1
|
Giuliano C, Puaud M, Cardinal RN, Belin D, Everitt BJ. Individual differences in the engagement of habitual control over alcohol seeking predict the development of compulsive alcohol seeking and drinking. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13041. [PMID: 33955649 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Excessive drinking is an important behavioural characteristic of alcohol addiction, but not the only one. Individuals addicted to alcohol crave alcoholic beverages, spend time seeking alcohol despite negative consequences and eventually drink to intoxication. With prolonged use, control over alcohol seeking devolves to anterior dorsolateral striatum, dopamine-dependent mechanisms implicated in habit learning and individuals in whom alcohol seeking relies more on these mechanisms are more likely to persist in seeking alcohol despite the risk of punishment. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the development of habitual alcohol seeking predicts the development of compulsive seeking and that, once developed, it is associated with compulsive alcohol drinking. Male alcohol-preferring rats were pre-exposed intermittently to a two-bottle choice procedure and trained on a seeking-taking chained schedule of alcohol reinforcement until some individuals developed punishment-resistant seeking behaviour. The associative basis of their seeking responses was probed with an outcome-devaluation procedure, early or late in training. After seeking behaviour was well established, subjects that had developed greater resistance to outcome devaluation (were more habitual) were more likely to show punishment-resistant (compulsive) alcohol seeking. These individuals also drank more alcohol, despite quinine adulteration, even though having similar alcohol preference and intake before and during instrumental training. They were also less sensitive to changes in the contingency between seeking responses and alcohol outcome, providing further evidence of recruitment of the habit system. We therefore provide direct behavioural evidence that compulsive alcohol seeking emerges alongside compulsive drinking in individuals who have preferentially engaged the habit system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Giuliano
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Mickaël Puaud
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Rudolf N. Cardinal
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychiatry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Liaison Psychiatry Service Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust Cambridge UK
| | - David Belin
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Barry J. Everitt
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nosova O, Bazov I, Karpyak V, Hallberg M, Bakalkin G. Epigenetic and Transcriptional Control of the Opioid Prodynorphine Gene: In-Depth Analysis in the Human Brain. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113458. [PMID: 34200173 PMCID: PMC8201134 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides serve as neurohormones and local paracrine regulators that control neural networks regulating behavior, endocrine system and sensorimotor functions. Their expression is characterized by exceptionally restricted profiles. Circuit-specific and adaptive expression of neuropeptide genes may be defined by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlled by cell type and subtype sequence-specific transcription factors, insulators and silencers. The opioid peptide dynorphins play a critical role in neurological and psychiatric disorders, pain processing and stress, while their mutations cause profound neurodegeneration in the human brain. In this review, we focus on the prodynorphin gene as a model for the in-depth epigenetic and transcriptional analysis of expression of the neuropeptide genes. Prodynorphin studies may provide a framework for analysis of mechanisms relevant for regulation of neuropeptide genes in normal and pathological human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Nosova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (I.B.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (O.N.); (G.B.)
| | - Igor Bazov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (I.B.); (M.H.)
