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Munawar Cheema M, Macakova Kotrbova Z, Hrcka Krausova B, Adla SK, Slavikova B, Chodounska H, Kratochvil M, Vondrasek J, Sedlak D, Balastik M, Kudova E. 5β-reduced neuroactive steroids as modulators of growth and viability of postnatal neurons and glia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 239:106464. [PMID: 38246201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids (NS) and their synthetic analogs, neuroactive steroids (NAS), are potentially useful drug-like compounds affecting the pathophysiology of miscellaneous central nervous system disorders (e.g. Alzheimer´s disease, epilepsy, depression, etc.). Additionally, NS have been shown to promote neuron viability and neurite outgrowth upon injury. The molecular, structural and physicochemical basis of the NS effect on neurons is so far not fully understood, and the development of new, biologically relevant assays is essential for their comparative analysis and for assessment of their mechanism of action. Here, we report the development of a novel, plate-based, high-content in vitro assay for screening of NS and newly synthesized, 5β-reduced NAS for the promotion of postnatal neuron survival and neurite growth using fluorescent, postnatal mixed cortical neuron cultures isolated from thy1-YFP transgenic mice. The screen allows a detailed time course analysis of different parameters, such as the number of neurons or neurite lengths of 7-day, in vitro neuron cultures. Using the screen, we identify a new NAS, compound 42, that promotes the survival and growth of postnatal neurons significantly better than several endogenous NS (dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and allopregnanolone). Interestingly, we demonstrate that compound 42 also promotes the proliferation of glia (in particular oligodendrocytes) and that the glial function is critical for its neuron growth support. Computational analysis of the biological data and calculated physicochemical properties of tested NS and NAS demonstrated that their biological activity is proportional to their lipophilicity. Together, the screen proves useful for the selection of neuron-active NAS and the comparative evaluation of their biologically relevant structural and physicochemical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Munawar Cheema
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Macakova Kotrbova
- CZ-OPENSCREEN: National Infrastructure for Chemical Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrcka Krausova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Santosh Kumar Adla
- Dept. of Neurosteroids, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Slavikova
- Dept. of Neurosteroids, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Dept. of Neurosteroids, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kratochvil
- Dept. of Bioinformatics, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Vondrasek
- Dept. of Bioinformatics, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedlak
- CZ-OPENSCREEN: National Infrastructure for Chemical Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Balastik
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Kudova
- Dept. of Neurosteroids, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Mensah-Nyagan AG, Meyer L, Patte-Mensah C. Modulatory role of neurosteroidogenesis in the spinal cord during peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101116. [PMID: 38182090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The brain and spinal cord (SC) are both targeted by various hormones, including steroid hormones. However, investigations of the modulatory role of hormones on neurobiological functions usually focus only on the brain. The SC received little attention although this structure pivotally controls motor and sensory functions. Here, we critically reviewed key data showing that the process of neurosteroid biosynthesis or neurosteroidogenesis occurring in the SC plays a pivotal role in the modulation of peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain (PNICP) or neuropathic pain. Indeed, several active steroidogenic enzymes expressed in the SC produce endogenous neurosteroids that interact with receptors of neurotransmitters controlling pain. The spinal neurosteroidogenesis is differentially regulated during PNICP condition and its blockade modifies painful sensations. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against PNICP or neuropathic pain must integrate in a gender or sex dependent manner the regulatory effects exerted by spinal neurosteroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayikoe-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laurence Meyer
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
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Yu J, Yao X, Zhang X, Hao J. New insights of metabolite abnormalities in the thalamus of rats with iminodiproprionitrile-induced tic disorders. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1201294. [PMID: 37841690 PMCID: PMC10570423 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1201294] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate pathological changes in the "Glutamate (Glu)-γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)" loop and apply widely targeted metabolomic analysis technology to comprehensively explore metabolite abnormalities/ in the thalamus of rats with tic disorders (TD). Methods Wistar rats were randomized into control, TD, and tiapride (Tia) groups. Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) was used to induce TD in rats. The Tia group was administered tiapride. Neurotransmitter levels in the thalamus of rats in the three groups were measured using UPLC-3Q MS. And, the protein expression levels of Glu decarboxylase (GAD65/67) and GABA transporter protein (GAD-T) were measured using western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of these genes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lastly, other metabolites in the thalamus were detected by widely targeted metabolomic analysis between TD and Control group rats. Results The Glu level, Glu/GABA ratio, and Asp level in the TD group were significantly higher (all p < 0.001) than those of the Control group, whereas the GABA and Gly levels were lower (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). The Tia group exhibited a significant reduction in the Glu level (p = 0.001) compared with the TD group. The protein expression level of GAD67 in TD group was higher (p = 0.009) and the mRNA expression levels of GAD65, GAD67, and GAT-1 were lower (p < 0.05) than those of the Control group. The Tia group did not display any differences in GAD65, GAD67, or GAT-1 expression. Widely targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 34 substances were abnornal between the TD and Control groups (9 upregulated and 25 downregulated). Neurosteroids (progesterone, corticosterone) exhibited distinct differences. Metabolite analysis using the Kyoto encyclopedia for genes and genomes indicated that the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway may be involved in TD pathogenesis. Conclusion This study revealed metabolic abnormalities in the thalamus of rats with TD. The interaction between neurotransmitters and neurosteroid biosynthesis represents a new direction for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Yu
