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Tamariz L, Bast E, Klimas N, Palacio A. Low-dose Naltrexone Improves post-COVID-19 condition Symptoms. Clin Ther 2024; 46:e101-e106. [PMID: 38267326 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome can be adapted for post-COVID-19 condition. Our aim was to compare treatments in patients from our post-COVID-19 clinic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study and included consecutive patients enrolled in our post-COVID-19 clinic. We included patients who received low-dose naltrexone, amitriptyline, duloxetine, and physical therapy, and evaluated improvements in fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and brain fog recorded in the electronic health record. We calculated the adjusted relative hazard of improvement using Cox proportional models. We adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and prior COVID-19 hospitalization. FINDINGS We included the first 108 patients with post-COVID-19 enrolled in the clinic. Most of the patients received amitriptyline. The relative hazard of improvement for those taking low-dose naltrexone was 5.04 (95% CI, 1.22-20.77; P = 0.02) compared with physical therapy alone. Both fatigue and pain were improved in patients taking low-dose naltrexone; only fatigue was improved in patients taking amitriptyline. IMPLICATIONS Post-COVID-19 condition symptoms may improve in patients taking medications adapted from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Randomized controlled trials should evaluate these medications and translational studies should further evaluate their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tamariz
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of MIami, Miami, Florida.
| | - Elizabeth Bast
- Department of Ambulatory Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Ana Palacio
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of MIami, Miami, Florida
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Patel C, Zagon IS, Pearce-Clawson M, McLaughlin PJ. Timing of treatment with an endogenous opioid alters immune response and spinal cord pathology in female mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:551-563. [PMID: 34821408 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24983] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affects women during the second or third decade of life. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve unregulated peripheral inflammation resulting in blood-brain barrier damage, and eventual axonal damage and demyelination. Based on this understanding, the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), often is utilized to study lymphocyte activation. Therapeutic paradigms of exogenous opioid growth factor (OGF) or low-dose naltrexone (LDN) treatment can modulate EAE, but little is reported regarding OGF or LDN effects on peripheral inflammation, microglia activation, and/or macrophage proliferation. Moreover, little is known about differential responses to LDN or OGF relative to the duration and timing of treatment. Utilizing a female mouse model of EAE, two treatment regimens were established to investigate differences between prophylactic treatment and traditional therapy initiated at the time of disease presentation. Prophylactic OGF or LDN treatment delayed the onset of behavior, suppressed neutrophil replication, and curtailed lymphocyte proliferation which ultimately improved behavioral outcome. Traditional therapy with OGF or LDN reversed behavioral deficits, restored OGF and IL-17 serum levels, and inhibited microglial activation within 8 days. Reduced serum OGF levels in untreated EAE mice correlated with increased microglia activation within lumbar spinal cords. Both treatment regimens of OGF or LDN reduced activated microglia, whereas only prophylactic treatment prevented CNS macrophage aggregation. These data demonstrate that the timing of LDN or OGF treatment initiation alters outcomes and can prevent or reverse behavioral deficits, cytokine activation, and spinal cord pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Patel
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ian S Zagon
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mason Pearce-Clawson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Patricia J McLaughlin
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Research progress of opioid growth factor in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107713. [PMID: 34426103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) has an important role in both neuroendocrine and immune systems. MENK was known as an opioid growth factor (OGF) for its growth regulatory characteristics. OGF interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) to inhibit DNA synthesis by upregulating p16 and/or p21, which delays the cell cycle transition from G0/G1 to S phase, and inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, OGF combines with OGFr in immune cells to exert its immunomodulatory activity and regulate immune function. OGF has been studied as an immunomodulator in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and viral infections, and has been proven to relieve symptoms of certain diseases in animal and in vitro experiments. Also, OGF and OGFr have various anti-tumor molecular mechanisms. OGF can be used as the primary therapy alone or combined with other drugs to treat tumors. This article summarizes the research progress of OGF in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases.
