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Wang L, Hao H, Meng X, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Chai T, Wang X, Gao Z, Zheng Y, Yang J. A novel isoquinoline alkaloid HJ-69 isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum attenuates inflammatory pain by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118218. [PMID: 38677570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum), a member of the Rutaceae family, has a rich history of traditional use in Asia for treating arthritis and toothache conditions. As characteristic chemical components, numerous kinds of alkaloids have been extracted from plants and their diverse biological activities have been reported. However, research on the isoquinoline alkaloid, a specific type of alkaloids, in Z. bungeanum was scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to isolate a novel isoquinoline alkaloid from Z. bungeanum and explore its pharmacological activity in vitro and analgesic activity in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isoquinoline alkaloid isolation and identification from Z. bungeanum were conducted using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to assess its impact on neuronal excitability, and endogenous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) currents in acutely isolated mouse small-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Its inhibitory impacts on channels were further validated with HEK293 cells stably expressing Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transiently expressing Kv2.1. The formalin inflammatory pain model was utilized to evaluate the potential analgesic activity in vivo. RESULTS A novel isoquinoline alkaloid named HJ-69 (N-13-(3-methoxyprop-1-yl)rutaecarpine) was isolated and identified from Z. bungeanum for the first time. HJ-69 significantly suppressed the firing frequency and amplitudes of action potentials in DRG neurons. Consistently, it state-dependently inhibited endogenous Nav currents of DRG neurons, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 13.06 ± 2.06 μM and 30.19 ± 2.07 μM for the inactivated and resting states, respectively. HJ-69 significantly suppressed potassium currents in DRG neurons, which notably inhibited the delayed rectifier potassium (IK) currents (IC50 = 6.95 ± 1.29 μM) and slightly affected the transient outward potassium (IA) currents (IC50 = 523.50 ± 39.16 μM). Furtherly, HJ-69 exhibited similar potencies on heterologously expressed Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Kv2.1 channels, which correspondingly represent the main components in neurons. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg HJ-69 significantly alleviated pain behaviors in the mouse inflammatory pain model induced by formalin. CONCLUSION The study concluded that HJ-69 is a novel and active isoquinoline alkaloid, and the inhibition of Nav and Kv channels contributes to its analgesic activity. HJ-69 may be a promising prototype for future analgesic drug discovery based on the isoquinoline alkaloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Wang
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haishuang Hao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xianhua Meng
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian Chai
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xingrong Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yueming Zheng
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Junli Yang
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Lee KH, Kim UJ, Cha M, Lee BH. Inhibiting Nav1.7 channels in pulpitis: An in vivo study on neuronal hyperexcitability. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 717:150044. [PMID: 38718567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150044] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Pulpitis constitutes a significant challenge in clinical management due to its impact on peripheral nerve tissue and the persistence of chronic pain. Despite its clinical importance, the correlation between neuronal activity and the expression of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) during pulpitis is less investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between experimentally induced pulpitis and Nav1.7 expression in the TG and to investigate the potential of selective Nav1.7 modulation to attenuate TG abnormal activity associated with pulpitis. Acute pulpitis was induced at the maxillary molar (M1) using allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). The mice were divided into three groups: control, pulpitis model, and pulpitis model treated with ProTx-II, a selective Nav1.7 channel inhibitor. After three days following the surgery, we conducted a recording and comparative analysis of the neural activity of the TG utilizing in vivo optical imaging. Then immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess changes in the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Fos, collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2), and Nav1.7 channels. The optical imaging result showed significant neurological excitation in pulpitis TGs. Nav1.7 expressions exhibited upregulation, accompanied by signaling molecular changes suggestive of inflammation and neuroplasticity. In addition, inhibition of Nav1.7 led to reduced neural activity and subsequent decreases in ERK, c-Fos, and CRMP2 levels. These findings suggest the potential for targeting overexpressed Nav1.7 channels to alleviate pain associated with pulpitis, providing practical pain management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hee Lee
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Division of Health Science, Dongseo University, Busan, 47011, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Jeng Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeounghoon Cha
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Shu J, Wang Y, Guo W, Liu T, Cai S, Shi T, Hu W. Carbenoid-involved reactions integrated with scaffold-based screening generates a Nav1.7 inhibitor. Commun Chem 2024; 7:135. [PMID: 38866907 PMCID: PMC11169417 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01213-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of selective Nav1.7 inhibitors is a promising approach for developing anti-nociceptive drugs. In this study, we present a novel oxindole-based readily accessible library (OREAL), which is characterized by readily accessibility, unique chemical space, ideal drug-like properties, and structural diversity. We used a scaffold-based approach to screen the OREAL and discovered compound C4 as a potent Nav1.7 inhibitor. The bioactivity characterization of C4 reveals that it is a selective Nav1.7 inhibitor and effectively reverses Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) in rodent models. Preliminary toxicology study shows C4 is negative to hERG. The consistent results of molecular docking and molecular simulations further support the reasonability of the in-silico screening and show the insight of the binding mode of C4. Our discovery of C4 paves the way for pushing the Nav1.7-based anti-nociceptive drugs forward to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirong Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Song Cai
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Taoda Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wenhao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Le Franc A, Da Silva A, Lepetre-Mouelhi S. Nanomedicine and voltage-gated sodium channel blockers in pain management: a game changer or a lost cause? Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01615-9. [PMID: 38861139 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Pain, a complex and debilitating condition affecting millions globally, is a significant concern, especially in the context of post-operative recovery. This comprehensive review explores the complexity of pain and its global impact, emphasizing the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC or NaV channels) as a promising avenue for pain management with the aim of reducing reliance on opioids. The article delves into the role of specific NaV isoforms, particularly NaV 1.7, NaV 1.8, and NaV 1.9, in pain process and discusses the development of sodium channel blockers to target these isoforms precisely. Traditional local anesthetics and selective NaV isoform inhibitors, despite showing varying efficacy in pain management, face challenges in systemic distribution and potential side effects. The review highlights the potential of nanomedicine in improving the delivery of local anesthetics, toxins and selective NaV isoform inhibitors for a targeted and sustained release at the site of pain. This innovative strategy seeks to improve drug bioavailability, minimize systemic exposure, and optimize therapeutic outcomes, holding significant promise for secure pain management and enhancing the quality of life for individuals recovering from surgical procedures or suffering from chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Le Franc
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Alexandre Da Silva
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
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Corriero A, Giglio M, Soloperto R, Inchingolo F, Varrassi G, Puntillo F. Microbial Symphony: Exploring the Role of the Gut in Osteoarthritis-Related Pain. A Narrative Review. Pain Ther 2024; 13:409-433. [PMID: 38678155 PMCID: PMC11111653 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00602-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis (OA), causes worldwide disability, morbidity, and poor quality of life by degenerating articular cartilage, modifying subchondral bone, and inflaming synovial membranes. OA pathogenesis pathways must be understood to generate new preventative and disease-modifying therapies. In recent years, it has been acknowledged that gut microbiota (GM) can significantly contribute to the development of OA. Dysbiosis of GM can disrupt the "symphony" between the host and the GM, leading to a host immunological response that activates the "gut-joint" axis, ultimately worsening OA. This narrative review summarizes research supporting the "gut-joint axis" hypothesis, focusing on the interactions between GM and the immune system in its two main components, innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, the pathophysiological sequence of events that link GM imbalance to OA and OA-related pain is broken down and further investigated. We also suggest that diet and prebiotics, probiotics, nutraceuticals, exercise, and fecal microbiota transplantation could improve OA management and represent a new potential therapeutic tool in the light of the scarce panorama of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). Future research is needed to elucidate these complex interactions, prioritizing how a particular change in GM, i.e., a rise or a drop of a specific bacterial strain, correlates with a certain OA subset to pinpoint the associated signaling pathway that leads to OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Corriero
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine - ICU Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Giglio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine - ICU Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Rossana Soloperto
- Department of Intensive Care, Brussels' University Hospital (HUB), Rue de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Filomena Puntillo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine - ICU Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Heinle JW, Dalessio S, Janicki P, Ouyang A, Vrana KE, Ruiz-Velasco V, Coates MD. Insights into the voltage-gated sodium channel, Na V1.8, and its role in visceral pain perception. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1398409. [PMID: 38855747 PMCID: PMC11158627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1398409] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a major issue in healthcare throughout the world. It remains one of the major clinical issues of our time because it is a common sequela of numerous conditions, has a tremendous impact on individual quality of life, and is one of the top drivers of cost in medicine, due to its influence on healthcare expenditures and lost productivity in those affected by it. Patients and healthcare providers remain desperate to find new, safer and more effective analgesics. Growing evidence indicates that the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a critical role in transmission of pain-related signals throughout the body. For that reason, this channel appears to have strong potential to help develop novel, more selective, safer, and efficacious analgesics. However, many questions related to the physiology, function, and clinical utility of Nav1.8 remain to be answered. In this article, we discuss the latest studies evaluating the role of Nav1.8 in pain, with a particular focus on visceral pain, as well as the steps taken thus far to evaluate its potential as an analgesic target. We also review the limitations of currently available studies related to this topic, and describe the next scientific steps that have already been undertaken, or that will need to be pursued, to fully unlock the capabilities of this potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Westley Heinle
