Parallel Effects of Methamphetamine on Anxiety and CCL3 in Humans and a Genetic Mouse Model of High Methamphetamine Intake

Immunotherapeutic treatment of inflammation in mice exposed to methamphetamine

Introduction

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine addiction, including the inflammatory, neurotoxic, and adverse neuropsychiatric effects. We have shown that partial (p)MHC class II constructs (i.e., Recombinant T-cell receptor Ligand - RTL1000), comprised of the extracellular α1 and β1 domains of MHC class II molecules linked covalently to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-35-55 peptide, can address the neuroimmune effects of methamphetamine addiction through its ability to bind to and down-regulate CD74 expression, block macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The present study evaluated the effects of our third-generation pMHC II construct, DRmQ, on cognitive function and concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the frontal cortex, a region critical for cognitive functions such as memory, impulse control, and problem solving.

Methods

Female and male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to methamphetamine (or saline) via subcutaneous (s.c.) injections administered four times per day every other day for 14 days. Following methamphetamine exposure, mice received immunotherapy (DRmQ or ibudilast) or vehicle s.c. injections daily for five days. Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test (NORT). To evaluate the effects of immunotherapy on inflammation in the frontal cortex, multiplex immunoassays were conducted. ANOVA was used to compare exploration times on the NORT and immune factor concentrations.

Results

Post hoc analysis revealed increased novel object exploration time in MA-DRmQ treated mice, as compared to MA-VEH treated mice (non-significant trend). One-way ANOVA detected a significant difference across the groups in the concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) (p = 0.03). Post hoc tests indicated that mice treated with methamphetamine and DRmQ or ibudilast had significantly lower levels of MIP-2 in frontal cortex, as compared to mice treated with methamphetamine and vehicle (p > 0.05).

Discussion

By specifically targeting CD74, our DRQ constructs can block the signaling of MIF, inhibiting the downstream signaling and pro-inflammatory effects that contribute to and perpetuate methamphetamine addiction.

Nanowired Delivery of Curcumin Attenuates Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity and Elevates Levels of Dopamine and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Curcumin is a well-known antioxidant used as traditional medicine in China and India since ages to treat variety of inflammatory ailments as a food supplement. Curcumin has antitumor properties with neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine (DA) levels in the brain indicating its role in substance abuse. Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most abused substances in the world that induces profound neurotoxicity by inducing breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), vasogenic edema and cellular injuries. However, influence of curcumin on METH-induced neurotoxicity is still not well investigated. In this investigation, METH neurotoxicity and neuroprotective effects of curcumin nanodelivery were examined in a rat model. METH (20 mg/kg, i.p.) neurotoxicity is evident 4 h after its administration exhibiting breakdown of BBB to Evans blue albumin in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus and hypothalamus associated with vasogenic brain edema as seen measured using water content in all these regions. Nissl attaining exhibited profound neuronal injuries in the regions of BBB damage. Normal curcumin (50 mg/kg, i.v.) 30 min after METH administration was able to reduce BBB breakdown and brain edema partially in some of the above brain regions. However, TiO₂ nanowired delivery of curcumin (25 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly attenuated brain edema, neuronal injuries and the BBB leakage in all the brain areas. BDNF level showed a significant higher level in METH-treated rats as compared to saline-treated METH group. Significantly enhanced DA levels in METH-treated rats were also observed with nanowired delivery of curcumin. Normal curcumin was able to slightly elevate DA and BDNF levels in the selected brain regions. Taken together, our observations are the first to show that nanodelivery of curcumin induces superior neuroprotection in METH neurotoxicity probable by enhancing BDNF and DA levels in the brain, not reported earlier.

Exercise modulates central and peripheral inflammatory responses and ameliorates methamphetamine-induced anxiety-like symptoms in mice