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanjuan Hao
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
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Szczurowska E, Szánti-Pintér E, Randáková A, Jakubík J, Kudova E. Allosteric Modulation of Muscarinic Receptors by Cholesterol, Neurosteroids and Neuroactive Steroids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13075. [PMID: 36361865 PMCID: PMC9656441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are membrane receptors involved in many physiological processes. Malfunction of muscarinic signaling is a cause of various internal diseases, as well as psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Cholesterol, neurosteroids, neuroactive steroids, and steroid hormones are molecules of steroid origin that, besides having well-known genomic effects, also modulate membrane proteins including muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Here, we review current knowledge on the allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptors by these steroids. We give a perspective on the research on the non-genomic effects of steroidal compounds on muscarinic receptors and drug development, with an aim to ultimately exploit such knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczurowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Szánti-Pintér
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Randáková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
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Thalamic T-Type Calcium Channels as Targets for Hypnotics and General Anesthetics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042349. [PMID: 35216466 PMCID: PMC8876360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
General anesthetics mainly act by modulating synaptic inhibition on the one hand (the potentiation of GABA transmission) or synaptic excitation on the other (the inhibition of NMDA receptors), but they can also have effects on numerous other proteins, receptors, and channels. The effects of general anesthetics on ion channels have been the subject of research since the publication of reports of direct actions of these drugs on ion channel proteins. In particular, there is considerable interest in T-type voltage-gated calcium channels that are abundantly expressed in the thalamus, where they control patterns of cellular excitability and thalamocortical oscillations during awake and sleep states. Here, we summarized and discussed our recent studies focused on the CaV3.1 isoform of T-channels in the nonspecific thalamus (intralaminar and midline nuclei), which acts as a key hub through which natural sleep and general anesthesia are initiated. We used mouse genetics and in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology to study the role of thalamic T-channels in hypnosis induced by a standard general anesthetic, isoflurane, as well as novel neuroactive steroids. From the results of this study, we conclude that CaV3.1 channels contribute to thalamocortical oscillations during anesthetic-induced hypnosis, particularly the slow-frequency range of δ oscillations (0.5–4 Hz), by generating “window current” that contributes to the resting membrane potential. We posit that the role of the thalamic CaV3.1 isoform of T-channels in the effects of various classes of general anesthetics warrants consideration.
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Maksimovic S, Useinovic N, Quillinan N, Covey DF, Todorovic SM, Jevtovic-Todorovic V. General Anesthesia and the Young Brain: The Importance of Novel Strategies with Alternate Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031889. [PMID: 35163810 PMCID: PMC8836828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past three decades, we have been grappling with rapidly accumulating evidence that general anesthetics (GAs) may not be as innocuous for the young brain as we previously believed. The growing realization comes from hundreds of animal studies in numerous species, from nematodes to higher mammals. These studies argue that early exposure to commonly used GAs causes widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in brain regions critical to cognition and socio-emotional development, kills a substantial number of neurons in the young brain, and, importantly, results in lasting disturbances in neuronal synaptic communication within the remaining neuronal networks. Notably, these outcomes are often associated with long-term impairments in multiple cognitive-affective domains. Not only do preclinical studies clearly demonstrate GA-induced neurotoxicity when the exposures occur in early life, but there is a growing body of clinical literature reporting similar cognitive-affective abnormalities in young children who require GAs. The need to consider alternative GAs led us to focus on synthetic neuroactive steroid analogues that have emerged as effective hypnotics, and analgesics that are apparently devoid of neurotoxic effects and long-term cognitive impairments. This would suggest that certain steroid analogues with different cellular targets and mechanisms of action may be safe alternatives to currently used GAs. Herein we summarize our current knowledge of neuroactive steroids as promising novel GAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Maksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.U.); (N.Q.); (S.M.T.); (V.J.-T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nemanja Useinovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.U.); (N.Q.); (S.M.T.); (V.J.-T.)
