatSper as a biomarker to fine-tune diagnosis of sub-fertility in livestock or even consider its potential to control fertilization in plague animals, a more ethically defensible strategy than implicating CatSper to pharmacologically modify male-related fertility control in humans, pets or wild animals. This review describes inter- and intra-species differences in the localization, structure and function of the CatSper channel, calling for caution when considering its potential manipulation for fertility control or improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Lulek CF, Maulik M, Mitra S, Guindon J, Morgan DJ, Henderson-Redmond AN. Sex differences in acute delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) response and tolerance as a function of mouse strain. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1987-2003. [PMID: 37516707 PMCID: PMC10471687 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06421-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate pain; however, tolerance to their antinociceptive effects, including those of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), may limit their therapeutic utility. With more women than men using medical cannabis for pain relief, it is crucial to understand how sex influences cannabinoid-mediated antinociception and tolerance. Though studies in rats consistently find females are more sensitive to the acute antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids, our work with mice consistently finds the converse. The present study examined whether our observed sex differences in Δ9-THC-induced antinociception and tolerance are consistent across multiple mouse strains or are strain-dependent. Male and female C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2, AKR, and CBA/J mice were assessed for differences in acute Δ9-THC-induced antinociception and hypothermia prior to and following seven days of once-daily Δ9-THC administration. Consistent with our previous findings, male B6 mice were more sensitive to the acute antinociceptive effects of Δ9-THC than female littermates, an effect which dissipated with age. B6 males had decreased cannabinoid expression in the PAG compared to females. While DBA and CBA female mice showed increased Δ9-THC-antinociception compared to male littermates at 30 and 10 mg/kg Δ9-THC, respectively, these differences were less pronounced at higher doses, revealing that dose of Δ9-THC may also be important. Overall, CBA mice were more sensitive to Δ9-THC-induced antinociception while AKR mice were less responsive. These studies highlight the therapeutic potential of Δ9-THC in pain management and underscore the importance of considering not only Δ9-THC dose as a function of sex, but potentially genetic differences when evaluating their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney F Lulek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Malabika Maulik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Swarup Mitra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
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Déciga-Campos M, Jaramillo-Morales OA, Espinosa-Juárez JV, Aguilera-Martínez ME, Ventura-Martínez R, López-Muñoz FJ. N-palmitoylethanolamide synergizes the antinociception of morphine and gabapentin in the formalin test in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:1154-1162. [PMID: 36905375 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad004] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The antinociceptive pharmacological interaction between N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and morphine (MOR), as well as gabapentin (GBP), was investigated to obtain synergistic antinociception at doses where side effects were minimal. In addition, the possible antinociceptive mechanism of PEA + MOR or PEA + GBP combinations was explored. METHODS Individual dose-response curves (DRCs) of PEA, MOR and GBP were evaluated in female mice in which intraplantar nociception was induced with 2% formalin. Isobolographic method was used to detect the pharmacological interaction in the combination of PEA + MOR or PEA + GBP. KEY FINDINGS The ED50 was calculated from the DRC; the order of potency was MOR > PEA > GBP. The isobolographic analysis was obtained at a 1:1 ratio to determine the pharmacological interaction. The experimental values of flinching (PEA + MOR, Zexp = 2.72 ± 0.2 μg/paw and PEA + GBP Zexp = 2.77 ± 0.19 μg/paw) were significantly lower than those calculated theoretically (PEA + MOR Zadd = 7.78 ± 1.07 and PEA + GBP Zadd = 24.05 ± 1.91 μg/paw), resulting in synergistic antinociception. Pretreatment with GW6471 and naloxone demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and opioid receptors are involved in both interactions. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that MOR and GBP synergistically enhance PEA-induced antinociception through PPARα and opioid receptor mechanisms. Furthermore, the results suggest that combinations containing PEA with MOR or GBP could be of interest in aiding the treatment of inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna Déciga-Campos
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, México
| | - Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales
- Departamento de Enfermería y Obstetricia, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | | | - María Elena Aguilera-Martínez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, México
| | - Rosa Ventura-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Delegación Coyoacán, México, México
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Uezono E, Mizobuchi Y, Miyano K, Ohbuchi K, Murata H, Komatsu A, Manabe S, Nonaka M, Hirokawa T, Yamaguchi K, Iseki M, Uezono Y, Hayashida M, Kawagoe I. Distinct Profiles of Desensitization of µ-Opioid Receptors Caused by Remifentanil or Fentanyl: In Vitro Assay with Cells and Three-Dimensional Structural Analyses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098369. [PMID: 37176075 PMCID: PMC10179353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098369] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Remifentanil (REM) and fentanyl (FEN) are commonly used analgesics that act by activating a µ-opioid receptor (MOR). Although optimal concentrations of REM can be easily maintained during surgery, it is sometimes switched to FEN for optimal pain regulation. However, standards for this switching protocol remain unclear. Opioid anesthetic efficacy is decided in part by MOR desensitization; thus, in this study, we investigated the desensitization profiles of REM and FEN to MOR. The efficacy and potency during the 1st administration of REM or FEN in activating the MOR were almost equal. Similarly, in β arrestin recruitment, which determines desensitization processes, they showed no significant differences. In contrast, the 2nd administration of FEN resulted in a stronger MOR desensitization potency than that of REM, whereas REM showed a higher internalization potency than FEN. These results suggest that different β arrestin-mediated signaling caused by FEN or REM led to their distinct desensitization and internalization processes. Our three-dimensional analysis, with in silico binding of REM and FEN to MOR models, highlighted that REM and FEN bound to similar but distinct sites of MOR and led to distinct β arrestin-mediated profiles, suggesting that distinct binding profiles to MOR may alter β arrestin activity, which accounts for MOR desensitization and internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiko Uezono
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mizobuchi
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-0194, Japan
| | - Kanako Miyano
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Dentistry, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Katsuya Ohbuchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura and Co., Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Murata
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Akane Komatsu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Sei Manabe
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-0194, Japan
| | - Miki Nonaka
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Chemical Biology and In Silico Drug Design, Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamaguchi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Tokyo 136-0075, Japan
| | - Masako Iseki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Uezono
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Supportive and Palliative Care Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Masakazu Hayashida
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Izumi Kawagoe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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10
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Gu Y, Wang H, Jiang M, Zhao S, Qing H, Ni J. Cathepsin H: molecular characteristics and clues to function and mechanism. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115585. [PMID: 37148981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115585] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin H (CatH) is a lysosomal cysteine protease with a unique aminopeptidase activity that is extensively expressed in the lung, pancreas, thymus, kidney, liver, skin, and brain. Owing to its specific enzymatic activity, CatH has critical effects on the regulation of biological behaviours of cancer cells and pathological processes in brain diseases. Moreover, a neutral pH level is optimal for CatH activity, so it is expected to be active in the extra-lysosomal and extracellular space. In the present review, we describe the expression, maturation, and enzymatic properties of CatH, and summarize the available experimental evidence that mechanistically links CatH to various physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potentials of CatH inhibitors in CatH-induced disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China; Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yebo Gu
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muzhou Jiang
- Department of Periodontics, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Shuxuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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11
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Danaf J, da Silveira Scarpellini C, Montandon G. βγ G-proteins, but not regulators of G-protein signaling 4, modulate opioid-induced respiratory rate depression. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1043581. [PMID: 37089428 PMCID: PMC10117644 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1043581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid medications are the mainstay of pain management but present substantial side-effects such as respiratory depression which can be lethal with overdose. Most opioid drugs, such as fentanyl, act on opioid receptors such as the G-protein-coupled µ-opioid receptors (MOR). G-protein-coupled receptors activate pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins to inhibit neuronal activity. Binding of opioid ligands to MOR and subsequent activation G proteins βγ is modulated by regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS). The roles of G-proteins βγ and RGS in MOR-mediated inhibition of the respiratory network are not known. Using rodent models to pharmacologically modulate G-protein signaling, we aim to determine the roles of βγ G-proteins and RGS4. We showed that inhibition of βγ G-proteins using gallein perfused in the brainstem circuits regulating respiratory depression by opioid drugs results in complete reversal of respiratory depression. Blocking of RGS4 using CCG55014 did not change the respiratory depression induced by MOR activation despite co-expression of RGS4 and MORs in the brainstem. Our results suggest that neuronal inhibition by opioid drugs is mediated by G-proteins, but not by RGS4, which supports the concept that βγ G-proteins could be molecular targets to develop opioid overdose antidotes without the risks of re-narcotization often found with highly potent opioid drugs. On the other hand, RGS4 mediates opioid analgesia, but not respiratory depression, and RGS4 may be molecular targets to develop pain therapies without respiratory liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Danaf
