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Asim M, Wang H, Waris A, Qianqian G, Chen X. Cholecystokinin neurotransmission in the central nervous system: Insights into its role in health and disease. Biofactors 2024. [PMID: 38777339 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a key role in various brain functions, including both health and disease states. Despite the extensive research conducted on CCK, there remain several important questions regarding its specific role in the brain. As a result, the existing body of literature on the subject is complex and sometimes conflicting. The primary objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in understanding the central nervous system role of CCK, with a specific emphasis on elucidating CCK's mechanisms for neuroplasticity, exploring its interactions with other neurotransmitters, and discussing its significant involvement in neurological disorders. Studies demonstrate that CCK mediates both inhibitory long-term potentiation (iLTP) and excitatory long-term potentiation (eLTP) in the brain. Activation of the GPR173 receptor could facilitate iLTP, while the Cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR) facilitates eLTP. CCK receptors' expression on different neurons regulates activity, neurotransmitter release, and plasticity, emphasizing CCK's role in modulating brain function. Furthermore, CCK plays a pivotal role in modulating emotional states, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, schizophrenia, and epileptic conditions. Targeting CCK cell types and circuits holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for alleviating these brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong
| | - Huajie Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Gao Qianqian
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong
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2
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Chen D, Zhang M, Zhang Q, Wu S, Yu B, Zhang X, Hu X, Zhang S, Yang Z, Kuang J, Xu B, Fang Q. The blockade of neuropeptide FF receptor 1 and 2 differentially contributed to the modulating effects on fentanyl-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176457. [PMID: 38395375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) plays a critical role in various physiological processes through the activation of neuropeptide FF receptor 1 and 2 (NPFFR1 and NPFFR2). Numerous evidence has indicated that NPFF exhibits opposite opioid-modulating effects on opioid-induced analgesia after supraspinal and spinal administrations, while the detailed role of NPFFR1 and NPFFR2 remains unclear. In this study, we employed pharmacological and genetic inhibition of NPFFR to investigate the modulating roles of central NPFFR1 and NPFFR2 in opioid-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia, using a male mouse model of acute fentanyl-induced analgesia and secondary hyperalgesia. Our findings revealed that intrathecal (i.t.) injection of the nonselective NPFFR antagonist RF9 significantly enhanced fentanyl-induced analgesia, whereas intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection did not show the same effect. Moreover, NPFFR2 deficient (npffr2-/-) mice exhibited stronger analgesic responses to fentanyl compared to wild type (WT) or NPFFR1 knockout (npffr1-/-) mice. Intrathecal injection of RF9 in npffr1-/- mice also significantly enhanced fentanyl-induced analgesia. These results indicate a crucial role of spinal NPFFR2 in the enhancement of opioid analgesia. Contrastingly, hyperalgesia induced by fentanyl was markedly reversed in npffr1-/- mice but remained unaffected in npffr2-/- mice. Similarly, i.c.v. injection of the selective NPFFR1 antagonist RF3286 effectively prevented fentanyl-induced hyperalgesia in WT or npffr2-/- mice. Notably, co-administration of i.c.v. RF3286 and i.t. RF9 augmented fentanyl-induced analgesia while reducing hyperalgesia. Collectively, these findings highlight the modulating effects of blocking spinal NPFFR2 and supraspinal NPFFR1 on fentanyl-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia, respectively, which shed a light on understanding the pharmacological function of NPFF system in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Shuyuan Wu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xiaodi Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xuanran Hu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zhenyun Yang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Junzhe Kuang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Quan Fang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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3
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Cao DN, Li F, Wu N, Li J. Insights into the mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder and potential treatment strategies. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:862-878. [PMID: 34128238 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a worldwide societal problem and public health burden. Strategies for treating opioid use disorder can be divided into those that target the opioid receptor system and those that target non-opioid receptor systems, including the dopamine and glutamate receptor systems. Currently, the clinical drugs used to treat opioid use disorder include the opioid receptor agonists methadone and buprenorphine, which are limited by their abuse liability, and the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone, which is limited by poor compliance. Therefore, the development of effective medications with lower abuse liability and better potential for compliance is urgently needed. Based on recent advances in the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder, potential treatment strategies and targets have emerged. This review focuses on the progress made in identifying potential targets and developing medications to treat opioid use disorder, including progress made by our laboratory, and provides insights for future medication development. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ni Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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4