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shannon Dalessio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Piotr Janicki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Ann Ouyang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Victor Ruiz-Velasco
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Coates
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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7
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Kaye AD, Greene DR, Nguyen C, Ragland A, Granger MP, Wilhite WP, Dufrene K, Shekoohi S, Robinson CL. Emerging Medications and Strategies in Acute Pain Management: Evolving Role of Novel Sodium and Calcium Channel Blockers, Peptide-Based Pharmacologic Drugs, and Non-Medicinal Methods. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024:10.1007/s11916-024-01265-z. [PMID: 38761297 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present investigation evaluated integration of novel medication technology to enhance treatment options, while improving patient outcomes in acute pain management. In this regard, we focused on determining the role of development and utilization of cutting-edge pharmaceutical advancements, such as targeted drug delivery systems, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions in addressing acute pain states. Further research in this area is warranted related to the need for increased patient comfort and reduced adverse effects. RECENT FINDINGS Recent innovations and techniques are discussed including pharmacologic drugs targeting sodium and calcium channels, peptide-based pharmacologic drugs, and non-medicinal methods of alleviating pain such as soothing music or virtual reality. The present investigation included review of current literature on the application of these innovative technologies, analyzing mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effectiveness. Our study also investigated the potential benefits in terms of pain relief, reduced side effects, and improved patient adherence. The research critically examines the challenges and considerations associated with implementing these technologies in acute pain management, considering factors like cost, accessibility, and regulatory aspects. Additionally, case studies and clinical trials are highlighted which demonstrate practical implications of these novel medication technologies in real-world scenarios. The findings aim to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape in acute pain management while guiding future research and clinical practices toward optimizing their use in enhancing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Driskell R Greene
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Catherine Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, New Orleans, 70112, LA, USA
| | - Amanda Ragland
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Mason P Granger
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - William Peyton Wilhite
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Kylie Dufrene
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Christopher L Robinson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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8
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Kan P, Zhu YF, Ma J, Singh G. Computational modeling to study the impact of changes in Nav1.8 sodium channel on neuropathic pain. Front Comput Neurosci 2024; 18:1327986. [PMID: 38784679 PMCID: PMC11111952 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2024.1327986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Nav1.8 expression is restricted to sensory neurons; it was hypothesized that aberrant expression and function of this channel at the site of injury contributed to pathological pain. However, the specific contributions of Nav1.8 to neuropathic pain are not as clear as its role in inflammatory pain. The aim of this study is to understand how Nav1.8 present in peripheral sensory neurons regulate neuronal excitability and induce various electrophysiological features on neuropathic pain. Methods To study the effect of changes in sodium channel Nav1.8 kinetics, Hodgkin-Huxley type conductance-based models of spiking neurons were constructed using the NEURON v8.2 simulation software. We constructed a single-compartment model of neuronal soma that contained Nav1.8 channels with the ionic mechanisms adapted from some existing small DRG neuron models. We then validated and compared the model with our experimental data from in vivo recordings on soma of small dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons in animal models of neuropathic pain (NEP). Results We show that Nav1.8 is an important parameter for the generation and maintenance of abnormal neuronal electrogenesis and hyperexcitability. The typical increased excitability seen is dominated by a left shift in the steady state of activation of this channel and is further modulated by this channel's maximum conductance and steady state of inactivation. Therefore, modified action potential shape, decreased threshold, and increased repetitive firing of sensory neurons in our neuropathic animal models may be orchestrated by these modulations on Nav1.8. Conclusion Computational modeling is a novel strategy to understand the generation of chronic pain. In this study, we highlight that changes to the channel functions of Nav1.8 within the small DRG neuron may contribute to neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kan
- Department of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yong Fang Zhu
- Department of Health Sciences, Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Junling Ma
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Gurmit Singh
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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9
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Deng L, Gillis JE, Chiu IM, Kaplan DH. Sensory neurons: An integrated component of innate immunity. Immunity 2024; 57:815-831. [PMID: 38599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The sensory nervous system possesses the ability to integrate exogenous threats and endogenous signals to mediate downstream effector functions. Sensory neurons have been shown to activate or suppress host defense and immunity against pathogens, depending on the tissue and disease state. Through this lens, pro- and anti-inflammatory neuroimmune effector functions can be interpreted as evolutionary adaptations by host or pathogen. Here, we discuss recent and impactful examples of neuroimmune circuitry that regulate tissue homeostasis, autoinflammation, and host defense. Apparently paradoxical or conflicting reports in the literature also highlight the complexity of neuroimmune interactions that may depend on tissue- and microbe-specific cues. These findings expand our understanding of the nuanced mechanisms and the greater context of sensory neurons in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Deng
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jacob E Gillis
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Klein T, Grüner J, Breyer M, Schlegel J, Schottmann NM, Hofmann L, Gauss K, Mease R, Erbacher C, Finke L, Klein A, Klug K, Karl-Schöller F, Vignolo B, Reinhard S, Schneider T, Günther K, Fink J, Dudek J, Maack C, Klopocki E, Seibel J, Edenhofer F, Wischmeyer E, Sauer M, Üçeyler N. Small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease model and pilot data. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae095. [PMID: 38638148 PMCID: PMC11024803 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Acral burning pain triggered by fever, thermal hyposensitivity and skin denervation are hallmarks of small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease, a life-threatening X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A may lead to impaired enzyme activity with cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. To study the underlying pathomechanism of Fabry-associated small fibre neuropathy, we generated a neuronal in vitro disease model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells from three Fabry patients and one healthy control. We further generated an isogenic control line via gene editing. We subjected induced pluripotent stem cells to targeted peripheral neuronal differentiation and observed intra-lysosomal globotriaosylceramide accumulations in somas and neurites of Fabry sensory neurons using super-resolution microscopy. At functional level, patch-clamp analysis revealed a hyperpolarizing shift of voltage-gated sodium channel steady-state inactivation kinetics in isogenic control neurons compared with healthy control neurons (P < 0.001). Moreover, we demonstrate a drastic increase in Fabry sensory neuron calcium levels at 39°C mimicking clinical fever (P < 0.001). This pathophysiological phenotype was accompanied by thinning of neurite calibres in sensory neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Fabry patients compared with healthy control cells (P < 0.001). Linear-nonlinear cascade models fit to spiking responses revealed that Fabry cell lines exhibit altered single neuron encoding properties relative to control. We further observed mitochondrial aggregation at sphingolipid accumulations within Fabry sensory neurites utilizing a click chemistry approach together with mitochondrial dysmorphism compared with healthy control cells. We pioneer pilot insights into the cellular mechanisms contributing to pain, thermal hyposensitivity and denervation in Fabry small fibre neuropathy and pave the way for further mechanistic in vitro studies in Fabry disease and the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Gauss
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mease
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Erbacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Finke
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Vignolo
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinhard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Günther
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dudek
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Maack
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Wischmeyer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Yosipovitch G, Kim B, Luger T, Lerner E, Metz M, Adiri R, Canosa JM, Cha A, Ständer S. Similarities and differences in peripheral itch and pain pathways in atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:904-912. [PMID: 38103700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.034] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is predominantly characterized by intense itching, but concomitant skin pain is experienced by more than 40% of patients. Patients with AD display considerable somatosensory aberrations, including increased nerve sensitivity to itch stimuli (hyperknesis), perception of itch from innocuous stimuli (alloknesis), or perception of pain from innocuous stimuli (allodynia). This review summarizes the current understanding of the similarities and differences in the peripheral mechanisms underlying itch and pain in AD. These distinct yet reciprocal sensations share many similarities in the peripheral nervous system, including common mediators (such as serotonin, endothelin-1, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin), receptors (such as members of the G protein-coupled receptor family and Toll-like receptors), and ion channels for signal transduction (such as certain members of the transient receptor potential [TRP] cation channels). Itch-responding neurons are also sensitive to pain stimuli. However, there are distinct differences between itch and pain signaling. For example, specific immune responses are associated with pain (type 1 and/or type 3 cytokines and certain chemokine C-C [CCL2, CCL5] and C-X-C [CXCL] motif ligands) and itch (type 2 cytokines, including IL-31, and periostin). The TRP melastatin channels TRPM2 and TRPM3 have a role in pain but no known role in itch. Activation of μ-opioid receptors is known to alleviate pain but exacerbate itch. Understanding the connection between itch and pain mechanisms may offer new insights into the treatment of chronic pain and itch in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Yosipovitch
- Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Fla.