Anxiety-like symptoms are common symptoms of methamphetamine (METH) users, especially in the acute withdrawal period, which is an important factor for the high relapse rate during METH acute withdrawal. Exercise has been demonstrated to relieve anxiety-like symptoms during METH withdrawal, but the underlying mechanisms of this anti-anxiety effect are still unclear. Activated microglia and abnormal neuroinflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of anxiety-like symptoms after METH withdrawal. Moreover, peripheral immune factors were also significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. However, the effects of treadmill exercise on microglial function and neuroinflammation in the striatum and hippocampus during acute METH withdrawal have not been reported. In the current study, we found severe peripheral immune dysfunction in METH users during acute withdrawal, which may in part contribute to anxiety symptoms during METH acute withdrawal. We also showed that 2 weeks of METH exposure induced anxiety-like symptoms in the acute withdrawal period. Additionally, METH exposure resulted in increased microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokines released in the mouse striatum and hippocampus during acute withdrawal. We next evaluated the effects of treadmill exercise in countering anxiety-like symptoms induced by METH acute withdrawal. The results showed that anxiety-like symptoms induced by acute METH withdrawal were attenuated by coadministration of treadmill exercise. In addition, treadmill exercise counteracted METH-induced microglial activation in the mouse striatum and various subregions of the hippocampus. Furthermore, treadmill exercise also reversed the increase in proinflammatory cytokines induced by acute METH withdrawal in the mouse striatum, hippocampus and serum. Our findings suggest that the anti-anxiety effect of treadmill exercise may be mediated by reducing microglial activation and regulating central and peripheral inflammatory responses.

Substance use, microbiome and psychiatric disorders

Accumulating evidence from several studies has shown association between substance use, dysregulation of the microbiome and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Many of the abused substances such as cocaine and alcohol have been shown to alter immune signaling pathways and cause inflammation in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, these substances of abuse also alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome which is known to play important roles such as the synthesis of neurotransmitters and metabolites, that affect the CNS homeostasis and consequent behavioral outcomes. The emerging interactions between substance use, microbiome and CNS neurochemical alterations could contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. This review provides an overview of the associative effects of substance use such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine and opioids on the gut microbiome and psychiatric disorders involving anxiety, depression and psychosis. Understanding the relationship between substance use, microbiome and psychiatric disorders will provide insights for potential therapeutic targets, aimed at mitigating these adverse outcomes.

Elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users

OBJECTIVE

Chronic methamphetamine use causes aberrant changes in cytokines. Our aim was to analyze the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users. Associations between cytokines levels with the demographic properties, methamphetamine use properties, and psychiatric symptoms in chronic methamphetamine users were also evaluated.

METHODS

Seventy-eight chronic methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospitalization and 64 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms of chronic methamphetamine users were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS

Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were significantly increased in methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospital admission (average days since last methamphetamine use = 39.06 ± 7.48) when compared to those in controls. Serum IL-6 levels showed significant positive associations with BDI score and current frequency of methamphetamine use in chronic methamphetamine users.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that increased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 levels may have an important role in chronic methamphetamine use-associated psychopathological symptoms.

Prolonged Peripheral Immunosuppressive Responses as Consequences of Random Amphetamine Treatment, Amphetamine Withdrawal and Subsequent Amphetamine Challenges in Rats

Drug-induced immunosuppression may underline increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress observed following chronic psychostimulant treatment. However, the consequences of random amphetamine (AMPH) treatment, withdrawal and AMPH challenge after withdrawal on the peripheral immunity and systemic corticosterone response are unknown. In this study, the total blood and spleen leukocyte, lymphocyte, T, B, NK, TCD4+/TCD8+ cell numbers and ratio, pro-inflammatory interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory interleukin-4 (IL-4) production, and plasma corticosterone concentration in Wistar rats were investigated after: chronic, random AMPH/SAL treatment alone (20 injections in 60 days, 1 mg/kg b.w., i.p.), AMPH/SAL withdrawal (for 20 consecutive days after random AMPH/SAL exposure) or AMPH/SAL challenge after withdrawal (single injection after the AMPH/SAL withdrawal phase). The results showed blood and spleen leukopenia, lymphopenia, lower blood production of IFN-ɤ, and increased plasma corticosterone concentration after the AMPH treatment, which were more pronounced in the AMPH after withdrawal group. In contrast, an increased number of blood NK cells and production of IL-4 after chronic, random AMPH treatment alone, were found. Blood AMPH-induced leukopenia and lymphopenia were due to decreased total number of T, B lymphocytes and, at least in part, of granulocytes and monocytes. Moreover, decreases in the number of blood TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocytes both in the AMPH chronic alone and withdrawal phases, were found.The major findings of this study are that AMPH treatment after the long-term withdrawal from previous random AMPH exposure, accelerates the drug-induced immunosuppressive and systemic corticosterone responses, suggesting prolonged immunosuppressive effects and an increase in incidence of infectious diseases. Prolonged peripheral immunosuppressive responses as consequences of random amphetamine…The results indicate that the chronic and random AMPH exposure alone and the acute (single injection) challenge of the drug after the withdrawal phase induced long-term immunosuppressive effects, which were similar to those occurring during the stress response, and sensitized the peripheral immunosuppressive and corticosterone responses of the rat to the disinhibitory effects of this stressor.