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gaspard Montandon
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gaspard Montandon,
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12
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Halcrow PW, Kumar N, Hao E, Khan N, Meucci O, Geiger JD. Mu opioid receptor-mediated release of endolysosome iron increases levels of mitochondrial iron, reactive oxygen species, and cell death. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:19-35. [PMID: 37027339 PMCID: PMC10070011 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Opioids including morphine and DAMGO activate mu-opioid receptors (MOR), increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and induce cell death. Ferrous iron (Fe2+) through Fenton-like chemistry increases ROS levels and endolysosomes are "master regulators of iron metabolism" and contain readily-releasable Fe2+ stores. However, mechanisms underlying opioid-induced changes in endolysosome iron homeostasis and downstream-signaling events remain unclear. Methods We used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy to measure Fe2+ and ROS levels and cell death. Results Morphine and DAMGO de-acidified endolysosomes, decreased endolysosome Fe2+ levels, increased cytosol and mitochondria Fe2+ and ROS levels, depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced cell death; effects blocked by the nonselective MOR antagonist naloxone and the selective MOR antagonist β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA). Deferoxamine, an endolysosome-iron chelator, inhibited opioid agonist-induced increases in cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe2+ and ROS. Opioid-induced efflux of endolysosome Fe2+ and subsequent Fe2+ accumulation in mitochondria were blocked by the endolysosome-resident two-pore channel inhibitor NED-19 and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor TRO. Conclusions Opioid agonist-induced increases in cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe2+ and ROS as well as cell death appear downstream of endolysosome de-acidification and Fe2+ efflux from the endolysosome iron pool that is sufficient to affect other organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Halcrow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Nirmal Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Emily Hao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Nabab Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
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13
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Ahmadi S, Mohammadi Talvar S, Masoudi K, Zobeiri M. Repeated Use of Morphine Induces Anxiety by Affecting a Proinflammatory Cytokine Signaling Pathway in the Prefrontal Cortex in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1425-1439. [PMID: 36450935 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
We examined the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and proinflammatory cytokine signaling pathways in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in anxiety-like behaviors after repeated use of morphine. Morphine (10 mg/kg) was used twice daily for 8 days to induce morphine dependence in male Wistar rats. On day 8, opioid dependence was confirmed by measuring naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs. On days 1 and 8, anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated using a light/dark box test. Expression of TLR1 and 4, proinflammatory cytokines, and some of the downstream signaling molecules was also evaluated in the bilateral PFC at mRNA and protein levels following morphine dependence. The results revealed that morphine caused anxiolytic-like effects on day 1 while induced anxiety following 8 days of repeated injection. On day 8, a significant decrease in TLR1 expression was detected in the PFC in morphine-dependent rats, but TLR4 remained unaffected. Repeated morphine injection significantly increased IL1-β, TNFα, and IL6 expression, but decreased IL1R and TNFR at mRNA and protein levels except for IL6R at the protein level in the PFC. The p38α mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase expression significantly increased but the JNK3 expression decreased in the PFC in morphine-dependent rats. Repeated injection of morphine also significantly increased the NF-κB expression in the PFC. Further, significant increases in Let-7c, mir-133b, and mir-365 were detected in the PFC in morphine-dependent rats. We conclude that TLR1 and proinflammatory cytokines signaling pathways in the PFC are associated with the anxiogenic-like effects of morphine following its chronic use in rats via a MAP kinase/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamseddin Ahmadi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Shiva Mohammadi Talvar
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Kayvan Masoudi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zobeiri
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
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14
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Molecular Landscape of Tourette's Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021428. [PMID: 36674940 PMCID: PMC9865021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021428] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tourette's disorder (TD) is a highly heritable childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder and is caused by a complex interplay of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disorder remain largely elusive. In this study, we used the available omics data to compile a list of TD candidate genes, and we subsequently conducted tissue/cell type specificity and functional enrichment analyses of this list. Using genomic data, we also investigated genetic sharing between TD and blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolite levels. Lastly, we built a molecular landscape of TD through integrating the results from these analyses with an extensive literature search to identify the interactions between the TD candidate genes/proteins and metabolites. We found evidence for an enriched expression of the TD candidate genes in four brain regions and the pituitary. The functional enrichment analyses implicated two pathways ('cAMP-mediated signaling' and 'Endocannabinoid Neuronal Synapse Pathway') and multiple biological functions related to brain development and synaptic transmission in TD etiology. Furthermore, we found genetic sharing between TD and the blood and CSF levels of 39 metabolites. The landscape of TD not only provides insights into the (altered) molecular processes that underlie the disease but, through the identification of potential drug targets (such as FLT3, NAALAD2, CX3CL1-CX3CR1, OPRM1, and HRH2), it also yields clues for developing novel TD treatments.
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15
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Lewis TH, May WJ, Young AP, Bates JN, Baby SM, Getsy PM, Ryan RM, Hsieh YH, Seckler JM, Lewis SJ. The ventilatory depressant actions but not the antinociceptive effects of morphine are blunted in rats receiving intravenous infusion of L-cysteine ethyl ester. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113939. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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16
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Caniceiro AB, Bueschbell B, Schiedel AC, Moreira IS. Class A and C GPCR Dimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2081-2141. [PMID: 35339177 PMCID: PMC9886835 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220327221830] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 30 million people worldwide with an ascending trend. Most individuals suffering from these irreversible brain damages belong to the elderly population, with onset between 50 and 60 years. Although the pathophysiology of such diseases is partially known, it remains unclear upon which point a disease turns degenerative. Moreover, current therapeutics can treat some of the symptoms but often have severe side effects and become less effective in long-term treatment. For many neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key players of neuronal transmission and plasticity, has become clearer and holds great promise in elucidating their biological mechanism. With this review, we introduce and summarize class A and class C GPCRs, known to form heterodimers or oligomers to increase their signalling repertoire. Additionally, the examples discussed here were shown to display relevant alterations in brain signalling and had already been associated with the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we classified the heterodimers into two categories of crosstalk, positive or negative, for which there is known evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Caniceiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Beatriz Bueschbell
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; ,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Address correspondence to this author at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; E-mail:
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17
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Barry J, Oikonomou KD, Peng A, Yu D, Yang C, Golshani P, Evans CJ, Levine MS, Cepeda C. Dissociable effects of oxycodone on behavior, calcium transient activity, and excitability of dorsolateral striatal neurons. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:983323. [PMID: 36389179 PMCID: PMC9643681 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.983323] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the most common medications for moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, they also have addictive properties that have precipitated opioid misuse and the opioid epidemic. In the present study, we examined the effects of acute administration of oxycodone, a μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, on Ca2+ transient activity of medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) in freely moving animals. Ca2+ imaging of MSNs in dopamine D1-Cre mice (expressing Cre predominantly in the direct pathway) or adenosine A2A-Cre mice (expressing Cre predominantly in the indirect pathway) was obtained with the aid of miniaturized microscopes (Miniscopes) and a genetically encoded Cre-dependent Ca2+ indicator (GCaMP6f). Systemic injections of oxycodone (3 mg/kg) increased locomotor activity yet, paradoxically, reduced concomitantly the number of active MSNs. The frequency of Ca2+ transients was significantly reduced in MSNs from A2A-Cre mice but not in those from D1-Cre mice. For comparative purposes, a separate group of mice was injected with a non-Cre dependent Ca2+ indicator in the cerebral cortex and the effects of the opioid also were tested. In contrast to MSNs, the frequency of Ca2+ transients in cortical pyramidal neurons was significantly increased by oxycodone administration. Additional electrophysiological studies in brain slices confirmed generalized inhibitory effects of oxycodone on MSNs, including membrane hyperpolarization, reduced excitability, and decreased frequency of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents. These results demonstrate a dissociation between locomotion and striatal MSN activity after acute administration of oxycodone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Barry
