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Buzzi B, Koseli E, Moncayo L, Shoaib M, Damaj M. Role of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Cannabinoid Dependence. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106746. [PMID: 37001709 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is among the most widely consumed psychoactive drugs around the world and cannabis use disorder (CUD) has no current approved pharmacological treatment. Nicotine and cannabis are commonly co-used which suggests there to be overlapping neurobiological actions supported primarily by the co-distribution of both receptor systems in the brain. There appears to be strong rationale to explore the role that nicotinic receptors play in cannabinoid dependence. Preclinical studies suggest that the ɑ7 nAChR subtype may play a role in modulating the reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of cannabinoids, while the ɑ4β2 * nAChR subtype may be involved in modulating the motor and sedative effects of cannabinoids. Preclinical and human genetic studies point towards a potential role of the ɑ5, ɑ3, and β4 nAChR subunits in CUD, while human GWAS studies strongly implicate the ɑ2 subunit as playing a role in CUD susceptibility. Clinical studies suggest that current smoking cessation agents, such as varenicline and bupropion, may also be beneficial in treating CUD, although more controlled studies are necessary. Additional behavioral, molecular, and mechanistic studies investigating the role of nAChR in the modulation of the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are needed.
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Bono F, Fiorentini C, Mutti V, Tomasoni Z, Sbrini G, Trebesova H, Marchi M, Grilli M, Missale C. Central nervous system interaction and crosstalk between nAChRs and other ionotropic and metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106711. [PMID: 36854367 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely distributed in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems. nAChRs exert a crucial modulatory influence on several brain biological processes; they are involved in a variety of neuronal diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and nicotine addiction. The influence of nAChRs on brain function depends on the activity of other neurotransmitter receptors that co-exist with nAChRs on neurons. In fact, the crosstalk between receptors is an important mechanism of neurotransmission modulation and plasticity. This may be due to converging intracellular pathways but also occurs at the membrane level, because of direct physical interactions between receptors. In this line, this review is dedicated to summarizing how nAChRs and other ionotropic and metabotropic receptors interact and the relevance of nAChRs cross-talks in modulating various neuronal processes ranging from the classical modulation of neurotransmitter release to neuron plasticity and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bono
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorentini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Mutti
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Zaira Tomasoni
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Sbrini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Hanna Trebesova
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Marchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Grilli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Cristina Missale
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Ruan S, Xie J, Wang L, Guo L, Li Y, Fan W, Ji R, Gong Z, Xu Y, Mao J, Xie J. Nicotine alleviates MPTP-induced nigrostriatal damage through modulation of JNK and ERK signaling pathways in the mice model of Parkinson's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1088957. [PMID: 36817162 PMCID: PMC9932206 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1088957] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Nicotine (Nic) has previously been proven to reduce neurodegeneration in the models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study is intended to investigate the detailed mechanisms related to the potential neuroprotective effects of Nic in vivo. Methods: We established a PD model using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced C57BL6 mice (25 mg/kg/d, 5 d, i.p.) to investigate the neuropharmacological modulation of Nic pretreatment (2.5 mg/kg/d, 5 d, i.p., 30 min before MPTP injection) from the perspectives of neurobehavioral assessment, the pathological alterations, microglial cell inflammation and MAPK signaling pathways in specific brain regions. Results: The open field test, elevated plus maze, rotarod and traction test suggested that Nic pretreatment could significantly improve MPTP-induced motor impairment and had an anxiolytic effect. Nic was found to improve neuroapoptosis, enhance tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and reduce the accumulation of the phosphorylated α-synuclein in the substantia nigra and striatal regions of PD mice by TUNEL and immunohistochemical assays. Immuno-fluorescent method for labeling Iba1 and CD68 indicated that Nic remarkably alleviates the activation of microglia which represents the M1 polarization state in the mice brain under MPTP stimulation. No significant difference in the expression of p38/MAPK pathway was found in the nigrostriatal regions, while Nic could significantly inhibit the elevated p-JNK/JNK ratio and increase the declined p-ERK/ERK ratio in the substantia nigra of MPTP-exposed brains, which was further confirmed by the pretreatment of CYP2A5 inhibitor to decline the metabolic activity of Nic. Discussion: The molecular signaling mechanism by which Nic exerts its neuroprotective effects against PD may be achieved by regulating the JNK and ERK signaling pathways in the nigra-striatum related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Ruan
