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Przybysz KR, Shillinglaw JE, Wheeler SR, Glover EJ. Chronic ethanol exposure produces long-lasting, subregion-specific physiological adaptations in RMTg-projecting mPFC neurons. Neuropharmacology 2024; 259:110098. [PMID: 39117106 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110098] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol exposure produces neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that are thought to facilitate maladaptive behaviors that interfere with recovery from alcohol use disorder. Despite evidence that different cortico-subcortical projections play distinct roles in behavior, few studies have examined the physiological effects of chronic ethanol at the circuit level. The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) is functionally altered by chronic ethanol exposure. Our recent work identified dense input from the mPFC to the RMTg, yet the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on this circuitry is unknown. In the current study, we examined physiological changes after chronic ethanol exposure in prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) mPFC neurons projecting to the RMTg. Adult male Long-Evans rats were injected with fluorescent retrobeads into the RMTg and rendered dependent using a 14-day chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure paradigm. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings were performed in fluorescently-labeled (RMTg-projecting) and -unlabeled (projection-undefined) layer 5 pyramidal neurons 7-10 days following ethanol exposure. CIE exposure significantly increased intrinsic excitability as well as spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sE/IPSCs) in RMTg-projecting IL neurons. In contrast, no lasting changes in excitability were observed in RMTg-projecting PL neurons, although a CIE-induced reduction in excitability was observed in projection-undefined PL neurons. CIE exposure also increased the frequency of sEPSCs in RMTg-projecting PL neurons. These data uncover novel subregion- and circuit-specific neuroadaptations in the mPFC following chronic ethanol exposure and reveal that the IL mPFC-RMTg projection is uniquely vulnerable to long-lasting effects of chronic ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Przybysz
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joel E Shillinglaw
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shannon R Wheeler
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Glover
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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2
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Salazar AL, Centanni SW. Sex Differences in Mouse Models of Voluntary Alcohol Drinking and Abstinence-Induced Negative Emotion. Alcohol 2024:S0741-8329(24)00098-3. [PMID: 39053705 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.004] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a growing problem worldwide, causing an incredible burden on health and the economy. Though AUD impacts people of all backgrounds and demographics, increasing evidence has suggested robust sex differences in alcohol drinking patterns and AUD-induced negative emotionality or hyperkatifeia. Rates of problematic drinking have significantly risen among women, and women face more severe negative emotional consequences in abstinence such as increased risk of comorbidity with an anxiety or mood disorder and more severe symptoms of depression. As such, a bevy of preclinical literature using contingent methods of alcohol (ethanol) consumption has amassed in recent years to better understand sex as a biological variable in alcohol drinking and abstinence-induced negative emotionality. Mice are widely used to model alcohol drinking, as they are conducive to genetic manipulation strategies, and many strains will voluntarily consume alcohol. Sex-specific results from these mouse studies, however, have been inconsistent. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge on sex differences in AUD-related contingent ethanol drinking and abstinence-induced negative emotionality in mice. Various contingent mouse drinking models and negative emotional-based behavioral paradigms are introduced and subsequently discussed in the context of sex differences to show increasing indications of sex specificity in mouse preclinical studies of AUD. With this review, we hope to inform future research on potential sex differences in preclinical mouse models of AUD and provide mounting evidence supporting the need for more widespread inclusion of preclinical female subjects in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Salazar
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.
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3
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Bruns Vi N, Tressler EH, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L, Farokhnia M. IUPHAR review - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and substance use disorders: An emerging pharmacotherapeutic target. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107312. [PMID: 39032839 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease with high morbidity and mortality. Treatments for addiction include pharmacological and psychosocial interventions; however, currently available medications are limited in number and efficacy. The glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) system is emerging as a potential novel pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol and other substance use disorders (ASUDs). In this review, we summarize and discuss the wealth of available evidence from testing GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist medications in preclinical models and humans with ASUDs, possible mechanisms underlying the impact of GLP-1R agonists on alcohol/substance use, gaps in knowledge, and future directions. Most of the research with GLP-1R agonists has been conducted in relation to alcohol use; psychostimulants, opioids, and nicotine have also been investigated. Preclinical evidence suggests that GLP-1R agonists reduce alcohol/substance use and other related outcomes. The main proposed mechanisms are related to reward processing, stress, and cognitive function, as well as broader mechanisms related to satiety, changes in gastric motility, and glucose homeostasis. More in-depth mechanistic studies are warranted. Clinical studies have been limited and their findings have been less conclusive; however, most support the safety and potential efficacy of GLP-1R agonists in ASUD treatment. Identifying preferred compounds, as well as possible subgroups who are most responsive to GLP-1R agonists are some of the key research questions to translate the promising preclinical data into clinical settings. Several clinical trials are underway to test GLP-1R agonists in people with ASUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaus Bruns Vi
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Tressler
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Haque LY, Leggio L. Integrated and collaborative care across the spectrum of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00939. [PMID: 38935926 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The public health impact of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), a serious consequence of problematic alcohol use, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is growing, with ALD becoming a major cause of alcohol-associated death overall and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Comprehensive care for ALD often requires treatment of AUD. Although there is a growing body of evidence showing that AUD treatment is associated with reductions in liver-related morbidity and mortality, only a minority of patients with ALD and AUD receive this care. Integrated and collaborative models that streamline both ALD and AUD care for patients with ALD and AUD are promising approaches to bridge this treatment gap and rely on multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams and partnerships. Here, we review the role of AUD care in ALD treatment, the effects of AUD treatment on liver-related outcomes, the impact of comorbid conditions such as other substance use disorders, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, and the current landscape of integrated and collaborative care for ALD and AUD in various treatment settings. We further review knowledge gaps and unmet needs that remain, including the role of precision medicine, the application of harm reduction approaches, the impact of health disparities, and the need for additional AUD treatment options, as well as further efforts to support implementation and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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5