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katerina D. Oikonomou
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Allison Peng
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Yu
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chenyi Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher J. Evans
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael S. Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Carlos Cepeda,
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18
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Rysztak LG, Jutkiewicz EM. The role of enkephalinergic systems in substance use disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:932546. [PMID: 35993087 PMCID: PMC9391026 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.932546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enkephalin, an endogenous opioid peptide, is highly expressed in the reward pathway and may modulate neurotransmission to regulate reward-related behaviors, such as drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors. Drugs of abuse also directly increase enkephalin in this pathway, yet it is unknown whether or not changes in the enkephalinergic system after drug administration mediate any specific behaviors. The use of animal models of substance use disorders (SUDs) concurrently with pharmacological, genetic, and molecular tools has allowed researchers to directly investigate the role of enkephalin in promoting these behaviors. In this review, we explore neurochemical mechanisms by which enkephalin levels and enkephalin-mediated signaling are altered by drug administration and interrogate the contribution of enkephalin systems to SUDs. Studies manipulating the receptors that enkephalin targets (e.g., mu and delta opioid receptors mainly) implicate the endogenous opioid peptide in drug-induced neuroadaptations and reward-related behaviors; however, further studies will need to confirm the role of enkephalin directly. Overall, these findings suggest that the enkephalinergic system is involved in multiple aspects of SUDs, such as the primary reinforcing properties of drugs, conditioned reinforcing effects, and sensitization. The idea of dopaminergic-opioidergic interactions in these behaviors remains relatively novel and warrants further research. Continuing work to elucidate the role of enkephalin in mediating neurotransmission in reward circuitry driving behaviors related to SUDs remains crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G. Rysztak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily M. Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Emily M. Jutkiewicz,
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19
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Al-Nuaimi Z, Al-Baniwes AJ. Evaluation the Protective Effect of Withania somnifera Extract on the Level of Sex Hormone in Morphine Addicted Female Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine is one of the most types of phenanthrene alkaloid opioid used to soothe the acute and chronic pain via narcotic and analgesic medical employment. Increasingly constantly used of opioid in the public and medication practical important knowledge improve that. Morphine show pernicious has effects on numerous tissue for instance ovary, liver and lung morphine side effects instruct for existence of oxidative role due to generation of reactive oxygen species in the affected tissue. Last decades researchers proved that natural substance provides protective role against toxic effect. Thus, withania somnifera consider as antioxidant substance provide protective versus the toxic substance as morphine. The present study wase aimed to evaluate the protective role of withania somnifera extract on the level of sex hormone in morphine addicted female rats. In conclusion, the present study confirmed a truth evidence of a protective roles of withania somnifera against the morphine addiction in female rats.
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20
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Taylor EL, Weaver SR, Lorang IM, Arnold KM, Bradley EW, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Wickman K, Westendorf JJ. GIRK3 deletion facilitates kappa opioid signaling in chondrocytes, delays vascularization and promotes bone lengthening in mice. Bone 2022; 159:116391. [PMID: 35314385 PMCID: PMC9035100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116391] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Long bones are formed and repaired through the process of endochondral ossification. Activation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways is crucial for skeletal development and long bone growth. G protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K+ (GIRK) channel genes are key functional components and effectors of GPCR signaling pathways in excitable cells of the heart and brain, but their roles in non-excitable cells that directly contribute to endochondral bone formation have not been studied. In this study, we analyzed skeletal phenotypes of Girk2-/-, Girk3-/- and Girk2/3-/- mice. Bones from 12-week-old Girk2-/- mice were normal in length, but femurs and tibiae from Girk3-/- and Girk2/3-/- mice were longer than age-matched controls at 12-weeks-old. Epiphyseal chondrocytes from 5-day-old Girk3-/- mice expressed higher levels of genes involved in collagen chain trimerization and collagen fibril assembly, lower levels of genes encoding VEGF receptors, and produced larger micromasses than wildtype chondrocytes in vitro. Girk3-/- chondrocytes were also more responsive to the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) ligand dynorphin, as evidenced by greater pCREB expression, greater cAMP and GAG production, and upregulation of Col2a1 and Sox9 transcripts. Imaging studies showed that Kdr (Vegfr2) and endomucin expression was dramatically reduced in bones from young Girk3-/- mice, supporting a role for delayed vasculogenesis and extended postnatal endochondral bone growth. Together these data indicate that GIRK3 controls several processes involved in bone lengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earnest L Taylor
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Cell Biology, University of North Carolina, NC, United States of America
| | - Samantha R Weaver
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Ian M Lorang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Katherine M Arnold
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth W Bradley
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | | | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Jennifer J Westendorf
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
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21
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Getsy PM, Baby SM, Gruber RB, Gaston B, Lewis THJ, Grossfield A, Seckler JM, Hsieh YH, Bates JN, Lewis SJ. S-Nitroso-L-Cysteine Stereoselectively Blunts the Deleterious Effects of Fentanyl on Breathing While Augmenting Antinociception in Freely-Moving Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:892307. [PMID: 35721204 PMCID: PMC9199495 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.892307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenously administered S-nitrosothiols modulate the activities of central and peripheral systems that control breathing. We have unpublished data showing that the deleterious effects of morphine on arterial blood-gas chemistry (i.e., pH, pCO2, pO2, and sO2) and Alveolar-arterial gradient (i.e., index of gas exchange) were markedly diminished in anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats that received a continuous intravenous infusion of the endogenous S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-L-cysteine. The present study extends these findings by showing that unanesthetized adult male Sprague Dawley rats receiving an intravenous infusion of S-nitroso-L-cysteine (100 or 200 nmol/kg/min) markedly diminished the ability of intravenous injections of the potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl (10, 25, and 50 μg/kg), to depress the frequency of breathing, tidal volume, and minute ventilation. Our study also found that the ability of intravenously injected fentanyl (10, 25, and 50 μg/kg) to disturb eupneic breathing, which was measured as a marked increase of the non-eupneic breathing index, was substantially reduced in unanesthetized rats receiving intravenous infusions of S-nitroso-L-cysteine (100 or 200 nmol/kg/min). In contrast, the deleterious effects of fentanyl (10, 25, and 50 μg/kg) on frequency of breathing, tidal volume, minute ventilation and non-eupneic breathing index were fully expressed in rats receiving continuous infusions (200 nmol/kg/min) of the parent amino acid, L-cysteine, or the D-isomer, namely, S-nitroso-D-cysteine. In addition, the antinociceptive actions of the above doses of fentanyl as monitored by the tail-flick latency assay, were enhanced by S-nitroso-L-cysteine, but not L-cysteine or S-nitroso-D-cysteine. Taken together, these findings add to existing knowledge that S-nitroso-L-cysteine stereoselectively modulates the detrimental effects of opioids on breathing, and opens the door for mechanistic studies designed to establish whether the pharmacological actions of S-nitroso-L-cysteine involve signaling processes that include 1) the activation of plasma membrane ion channels and receptors, 2) selective intracellular entry of S-nitroso-L-cysteine, and/or 3) S-nitrosylation events. Whether alterations in the bioavailability and bioactivity of endogenous S-nitroso-L-cysteine is a key factor in determining the potency/efficacy of fentanyl on breathing is an intriguing question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Ryan B. Gruber
- Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Benjamin Gaston
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Tristan H. J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Alan Grossfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - James M. Seckler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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22