| | - Brian Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo
| | | | - Ethan Lerner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass
| | - Martin Metz
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roni Adiri
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd, Herzliya Pituach, Israel
| | | | | | - Sonja Ständer
- Center for Chronic Pruritus, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
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12
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Messina DN, Peralta ED, Acosta CG. Complex alterations in inflammatory pain and analgesic sensitivity in young and ageing female rats: involvement of ASIC3 and Nav1.8 in primary sensory neurons. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:669-691. [PMID: 38483556 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01862-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Our aim was to determine an age-dependent role of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat pre-clinical model of long-term inflammatory pain. METHODS We compared 6 and 24 months-old female Wistar rats after cutaneous inflammation. We used behavioral pain assessments over time, qPCR, quantitative immunohistochemistry, selective pharmacological manipulation, ELISA and in vitro treatment with cytokines. RESULTS Older rats exhibited delayed recovery from mechanical allodynia and earlier onset of spontaneous pain than younger rats after inflammation. Moreover, the expression patterns of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 were time and age-dependent and ASIC3 levels remained elevated only in aged rats. In vivo, selective blockade of Nav1.8 with A803467 or of ASIC3 with APETx2 alleviated mechanical and cold allodynia and also spontaneous pain in both age groups with slightly different potency. Furthermore, in vitro IL-1β up-regulated Nav1.8 expression in DRG neurons cultured from young but not old rats. We also found that while TNF-α up-regulated ASIC3 expression in both age groups, IL-6 and IL-1β had this effect only on young and aged neurons, respectively. CONCLUSION Inflammation-associated mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain in the elderly can be more effectively treated by inhibiting ASIC3 than Nav1.8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego N Messina
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Emanuel D Peralta
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Cristian G Acosta
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
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13
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Liu PW, Zhang H, Werley CA, Pichler M, Ryan SJ, Lewarch CL, Jacques J, Grooms J, Ferrante J, Li G, Zhang D, Bremmer N, Barnett A, Chantre R, Elder AE, Cohen AE, Williams LA, Dempsey GT, McManus OB. A phenotypic screening platform for chronic pain therapeutics using all-optical electrophysiology. Pain 2024; 165:922-940. [PMID: 37963235 PMCID: PMC10950549 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003090] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) remains an intractable problem with few effective treatment options. New approaches are needed to model the disease biology and to drive discovery of therapeutics. We present an in vitro model of OA pain, where dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons were sensitized by a defined mixture of disease-relevant inflammatory mediators, here called Sensitizing PAin Reagent Composition or SPARC. Osteoarthritis-SPARC components showed synergistic or additive effects when applied in combination and induced pain phenotypes in vivo. To measure the effect of OA-SPARC on neural firing in a scalable format, we used a custom system for high throughput all-optical electrophysiology. This system enabled light-based membrane voltage recordings from hundreds of neurons in parallel with single cell and single action potential resolution and a throughput of up to 500,000 neurons per day. A computational framework was developed to construct a multiparameter OA-SPARC neuronal phenotype and to quantitatively assess phenotype reversal by candidate pharmacology. We screened ∼3000 approved drugs and mechanistically focused compounds, yielding data from over 1.2 million individual neurons with detailed assessment of functional OA-SPARC phenotype rescue and orthogonal "off-target" effects. Analysis of confirmed hits revealed diverse potential analgesic mechanisms including ion channel modulators and other mechanisms including MEK inhibitors and tyrosine kinase modulators. Our results suggest that the Raf-MEK-ERK axis in DRG neurons may integrate the inputs from multiple upstream inflammatory mediators found in osteoarthritis patient joints, and MAPK pathway activation in DRG neurons may contribute to chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin W. Liu
- Quiver Bioscience, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guangde Li
- Quiver Bioscience, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Quiver Bioscience, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam E. Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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14
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Weng HR. Emerging Molecular and Synaptic Targets for the Management of Chronic Pain Caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3602. [PMID: 38612414 PMCID: PMC11011483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently experience chronic pain due to the limited effectiveness and safety profiles of current analgesics. Understanding the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal activation along the pain signaling pathway is essential for developing new analgesics to address SLE-induced chronic pain. Recent studies, including those conducted by our team and others using the SLE animal model (MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice), have unveiled heightened excitability in nociceptive primary sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia and increased glutamatergic synaptic activity in spinal dorsal horn neurons, contributing to the development of chronic pain in mice with SLE. Nociceptive primary sensory neurons in lupus animals exhibit elevated resting membrane potentials, and reduced thresholds and rheobases of action potentials. These changes coincide with the elevated production of TNFα and IL-1β, as well as increased ERK activity in the dorsal root ganglion, coupled with decreased AMPK activity in the same region. Dysregulated AMPK activity is linked to heightened excitability in nociceptive sensory neurons in lupus animals. Additionally, the increased glutamatergic synaptic activity in the spinal dorsal horn in lupus mice with chronic pain is characterized by enhanced presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic AMPA receptor activation, alongside the reduced activity of glial glutamate transporters. These alterations are caused by the elevated activities of IL-1β, IL-18, CSF-1, and thrombin, and reduced AMPK activities in the dorsal horn. Furthermore, the pharmacological activation of spinal GPR109A receptors in microglia in lupus mice suppresses chronic pain by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity and the production of both IL-1β and IL-18, as well as reducing glutamatergic synaptic activity in the spinal dorsal horn. These findings collectively unveil crucial signaling molecular and synaptic targets for modulating abnormal neuronal activation in both the periphery and spinal dorsal horn, offering insights into the development of analgesics for managing SLE-induced chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Rong Weng
- Department of Basic Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
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15
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Wilcox NC, Taheri G, Halievski K, Talbot S, Silva JR, Ghasemlou N. Interactions between skin-resident dendritic and Langerhans cells and pain-sensing neurons. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:S0091-6749(24)00270-7. [PMID: 38492673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.03.006] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Various immune cells in the skin contribute to its function as a first line of defense against infection and disease, and the skin's dense innervation by pain-sensing sensory neurons protects the host against injury or damage signals. Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells that link the innate immune response to the adaptive response by capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to promote T-cell differentiation and activation. DCs are abundant across peripheral tissues, including the skin, where they are found in the dermis and epidermis. Langerhans cells (LCs) are a DC subset located only in the epidermis; both populations of cells can migrate to lymph nodes to contribute to broad immune responses. Dermal DCs and LCs are found in close apposition with sensory nerve fibers in the skin and express neurotransmitter receptors, allowing them to communicate directly with the peripheral nervous system. Thus, neuroimmune signaling between DCs and/or LCs and sensory neurons can modulate physiologic and pathophysiologic pathways, including immune cell regulation, host defense, allergic response, homeostasis, and wound repair. Here, we summarize the latest discoveries on DC- and LC-neuron interaction with neurons while providing an overview of gaps and areas not previously explored. Understanding the interactions between these 2 defence systems may provide key insight into developing therapeutic targets for treating diseases such as psoriasis, neuropathic pain, and lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Wilcox
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Golnar Taheri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Halievski
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jaqueline R Silva
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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16
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van Gool R, Far A, Drenthen GS, Jansen JFA, Goijen CP, Backes WH, Linden DEJ, Merkies ISJ, Faber CG, Upadhyay J, Hoeijmakers JGJ. Peripheral Pain Captured Centrally: Altered Brain Morphology on MRI in Small Fiber Neuropathy Patients With and Without an SCN9A Gene Variant. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:730-741. [PMID: 37921732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to characterize brain morphology of pain as reported by small fiber neuropathy (SFN) patients with or without a gain-of-function variant involving the SCN9A gene and compare these with findings in healthy controls without pain. The Neuropathic Pain Scale was used in patients with idiopathic SFN (N = 20) and SCN9A-associated SFN (N = 12) to capture pain phenotype. T1-weighted, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected in patients and healthy controls (N = 21) to 1) compare cortical thickness and subcortical volumes and 2) quantify the association between severity, quality, and duration of pain with morphological properties. SCN9A-associated SFN patients showed significant (P < .017, Bonferroni corrected) higher cortical thickness in sensorimotor regions, compared to idiopathic SFN patients, while lower cortical thickness was found in more functionally diverse regions (eg, posterior cingulate cortex). SFN patient groups combined demonstrated a significant (Spearman's ρ = .44-.55, P = .005-.049) correlation among itch sensations (Neuropathic Pain Scale-7) and thickness of the left precentral gyrus, and midcingulate cortices. Significant associations were found between thalamic volumes and duration of pain (left: ρ = -.37, P = .043; right: ρ = -.40, P = .025). No associations were found between morphological properties and other pain qualities. In conclusion, in SCN9A-associated SFN, profound morphological alterations anchored within the pain matrix are present. The association between itch sensations of pain and sensorimotor and midcingulate structures provides a novel basis for further examining neurobiological underpinnings of itch in SFN. PERSPECTIVE: Cortical thickness and subcortical volume alterations in SFN patients were found in pain hubs, more profound in SCN9A-associated neuropathy, and correlated with itch and durations of pain. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying chronic neuropathic pain and symptoms of itch in SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel van Gool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Amir Far
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard S Drenthen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Celine P Goijen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - David E J Linden
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S J Merkies
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao
| | - Catharina G Faber
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jaymin Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Janneke G J Hoeijmakers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
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17
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Melancon K, Pliushcheuskaya P, Meiler J, Künze G. Targeting ion channels with ultra-large library screening for hit discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 16:1336004. [PMID: 38249296 PMCID: PMC10796734 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1336004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, making them attractive targets for drug development in diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, cancer, and chronic pain. Despite the importance of ion channels in drug discovery, the vastness of chemical space and the complexity of ion channels pose significant challenges for identifying drug candidates. The use of in silico methods in drug discovery has dramatically reduced the time and cost of drug development and has the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine. Recent advances in computer hardware and software have enabled the screening of ultra-large compound libraries. Integration of different methods at various scales and dimensions is becoming an inevitable trend in drug development. In this review, we provide an overview of current state-of-the-art computational chemistry methodologies for ultra-large compound library screening and their application to ion channel drug discovery research. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various in silico techniques, including virtual screening, molecular mechanics/dynamics simulations, and machine learning-based approaches. We also highlight several successful applications of computational chemistry methodologies in ion channel drug discovery and provide insights into future directions and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kortney Melancon
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg Künze
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Horvath B, Kloesel B, Cross SN. Persistent Postpartum Pain - A Somatic and Psychologic Perfect Storm. J Pain Res 2024; 17:35-44. [PMID: 38192367 PMCID: PMC10773244 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s439463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent postpartum pain is common and has a complex etiology. It has both somatic and psychosocial provoking factors and has both functional and psychological ramifications following childbirth. Pain that limits the functional capacity of a person who has the daunting task to take care of all the demands of managing a growing newborn and infant can have debilitating consequences for several people simultaneously. We will review the incidence of persistent postpartum pain, analyze the risk factors, and discuss obstetric, anesthetic, and psychological tools for prevention and management. Based on the current knowledge, early antenatal screening and management is described as the most likely measure to identify patients at risk for persistent postpartum pain. Such antenatal management should be based on the close collaboration between obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and psychologists to tailor peripartum pain management and psychological support-based individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Horvath