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiqing Xie
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Linhai Wang
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Guo
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wu Fan
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongzhan Ji
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenlin Gong
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Xu, ; Jian Mao,
| | - Jian Mao
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Xu, ; Jian Mao,
| | - Jianping Xie
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
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Abstract
Although stem cell therapy has tremendous therapeutic potential, clinical translation of stem cell therapy has yet to be fully realized. Recently, patient comorbidities and lifestyle choices have emerged to be important factors in the efficacy of stem cell therapy. Tobacco usage is an important risk factor for numerous diseases, and nicotine exposure specifically has become increasing more prevalent with the rising use of electronic cigarettes. This review describes the effects of nicotine exposure on the function of various stem cells. We place emphasis on the differential effects of nicotine exposure in vitro and as well as in preclinical models. Further research on the effects of nicotine on stem cells will deepen our understanding of how lifestyle choices can impact the outcome of stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hp Chan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ngan F Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Ruszkiewicz JA, Zhang Z, Gonçalves FM, Tizabi Y, Zelikoff JT, Aschner M. Neurotoxicity of e-cigarettes. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 138:111245. [PMID: 32145355 PMCID: PMC7089837 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It appears that electronic cigarettes (EC) are a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarette (CC) smoking, as they generate substantially lower levels of harmful carcinogens and other toxic compounds. Thus, switching from CC to EC may be beneficial for smokers. However, recent accounts of EC- or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) has raised concerns regarding their adverse health effects. Additionally, the increasing popularity of EC among vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and pregnant women, calls for further EC safety evaluation. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide an update on recent findings regarding the neurological effects induced by EC exposure. Moreover, we discuss possible neurotoxic effects of nicotine and numerous other chemicals which are inherent both to e-liquids and EC aerosols. We conclude that in recognizing pertinent issues associated with EC usage, both government and scientific researchers must address this public health issue with utmost urgency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A Ruszkiewicz
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Filipe Marques Gonçalves
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, United States
| | - Judith T Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
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Translational Molecular Approaches in Substance Abuse Research. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:31-60. [PMID: 31628598 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive abuse of psychoactive substances is one of the leading contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this book chapter, we review translational research strategies that are applied in the pursuit of new and more effective therapeutics for substance use disorder (SUD). The complex, multidimensional nature of psychiatric disorders like SUD presents difficult challenges to investigators. While animal models are critical for outlining the mechanistic relationships between defined behaviors and genetic and/or molecular changes, the heterogeneous pathophysiology of brain diseases is uniquely human, necessitating the use of human studies and translational research schemes. Translational research describes a cross-species approach in which findings from human patient-based data can be used to guide molecular genetic investigations in preclinical animal models in order to delineate the mechanisms of reward circuitry changes in the addicted state. Results from animal studies can then inform clinical investigations toward the development of novel treatments for SUD. Here we describe the strategies that are used to identify and functionally validate genetic variants in the human genome which may contribute to increased risk for SUD, starting from early candidate gene approaches to more recent genome-wide association studies. We will next examine studies aimed at understanding how transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation in SUD can persistently alter cellular function in the disease state. In our discussion, we then focus on examples from the literature illustrating molecular genetic methodologies that have been applied to studies of different substances of abuse - from alcohol and nicotine to stimulants and opioids - in order to exemplify how these approaches can both delineate the underlying molecular systems driving drug addiction and provide insights into the genetic basis of SUD.
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