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Pagare PP, Li M, Zheng Y, Kulkarni AS, Obeng S, Huang B, Ruiz C, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Stevens DL, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Dewey WL, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of NAP Isosteres: A Switch from Peripheral to Central Nervous System Acting Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5095-5112. [PMID: 35255685 PMCID: PMC10149103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The μ opioid receptor (MOR) has been an intrinsic target to develop treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). Herein, we report our efforts on developing centrally acting MOR antagonists by structural modifications of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(4'-pyridyl) carboxamido] morphinan (NAP), a peripherally acting MOR-selective antagonist. An isosteric replacement concept was applied and incorporated with physiochemical property predictions in the molecular design. Three analogs, namely, 25, 26, and 31, were identified as potent MOR antagonists in vivo with significantly fewer withdrawal symptoms than naloxone observed at similar doses. Furthermore, brain and plasma drug distribution studies supported the outcomes of our design strategy on these compounds. Taken together, our isosteric replacement of pyridine with pyrrole, furan, and thiophene provided insights into the structure-activity relationships of NAP and aided the understanding of physicochemical requirements of potential CNS acting opioids. These efforts resulted in potent, centrally efficacious MOR antagonists that may be pursued as leads to treat OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Abhishek S Kulkarni
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Christian Ruiz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David L Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Matthew S Halquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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23
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Chinn AM, Salmerón C, Lee J, Sriram K, Raz E, Insel PA. PDE4B Is a Homeostatic Regulator of Cyclic AMP in Dendritic Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:833832. [PMID: 35387344 PMCID: PMC8977838 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.833832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic decreases in the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) occur in numerous settings, but how cells compensate for such decreases is unknown. We have used a unique system-murine dendritic cells (DCs) with a DC-selective depletion of the heterotrimeric GTP binding protein Gαs-to address this issue. These mice spontaneously develop Th2-allergic asthma and their DCs have persistently lower cAMP levels. We found that phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) is the primary phosphodiesterase expressed in DCs and that its expression is preferentially decreased in Gαs-depleted DCs. PDE4B expression is dynamic, falling and rising in a protein kinase A-dependent manner with decreased and increased cAMP concentrations, respectively. Treatment of DCs that drive enhanced Th2 immunity with a PDE4B inhibitor ameliorated DC-induced helper T cell response. We conclude that PDE4B is a homeostatic regulator of cellular cAMP concentrations in DCs and may be a target for treating Th2-allergic asthma and other settings with low cellular cAMP concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Chinn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cristina Salmerón
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jihyung Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Krishna Sriram
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Eyal Raz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Paul A. Insel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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24
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Characterization of recent non-fentanyl synthetic opioids via three different in vitro µ-opioid receptor activation assays. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:877-897. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03207-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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25
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Aldrich JV, McLaughlin JP. Peptide Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Their Potential for Drug Development. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:197-220. [PMID: 34463847 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ligands for kappa opioid receptors (KOR) have potential uses as non-addictive analgesics and for the treatment of pruritus, mood disorders, and substance abuse. These areas continue to have major unmet medical needs. Significant advances have been made in recent years in the preclinical development of novel opioid peptides, notably ones with structural features that inherently impart stability to proteases. Following a brief discussion of the potential therapeutic applications of KOR agonists and antagonists, this review focuses on two series of novel opioid peptides, all-D-amino acid tetrapeptides as peripherally selective KOR agonists for the treatment of pain and pruritus without centrally mediated side effects, and macrocyclic tetrapeptides based on CJ-15,208 that can exhibit different opioid profiles with potential applications such as analgesics and treatments for substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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26
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Patel JC, Parveen S. In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis of Fentanyl and Fentalog Metabolites using Hyphenated Chromatographic Techniques: A Review. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 35:30-42. [PMID: 34957817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (also called fentalogs) are used as medical prescriptions to treat pain for a long time. Apart from their pharmaceutical applications, they are misused immensely, causing the opioid crisis. Fentanyl and its analogues are produced in clandestine laboratories and sold over dark Web markets to different parts of the world, leading to a rise in the death rate due to drug overdose. This is because the users are unaware of the lethal effects of the newer forms of fentalogs. Unlike other drugs, these fentalogs cannot be detected easily, as very little data are available, and this is one of the major reasons for the risk of life-threatening poisoning or deaths. Hence, rigorous studies of these drugs and their possible metabolites are required. It is also necessary to develop techniques for the detection of minute traces of metabolites in biological fluids. This Review provides an overview of the application of hyphenated chromatographic techniques used to analyze multiple novel fentalogs, using in vivo and in vitro methods. The article focuses on the metabolites formed in phase I and phase II processes in biological specimens obtained in recent cases of drug abuse and overdose deaths that could be useful for the detection and differentiation of multiple fentalogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree C Patel
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru 560027, Karnataka, India
| | - Suphiya Parveen
- Department of Life Science, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru 560027, Karnataka, India
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27
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Drugs of Abuse and Their Impact on Viral Pathogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122387. [PMID: 34960656 PMCID: PMC8707190 DOI: 10.3390/v13122387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Commonly misused substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids suppress immune responses and may impact viral pathogenesis. In recent years, illicit use of opioids has fueled outbreaks of several viral pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This review focuses on the myriad of mechanisms by which drugs of abuse impact viral replication and disease progression. Virus–drug interactions can accelerate viral disease progression and lead to increased risk of virus transmission.
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28
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Liu S, Kang WJ, Abrimian A, Xu J, Cartegni L, Majumdar S, Hesketh P, Bekker A, Pan YX. Alternative Pre-mRNA Splicing of the Mu Opioid Receptor Gene, OPRM1: Insight into Complex Mu Opioid Actions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101525. [PMID: 34680158 PMCID: PMC8534031 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most opioid analgesics used clinically, including morphine and fentanyl, as well as the recreational drug heroin, act primarily through the mu opioid receptor, a class A Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The single-copy mu opioid receptor gene, OPRM1, undergoes extensive alternative splicing, creating multiple splice variants or isoforms via a variety of alternative splicing events. These OPRM1 splice variants can be categorized into three major types based on the receptor structure: (1) full-length 7 transmembrane (TM) C-terminal variants; (2) truncated 6TM variants; and (3) single TM variants. Increasing evidence suggests that these OPRM1 splice variants are pharmacologically important in mediating the distinct actions of various mu opioids. More importantly, the OPRM1 variants can be targeted for development of novel opioid analgesics that are potent against multiple types of pain, but devoid of many side-effects associated with traditional opiates. In this review, we provide an overview of OPRM1 alternative splicing and its functional relevance in opioid pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Wen-Jia Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Abrimian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Cartegni
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Patrick Hesketh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-972-3213
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29
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Zhao Y, Joshi AA, Aldrich JV, Murray TF. Quantification of kappa opioid receptor ligand potency, efficacy and desensitization using a real-time membrane potential assay. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112173. [PMID: 34536757 PMCID: PMC8516733 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112173] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the utility of the real-time FLIPR Membrane Potential (FMP) assay as a method to assess kappa opioid receptor (KOR)-induced hyperpolarization. The FMP Blue dye was used to measure fluorescent signals reflecting changes in membrane potential in KOR expressing CHO (CHO-KOR) cells. Treatment of CHO-KOR cells with kappa agonists U50,488 or dynorphin [Dyn (1-13)NH2] produced rapid and concentration-dependent decreases in FMP Blue fluorescence reflecting membrane hyperpolarization. Both the nonselective opioid antagonist naloxone and the κ-selective antagonists nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) and zyklophin produced rightward shifts in the U50,488 concentration-response curves, consistent with competitive antagonism of the KOR mediated response. The decrease in fluorescent emission produced by U50,488 was blocked by overnight pertussis toxin pretreatment, indicating the requirement for PTX-sensitive G proteins in the KOR mediated response. We directly compared the potency of U50,488 and Dyn (1-13)NH2 in the FMP and [35S]GTPγS binding assays, and found that both were approximately 10 times more potent in the cellular fluorescence assay. The maximum responses of both U50,488 and Dyn (1-13)NH2 declined following repeated additions, reflecting receptor desensitization. We assessed the efficacy and potency of structurally distinct KOR small molecule and peptide ligands. The FMP assay reliably detected both partial agonists and stereoselectivity. Using KOR-selective peptides with varying efficacies, we found that the FMP assay allowed high throughput quantification of peptide efficacy. These data demonstrate that the FMP assay is a sensitive method for assessing κ-opioid receptor induced hyperpolarization, and represents a useful approach for quantification of potency, efficacy and desensitization of KOR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Anand A Joshi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