- Department of Anesthesiology, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin Kloesel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children’s Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah N Cross
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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19
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Gong Y, Liu R, Zha H, Dong D, Lu N, Yan H, Wan L, Nian Y. Analgesic Buxus alkaloids with Enhanced Selectivity for the Low-Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Ca v 3.2 over Ca v 3.1 through a New Binding Mode. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202313461. [PMID: 37997012 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313461] [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] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Low-voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs; Cav 3.1-3.3) represent promising drug targets for epilepsy, pain, and essential tremor. At present, modulators with heightened selectivity for a subtype of LVGCCs are still highly desired. In this study we explored three classes of Buxus alkaloids and identified 9(10/19)abeo-artanes Buxusemine H and Buxusemine L (BXSL) as an unprecedented type of Cav 3.2 inhibitors. Particularly, BXSL exhibited Cav 3.2 inhibition comparable to Z944, a non-subtype-selective LVGCCs inhibitor under clinical trial. While lacking specificity for Cav 3.3, BXSL showed a 30-fold selectivity of Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. As compared to several well-known inhibitors, the experimental and computational studies suggested BXSL exhibits a distinct binding mode to Cav 3.2, notably through the essential interaction with serine-1543 in domain III. Furthermore, BXSL showed minimal impact on various recombinant and native nociceptive ion channels, while significantly reducing the excitability of isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. Animal studies in wild-type and Cav 3.2 knock-out mice revealed that BXSL (5 mg/kg), by inhibiting Cav 3.2, exhibits an analgesic effect equivalent to Z944 (10 mg/kg) or mibefradil (10 mg/kg). Moreover, we proposed a structural rationale for the high selectivity of 9(10/19)abeo-artane-type alkaloids towards Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. This study introduces a novel analgesic agent and valuable molecular insight for structure-based innovative Cav 3.2 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Zha
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Ding Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Nihong Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, 650041, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Hui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Luosheng Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yin Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
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20
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Jang K, Garraway SM. A review of dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neuron plasticity mediating inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100151. [PMID: 38314104 PMCID: PMC10837099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a sensory state resulting from complex integration of peripheral nociceptive inputs and central processing. Pain consists of adaptive pain that is acute and beneficial for healing and maladaptive pain that is often persistent and pathological. Pain is indeed heterogeneous, and can be expressed as nociceptive, inflammatory, or neuropathic in nature. Neuropathic pain is an example of maladaptive pain that occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI), which triggers a wide range of neural plasticity. The nociceptive processing that underlies pain hypersensitivity is well-studied in the spinal cord. However, recent investigations show maladaptive plasticity that leads to pain, including neuropathic pain after SCI, also exists at peripheral sites, such as the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons. This review discusses the important role DRGs play in nociceptive processing that underlies inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Specifically, it highlights nociceptor hyperexcitability as critical to increased pain states. Furthermore, it reviews prior literature on glutamate and glutamate receptors, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the DRG as important contributors to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We previously reviewed BDNF's role as a bidirectional neuromodulator of spinal plasticity. Here, we shift focus to the periphery and discuss BDNF-TrkB expression on nociceptors, non-nociceptor sensory neurons, and non-neuronal cells in the periphery as a potential contributor to induction and persistence of pain after SCI. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive evaluation of large bodies of work that individually focus on pain, DRG, BDNF, and SCI, to understand their interaction in nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongran Jang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sandra M. Garraway
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Ho TJ, Lin CF, Chen JK, Kung YL, Wu LK, Chang Chien CY, Huang CP. Electroacupuncture attenuates inflammatory pain via peripheral cannabinoid receptor type 1 signaling pathway in mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295432. [PMID: 38060514 PMCID: PMC10703209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is strongly associated with neuro-immune activation. Thus, the emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in neuro-inflammation is important. Acupuncture has been used for over 2500 years and is widely accepted for the management of pain. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the regulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 within the peripheral nervous system. Inflammatory pain was induced by injecting Complete Freund's adjuvant to induce mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Electroacupuncture significantly attenuated the mechanical and thermal sensitivities, and AM251, a cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist, eliminated these effects. Dual immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that electroacupuncture elevated expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1, co-localized with Nav 1.8. Furthermore, electroacupuncture significantly reduced levels of Nav 1.8 and COX-2 by western blot analysis, but not vice versa as AM251 treatment. Our data indicate that electroacupuncture mediates antinociceptive effects through peripheral endocannabinoid system signaling pathway and provide evidence that electroacupuncture is beneficial for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jung Ho
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Post‑Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fang Lin
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jhong-Kuei Chen
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Post‑Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lun Kung
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kung Wu
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Ying Chang Chien
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ping Huang
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
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22
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Rahman SO, Bariguian F, Mobasheri A. The Potential Role of Probiotics in the Management of Osteoarthritis Pain: Current Status and Future Prospects. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:307-326. [PMID: 37656392 PMCID: PMC10754743 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This narrative review article comprehensively explains the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) pain perception, how the gut microbiota is correlated with it, possible molecular pathways involved in probiotics-mediated OA pain reduction, limitations in the current research approaches, and future perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS The initiation and progression of OA, including the development of chronic pain, is intricately associated with activation of the innate immune system and subsequent inflammatory responses. Trauma, lifestyle (e.g., obesity and metabolic disease), and chronic antibiotic treatment can disrupt commensal homeostasis of the human microbiome, thereby affecting intestinal integrity and promoting leakage of bacterial endotoxins and metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into circulation. Increased level of LPS is associated with knee osteophyte severity and joint pain. Both preclinical and clinical studies strongly suggest that probiotics may benefit patients with OA pain through positive gut microbiota modulation and attenuating low-grade inflammation via multiple pathways. Patent data also suggests increased interest in the development of new innovations that involve probiotic use for reducing OA and joint pain. Recent data suggest that probiotics are attracting more and more attention for OA pain management. The advancement of knowledge in this area may pave the way for developing different probiotic strains that can be used to support joint health, improve treatment outcomes in OA, and reduce the huge impact of the disease on healthcare systems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frédérique Bariguian
- Haleon (Formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), Route de L'Etraz 2, Case Postale 1279, 1260, Nyon 1, Switzerland.
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, FI, Finland.
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, Liege, Belgium.
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23
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Dvorak NM, Di Re J, Vasquez TES, Marosi M, Shah P, Contreras YMM, Bernabucci M, Singh AK, Stallone J, Green TA, Laezza F. Fibroblast growth factor 13-mediated regulation of medium spiny neuron excitability and cocaine self-administration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1294567. [PMID: 38099204 PMCID: PMC10720079 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1294567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder with few existing treatments. Thus, there is an unmet need for the identification of new pharmacological targets for CUD. Previous studies using environmental enrichment versus isolation paradigms have found that the latter induces increased cocaine self-administration with correlative increases in the excitability of medium spiny neurons (MSN) of the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh). Expanding upon these findings, we sought in the present investigation to elucidate molecular determinants of these phenomena. To that end, we first employed a secondary transcriptomic analysis and found that cocaine self-administration differentially regulates mRNA for fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13), which codes for a prominent auxiliary protein of the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel, in the NAcSh of environmentally enriched rats (i.e., resilient behavioral phenotype) compared to environmentally isolated rats (susceptible phenotype). Based upon this finding, we used in vivo genetic silencing to study the causal functional and behavioral consequences of knocking down FGF13 in the NAcSh. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of FGF13 in the NAcSh augmented excitability of MSNs by increasing the activity of Nav channels. These electrophysiological changes were concomitant with a decrease in cocaine demand elasticity (i.e., susceptible phenotype). Taken together, these data support FGF13 as being protective against cocaine self-administration, which positions it well as a pharmacological target for CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas A. Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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24
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Thouaye M, Yalcin I. Neuropathic pain: From actual pharmacological treatments to new therapeutic horizons. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 251:108546. [PMID: 37832728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system, affects between 3 and 17% of the general population. The treatment of neuropathic pain is challenging due to its heterogeneous etiologies, lack of objective diagnostic tools and resistance to classical analgesic drugs. First-line treatments recommended by the Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) and European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) include gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Nevertheless these treatments have modest efficacy or dose limiting side effects. There is therefore a growing number of preclinical and clinical studies aim at developing new treatment strategies to treat neuropathic pain with better efficacy, selectivity, and less side effects. In this review, after a brief description of the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and limitations of current therapeutic drugs, we reviewed new preclinical and clinical targets currently under investigation, as well as promising non-pharmacological alternatives and their potential co-use with pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Thouaye
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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25
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Nagaraja S, Tewari SG, Reifman J. Predictive analytics identifies key factors driving hyperalgesic priming of muscle sensory neurons. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1254154. [PMID: 37942142 PMCID: PMC10629345 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1254154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperalgesic priming, a form of neuroplasticity induced by inflammatory mediators, in peripheral nociceptors enhances the magnitude and duration of action potential (AP) firing to future inflammatory events and can potentially lead to pain chronification. The mechanisms underlying the development of hyperalgesic priming are not well understood, limiting the identification of novel therapeutic strategies to combat chronic pain. In this study, we used a computational model to identify key proteins whose modifications caused priming of muscle nociceptors and made them hyperexcitable to a subsequent inflammatory event. First, we extended a previously validated model of mouse muscle nociceptor sensitization to incorporate Epac-mediated interaction between two G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways commonly activated by inflammatory mediators. Next, we calibrated and validated the model simulations of the nociceptor's AP response to both innocuous and noxious levels of mechanical force after two subsequent inflammatory events using literature data. Then, by performing global sensitivity analyses that simulated thousands of nociceptor-priming scenarios, we identified five ion channels and two molecular processes (from the 18 modeled transmembrane proteins and 29 intracellular signaling components) as potential regulators of the increase in AP firing in response to mechanical forces. Finally, when we simulated specific neuroplastic modifications in Kv1.1 and Nav1.7 alone as well as with simultaneous modifications in Nav1.7, Nav1.8, TRPA1, and Kv7.2, we observed a considerable increase in the fold change in the number of triggered APs in primed nociceptors. These results suggest that altering the expression of Kv1.1 and Nav1.7 might regulate the neuronal hyperexcitability in primed mechanosensitive muscle nociceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridevi Nagaraja