Aerobic exercise as a promising nonpharmacological therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders

Despite the prevalence and public health impact of substance use disorders (SUDs), effective long-term treatments remain elusive. Aerobic exercise is a promising, nonpharmacological treatment currently under investigation as a strategy for preventing drug relapse. Aerobic exercise could be incorporated into the comprehensive treatment regimens for people with substance abuse disorders. Preclinical studies of SUD with animal models have shown that aerobic exercise diminishes drug-seeking behavior, which leads to relapse, in both male and female rats. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the effects of substance abuse-induced cellular and physiological adaptations believed to be responsible for drug-seeking behavior. Accordingly, the overall goal of this review is to provide a summary and an assessment of findings to date, highlighting evidence of the molecular and neurological effects of exercise on adaptations associated with SUD.

The motivational valence of methamphetamine relates inversely to subsequent methamphetamine self-administration in female C57BL/6J mice

Understanding the mechanisms underpinning individual variance in addiction vulnerability requires the development of validated, high-throughput screens. In a prior study of a large sample of male isogenic C57BL/6J mice, the direction and magnitude of methamphetamine (MA)-induced place-conditioning predicts the propensity to acquire oral MA self-administration, as well as the efficacy of MA to serve as a reinforcer. The present study examined whether or not such a predictive relationship also exists in females. Adult C57BL/6J females underwent a 4-day MA place-conditioning paradigm (once daily injections of 2 mg/kg) and were then trained to nose-poke for delivery of a 20 mg/L MA solution under increasing schedules of reinforcement, followed by dose-response testing (5-400 mg/L MA). Akin to males, 53 % of the females exhibited a conditioned place-preference, while 32 % of the mice were MA-neutral and 15 % exhibited a conditioned place-aversion. However, unlike males, the place-conditioning phenotype did not transfer to MA-reinforced nose-poking behavior under operant-conditioning procedures, with 400 mg/L MA intake being inversely correlated place-conditioning. While only one MA-conditioning dose has been assayed to date, these data indicate that sex does not significantly shift the proportion of C57BL/6J mice that perceive MA's interoceptive effects as positive, neutral or aversive. However, a sex difference appears to exist regarding the predictive relationship between the motivational valence of MA and subsequent drug-taking behavior; females exhibit MA-taking behavior and reinforcement, despite their initial perception of the stimulant interoceptive effects as positive, neutral or negative.

Trace amine-associated receptor gene polymorphism increases drug craving in individuals with methamphetamine dependence

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent agonist at the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). This study evaluated a common variant (CV) in the human TAAR1 gene, synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) V288V, to determine the involvement of TAAR1 in MA dependence.

METHODS

Participants (n = 106) with active MA dependence (MA-ACT), in remission from MA dependence (MA-REM), with active polysubstance dependence, in remission from polysubstance dependence, and with no history of substance dependence completed neuropsychiatric symptom questionnaires and provided blood samples. In vitro expression and function of CV and wild type TAAR1 receptors were also measured.

RESULTS

The V288V polymorphism demonstrated a 40% increase in TAAR1 protein expression in cell culture, but message sequence and protein function were unchanged, suggesting an increase in translation efficiency. Principal components analysis resolved neuropsychiatric symptoms into four components, PC1 (depression, anxiety, memory, and fatigue), PC2 (pain), PC3 (drug and alcohol craving), and PC4 (sleep disturbances). Analyses of study group and TAAR1 genotype revealed a significant interaction for PC3 (craving response) (p = 0.003). The control group showed no difference in PC3 associated with TAAR1, while adjusted mean craving for the MA-ACT and MA-REM groups, among those with at least one copy of V288V, was estimated to be, respectively, 1.55 (p = 0.036) and 1.77 (p = 0.071) times the adjusted mean craving for those without the TAAR1 SNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroadaptation to chronic MA use may be altered by TAAR1 genotype and result in increased dopamine signaling and craving in individuals with the V288V genotype.