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Marini P, Maccarrone M, Saso L, Tucci P. The Effect of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids on Nrf2 Activity in the Central Nervous System and Periphery. Neurol Int 2024; 16:776-789. [PMID: 39051218 PMCID: PMC11270200 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint16040057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and phytocannabinoids/endocannabinoids (pCBs/eCBs) has been investigated in a variety of models of peripheral illnesses, with little clarification on their interaction within the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, evidence suggests that the Nrf2-pCBs/eCBS interaction is relevant in modulating peroxidation processes and the antioxidant system. Nrf2, one of the regulators of cellular redox homeostasis, appears to have a protective role toward damaging insults to neurons and glia by enhancing those genes involved in the regulation of homeostatic processes. Specifically in microglia and macroglia cells, Nrf2 can be activated, and its signaling pathway modulated, by both pCBs and eCBs. However, the precise effects of pCBs and eCBs on the Nrf2 signaling pathway are not completely elucidated yet, making their potential clinical employment still not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marini
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Campus, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Habtemariam S. Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Mechanisms of Isothiocyanates: Insights from Sulforaphane. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1169. [PMID: 38927376 PMCID: PMC11200786 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061169] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) belong to a group of natural products that possess a highly reactive electrophilic -N=C=S functional group. They are stored in plants as precursor molecules, glucosinolates, which are processed by the tyrosinase enzyme upon plant tissue damage to release ITCs, along with other products. Isolated from broccoli, sulforaphane is by far the most studied antioxidant ITC, acting primarily through the induction of a transcription factor, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which upregulates downstream antioxidant genes/proteins. Paradoxically, sulforaphane, as a pro-oxidant compound, can also increase the levels of reactive oxygen species, a mechanism which is attributed to its anticancer effect. Beyond highlighting the common pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects of sulforaphane, the present paper was designed to assess the diverse anti-inflammatory mechanisms reported to date using a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Sulforaphane downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, cycloxyhenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The signalling pathways of nuclear factor κB, activator protein 1, sirtuins 1, silent information regulator sirtuin 1 and 3, and microRNAs are among those affected by sulforaphane. These anti-inflammatory actions are sometimes due to direct action via interaction with the sulfhydryl structural moiety of cysteine residues in enzymes/proteins. The following are among the topics discussed in this paper: paradoxical signalling pathways such as the immunosuppressant or immunostimulant mechanisms; crosstalk between the oxidative and inflammatory pathways; and effects dependent on health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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3
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Suárez-Rojas I, Pérez-Fernández M, Bai X, Martínez-Martel I, Intagliata S, Pittalà V, Salerno L, Pol O. The Inhibition of Neuropathic Pain Incited by Nerve Injury and Accompanying Mood Disorders by New Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducers: Mechanisms Implicated. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1859. [PMID: 37891937 PMCID: PMC10603856 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a type of pain that persists for a long time and becomes pathological. Additionally, the anxiodepressive disorders derived from neuropathic pain are difficult to palliate with the current treatments and need to be resolved. Then, using male mice with neuropathic pain provoked by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve (CCI), we analyzed and compared the analgesic actions produced by three new heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) inducers, 1m, 1b, and 1a, with those performed by dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Their impact on the anxiety- and depressive-like comportments and the expression of the inflammasome NLRP3, Nrf2, and some antioxidant enzymes in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and amygdala (AMG) were also investigated. Results revealed that the administration of 1m, 1b, and DMF given orally for four days inhibited the allodynia and hyperalgesia caused by CCI, while 1a merely reduced the mechanical allodynia. However, in the first two days of treatment, the antiallodynic effects produced by 1m were higher than those of 1a and DMF, and its antihyperalgesic actions were greater than those produced by 1b, 1a, and DMF, revealing that 1m was the most effective compound. At four days of treatment, all drugs exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, decreased the NLRP3 levels, and increased/normalized the Nrf2, HO-1, and superoxide dismutase 1 levels in DRG and AMG. Data indicated that the dual modulation of the antioxidant and inflammatory pathways produced by these compounds, especially 1m, is a new promising therapeutic approach for neuropathic pain and related emotional illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Suárez-Rojas
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Pérez-Fernández
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xue Bai
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez-Martel