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shivendra G. Tewari
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jaques Reifman
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
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Sokolaj E, Assareh N, Anderson K, Aubrey KR, Vaughan CW. Cannabis constituents for chronic neuropathic pain; reconciling the clinical and animal evidence. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37747128 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is a debilitating pain syndrome caused by damage to the nervous system that is poorly served by current medications. Given these problems, clinical studies have pursued extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa as alternative treatments for this condition. The vast majority of these studies have examined cannabinoids which contain the psychoactive constituent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While there have been some positive findings, meta-analyses of this clinical work indicates that this effectiveness is limited and hampered by side-effects. This review focuses on how recent preclinical studies have predicted the clinical limitations of THC-containing cannabis extracts, and importantly, point to how they might be improved. This work highlights the importance of targeting channels and receptors other than cannabinoid CB1 receptors which mediate many of the side-effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Sokolaj
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neda Assareh
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristen Anderson
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karin R Aubrey
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Yang R, Wang QQ, Feng Y, Li XH, Li GX, She FL, Zhu XJ, Li CL. Over-expression of miR-3584-5p Represses Nav1.8 Channel Aggravating Neuropathic Pain caused by Chronic Constriction Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5237-5255. [PMID: 37280408 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Nav1.8, a tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) subtype encoded by SCN10A, which plays an important role in the production and transmission of peripheral neuropathic pain signals. Studies have shown that VGSCs may be key targets of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of neuropathic pain. In our study, bioinformatics analysis showed that the targeting relationship between miR-3584-5p and Nav1.8 was the most closely. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of miR-3584-5p and Nav1.8 in neuropathic pain. The effects of miR-3584-5p on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats was investigated by intrathecal injection of miR-3584-5p agomir (an agonist, 20 μM, 15 μL) or antagomir (an antagonist, 20 μM, 15 μL). The results showed that over-expression of miR-3584-5p aggravated neuronal injury by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and mechanical/thermal hypersensitivity in CCI rats. MiR-3584-5p indirectly inhibited the expression of Nav1.8 by up-regulating the expression of key proteins in the ERK5/CREB signaling pathway, and also inhibited the current density of the Nav1.8 channel, changed its channel dynamics characteristic, thereby accelerating the transmission of pain signals, and further aggravating pain. Similarly, in PC12 and SH-SY5Y cell cultures, miR-3584-5p increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in the mitochondrial pathway, decreased the ratio of apoptosis-related factor Bcl-2/Bax, and thus promoted neuronal apoptosis. In brief, over-expression of miR-3584-5p aggravates neuropathic pain by directly inhibiting the current density of Nav1.8 channel and altering its channel dynamics, or indirectly inhibiting Nav1.8 expression through ERK5/CREB pathway, and promoting apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Qian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Hao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Xia Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Lin She
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Jin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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28
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Abbasi Z, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Roghani M, Susanabadi A, Farbin M, Mehrabi S. Acamprosate effect on neuropathic pain in rats: With emphasis on the role of ERK/MAPK pathway and SCN9A sodium channel. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 131:102282. [PMID: 37142001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102282] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain owing to nerve damage or diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The expression of SCN9A, which encodes the Nav1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel and ERK have been found to change significantly in many cases of neuropathic pain. Here, we investigated effects of acamprosate on neuropathic pain, taking into account the crucial roles of SCN9A, the ERK signaling pathway, and inflammatory markers in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). METHODS Acamprosate (300 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days. The tail-immersion, acetone, and formalin tests were used to determine behavioral tests such as heat allodynia, cold allodynia, and chemical hyperalgesia, respectively. Lumbar spinal cord was extracted and processed for Nissl staining. The amount of spinal SCN9A expression and ERK phosphorylation were examined using ELISA assay. RESULTS The expression of SCN9A, ERK, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), allodynia and hyperalgesia significantly increased on days 7 and 14 following CCI. The treatment not only reduced neuropathic pain but also blocked CCI's effects on SCN9A upregulation and ERK phosphorylation. CONCLUSION This research demonstrated that acamprosate reduces the neuropathic pain induced by CCI of the sciatic nerve in rats by preventing cell loss, inhibiting spinal SCN9A expression, ERK phosphorylation, and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential therapeutic implications of acamprosate administration for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Abbasi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tourandokht Baluchnejadmojarad
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Roghani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Susanabadi
- Department of Anesthesia and pain medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mitra Farbin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Mehrabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Gando I, Becerra Flores M, Chen IS, Yang HQ, Nakamura TY, Cardozo TJ, Coetzee WA. CL-705G: a novel chemical Kir6.2-specific K ATP channel opener. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1197257. [PMID: 37408765 PMCID: PMC10319115 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1197257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: KATP channels have diverse roles, including regulation of insulin secretion and blood flow, and protection against biological stress responses and are excellent therapeutic targets. Different subclasses of KATP channels exist in various tissue types due to the unique assemblies of specific pore-forming (Kir6.x) and accessory (SURx) subunits. The majority of pharmacological openers and blockers act by binding to SURx and are poorly selective against the various KATP channel subclasses. Methods and Results: We used 3D models of the Kir6.2/SUR homotetramers based on existing cryo-EM structures of channels in both the open and closed states to identify a potential agonist binding pocket in a functionally critical area of the channel. Computational docking screens of this pocket with the Chembridge Core chemical library of 492,000 drug-like compounds yielded 15 top-ranked "hits", which were tested for activity against KATP channels using patch clamping and thallium (Tl+) flux assays with a Kir6.2/SUR2A HEK-293 stable cell line. Several of the compounds increased Tl+ fluxes. One of them (CL-705G) opened Kir6.2/SUR2A channels with a similar potency as pinacidil (EC50 of 9 µM and 11 μM, respectively). Remarkably, compound CL-705G had no or minimal effects on other Kir channels, including Kir6.1/SUR2B, Kir2.1, or Kir3.1/Kir3.4 channels, or Na+ currents of TE671 medulloblastoma cells. CL-705G activated Kir6.2Δ36 in the presence of SUR2A, but not when expressed by itself. CL-705G activated Kir6.2/SUR2A channels even after PIP2 depletion. The compound has cardioprotective effects in a cellular model of pharmacological preconditioning. It also partially rescued activity of the gating-defective Kir6.2-R301C mutant that is associated with congenital hyperinsulinism. Conclusion: CL-705G is a new Kir6.2 opener with little cross-reactivity with other channels tested, including the structurally similar Kir6.1. This, to our knowledge, is the first Kir-specific channel opener.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Gando
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Manuel Becerra Flores
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - I.-Shan Chen
- Phamacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hua-Qian Yang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Timothy J. Cardozo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - William A. Coetzee
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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30
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Diaz Quiroz JF, Siskel LD, Rosenthal JJC. Site-directed A → I RNA editing as a therapeutic tool: moving beyond genetic mutations. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:498-505. [PMID: 36669890 PMCID: PMC10019371 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079518.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine deamination by the ADAR family of enzymes is a natural process that edits genetic information as it passes through messenger RNA. Adenosine is converted to inosine in mRNAs, and this base is interpreted as guanosine during translation. Realizing the potential of this activity for therapeutics, a number of researchers have developed systems that redirect ADAR activity to new targets, ones that are not normally edited. These site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) systems can be broadly classified into two categories: ones that deliver an antisense RNA oligonucleotide to bind opposite a target adenosine, creating an editable structure that endogenously expressed ADARs recognize, and ones that tether the catalytic domain of recombinant ADAR to an antisense RNA oligonucleotide that serves as a targeting mechanism, much like with CRISPR-Cas or RNAi. To date, SDRE has been used mostly to try and correct genetic mutations. Here we argue that these applications are not ideal SDRE, mostly because RNA edits are transient and genetic mutations are not. Instead, we suggest that SDRE could be used to tune cell physiology to achieve temporary outcomes that are therapeutically advantageous, particularly in the nervous system. These include manipulating excitability in nociceptive neural circuits, abolishing specific phosphorylation events to reduce protein aggregation related to neurodegeneration or reduce the glial scarring that inhibits nerve regeneration, or enhancing G protein-coupled receptor signaling to increase nerve proliferation for the treatment of sensory disorders like blindness and deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Diaz Quiroz
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Louise D Siskel
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Joshua J C Rosenthal
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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31
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Park J, Farmer M, Casson C, Kalashnikova I, Kolpek D. Therapeutic Potential of Combinative shRNA-Encoded Lentivirus-Mediated Gene Silencing to Accelerate Somatosensory Recovery After Spinal Cord Trauma. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:564-577. [PMID: 36401079 PMCID: PMC10121969 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01331-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a difficult problem that affects more than 80% of SCI patients. Growing evidence indicates that neuroinflammatory responses play a key role in neuropathic pain after SCI. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference is an efficient tool for the knockdown of disease-related specific gene expression after SCI, yet insufficient data is available to establish guidelines. In this study, we have constructed the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) shRNA encoded-lentiviral vector (LV-shTRPA1) and P38 MAPK shRNA encoded-lentiviral vector (LV-shP38) to investigate the silencing effects of shRNAs and their ability to reprogram the neuroinflammatory responses, thereby enhancing somatosensory recovery after SCI. Our in vitro data employing HEK293-FT and activated macrophages demonstrated that delivered LV-shRNAs showed high transduction efficacy with no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a combination of LV-shP38 and LV-shTRPA1 was found to be most effective at suppressing target genes, cutting the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive factors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, thus contributing to the alleviation of neuronal hypersensitivities after SCI. Overall, our data demonstrated that the combination LV-shP38/shTRPA1 produced a synergistic effect for immunomodulation and reduced neuropathic pain with a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio. Collectively, our LV-mediated shRNA delivery will provide an efficient tool for gene silencing therapeutic approaches to treat various incurable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghyuck Park
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
| | - Matthew Farmer
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Camara Casson
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Irina Kalashnikova
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Daniel Kolpek
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
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Peripheral Regional Anesthesia Using Local Anesthetics: Old Wine in New Bottles? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041541. [PMID: 36836081 PMCID: PMC9962037 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, numerous efforts were undertaken aiming at prolonging the analgesic effect of regional anesthesia. With the development of extended-release formulations and enhanced selectivity for nociceptive sensory neurons, a very promising contribution to the development of pain medications has been achieved. At present, liposomal bupivacaine is the most popular, non-opioid, controlled drug delivery system, but its duration of action, which is still controversially discussed, and its expensiveness have decreased initial enthusiasm. Continuous techniques can be seen as an elegant alternative for providing a prolonged duration of analgesia, but for logistic or anatomical reasons, they are not always the best choice. Therefore, focus has been directed towards the perineural and/or intravenous addition of old and established substances. As for perineural application, most of these so-called 'adjuvants' are used outside their indication, and their pharmacological efficacy is often not or only poorly understood. This review aims to summarize the recent developments for prolonging the duration of regional anesthesia. It will also discuss the potential harmful interactions and side effects of frequently used analgesic mixtures.