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Bolton MJ, Chapman BP, Van Marwijk H. Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:e232502. [PMID: 31911410 PMCID: PMC6954765 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Naltrexone is used as an off-label treatment in low doses for several chronic immune-modulated disorders in many countries. Although only small-scale clinical trials have been performed, these suggest efficacy in several diseases including Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia and Gulf War Illness. Despite numerous internet reports of response to low-dose naltrexone (LDN), no clinical trials exist in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is characterised by chronic profound fatigue, postexertional malaise, pain and autonomic and neurocognitive disturbances. This series of three case reports compiled by people with long-term ill-health due to chronic fatigue syndrome shows the range of responses they observed when taking LDN, from life changing to a reduction in some symptoms only. Treatment doses ranged from 4 to 12 mg. Clinical trials may be warranted to explore the potential use of naltrexone in people with these debilitating illnesses which currently have no licensed treatments available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harm Van Marwijk
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Xu N, Wang Y, Zhao S, Jiao T, Xue H, Shan F, Zhang N. Naltrexone (NTX) relieves inflammation in the collagen-induced- arthritis (CIA) rat models through regulating TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 79:106056. [PMID: 31865244 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to study the efficacy and mechanism by which NTX alleviate arthritis in CIA rat models in vivo. METHODS Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, their weights were observed and the severity of arthritis and pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines was detected in peripheral serum by ELISA. Real time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein expression of opioid receptors, TLR4, RANKL and /NF-κB in synovial tissue and the spleen. RESULTS The weight of the rats in the 10 mg/kg NTX group decreased the least, and had the least severe arthritis. CD4+ T cells, Th1 cells and Treg cells increased, and CD8+T cells, Th1 cells and Th17 cells decreased in the splenic lymphocytes. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. MOR and DOR were strongly expressed in the spleen, whereas KOR and DOR were strongly expressed in synovial tissue. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB and RANKL was reduced in the spleen and synovium in the NTX group. CONCLUSIONS NTX relieved the severity of arthritis in the CIA rat models at a concentration of 10 mg/kg by regulating T lymphocyte subsets and the expression of cytokines. NTX affected opioid receptors to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the systemic immune response and decreasing osteoclast differentiation, thereby alleviating inflammation and the erosion of articular cartilage along with bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neili Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Yuejiao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Ting Jiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Hongxia Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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Qu N, Wang X, Meng Y, Shan F. Prospective oncotarget for gynecological cancer: Opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105723. [PMID: 31408839 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The standard treatments for neoplasia include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone antagonists and radiotherapy, which can prolong survival, but rarely cure the tumors of gynecological cancer patients. OGF - OGFr expression, in various gynecologic cells and tissues, is an intersection point between cell development, neuroendocrine function and immune modulation. It has been identified that OGF and OGFr expression differs between gynecological tumor and normal cells. Further, exogenous or endogenous OGF and OGFr antagonists have been known to have a role in regulating cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, the expression of proteins in the OGF - OGFr axis modulate differentiation and membrane expression of immune cells, which can enhance the immune response. In vivo and in vitro assays have shown that OGF and OGFr antagonists inhibit mitosis as well as induce apoptosis in gynecologic cancer cells. Although immune augmentation combination therapies can intensify cytotoxic activity, OGF or OGFr antagonists do not increase toxicities associated with dual-immune regulation. In conclusion, the OGF - OGFr axis provides significant strategies for antitumor efficiency in gynecological cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Toljan K, Vrooman B. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)-Review of Therapeutic Utilization. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6040082. [PMID: 30248938 PMCID: PMC6313374 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6040082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Naltrexone and naloxone are classical opioid antagonists. In substantially lower than standard doses, they exert different pharmacodynamics. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN), considered in a daily dose of 1 to 5 mg, has been shown to reduce glial inflammatory response by modulating Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in addition to systemically upregulating endogenous opioid signaling by transient opioid-receptor blockade. Clinical reports of LDN have demonstrated possible benefits in diseases such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, complex-regional pain syndrome, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cancer. In a dosing range at less than 1 μg per day, oral naltrexone or intravenous naloxone potentiate opioid analgesia by acting on filamin A, a scaffolding protein involved in μ-opioid receptor signaling. This dose is termed ultra low-dose naltrexone/naloxone (ULDN). It has been of use in postoperative control of analgesia by reducing the need for the total amount of opioids following surgery, as well as ameliorating certain side-effects of opioid-related treatment. A dosing range between 1 μg and 1 mg comprises very low-dose naltrexone (VLDN), which has primarily been used as an experimental adjunct treatment for boosting tolerability of opioid-weaning methadone taper. In general, all of the low-dose features regarding naltrexone and naloxone have been only recently and still scarcely scientifically evaluated. This review aims to present an overview of the current knowledge on these topics and summarize the key findings published in peer-review sources. The existing potential of LDN, VLDN, and ULDN for various areas of biomedicine has still not been thoroughly and comprehensively addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Toljan
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Kispaticeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Bruce Vrooman
- Section of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03756, USA.
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