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Hou Y, Zou G, Wang X, Guo H, Ma X, Cheng X, Xie Z, Zuo X, Xia J, Mao H, Yuan M, Chen Q, Cao P, Yang Y, Zhang L, Xiong W. Coordinated activity of a central pathway drives associative opioid analgesic tolerance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabo5627. [PMID: 36753548 PMCID: PMC9908028 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Opioid analgesic tolerance, a root cause of opioid overdose and misuse, can develop through an associative learning. Despite intensive research, the locus and central pathway subserving the associative opioid analgesic tolerance (AOAT) remains unclear. Using a combination of chemo/optogenetic manipulation with calcium imaging and slice physiology, here we identify neuronal ensembles in a hierarchically organized pathway essential for AOAT. The association of morphine-induced analgesia with an environmental condition drives glutamatergic signaling from ventral hippocampus (vHPC) to dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) cholecystokininergic (CCKergic) neurons. Excitation of CCKergic neurons, which project and release CCK to basolateral amygdala (BLA) glutamatergic neurons, relays AOAT signal through inhibition of BLA μ-opioid receptor function, thereby leading to further loss of morphine analgesic efficacy. This work provides evidence for a circuit across different brain regions distinct for opioid analgesic tolerance. The components of this pathway are potential targets to treat opioid overdose and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Hou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Guichang Zou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Xianglian Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xingyu Cheng
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Huanhuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Man Yuan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Peng Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yupeng Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230088, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Hefei 230026, China
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Stefanucci A, Minosi P, Pieretti S, Tanguturi P, Molnar G, Scioli G, Marinaccio L, Della Valle A, Streicher JM, Mollica A. Design of Analgesic Trivalent Peptides with Low Withdrawal Symptoms: Probing the Antinociceptive Profile of Novel Linear and Cyclic Peptides as Opioid Pan Ligands. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:506-515. [PMID: 36651179 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00005] [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: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of efficacious and safe analgesics with reduced side effects is the foremost challenge in the pain field. In this work, we report the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of linear and cyclic analogues of biphalin with the aim to complete the series of structural modifications previously applied in the development of opioid peptides incorporating a xylene bridge. Replacement of Tyr1,1' by Dmt (2,5-dimethyltyrosine) in the linear biphalin analogue AM94 and cyclic analogue MACE4 resulted in two new compounds (namely, MJ2 and MJ5) endowed with improved KOR/MOR/DOR binding affinity. Both compounds showed a strong antinociceptive profile in in vivo models of nociception, allodynia, and hyperalgesia via the tail flick, hot plate, and formalin tests after intracerebroventricular and subcutaneous administration. One of these ligands, MJ2, was also tested in tolerance and dependence studies, exhibiting very little withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Minosi
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Molnar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Marinaccio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - John M Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States.,Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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6
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Nascimento TD, Kim DJ, Chrabol C, Lim M, Hu XS, DaSilva AF. Management of Episodic Migraine with Neuromodulation: A Case Report. Dent Clin North Am 2023; 67:157-171. [PMID: 36404076 DOI: 10.1016/j.cden.2022.07.012] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Migraine is a highly prevalent neurovascular disorder that affects approximately 15% of the global population. Migraine attacks are a complex cascade of neurologic events that lead to debilitating symptoms and are often associated with inhibitory behavior. The constellation of severe signs and symptoms during the ictal phase (headache attack) makes migraine the third most common cause of disability globally in both sexes under the age of 50. Misuse of pharmaceuticals, such as opiates, can lead to devastating outcomes and exacerbation of pain and headache attacks. A safe and well-tolerated non-pharmacological research approach is high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over the M1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago D Nascimento
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dajung J Kim
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Conrad Chrabol
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Manyoel Lim