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30
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Wang Q, Qin F, Wang H, Yang H, Liu Q, Li Z, Jiang Y, Lu S, Wang Q, Lu Z. Effect of Electro-Acupuncture at ST36 and SP6 on the cAMP -CREB Pathway and mRNA Expression Profile in the Brainstem of Morphine Tolerant Mice. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:698967. [PMID: 34512242 PMCID: PMC8431970 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.698967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Undoubtedly, opioid drugs have been the most popular treatment for refractory pain since found, such as morphine. However, tolerance to the analgesic effects caused by repeated use is inevitable, which greatly limits the clinical application of these drugs. Nowadays, it has become the focus of the world that further development of non-opioid-based treatment along with efficient strategies to circumvent opioid tolerance are urgently needed clinically. Fortunately, electro-acupuncture (EA) provides an alternative to pharmaceutic treatment, remaining its potential mechanisms unclear although. This study was aimed to observe the effects of EA on morphine-induced tolerance in mice and discover its underlying mechanism. Tail-flick assay and hot-plate test were conducted to assess the development of tolerance to morphine-induced analgesia effect. As a result of repeated administration scheme (10 mg/kg, twice per day, for 7 days), approximately a two-fold increase was observed in the effective dose of 50% (ED50) of morphine-induced antinociceptive effect. Interestingly, by EA treatment (2/100Hz, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mA, 30 min/day for 7 days) at the acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), morphine ED50 curves was remarkably leftward shifted on day 8. In addition, the RNA sequencing strategy was used to reveal the potential mechanisms. Due to the well described relevance of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding (CREB) in brainstem (BS) to analgesia tolerance, the cAMP-PKA/ERK-CREB signaling was deeply concerned in this study. Based upon Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, the up-regulation of the cAMP level was observed, whereas reversed with EA treatment. Similarly, western blot revealed the phosphorylation levels of PKA, ERK, and CREB were up-regulated in morphine tolerant mice, whereas the EA group showed a significantly reduced expression level instead. This study observed an attenuating effect of the EA at ST36 and SP6 on morphine tolerance in mice, and suggested several potential biological targets by RNA-seq, which include the cAMP-PKA/ERK-CREB signaling pathway, strongly supporting a useful treatment for combatting the opioid epidemic, and opioid-tolerant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisheng Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fenfen Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanya Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingyang Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhonghao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongwei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengfeng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of International Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhigang Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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31
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Gorur A, Patiño M, Takahashi H, Corrales G, Pickering CR, Gleber-Netto FO, Myers JN, Cata JP. Mu-opioid receptor activation promotes in vitro and in vivo tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2021; 278:119541. [PMID: 33930368 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is involved in tumorigenesis, and metastasis in cancer. In humans, the use of MOR agonists (opioids) is associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of MOR activation in MOR (+) HNSCC. MAIN METHODS FaDu, MDA686Tu and UMSCC47 cell lines were used in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cells and animals were treated with a highly selective MOR agonist DAMGO, [D-Ala (2), Me Phe (4), Glycol (5)]-enkephalin] or saline 0.9%. KEY FINDINGS MOR activation significantly increased the proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of FaDu and MDA6868Tu cells and promoted tumor growth in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that MOR is implicated in tumorigenesis of HNSCC. Overall, our findings identify that MOR could be used as a potential therapeutic target in patients with MOR (+) HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Gorur
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the University of Texas MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miguel Patiño
- Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hideaki Takahashi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - German Corrales
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the University of Texas MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Frederico O Gleber-Netto
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Juan P Cata
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the University of Texas MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Liu A, Dai Y, Mendez EF, Hu R, Fries GR, Najera KE, Jiang S, Meyer TD, Stertz L, Jia P, Walss-Bass C, Zhao Z. Genome-Wide Correlation of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Postmortem Brain Tissues of Opioid Use Disorder Patients. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:879-891. [PMID: 34214162 PMCID: PMC8598308 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects millions of people, causing nearly 50 000 deaths annually in the United States. While opioid exposure and OUD are known to cause widespread transcriptomic and epigenetic changes, few studies in human samples have been conducted. Understanding how OUD affects the brain at the molecular level could help decipher disease pathogenesis and shed light on OUD treatment. METHODS We generated genome-wide transcriptomic and DNA methylation profiles of 22 OUD subjects and 19 non-psychiatric controls. We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify genetic markers consistently associated with OUD at both transcriptomic and methylomic levels. We then performed functional enrichment for biological interpretation. We employed cross-omics analysis to uncover OUD-specific regulatory networks. RESULTS We found 6 OUD-associated co-expression gene modules and 6 co-methylation modules (false discovery rate <0.1). Genes in these modules are involved in astrocyte and glial cell differentiation, gliogenesis, response to organic substance, and response to cytokine (false discovery rate <0.05). Cross-omics analysis revealed immune-related transcription regulators, suggesting the role of transcription factor-targeted regulatory networks in OUD pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our integrative analysis of multi-omics data in OUD postmortem brain samples suggested complex gene regulatory mechanisms involved in OUD-associated expression patterns. Candidate genes and their upstream regulators revealed in astrocyte, and glial cells could provide new insights into OUD treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Emily F Mendez
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Ruifeng Hu
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA,Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Katherine E Najera
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Thomas D Meyer
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Laura Stertz
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Peilin Jia
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA,Correspondence: Zhongming Zhao, PhD, Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St #600, Houston, TX, USA () and Consuelo Walss-Bass, PhD, Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA ()
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA,Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,USA,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence: Zhongming Zhao, PhD, Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St #600, Houston, TX, USA () and Consuelo Walss-Bass, PhD, Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA ()
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Gledhill LJ, Babey AM. Synthesis of the Mechanisms of Opioid Tolerance: Do We Still Say NO? Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:927-948. [PMID: 33704603 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of morphine as a first-line agent for moderate-to-severe pain is limited by the development of analgesic tolerance. Initially opioid receptor desensitization in response to repeated stimulation, thought to underpin the establishment of tolerance, was linked to a compensatory increase in adenylate cyclase responsiveness. The subsequent demonstration of cross-talk between N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors and opioid receptors led to the recognition of a role for nitric oxide (NO), wherein blockade of NO synthesis could prevent tolerance developing. Investigations of the link between NO levels and opioid receptor desensitization implicated a number of events including kinase recruitment and peroxynitrite-mediated protein regulation. Recent experimental advances and the identification of new cellular constituents have expanded the potential signaling candidates to include unexpected, intermediary compounds not previously linked to this process such as zinc, histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1), micro-ribonucleic acid (mi-RNA) and regulator of G protein signaling Z (RGSZ). A further complication is a lack of consistency in the protocols used to create tolerance, with some using acute methods measured in minutes to hours and others using days. There is also an emphasis on the cellular changes that are extant only after tolerance has been established. Although a review of the literature demonstrates a lack of spatio-temporal detail, there still appears to be a pivotal role for nitric oxide, as well as both intracellular and intercellular cross-talk. The use of more consistent approaches to verify these underlying mechanism(s) could provide an avenue for targeted drug development to rescue opioid efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Gledhill
- CURA Pharmacy, St. John of God Hospital, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
| | - Anna-Marie Babey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