| | - Nidia Quillinan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.U.); (N.Q.); (S.M.T.); (V.J.-T.)
- Neuronal Injury and Plasticity Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.U.); (N.Q.); (S.M.T.); (V.J.-T.)
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.U.); (N.Q.); (S.M.T.); (V.J.-T.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Lin YC, Papadopoulos V. Neurosteroidogenic enzymes: CYP11A1 in the central nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100925. [PMID: 34015388 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids, steroid hormones synthesized locally in the nervous system, have important neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. Progress in neurosteroid research has led to the successful translation of allopregnanolone into an approved therapy for postpartum depression. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the assumption that steroidogenesis is exactly the same between the nervous system and the periphery. This review focuses on CYP11A1, the only enzyme currently known to catalyze the first reaction in steroidogenesis to produce pregnenolone, the precursor to all other steroids. Although CYP11A1 mRNA has been found in brain of many mammals, the presence of CYP11A1 protein has been difficult to detect, particularly in humans. Here, we highlight the discrepancies in the current evidence for CYP11A1 in the central nervous system and propose new directions for understanding neurosteroidogenesis, which will be crucial for developing neurosteroid-based therapies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Christina Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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Niu C, Leavitt LS, Lin Z, Paguigan ND, Sun L, Zhang J, Torres JP, Raghuraman S, Chase K, Cadeddu R, Karthikeyan M, Bortolato M, Reilly CA, Hughen RW, Light AR, Olivera BM, Schmidt EW. Neuroactive Type-A γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Allosteric Modulator Steroids from the Hypobranchial Gland of Marine Mollusk, Conus geographus. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7033-7043. [PMID: 33949869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a program to identify pain treatments with low addiction potential, we isolated five steroids, conosteroids A-E (1-5), from the hypobranchial gland of the mollusk Conus geographus. Compounds 1-5 were active in a mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) assay that suggested that they might be analgesic. A synthetic analogue 6 was used for a detailed pharmacological study. Compound 6 significantly increased the pain threshold in mice in the hot-plate test at 2 and 50 mg/kg. Compound 6 at 500 nM antagonizes type-A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs). In a patch-clamp experiment, out of the six subunit combinations tested, 6 exhibited subtype selectivity, most strongly antagonizing α1β1γ2 and α4β3γ2 receptors (IC50 1.5 and 1.0 μM, respectively). Although the structures of 1-6 differ from those of known neuroactive steroids, they are cell-type-selective modulators of GABAARs, expanding the known chemical space of neuroactive steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changshan Niu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Lee S Leavitt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Noemi D Paguigan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joshua P Torres
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shrinivasan Raghuraman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Chase
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Manju Karthikeyan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Christopher A Reilly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ronald W Hughen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Alan R Light
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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Rapid effects of neurosteroids on neuronal plasticity and their physiological and pathological implications. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135771. [PMID: 33636284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Current neuroscience research on neurosteroids and their synthetic analogues - neuroactive steroids - clearly demonstrate their drug likeness in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Moreover, research on neurosteroids continues to provide novel mechanistic insights into receptor activation or inhibition of various receptors. This mini-review will provide a high-level overview of the research area and discuss the various classes of potential physiological and pathological implications discovered so far.