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Wang M, Chen M, Guo R, Ding Y, Zhang H, He Y. The improvement of sulforaphane in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications: A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Cazuza RA, Batallé G, Bai X, Leite-Panissi CRA, Pol O. Effects of treatment with a carbon monoxide donor and an activator of heme oxygenase 1 on the nociceptive, apoptotic and/or oxidative alterations induced by persistent inflammatory pain in the central nervous system of mice. Brain Res Bull 2022; 188:169-178. [PMID: 35952846 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The activation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)/carbon monoxide (CO) inhibits chronic inflammatory pain, but its role in the central nervous system (CNS) is not entirely known. We evaluated whether the treatment with an HO-1 inducer, cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), or a CO-releasing molecule, tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II)dimer (CORM-2), modulates the nociceptive, apoptotic and/or oxidative responses provoked by persistent inflammatory pain in the CNS. In C57BL/6 male mice with peripheral inflammation caused by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), we assessed the effects of CORM-2 and CoPP on the expression of protein kinase B (Akt), the apoptotic protein BAX, and the antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), amygdala (AMG), ventral hippocampus (VHPC) and medial septal area (MSA). Our results showed that the increased expression of p-Akt caused by peripheral inflammation in the four analyzed brain areas was reversed by CORM-2 and CoPP therapies. Both treatments also normalized the upregulation of BAX induced by CFA on the VHPC and MSA. Oxidative stress, demonstrated with the decreased expression of HO-1 on the PAG and AMG, was normalized in CORM-2 and CoPP treated animals. CoPP also increased the expression of HO-1 on VHPC, and both treatments up-regulated the NQO1 levels on the PAG of CFA-injected animals. In conclusion, both CORM-2 and CoPP treatments inhibited the nociceptive and apoptotic responses generated by peripheral inflammation and/or potentiated the antioxidant responses in several brain areas revealing the new modulatory effects of these treatments in the CNS of animals with chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Cazuza
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Science and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Gerard Batallé
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xue Bai
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christie R A Leite-Panissi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Science and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil.
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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Dou Y, Ai G, Huang R, Huang Z, Li Y, Liu Y, Xie J, Chen J, Su Z. In vitro and in vivo hypoglycemia effect of oxyberberine, a novel HO-1 agonist: A renewed evidence linking HO-1 to diabetes mellitus. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 101:154135. [PMID: 35509133 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxyberberine (OBB), an important in vivo metabolite of berberine, exerts superior hypoglycemia effect. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) holds a crucial status in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Previous research has indicated that OBB can specifically bind to hemoglobin and significantly up-regulated the HO-1 expression in diabetic rat. Based on cellular protection features of HO-1, this work aimed to probe the anti-diabetic effect of OBB and the association with the potential induction of HO-1 expression. METHODS A type 2 diabetic mellitus rat model was established. Glucolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and in silico simulations were also performed. RESULTS Administration of OBB or HO-1 inducer hemin significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level, blood fat, and inflammatory cytokine levels, while increased antioxidant capacity of pancreas. Meanwhile, OBB treatment remarkably stimulated liver glycogenesis and inhibited gluconeogenesis. Besides, OBB improved the glucose utilizing of muscle. Noteworthily, OBB inhibited the islet cell apoptosis and improved pancreatic function. In addition, OBB effectively improved the consumption of glucose in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Moreover, OBB also reduced oxidative stress, promoted glucose-elicited insulin secretion and enhanced expression of β-cell function proteins in INS-1 cells. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly reversed by treatment with Zincprotoporphrin (ZnPP). Additionally, in silico simulations indicated that OBB exhibited superior affinity with HO-1. CONCLUSION OBB effectively ameliorated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, improved oral glucose tolerance, and maintained glucose metabolism homeostasis, at least in part, by promoting HO-1-mediated activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase / protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways. These data eloquently suggest that OBB, as a novel HO-1 agonist, has good potential to be a promising candidate drug for the management of diabetes, and support a therapeutic role of HO-1 induction in diabetes that potentially paves the way to translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxing Dou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine/Post-Doctoral Research Station, Guangzhou, China; Bone and Joint Research Team of Degeneration and Injury, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronglei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Meah F, Lundholm M, Emanuele N, Amjed H, Poku C, Agrawal L, Emanuele MA. The effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on the endocrine system. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:401-420. [PMID: 34460075 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
With the increase in cannabis use due to policy changes and areas of decriminalization, it is important to recognize the potential impact of these substances on endocrine processes. Cannabinoids have many effects by activating the endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in the normal functioning of nearly every organ and consists of the body's natural endocannabinoids, the cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes and processes that regulate endocannabinoids. Exogenous cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are known to act through cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors, and have been shown to mimic endocannabinoid signaling and affect receptor expression. This review summarizes the known impacts of cannabis on thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal function in addition to glucose control, lipids, and bone metabolism, including: reduced female fertility, increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, reduced sperm counts and function, lower thyroid hormone levels with acute use, blunting of stress response with chronic use, increased risk of prediabetes but lower risk of diabetes, suggested improvement of high density lipoproteins and triglycerides, and modest increase in fracture risk. The known properties of endocannabinoids, animal data, population data, and the possible benefits and concerns of cannabinoid use on hormonal function are discussed. The interconnectivity of the endocrine and endocannabinoid systems suggests opportunities for future therapeutic modalities which are an area of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Meah