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Merkel R, Hernandez N, Weir V, Zhang Y, Rich MT, Crist RC, Reiner BC, Schmidt HD. An endogenous GLP-1 circuit engages VTA GABA neurons to regulate mesolimbic dopamine neurons and attenuate cocaine seeking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599574. [PMID: 38979354 PMCID: PMC11230186 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies show that systemic administration of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist is sufficient to attenuate the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior, an animal model of relapse. However, the neural mechanisms mediating these effects and the role of endogenous central GLP-1 signaling in cocaine seeking remain unknown. Here, we show that voluntary cocaine taking decreased plasma GLP-1 levels in rats and that chemogenetic activation of GLP-1-producing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) that project to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) decreased cocaine reinstatement. Single nuclei transcriptomics and FISH studies revealed GLP-1Rs are expressed primarily on GABA neurons in the VTA. Using in vivo fiber photometry, we found that the efficacy of a systemic GLP-1R agonist to attenuate cocaine seeking was associated with increased activity of VTA GABA neurons and decreased activity of VTA dopamine neurons. Together, these findings suggest that targeting central GLP-1 circuits may be an effective strategy toward reducing cocaine relapse and highlight a novel functional role of GABAergic GLP-1R-expressing midbrain neurons in drug seeking.
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Allen AM, Younossi ZM, Diehl AM, Charlton MR, Lazarus JV. Envisioning how to advance the MASH field. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9. [PMID: 38834817 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Since 1980, the cumulative effort of scientists and health-care stakeholders has advanced the prerequisites to address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a prevalent chronic non-communicable liver disease. This effort has led to, among others, the approval of the first drug specific for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Despite substantial progress, MASLD is still a leading cause of advanced chronic liver disease, including primary liver cancer. This Perspective contextualizes the nomenclature change from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to MASLD and proposes important considerations to accelerate further progress in the field, optimize patient-centric multidisciplinary care pathways, advance pharmacological, behavioural and diagnostic research, and address health disparities. Key regulatory and other steps necessary to optimize the approval and access to upcoming additional pharmacological therapeutic agents for MASH are also outlined. We conclude by calling for increased education and awareness, enhanced health system preparedness, and concerted action by policy-makers to further the public health and policy agenda to achieve at least parity with other non-communicable diseases and to aid in growing the community of practice to reduce the human and economic burden and end the public health threat of MASLD and MASH by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Michael R Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA.
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH), New York, NY, USA.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Heilig M, Witkiewitz K, Ray LA, Leggio L. Novel medications for problematic alcohol use. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172889. [PMID: 38828724 PMCID: PMC11142745 DOI: 10.1172/jci172889] [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: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related harm, a major cause of disease burden globally, affects people along a spectrum of use. When a harmful pattern of drinking is present in the absence of significant behavioral pathology, low-intensity brief interventions that provide information about health consequences of continued use provide large health benefits. At the other end of the spectrum, profound behavioral pathology, including continued use despite knowledge of potentially fatal consequences, warrants a medical diagnosis, and treatment is strongly indicated. Available behavioral and pharmacological treatments are supported by scientific evidence but are vastly underutilized. Discovery of additional medications, with a favorable balance of efficacy versus safety and tolerability can improve clinical uptake of treatment, allow personalized treatment, and improve outcomes. Here, we delineate the clinical conditions when pharmacotherapy should be considered in relation to the main diagnostic systems in use and discuss clinical endpoints that represent meaningful clinical benefits. We then review specific developments in three categories of targets that show promise for expanding the treatment toolkit. GPCRs remain the largest category of successful drug targets across contemporary medicine, and several GPCR targets are currently pursued for alcohol-related indications. Endocrine systems are another established category, and several promising targets have emerged for alcohol indications. Finally, immune modulators have revolutionized treatment of multiple medical conditions, and they may also hold potential to produce benefits in patients with alcohol problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, and Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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8
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Dumiaty Y, Underwood BM, Phy-Lim J, Chee MJ. Neurocircuitry underlying the actions of glucagon-like peptide 1 and peptide YY 3-36 in the suppression of food, drug-seeking, and anxiogenesis. Neuropeptides 2024; 105:102427. [PMID: 38579490 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a critical health condition worldwide that increases the risks of comorbid chronic diseases, but it can be managed with weight loss. However, conventional interventions relying on diet and exercise are inadequate for achieving and maintaining weight loss, thus there is significant market interest for pharmaceutical anti-obesity agents. For decades, receptor agonists for the gut peptide glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) featured prominently in anti-obesity medications by suppressing appetite and food reward to elicit rapid weight loss. As the neurocircuitry underlying food motivation overlaps with that for drugs of abuse, GLP-1 receptor agonism has also been shown to decrease substance use and relapse, thus its therapeutic potential may extend beyond weight management to treat addictions. However, as prolonged use of anti-obesity drugs may increase the risk of mood-related disorders like anxiety and depression, and individuals taking GLP-1-based medication commonly report feeling demotivated, the long-term safety of such drugs is an ongoing concern. Interestingly, current research now focuses on dual agonist approaches that include GLP-1 receptor agonism to enable synergistic effects on weight loss or associated functions. GLP-1 is secreted from the same intestinal cells as the anorectic gut peptide, Peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36), thus this review assessed the therapeutic potential and underlying neural circuits targeted by PYY3-36 when administered independently or in combination with GLP-1 to curb the appetite for food or drugs of abuse like opiates, alcohol, and nicotine. Additionally, we also reviewed animal and human studies to assess the impact, if any, for GLP-1 and/or PYY3-36 on mood-related behaviors in relation to anxiety and depression. As dual agonists targeting GLP-1 and PYY3-36 may produce synergistic effects, they can be effective at lower doses and offer an alternative approach for therapeutic benefits while mitigating undesirable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Dumiaty