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Kibaly C, Alderete JA, Liu SH, Nasef HS, Law PY, Evans CJ, Cahill CM. Oxycodone in the Opioid Epidemic: High 'Liking', 'Wanting', and Abuse Liability. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:899-926. [PMID: 33245509 PMCID: PMC8155122 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly a third of people who abuse drugs started with prescription opioid medicines. Approximately, 11.5 million Americans used prescription drugs recreationally in 2016, and in 2018, 46,802 Americans died as the result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (National Institutes on Drug Abuse (2020) Opioid Overdose Crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis . Accessed 06 June 2020). Yet physicians will continue to prescribe oral opioids for moderate-to-severe pain in the absence of alternative therapeutics, underscoring the importance in understanding how drug choice can influence detrimental outcomes. One of the opioid prescription medications that led to this crisis is oxycodone, where misuse of this drug has been rampant. Being one of the most highly prescribed opioid medications for treating moderate-to-severe pain as reflected in the skyrocketed increase in retail sales of 866% between 1997 and 2007, oxycodone was initially suggested to be less addictive than morphine. The false-claimed non-addictive formulation of oxycodone, OxyContin, further contributed to the opioid crisis. Abuse was often carried out by crushing the pills for immediate burst release, typically by nasal insufflation, or by liquefying the pills for intravenous injection. Here, we review oxycodone pharmacology and abuse liability as well as present the hypothesis that oxycodone may exhibit a unique pharmacology that contributes to its high likability and abuse susceptibility. We will discuss various mechanisms that likely contribute to the high abuse rate of oxycodone including clinical drug likability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, differences in its actions within mesolimbic reward circuity compared to other opioids, and the possibility of differential molecular and cellular receptor interactions that contribute to its selective effects. We will also discuss marketing strategies and drug difference that likely contributes to the oxycodone opioid use disorders and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherkaouia Kibaly
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jacob A Alderete
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven H Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hazem S Nasef
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ping-Yee Law
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Genaro K, Prado WA. The role of the anterior pretectal nucleus in pain modulation: A comprehensive review. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4358-4380. [PMID: 33909941 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Descending pain modulation involves multiple encephalic sites and pathways that range from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. Behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s revealed that electrical stimulation of the pretectal area causes antinociception dissociation from aversive responses. Anatomical and physiological studies identified the anterior pretectal nucleus and its descending projections to several midbrain, pontine, and medullary structures. The anterior pretectal nucleus is morphologically divided into a dorsal part that contains a dense neuron population (pars compacta) and a ventral part that contains a dense fiber band network (pars reticulata). Connections of the two anterior pretectal nucleus parts are broad and include prominent projections to and from major encephalic systems associated with somatosensory processes. Since the first observation that acute or chronic noxious stimuli activate the anterior pretectal nucleus, it has been established that numerous mediators participate in this response through distinct pathways. Recent studies have confirmed that at least two pain inhibitory pathways are activated from the anterior pretectal nucleus. This review focuses on rodent anatomical, behavioral, molecular, and neurochemical data that have helped to identify mediators of the anterior pretectal nucleus and pathways related to its role in pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Genaro
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wiliam A Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lee J, Rosales JL, Byun HG, Lee KY. D,L-Methadone causes leukemic cell apoptosis via an OPRM1-triggered increase in IP3R-mediated ER Ca 2+ release and decrease in Ca 2+ efflux, elevating [Ca 2+] i. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1009. [PMID: 33441856 PMCID: PMC7806773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80520-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The search continues for improved therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (aLL), the most common malignancy in children. Recently, d,l-methadone was put forth as sensitizer for aLL chemotherapy. However, the specific target of d,l-methadone in leukemic cells and the mechanism by which it induces leukemic cell apoptosis remain to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that d,l-methadone induces leukemic cell apoptosis through activation of the mu1 subtype of opioid receptors (OPRM1). d,l-Methadone evokes IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release that is inhibited by OPRM1 loss. In addition, the rate of Ca2+ extrusion following d,l-methadone treatment is reduced, but is accelerated by loss of OPRM1. These d,l-methadone effects cause a lethal rise in [Ca2+]i that is again inhibited by OPRM1 loss, which then prevents d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis that is associated with activation of calpain-1, truncation of Bid, cytochrome C release, and proteolysis of caspase-3/12. Chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM reverses d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis, establishing a link between the rise in [Ca2+]i and d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis. Altogether, our findings point to OPRM1 as a specific target of d,l-methadone in leukemic cells, and that OPRM1 activation by d,l-methadone disrupts IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release and rate of Ca2+ efflux, causing a rise in [Ca2+]i that upregulates the calpain-1-Bid-cytochrome C-caspase-3/12 apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungKwon Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institutes, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Marine Biotechnology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Jesusa L Rosales
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institutes, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Hee-Guk Byun
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institutes, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Romero-Morelos P, Ruvalcaba-Paredes E, Garciadiego-Cázares D, Pérez-Santos M, Reyes-Long S, Alfaro-Rodriguez A, Salcedo M, Mancilla-Ramírez J, Bandala C. Neurophysiological Mechanisms Related to Pain Management in Bone Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:308-319. [PMID: 33176655 PMCID: PMC8033964 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666201111112748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary and metastatic bone tumor incidence has increased in the previous years. Pain is a common symptom and is one of the most important related factors to the decrease of quality of life in patients with bone tumor. Different pain management strategies are not completely effective and many patients afflicted by cancer pain cannot be controlled properly. In this sense, we need to elucidate the neurophysiology of cancer-induced pain, contemplating other components such as inflammation, neuropathies and cognitive components regarding bone tumors, and thus pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in this field. AIM This study aims to identify the neurophysiology of the mechanisms related to pain management in bone tumors. METHODS Advanced searches were performed in scientific databases: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, and the Science Citation index to get information about the neurophysiology mechanisms related to pain management in bone tumors. RESULTS The central and peripheral mechanisms that promote bone cancer pain are poorly understood. Studies have shown that bone cancer could be related to neurochemicals produced by tumor and inflammatory cells, coupled with peripheral sensitization due to nerve compression and injury caused by tumor growth. The activity of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, substance P, cysteine/ glutamate antiporter, and other neurochemical dynamics brings us putative strategies to suggest better and efficient treatments against pain in cancer patients. CONCLUSION Cancer-induced bone pain could include neuropathic and inflammatory pain, but with different modifications to the periphery tissue, nerves and neurochemical changes in different neurological levels. In this sense, we explore opportunity areas in pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain management, according to pain-involved mechanisms in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cindy Bandala
- Address correspondence to this author at the Departament of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Del. Tlalpan, 14389 Ciudad de México, México; Tel: (+52) (55) 5999 1000, ext. 19303; E-mail:
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Brejchova J, Holan V, Svoboda P. Expression of Opioid Receptors in Cells of the Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E315. [PMID: 33396783 PMCID: PMC7795304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation of the immunomodulatory effects of opioid drugs opened the discussion about possible mechanisms of action and led researchers to consider the presence of opioid receptors (OR) in cells of the immune system. To date, numerous studies analyzing the expression of OR subtypes in animal and human immune cells have been performed. Some of them confirmed the expression of OR at both the mRNA and protein level, while others did not detect the receptor mRNA either. Although this topic remains controversial, further studies are constantly being published. The most recent articles suggested that the expression level of OR in human peripheral blood lymphocytes could help to evaluate the success of methadone maintenance therapy in former opioid addicts, or could serve as a biomarker for chronic pain diagnosis. However, the applicability of these findings to clinical practice needs to be verified by further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Brejchova
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Vladimir Holan
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