- Endocrinology Section, Medical Service, VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle Lundholm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas Emanuele
- Endocrinology Section, Medical Service, VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Hafsa Amjed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Loyola University Health Care System, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Caroline Poku
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Loyola University Health Care System, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Lily Agrawal
- Endocrinology Section, Medical Service, VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Mary Ann Emanuele
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Loyola University Health Care System, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
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Effects of heme oxygenase 1 in the molecular changes and neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:114987. [PMID: 35276215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes in humans. The current treatments are not completely effective, and the main mechanisms implicated in the development of diabetic neuropathy are not completely elucidated. Thus, in male db/db mice, a murine model of type 2 diabetes, we investigated the effects of treatment with a heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) inducer, cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), on the 1) hyperglycemia and mechanical allodynia associated with type 2 diabetes and 2) molecular changes induced by diabetic neuropathy in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, we evaluated the effects of CoPP on the protein levels of 4-HNE (oxidative stress), Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), HO-1, glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) (antioxidant enzymes), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (nociceptive pathway), CD11b/c (microglial activation), and BAX (apoptosis) in the amygdala and spinal cord of db/db mice. Our results showed the antihyperglycemic and antiallodynic effects of CoPP treatment as well as the potent antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of this HO-1 inducer in the CNS of type 2 diabetic mice. Treatment with CoPP also prevented the downregulation of several antioxidant proteins (Nrf2, SOD-1, and NQO1) and/or enhanced the protein levels of HO-1 and GSTM1 in the spinal cord and/or amygdala of db/db mice. These effects might be implicated in the antiallodynic actions of CoPP. Our findings revealed the modulatory effects of CoPP in the CNS of db/db mice and provide new prospects for novel type 2 diabetes-associated neuropathy therapies.
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Ning Y, Gong Y, Zheng T, Xie Y, Yuan S, Ding W. Lingguizhugan Decoction Targets Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolites to Reduce Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet Rats. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:2427-2442. [PMID: 35971521 PMCID: PMC9375570 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s370492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence of obesity and its complications has become a global public health problem. Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZGD) is a representative compound of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for metabolic diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but its role in insulin resistance (IR) treatment is still less known. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic properties of LGZGD on obesity-induced IR and explore the potential mechanism of LGZGD on gut microbiota and its metabolites in the treatment of IR. METHODS In this study, we induced an IR model in the form of high-fat diet (HFD) rats gavaged with LGZGD (1.64 g/kg BW) for three weeks. The IR status was measured by biochemical assays and oral glucose tolerance tests. The degrees of damage to liver function and the intestinal barrier were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. Alterations in intestinal microbiota and metabolites were assessed by 16S rRNA and an untargeted metabolomics platform. RESULTS Our results showed that after LGZGD treatment, the body weight, plasma insulin concentration and blood lipids were significantly decreased, and glucose tolerance and hepatic steatosis were ameliorated. In addition, small intestinal villi were restored, and the expression of Occludin was upregulated. The relative abundance of Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium in the HFD-LGZG group was upregulated. Obesity-related metabolic pathways, such as bile secretion, biosynthesis of amino acids, phenylalanine metabolism, serotonergic synapse, protein digestion and absorption, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis, were changed. After LGZGD intervention, metabolites developed toward the healthy control group. In addition, the expression of bile acid metabolism related genes was also regulated in IR rats. CONCLUSION We showed that LGZGD relieved IR, possibly by regulating the composition of the fecal microbiota and its metabolites. The above studies provide a basis for further study of LGZGD in the treatment of IR and its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ning
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanju Gong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyan Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ya Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqing Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijun Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Weijun Ding; Shiqing Yuan, Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Road, Chengdu, 611137, People’s Republic of China, Tel + 86-28-61800219, Fax + 86-28-61800225, Email ;