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Brett M Underwood
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jenny Phy-Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Melissa J Chee
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
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9
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Wang W, Volkow ND, Berger NA, Davis PB, Kaelber DC, Xu R. Associations of semaglutide with incidence and recurrence of alcohol use disorder in real-world population. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4548. [PMID: 38806481 PMCID: PMC11133479 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48780-6] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are among the top causes of the global burden of disease, yet therapeutic interventions are limited. Reduced desire to drink in patients treated with semaglutide has raised interest regarding its potential therapeutic benefits for alcohol use disorders. In this retrospective cohort study of electronic health records of 83,825 patients with obesity, we show that semaglutide compared with other anti-obesity medications is associated with a 50%-56% lower risk for both the incidence and recurrence of alcohol use disorder for a 12-month follow-up period. Consistent reductions were seen for patients stratified by gender, age group, race and in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Similar findings are replicated in the study population with 598,803 patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings provide evidence of the potential benefit of semaglutide in AUD in real-world populations and call for further randomized clinicl trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Wang
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Nathan A Berger
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pamela B Davis
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David C Kaelber
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rong Xu
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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10
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Petralli G, Raggi F, Zoppo AD, Rovera C, Salvati A, Brunetto MR, Solini A. Response to semaglutide of non-drinker subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2024; 16:103. [PMID: 38760852 PMCID: PMC11100230 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) displays a worse prognosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D); effective treatments are, so far, scanty. Semaglutide showed efficacy in improving steatohepatitis. We longitudinally observed a MASLD cohort of T2D subjects starting semaglutide, to detect an improvement of non-invasive surrogates of steatosis and fibro-inflammatory liver involvement, evaluating the role of mild alcohol consumption. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 62 overweight/obese T2D subjects with MASLD (36 non-drinker and 26 mild alcohol consumers), anthropometric, bio-humoral and transient elastography (TE) data were collected before (T0) and after an average time of 6.4 month (T1) from injective semaglutide prescription. Circulating levels of hormones (GIP, GLP-1, glucagon, insulin) and inflammatory markers (TNFα, MCP-1, IL-18, IL-10) were measured. Steatotic and necro-inflammatory liver involvement was evaluated with FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness (LS), respectively. RESULTS Significant (p < 0.006) T0-T1 reductions of BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and HbA1c were observed. AST (-10 ± 3 IU/L), ALT (-18 ± 5 IU/L), GGT (-33 ± 15 IU/L), CAP (-25 ± 8 dB/m) and LS (-0.8 ± 0.4 kPa) were reduced, too. GLP-1 increased (+ 95.9 pM, p < 0.0001) and IL-18 was reduced (-46.6 pg/ml, p = 0.0002). After adjustment for confounders, CAP improving was only related to GLP-1 increase (ß=-0.437, p = 0.0122). Mild alcohol intake did not influence these relations. CONCLUSION Use of semaglutide in subjects with T2D and MASLD is associated with a significant decline of liver steatosis and necroinflammation proxies; mild alcohol assumption did not exert any influence. An independent effect of GLP-1 raise was observed on reduction of steatosis, irrespective of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Petralli
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, I-56126, Italy
| | - Francesco Raggi
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, I-56126, Italy
| | - Alice Del Zoppo
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, I-56126, Italy
| | - Chiara Rovera
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, I-56126, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvati
- Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anna Solini
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, I-56126, Italy.
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Przybysz KR, Shillinglaw JE, Wheeler SR, Glover EJ. Chronic ethanol exposure produces long-lasting, subregion-specific physiological adaptations in RMTg-projecting mPFC neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592759. [PMID: 38766178 PMCID: PMC11100703 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol exposure produces neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) which facilitate the maladaptive behaviors interfering with recovery from alcohol use disorder. Despite evidence that different cortico-subcortical projections play distinct roles in behavior, few studies have examined the physiological effects of chronic ethanol at the circuit level. The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) is a GABAergic midbrain region involved in aversive signaling and is functionally altered by chronic ethanol exposure. Our recent work identified a dense input from the mPFC to the RMTg, yet the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on this circuitry is unknown. In the current study, we examined physiological changes after chronic ethanol exposure in prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) mPFC neurons projecting to the RMTg. Adult male Long-Evans rats were injected with fluorescent retrobeads into the RMTg and rendered dependent using a 14-day chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure paradigm. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings were performed in fluorescently-labeled (RMTg-projecting) and -unlabeled (projection-undefined) layer 5 pyramidal neurons 7-10 days following ethanol exposure. CIE significantly increased intrinsic excitability as well as excitatory and inhibitory synaptic drive in RMTg-projecting IL neurons. In contrast, no lasting changes in excitability were observed in RMTg-projecting PL neurons, although a CIE-induced reduction in excitability was observed in projection-undefined PL neurons. CIE also increased excitatory synaptic drive in RMTg-projecting PL neurons. These data uncover novel subregion- and circuit-specific neuroadaptations in the mPFC following chronic ethanol exposure and reveal that the IL mPFC-RMTg projection is uniquely vulnerable to long-lasting effects of chronic ethanol.