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Shiers S, Funk G, Cervantes A, Horton P, Dussor G, Hennen S, Price TJ. Na V1.7 mRNA and protein expression in putative projection neurons of the human spinal dorsal horn. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.04.527110. [PMID: 36778234 PMCID: PMC9915702 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.04.527110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
NaV1.7, a membrane-bound voltage-gated sodium channel, is preferentially expressed along primary sensory neurons, including their peripheral & central nerve endings, axons, and soma within the dorsal root ganglia and plays an integral role in amplifying membrane depolarization and pain neurotransmission. Loss- and gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding NaV1.7, SCN9A, are associated with a complete loss of pain sensation or exacerbated pain in humans, respectively. As an enticing pain target supported by human genetic validation, many compounds have been developed to inhibit NaV1.7 but have disappointed in clinical trials. The underlying reasons are still unclear, but recent reports suggest that inhibiting NaV1.7 in central terminals of nociceptor afferents is critical for achieving pain relief by pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.7. We report for the first time that NaV1.7 mRNA is expressed in putative projection neurons (NK1R+) in the human spinal dorsal horn, predominantly in lamina 1 and 2, as well as in deep dorsal horn neurons and motor neurons in the ventral horn. NaV1.7 protein was found in the central axons of sensory neurons terminating in lamina 1-2, but also was detected in the axon initial segment of resident spinal dorsal horn neurons and in axons entering the anterior commissure. Given that projection neurons are critical for conveying nociceptive information from the dorsal horn to the brain, these data support that dorsal horn NaV1.7 expression may play an unappreciated role in pain phenotypes observed in humans with genetic SCN9A mutations, and in achieving analgesic efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Shiers
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies
| | | | | | | | - Gregory Dussor
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies
| | | | - Theodore J. Price
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies
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Kim RE, Choi JS. Polysorbate 80 blocked a peripheral sodium channel, Na v1.7, and reduced neuronal excitability. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069221150138. [PMID: 36550597 PMCID: PMC9829885 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221150138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic detergent derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics as an emulsifier. Nav1.7 is a peripheral sodium channel that is highly expressed in sympathetic and sensory neurons, and it plays a critical role in determining the threshold of action potentials (APs). We found that 10 μg/mL polysorbate 80 either abolished APs or increased the threshold of the APs of dorsal root ganglions. We thus investigated whether polysorbate 80 inhibits Nav1.7 sodium current using a whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Polysorbate 80 decreased the Nav1.7 current in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 250.4 μg/mL at a holding potential of -120 mV. However, the IC50 was 1.1 μg/mL at a holding potential of -90 mV and was estimated to be 0.9 μg/mL at the resting potentials of neurons, where most channels are inactivated. The activation rate and the voltage dependency of activation of Nav1.7 were not changed by polysorbate 80. However, polysorbate 80 caused hyperpolarizing shifts in the voltage dependency of the steady-state fast inactivation curve. The blocking of Nav1.7 currents by polysorbate 80 was not reversible at a holding potential of -90 mV but was completely reversible at -120 mV, where the channels were mostly in the closed state. Polysorbate 80 also slowed recovery from inactivation and induced robust use-dependent inhibition, indicating that it is likely to bind to and stabilize the inactivated state. Our results indicate that polysorbate 80 inhibits Nav1.7 current in concentration-, state-, and use-dependent manners when used even below commercial concentrations. This suggests that polysorbate 80 may be helpful in pain medicine as an excipient. In addition, in vitro experiments using polysorbate 80 with neurons should be conducted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin-Sung Choi
- Jin-Sung Choi, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, South Korea.
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Ambroxol for neuropathic pain: hiding in plain sight? Pain 2023; 164:3-13. [PMID: 35580314 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ambroxol is a multifaceted drug with primarily mucoactive and secretolytic actions, along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and local anaesthetic properties. It has a long history of use in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases and has shown to be efficacious in relieving sore throat. In more recent years, ambroxol has gained interest for its potential usefulness in treating neuropathic pain. Research into this area has been slow, despite clear preclinical evidence to support its primary analgesic mechanism of action-blockade of voltage-gated sodium (Na v ) channels in sensory neurons. Ambroxol is a commercially available inhibitor of Na v 1.8, a crucial player in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, and Na v 1.7, a particularly exciting target for the treatment of chronic pain. In this review, we discuss the analgesic mechanisms of action of ambroxol, as well as proposed synergistic properties, followed by the preclinical and clinical results of its use in the treatment of persistent pain and neuropathic pain symptoms, including trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome. With its well-established safety profile, extensive preclinical and clinical drug data, and early evidence of clinical effectiveness, ambroxol is an old drug worthy of further investigation for repurposing. As a patent-expired drug, a push is needed to progress the drug to clinical trials for neuropathic pain. We encourage the pharmaceutical industry to look at patented drug formulations and take an active role in bringing an optimized version for neuropathic pain to market.
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Dormer A, Narayanan M, Schentag J, Achinko D, Norman E, Kerrigan J, Jay G, Heydorn W. A Review of the Therapeutic Targeting of SCN9A and Nav1.7 for Pain Relief in Current Human Clinical Trials. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1487-1498. [PMID: 37168847 PMCID: PMC10166096 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s388896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is a great need to find alternative treatments for chronic pain which have become a healthcare problem. We discuss current therapeutic targeting Nav1.7. Areas Covered Nav1.7 is a sodium ion channel protein that is associated with several human pain genetic syndromes. It has been found that mutations associated with Nav1.7 lead to the loss of the ability to perceive pain in individuals that are otherwise normal. Several therapeutic interventions are presently undergoing preclinical and research using the methodology of damping Nav1.7 expressions as a methodology to decrease the sensation of pain leading to analgesia. Expert Opinion It is our strong belief that there is a viable future in the targeting of protein of Nav1.7 for the relief of chronic pain in humans. The review will look at the genomics associated with SCN1A and proteomic of Nav1.7 as a foundation to explain the mechanism of the therapeutic interventions targeting Nav1.7, the human disease that are associated with Nav1.7, and the current development of treatment for chronic pain whether in preclinical or clinical trials targeting Nav1.7 expressions. The development of therapeutic antagonists targeting Nav1.7 could be a viable alternative to the current treatments which have led to the opioid crisis. Therefore, Nav1.7 targeted treatment has a major clinical significance that will have positive consequences as it relates to chronic pain interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Dormer
- Research and Development, Pepvax, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Anton Dormer, Research and Development, PepVax, Inc, 8720 Georgia Ave #1000, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA, Email
| | | | - Jerome Schentag
- Research and Development, Pepvax, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Achinko
- Research and Development, Pepvax, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Elton Norman
- Research and Development, Pepvax, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - James Kerrigan
- Research and Development, Navintus, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Jay
- Research and Development, Navintus, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Nimbalkar S, Guo X, Colón A, Jackson M, Akanda N, Patel A, Grillo M, Hickman JJ. Development of a functional human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived nociceptor MEA system as a pain model for analgesic drug testing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1011145. [PMID: 36936691 PMCID: PMC10014464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1011145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of severe or chronic pain has relied heavily on opioids and opioid abuse and addiction have recently become a major global health crisis. Therefore, it is imperative to develop new pain therapeutics which have comparable efficacy for pain suppression but lack of the harmful effects of opioids. Due to the nature of pain, any in vivo experiment is undesired even in animals. Recent developments in stem cell technology has enabled the differentiation of nociceptors from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This study sought to establish an in vitro functional induced pluripotent stem cells-derived nociceptor culture system integrated with microelectrode arrays for nociceptive drug testing. Nociceptors were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells utilizing a modified protocol and a medium was designed to ensure prolonged and stable nociceptor culture. These neurons expressed nociceptor markers as characterized by immunocytochemistry and responded to the exogenous toxin capsaicin and the endogenous neural modulator ATP, as demonstrated with patch clamp electrophysiology. These cells were also integrated with microelectrode arrays for analgesic drug testing to demonstrate their utilization in the preclinical drug screening process. The neural activity was induced by ATP to mimic clinically relevant pathological pain and then the analgesics Lidocaine and the opioid DAMGO were tested individually and both induced immediate silencing of the nociceptive activity. This human-based functional nociceptive system provides a valuable platform for investigating pathological pain and for evaluating effective analgesics in the search of opioid substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Nimbalkar
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Alisha Colón
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Nesar Akanda
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Aakash Patel
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Marcella Grillo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: James J. Hickman,
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Su D, Gong Y, Li S, Yang J, Nian Y. Cyclovirobuxine D, a cardiovascular drug from traditional Chinese medicine, alleviates inflammatory and neuropathic pain mainly via inhibition of voltage-gated Ca v3.2 channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1081697. [PMID: 36618940 PMCID: PMC9811679 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1081697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D), the main active constituent of traditional Chinese medicine Buxus microphylla, was developed as a safe and effective cardiovascular drug in China. B. microphylla has also been used to relieve various pain symptoms for centuries. In this study, we examined and uncovered strong and persistent analgesic effects of cyclovirobuxine D against several mouse models of pain, including carrageenan- and CFA-induced inflammatory pain and paclitaxel-mediated neuropathic hypersensitivity. Cyclovirobuxine D shows comparable analgesic effects by intraplantar or intraperitoneal administration. Cyclovirobuxine D potently inhibits voltage-gated Cav2.2 and Cav3.2 channels but has negligible effects on a diverse group of nociceptive ion channels distributed in primary afferent neurons, including Nav1.7, Nav1.8, TRPV1, TPRA1, TRPM8, ASIC3, P2X2 and P2X4. Moreover, inhibition of Cav3.2, rather than Cav2.2, plays a dominant role in attenuating the excitability of isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons and pain relieving effects of cyclovirobuxine D. Our work reveals that a currently in-use cardiovascular drug has strong analgesic effects mainly via blockade of Cav3.2 and provides a compelling rationale and foundation for conducting clinical studies to repurpose cyclovirobuxine D in pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Ion Channel Research and Drug Development Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Songyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Jian Yang, ; Yin Nian,