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Cabañero D, Martín-García E, Maldonado R. The CB2 cannabinoid receptor as a therapeutic target in the central nervous system. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:659-676. [PMID: 34424117 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1971196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeting CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2r) represents a promising approach for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. These receptors were identified in peripheral tissues, but also in neurons in the central nervous system. New findings have highlighted the interest to target these central receptors to obtain therapeutic effects devoid of the classical cannabinoid side-effects. AREAS COVERED In this review, we searched PubMed (January 1991-May 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library databases for articles, reviews and clinical trials. We first introduce the relevance of CB2r as a key component of the endocannabinoid system. We discuss CB2r interest as a possible novel target in the treatment of pain. This receptor has raised interest as a potential target for neurodegenerative disorders treatment, as we then discussed. Finally, we underline studies revealing a novel potential CB2r interest in mental disorders treatment. EXPERT OPINION In spite of the interest of targeting CB2r for pain, clinical trials evaluating CB2r agonist analgesic efficacy have currently failed. The preferential involvement of CB2r in preventing the development of chronic pain could influence the failure of clinical trials designed for the treatment of already established pain syndromes. Specific trials should be designed to target the prevention of chronic pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cabañero
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández. Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
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Hashiesh HM, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Jha NK, Ojha S. Pharmacological Properties, Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms of JWH133, a CB2 Receptor-Selective Agonist. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:702675. [PMID: 34393784 PMCID: PMC8363263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.702675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has attracted attention as a pharmacological target for several pathological conditions. Cannabinoid (CB2)-selective agonists have been the focus of pharmacological studies because modulation of the CB2 receptor (CB2R) can be useful in the treatment of pain, inflammation, arthritis, addiction, and cancer among other possible therapeutic applications while circumventing CNS-related adverse effects. Increasing number of evidences from different independent preclinical studies have suggested new perspectives on the involvement of CB2R signaling in inflammation, infection and immunity, thus play important role in cancer, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and metabolic diseases. JWH133 is a synthetic agonist with high CB2R selectivity and showed to exert CB2R mediated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. Cumulative evidences suggest that JWH133 protects against hepatic injury, renal injury, cardiotoxicity, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer as well as against oxidative damage and inflammation, inhibits fibrosis and apoptosis, and acts as an immunosuppressant. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the polypharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of JWH133. This review also presents molecular mechanism and signaling pathways of JWH133 under various pathological conditions except neurological diseases. Based on the available data, this review proposes the possibilities of developing JWH133 as a promising therapeutic agent; however, further safety and toxicity studies in preclinical studies and clinical trials in humans are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Ferreira-Chamorro P, Redondo A, Riego G, Pol O. Treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole Increases the Antinociceptive Effects of Morphine and Inhibits Neuropathic Pain. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:995-1008. [PMID: 32880099 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of µ-opioid receptors (MOR) in neuropathic pain is low and with numerous side effects that limited their use. Chronic neuropathic pain is also linked with emotional disorders that aggravate the sensation of pain and which treatment has not been resolved. This study investigates whether the administration of an oxindole, 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, could inhibit the nociceptive and emotional behaviors and increase the effectiveness of morphine via modulating the microglia and activating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and MOR expression. In C57BL/6 mice with neuropathic pain provoked by the total constriction of sciatic nerve we studied the effects of 10 mg/kg 5-fluoro-2-oxindole in: (i) the allodynia and hyperalgesia caused by the injury; (ii) the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors; (iii) the local antinociceptive actions of morphine; (iv) the expression of CD11b/c (a microglial marker), the antioxidant and detoxificant enzymes Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and of MOR in the spinal cord and hippocampus. Results showed that the inhibition of the main nociceptive symptoms and the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors induced by 5-fluoro-2-oxindole were accompanied with the suppression of microglial activation and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway in the spinal cord and/or hippocampus. This treatment also potentiated the pain-relieving activities of morphine by normalizing the reduced MOR expression. This work demonstrates the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, suggests a new strategy to enhance the antinociceptive actions of morphine and proposes a new mechanism of action of oxindoles during chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ferreira-Chamorro
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Redondo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Riego
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau & Institut de Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina. Edifici M2, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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13