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D'Elia A, Schiavi S, Soluri A, Massari R, Soluri A, Trezza V. Role of Nuclear Imaging to Understand the Neural Substrates of Brain Disorders in Laboratory Animals: Current Status and Future Prospects. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:596509. [PMID: 33362486 PMCID: PMC7759612 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.596509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging, which allows the real-time visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes, is becoming increasingly used in neuroscience research. Scintigraphy techniques such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide qualitative and quantitative measurement of brain activity in both physiological and pathological states. Laboratory animals, and rodents in particular, are essential in neuroscience research, providing plenty of models of brain disorders. The development of innovative high-resolution small animal imaging systems together with their radiotracers pave the way to the study of brain functioning and neurotransmitter release during behavioral tasks in rodents. The assessment of local changes in the release of neurotransmitters associated with the performance of a given behavioral task is a turning point for the development of new potential drugs for psychiatric and neurological disorders. This review addresses the role of SPECT and PET small animal imaging systems for a better understanding of brain functioning in health and disease states. Brain imaging in rodent models faces a series of challenges since it acts within the boundaries of current imaging in terms of sensitivity and spatial resolution. Several topics are discussed, including technical considerations regarding the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies. Moreover, the application of some of the radioligands developed for small animal nuclear imaging studies is discussed. Then, we examine the changes in metabolic and neurotransmitter activity in various brain areas during task-induced neural activation with special regard to the imaging of opioid, dopaminergic and cannabinoid receptors. Finally, we discuss the current status providing future perspectives on the most innovative imaging techniques in small laboratory animals. The challenges and solutions discussed here might be useful to better understand brain functioning allowing the translation of preclinical results into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Elia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy.,Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Soluri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soluri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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Tyagi A, Daliri EBM, Kwami Ofosu F, Yeon SJ, Oh DH. Food-Derived Opioid Peptides in Human Health: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8825. [PMID: 33233481 PMCID: PMC7700510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
World Health Organization data suggest that stress, depression, and anxiety have a noticeable prevalence and are becoming some of the most common causes of disability in the Western world. Stress-related disorders are considered to be a challenge for the healthcare system with their great economic and social impact. The knowledge on these conditions is not very clear among many people, as a high proportion of patients do not respond to the currently available medications for targeting the monoaminergic system. In addition, the use of clinical drugs is also associated with various side effects such as vomiting, dizziness, sedation, nausea, constipation, and many more, which prevents their effective use. Therefore, opioid peptides derived from food sources are becoming one of the safe and natural alternatives because of their production from natural sources such as animals and plant proteins. The requirement for screening and considering dietary proteins as a source of bioactive peptides is highlighted to understand their potential roles in stress-related disorders as a part of a diet or as a drug complementing therapeutic prescription. In this review, we discussed current knowledge on opioid endogenous and exogenous peptides concentrating on their production, purification, and related studies. To fully understand their potential in stress-related conditions, either as a drug or as a therapeutic part of a diet prescription, the need to screen more dietary proteins as a source of novel opioid peptides is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Deog-Hwan Oh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea; (A.T.); (E.B.-M.D.); (F.K.O.); (S.-J.Y.)
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Abstract
The management of pain, particularly chronic pain, is still an area of medical need. In this context, opioids remain a gold standard for the treatment of pain. However, significant side effects, mainly of central origin, limit their clinical use. Here, we review recent progress to improve the therapeutic and safety profiles of opioids for pain management. Characterization of peripheral opioid-mediated pain mechanisms have been a key component of this process. Several studies identified peripheral µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, and KOR, respectively) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors as significant players of opioid-mediated antinociception, able to achieve clinically significant effects independently of any central action. Following this, particularly from a medicinal chemistry point of view, main efforts have been directed towards the peripheralization of opioid receptor agonists with the objective of optimizing receptor activity and minimizing central exposure and the associated undesired effects. These activities have allowed the characterization of a great variety of compounds and investigational drugs that show low central nervous system (CNS) penetration (and therefore a reduced side effect profile) yet maintaining the desired opioid-related peripheral antinociceptive activity. These include highly hydrophilic/amphiphilic and massive molecules unable to easily cross lipid membranes, substrates of glycoprotein P (a extrusion pump that avoids CNS penetration), nanocarriers that release the analgesic agent at the site of inflammation and pain, and pH-sensitive opioid agonists that selectively activate at those sites (and represent a new pharmacodynamic paradigm). Hopefully, patients with pain will benefit soon from the incorporation of these new entities.
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Christian-Hinman CA. Is On-Demand Dynorphin Destined to Be in Demand to Decrease Seizures? Epilepsy Curr 2020; 21:48-50. [PMID: 34025273 PMCID: PMC7863305 DOI: 10.1177/1535759720951791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
[Box: see text]
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Tuo Y, Tian C, Lu L, Xiang M. The paradoxical role of methionine enkephalin in tumor responses. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173253. [PMID: 32535097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) is an opioid peptide composed of five amino acids with multiple biological activities. Since its discovery, MENK has become prominent in neuroregulation and immunoregulation. Tumors have increasingly been a spotlight because of their terrible trends and refractory characteristic. The therapeutic potential of MENK was investigated on a large scale, and there are numerous evidences that MENK exerts anti-tumor effects via two mechanisms. The first mechanism explains the enhanced anti-tumor immune effects of MENK. The second mechanism shows that MENK directly inhibits tumor cell proliferation. However, numerous reports have clarified the pro-tumor role of MENK by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation, promoting tumor cell growth by binding to opioid receptors, leading to desensitization of lymphocytes, and inducing tolerance. It is particularly intriguing that dual reactions are triggered when MENK combines with its opioid receptors; thus, anti-tumor response of the whole body is influenced. This review will expound the dual roles of MENK in tumor responses based on immune cells, cytokines, and tumor cells to provide better suggestions for its application in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Tuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Cheng Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lili Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ming Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Lopresti NM, Esguerra M, Mermelstein PG. Sex Differences in Animal Models of Opioid Reward. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020; 12:186-194. [PMID: 33574737 PMCID: PMC7872138 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to discuss sex differences observed in preclinical rodent models of opioid reward. RECENT FINDINGS Utilizing a variety of methodological approaches and drug regimens, no clear consensus has emerged regarding the effects of opiates between males and females. This is quite dissimilar to work examining psychostimulants, where female animals reliably exhibit stronger behavioral responses. SUMMARY With opioid research quickly expanding to determine the neural underpinnings of opioid addiction, further research is essential to determine the conditions wherein sex differences may occur and how they may relate to the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Esguerra
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Department of Neuroscience
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Puig S, Barker KE, Szott SR, Kann PT, Morris JS, Gutstein HB. Spinal Opioid Tolerance Depends upon Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor- β Signaling, Not μ-Opioid Receptor Internalization. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:487-496. [PMID: 32723769 DOI: 10.1124/mol.120.119552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are some of the most potent analgesics available. However, their effectiveness is limited by the development of analgesic tolerance. Traditionally, tolerance was thought to occur by termination of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) signaling via desensitization and internalization. Contradictory findings led to a more recent proposal that sustained MOR signaling caused analgesic tolerance. However, this view has also been called into question. We recently discovered that the platelet-derived growth factor receptor(PDGFR)-β signaling system is both necessary and sufficient to cause opioid tolerance. We therefore propose a completely new hypothesis: that opioid tolerance is mediated by selective cellular signals and is independent of MOR internalization. To test this hypothesis, we developed an automated software-based method to perform unbiased analyses of opioid-induced MOR internalization in the rat substantia gelatinosa. We induced tolerance with either morphine, which did not cause MOR internalization, or fentanyl, which did. We also blocked tolerance by administering morphine or fentanyl with the PDGFR-β inhibitor imatinib. We found that imatinib blocked tolerance without altering receptor internalization induced by either morphine or fentanyl. We also showed that imatinib blocked tolerance to other clinically used opioids. Our findings indicate that opioid tolerance is not dependent upon MOR internalization and support the novel hypothesis that opioid tolerance is mediated by intracellular signaling that can be selectively targeted. This suggests the exciting possibility that undesirable opioid side effects can be selectively eliminated, dramatically improving the safety and efficacy of opioids. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Classically, it was thought that analgesic tolerance to opioids was caused by desensitization and internalization of μ-opioid receptors (MORs). More recently, it was proposed that sustained, rather than reduced, MOR signaling caused tolerance. Here, we present conclusive evidence that opioid tolerance occurs independently of MOR internalization and that it is selectively mediated by platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling. This novel hypothesis suggests that dangerous opioid side effects can be selectively targeted and blocked, improving the safety and efficacy of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Puig
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
| | - K E Barker
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
| | - S R Szott
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
| | - P T Kann
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
| | - J S Morris
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
| | - H B Gutstein
- Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (H.B.G.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (S.P., S.R.S., P.T.K.); MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (K.E.B.); and Biostatistics Division, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.S.M.)