| | | | - Mathias Hallberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (I.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (I.B.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (O.N.); (G.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Facilitating mGluR4 activity reverses the long-term deleterious consequences of chronic morphine exposure in male mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1373-1385. [PMID: 33349673 PMCID: PMC8136479 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of abstinence from drugs of abuse is critical to allow better recovery and ensure relapse prevention in addicted subjects. By comparing the long-term transcriptional consequences of morphine and cocaine exposure, we identified the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) as a promising pharmacological target in morphine abstinence. We evaluated the behavioral and molecular effects of facilitating mGluR4 activity in abstinent mice. Transcriptional regulation of marker genes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) allowed best discriminating between 4-week morphine and cocaine abstinence in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Among these markers, Grm4, encoding mGluR4, displayed down-regulated expression in the caudate putamen and NAc of morphine, but not cocaine, abstinent mice. Chronic administration of the mGluR4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) VU0155041 (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) rescued social behavior, normalized stereotypies and anxiety and blunted locomotor sensitization in morphine abstinent mice. This treatment improved social preference but increased stereotypies in cocaine abstinent mice. Finally, the beneficial behavioral effects of VU0155041 treatment in morphine abstinent mice were correlated with restored expression of key MSN and neural activity marker genes in the NAc. This study reports that chronic administration of the mGluR4 PAM VU0155041 relieves long-term deleterious consequences of morphine exposure. It illustrates the neurobiological differences between opiate and psychostimulant abstinence and points to pharmacological repression of excessive activity of D2-MSNs in the NAc as a promising therapeutic lever in drug addiction.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fitting S, McRae M, Hauser KF. Opioid and neuroHIV Comorbidity - Current and Future Perspectives. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:584-627. [PMID: 32876803 PMCID: PMC7463108 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the current national opioid crisis, it is critical to examine the mechanisms underlying pathophysiologic interactions between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opioids in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent advances in experimental models, methodology, and our understanding of disease processes at the molecular and cellular levels reveal opioid-HIV interactions with increasing clarity. However, despite the substantial new insight, the unique impact of opioids on the severity, progression, and prognosis of neuroHIV and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are not fully understood. In this review, we explore, in detail, what is currently known about mechanisms underlying opioid interactions with HIV, with emphasis on individual HIV-1-expressed gene products at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Furthermore, we review preclinical and clinical studies with a focus on key considerations when addressing questions of whether opioid-HIV interactive pathogenesis results in unique structural or functional deficits not seen with either disease alone. These considerations include, understanding the combined consequences of HIV-1 genetic variants, host variants, and μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and HIV chemokine co-receptor interactions on the comorbidity. Lastly, we present topics that need to be considered in the future to better understand the unique contributions of opioids to the pathophysiology of neuroHIV. Graphical Abstract Blood-brain barrier and the neurovascular unit. With HIV and opiate co-exposure (represented below the dotted line), there is breakdown of tight junction proteins and increased leakage of paracellular compounds into the brain. Despite this, opiate exposure selectively increases the expression of some efflux transporters, thereby restricting brain penetration of specific drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - MaryPeace McRae
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Kurt F Hauser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1217 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0709, USA.
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0059, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vallerini GP, Cheng YH, Chase KA, Sharma RP, Kusumo H, Khakhkhar S, Feinstein DL, Guizzetti M, Gavin DP. Modulation of Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) Levels and Activity by Alcohol Binge-Like Drinking in Male Mice. Neuroscience 2020; 448:1-13. [PMID: 32920042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking is a frequent pattern of ethanol consumption within Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Binge-like ethanol exposure increases Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression and activity. PARP enzymes have been implicated in addiction and serve multiple roles in the cell, including gene expression regulation. In this study, we examined the effects of binge-like alcohol consumption in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult C57BL/6J male mice via a 4-day Drinking-in-the-Dark (DID) paradigm. The role of PARP in associated gene expression and behavioral changes was assessed by administering the PARP inhibitor ABT-888 on the last DID day. We then conducted an RNA-seq analysis of the PFC gene expression changes associated with DID-consumed ethanol or ABT-888 treatment. A separate