| | - Yin Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Jian Yang, ; Yin Nian,
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Li S, Feng X, Bian H. Optogenetics: Emerging strategies for neuropathic pain treatment. Front Neurol 2022; 13:982223. [PMID: 36536805 PMCID: PMC9758006 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.982223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic health condition that presents a significant burden on patients, society, and even healthcare systems. However, in recent years, an emerging field in the treatment of neuropathic pain - optogenetic technology has dawned, heralding a new era in the field of medicine, and which has brought with it unlimited possibilities for studying the mechanism of NP and the treatment of research. Optogenetics is a new and growing field that uses the combination of light and molecular genetics for the first time ever. This rare combination is used to control the activity of living cells by expressing photosensitive proteins to visualize signaling events and manipulate cell activity. The treatments for NP are limited and have hardly achieved the desirable efficacy. NP differs from other types of pain, such as nociceptive pain, in that the treatments for NP are far more complex and highly challenging for clinical practice. This review presents the background of optogenetics, current applications in various fields, and the findings of optogenetics in NP. It also elaborates on the basic concepts of neuropathy, therapeutic applications, and the potential of optogenetics from the bench to the bedside in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hui Bian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Nav1.7 Expression in Spinal Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:1267-1272. [PMID: 36462133 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2640-2] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the expression of Nav1.7 in spinal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. METHODS The primary DRG neurons from newborn SD rats were cultured. The cells were identified by neuron-specific enolase immunofluorescence staining. DRG neurons were divided into four groups: control group, photosensitizer group, laser group, and PDT group. The cell viability was detected by a cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons. RESULTS The purity of the cultured primary DRG neurons was greater than 90%. Compared with the control group, no significant change was found in the cell viability of the photosensitizer group, while the viability in the laser group and the PDT group was significantly reduced. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were significantly greater in the laser group and the PDT group than in the control group. At the same time, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were greater in the laser group than in the PDT group. CONCLUSION Both laser and PDT could upregulate the expression of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons, and the promoting effect might be related to the pain induced by clinical treatment. This study provides a research basis for the use of laser and PDT to treat pain. A better understanding of the relationship between Nav1.7 and PDT can help clinicians better manage PDT-related pain.
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Anti-Ovarian Cancer Conotoxins Identified from Conus Venom. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196609. [PMID: 36235146 PMCID: PMC9573077 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Conotoxins constitute a treasury of drug resources and have attracted widespread attention. In order to explore biological candidates from the marine cone snail, we isolated and identified three novel conopeptides named as Vi14b, Vi002, Vi003, three conotoxin variants named as Mr3d.1, Mr3e.1, Tx3a.1, and three known conotoxins (Vi15a, Mr3.8 and TCP) from crude venoms of Conus virgo, Conus marmoreus and Conus texile. Mr3.8 (I-V, II-VI, III-IV) and Tx3a.1 (I-III, II-VI, IV-V) both showed a novel pattern of disulfide connectivity, different from that previously established for the µ- and ψ-conotoxins. Concerning the effect on voltage-gated sodium channels, Mr3e.1, Mr3.8, Tx3a.1, TCP inhibited Nav1.4 or Nav1.8 by 21.51~24.32% of currents at semi-activated state (TP2) at 10 μmol/L. Certain anti-ovarian cancer effects on ID-8 cells were exhibited by Tx3a.1, Mr3e.1 and Vi14b with IC50 values of 24.29 µM, 54.97 µM and 111.6 µM, respectively. This work highlights the role of conotoxin libraries in subsequent drug discovery for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Gallagher CI, Ha DA, Harvey RJ, Vandenberg RJ. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glycine Receptors and Their Potential Use in Pain Therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:933-961. [PMID: 36779343 PMCID: PMC9553105 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic inhibition throughout the mammalian spinal cord, brainstem, and higher brain regions. They have recently emerged as promising targets for novel pain therapies due to their ability to produce antinociception by inhibiting nociceptive signals within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This has greatly enhanced the interest in developing positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors. Several pharmaceutical companies and research facilities have attempted to identify new therapeutic leads by conducting large-scale screens of compound libraries, screening new derivatives from natural sources, or synthesizing novel compounds that mimic endogenous compounds with antinociceptive activity. Advances in structural techniques have also led to the publication of multiple high-resolution structures of the receptor, highlighting novel allosteric binding sites and providing additional information for previously identified binding sites. This has greatly enhanced our understanding of the functional properties of glycine receptors and expanded the structure activity relationships of novel pharmacophores. Despite this, glycine receptors are yet to be used as drug targets due to the difficulties in obtaining potent, selective modulators with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles that are devoid of side effects. This review presents a summary of the structural basis for how current compounds cause positive allosteric modulation of glycine receptors and discusses their therapeutic potential as analgesics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain is a major cause of disability, and in Western societies, this will only increase as the population ages. Despite the high level of prevalence and enormous socioeconomic burden incurred, treatment of chronic pain remains limited as it is often refractory to current analgesics, such as opioids. The National Institute for Drug Abuse has set finding effective, safe, nonaddictive strategies to manage chronic pain as their top priority. Positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors may provide a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey I Gallagher
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Damien A Ha
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Harvey
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
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de Lima FO, Lauria PSS, do Espírito-Santo RF, Evangelista AF, Nogueira TMO, Araldi D, Soares MBP, Villarreal CF. Unveiling Targets for Treating Postoperative Pain: The Role of the TNF-α/p38 MAPK/NF-κB/Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 Pathways in the Mouse Model of Incisional Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911630. [PMID: 36232927 PMCID: PMC9570460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the mouse model of incisional pain is broadly used, the mechanisms underlying plantar incision-induced nociception are not fully understood. This work investigates the role of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 sodium channels in nociceptive sensitization following plantar incision in mice and the signaling pathway modulating these channels. A surgical incision was made in the plantar hind paw of male Swiss mice. Nociceptive thresholds were assessed by von Frey filaments. Gene expression of Nav1.8, Nav1.9, TNF-α, and COX-2 was evaluated by Real-Time PCR in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Knockdown mice for Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 were produced by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides intrathecal treatments. Local levels of TNF-α and PGE2 were immunoenzymatically determined. Incised mice exhibited hypernociception and upregulated expression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 in DRG. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides reduced hypernociception and downregulated Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. TNF-α and COX-2/PGE2 were upregulated in DRG and plantar skin. Inhibition of TNF-α and COX-2 reduced hypernociception, but only TNF-α inhibition downregulated Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. Antagonizing NF-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not ERK or JNK, reduced both hypernociception and hyperexpression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. This study proposes the contribution of the TNF-α/p38/NF-κB/Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 pathways to the pathophysiology of the mouse model of incisional pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Oliveira de Lima
- Health Department, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana 44036900, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Afrânio Ferreira Evangelista
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Advanced Health Systems, University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650010, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Dionéia Araldi
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador 40296710, BA, Brazil
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Advanced Health Systems, University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650010, BA, Brazil
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Tenza-Ferrer H, Collodetti M, Nicolau EDS, Birbrair A, Magno LAV, Romano-Silva MA. Transiently Nav1.8-expressing neurons are capable of sensing noxious stimuli in the brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:933874. [PMID: 36106013 PMCID: PMC9464809 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.933874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While current research highlights the role of Nav1. 8 sensory neurons from the peripheral nervous system, the anatomical and physiological characterization of encephalic Nav1.8 neurons remains unknown. Here, we use a Cre/fluorescent reporter mouse driven by the Nav1.8 gene promoter to reveal unexpected subpopulations of transiently-expressing Nav1.8 neurons within the limbic circuitry, a key mediator of the emotional component of pain. We observed that Nav1.8 neurons from the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST), amygdala, and the periaqueductal gray (vPAG) are sensitive to noxious stimuli from an experimental model of chronic inflammatory pain. These findings identify a novel role for central Nav1.8 neurons in sensing nociception, which could be researched as a new approach to treating pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helia Tenza-Ferrer
- Centro de Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mélcar Collodetti
- Centro de Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Souza Nicolau
- Centro de Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Alexander Birbrair
| | - Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
- Centro de Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Curso de Medicina, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Pós-graduação da Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
| | - Marco Aurélio Romano-Silva
- Centro de Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Marco Aurélio Romano-Silva