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12
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He Y, Liang F, Wang Y, Wei Y, Ma T. Liraglutide-associated depression in a patient with type 2 diabetes: A case report and discussion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37928. [PMID: 38701264 PMCID: PMC11062733 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) like liraglutide are primarily used for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. Typically, their adverse effects are gastrointestinal, with limited exploration into their impact on mental health. CASE PRESENTATION This report examines a 39-year-old male with type 2 diabetes who developed depressive symptoms after starting liraglutide for glycemic control and weight reduction. Symptoms included poor mood, irritability, decreased interest and energy, progressing to sadness, low self-esteem, and physical discomfort. A clinical diagnosis of a depressive episode was made, coinciding with the initiation of liraglutide. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME The patient depressive symptoms significantly improved within a week after discontinuing liraglutide and starting antidepressant therapy. This suggests a possible link between liraglutide and depression, despite considering other factors like diabetes-related stress. DISCUSSION The report explores potential mechanisms, such as GLP-1RA effects on glucose fluctuations and dopamine modulation, which might contribute to depressive symptoms. The influence on the brain reward system and the reduction in cravings for addictive substances after GLP-1RA use is also discussed as a factor in mood regulation. CONCLUSION This case highlights the necessity of being vigilant about potential psychiatric side effects, particularly depression, associated with GLP-1RAs. The rarity of such reports calls for more research to investigate and understand these implications further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangliuqing He
- Clinical Medicine College of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fenrong Liang
- Clinical Medicine College of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Clinical Medicine College of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuhan Wei
- Clinical Medicine College of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tianpei Ma
- Clinical Medicine College of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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13
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McIntyre RS. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and suicidality: what do we know and future vistas. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:539-542. [PMID: 38520274 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2335215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Roger S McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Wang L, Berger NA, Kaelber DC, Xu R. Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Hepatic Decompensation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)00494-3. [PMID: 38692395 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death. HCC is preventable with about 70% of HCC attributable to modifiable risk factors. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have pleiotropic effects on counteracting risk factors for HCC. Here we evaluate the association of GLP-1RAs with incident HCC risk in a real-world population. METHODS This retrospective cohort included 1,890,020 patients with a diagnosis of T2DM who were prescribed GLP-1RAs or other non-GLP-1RA anti-diabetes medications and had no prior diagnosis of HCC. Incident (first-time) diagnosis of HCC and hepatic decompensating events during a 5-year follow-up was compared between cohorts of patients prescribed GLP-1 RAs vs other anti-diabetes medications. Time-to-first-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval calculated. RESULTS GLP-1RAs were associated with a lower risk of incident HCC with hazard ratio of 0.20 [0.14-0.31], 0.39 [0.21-0.69], 0.63 [0.26-1.50] compared with insulin, sulfonylureas, and metformin, respectively. GLP-1RAs were associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatic decompensation compared with 6 other anti-diabetes medications. Reduced risks were observed in patients without and with different stages of fatty liver diseases, with more profound effects in patients without liver diseases. Similar findings were observed in patients with and without obesity and alcohol or tobacco use disorders. GLP-1RA combination therapies were associated with decreased risk for HCC and hepatic decompensations compared with monotherapies. CONCLUSIONS GLP-1RAs were associated with a reduced risk of incident HCC and hepatic decompensation compared with other anti-diabetes medications in patients with T2DM. These findings provide supporting evidence for future studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms and their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Wang
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nathan A Berger
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - David C Kaelber
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rong Xu
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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15
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Köhne S, Hillemacher T, Glahn A, Bach P. Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38606899 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2342951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD, but also their communities and society at large. Even though pharmacotherapy is an integral part of AUD treatment, the few available substances show limited efficacy and limited clinical impact. Thus, there is a need for new innovative pharmacotherapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED This paper provides a comprehensive review of drugs approved for the treatment of AUD as well as those currently in phase II and III development. Data from recent clinical trials has been reviewed and supplemented by additional literature based on a systematic search of the PubMed database and clinical trials registries. Compounds discussed include disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosat, baclofen, sodium oxybate, doxazosin, varenicline, zonisamide, gabapentin, apremilast, ibudilast, ivermectin, tolcapone, mifepristone, suvorexant, ketamine, psilocybin, semaglutide, oxytocin and cannabidiol. EXPERT OPINION Even though the majority of the discussed compounds lack sufficient evidence to support their efficacy, multiple promising new treatment options are currently under investigation. Future research has to consider specific phenotypes and subgroups of AUD as well as a possible enhancement of the effects of psychotherapy through combination with pharmacotherapy. Practitioners should be encouraged to use available compounds to support existing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Liu W, Wang Z, Wang W, Wang Z, Xing Y, Hölscher C. Liraglutide Reduces Alcohol Consumption, Anxiety, Memory Impairment, and Synapse Loss in Alcohol Dependent Mice. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1061-1075. [PMID: 38267691 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04093-6] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues have been commercialized for the management of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have underscored GLP-1's role as a modulator of alcohol-related behavior. However, the role of the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide on alcohol-withdrawal responses have not been fully elucidated. Liraglutide binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor and activates an adenylyl cyclase and the associated classic growth factor signaling pathway, which acts growth factor-like and neuroprotective properties. The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of liraglutide on alcohol withdrawal remains unknown. This study endeavored to explore the effects of liraglutide on the emotion and memory ability of alcohol-withdrawal mice, and synaptic morphology in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the hippocampus (HP), and thus affects the relapse-like drinking of alcohol-withdrawal mice. The alcohol-withdrawal group was reintroduced to a 20% v/v alcohol and water through the two-bottle choice for four consecutive days, a period referred to as alcohol re-drinking. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a regimen of 20% alcohol and water for a duration of 6 weeks. This regimen established the two-bottle choice model of alcohol exposure. Learning capabilities, memory proficiency, and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated using the Morris water maze, open field, and elevated plus maze paradigms. Furthermore, synaptic morphology and the levels of synaptic transport-related proteins were assessed via Golgi staining and Western Blot analysis after a two-week alcohol deprivation period. Alcohol re-drinking of alcohol-withdrawal mice was also evaluated using a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our findings indicate that liraglutide can substantially decrease alcohol consumption and preference (p < 0.05) in the alcohol group and enhance learning and memory performance (p < 0.01), as well as alleviate anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) of alcohol-withdrawal mice. Alcohol consumption led to a reduction in dendritic spine density in the mPFC and HP, which was restored to normal levels by liraglutide (p < 0.001). Furthermore, liraglutide was found to augment the levels of synaptic transport-related proteins in mice subjected to alcohol withdrawal (p < 0.01). The study findings corroborate that liraglutide has the potential to mitigate alcohol consumption and ameliorate the memory impairments and anxiety induced by alcohol withdrawal. The therapeutic efficacy of liraglutide might be attributed to its role in counteracting synapse loss in the mPFC and HP regions and thus prevented relapse-like drinking in alcohol-withdrawal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zhiju Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Henan Academy of Innovation in Medical Science, XinZheng, 451100, Henan, China.