cohort of mice was inoculated with an HSV-PARP1 vector in the PFC and subject to a DID experiment to verify whether overexpressed PARP1 increased ethanol drinking. We confirmed that alcohol increases Parp1 gene expression and PARP activity in the PFC. RNA-seq showed significantly altered expression of 41 genes by DID-consumed ethanol, and of 48 genes by ABT-888. These results were confirmed by qPCR in 7 of the 10 genes validated, 4 of which have been previously associated with addiction. ABT-888 reduced, and overexpression of PFC PARP1 increased DID ethanol consumption. In our model, alcohol binge drinking induced specific alterations in the PFC expression of genes potentially involved in addiction. Pharmacological PARP inhibition proved effective in reversing these changes and preventing further alcohol consumption. Our results suggest an involvement of ethanol-induced PARP1 in reinforcing binge-like addictive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gian Paolo Vallerini
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - You-Hong Cheng
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Kayla A Chase
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Handojo Kusumo
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Shivani Khakhkhar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Douglas L Feinstein
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Marina Guizzetti
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - David P Gavin
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shahkarami K, Vousooghi N, Golab F, Mohsenzadeh A, Baharvand P, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Babhadi-Ashar N, Shakeri A, Zarrindast MR. Evaluation of dynorphin and kappa-opioid receptor level in the human blood lymphocytes and plasma: Possible role as a biomarker in severe opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107638. [PMID: 31710992 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system plays an important role in the development of addiction, and dysregulation of this system could lead to abnormal activity in the reward pathway. It has been reported that the expression state of the neurotransmitters and their receptors in the brain is reflected in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). METHODS We have evaluated the PBLs and plasma samples of four groups: 1) subjects with severe opioid use disorder (SOD), 2) methadone-maintenance treated (MMT) individuals, 3) long-term abstinent subjects having former SOD, and 4) healthy control subjects (n = 20 in each group). The mRNA expression level of preprodynorphin (pPDYN) and KOR in PBLs has been evaluated by real-time PCR. Peptide expression of PDYN in PBLs has been studied by western blot, and DYN concentration in plasma has been measured by ELISA. RESULTS The relative expression level of the pPDYN mRNA and PDYN peptide in PBLs were significantly up-regulated in SOD, MMT, and abstinent groups compared to control subjects. No significant difference was found in the plasma DYN concentration between study groups. The expression level of the KOR mRNA in PBLs was significantly decreased in all three study groups compared to the control subjects. CONCLUSION the expression changes in the DYN/KOR system after chronic exposure to opioids, including methadone, seems to be stable and does not return to normal levels even after 12 months abstinence. These long-time and permanent changes in PBLs may serve as a biomarker and footprint of SOD development in the periphery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Shahkarami
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Golab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Mohsenzadeh
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Parastoo Baharvand
- Department of Social Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mitra-Sadat Sadat-Shirazi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Babhadi-Ashar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Shakeri
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The effects of nalmefene on emotion processing in alcohol use disorder - A randomized, controlled fMRI study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1442-1452. [PMID: 31740271 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nalmefene is a µ- and δ-opioid receptor antagonist and a partial κ-opioid receptor agonist. The drug is suggested to reduce the craving for, and the consumption of alcohol effectively, also alleviating anxiety and anhedonia. The present fMRI study is the first to investigate the processing of emotions as a possible mechanism of action of nalmefene in humans. Fifteen non-treatment-seeking participants suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) (24-66 years; 5 females) finished this randomized, placebo controlled, double blind study. Following a cross over design, participants received either a single dose nalmefene or a placebo, with an interval of one week between sessions. Using fMRI, we investigated neural reactivity during the presentation of emotional faces picture sets. Additionally, we performed a visual dot-probe task to detect nalmefene's effects on attentional bias. We detected an increase in the response to emotional faces in the supramarginal gyrus, the angular gyrus as well as the putamen in the nalmefene vs. placebo condition. However, contradictory to our initial hypotheses, amygdala activation was not altered significantly in the placebo condition - a limitation, which might be associated with a lack of activation in the placebo condition maybe due to the small sample size. Attentional bias analyses revealed an interaction effect by trend, which was driven by a significant effect in a sub-analysis showing increased attentional shift towards happy compared to fearful facial expressions under nalmefene. Nalmefene increased brain activation in areas responsible for empathy, social cognition and behavior, which might help alleviating the reinforcing properties of alcohol.
