1
|
Brockway DF, Crowley NA. Emerging pharmacological targets for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol 2024:S0741-8329(24)00101-0. [PMID: 39069210 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains a challenging condition with limited effective treatment options; however new technology in drug delivery and advancements in pharmacology have paved the way for discovery of novel therapeutic targets. This review explores emerging pharmacological targets that offer new options for the management of AUD, focusing on the potential of somatostatin (SST), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), nociceptin (NOP), and neuropeptide S (NPS). These targets have been selected based on recent advancements in preclinical and clinical research, which suggest their significant roles in modulating alcohol consumption and related behaviors. SST dampens cortical circuits, and targeting both the SST neurons and the SST peptide itself presents promise for treating AUD and various related comorbidities. VIP neurons are modulated by alcohol and targeting the VIP system presents an unexplored avenue for addressing alcohol exposure at various stages of development. GLP-1 interacts with the dopaminergic reward system and reduces alcohol intake. Nociceptin modulates mesolimbic circuitry and agonism and antagonism of nociceptin receptor offers a complex but promising approach to reducing alcohol consumption. NPS stands out for its anxiolytic-like effects, particularly relevant for the anxiety associated with AUD. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of these targets, highlighting their potential in developing more effective and personalized AUD therapies, and underscores the importance of continued research in identifying and validating novel targets for treatment of AUD and comorbid conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota F Brockway
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Nicole A Crowley
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li C, Fan J, Sun G, Zhao H, Zhong X, Huang X, Zhu X, Qi X. Nrf2 pathway activation promotes the expression of genes related to glutathione metabolism in alcohol-exposed astrocytes. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17541. [PMID: 38832034 PMCID: PMC11146317 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oxidative and antioxidant pathways play essential roles in the development of alcohol-induced brain injury. The Nrf2 pathway is an endogenous antioxidant response pathway, but there has been little research on the role of Nrf2 in alcohol-related diseases. Thus, we examined the effects of alcohol and an Nrf2 agonist (TBHQ) on astrocyte function, mRNA expression, and metabolite content to further explore the protective mechanisms of Nrf2 agonists in astrocytes following alcohol exposure. Methods CTX TNA2 astrocytes were cultured with alcohol and TBHQ and then subjected to transcriptome sequencing, LC-MS/MS analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assays. Results Alcohol exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in astrocytes. Treatment with TBHQ effectively reversed these effects, demonstrating its protective role against oxidative stress induced by alcohol. Transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that TBHQ specifically upregulates genes involved in glutathione metabolism, including a notable increase in the expression of the glutathione S-transferase A5 (GSTA5) gene, which was suppressed by alcohol exposure. Additionally, metabolomic analysis showed that TBHQ regulates key components of ether lipid metabolism in alcohol-exposed astrocytes, with significant reductions in the levels of lysophosphatidylcholine (18:0) (LysoPC (18:0)) and 2-acetyl-1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, both of which are critical markers in the ether lipid metabolic pathway. Discussion The findings underscore the role of TBHQ as an Nrf2 agonist in mitigating alcohol-induced oxidative damage in astrocytes by modulating glutathione metabolism and ether lipid metabolism. The regulation of GSTA5 gene expression emerges as a key mechanism through which Nrf2 agonists confer neuroprotection against oxidative stress and lipid oxidation. These insights pave the way for potential therapeutic strategies targeting the Nrf2 pathway to protect astrocytes from alcohol-induced damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congyan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Jingxin Fan
- Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangtao Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Huiying Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Yichun Forestry Administration Central Hospital, Yichun, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhong
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyan Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | | | - Xunzhong Qi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luan Y, Luo Y, Deng M. New advances in Nrf2-mediated analgesic drugs. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 110:154598. [PMID: 36603339 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is an inevitable process that occurs during life activities, and it can participate in the development of inflammation. Although great progress has been made according to research examining analgesic drugs and therapies, there remains a need to develop new analgesic drugs to fill certain gaps in both the experimental and clinical space. PURPOSE This review reports the research and preclinical progress of this class of analgesics by summarizing known nuclear factor E-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway-modulating substances. STUDY DESIGN We searched and reported experiments that intervene in the Nrf2 pathway and its various upstream and downstream molecules for analgesic therapy. METHODS The medical literature database (PubMed) was searched for experimental studies examining the reduction of pain in animals through the Nrf2 pathway, the research methods were analyzed, and the pathways were classified and reported according to the pathway of these experimental interventions. RESULTS Humans have identified a variety of substances that can fight pain by regulating the expression of Nrf2 and its upstream and downstream pathways. CONCLUSION The Nrf2 pathway exerts anti-inflammatory activity by regulating oxidative stress, thereby playing a role in the fight against pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Luan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yaping Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Meichun Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aschner M, Skalny AV, Ke T, da Rocha JBT, Paoliello MMB, Santamaria A, Bornhorst J, Rongzhu L, Svistunov AA, Djordevic AB, Tinkov AA. Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2S) Signaling as a Protective Mechanism against Endogenous and Exogenous Neurotoxicants. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1908-1924. [PMID: 35236265 PMCID: PMC9886801 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220302101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the significant role of H2S in brain functioning, it is proposed that H2S may also possess protective effects against adverse effects of neurotoxicants. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to discuss the neuroprotective effects of H2S against toxicity of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous agents involved in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases as etiological factors or key players in disease pathogenesis. Generally, the existing data demonstrate that H2S possesses neuroprotective effects upon exposure to endogenous (amyloid β, glucose, and advanced-glycation end-products, homocysteine, lipopolysaccharide, and ammonia) and exogenous (alcohol, formaldehyde, acrylonitrile, metals, 6-hydroxydopamine, as well as 1-methyl-4-phenyl- 1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridine ion (MPP)) neurotoxicants. On the one hand, neuroprotective effects are mediated by S-sulfhydration of key regulators of antioxidant (Sirt1, Nrf2) and inflammatory response (NF-κB), resulting in the modulation of the downstream signaling, such as SIRT1/TORC1/CREB/BDNF-TrkB, Nrf2/ARE/HO-1, or other pathways. On the other hand, H2S appears to possess a direct detoxicative effect by binding endogenous (ROS, AGEs, Aβ) and exogenous (MeHg) neurotoxicants, thus reducing their toxicity. Moreover, the alteration of H2S metabolism through the inhibition of H2S-synthetizing enzymes in the brain (CBS, 3-MST) may be considered a significant mechanism of neurotoxicity. Taken together, the existing data indicate that the modulation of cerebral H2S metabolism may be used as a neuroprotective strategy to counteract neurotoxicity of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous neurotoxicants associated with neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), fetal alcohol syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, environmental neurotoxicant exposure, etc. In this particular case, modulation of H2S-synthetizing enzymes or the use of H2S-releasing drugs should be considered as the potential tools, although the particular efficiency and safety of such interventions are to be addressed in further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Aschner
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; E-mail
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Co-Combination of Pregabalin and Withaniacoagulans-Extract-Loaded Topical Gel Alleviates Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in the Chronic Sciatic Nerve Constriction Injury for Neuropathic Pain in Animal Model. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144433. [PMID: 35889307 PMCID: PMC9317976 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study reports the fabrication of co-combination gel using Pregabalin and Withania coagulans fruit extract to validate its effectiveness for neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat models. Three topical gels were prepared using Carbopol 934 through a pseudo-ternary phase diagram incorporating the Pregabalin (2.5%), Withania coagulans extract (2%), and co-combination of both Pregabalin (2.5%) and Withania coagulans extract (2%). Gels were characterized. FTIR showed a successful polymeric network of the gel without any interaction. The drug distribution at the molecular level was confirmed by XRD. The AFM images topographically indicated the rough surface of gels with a size range from 0.25 to 330 nm. DSC showed the disappearance of sharp peaks of the drug and extract, showing successful incorporation into the polymeric network of gels. The in vitro drug release of co-combination gel was 73% over 48 h. The mechanism of drug release by combination gel was Higuchi+ fickian with values of n (0.282) and R2 (0.947). An in vivo study for pain assessment via four methods: (i) heat hyperalgesia, (ii) cold allodynia, (iii) mechano-hyperalgesia, and (iv) dynamic mechano-allodynia, confirmed that topical treatment with co-combination gel reduced the pain significantly as indicated by the p value: R1 (p < 0.001), R2 (p < 0.001), R3 (p < 0.015), and R4 (p < 0.0344). The significance order was R2 (****) > R1 (***) > R3 (**) > R4 (*) > R5 (ns).
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhuo X, Jiang H. Protective effects of melatonin in cisplatin-induced cardiac toxicity: possible role of BDNF-TNF-α signaling pathway. Acta Cir Bras 2022; 37:e370208. [PMID: 35507972 PMCID: PMC9064185 DOI: 10.1590/acb370208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The present study explored the role of melatonin in cisplatin-induced cardiac injury along with the possible role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in melatonin-mediated effects. Methods: Wistar rats were administered cisplatin (10 mg/kg), and cardiac injury was assessed by measuring the levels of cardiac troponin (cTnT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-1).The extent of apoptosis was measured by measuring caspase-3 (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) in hearts. The levels of BDNF, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and reduced glutathione were measured in heart. Melatonin (5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered for 15 days, and the role of BDNF was identified by co-administering BDNF inhibitor, ANA-12 (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). Results: Melatonin attenuated cTnT and LDH-1 levels along with reduction in caspase-3 and increase in Bcl-2. It also increased cisplatin-induced decrease in BDNF, increase in TNF-α and decrease in reduced glutathione levels. Moreover, ANA-12 abolished the cardioprotective effects, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of melatonin suggesting the role of BDNF in melatonin-mediated effects in cisplatin-induced cardiac injury. Conclusions: Melatonin is useful in cisplatin-induced cardiac injury, which may be due to an increase in BDNF, decrease in inflammation and increase in antioxidant activities.
Collapse
|
7
|
Khalifa AA, El Sokkary NH, Elblehi SS, Diab MA, Ali MA. Potential cardioprotective effect of octreotide via NOXs mitigation, mitochondrial biogenesis and MAPK/Erk1/2/STAT3/NF-kβ pathway attenuation in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 925:174978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|