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11
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Chiabrando D, Fiorito V, Petrillo S, Bertino F, Tolosano E. HEME: a neglected player in nociception? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:124-136. [PMID: 33545213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of pain, current management of pain syndromes is still unsatisfactory. The recent discovery of novel pathways associated with pain insensitivity in humans represents a unique opportunity to improve our knowledge on the pathophysiology of pain. Heme metabolism recently emerged as a crucial regulator of nociception. Of note, alteration of heme metabolism has been associated with pain insensitivity as well as with acute and chronic pain in porphyric neuropathy and hemolytic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms linking heme to the pain pathways still remain unclear. The review focuses on the major heme-regulated processes relevant for sensory neurons' maintenance, peripheral and central sensitization as well as for pain comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. By discussing the body of knowledge on the topic, we provide a novel perspective on the molecular mechanisms linking heme to nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Chiabrando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
| | - Veronica Fiorito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Timic Stamenic T, Feseha S, Manzella FM, Wallace D, Wilkey D, Corrigan T, Fiedler H, Doerr P, Krishnan K, Raol YH, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. The T-type calcium channel isoform Ca v3.1 is a target for the hypnotic effect of the anaesthetic neurosteroid (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile. Br J Anaesth 2021; 126:245-255. [PMID: 32859366 PMCID: PMC7844375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the role of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) in thalamocortical excitability and oscillations in vivo during neurosteroid-induced hypnosis are largely unknown. METHODS We used patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from acute brain slices ex vivo, recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) from the central medial thalamic nucleus in vivo, and wild-type (WT) and Cav3.1 knock-out mice to investigate the molecular mechanisms of hypnosis induced by the neurosteroid analogue (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (3β-OH). RESULTS Patch-clamp recordings showed that 3β-OH inhibited isolated T-currents but had no effect on phasic or tonic γ-aminobutyric acid A currents. Also in acute brain slices, 3β-OH inhibited the spike firing mode more profoundly in WT than in Cav3.1 knockout mice. Furthermore, 3β-OH significantly hyperpolarised neurones, reduced the amplitudes of low threshold spikes, and diminished rebound burst firing only in WT mice. We found that 80 mg kg-1 i.p. injections of 3β-OH induced hypnosis in >60% of WT mice but failed to induce hypnosis in the majority of mutant mice. A subhypnotic dose of 3β-OH (20 mg kg-1 i.p.) accelerated induction of hypnosis by isoflurane only in WT mice, but had similar effects on the maintenance of isoflurane-induced hypnosis in both WT and Cav3.1 knockout mice. In vivo recordings of LFPs showed that a hypnotic dose of 3β-OH increased δ, θ, α, and β oscillations in WT mice in comparison with Cav3.1 knock-out mice. CONCLUSIONS The Cav3.1 T-channel isoform is critical for diminished thalamocortical excitability and oscillations that underlie neurosteroid-induced hypnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Timic Stamenic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Simon Feseha
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Francesca M Manzella
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience and Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Damon Wallace
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Davis Wilkey
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Timothy Corrigan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hanna Fiedler
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patricia Doerr
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yogendra H Raol
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience and Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Tat QL, Joksimovic SM, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Todorovic SM, Jevtovic-Todorovic V. Preemptive Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Applications of Neuroactive Steroids in a Rodent Model of Post-Surgical Pain: Evidence for the Role of T-Type Calcium Channels. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122674. [PMID: 33322727 PMCID: PMC7763050 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preemptive management of post-incisional pain remains challenging. Here, we examined the role of preemptive use of neuroactive steroids with activity on low-voltage activated T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) and γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors in the development and maintenance of post-incisional pain. We use neuroactive steroids with distinct effects on GABAA receptors and/or T-channels: Alphaxalone (combined GABAergic agent and T-channel inhibitor), ECN (T-channel inhibitor), CDNC24 (GABAergic agent), and compared them with an established analgesic, morphine (an opioid agonist without known effect on either T-channels or GABAA receptors). Adult female rats sustained the skin and muscle incision on the plantar surface of the right paw. We injected the agents of choice intrathecally either before or after the development of post-incisional pain. The pain development was monitored by studying mechanical hypersensitivity. Alphaxalone and ECN, but not morphine, are effective in alleviating mechanical hyperalgesia when administered preemptively whereas morphine provides dose-dependent pain relief only when administered once the pain had developed. CDNC24 on the other hand did not offer any analgesic benefit. Neuroactive steroids that inhibit T-currents—Alphaxalone and ECN—unlike morphine, are effective preemptive analgesics that may offer a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of post-incisional pain, especially mechanical hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy L. Tat
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Srdjan M. Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (K.K.); (D.F.C.)
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (K.K.); (D.F.C.)