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiao-Su Hu
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexandre F DaSilva
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Room 1027, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Marwari S, Kowalski C, Martemyanov KA. Exploring pharmacological inhibition of G q/11 as an analgesic strategy. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:5196-5208. [PMID: 35900909 PMCID: PMC9633401 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Misuse of opioids has greatly affected our society. One potential solution is to develop analgesics that act at targets other than opioid receptors. These can be used either as stand-alone therapeutics or to improve the safety profile of opioid drugs. Previous research showed that activation of Gq/11 proteins by G-protein coupled receptors has pro-nociceptive properties, suggesting that blockade of Gq/11 signalling could be beneficial for pain control. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis pharmacologically by using potent and selective Gq/11 inhibitor YM-254890. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used a series of behavioural assays to evaluate the acute responses of mice to painful thermal stimulation while administering YM-254890 alone and in combination with morphine. We then used electrophysiological recordings to evaluate the effects of YM-254890 on the excitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptor neurons. KEY RESULTS We found that systemic administration of YM-254890 produced anti-nociceptive effects and also augmented morphine analgesia in both hotplate and tail flick paradigms. However, it also caused substantial inhibition of locomotion, which may limit its therapeutic utility. To circumvent these issues, we explored the local administration of YM-254890. Intrathecal injections of YM-254890 produced lasting analgesia in a tail flick test and greatly augmented the anti-nociceptive effects of morphine without any significant effects on locomotor behaviour. Electrophysiological studies showed that YM-254890 reduced the excitability of DRG nociceptors and augmented their opioid-induced inhibition. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of Gq/11 could be explored as an analgesic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhi Marwari
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Scripps Research InstituteJupiterFloridaUSA
| | - Cody Kowalski
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Scripps Research InstituteJupiterFloridaUSA
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Lim SY, Cengiz P. Opioid tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia: Is TrkB modulation a potential pharmacological solution? Neuropharmacology 2022; 220:109260. [PMID: 36165856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely prescribed for moderate to severe pain in patients with acute illness, cancer pain, and chronic noncancer pain. However, long-term opioid use can cause opioid tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), contributing to the opioid misuse and addiction crisis. Strategies to mitigate opioid tolerance and OIH are needed to reduce opioid use and its sequelae. Currently, there are few effective pharmacological strategies that reduce opioid tolerance and OIH. The intrinsic tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), has been shown to modulate pain. The BDNF-TrkB signaling plays a role in initiating and sustaining elevated pain sensitivity; however, increasing evidence has shown that BDNF and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a potent blood-brain barrier-permeable ligand to TrkB, exert neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects that may protect against opioid tolerance and OIH. As such, TrkB signaling may be an important therapeutic avenue in opioid tolerance and OIH. Here, we review 1) the mechanisms of pain, opioid analgesia, opioid tolerance, and OIH; 2) the role of BDNF-TrkB in pain modulation; and 3) the neuroprotective effects of 7,8-DHF and their implications for opioid tolerance and OIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin Yin Lim
- Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, United States.
| | - Pelin Cengiz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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9
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The Potential of Methocinnamox as a Future Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10030048. [PMID: 35645327 PMCID: PMC9149874 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and the United States health system is overwhelmed with increasing numbers of opioid-related overdoses. Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel mu opioid receptor antagonist with an extended duration of action. MCAM has potential to reduce the burden of the opioid epidemic by being used as an overdose rescue treatment and a long-term treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The currently available treatments for OUD include naloxone, naltrexone, and methadone. These treatments have certain limitations, which include short duration of action, patient non-compliance, and diversion. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering the history of the opioid epidemic, pain receptors, current OUD treatments and the novel drug MCAM. MCAM could potentially be used as both a rescue and long-term treatment for opioid misuse. This is due to its pseudo-irreversible antagonism of the mu opioid receptor, abnormally long duration of action of nearly two weeks, and the possibility of using kappa or delta opioid receptor agonists for pain management during OUD treatment. MCAM’s novel pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties open a new avenue for treating opioid misuse.