Collapse
|
8
|
Duque-Díaz E, Alvarez-Ojeda O, Coveñas R. Enkephalins and ACTH in the mammalian nervous system. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 111:147-193. [PMID: 31421699 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The pentapeptides methionine-enkephalin and leucine-enkephalin belong to the opioid family of peptides, and the non-opiate peptide adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to the melanocortin peptide family. Enkephalins/ACTH are derived from pro-enkephalin, pro-dynorphin or pro-opiomelanocortin precursors and, via opioid and melanocortin receptors, are responsible for many biological activities. Enkephalins exhibit the highest affinity for the δ receptor, followed by the μ and κ receptors, whereas ACTH binds to the five subtypes of melanocortin receptor, and is the only member of the melanocortin family of peptides that binds to the melanocortin-receptor 2 (ACTH receptor). Enkephalins/ACTH and their receptors exhibit a widespread anatomical distribution. Enkephalins are involved in analgesia, angiogenesis, blood pressure, embryonic development, emotional behavior, feeding, hypoxia, limbic system modulation, neuroprotection, peristalsis, and wound repair; as well as in hepatoprotective, motor, neuroendocrine and respiratory mechanisms. ACTH plays a role in acetylcholine release, aggressive behavior, blood pressure, bone maintenance, hyperalgesia, feeding, fever, grooming, learning, lipolysis, memory, nerve injury repair, neuroprotection, sexual behavior, sleep, social behavior, tissue growth and stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids. Enkephalins/ACTH are also involved in many pathologies. Enkephalins are implicated in alcoholism, cancer, colitis, depression, heart failure, Huntington's disease, influenza A virus infection, ischemia, multiple sclerosis, and stress. ACTH plays a role in Addison's disease, alcoholism, cancer, Cushing's disease, dermatitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, Graves' disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, podocytopathies, and stress. In this review, we provide an updated description of the enkephalinergic and ACTH systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewing Duque-Díaz
- Universidad de Santander UDES, Laboratory of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Olga Alvarez-Ojeda
- Universidad Industrial de Santander, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kononenko O, Mityakina I, Galatenko V, Watanabe H, Bazov I, Gerashchenko A, Sarkisyan D, Iatsyshyna A, Yakovleva T, Tonevitsky A, Marklund N, Ossipov MH, Bakalkin G. Differential effects of left and right neuropathy on opioid gene expression in lumbar spinal cord. Brain Res 2018; 1695:78-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
10
|
Bazov I, Sarkisyan D, Kononenko O, Watanabe H, Karpyak VM, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. Downregulation of the neuronal opioid gene expression concomitantly with neuronal decline in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of human alcoholics. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:122. [PMID: 29925858 PMCID: PMC6010434 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular changes in cortical areas of addicted brain may underlie cognitive impairment and loss of control over intake of addictive substances and alcohol. Prodynorphin (PDYN) gives rise to dynorphin (DYNs) opioid peptides which target kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). DYNs mediate alcohol-induced impairment of learning and memory, while KOR antagonists block excessive, compulsive-like drug and alcohol self-administration in animal models. In human brain, the DYN/KOR system may undergo adaptive changes, which along with neuronal loss, may contribute to alcohol-associated cognitive deficit. We addressed this hypothesis by comparing the expression levels and co-expression (transcriptionally coordinated) patterns of PDYN and KOR (OPRK1) genes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) between human alcoholics and controls. Postmortem brain specimens of 53 alcoholics and 55 controls were analyzed. PDYN was found to be downregulated in dlPFC of alcoholics, while OPRK1 transcription was not altered. PDYN downregulation was confined to subgroup of subjects carrying C, a high-risk allele of PDYN promoter SNP rs1997794 associated with alcoholism. Changes in PDYN expression did not depend on the decline in neuronal proportion in alcoholics, and thereby may be attributed to transcriptional adaptations in alcoholic brain. Absolute expression levels of PDYN were lower compared to those of OPRK1, suggesting that PDYN expression is a limiting factor in the DYN/KOR signaling, and that the PDYN downregulation diminishes efficacy of DYN/KOR signaling in dlPFC of human alcoholics. The overall outcome of the DYN/KOR downregulation may be disinhibition of neurotransmission, which when overactivated could contribute to formation of alcohol-related behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Daniil Sarkisyan
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Kononenko
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Victor M. Karpyak