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-720-848-6723
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Linher-Melville K, Shah A, Singh G. Sex differences in neuro(auto)immunity and chronic sciatic nerve pain. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:62. [PMID: 33183347 PMCID: PMC7661171 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00339-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain occurs with greater frequency in women, with a parallel sexually dimorphic trend reported in sufferers of many autoimmune diseases. There is a need to continue examining neuro-immune-endocrine crosstalk in the context of sexual dimorphisms in chronic pain. Several phenomena in particular need to be further explored. In patients, autoantibodies to neural antigens have been associated with sensory pathway hyper-excitability, and the role of self-antigens released by damaged nerves remains to be defined. In addition, specific immune cells release pro-nociceptive cytokines that directly influence neural firing, while T lymphocytes activated by specific antigens secrete factors that either support nerve repair or exacerbate the damage. Modulating specific immune cell populations could therefore be a means to promote nerve recovery, with sex-specific outcomes. Understanding biological sex differences that maintain, or fail to maintain, neuroimmune homeostasis may inform the selection of sex-specific treatment regimens, improving chronic pain management by rebalancing neuroimmune feedback. Given the significance of interactions between nerves and immune cells in the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain, this review focuses on sex differences and possible links with persistent autoimmune activity using sciatica as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Linher-Melville
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anita Shah
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gurmit Singh
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Michelini S, Chiurazzi P, Marino V, Dell’Orco D, Manara E, Baglivo M, Fiorentino A, Maltese PE, Pinelli M, Herbst KL, Dautaj A, Bertelli M. Aldo-Keto Reductase 1C1 ( AKR1C1) as the First Mutated Gene in a Family with Nonsyndromic Primary Lipedema. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176264. [PMID: 32872468 PMCID: PMC7503355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is an often underdiagnosed chronic disorder that affects subcutaneous adipose tissue almost exclusively in women, which leads to disproportionate fat accumulation in the lower and upper body extremities. Common comorbidities include anxiety, depression, and pain. The correlation between mood disorder and subcutaneous fat deposition suggests the involvement of steroids metabolism and neurohormones signaling, however no clear association has been established so far. In this study, we report on a family with three patients affected by sex-limited autosomal dominant nonsyndromic lipedema. They had been screened by whole exome sequencing (WES) which led to the discovery of a missense variant p.(Leu213Gln) in AKR1C1, the gene encoding for an aldo-keto reductase catalyzing the reduction of progesterone to its inactive form, 20-α-hydroxyprogesterone. Comparative molecular dynamics simulations of the wild-type vs. variant enzyme, corroborated by a thorough structural and functional bioinformatic analysis, suggest a partial loss-of-function of the variant. This would result in a slower and less efficient reduction of progesterone to hydroxyprogesterone and an increased subcutaneous fat deposition in variant carriers. Overall, our results suggest that AKR1C1 is the first candidate gene associated with nonsyndromic lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Michelini
- Dipartimento di Riabilitazione, Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, A.C.I.S.M.O.M., 00148 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A.Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC Genetica Medica, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Marino
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento, Sezione di Chimica Biologica, Università di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.M.); (D.D.)
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento, Sezione di Chimica Biologica, Università di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.M.); (D.D.)
| | - Elena Manara
- MAGI Euregio, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (E.M.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Alessandro Fiorentino
- Dipartimento di Riabilitazione, Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, A.C.I.S.M.O.M., 00148 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.F.)
| | | | - Michele Pinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Sezione di Pediatria, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Karen Louise Herbst
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Imaging, Division of Endocrinology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | | | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI Euregio, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (E.M.); (M.B.)