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Redondo A, Riego G, Pol O. The Antinociceptive, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 5-Fluoro-2-Oxindole during Inflammatory Pain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121249. [PMID: 33316895 PMCID: PMC7763029 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibits neuropathic pain but the antinociceptive actions of this drug and its effects on the plasticity, oxidative and inflammatory changes induced by peripheral inflammation as well as on the effects and expression of µ-opioid receptors (MOR) have not been evaluated. In C57BL/6 male mice with inflammatory pain provoked by the subplantar administration of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), we evaluated: (1) the antinociceptive actions of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole and its reversion with the HO-1 inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP); (2) the effects of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole in the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Nrf2, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), oxidative stress marker (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; 4-HNE), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), microglial markers (CD11b/c and IBA-1), and MOR in the spinal cord and/or paw of animals with inflammatory pain; (3) the antinociceptive effects of morphine in 5-fluoro-2-oxindole pre-treated animals. Treatment with 5 and 10 mg/kg of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibited the allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by CFA in a different, time-dependent manner. These effects were reversed by SnPP. Treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole increased the expression of NQO1, HO-1 and MOR and inhibited the CFA-induced upregulation of phosphorylated MAPK, 4-HNE, NOS2, CD11b/c and IBA-1 in spinal cords and/or paws. The local effects of morphine were improved with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole. This work reveals that 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibits the plasticity, oxidative and inflammatory responses provoked by peripheral inflammation and potentiates the antinociceptive effects of morphine. Thus, treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole alone and/or combined with morphine are two remarkable new procedures for chronic inflammatory pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Redondo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (A.R.); (G.R.)
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Riego
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (A.R.); (G.R.)
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (A.R.); (G.R.)
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-619-757-054
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14
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Pol O. The role of carbon monoxide, heme oxygenase 1, and the Nrf2 transcription factor in the modulation of chronic pain and their interactions with opioids and cannabinoids. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:136-155. [PMID: 32820550 DOI: 10.1002/med.21726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and its associated comorbidities are difficult to treat, even when the most potent analgesic compounds are used. Thus, research on new strategies to effectively relieve nociceptive and/or emotional disorders accompanying chronic pain is essential. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of different carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), inducible heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor-2 erythroid factor-2 (Nrf2) transcription factor activators in several models of acute and chronic pain caused by inflammation, nerve injury or diabetes. More recently, the antidepressant and/or anxiolytic effects of several Nrf2 transcription factor inducers were demonstrated in a model of chronic neuropathic pain. These effects are mainly produced by inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, glial activation, mitogen-activated protein kinases and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phospho-protein kinase B phosphorylation in the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Other studies also demonstrated that the analgesic effects of opioids and cannabinoids are improved when these drugs are coadministered with CO-RMs, HO-1 or Nrf2 activators in different preclinical pain models and that these improvements are generally mediated by upregulation or prevention of the downregulation of µ-opioid receptors, δ-opioid receptors and/or cannabinoid 2 receptors in the setting of chronic pain. We reviewed all these studies as well as studies on the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of CO-RMs, HO-1, and Nrf2 activators in chronic pain. In summary, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/carbon monoxide signaling pathway alone and/or in combination with the administration of specific analgesics is a valid strategy for the treatment of chronic pain and some associated emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Kumawat VS, Kaur G. Therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor 2 in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 862:172628. [PMID: 31461639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The biological effects of endocannabinoid system are mediated by two types of receptors, cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2). They play a pivotal role in the management of pain, inflammation, cancer, obesity and diabetes mellitus. CB2 receptor activity downregulation is hallmark of inflammation and oxidative stress. Strong evidence display the relation between activation of CB2 receptors with decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have been validated to confirm the role of CB2 receptor in the management of obesity, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Activation of CB2 receptor has led to reduction of inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) and also amelioration of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species playing role in apoptosis. Many studies confirmed the role of CB2 receptors in the insulin secretion via facilitating calcium entry into the pancreatic β-cells. CB2 receptors also displayed improvement in the neuronal and renal functions by decreasing the oxidative stress and downregulating inflammatory cascade. The present review addresses, potential role of CB2 receptor activation in management of diabetes and its complications. It also includes the role of CB2 receptors as an anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory for the treatment of DM and its complications. Also, an informative summary of CB2 receptor agonist drugs is provided with their potential role in the reduction of glucose levels, increment in the insulin levels, decrease in the hyperglycaemic oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek S Kumawat
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Ginpreet Kaur
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, India.