- 0000 0004 0459 167Xgrid.66875.3aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bazov I, Sarkisyan D, Kononenko O, Watanabe H, Yakovleva T, Hansson AC, Sommer WH, Spanagel R, Bakalkin G. Dynorphin and κ-Opioid Receptor Dysregulation in the Dopaminergic Reward System of Human Alcoholics. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:7049-7061. [PMID: 29383684 PMCID: PMC6061161 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0844-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular changes induced by excessive alcohol consumption may underlie formation of dysphoric state during acute and protracted alcohol withdrawal which leads to craving and relapse. A main molecular addiction hypothesis is that the upregulation of the dynorphin (DYN)/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of alcohol-dependent individuals causes the imbalance in activity of D1- and D2 dopamine receptor (DR) expressing neural circuits that results in dysphoria. We here analyzed post-mortem NAc samples of human alcoholics to assess changes in prodynorphin (PDYN) and KOR (OPRK1) gene expression and co-expression (transcriptionally coordinated) patterns. To address alterations in D1- and D2-receptor circuits, we studied the regulatory interactions between these pathways and the DYN/KOR system. No significant differences in PDYN and OPRK1 gene expression levels between alcoholics and controls were evident. However, PDYN and OPRK1 showed transcriptionally coordinated pattern that was significantly different between alcoholics and controls. A downregulation of DRD1 but not DRD2 expression was seen in alcoholics. Expression of DRD1 and DRD2 strongly correlated with that of PDYN and OPRK1 suggesting high levels of transcriptional coordination between these gene clusters. The differences in expression and co-expression patterns were not due to the decline in neuronal proportion in alcoholic brain and thereby represent transcriptional phenomena. Dysregulation of DYN/KOR system and dopamine signaling through both alterations in co-expression patterns of opioid genes and decreased DRD1 gene expression may contribute to imbalance in the activity of D1- and D2-containing pathways which may lead to the negative affective state in human alcoholics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Daniil Sarkisyan
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Kononenko
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, BMC Husargatan 3, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Becker JA, Kieffer BL, Le Merrer J. Differential behavioral and molecular alterations upon protracted abstinence from cocaine versus morphine, nicotine, THC and alcohol. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1205-1217. [PMID: 27126842 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Unified theories of addiction are challenged by differing drug-seeking behaviors and neurobiological adaptations across drug classes, particularly for narcotics and psychostimulants. We previously showed that protracted abstinence to opiates leads to despair behavior and social withdrawal in mice, and we identified a transcriptional signature in the extended amygdala that was also present in animals abstinent from nicotine, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and alcohol. Here we examined whether protracted abstinence to these four drugs would also share common behavioral features, and eventually differ from abstinence to the prototypic psychostimulant cocaine. We found similar reduced social recognition, increased motor stereotypies and increased anxiety with relevant c-fos response alterations in morphine, nicotine, THC and alcohol abstinent mice. Protracted abstinence to cocaine, however, led to strikingly distinct, mostly opposing adaptations at all levels, including behavioral responses, neuronal activation and gene expression. Together, these data further document the existence of common hallmarks for protracted abstinence to opiates, nicotine, THC and alcohol that develop within motivation/emotion brain circuits. In our model, however, these do not apply to cocaine, supporting the notion of unique mechanisms in psychostimulant abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme A.J. Becker
- Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104; Université de Strasbourg; France
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247; Université de Tours Rabelais; France
| | - Brigitte L. Kieffer
- Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104; Université de Strasbourg; France
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine; McGill University; Canada
| | - Julie Le Merrer
- Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104; Université de Strasbourg; France
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247; Université de Tours Rabelais; France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
D'Addario C, Shchetynsky K, Pucci M, Cifani C, Gunnar A, Vukojević V, Padyukov L, Terenius L. Genetic variation and epigenetic modification of the prodynorphin gene in peripheral blood cells in alcoholism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:195-203. [PMID: 28336495 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dynorphins are critically involved in the development, maintenance and relapse of alcoholism. Alcohol-induced changes in the prodynorphin gene expression may be influenced by both gene polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications. The present study of human alcoholics aims to evaluate DNA methylation patterns in the prodynorphin gene (PDYN) promoter and to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with alcohol dependence and with altered DNA methylation. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells of alcoholics and healthy controls, and DNA methylation was studied in the PDYN promoter by bisulfite pyrosequencing. In alcoholics, DNA methylation increased in three of the seven CpG sites investigated, as well as in the average of the seven CpG sites. Data stratification showed lower increase in DNA methylation levels in individuals reporting craving and with higher levels of alcohol consumption. Association with alcoholism was observed for rs2235751 and the presence of the minor allele G was associated with reduced DNA methylation at PDYN promoter in females and younger subjects. Genetic and epigenetic factors within PDYN are related to risk for alcoholism, providing further evidence of its involvement on ethanol effects. These results might be of relevance for developing new biomarkers to predict disease trajectories and therapeutic outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy.