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17
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Orandi BJ, Lofton H, Montgomery RA, Segev DL. Antiobesity pharmacotherapy to facilitate living kidney donation. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:328-337. [PMID: 38072121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.12.003] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that increases the risks of living kidney donation; at the same time, transplant centers have liberalized body mass index constraints for donors. With the increasing number of antiobesity medications available, the treatment of obesity with antiobesity medications may increase the pool of potential donors and enhance donor safety. Antiobesity medications are intended for long-term use given the chronic nature of obesity. Cessation of treatment can be expected to lead to weight regain and increase the risk of comorbidity rebound/development. In addition, antiobesity medications are meant to be used in conjunction with-rather than in replacement of-diet and physical activity optimization. Antiobesity medication management includes selecting medications that may ameliorate any coexisting medical conditions, avoiding those that are contraindicated in such conditions, and being sensitive to any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred by the potential donor. A number of questions remain regarding who will and should shoulder the costs of long-term obesity treatment for donors. In addition, future studies are needed to quantify the degree of weight loss and duration of weight loss maintenance needed to normalize the risk of adverse kidney outcomes relative to comparable nondonors and lower-weight donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak J Orandi
- New York University Department of Surgery, New York, New York, USA; New York University Department of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Holly Lofton
- New York University Department of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Dorry L Segev
- New York University Department of Surgery, New York, New York, USA; New York University Department of Population Health, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Popova D, Sun J, Chow HM, Hart RP. A critical review of ethanol effects on neuronal firing: A metabolic perspective. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:450-458. [PMID: 38217065 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Ethanol metabolism is relatively understudied in neurons, even though changes in neuronal metabolism are known to affect their activity. Recent work demonstrates that ethanol is preferentially metabolized over glucose as a source of carbon and energy, and it reprograms neurons to a state of reduced energy potential and diminished capacity to utilize glucose once ethanol is exhausted. Ethanol intake has been associated with changes in neuronal firing and specific brain activity (EEG) patterns have been linked with risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Furthermore, a haplotype of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit, GIRK2, which plays a critical role in regulating excitability of neurons, has been linked with AUD and shown to be directly regulated by ethanol. At the same time, overexpression of GIRK2 prevents ethanol-induced metabolic changes. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that the mechanisms underlying the effects of ethanol on neuronal metabolism are a novel target for developing therapies for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Popova
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jacquelyne Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hei-Man Chow
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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19
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Ali DN, Ali HM, Lopez MR, Kang S, Choi DS. Astrocytic GABAergic Regulation in Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:318. [PMID: 38391931 PMCID: PMC10887002 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040318] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Most GABAergic neurons synthesize GABA from glutamate and release it in the synaptic cleft in the CNS. However, astrocytes can also synthesize and release GABA, activating GABA receptors in the neighboring neurons in physiological and pathological conditions. As the primary homeostatic glial cells in the brain, astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating GABA homeostasis and synaptic neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that astrocytic GABA dysregulation is implicated in psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), the most prevalent co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Several current medications and emerging pharmacological agents targeting GABA levels are in clinical trials for treating AUD and MDD. This review offers a concise summary of the role of astrocytic GABA regulation in AUD and MDD. We also provide an overview of the current understanding and areas of debate regarding the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate GABA in the CNS and their potential significance in the molecular basis of AUD and MDD, paving the way toward future research directions and potential therapeutic target areas within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina N. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Hossam M. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew R. Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Shinwoo Kang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
- Neuroscience Program, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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20
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Bremmer MP, Hendershot CS. Social Media as Pharmacovigilance: The Potential for Patient Reports to Inform Clinical Research on Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists for Substance Use Disorders. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2024; 85:5-11. [PMID: 37917019 PMCID: PMC10846600 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00318] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The surge in popularity of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and other glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been accompanied by widespread reports of unintended reductions in alcohol use (and other addictive behaviors) during treatment. With clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use only recently under way, anecdotal reports (including via social media) are now a primary reason for interest in potential effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on alcohol use in patient populations. The nature and volume of these reports raises the prospect that social media data can potentially be leveraged to inform the study of novel addiction treatments and the prioritization of behavioral or neurobiological targets for mechanistic research. This approach, which aligns with recent efforts to apply social media data to pharmacovigilance, may be particularly relevant for drug repurposing efforts. This possibility is illustrated by a thematic analysis of anonymous online reports concerning changes in alcohol use or alcohol-related effects during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. These reports not only support the rationale for clinical trials but also point to potential neurobehavioral mechanisms (e.g., satiety, craving/preoccupation, aversion, altered subjective response) that might inform hypotheses for human laboratory and neuroscience studies. Refined methods for capturing patient reports of incidental medication effects on addictive behaviors at large scale could potentially lead to novel, pharmacovigilance-based approaches to identify candidate therapies for drug repurposing efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Bremmer