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10
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Ádám D, Arany J, Tóth KF, Tóth BI, Szöllősi AG, Oláh A. Opioidergic Signaling-A Neglected, Yet Potentially Important Player in Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4140. [PMID: 35456955 PMCID: PMC9027603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases, the prevalence of which is especially high among children. Although our understanding about its pathogenesis has substantially grown in recent years, and hence, several novel therapeutic targets have been successfully exploited in the management of the disease, we still lack curative treatments for it. Thus, there is an unmet societal demand to identify further details of its pathogenesis to thereby pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches with favorable side effect profiles. It is commonly accepted that dysfunction of the complex cutaneous barrier plays a central role in the development of AD; therefore, the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of this quite complex process are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and can provide novel, promising, yet unexplored therapeutic targets. Thus, in the current review, we aim to summarize the available potentially AD-relevant data regarding one such signaling pathway, namely cutaneous opioidergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorottya Ádám
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Arany
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kinga Fanni Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs István Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
| | - Attila Gábor Szöllősi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
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Kaczyńska K, Wojciechowski P. Non-Opioid Peptides Targeting Opioid Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13619. [PMID: 34948415 PMCID: PMC8709238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the most potent widely used analgesics, primarily, but not exclusively, in palliative care. However, they are associated with numerous side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular events. This, in turn, can result in their overuse in cases of addiction, the need for dose escalation in cases of developing tolerance, and the emergence of dose-related opioid toxicity, resulting in respiratory depression or cardiovascular problems that can even lead to unintentional death. Therefore, a very important challenge for researchers is to look for ways to counteract the side effects of opioids. The use of peptides and their related compounds, which have been shown to modulate the effects of opioids, may provide such an opportunity. This short review is a compendium of knowledge about the most important and recent findings regarding selected peptides and their modulatory effects on various opioid actions, including cardiovascular and respiratory responses. In addition to the peptides more commonly reported in the literature in the context of their pro- and/or anti-opioid activity-such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF), cholecystokinin (CCK), and melanocyte inhibiting factor (MIF)-we also included in the review nociceptin/orphanin (N/OFQ), ghrelin, oxytocin, endothelin, and venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kaczyńska
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
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Tavares I, Costa-Pereira JT, Martins I. Monoaminergic and Opioidergic Modulation of Brainstem Circuits: New Insights Into the Clinical Challenges of Pain Treatment? FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:696515. [PMID: 35295506 PMCID: PMC8915776 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.696515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of neuropathic pain remains a clinical challenge. Analgesic drugs and antidepressants are frequently ineffective, and opioids may induce side effects, including hyperalgesia. Recent results on brainstem pain modulatory circuits may explain those clinical challenges. The dual action of noradrenergic (NA) modulation was demonstrated in animal models of neuropathic pain. Besides the well-established antinociception due to spinal effects, the NA system may induce pronociception by directly acting on brainstem pain modulatory circuits, namely, at the locus coeruleus (LC) and medullary dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt). The serotoninergic system also has a dual action depending on the targeted spinal receptor, with an exacerbated activity of the excitatory 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptors in neuropathic pain models. Opioids are involved in the modulation of descending modulatory circuits. During neuropathic pain, the opioidergic modulation of brainstem pain control areas is altered, with the release of enhanced local opioids along with reduced expression and desensitization of μ-opioid receptors (MOR). In the DRt, the installation of neuropathic pain increases the levels of enkephalins (ENKs) and induces desensitization of MOR, which may enhance descending facilitation (DF) from the DRt and impact the efficacy of exogenous opioids. On the whole, the data discussed in this review indicate the high plasticity of brainstem pain control circuits involving monoaminergic and opioidergic control. The data from studies of these neurochemical systems in neuropathic models indicate the importance of designing drugs that target multiple neurochemical systems, namely, maximizing the antinociceptive effects of antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline and preventing desensitization and tolerance of MOR at the brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Tavares
- Unit of Experimental Biology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Isaura Tavares
| | - José Tiago Costa-Pereira
- Unit of Experimental Biology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Martins
- Unit of Experimental Biology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Transcriptomic Changes in Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Exposed to Neuropeptide FF. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050705. [PMID: 34065092 PMCID: PMC8151073 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a neuropeptide that regulates various biological activities. Currently, the regulation of NPFF on the immune system is an emerging field. However, the influence of NPFF on the transcriptome of primary macrophages has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effect of NPFF on the transcriptome of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was explored by RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular simulation. BMDMs were treated with 1 nM NPFF for 18 h, followed by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, followed by GO, KEGG, and PPI analysis. A total of eight qPCR-validated DEGs were selected as hub genes. Subsequently, the three-dimensional (3-D) structures of the eight hub proteins were constructed by Modeller and Rosetta. Next, the molecular dynamics (MD)-optimized 3-D structure of hub protein was acquired with Gromacs. Finally, the binding modes between NPFF and hub proteins were studied by Rosetta. A total of 2655 DEGs were obtained (up-regulated 1442 vs. down-regulated 1213), and enrichment analysis showed that NPFF extensively regulates multiple functional pathways mediated by BMDMs. Moreover, the 3-D structure of the hub protein was obtained after MD-optimization. Finally, the docking modes of NPFF-hub proteins were predicted. Besides, NPFFR2 was expressed on the cell membrane of BMDMs, and NPFF 1 nM significantly activated NPFFR2 protein expression. In summary, instead of significantly inhibiting the expression of the immune-related gene transcriptome of RAW 264.7 cells, NPFF simultaneously up-regulated and down-regulated the gene expression profile of a large number of BMDMs, hinting that NPFF may profoundly affect a variety of cellular processes dominated by BMDMs. Our work provides transcriptomics clues for exploring the influence of NPFF on the physiological functions of BMDMs.
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