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Yang J, Yang Q, Zhao J, Sun S, Liu M, Wang Y, Feng Y, Zhang J. Evaluation of Rhodojaponin III from Rhododendron molle G. Don on oral antinociceptive activity, mechanism of action, and subacute toxicity in rodents. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115347. [PMID: 35533915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Chinese traditional medicine, Rhododendron molle G. Don is a recognized herb to ease pain. Rhodojaponin III (RJ-III) has been identified as the main pharmacological activity and toxic component of the herb; however, oral antinociception and mechanism of RJ-III have not yet been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY The significance of this study is to evaluate the effects of RJ-III on nociceptive and neuropathic pain, and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms and subacute toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antinociception of RJ-III was evaluated by hot plate, tail-immersion, acetic acid writhing, formalin test and chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in rodents. An experimental validation was conducted using whole-cell patch clamp technique based on the most likely mechanisms of action after screening and prediction by molecular docking study. In addition, the oral subacute toxicity of RJ-III was assessed. RESULTS Behavioral experiments showed that RJ-III (0.20 mg/kg) reduced the latency of the nociceptive response in the hot plate and tail-immersion tests. Acetic acid and formalin-induced pain were significantly inhibited by RJ-III (0.10 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, 0.30 mg/kg of RJ-III improved hyperalgesia in the CCI-induced rats. Based on molecular docking results, electrophysiological experiments were used to demonstrate mild inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channel-related subtypes. Additionally, oral subacute toxicity that may cause leukopenia and abnormal liver function requires further attention in subsequent studies. CONCLUSION RJ-III mildly blocks voltage-gated sodium channel to inhibit nociceptive pain and peripheral neuralgia, but 0.375 mg/kg and above may cause side effect after long-term oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qingyun Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shuigen Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Minchen Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yuan Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Borja GB, Zhang H, Harwood BN, Jacques J, Grooms J, Chantre RO, Zhang D, Barnett A, Werley CA, Lu Y, Nagle SF, McManus OB, Dempsey GT. Highly Parallelized, Multicolor Optogenetic Recordings of Cellular Activity for Therapeutic Discovery Applications in Ion Channels and Disease-Associated Excitable Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:896320. [PMID: 35860501 PMCID: PMC9289666 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.896320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic assays provide a flexible, scalable, and information rich approach to probe compound effects for ion channel drug targets in both heterologous expression systems and associated disease relevant cell types. Despite the potential utility and growing adoption of optogenetics, there remains a critical need for compatible platform technologies with the speed, sensitivity, and throughput to enable their application to broader drug screening applications. To address this challenge, we developed the SwarmTM, a custom designed optical instrument for highly parallelized, multicolor measurements in excitable cells, simultaneously recording changes in voltage and calcium activities at high temporal resolution under optical stimulation. The compact design featuring high power LEDs, large numerical aperture optics, and fast photodiode detection enables all-optical individual well readout of 24-wells simultaneously from multi-well plates while maintaining sufficient temporal resolution to probe millisecond response dynamics. The Swarm delivers variable intensity blue-light optogenetic stimulation to enable membrane depolarization and red or lime-light excitation to enable fluorescence detection of the resulting changes in membrane potential or calcium levels, respectively. The Swarm can screen ~10,000 wells/day in 384-well format, probing complex pharmacological interactions via a wide array of stimulation protocols. To evaluate the Swarm screening system, we optimized a series of heterologous optogenetic spiking HEK293 cell assays for several voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes including Nav1.2, Nav1.5, and Nav1.7. The Swarm was able to record pseudo-action potentials stably across all 24 objectives and provided pharmacological characterization of diverse sodium channel blockers. We performed a Nav1.7 screen of 200,000 small molecules in a 384-well plate format with all 560 plates reaching a Z' > 0.5. As a demonstration of the versatility of the Swarm, we also developed an assay measuring cardiac action potential and calcium waveform properties simultaneously under paced conditions using human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiomyocytes as an additional counter screen for cardiac toxicity. In summary, the Swarm is a novel high-throughput all-optical system capable of collecting information-dense data from optogenetic assays in both heterologous and iPS cell-derived models, which can be leveraged to drive diverse therapeutic discovery programs for nervous system disorders and other disease areas involving excitable cells.
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Huang Y, Zhu L, Zhang W, Tang Q, Zhong Y. IL-10 alleviates radicular pain by inhibiting TNF-α/p65 dependent Nav1.7 up-regulation in DRG neurons of rats. Brain Res 2022; 1791:147997. [PMID: 35779581 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) may induce radicular pain, the upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to radicular pain by generating ectopic discharge of neurons, but the mechanism is unclear. Previously, we reported pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) up-regulated VGSCs in diabetic neuropathy. In this study, we explored the effect of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) on radicular pain and the possible mechanisms. METHODS Rat model of LDH was induced by implanting autologous nucleus pulposus (NP). Mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were assessed by von Frey filaments and hotplate test respectively. IL-10 and TNF-α level in DRG and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were assessed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-10 was intrathecally delivered for 12 days. The expression of IL-10R1 and sodium channel Nav1.7 was displayed by immunofluorescence staining. The protein level of TNF-α and p-p65 was measured by western blotting. RESULTS NP implantation increased Nav1.7 expression in DRG neurons, decreased IL-10 level and increased TNF-α level in DRG and CSF. IL-10 significantly alleviated pain behaviors of rats with NP. IL-10R1 was co-localized with neurons but not with satellite cells in DRG. IL-10 decreased Nav1.7 and TNF-α/p-p65 expression in DRG of rats with NP. Co-administration of TNF-α with IL-10 counteracted the effect of IL-10 on pain behaviors, Nav1.7 and TNF-α/p-p65 expression of rats with NP. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that IL-10 alleviated radicular pain by inhibiting TNF-α/p-p65 dependent Nav1.7 up-regulation in DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangliang Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lirong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Weili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
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48
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Fang XX, Wang H, Song HL, Wang J, Zhang ZJ. Neuroinflammation Involved in Diabetes-Related Pain and Itch. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:921612. [PMID: 35795572 PMCID: PMC9251344 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.921612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic with increasing incidence, which results in diverse complications, seriously affects the patient quality of life, and brings huge economic burdens to society. Diabetic neuropathy is the most common chronic complication of DM, resulting in neuropathic pain and chronic itch. The precise mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy have not been fully clarified, hindering the exploration of novel therapies for diabetic neuropathy and its terrible symptoms such as diabetic pain and itch. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiologic process of neuropathic pain and chronic itch. Indeed, researchers have currently made significant progress in knowing the role of glial cells and the pro-inflammatory mediators produced from glial cells in the modulation of chronic pain and itch signal processing. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of neuroinflammation in contributing to the sensitization of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). In addition, we also summarize the inflammation mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic itch, including activation of glial cells, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory factors. Targeting excessive neuroinflammation may provide potential and effective therapies for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain and itch in DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Medical Functional Laboratory, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hao-Lin Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Jun Zhang,
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Li X, Chen H, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhang T, Tang J. Lidocaine reduces pain behaviors by inhibiting the expression of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 and diminishing sympathetic sprouting in SNI rats. Mol Pain 2022. [PMCID: PMC9478707 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221124925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is a significant clinical challenge, and the mechanisms of neuropathic pain remain elusive. Previous studies have shown that spontaneous potential, which is triggered by Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), is crucial for the development of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Functional coupling between the sympathetic nervous system and somatosensory nerves after a nerve injury has also been noted as an important factor in neuropathic pain. However, the relationship of sympathetic sprouting with Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 remains unclear. Therefore, we dynamically examined the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), changes in Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, and sympathetic sprouting after lidocaine treatment in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of rats. After lidocaine treatment, the MWT obviously increased, showing that hypersensitivity was significantly relieved and the abnormal expression of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 caused by SNI was also significantly reduced. In addition, lidocaine distinctly inhibited sympathetic nerve sprouting and basket formation around the Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 neurons in the DRG. These results indicate that lidocaine may alleviate neuropathic pain by inhibiting the expression of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, and diminishing sympathetic sprouting in DRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | | | - Yujing Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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Pham VM, Thakor N. Insulin enhances neurite extension and myelination of diabetic neuropathy neurons. Korean J Pain 2022; 35:160-172. [PMID: 35354679 PMCID: PMC8977202 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2022.35.2.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The authors established an in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy based on the culture system of primary neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) to mimic similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication, such as impaired neurite extension and impaired myelination. The model was then utilized to investigate the effects of insulin on enhancing neurite extension and myelination of diabetic neurons. Methods SCs and primary neurons were cultured under conditions mimicking hyperglycemia prepared by adding glucose to the basal culture medium. In a single culture, the proliferation and maturation of SCs and the neurite extension of neurons were evaluated. In a co-culture, the percentage of myelination of diabetic neurons was investigated. Insulin at different concentrations was supplemented to culture media to examine its effects on neurite extension and myelination. Results The cells showed similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication. In a single culture, hyperglycemia attenuated the proliferation and maturation of SCs, induced apoptosis, and impaired neurite extension of both sensory and motor neurons. In a co-culture of SCs and neurons, the percentage of myelinated neurites in the hyperglycemia-treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group. This impaired neurite extension and myelination was reversed by the introduction of insulin to the hyperglycemic culture media. Conclusions Insulin may be a potential candidate for improving diabetic neuropathy. Insulin can function as a neurotrophic factor to support both neurons and SCs. Further research is needed to discover the potential of insulin in improving diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuong M Pham
- Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nitish Thakor
- Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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