| | - Klementy Shchetynsky
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Agneta Gunnar
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonid Padyukov
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Terenius
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nalmefene Reduces Reward Anticipation in Alcohol Dependence: An Experimental Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:941-948. [PMID: 28216062 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nalmefene is a µ and δ opioid receptor antagonist, κ opioid receptor partial agonist that has recently been approved in Europe for treating alcohol dependence. It offers a treatment approach for alcohol-dependent individuals with "high-risk drinking levels" to reduce their alcohol consumption. However, the neurobiological mechanism underpinning its effects on alcohol consumption remains to be determined. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover design we aimed to determine the effect of a single dose of nalmefene on striatal blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal change during anticipation of monetary reward using the monetary incentive delay task following alcohol challenge. METHODS Twenty-two currently heavy-drinking, non-treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent males were recruited. The effect of single dose nalmefene (18 mg) on changes in a priori defined striatal region of interest BOLD signal change during reward anticipation compared with placebo was investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Both conditions were performed under intravenous alcohol administration (6% vol/vol infusion to achieve a target level of 80 mg/dL). RESULTS Datasets from 18 participants were available and showed that in the presence of the alcohol infusion, nalmefene significantly reduced the BOLD response in the striatal region of interest compared with placebo. Nalmefene did not alter brain perfusion. CONCLUSIONS Nalmefene blunts BOLD response in the mesolimbic system during anticipation of monetary reward and an alcohol infusion. This is consistent with nalmefene's actions on opioid receptors, which modulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, and provides a neurobiological basis for its efficacy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Damaged reward areas in human alcoholics: neuronal proportion decline and astrocyte activation. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 133:485-487. [PMID: 28097436 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
16
|
Oliveros A, Starski P, Lindberg D, Choi S, Heppelmann CJ, Dasari S, Choi DS. Label-Free Neuroproteomics of the Hippocampal-Accumbal Circuit Reveals Deficits in Neurotransmitter and Neuropeptide Signaling in Mice Lacking Ethanol-Sensitive Adenosine Transporter. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:1445-1459. [PMID: 27998058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The neural circuit of the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to cue-induced learning and addictive behaviors, as demonstrated by the escalation of ethanol-seeking behaviors observed following deletion of the adenosine equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1-/-) in mice. Here we perform quantitative LC-MS/MS neuroproteomics in the dHip and NAc of ENT1-/- mice. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we identified proteins associated with increased long-term potentiation, ARP2/3-mediated actin cytoskeleton signaling and protein expression patterns suggesting deficits in glutamate degradation, GABAergic signaling, as well as significant changes in bioenergetics and energy homeostasis (oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, and glycolysis). These pathways are consistent with previously reported behavioral and biochemical phenotypes that typify mice lacking ENT1. Moreover, we validated decreased expression of the SNARE complex protein VAMP1 (synaptobrevin-1) in the dHip as well as decreased expression of pro-dynorphin (PDYN), neuroendocrine convertase (PCSK1), and Leu-Enkephalin (dynorphin-A) in the NAc. Taken together, our proteomic approach provides novel pathways indicating that ENT1-regulated signaling is essential for neurotransmitter release and neuropeptide processing, both of which underlie learning and reward-seeking behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Oliveros
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Phillip Starski
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Daniel Lindberg
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Sun Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Carrie J Heppelmann
- Proteomics Research Center, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Surendra Dasari
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States.,Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
This paper is the thirty-eighth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2015 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|