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16
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Drummond GS, Baum J, Greenberg M, Lewis D, Abraham NG. HO-1 overexpression and underexpression: Clinical implications. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 673:108073. [PMID: 31425676 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this review we examine the effects of both over- and under-production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and HO activity on a broad spectrum of biological systems and on vascular disease. In a few instances e.g., neonatal jaundice, overproduction of HO-1 and increased HO activity results in elevated levels of bilirubin requiring clinical intervention with inhibitors of HO activity. In contrast HO-1 levels and HO activity are low in obesity and the HO system responds to mitigate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress through increased levels of bilirubin (anti-inflammatory) and CO (anti-apoptotic) and decreased levels of heme (pro-oxidant). Site specific HO-1 overexpression diminishes adipocyte terminal differentiation and lipid accumulation of obesity mediated release of inflammatory molecules. A series of diverse strategies have been implemented that focus on increasing HO-1 and HO activity that are central to reversing the clinical complications associated with diseases including, obesity, metabolic syndrome and vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Drummond
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Jeffrey Baum
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA; Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Menachem Greenberg
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA; Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - David Lewis
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA; Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Nader G Abraham
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA; Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA; Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA.
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17
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Analgesic and Antidepressant Effects of Oltipraz on Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Modulating Microglial Activation. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8060890. [PMID: 31234342 PMCID: PMC6616658 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury provokes microglial activation, contributing to the sensory and emotional disorders associated with neuropathic pain that do not completely resolve with treatment. In C57BL/6J mice with neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve (CCI), we evaluated the effects of oltipraz, an antioxidant and anticancer compound, on (1) allodynia and hyperalgesia, (2) microglial activation and pain signaling pathways, (3) oxidative stress, and (4) depressive-like behaviors. Twenty-eight days after surgery, we assessed the effects of oltipraz on the expression of CD11b/c (a microglial marker), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor, and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the spinal cord, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Our results show that oltipraz alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial activation and PI3K/p-Akt, phosphorylated inhibitor of κBα (p-IκBα), and MAPK overexpression, and by normalizing and/or enhancing the expression of antioxidant proteins, nuclear factor erythroid derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) in the spinal cord. The inhibition of microglial activation and induction of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway in the hippocampus and/or prefrontal cortex may explain the antidepressant effects of oltipraz during neuropathic pain. These data demonstrate the analgesic and antidepressant effects of oltipraz and reveal its protective and antioxidant properties during chronic pain.
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18
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Moreno P, Cazuza RA, Mendes-Gomes J, Díaz AF, Polo S, Leánez S, Leite-Panissi CRA, Pol O. The Effects of Cobalt Protoporphyrin IX and Tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) Dimer Treatments and Its Interaction with Nitric Oxide in the Locus Coeruleus of Mice with Peripheral Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092211. [PMID: 31060340 PMCID: PMC6540196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and carbon monoxide were shown to normalize oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions induced by neuropathic pain in the central nervous system, but their effects in the locus coeruleus (LC) of animals with peripheral inflammation and their interaction with nitric oxide are unknown. In wild-type (WT) and knockout mice for neuronal (NOS1-KO) or inducible (NOS2-KO) nitric oxide synthases with inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), we assessed: (1) antinociceptive actions of cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), an HO-1 inducer; (2) effects of CoPP and tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (CORM-2), a carbon monoxide-liberating compound, on the expression of HO-1, NOS1, NOS2, CD11b/c, GFAP, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the LC. CoPP reduced inflammatory pain in different time-dependent manners in WT and KO mice. Peripheral inflammation activated astroglia in the LC of all genotypes and increased the levels of NOS1 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) in WT mice. CoPP and CORM-2 enhanced HO-1 and inhibited astroglial activation in all genotypes. Both treatments blocked NOS1 overexpression, and CoPP normalized ERK 1/2 activation. This study reveals an interaction between HO-1 and NOS1/NOS2 during peripheral inflammation and shows that CoPP and CORM-2 improved HO-1 expression and modulated the inflammatory and/or plasticity changes caused by peripheral inflammation in the LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Moreno
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Alves Cazuza
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, RibeirãoPreto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Joyce Mendes-Gomes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, RibeirãoPreto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Andrés Felipe Díaz
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sara Polo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Leánez