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christian S. Hendershot
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Ozburn
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- VA Portland Health Care System, Research & Development, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Sade M Spencer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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22
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Grover R, Fortune BE, Tow CY. The impact of alcohol on patients after bariatric surgery. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0139. [PMID: 38567092 PMCID: PMC10986918 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Grover
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Clara Y Tow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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23
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Jophlin LL, Singal AK, Bataller R, Wong RJ, Sauer BG, Terrault NA, Shah VH. ACG Clinical Guideline: Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:30-54. [PMID: 38174913 PMCID: PMC11040545 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002572] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of advanced hepatic disease and frequent indication for liver transplantation worldwide. With harmful alcohol use as the primary risk factor, increasing alcohol use over the past decade has resulted in rapid growth of the ALD-related healthcare burden. The spectrum of ALD ranges from early asymptomatic liver injury to advanced disease with decompensation and portal hypertension. Compared with those with other etiologies of liver disease, patients with ALD progress faster and more often present at an advanced stage. A unique phenotype of advanced disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) presenting with rapid onset or worsening of jaundice, and acute on chronic liver failure in severe forms conveying a 1-month mortality risk of 20%-50%. The model for end stage disease score is the most accurate score to stratify AH severity (>20 defined as severe disease). Corticosteroids are currently the only available therapeutic with proven efficacy for patients with severe AH, providing survival benefit at 1 month in 50%-60% of patients. Abstinence of alcohol use, a crucial determinant of long-term outcomes, is challenging to achieve in ALD patients with concurrent alcohol use disorder (AUD). As patients with ALD are rarely treated for AUD, strategies are needed to overcome barriers to AUD treatment in patients with ALD and to promote a multidisciplinary integrated care model with hepatology, addiction medicine providers, and social workers to comprehensively manage the dual pathologies of liver disease and of AUD. Liver transplantation, a definitive treatment option in patients with advanced cirrhosis, should be considered in selected patients with AH, who are unresponsive to medical therapy and have a low risk of relapse to posttransplant alcohol use. Level of evidence and strength of recommendations were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system. This guideline was developed under the American College of Gastroenterology Practice Parameters Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta L. Jophlin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ashwani K. Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert J. Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bryan G. Sauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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24
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Green EW, Byers IS, Deutsch-Link S. Closing the Care Gap: Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients with Alcohol-associated Liver Disease. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1189-1200. [PMID: 38052695 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.09.017] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD)-related morbidity and mortality are rising in the United States. Although effective medications and behavioral interventions are available for the treatment of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), patients with ALD are profoundly undertreated for AUD. This article reviews the management of AUD in patients with ALD, with a focus on appropriate screening and diagnosis, management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, pharmacotherapy for AUD, alcohol biomarkers, and behavioral interventions. Expanding access to AUD treatment is imperative for improving health outcomes in patients with ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen W Green
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Isabelle S Byers
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sasha Deutsch-Link
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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25
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Leggio L, Hendershot CS, Farokhnia M, Fink-Jensen A, Klausen MK, Schacht JP, Simmons WK. GLP-1 receptor agonists are promising but unproven treatments for alcohol and substance use disorders. Nat Med 2023; 29:2993-2995. [PMID: 38001271 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Christian S Hendershot
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies and Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anders Fink-Jensen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capitol Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Kruse Klausen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capitol Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph P Schacht
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - W Kyle Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
- OSU Biomedical Imaging Center, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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26
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Quddos F, Hubshman Z, Tegge A, Sane D, Marti E, Kablinger AS, Gatchalian KM, Kelly AL, DiFeliceantonio AG, Bickel WK. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20998. [PMID: 38017205 PMCID: PMC10684505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48267-2] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) contributes significantly to global mortality. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP-1/GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) agonists, FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, where the former has shown to effectively reduce the consumption of alcohol in animal models but no reports exist on the latter. In this report, we conducted two studies. In the first study, we conducted an analysis of abundant social media texts. Specifically, a machine-learning based attribution mapping of ~ 68,250 posts related to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists on the Reddit platform. Secondly, we recruited participants (n = 153; current alcohol drinkers; BMI ≥ 30) who self-reported either taking Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist), Tirzepatide (the GLP-1/GIP combination) for ≥ 30 days or, as a control group; no medication to manage diabetes or weight loss for a within and between subject remote study. In the social media study, we report 8 major themes including effects of medications (30%); diabetes (21%); and Weight loss and obesity (19%). Among the alcohol-related posts (n = 1580), 71% were identified as craving reduction, decreased desire to drink, and other negative effects. In the remote study, we observe a significantly lower self-reported intake of alcohol, drinks per drinking episode, binge drinking odds, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, and stimulating, and sedative effects in the Semaglutide or Tirzepatide group when compared to prior to starting medication timepoint (within-subjects) and the control group (between-subjects). In summary, we provide initial real-world evidence of reduced alcohol consumption in people with obesity taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medications, suggesting potential efficacy for treatment in AUD comorbid with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Quddos
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Zachary Hubshman
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Allison Tegge
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Daniel Sane
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Erin Marti
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Amber L Kelly
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Warren K Bickel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA.