- EBTNA-Lab, 38068 Rovereto, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Rustichelli C, Bellei E, Bergamini S, Monari E, Baraldi C, Castro FL, Tomasi A, Ferrari A. Serum levels of allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone in menstrually-related and postmenopausal migraine: A cross-sectional study. Cephalalgia 2020; 40:1355-1362. [PMID: 32588652 PMCID: PMC7575305 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420937742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Reduced blood or cerebrospinal fluid levels of allopregnanolone are involved in menstrual cycle-linked CNS disorders, such as catamenial epilepsy. This condition, like menstrually-related migraine, is characterized by severe, treatment-resistant attacks. We explored whether there were differences in allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone serum levels between women with menstrually-related migraine (MM, n = 30) or postmenopausal migraine without aura who had suffered from menstrually-related migraine during their fertile age (PM, n = 30) and non-headache control women in fertile age (FAC, n = 30) or post-menopause (PC, n = 30). Methods Participants were women with migraine afferent to a headache centre; controls were female patients’ acquaintances. Serum samples obtained were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Results In menstrually-related migraine and postmenopausal migraine groups, allopregnanolone levels were lower than in the respective control groups (fertile age and post-menopause) (p < 0.001, one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc comparison test) while progesterone and testosterone levels were similar. By grouping together patients with migraine, allopregnanolone levels were inversely correlated with the number of years and days of migraine/3 months (p ≤ 0.005, linear regression analysis). Conclusion Decreased GABAergic inhibition, due to low allopregnanolone serum levels, could contribute to menstrually-related migraine and persistence of migraine after menopause. For the management of these disorders, a rise in the GABAergic transmission by increasing inhibitory neurosteroids might represent a novel strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rustichelli
- Department of Life Sciences, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Bellei
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergamini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Emanuela Monari
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Baraldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Flavia Lo Castro
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Tomasi
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Ferrari
- Unit of Medical Toxicology, Headache Centre and Drug Abuse; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, 9306University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Zheng G, Jin P, Huang L, Sun N, Zhang H, Zhang H, Yue M, Meng L, Yao G. Grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics from Pieris japonica. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2020; 171:112234. [PMID: 31901735 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A total of fifteen grayanane diterpenoid glucosides including eight undescribed ones, pierisjaponosides A-H, were isolated from the leaves of Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D. Don ex G. Don (Ericaceae). Their structures were established by extensive spectros copic techniques including HRESIMS and NMR, as well as chemical methods. The absolute configurations of pierisjaponosides A, B, and D were finally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. This is the first time to report the crystal structure of a 5,9-epoxygrayanane diterpenoid glucoside. Pierisjaponoside E represents the first example of a 9β-hydroxygrayan-1(10)-ene diterpenoid. All the isolated grayanane diterpenoid glucosides were evaluated for their analgesic activities in the acetic acid-induced writhing models in mice, and showed significant analgesic effects. Pierisjaponosides A and C-H, micranthanoside A, pieroside A, and craiobiosides A and B displayed significant analgesic effects with the writhe inhibition rates over 50% at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg. Pierisjaponoside E exhibited significant analgesic activities with the percentage inhibitions of 81.7%, 70.4%, and 52.1% at the doses of 5.0, 1.0, and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationships of grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics were discussed, giving some clues to design novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijuan Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Pengfei Jin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Lang Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Na Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Hanqi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China
| | - Mingbo Yue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China
| | - Lingkui Meng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Guangmin Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
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18
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Choi SR, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Side-Chain Cleavage Attenuates the Development of Mechanical Allodynia by Reducing Spinal D-Serine Production in a Murine Model of Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1439. [PMID: 31866864 PMCID: PMC6908476 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that neurosteroids are locally synthesized in the central nervous system and play an important modulatory role in nociception. While the neurosteroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), is the initiating enzyme of steroidogenesis, P450scc has not been examined under the pathophysiological conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy. Thus, we investigated whether chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve increases the expression of P450scc in the spinal cord and whether this increase modulates serine racemase (Srr) expression and D-serine production contributing to the development of neuropathic pain. CCI increased the immunoreactivity of P450scc in astrocytes of the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of the P450scc inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) significantly suppressed the CCI-induced development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, the increased expression of astrocyte Srr in both the total and cytosol levels, and the increases in D-serine immunoreactivity at day 3 post-surgery. By contrast, intrathecal administration of aminoglutethimide during the maintenance phase of pain (days 14 to 17 post-surgery) had no effect on the developed neuropathic pain nor the expression of spinal