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Cocaine Self-administration Regulates Transcription of Opioid Peptide Precursors and Opioid Receptors in Rat Caudate Putamen and Prefrontal Cortex. Neuroscience 2020; 443:131-139. [PMID: 32730947 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The brain opioid system plays an important role in cocaine reward. Altered signaling in the opioid system by chronic cocaine exposure contributes to cocaine-seeking and taking behavior. The current study investigated concurrent changes in the gene expression of multiple components in rat brain opioid system following cocaine self-administration. Animals were limited to 40 infusions (1.5 mg/kg/infusion) within 6 h per day for five consecutive days. We then examined the mRNA levels of opioid receptors including mu (Oprm), delta (Oprd), and kappa (Oprk), and their endogenous opioid peptide precursors including proopiomelanocortin (Pomc), proenkephalin (Penk), prodynorphin (Pdyn) in the dorsal striatum (CPu) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) 18 h after the last cocaine infusion. We found that cocaine self-administration significantly increased the mRNA levels of Oprm and Oprd in both the CPu and PFC, but had no effect on Oprk mRNA levels in either brain region. Moreover, cocaine had a greater influence on the mRNA levels of opioid peptide precursors in rat CPu than in the PFC. In the CPu, cocaine self-administration significantly increased the mRNA levels of Penk and Pdyn and abolished the mRNA levels of Pomc. In the PFC, cocaine self-administration only increased Pdyn mRNA levels without changing the mRNA levels of Pomc and Penk. These data suggest that cocaine self-administration influences the expression of multiple genes in the brain opioid system, and the concurrent changes in these targets may underlie cocaine-induced reward and habitual drug-seeking behavior.
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Opioid system influences gut-brain axis: Dysbiosis and related alterations. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:104928. [PMID: 32504837 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioid drugs are widely used to treat chronic pain, but their misuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction and have created a significant public health problem. In addition, food-derived opioid peptides, known as exorphins, like gluten exorphins have been shown to have harmful effects in certain pathologies like celiac disease, for example. Several studies support the involvement of the opioid system in the development of disorders such as autism spectrum syndrome. Moreover, bidirectional communication between the intestine and brain has been shown to be altered in various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s. The presence of opioid receptors in both the digestive tract and the central nervous system (CNS) suggests that opioid drugs and exorphins may modulate the gut-brain axis. Morphine, for example, has shown a dysbiotic effect on the bacterial microbiota in addition to inducing an increase in intestinal permeability facilitating bacterial translocation. Furthermore, certain components of bacteria can modify the expression of opioid receptors at the central level increasing sensitivity to pain. Strategies based on use of probiotics have resulted in improvements in symptoms of autism and Parkinson´s disease. In this manuscript, we review the role of the opioid system in disorders and CNS pathologies and the involvement of the gut-brain axis.
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On the Role of Peripheral Sensory and Gut Mu Opioid Receptors: Peripheral Analgesia and Tolerance. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25112473. [PMID: 32466522 PMCID: PMC7321260 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence on the role of peripheral µ-opioid receptors (MORs) in analgesia and analgesic tolerance. Opioid analgesics are the mainstay in the management of moderate to severe pain, and their efficacy in the alleviation of pain is well recognized. Unfortunately, chronic treatment with opioid analgesics induces central analgesic tolerance, thus limiting their clinical usefulness. Numerous molecular mechanisms, including receptor desensitization, G-protein decoupling, β-arrestin recruitment, and alterations in the expression of peripheral MORs and microbiota have been postulated to contribute to the development of opioid analgesic tolerance. However, these studies are largely focused on central opioid analgesia and tolerance. Accumulated literature supports that peripheral MORs mediate analgesia, but controversial results on the development of peripheral opioid receptors-mediated analgesic tolerance are reported. In this review, we offer evidence on the consequence of the activation of peripheral MORs in analgesia and analgesic tolerance, as well as approaches that enhance analgesic efficacy and decrease the development of tolerance to opioids at the peripheral sites. We have also addressed the advantages and drawbacks of the activation of peripheral MORs on the sensory neurons and gut (leading to dysbiosis) on the development of central and peripheral analgesic tolerance.
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Kokane SS, Perrotti LI. Sex Differences and the Role of Estradiol in Mesolimbic Reward Circuits and Vulnerability to Cocaine and Opiate Addiction. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:74. [PMID: 32508605 PMCID: PMC7251038 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although both men and women become addicted to drugs of abuse, women transition to addiction faster, experience greater difficulties remaining abstinent, and relapse more often than men. In both humans and rodents, hormonal cycles are associated with females' faster progression to addiction. Higher concentrations and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones in females modulate the mesolimbic reward system and influence reward-directed behavior. For example, in female rodents, estradiol (E2) influences dopamine activity within the mesolimbic reward system such that drug-directed behaviors that are normally rewarding and reinforcing become enhanced when circulating levels of E2 are high. Therefore, neuroendocrine interactions, in part, explain sex differences in behaviors motivated by drug reward. Here, we review sex differences in the physiology and function of the mesolimbic reward system in order to explore the notion that sex differences in response to drugs of abuse, specifically cocaine and opiates, are the result of molecular neuroadaptations that differentially develop depending upon the hormonal state of the animal. We also reconsider the notion that ovarian hormones, specifically estrogen/estradiol, sensitize target neurons thereby increasing responsivity when under the influence of either cocaine or opiates or in response to exposure to drug-associated cues. These adaptations may ultimately serve to guide the motivational behaviors that underlie the factors that cause women to be more vulnerable to cocaine and opiate addiction than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S Kokane
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
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Wang H, Reinecke BA, Zhang Y. Computational insights into the molecular mechanisms of differentiated allosteric modulation at the mu opioid receptor by structurally similar bitopic modulators. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 34:879-895. [PMID: 32193867 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the mu opioid receptor (MOR) by applying orthosteric ligands is the most frequently employed method to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Unfortunately, most of MOR orthosteric ligands produce severe side effects, mainly due to their low selectivity over other opioid receptors. In contrast, some G protein-coupled receptor allosteric modulators have been reported to exhibit high subtype selectivity and can effectively modulate the potency and/or efficacy of orthosteric ligands. Recently, NAQ and its analog NCQ were identified as novel MOR bitopic modulators. Interestingly, NAQ and NCQ were similar in structure but exhibited different efficacy profiles to the MOR. NAQ exhibited an antagonism activity to the MOR while NCQ showed a partial agonism activity to the MOR. In the present study, molecular modeling methods were applied to explore the putative molecular mechanisms of their different functional profiles to the MOR. When NAQ binding with the inactive MOR, the 'address' portion of NAQ interacted with the MOR allosteric site but showed no significant allosteric modulation of the efficacy of the 'message' portion of NAQ. However, when NCQ binding with the inactive and active MOR, the 'address' portion of NCQ seemed to be able to positively modulate the efficacy of the 'message' portion of NCQ at varying levels. Evidentially, the substituents at the 1'- and 4'-positions of the isoquinoline ring of NCQ seemed to play a critical role in the modulatory function of the 'address' portion of NCQ. These findings will be invaluable to develop our next generation of MOR bitopic modulators with high affinity and subtype selectivity to potentially treat OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Bethany A Reinecke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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