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Hayashi D, Edwards C, Emond JA, Gilbert-Diamond D, Butt M, Rigby A, Masterson TD. What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity. Nutrients 2023; 15:4809. [PMID: 38004203 PMCID: PMC10674813 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224809] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide, emerge as effective treatments for weight management, anecdotal reports from patients and clinicians alike point to a reduction in what has been colloquially termed "food noise", as patients report experiencing less rumination and obsessive preoccupation about food. In this narrative review, we discuss concepts used in studies to investigate human eating behavior that can help elucidate and define food noise, particularly food cue reactivity. We propose a conceptual model that summarizes the main factors that have been shown to determine the magnitude of the reactivity elicited by external and internal food cues and how these factors can affect short- and long-term behavioral and clinical outcomes. By integrating key research conducted in this field, the Cue-Influencer-Reactivity-Outcome (CIRO) model of food cue reactivity provides a framework that can be used in future research to design studies and interpret findings related to food noise and food cue reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayashi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
| | - Caitlyn Edwards
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
| | - Jennifer A. Emond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Melissa Butt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrea Rigby
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Travis D. Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
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Moyad MA. Embracing the Pros and Cons of the New Weight Loss Medications (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Etc.). Curr Urol Rep 2023; 24:515-525. [PMID: 37659049 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-023-01180-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The history of multiple weight loss medications has been a concerning paradox based on an increased cardiovascular risk despite significant reductions in adipose tissue and weight. A new class of weight loss medications could change this past narrative based on early preliminary results of cardiovascular risk (not events-still need to be determined) and weight reduction in non-diabetics that acutely competes with results achieved with bariatric surgery. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the advantages and disadvantages of these newer medications, and how they could impact urology. RECENT FINDINGS Weight loss of - 15 to - 20% compared to baseline has become plausible in the short-term and preliminary guidance to reduce acute and chronic adverse events are receiving attention. However, the cost, access, conflicts of interest, supply chain, life-long adherence issues, and the long-term diverse implications on mental and physical health when exposed to this class of medications (GLP-1 agonists) are unknown. The profound caloric reductions should also result in baseline or ongoing nutritional deficiency testing, and general and specific dietary recommendations, which could theoretically mimic some bariatric surgery pre- and post-surgical protocols but has yet to be studied. Regardless, the potential impact of these medicines within a variety of medical specialties needs clinical research. Current and future lifestyle interventions, dietary patterns, and medicines in the weight loss category need to be held to a paradigm whereby cardiovascular health should improve with significant weight loss without a negative impact on mental health. In urology, the ability to impact cancer risk, ED, FSD, incontinence, infertility, nephrolithiasis, and multiple other endpoints are plausible (based on bariatric surgery data) but need preliminary clinical research. Other medicines with a similar or even larger potential impact are in clinical trials, and thus, a concise overview for clinicians and researchers was needed for objective guidance. Currently, comprehensive lifestyle changes utilized with and without these medications continue to garner positive mental, physical, and legacy effects, which suggest that they are as necessary as ever in the treatment of the numerous conditions impacted by unhealthy weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Moyad
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Richardson RS, Sulima A, Rice KC, Kucharczk JA, Janda KD, Nisbett KE, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. Pharmacological GHSR (ghrelin receptor) blockade reduces alcohol binge-like drinking in male and female mice. Neuropharmacology 2023; 238:109643. [PMID: 37369277 PMCID: PMC10513123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109643] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a peptide that is produced by endocrine cells that are primarily localized in the stomach. Ghrelin receptors (GHSR) are expressed in the brain and periphery. Preclinical and clinical studies support a role for ghrelin in alcohol drinking and seeking. The GHSR has been suggested to be a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the role of the ghrelin system and its potential modulation by biological sex on binge-like drinking has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study tested six GHSR antagonists in an alcohol binge-like drinking procedure in male and female mice. Systemic administration of the GHSR antagonists JMV2959, PF-5190457, PF-6870961, and HM-04 reduced alcohol intake in both male and female mice. YIL-781 decreased intake in males, and LEAP2 (likely peripherally restricted) did not reduce intake in mice of either sex. We also administered LEAP2 and JMV2959 intracerebroventricularly to investigate whether the effects of GHSR blockade on alcohol intake are mediated by central receptors. The central administration of LEAP2 and JMV2959 decreased alcohol intake, particularly in high-drinking animals. Finally, in a preliminary experiment, an anti-ghrelin vaccine was examined for its potential effect on binge-like drinking and had no effect. In all experiments, there was a lack of meaningful sex differences. These findings suggest that central GHSR mediates binge-like alcohol intake. These data reveal novel pharmacological compounds with translational potential in the treatment of AUD and provide further evidence of the GHSR as a potential treatment target for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani S Richardson
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of North Carolina School of Medicine MD/PhD Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jed A Kucharczk
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kim D Janda
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, WIRM Institute for Research and Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Khalin E Nisbett
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate College, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
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30