Srr and D-serine immunoreactivity at day 17 post-surgery. Intrathecal administration of exogenous D-serine during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) restored the development of mechanical allodynia, but not the thermal hyperalgesia, that were suppressed by aminoglutethimide administration. Collectively, these results demonstrate that spinal P450scc increases the expression of astrocyte Srr and D-serine production, ultimately contributing to the development of mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Moffett SX, Klein EA, Brannigan G, Martin JV. L-3,3',5-triiodothyronine and pregnenolone sulfate inhibit Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223272. [PMID: 31584962 PMCID: PMC6777777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an excitatory pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC), homologous to the inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor targeted by pharmaceuticals and endogenous sedatives. Activation of the GABAA receptor by the neurosteroid allopregnanolone can be inhibited competitively by thyroid hormone (L-3,3’,5-triiodothyronine, or T3), but modulation of nAChR by T3 or neurosteroids has not been investigated. Here we show that allopregnanolone inhibits the nAChR from Torpedo californica at micromolar concentrations, as do T3 and the anionic neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PS). We test for the role of protein and ligand charge in mediated receptor inhibition by varying pH in a narrow range around physiological pH. We find that both T3 and PS become less potent with increasing pH, with remarkably similar trends in IC50 when T3 is neutral at pH < 7.3. After deprotonation of T3 (but no additional deprotonation of PS) at pH 7.3, T3 loses potency more slowly with increasing pH than PS. We interpret this result as indicating the negative charge is not required for inhibition but does increase activity. Finally, we show that both T3 and PS affect nAChR channel desensitization, which may implicate a binding site homologous to one that was recently indicated for accelerated desensitization of the GABAA receptor by PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven X. Moffett
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Eric A. Klein
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Grace Brannigan
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Joseph V. Martin
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Rutgers University—Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Joksimovic SL, Donald RR, Park JY, Todorovic SM. Inhibition of multiple voltage-gated calcium channels may contribute to spinally mediated analgesia by epipregnanolone in a rat model of surgical paw incision. Channels (Austin) 2019; 13:48-61. [PMID: 30672394 PMCID: PMC6380214 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2018.1564420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-activated calcium channels play an important role in excitability of sensory nociceptive neurons in acute and chronic pain models. We have previously shown that low-voltage-activated calcium channels, or T-type channels (T-channels), increase excitability of sensory neurons after surgical incision in rats. We have also found that endogenous 5β-reduced neuroactive steroid epipregnanolone [(3β,5β)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one] blocked isolated T-currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells in vitro, and reduced nociceptive behavior in vivo, after local intraplantar application into the foot pads of heathy rats and mice. Here, we investigated if epipregnanolone exerts an antinociceptive effect after intrathecal (i.t.) application in healthy rats, as well as an antihyperalgesic effect in a postsurgical pain model. We also studied if this endogenous neurosteroid blocks currents originating from high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels in rat sensory neurons. In in vivo studies, we found that epipregnanolone alleviated thermal and mechanical nociception in healthy rats after i.t. administration without affecting their sensory-motor abilities. Furthermore, epipregnanolone effectively reduced mechanical hyperalgesia after i.t application in rats after surgery. In subsequent in vitro studies, we found that epipregnanolone blocked isolated HVA currents in nociceptive sensory neurons with an IC50 of 3.3 μM in a G-protein-dependent fashion. We conclude that neurosteroids that have combined inhibitory effects on T-type and HVA calcium currents may be suitable for development of novel pain therapies during the perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Lj Joksimovic
- a Department of Anesthesiology , University of Colorado Denver , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Rebecca R Donald
- b Department of Anesthesiology , Duke University Medical School , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Ji-Yong Park
- c Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine , Korea University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- a Department of Anesthesiology , University of Colorado Denver , Aurora , CO , USA.,d Neuroscience Graduate Program , University of Colorado Denver , Aurora , CO , USA
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Neurosteroids and neuropathic pain management: Basic evidence and therapeutic perspectives. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100795. [PMID: 31562849 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Complex mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain that represents a major health concern make its management complicated. Because neurosteroids are bioactive steroids endogenously synthesized in the nervous system, including in pain pathways, they appear relevant to develop effective treatments against neuropathic pain. Neurosteroids act in paracrine or autocrine manner through genomic mechanisms and/or via membrane receptors of neurotransmitters that pivotally modulate pain sensation. Basic studies which uncovered a direct link between neuropathic pain symptoms and endogenous neurosteroid production/regulation, paved the way for the investigations of neurosteroid therapeutic potential against pathological pain. Concordantly, antinociceptive properties of synthetic neurosteroids were evidenced in humans and animals. Neurosteroids promote peripheral analgesia mediated by T-type calcium and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A channels, counteract chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and ameliorate neuropathic symptoms of injured spinal cord animals by stimulating anti-inflammatory, remyelinating and neuroprotective processes. Together, these data open interesting perspectives for neurosteroid-based strategies to manage/alleviate efficiently neuropathic pain.
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