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Polo S, Díaz AF, Gallardo N, Leánez S, Balboni G, Pol O. Treatment With the Delta Opioid Agonist UFP-512 Alleviates Chronic Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms Implicated. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:283. [PMID: 30971925 PMCID: PMC6443715 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether administration of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) agonist H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid (UFP-512), which also activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), alleviated chronic inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain and inhibited the depressive-like behaviors associated with persistent neuropathic pain. The possible mechanisms implicated were also assessed. We evaluated the following effects in male C57BL/6J mice with inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant or neuropathic pain caused by the chronic constriction of sciatic nerve: (1) the antinociceptive effects of UFP-512; (2) the effects of UFP-512 on the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), inducible nitric oxide synthase, DOR, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the spinal cord of animals with inflammatory or neuropathic pain; (3) the antinociceptive effects of the coadministration of UFP-512 with the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN); and (4) the antidepressant effects of UFP-512 in animals with depressive-like behaviors associated with neuropathic pain. Our results demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of UFP-512 inhibited chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain and reduced the depressive-like behaviors associated with persistent neuropathic pain. The antiallodynic effects of UFP-512 were significantly augmented when it was coadministered with SFN in both types of chronic pain. The administration of UFP-512 increased/reestablished the spinal cord protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in mice with inflammatory or neuropathic pain. However, while during inflammatory pain UFP-512 inhibited spinal c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation induced by peripheral inflammation. This DOR agonist blocked the spinal activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway under chronic neuropathic pain conditions, but it did not alter the enhanced protein levels of p-JNK or p-ERK1/2 induced by sciatic nerve injury. These results revealed the antinociceptive and antidepressant effects of UFP-512 in animals with chronic pain and the different mechanism of action of this DOR agonist in the presence of inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Our data also suggest the administration of UFP-512 as an alternative for the treatment of chronic pain and the depressive-like behaviors associated with neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Polo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Felipe Díaz
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Gallardo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Leánez
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Alleviation of Cartilage Destruction by Sinapic Acid in Experimental Osteoarthritis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5689613. [PMID: 30931327 PMCID: PMC6413400 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5689613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sinapic acid (SA) modulates the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in chondrocytes. In order to test the hypothesis that SA is protective against the development of osteoarthritis (OA), primary mouse chondrocytes were treated in vitro with SA and the promoter transactivation activity of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and protein expression of HO-1 were assayed. To test the hypothesis in vivo, a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model was used to induce OA in the knees of mice and SA was delivered orally to the experimental group. The chondrocytes were harvested for further analysis. The expression of HO-1 was similarly upregulated in cartilage from both the experimental mice and human chondrocytes from osteoarthritic knees. SA was found to enhance the promoter transactivation activity of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and increase the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in primary chondrocytes. Histopathologic scores showed that the damage induced by the DMM model was significantly lower in the SA treatment group. The addition of a HO-1 inhibitor with SA did not show additional benefit over SA alone in terms of cartilage degradation or histopathologic scores. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5 was significantly reduced both in vitro and in vivo by the presence of SA. Protein expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 were substantially increased in knee cartilage of mice that received oral SA. Our results suggest that SA should be further explored as a preventative treatment for OA.
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21
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Heme oxygenase-1 inducer and carbon monoxide-releasing molecule enhance the effects of gabapentinoids by modulating glial activation during neuropathic pain in mice. Pain Rep 2018; 3:e677. [PMID: 30534628 PMCID: PMC6181470 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult-to-treat symptoms. Although gabapentinoids are classified as first-line drugs, they have only modest efficacy. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducer cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) or the carbon monoxide-releasing molecule tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2) can enhance the antinociceptive effects produced by gabapentinoids in mice with neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. The mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments. The expression of spinal HO-1, HO-2, the Ca2+ channel α2δ1 subunit, microglial markers, and M1 or M2 microglial markers was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Treatment with CoPP or CORM-2 alleviated mechanical allodynia induced by SNI. CoPP or CORM-2 enhanced the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin) during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) prevented the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin) during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. CoPP or CORM-2 increased HO-1 and Ca2+ channel α2δ1 subunit gene expression and the decreased gene expression of microglial markers, M1 microglial marker, or tumor necrosis factor in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn of mice with SNI. SnPP prevented HO-1 induction and glial inhibition, which were produced by gabapentinoids during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. Conclusions This study suggests that HO-1 plays crucial roles in the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids. Gabapentinoids attenuate the glial activation induced by SNI and some of these effects are mediated by HO-1.
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