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Arillotta D, Floresta G, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Catalani V, Martinotti G, Sensi SL, Schifano F. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1503. [PMID: 38002464 PMCID: PMC10669484 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111503] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs; semaglutide and others) now promises effective, non-invasive treatment of obesity for individuals with and without diabetes. Social media platforms' users started promoting semaglutide/Ozempic as a weight-loss treatment, and the associated increase in demand has contributed to an ongoing worldwide shortage of the drug associated with levels of non-prescribed semaglutide intake. Furthermore, recent reports emphasized some GLP-1 RA-associated risks of triggering depression and suicidal thoughts. Consistent with the above, we aimed to assess the possible impact of GLP-1 RAs on mental health as being perceived and discussed in popular open platforms with the help of a mixed-methods approach. Reddit posts yielded 12,136 comments, YouTube videos 14,515, and TikTok videos 17,059, respectively. Out of these posts/entries, most represented matches related to sleep-related issues, including insomnia (n = 620 matches); anxiety (n = 353); depression (n = 204); and mental health issues in general (n = 165). After the initiation of GLP-1 RAs, losing weight was associated with either a marked improvement or, in some cases, a deterioration, in mood; increase/decrease in anxiety/insomnia; and better control of a range of addictive behaviors. The challenges of accessing these medications were a hot topic as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting if and how GLP-1 RAs are perceived as affecting mood, mental health, and behaviors. Establishing a clear cause-and-effect link between metabolic diseases, depression and medications is difficult because of their possible reciprocal relationship, shared underlying mechanisms and individual differences. Further research is needed to better understand the safety profile of these molecules and their putative impact on behavioral and non-behavioral addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Pharmacy, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Valeria Catalani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Stefano L. Sensi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology (ITAB), University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 21, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
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Diaz LA, Winder GS, Leggio L, Bajaj JS, Bataller R, Arab JP. New insights into the molecular basis of alcohol abstinence and relapse in alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00605. [PMID: 37862466 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder remains a significant public health concern, affecting around 5% of adults worldwide. Novel pathways of damage have been described during the last years, providing insight into the mechanism of injury due to alcohol misuse beyond the direct effect of ethanol byproducts on the liver parenchyma and neurobehavioral mechanisms. Thus, the gut-liver-brain axis and immune system involvement could be therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder. In particular, changes in gut microbiota composition and function, and bile acid homeostasis, have been shown with alcohol consumption and cessation. Alcohol can also directly disrupt intestinal and blood-brain barriers. Activation of the immune system can be triggered by intestinal barrier dysfunction and translocation of bacteria, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide), cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These factors, in turn, promote liver and brain inflammation and the progression of liver fibrosis. Other involved mechanisms include oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and the release of extracellular vesicles and miRNA from hepatocytes. Potential therapeutic targets include gut microbiota (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation), neuroinflammatory pathways, as well as neuroendocrine pathways, for example, the ghrelin system (ghrelin receptor blockade), incretin mimetics (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs), and the mineralocorticoid receptor system (spironolactone). In addition, support with psychological and behavioral treatments is essential to address the multiple dimensions of alcohol use disorder. In the future, a personalized approach considering these novel targets can contribute to significantly decreasing the alcohol-associated burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Diaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, NIDA and NIAAA, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Israelsen M, Torp N, Johansen S, Thiele M, Krag A. MetALD: new opportunities to understand the role of alcohol in steatotic liver disease. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:866-868. [PMID: 37567208 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mads Israelsen
- Liver Research Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.
| | - Nikolaj Torp
- Liver Research Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stine Johansen
- Liver Research Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maja Thiele
- Liver Research Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Liver Research Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Aranäs C, Blid Sköldheden S, Jerlhag E. Antismoking agents do not contribute synergistically to semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol intake in rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1180512. [PMID: 37719854 PMCID: PMC10500129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1180512] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies have identified glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, and the antismoking agents varenicline and bupropion as tentative agents for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Combining different medications is a recent approach that has gained attention regarding heterogenous and difficult-to-treat diseases, like AUD. Successfully, this approach has been tested for the combination of varenicline and bupropion as it prevents relapse to alcohol drinking in rats. However, studies assessing the effects of the combination of semaglutide, an FDA-approved GLP-1R agonist for diabetes type II, and varenicline or bupropion to reduce alcohol intake in male and female rats remains to be conducted. Another approach to influence treatment outcome is to combine a medication with feeding interventions like high fat diet (HFD). While HFD reduces alcohol intake, the ability of the combination of HFD and semaglutide to alter alcohol drinking is unknown and thus the subject for a pilot study. Therefore, three intermittent alcohol drinking experiments were conducted to elucidate the effectiveness of these treatment combinations. We show that semaglutide, bupropion or HFD reduces alcohol intake in male as well as female rats. While various studies reveal beneficial effects of combinatorial pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD, we herein do not report any additive effects on alcohol intake by adding either varenicline or bupropion to semaglutide treatment. Neither does HFD exposure alter the ability of semaglutide to reduce alcohol intake. Although no additive effects by the combinatorial treatments are found, these findings collectively provide insight into possible monotherapeutical treatments for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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